Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Fourteen

Where was he? He was no where to be seen.

How can a groom be late for his own waleema? But then again he's Aslam. The most difficult man to understand on this planet.

Or is it just me who has this judgement?

While we all were at Maulana Saab's house by seven in the evening and were well received by Maulana Saab's family, my husband had not bothered to show up. Maulana Saab's wife and his kids had welcomed us warmly in their home. Their outfits made me feel that I was under-dressed.
They were sparkling and bright.

They had organised a grand feast for us as Aslam didn't have a family. He had lost his parents early.
Yet Aslam hadn't come on time for the people atleast who considered him as his own and my family on the other hand was getting curious about his whereabouts.

"Maulana Saab, where's Aslam? I thought he might be here." Abba was the first one to speak.

His smile immediately disappeared and he looked somewhat confounded.
He eyed his wife who shared the same expression.

"He'll be here. Don't worry. Please make yourself comfortable." His wife spoke instead.

"Yes, he'll be here. Please come in and let us serve you all." Maulana Saab repeated after his wife and he ushered the men to the living room.

Once they had left, his wife turned to us, "Can we sit upstairs until Mr. Aslam arrives?"

Chachi looked at me and nodded with a smile. "Sure."

Rumana spoke after her, "Your house is very pretty and big."

"I must thank our almighty and also Mr. Aslam. He's such a generous and kind gentleman."

"Your family is too close with him. Since how long have you known him?" Chachi asked her while we were climbing the stairs.

"He's a friend of Maulana Saab but I didn't meet him so often. Anyway, would you like to have some juice and refreshments? Why am I even asking, I'll get it. My daughter Tuba would accompany you. Tuba just take them to to our room." She instructed her daughter and left us in hurry.

It was strange but we still ignored it. Maulana Saab's wife Tasleem served us juice, cold drinks and refreshments.

Her daughter Tuba was very sweet and pretty. She kept us entertained all the time because of which we weren't bored at all.

I had never got a chance to meet them earlier. They were their for my engagement and wedding ceremonies but never got a chance to interact.

It was almost the time for dinner but Aslam still wasn't here.

We all had offered our Isha prayers.

Maulana Saab urged my father and uncle to have food and not wait for him.

Abba still denied and insisted on waiting for him.

I peered at the clock again,  wondering. This was supposed to be his responsibility.

I was also worried for my father. He had to take his medicines on time.
There was one thing which I can't neglect and that's my father's health.

I quickly nudged Chachi, "Please ask Abba to have food. It's getting late. He has to have his medicine on time."

"I don't think he would, Rabia. I already told him but he refused. You know how stubborn these men in our family are."

"Just tell him that I have asked him to eat. I don't want his health to suffer. Please, I insist." I said.

"Not just men but all of them in this family are." She sighed before walking out.

Rumana turned to me, "Didn't Aslam tell you that he's going to be late?"

"No. He didn't mention anything to me." I replied.

She bobbed her head slightly, "I think he must be busy preparing for your journey and shifting."

"May be. It's possible. We'll be leaving with everything so I guess he must be really occupied and have not kept a track on time." I said.

Chachi returned while we were conversing.

"Rabia, Aslam just arrived here."

"Oh finally!" Rumana spoke my thoughts.

Chachi gaped at her.

"Sorry but my tummy is growling, Ammi." She mumbled and I giggled.

"Thank Allah that now we can have our meals." I told her.

"I swear I thought we would miss this fantastic feast that Maulana Saab has arranged." She joked.

I chuckled, "No, you wouldn't."

"You two girls!" Chachi shook her head then smiled affectionately.

The platter of food which arrived was full of meat delicacies, fruits, different breads, rice and desserts.

The food was absolutely delicious. Maulana Saab and his wife Tasleem had really worked hard for this and we were really thankful to them.

It was finally the time to pass on the gifts as per customs. Aslam and I were made to sit together with rose garlands around our necks.

Abba fed us sweets before he gave us the gift boxes..

My tears were uncontrollable. I failed miserably once he placed his hands on heads.

I looked at Aslam. His emotions were hard to read.

Chachi embraced me and gifted me a beautiful bracelet. She fastened it around my wrist.

"This will remind you of us." She whispered.

"You all would be in my prayers." I told her. She placed her palm on my cheeks.

"May Allah bless you."

Rumana was the next person in line. She pecked my cheek and gave me a box.

"I'm going to miss you Rabia. I hope you'll cherish these memories."

"I'll miss you too. I'm scared, Rumana." I said.

"Don't be. I'll pray for you." She squeezed my hand.

I nodded and thanked her.

Rehmaan chacha placed a packet tightly in my palms when no one was noticing.

I was perplexed.

"Just keep it with you. I know you might not need it but just incase." He murmured when nobody was watching.

I nodded and whispered a quick thank you.

"Aslam please take care of my daughter and if she does something wrong knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive her." Abba held his hands.

"Our Rabia won't do anything wrong. She's a good child." Chacha spoke out loud.

"I know. I'm very proud of her but it's my duty to tell him. I'm not going to be there to look after her." He sobbed.

"Don't worry. I'll be there." Aslam said with a serious tone before he smirked.

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Hello everyone.

I hope you liked the update.
I'll admit that I'm not at my best but still I plan to finish this book even though we are not half way through it.

Please vote and comment.

Thank you.

Until next time.
❤️❤️❤️