Survivors Of The Lost

16

"Are you done?" I rolled my eyes. Umar had asked me nth time that if I'm done. I couldnt wrap my shawl properly because he was continuously nagging me. Its nikkah today.

He was so nervous that he was actually shaking.

He being nervous didnt help me either. Once I was satisfied with how I was looking I nodded at him. He huffed and shaked his head. I was wearing a salwar which was not to heavy and not too simple. It wasn't tight. Just covering my figures perfectly.

It was noon time. We were headed to masjid. Once we reached there umar and uncle Muhammad went to the men section. "Ayah, beta bring the gifts from the back of car." Ma told me and went to the ladies section with other relatives who had joined us in the car.

I nodded at her. There were many gifts. I picked up few and went inside to keep it. I once again came to take the gifts.
"Need any help?" I looked at the source of the voice. A man had come over. He was tall with 6.5 height. He was tan. He wasn't like shayan. Wait why was I comparing him to shayan?
He cleared his throat. I just shooked my head at him.

"Well, how can I let a beautiful women carry all those burdens alone?" He smiled at me showing his perfect pearl white tooth. I just ignored him. He didnt give me good vibes.

Being near him flashed danger sign in my head. He was about to hold my hand to stop me from carrying the gifts when someone held his hand to stop him from holding my hand. I looked at my refugee. It was umar.

"What do you think you are doing?" He asked with an authority. Which I didn't mind him having on me. I smiled inwardly. He was always there for me no matter what. When he was about to explain himself umar cut him off. "Just back of man." Then he turned to me. "I can help you with the gifts." He emphasized each word. Before picking up the gifts he handed me the car key so I could lock it. Maybe thats why he returned, to give me the keys. I smiled at him.

But at the partition we had to part ways. I went to the ladies section. "What took you so long?" Ma asked me as soon as she saw me. Without waiting for my reply she took me to the beautiful bride, eram.

She was looking so pretty in her red bridal dress. I was reminded of my wedding. I was seated with the same hope, dreams and expectations. Mine were broken but I dont want the same for her. I knew that wont happen because I trust umar.

The day felt longer. Later the qazi took their consents for accepting each other as their spouses. After the zuhr namaz was prayed we were preparing to leave the masjid. We decided to have a dinner tonight. Only eram's and our family to spend some time together. We decided to go to some restaurant.

"Ammi will you stop crying now?" Eram asked. She herself was crying. Aunty katheeja nodded her head and wiped her tears. Shayan and uncle Imran stood silently. Watching the mother and daughter exchange a few sweet words of patience.

This time I felt different around shayan. I didn't know what the change was but there was a change. I stood beside Umar, his tall frame shielding me from the scrutinizing gaze of shayan. He didnt approach me.

Sometimes our eyes met. He never for once left my gaze. I had to avert my gaze. Therefore I ignored him as much as I can. But one thing I didn't get. He had a girlfriend he loved. So why would he be interested in marrying me when he hardly knows me and me being a divorcee didnt help.

Eram hugged uncle Imran. He just patted her head. She then went to shayan. Shayan just side hugged her and kissed the side of her head. Then he handed a envelope. Eram looked at him confusingly. But he just ignored that and came to Umar. First I thought he was approaching me but when he neared us and patted umar then I realised he was to talk to umar. He took Umar to a side ans was having a serious conversation. I sighed.