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*

Hooriya

"Try this." Farhaan slid forward the silver platter that contained the gol gappay.

"I've had gol gappay before, you know." I picked one up delicately, recalling the last time Haya had picked it up and smashed it between her fingers accidentally, causing the savoury liquid inside to leak out and run down her wrist, while the chick peas had spilled out onto the table.

"These ones are far superior to any that I've ever tried." 

I looked outside at the passing traffic in the streets of Lahore, before putting the savoury snack into my mouth. Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the eruption of taste inside my mouth, amidst the crunchiness of the gol gappa. "Wow. Epic."

Farhaan was flying back home tomorrow with Aunty, after having his wedding attire sorted out. A part of me wanted to go back home with him, but then I thought about my mother, who was struggling enough even with me and Nano around.

My eyes widened as I saw him take a photo of me with my cheeks all ballooned up due to the gol gappay. I shook my head at him, but he just smirked. Chewing and swallowing my snack, I glared at him. "Why did you do that?"

He showed me the photo. "My chipmunk." 

I burst out laughing as I saw myself. "Ok, I have to admit. That's hilarious."

He smiled. "So, how are you feeling? New changes in your life, with your marriage and career, Ma Sha Allah!" 

"No offence, but I'm less nervous about marriage. I know you, and I know that we'll work well together, in good times and bad, In Sha Allah. But I'm starting to worry if I'll be able to stand up there in front of all those people of our generation and talk. Imagine if I trip up or something and become a meme?" 

He laughed loudly, almost as if instinctively. "Oh, Hoor. You're adorable. You'll be fine, In Sha Allah. You are strong, you are confident, and this is something that you've wanted for a long time." He placed his left hand over mine. "You chose this career knowing all this beforehand, so have faith in yourself."

Once we were done with the gol gappay, we paid and were about to head out when I decided that I wanted an ice cream cone. He placed a hand over the small of my back and led me out to the street towards a vendor selling ice cream on a small stall.

I chose the cone with the chocolate sauce and grabbed it almost excitedly, like a child.

Farhaan slid out a note smoothly from his wallet and handed it to the ice cream vendor.

"I can pay, it's fine." I fumbled for my bag with one hand. In the process, I managed to cause a collision between the tip of my ice cream cone and my nose. 

Farhaan looked at me with an adoring smile and then reached out with a thumb to wipe the ice cream from the tip of my nose. "Don't worry about it. You can buy me ice cream the next time, okay?" 

"Deal." I busied myself in eating my ice cream because it was already starting to melt in the heat. It was evening and although it was cooler, it still felt like I was sitting in an oven. My kameez was sticking to my back, and the ice cream provided a much needed relief. "We have to come back to Pakistan in a better weather." I looked up at him. "I want to go to the northern areas. I adore mountains and lakes!" 

"We'll plan a trip, In Sha Allah." He stared at the passing traffic. "You know, once Aizah said that she'd get married in Swat, a destination wedding."

I looked up at him, studying his expressions. Like other desi families, I know that his family was concerned for Aizah Appi's future. But unlike many desi families, they didn't put pressure on her. They didn't make her feel bad about it. Anaya Aunty said that they were trying from their side, but they were going to leave the rest to Allah. Nobody knows what the right timings are for everything better than Allah. "Aizah Appi is a wonderful person. I hope that she finds her true happiness, and that it's the best thing for her. Ameen."

"Ameen." He repeated, glancing down at me. "I know you would understand, being a twin yourself, but even though she doesn't say it, I can feel it. It hurts her each time someone asks why she isn't married yet. She'll never admit it out loud, but I can sense it clearly."

"Look, I believe we all have our own share of happiness out there in the world. Some find it earlier, some find it later, but it eventually reaches us. She'll find whatever makes her truly happy, In Sha Allah. It's all about the right timing." I placed my free hand on his arm.

"In Sha Allah." He repeated.

I held up the ice cream for him because he hadn't gotten anything for himself. He shook his head in polite denial, and I shrugged and continued devouring it. 

"Shall we get you back home?" He asked. 

I nodded. "Yes. To London." I grinned up at him. "Will you take me with you?" 

"What about the wedding preparations?" 

"We can elope and go to Indonesia or something. I heard Bali is perfect for couples." 

"You know, I really love this cheeky Hoor." He said. "I hope she remains even after marriage...you know, during our honeymoon especially."

"Where is that honeymoon?" I asked as we walked to his rental car. 

"Well, Bali is brilliant for honeymoon couples, if that's your thing."

"We'll decide it...fursat se." 

*"...at leisure."

We drove to Nano's house, laughing and chatting. He pulled into the car porch and turned off the ignition, before leaning towards me. "I'll see you back in London, In Sha Allah."

"No, you'll see me at Allama Iqbal International Airport when I come to see you off tomorrow." I said. "I already spoke to Nano. She'll arrange a driver to take me to the airport." 

"Hoor, there's no need for this inconvenience." He gently ran his knuckles over my cheeks.

"Okay, so after marriage, will it be an inconvenience to you to see me off at the airport when I'm travelling somewhere?" I grabbed his lapels teasingly.

"Obviously." He grinned. He leaned forward and softly pressed his lips against mine. "How dare you go anywhere without me?" He chuckled.

"I plan on doing a lot of travelling, In Sha Allah." 

"And I want to be there along with you to explore new countries, new destinations." He clasped our hands together.

"In Sha Allah." I smiled.

He placed a hand on the back of my neck, leaning forward to kiss me again. "I love you, Hoor. More than you can imagine."

"Don't underestimate me." I ran a finger from his temple, down to his jawline. "I have a pretty wild imagination." I smiled. "But, I love you too." I leaned my head against his shoulder as much as I could from this position. 

We got out of the car and walked towards the front door of the house, hand-in-hand. 

"Can you not stay?" I asked. "We can have a few more days exploring Lahore in this heat."

"I have to get back to my Rose."

"Your Rose? Is your work actually your mistress?" I placed my hands on his upper arms as I tilted my head back to look up at him.

"My Rose is my life." Again that attractive smile of his appeared on his face.

"Are you trying to make me jealous?" I fluttered my eyelashes at him flirtatiously. "Do I really have a competition, Mr Farhaan Faiz?" I wrapped my arms around his neck. 

He leaned his forehead against mine, grinning. "What is a rose compared to an angel?" 

I giggled. "That's so cheesy."

"It's true though."

"ANABIA!" Nano's terrified voice from inside made my heart almost stop.

"Mama!" I pulled away from Farhaan and grabbed the door knob to push open the front door. "Nano, what's going on?" 

Farhaan and I rushed inside, concerned for the wellbeing of my mother. 

"Nano, where are you?!" My panicked voice rose up.

"In the kitchen, Hoor." Nano's voice was trembling.

I entered the kitchen, with Farhaan remaining in the doorway out of respect. Mama sat at the kitchen table, and Nano was examining her hand. "What happened?!" I asked.

"She burnt her hand." Nano told me. "Pata nahin kahan tha is ka dehan." 

*"God knows where was her focus."

"I didn't burn it. I just grabbed a hot pan without a cloth." Mama shook her head before she saw Farhaan. "Oh, Farhaan!" She stood up immediately. "Hoor's Nano made you both panic. I'm sorry about that."

"Are you okay, Aunty?" Farhaan asked.

"It's not a burn. I'm okay." Mama looked at me, then back at him. "Would you both like some tea?" 

"No, thanks, Aunty. I better get going. I need to still get some extremely last minute packing done." Farhaan replied. 

"A quick cup of tea won't hurt. Hoor, take him inside." Nano instructed me. "I'll make tea." 

"Nano, I really have to go. How about when you come to London for the wedding, we'll have a cup of tea together, In Sha Allah?" He suggested.

"Don't forget, okay?" Nano said.

Farhaan smiled at her, before leaning forward so that she could run a hand over his head and give him duas. He did the same with Mama, before looking at her. "Aunty, please don't overwork yourself. Hoor and I don't need our parents overworking and overstressing themselves for our wedding. Our functions can be small and intimate, with just our close family and friends involved." 

Mama smiled. "I'm doing this very happily, Farhaan. It's my Hoor's wedding. I'm enjoying preparing for it."

"But you're also overworking yourself." I spoke up. "Your mind is so full of chores and things to do that you're losing focus on tasks around you." I gestured towards the stove. "Mama, please don't do that. We don't want you to get sick or hurt." I moved closer to kiss her cheek.

"Hoor, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm going to go, okay?" Farhaan told me. He glanced at my mother and Nano. "I'll see you both in London, In Sha Allah." 

After Mama and Nano said their goodbyes to him, I walked him out. "Go, and be freely with your Rose. But remember, you'll take time off for the wedding and the period after." 

"Oh, I can't wait to whisk you away from the rest of the world to a beautiful destination." He grabbed my hand as we approached his car. As we stopped beside me, he wrapped his arms around my waist and I placed my hands on his cheeks. We leaned towards each other and kissed each other intimately, passionately. 

"May you remain under Allah's protection. Ameen." I whispered, fighting the urge to cry. "Allah Hafiz."

"I wish the same for you. Ameen." He hugged me tightly. "Allah Hafiz and take care of yourself, Hoor." 

I wanted to remain in his arms a long time. I closed my eyes and held onto him as if clinging onto him for dear life.

*

When I returned inside, Nano was in the kitchen and Mama was sitting in the living room, lost in her thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked her, sitting down beside her.

"I spoke to your father last night. I initially asked him to come here, but he suggested if the shopping is done, we should return home early and bring your Nano along. I think he's a little concerned leaving Rohaan, Haya and Arsal after everything that's been happening."

"Why doesn't he bring them along? I know Arsu has his internship, but he can stay with Dado,  Chachu or Mamu." 

She sighed. "Rohaan and Haya don't want to come in this hot weather." 

"Well, then maybe he's right. The shopping is done, and the venue arrangements will be made in London anyway. I still don't understand why you're taking all the stress. Papa and our uncles are handling everything regarding venue, catering and decoration." I took her hands. "You know my in-laws, and you've literally known them since your own childhood. You know that they're not the kind of people to put pressure on the bride's family." 

She nodded. "I'm thinking about it- about moving our flight dates forward." She stood up. "I'm going to bed, Hoor." She ran a hand over my head. She looked exhausted and weaker.

"I'm going to have to answer a lot of questions to Papa as to why I couldn't take care of you." I stood up, feeling guilty.

"Oh, jaan, he has to answer a lot of questions himself." She smiled weakly. "My poor kids."

"Your kids are not innocent babies." I said, defensively. 

"You twins have been your father's lawyers since birth." She laughed. 

"I mean, he needs a strong team against a fierce opponent like you." I giggled.

"Hey!" She feigned anger. "Behave. You might be married, but I'm still your mother!" She headed off, leaving me alone in the room.

I'd always known Mama to be energetic. She walked around with a purpose even at home, with what was known as the 'airport walk' within her industry- fast paced and determined. She got tired, but she always managed to get the work actively done, Ma Sha Allah. But these days, maybe it was due to the hot weather or just all the rushing around, but her health seemed to be deteriorating and that worried me. Maybe it was better for us to return back home.

*

Anabia

"I don't even know myself what's happening to me." I spoke to Rehan over a video call, placing my free hand over my forehead. "I didn't even have the energy to be mad at you after hearing about Rohaan."

"Yeah, I was surprised how I got away without a word about it." He smiled weakly at me. "Go and see a doctor, Anya. Maybe it's dehydration. Or just have a blood test done."

"I'll be fine, don't worry. I think we will come back home." I surrendered. "The main shopping is done anyway. I don't have the energy to do more. The heat drains me completely each time I go out." I wasn't being ungrateful, or snobby. In fact, when I was younger, I wouldn't have minded all this shopping and wedding preparations. But now, I didn't have it in me anymore. What I really needed was a long relaxing holiday where I didn't have to lift even a finger. "I just need a couple of more days to find outfits for you and the boys for the baraat."

"Don't worry about it. We'll drive to Birmingham and get something from one of the Pakistani stores there. You just come back. I'm really concerned about you, Anya. You don't look well."

"It's just the heat, Rehan. It was a very bad month to come here, and I'm just not used to it." 

"And when exactly did you successfully graduate from medical school?" He asked. "Don't be a self-qualified doctor and go see an actual doctor. In fact, get back here and I'll take you to a private one myself."

"Rehan..."

"No arguments, Anya. Your health comes first." He told me, firmly.

"Okay, Rehan. I'll do that. You, for now, make sure that my kids don't need anymore medical assistance. I swear, sometimes I think we've been impacted my nazar."

*Nazar is 'evil eye', and is a real concept in Islam. It may be caused unintentionally, but is generally linked to 'envy'. That's why it's recommended to keep your happy, successful moments private.

"In Sha Allah, they'll all be fine. Hoor's okay now, right? No more fevers."

"None. Alhumdulillah." 

"Alhumdulillah." 

We chatted for a while, and I told him that I'd confirm my decision the next day, regarding flying back home early.

But suddenly, a part of me wished to immediately teleport back home. It had been too long since Hoor and I had been away from the rest of our family. I suppose, in a way they all were my strength, and it was almost like being away from them was draining me out.

*

Farhaan

"I keep getting contacted regarding Aizah's rishta." Mama told me when I joined her in front of TV after returning from my evening out with Hoor.

"What does Aizah have to say about this?" I asked.

"She is satisfied with any decision that Faiz and I make."

"Okay, but remember, it's better for her to wait and find the right partner, rather than rush and find the wrong one." I reminded her.

"I know, Farhaan. Aizah is our daughter. You think we'll rush anything. We'll take our time to ensure that we find the right person for her." She smiled at me. "How was your evening out with Hoor?" 

"It was brilliant." I also smiled as I sank back into the sofa, stretching my legs out. "But I think her mother is overworking herself, Mama. It feels wrong to me. I feel responsible." 

"Parents are under a lot of pressure in our society, Farhaan. Especially the bride's parents." 

"But why? Why should that have to be the case?" It frustrated me. "We all get along so well. Hoor's parents don't even need to do anything. Hoor and I are both happy with simplicity."

"It's easier said than done, beta." She sighed. "It's going to take decades for these traditions to change, unfortunately. But I will talk to Anabia and I will once again reassure her that she doesn't need to worry or stress about us. We're celebrating this wedding to welcome our daughter-in-law home. We already adore Hooriya. We don't need extravagant or lavish functions. We just need simple and intimate ceremonies, that's all."

I nodded.

"Look, when we're back in London, and when Anabia and Hoor are back, I'll tell Faiz to call Rehan Bhai, and then we all can have a discussing regarding this. We want to make things as easy for them as possible. I know the struggles of a girl's parents very well, and I wouldn't want them to face any such situations." She added. "I know that, Ma Sha Allah, they shouldn't have financial issues, but there are a hundred other concerns when organising a wedding. We want this to be an easy event for all."

"That sounds like a great idea." I placed my hand over hers. "Thanks, Mama. I'm blessed that you are so understanding and caring. Now I don't have to get stuck in a battle between you and Hoor." I laughed as she hit me lightly with a cushion. 

"Now you'll be our target instead." She narrowed her eyes at me. "We'll united against you." 

That made me laugh harder. 

*

<Hoor: We might return back to London early.>

I was lying on my bed and was just setting the alarm when Hoor had messaged me.

<Farhaan: Tomorrow? With me?>

I could just imagine her rolling her eyes.

<Hoor: No! But sooner than we had planned. For Mama's sake.>

<Farhaan: Of course. I didn't want to say it, at the risk of sounding impolite, but she looked exhausted.>

<Hoor: Yeah, she has been running around endlessly, even when I relaxed at home. She and Nano had gone out daily for some work or another: shops, tailors, or visiting people to give them mithai to celebrate our Nikah.>

<Farhaan: Our parents will meet up when you guys are back. My mother wants things to be as easy for your parents as possible.>

<Hoor: 💖>

I smiled. Hoor loved writing, but she often used emojis to convey her emotions, which I found very cute. Even in this animations, I could clearly feel the intensity of her feelings or thoughts.

<Farhaan: My family adores you, Hoor. They want you to come home as a happy bride, not a sad and stressed one. And for you to be happy, we need to ensure the happiness and good health of your parents first, right?>

<Hoor: You are incredible, Farhaan. I guess I have an excellent taste.>

<Farhaan: How did my compliment become yours?>

<Hoor: What's yours is mine. 😘>

I chuckled. "Oh, Hoor."

*

Haya

I was excited. My mother and twin sister were finally coming home! I couldn't stop grinning as I read Hoor's message the next morning. They would be returning in two days, In Sha Allah.

Someone cleared their throat.

I looked up from my phone and saw Yamna standing in front of me. "Oh, hey, Yum-Yum." 

"What's so funny?" She asked, sitting down beside me.

Today Yasin Chachu and his family had brought over desi breakfast for us.

"Hoor and Mama are coming back. I'm just happy." I smiled at her, wrapping my arm around her small shoulders.

"Did you really miss them?" Yamna pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

I shrugged. "It's nice to have females around." 

She giggled. "I understand how hard it must be to be around just boys! Except Tayan. He is the best!" She put her hand over mine on my lap. "But you must have missed your Mama, right? I miss Mama when she goes out for too long, and your Mama went all the way to Pakistan!"

I felt an ache in my heart as I realised just how much I'd missed Mama. It's funny how you could be grown up, but you still greatly feel the absence of your parent(s). 

Rohaan walked into the living room then. "Oh whoa! Look who's here, Princess Yamna!" 

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. "Drop it, Ro. Leave her alone for once."

"She's the tell-tale." Passing us by, he lightly tugged at Yamna's braid.

"Rohaan Bhai!" She glared up at him.

"Be nice, Rohaan!" I told my brother off.

Rohaan just grinned. 

"I think he is the one who tells people to bully me at school." Yamna muttered, her gaze dropping to her hands.

"What?" I looked at her sharply. "Someone bullies you?" 

Even Rohaan stopped n his tracks.

If you make a joke about this, Ro, I will pull all your hair out. I gave him a warning look.

But to my surprise, he turned and crouched down in front of Yamna. "Who bullies you?" His voice was soft and caring.

I blinked at him, stunned.

"Some girls. They make fun of me and pull my hair." Yamna whispered sadly.

"You know what you should do?" Rohaan suggested.

"Ro..." I began, weary of his ideas.

"Tell a teacher." Rohaan continued, ignoring me. "And if that doesn't work, get your parents involved. You should not have to tolerate bullying, Yamna. And if you feel like you can't tell your teacher, I'll go with you and speak to your teacher myself."

Is this really Rohaan Rehan Tariq?

"Okay. Thank you, Rohaan Bhai." She stood up and hugged him as he remained crouched.

I smiled. 

"Today I'll tell Tayan that you've been nice to me." Yamna shyly grabbed her dress between her fists.

"I don't let anyone mess with family." Rohaan held up a hand and she high-fived him. "Family should look out for each other against outsiders, Yum-Yum." 

With a wide smile on her face, Yamna skipped out of the room.

"That was really nice of you, Ro. Seriously." I told him.

He stood up. "At the end of the day, she's family. Only I get to mess with my family." He grinned and headed out as well.

I laughed. Rohaan was a true and genuine softie at heart, no matter how much he denied it.

*

Hooriya

It was finally the day of our departure, the day we were returning home. I was excited to be reunited with the rest of my family...and Farhaan. Even though it had only been a couple of days since I'd last seen him, I missed him.

"Mama, I really wish you were coming." My mother said to Nano as the latter and Kamran Nana came to see us off at the airport.

"We will be there for Hoor's wedding, In Sha Allah." Nano hugged my mother tightly. "You just take great care of yourself until then, okay? No more negligence with your health." 

"Papa and the us siblings will ensure that, Nano. Don't worry." 

Nana nodded. "I trust you all." She turned her gaze back to Mama. "Anabia, I was basically on my own with your wedding. If I managed it, you certainly can, Ma Sha Allah. You have so many loved ones to support you, Alhumdulillah. Plus Hoor's in-laws are as wonderful as yours. Look, a little amount of stress is guaranteed, no doubt, but don't overdo it. Everyone is around to help you. Learn to ask for help and support when needed. You don't have to do it all alone, my darling."

"And if there's anything we can do, let us know, beta." Kamran Nana added.

Mama smiled gratefully at them both. "Thank you both."

"You're my daughter, so I know exactly what you're feeling; you inherited this tendency to overstress or overthink from me. But you need to delegate duties amongst everyone and remember that everyone is more than happy to support you." 

"I will definitely consider everything that you've said and I'll try my best to ease the stress inside me in any and every way possible." Mama told her.

"For Hoor's sake. She's a bride-to-be and you worried her so much!" 

I smiled as Mama wrapped an arm around me.

"Let's go home, Hoor." My mother told me. "Now I want to enjoy your wedding preparations rather than overstress. 

*

"I've been thinking about my own wedding lately." Mama told me once we were in the plane.

I grinned. "Oh, the romance of it?" 

She laughed, shaking her head. "I will forever be grateful for my mother for being my biggest support throughout my life, especially at my wedding. However, no matter what, I couldn't ignore the minimum presence of my father at my wedding. It hurt a lot, even though I tried my best to push it out of my mind."

"Was he against your marriage?" I asked.

"It's complicated, Hoor. But let's just say that sometimes even our most beloved relationships stray away from us." She squeezed my hand. "My point is that I had that worry at my wedding. I was lacking a parent, almost. But when it comes to you, you deserve to have both your parents by your side, happy and healthy. I don't want any worry or anxiety to even come close to you, unless it's the normal wedding jitters. I'm sorry that I have been causing you anxiety lately. I will look after myself, Hoor, if only for your sake."

"If only for my sake? Mama, don't let Papa hear you say that! Or Haya, Ro or Arsal!" I squeezed her hand back. "We need you to be happy and healthy anyway, wedding or not." I paused. "In fact, I should apologise to you. You have been suffering because of me."

"No, Hoor." Her eyes brimmed with tears. "Your wedding is very, very important to me and Rehan. Our daughter, our Hoor, is starting her new life, and with her complete happiness in it. I want to put my full effort in it. I want to give you a wedding day where the only sadness you feel is regarding you moving away from your parents and siblings. I'm trying to give you the best wedding possible- and I will strive this way for all children of mine."

Mama must have faced a significant amount of unusual sadness at her own wedding for her to be trying so much to give me the perfect one.

I rested my head on her shoulder. "I want my parents around, my siblings and all my loved ones as I start my new life with Farhaan. I don't care about luxury or glamour or dikhawa. I just want o be surrounded by love and warmth."

"In Sha Allah, meri jaan." 

*

And so began my wedding excitement once again. The days were edging closer, we had landed back in London, and we were soon to be reunited with the rest of our family.

Mama and I both had to push the luggage trolleys out as we had arrived with a lot of excess baggage- some had to be shipped, it was that much. 

My eyes wandered around the arrivals hall, looking for anyone from our family. "Where are they?" 

We pushed the trolleys to the end of the hall, both of us looking around. 

"Welcome back." 

I whirled around and saw Papa walking towards us, an adoring smile on his face. "Papa!" I squealed, running towards him and throwing my arms around his waist as I reached him. "Assalam Alaikum!" 

"Walaikum Assalam, Hoor." He kissed the top of my head and held his other arm out for Mama, who walked over immediately. With his arms around the two of us, he held us tightly.

But I pulled back as I realised that my mother was too still. Papa glanced down at her, concerned and we both saw her with her face buried in his shirt, a tear visible at the bottom of her cheek. As we watched, she started sobbing silently.

"Anya," He said, gently and I turned away.

I headed back to my trolley. "Why don't I take this home in an Uber, and you can bring Mama and the rest of the luggage?" I suggested to Papa.

Mama instantly looked up and shook her head. "No, Hoor. It's late. I'll go by Uber, you go with your Papa." 

"Can we cut the dramatics?" Rohaan's familiar voice interrupted us. "Hoor can come with me, Haya and Arsu." 

I turned and the moment I saw my siblings, I lost it. I raced towards them to pull them all into a group hug, no matter how much Ro protested.

But Arsu wasn't paying attention. His gaze was on our mother. "Mama, are you okay?" 

I turned to look at Mama, who looked like she was literally depending on Papa to keep her upright. "Mama?" 

*

Is it just the wedding stress, or is there another issue with Anabia?

Well, they are back, which means the wedding is closer... if there are no other issues!

I think no more chapters for a few days due to my work. Sorry!

Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote!

Thoughts and comments?