The Crown in the Storm ✔️

Unwanted Guests

"I can't stop yawning" Rania muttered from beside me.
"You've earned it..." I said a smile on my face despite the anxious feeling in my stomach.
"Look at you all bright and chirpy. Birthdays really do make you more likable" I rolled my eyes at that.

I had everything that I could need or want. My family, some of my old friends mixed in with the new. Everything was almost under control. Whatever the New Revolutionaries had planned, would be unsuccessful due to arrests being made by the intelligence agencies. Life was good, my city was safe, my family was safe. Even Ferozeuddin couldn't ruin my mood today.

We watched the news as they telecasted his arrival. The crowd was going crazy for him. I touched the diadem I was wearing. I had insisted on it being visible. My dupatta (shawl) had been strategically arranged to show it off. I needed this today.
"You'll have to tell me about Zaroon at some point you know," Rania said, stretching out her legs on the sofa.
"I think you know more than I do" she laughed.
"Izzy told you didn't he?" I nodded.
"Since we're on this topic... what do you think about Hussein?" Her face closed off.
"He's okay"
"Okay?"
"Okay... why do you ask?"
"Izzy was asking" I would have to remind myself to ask him to cover up for me. "Why are you so closed off about him? He seems like a nice guy"
"He is. He's nice, good and generous. But he has no spirit"
"What?"
"I want to live. I want to enjoy. I mean I love it here but I want to strike out on my own you know? He would never support that. He'll want me to get married and stay in one place. That's what girls in our position do" I sighed and rubbed my temple. That was a definite problem.
"Have you told him that?"
"Why? He's never asked me. I know he likes me and I know he likes me for me. I know that... but I want to be like you"
"What?"
"I want to have that space of growing up and making mistakes. I wouldn't get that with him. I wouldn't get that here. Can you understand that?" I patted the top of her head in a comforting gesture.
"All logical reasons Rania"
"Besides my big sister is still unmarried" I laughed at that. "How could I go first?"
"At this rate, we'll remain unmarried forever" she laughed and closed her eyes. I smoothed her hair. I should warn Hussein. He was going to get his heartbroken. Rania was right. She deserved to strike out on her own and discover herself.

The doors flew open and Rania jumped Up from the lap. I stood up worried to see a very angry Izzy standing there.
"He's here"

I had to remind myself not to run. My heart thundered and I could feel my palms getting sweaty. Beside me Rania walked in a semi running speed, her hair bouncing as she moved. Izzy walked ahead, each stride measured and controlled.

We reached the main hall only to find everyone from the household standing there ready to welcome him. I bristled. This had not been planned.

"Why is everyone here?" I asked Andaleeb. She gestured towards Hania. "Well, I'm asking you to please tell the staff to get on with their duties... we wouldn't want someone to hamper our routine" Andaleeb nodded and walked away.

Slowly, the hall cleared out. Zaroon walked in with Uncle EJ while Ammi Jaan walked in with Uncle Azhar. He gave me a cautious smile and I quirked my lips in reply. Having him here was calming me down but I was irritated by what Hania had done. This was my house. We would give him a reserved welcome. He wasn't a king. Gulzar Mahal was my domain.

"Ammi Jaan... Uncle Azhar, in the main library" they both looked at me surprised. "Izzy, you and Hania are to go with them"
"But Feroze..." Izzy began
"Trust me" Ammi Jaan opened her mouth to question me further but Hania started to lead her out before she could say anything. Uncle Azhar followed them with a confused expression.

"Should I stay here... or am I to be placed somewhere else?" Uncle EJ asked, his tone amused.
"You're right where you should be. Rania beside me" she nodded and stood beside me. I could feel Zaroon's eyes on my back. Andaleeb came back and stood near the foot of the stairs. We were ready to receive Ferozeuddin in Gulzar Mahal.