Eternity

Chapter 5

Asalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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The weekend had finally arrived, and Ayzal felt a rare surge of happiness as she savored a day off from work. She intended to spend the entire day with her mother and Hiyam, knowing her father would be occupied with his usual work commitments.

Entering the dining hall, Ayzal swiftly took her seat, her empty stomach audibly protesting her neglect from the previous night. The aroma of freshly made pancakes filled the room as her mother placed a generous stack in front of her, urging her to eat quickly.

Mid-bite, Ayzal paused, a question lingering on her lips. "Mom, is everything alright?" she asked, sensing an unusual urgency in her mother’s movements.

Her mother's response was casual. "Of course, dear. Why do you ask?"

"I am just surprised you are rushing me. It is Sunday today, and I have no work," Ayzal pointed out, her curiosity piqued.

Her mother hesitated momentarily, then continued, "Ayzal, I forgot to mention the change regarding the wedding."

"What change, Mom?" Ayzal asked, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"The wedding date has been moved up."

Ayzal's reaction was immediate. "How could you forget to tell me something so important?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.

"I simply forgot, Ayzal. It is not a big issue," her mother dismissed, a hint of irritation in her tone.

"Not a big issue? Mom, are you even listening to yourself? This is serious!" Ayzal retorted, her patience wearing thin.

Her mother's tone turned stern. "Enough of your drama. Finish your breakfast and get ready. We are leaving in half an hour. We have shopping to do."

"I am not going anywhere," Ayzal declared firmly, her defiance catching her mother off guard.

Her mother's response was unexpected and forceful. "Oh? I suppose you would prefer I inform Yusra and Mrs. Qureshi how rudely their prospective daughter-in-law declined their invitation?"

Ayzal was momentarily silenced, realizing the weight of her mother's words. Reluctantly, she agreed to get ready, her appetite now gone.

Preparing for the shopping trip, Ayzal couldn't shake off the feeling of suffocation around her mother. She often wondered if they were truly mother and daughter, feeling increasingly distant as time went on.

Later, amidst the shopping frenzy with her mother, Yusra, and Mrs. Qureshi, Ayzal's mind raced with worries. She hadn't even met Zayan properly, let alone contemplated their future together. Anxiety gripped her as she imagined how she might be perceived by him and his family.

"Bhabhi!" Yusra's voice broke through Ayzal's thoughts, bringing her back to the present.

"Yes, Yusra?" Ayzal replied, trying to focus.

"Bhabhi, I have been calling you for ages. Are you alright?" Yusra asked, concern evident in her eyes.

"Ayzal, Yusra," Mrs. Qureshi called out, interrupting their conversation. "Are you coming?"

"Yes, we are coming," Ayzal responded quietly, feeling exhausted.

As they continued shopping, Ayzal couldn't locate her mother. She turned to Mrs. Qureshi, inquiring, "Where is Mom?"

Mrs. Qureshi chuckled in response, "Zayan dropped by earlier, but he didn't want to leave. Your mother was last seen giving him a reprimand." Mrs. Qureshi burst into laughter. Ayzal couldn't help but pity Zayan silently.

"Ah, there you all are," Ayzal's mother said, appearing suddenly.

"Where is Zayan?" Mrs. Qureshi inquired.

"I sent him back," Ayzal's mother replied with a hint of humor. Saying so, both women walked away engrossed in conversation, assuming their daughters would naturally follow.

Ayzal and Yusra were just about to follow them when they heard a voice.

"Yusra," the voice was familiar yet somehow unfamiliar at the same time.

Yusra, shocked to see her brother there knowing her aunt had sent him back, asked him the reason but couldn't resist teasing him instead, "Bhai, are you secretly here to meet your future wife?"

Zayan's response was straightforward. "I came to deliver this," he said, handing over a clutch to Yusra. "But Aunt didn't let me finish before whisking me away."

Throughout the exchange, Ayzal felt Zayan's eyes on her, adding to her discomfort. After an awkward silence, Zayan excused himself, bidding them goodbye.

As they resumed their shopping, Mrs. Qureshi's energetic voice broke the tension. "Come on, girls. We found some stunning dresses and jewelry."

And with that, they continued their expedition, navigating through racks of vibrant dresses and dazzling jewelry. Yet, Ayzal's mind was still swirling with apprehension about what lay ahead, the weight of her uncertain future pressing down on her with each step she took.