When Anaya's fiance turns up with a wife from London, everything that Anaya had hoped and wished for crashes around her in seconds.
Faiz Jamshed is bored with his routine. A wealthy Londoner, his life revolves around work, cars and his family. So wh...
I almost choked on my paratha as realisation hit me like one of those decorated trucks in Pakistan.
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*In case anyone needs a photo to realise how heavy that would be...
How can I be pregnant? Faiz and I still mess around and argue like children?!
I mean, logically, I knew it was perfectly, and without doubt possible, but shock made all my logic freeze up.
Okay, deep breaths and think with a clear mind, Anaya. I'm not late yet because I am expecting my monthly visit in a few days. I've had no other symptoms. And cravings are nothing new for me because I'm a foodie and I'm always craving something.
But to the point that I order it through a food delivery service during Rida's friend's mehendi ceremony? No. I've never had a craving this extreme before.
"Bhabi?"
I froze, eyes wide, holding my half-eaten paratha in its foil wrapping.
Rida came and sat down beside me. She was wearing a loose yellow frock with a golden border at the hem and some gold embroidery at the neckline, along with a green chudidar. It was a perfect outfit for mehendi, and to feed her babies. Her youngest baby, Jibril, slept peacefully in her arms. "Cravings?"
"I'm always craving food. It's nothing like that." I shook my head in denial.
"Even if you're always craving food in normal circumstances, things change after marriage." She said, gently. "Listen, I know I'm your Nand, but I'm also a mother, so if I can help you in any way, let me know. I won't say a word to anyone unless you want me to, not even Bhai or Mamma."
I teared up at her kind and caring words. "I'm scared, Rida."
"I know. I was terrified when I found out I was expecting Mikael." She gave me an understanding smile. "But first things first, okay? We need to clear our doubts...or confirm them."
"I don't know if I can do this, Rida." I bit my lower lip. "It's a huge responsibility, and we haven't even had a honeymoon yet!"
Really?! That's my concern?! No honeymoon?!
"Okay, don't panic." She said. "We'll drop Dania and the kids off with Mamma, and then we'll go to the pharmacy. Waqas has to be at work, so we'll go to my house and you can take the test there, okay?"
I nodded, feeling a mixture of anxiety, nerves and...excitement? Was I excited?
****
"Okay. I'm going to have a heart attack." We were just at the pharmacy, and Rida was picking out a test for me.
"Relax." She laughed. She was so confident, and why shouldn't she be? She'd had to do this twice already.
