Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 12: Mahira's Haldi P.1

Zahid's P.O.V.

The morning of Mahira Apa's haldi, I went to a ring store. I was on the hunt for the perfect ring for proposing to Mehwish.

I left the store with a silver band that had a large square diamond in the middle with diamonds on each side that got smaller as it extended across the band tucked away in a small box. I hoped that Mehwish would love it as much as I did.

After I got home, I stored the ring box in my desk drawer, then proceeded to get ready for the haldi. All the boys on Mahira Apa's side were given matching mustard sherwanis with white pants to wear, while Ayaara and Mehwish were gifted matching lehengas that were of the same shades.

Mehwish's P.O.V.

I took an Uber to Mahira Apa's house, which was where the haldi ceremony was being held. I didn't want either of the Saeed brothers picking me up because I thought they'd be busy helping out with the party. Javed had already picked me up yesterday for the mehendi.

Man, although I get scared, I really needed to learn how to drive!

I was wearing my lehenga sari-style so the dupatta was draped in a way that resembled a sari. The top and dupatta were white and gold, while the bottom was mustard.

I made my way to the packed living room and greeted Mahira Apa and Zia Bhai, who were taking pictures on a fancy sofa. Zia Bhai looked clearly in love, admiring his soon-to-be wife and her dark henna stain from yesterday.

Ayaara hugged me and squealed, "Don't we look cute? Matching-matching."

I chuckled before she continued, "I was waiting for you! Let's take some pictures!"

I followed her to a corner in the living room where her friend took a few photos of us. I scanned the room, but I couldn't find Zahid.

"None of the boys are here yet. They went to go pick up the catering." Ayaara stated, as if reading my mind.

I could see Ayaan Uncle, Sarooha Aunty, Alif Uncle, and Zia's parents all laughing and enjoying in the kitchen. Zahid's paternal grandparents and Nani were there as well. Sometimes I wondered what it would've been like had I grown up in such a large family. I didn't have any contact with anyone from my father's side and Ma's relatives didn't live in America.

After taking pictures, Ayaara went to the kitchen, leaving me to look down at my own henna stain. I began to recall the events of the previous day.

Ayaara and I were getting our mehendi done by henna artists. After we finished, I quietly took a spare henna cone and wrote Zahid's name in an empty area.

While I waited for my henna to dry, I went to the kitchen and sat next to Zahid's Nani.

"Assalamwalaikum, Nani" I greeted her.

"Walaikumsalam, beta. You're Mehwish, right? You came with Zahid a few months ago?"

"Yes." I smiled.

"Beautiful mehendi!" she complimented, thankfully not seeing Zahid's name.

It wasn't that big, but not that small either. I hadn't even considered other people seeing it!

"Your mother didn't come?"

"No, Nani. Ma, actually, doesn't feel comfortable coming to parties. I hope you don't mind... Zara Aunty was friends with Ma. Do you know her?"

"It's no problem, beta. And oh really? What's her name?"

"Noureen."

"Noureen? Noureen, oh! Noureen! Yes! I know, oh my, it's been so long. How is she?"