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I am so sorry I forgot to publish this qanwritesalot! This was created by her, Mr Mikael Waqas.

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Haya

The rishta wasn't even fixed yet, and everyone wanted me to have a halal bachelorette party. By that, I mean that the girls hired an Airbnb where we had a sleepover. Me, Hoor, Tamanna Appi, Ifra, Syra, and since it was the weekend, Yamna joined us too. I'd never leave my Yum-Yum out. Aizah Appi was missing, as she was still in Islamabad.

We were currently seated in the living room with one entire wall consisting of floor-to-ceiling windows with wooden frames. There were brown cosy reclining sofas: a three-seater, a two seater and a one-seater. A large white fur rug was spread on the laminated floor between the sofa, with a glass coffee table in the centre. An egg chair swing with a wicker frame was set up in the corner, on which Yamna currently sat. A huge plasma smart TV was placed on the wall, and there was a bookshelf in one corner filled with all kinds of books, and even board games on the bottom shelf. 

"It's still so hard to believe that Haya is getting married." Ifra shook her head in disbelief.

"The marriage hasn't even been fixed yet." I pointed out.

"Don't worry. But rachnay waali hai mehndi." Tamanna Appi teased.

*"Your hands will be adorned with henna soon."

"I can't wait. I love weddings." Syra said. "Can I be your official photographer?" An aspiring photojournalist, she was an extremely talented photographer.

"Are you gonna take photos or enjoy the wedding?" Ifra rolled her eyes at her.

"I'd like to carry a small tray of mehndi or a basket as well, when it's your mehendi ceremony, Appi." Yamna told me, shyly.

"Of course, Yum-Yum. You are my sister too." I reassured her. 

"So, is the dulhay sahab and his Khalla visiting tomorrow?" Tamanna Appi folded her legs underneath herself as she sat on the sofa.

"Yes." Hoor is the one who excitedly replied. "Mama is still trying to mentally prepare Papa." She giggled.

"This is so cool. We should plan a cricket-themed wedding." Syra was lying on the armchair, her legs swinging from the side, scrolling through her phone. "Let me check Pinterest for ideas."

"Guys, let's not get overexcited. It's not official yet." I said, even as my heart betrayed me. There was no doubt about it that I was excited myself. 

It was a night of giggles and laughter. We almost watched horror films, but gave up for Yamna's sake, and in the end we ended up watching the animated version of Beauty and the Beast...because come on, it's a timely classic that even I love.

"Barely even friends, then somebody bends...unexpectedly." Syra and Ifra softly sang out the words as the iconic song played.

*Okay, I couldn't resist this one. 🙈 Unexpectedly is set three years in the future from Irrevocably.* 

"Imagine if you wore Belle's yellow gown for the wedding." Ifra burst out laughing a few minutes' later.

Everyone laughed. I just shook my head.

"Well, Dr Aariz certainly ain't a Beast." Syra muttered.

"I thought Haya was Behaya. Why are you behaving like that?" Hoor giggled.

"Haya's Behayai is contagious." I shrugged. "Ro can testify to that." I looked at Tamanna Appi. "So, when are you going to Toronto?" 

Tamanna Appi was Nikahfied to a half Turkish, half Pakistani man Kerem Yildiz, who was based in Toronto Canada. They had met at a conference in London, as he was a visiting guest for a company that she was the Head of Marketing for. At first her family had been in doubt about her marrying someone out of the culture, but his religious devotion had reminded them of what was important. He prayed five times and was a Hafiz-e-Quran, meaning that he had memorised the Quran.

"As soon as my transfer paperwork is complete, I'll be going, In Sha Allah." She smiled.

"In Sha Allah." Hoor smiled at her. "We have so many weddings to look forward to, In Sha Allah." 

"But let's plan Haya's first..." Tamanna Appi said. "In Sha Allah." 

*

We went for a drive that night. Tammy Appi was driving, with Hoor in the front seat beside her. I was in the middle seat in the back, with Ifra and Syra beside me. Yamna was squeezed in between me and Syra, and if we ever happened to see a police car, Yum-Yum ducked, worried that they'll tell us off for having four people squeezed in the three-seater backseat of the car.

We stopped at a halal fast food restaurant, and Tammy Appi parked the car.

"Are we eating in?" Yamna asked, wide-eyed. "It's so late!"

"Come on, Yum-Yum, it's your day off tomorrow." I ruffled her hair. 

We got out of the car, and walked towards the restaurant, laughing and chatting. Yamna held onto my hand, and I could tell that she was a bit anxious about being out this late at night.

We all got into a booth and ordered fries and cold drinks.

"To singleness." Ifra held up her plastic takeaway cup of Sprite.

"To singleness." We all repeated, lightly tapping our cups together.

"But also to a happily married life, because not all of us are single anymore." Tammy Appi winked at Hoor.

"To each his own. We are going to enjoy singleness as long as possible. Right, Sy?" Ifra glanced at Syra.

"Yeah, I used to have the same thinking." I grinned at her. "Life changes in a blink of an eye."

"Yeah, there we are flying independently like kites, until we get entangled..." Tammy Appi sighed, dreamily.

Syra and Ifra rolled their eyes in an almost identical manner.

But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. No matter what we decide in life, ultimately everything is done with the will and planning of Allah, and He knows what's best for us. May we all get what's best for us. Ameen.

*

Anabia

"Be good." I told Rehan.

"I'm always good. Unless I'm alone with you..." He grinned cheekily, sitting up and leaning against the headboard. 

I shook my head as I pulled my hair into a ponytail, ready to start the day.

It was the big day, the day Rebecca was bringing over Aariz's rishta for Haya. I was still a little doubtful about my husband's feelings on this, even though he was acting normal. After all, it was his second daughter this was about, his sweet Haya.

"What if I say no?" He asked, running a hand through his messy hair.

Keeping a sober expression on my face, I turned to face him again. "Then Haya will refuse. She'll only do this if you're a hundred percent okay with this, and you know that as well as I do."

"We. If we are a hundred percent okay with this, not just me." He corrected me, before tilting his head back against the headboard. "I found no reason to say no."

I smiled. "That's good, isn't it?"

"Apart from the fact that I'm still in disbelief that she's grown up and ready to start her own life, and I think that time flew by too quickly."

"It was bound to happen, Rehan. We're fortunate that we found good rishtay for both our daughters. Alhumdulillah." 

"Yeah, I know." He admitted begrudgingly. 

"Mum and Dad coming, right?" I asked. 

"Of course. I'm going to go and get them soon. Dad doesn't like driving anymore." He got out of bed.

"Send Ro to get them. You can help me out with the last minute preparations."

"You know Mum panics a little when Ro is driving." He replied. "Get the boys to help you out. If Ro refuses, tell me. I know Arsal never will."

"I'm going to get Haya to do all the cleaning and cooking." I teased him, knowing his reaction very well.

"Yaar, don't do that. It's her day today. Pamper her." He grabbed a clean towel from the wardrobe.

"So, basically treat her the way you always treat her?" I placed a hand on my hip. "Sometimes consider your poor wife as well, Rehan. How much would I do on my own?" 

"That's why I said, get the boys to help." 

I grabbed a pillow from the bed and tossed it at him. "You're so blatantly biased, Rehan Tariq. You know what? Hoor is coming to help me anyway, so I'll get both my girls to help me instead."

"When a girl comes back to her maika after marriage, she should relax, not do housework." He shot back, his smile widening.

"Tell that to my mother." I muttered, sarcastically. "I have an idea: all four will contribute in one way or another. I'll just be a little bit lenient with Haya today."

"Anya, you think it's hard for me to let go of our daughter? I don't think you yourself have any idea how much you're going to miss having daughters around the house." He spoke softly.

As he walked into the bathroom, I realised how right he was. Even though Haya had been a bit of a tomboy, it was nevertheless a beautiful feeling having daughters around. I was going to truly miss a feminine presence in the house.

But more importantly, I was their mother. The twins were my firstborns. When Hoor got married off, it had been hard enough for me. When Haya left, I had no idea how I was going to compose myself.

*

Haya

Rebecca Aunty had specifically sent a message for me to be myself, and not be too formal. 

"Does that mean I can wear jeans and a sweatshirt?" I asked Mama cheekily, after she'd told me about this.

"Haya..." She sighed.

So I chose to borrow an outfit from Hoor, plain cream-coloured wide-legged trousers, and a high-low hem shirt. I also borrow Hoor's white lace dupatta to go along with it.

I felt so un-Haya...and clearly my family had the same thought.

I was walking down the hall and towards the stairs, when Papa came on the landing and passed me by, focused on his tablet. 

"Hoor, you are here. Kaisi ho, meri jaan?" He ran a hand over my head without looking.

*"How are you, my life?" 

"I hope you are just joking." I said.

He looked up and I saw the surprise on his face. " Haya?"

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I'm unrecognisable." I rolled my eyes. "But I expected more from you, father."

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed the side of my head. "I'm sorry, meri jaan."

I grinned. 

"My daughters are perfect just the way they are, and I would never want them to feel or think otherwise." He spoke quietly. "And I say daughters, because unfortunately girls are the ones always made to question themselves in one way or another."

"Ro is a bag of imperfection anyway." I laughed.

"Ro is a soft-at-heart guy who acts tough." 

I pretended to be shocked. "Papa, are you actually defending Rohaan?" 

He smiled. "Poor guy has earned it."

"I supposed." I admitted begrudgingly.

*

Hooriya

My parents had invited Farhaan as well, being the elder son-in-law and all. I had come over earlier, and he came over shortly after Papa had brought Dada Jaan and Dado over. As my grandparents chatted to my husband, I headed into the kitchen to check on the last minute things with Mama. I was surprised to see Arsal frying kebabs, while Rohaan was taking out bottles of cold drinks and cartons of juice from shopping bags, an placing them in the fridge.

"Wow. Where did the sun rise from today?" I teased my brothers, especially Ro. Arsal often helped out Mama, especially when she seemed very tired and overworked, but Ro being in the kitchen was nothing short of a miracle. 

"I'm so underestimated in this family." Rohaan muttered.

"The circus must be hiring. They'll be the perfect family for you." Arsal teased.

"Nah, they only had one opening and they offered it to you."

Mama was busy focusing on the pillao. 

"You should have called them over for tea rather than lunch, Mama." Rohaan groaned.

"Tauba, Rohaan! Never complain about guests coming over!" Mama glared at him.

"I'm not complaining about them coming over. I'm complaining about the choice of meal timings." Ro grinned.

"I called them for lunch." My mother said. "Be welcoming to guests, greet them genuinely and happily. Guests are blessings." Then she began to talk about her past, as parents often do. "When your Mamu and I were kids, our life was modest and simple. Mama struggled to earn money. But if, by any chance, we got guests, she went out of the way to show her hospitality."

"Yeah, we see that in Nano even know." I nodded, leaning an arm on Ro's shoulder.

"Ro, prepare the salad now." Mama instructed. "Hoor, whisk up the yoghurt, and get it ready for the raita. Arsal, pay attention! It's going to burn!"

I grinned and Ro chuckled, before he turned to look pleadingly at me. I knew exactly what he wanted: to swap duties. He hated preparing salad. He could chop off a zombie's head in video games, but God forbid if he ever had to chop a cucumber in real life! I nodded, and I went to the fridge to get the cucumbers and the tomatoes. It was a family effort. 

*

Aariz

"Well, here we are." Khalla said as I pulled up the car in the driveway of Haya's family home. She turned to me with a smile. "Nervous?" 

I wasn't nervous, but I was undeniably excited. However, that's not something I could have admitted in front of Khalla, so I simply shook my head. "Let's get this over with." I grinned.

"Acha?" She lightly pulled my ear. "I know ke dil main ladoo phoot rahe honge."

*"Is that so?"
"I know that internally your heart must be overjoyed."

I laughed. "More than me, it's you who's excited. I finally decided to get married."

"Of course. Lord knows, I was starting to feel worried that you'll end up alone." She glanced around. "Is Abdullah Bhai still not here?" 

My father resided out of the city and so he was going to come separately. Abdullah Zaman was a retired professor of law. Even though he no longer worked, he still submitted his highly opinionated articles to newspapers around the country, regarding the legal system and politics. But despite being based here majority of his life, his favourite subject to discuss was Pakistani politics. He had met my mother at university, while they were both students, but had married a year or two after graduation. He had faced a lot of backlash regarding marrying someone out of culture and religion, but he had never let that bother him.

We waited there for a few minutes, before Khalla suggested that we must go inside as it looked rude to just sit out here. "Call your father, but let's go inside."

But we had barely reached the threshold when Dad's car stopped in front of the house, just away from the driveway. He got out, dressed in a full suit and walked over to us, adjusting his glasses.

"Assalam Alaikum." I greeted him while Khalla simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Walaikum Assalam." He patted my back and nodded at Khalla in return. Looking up at me, he smiled. "Ready?"

I nodded, before turning to ring the doorbell.

"Are you well, Rebecca?" He asked her as we waited.

"Yes, praise the Lord. You?" She replied.

"Alhumdulillah." He placed a hand over his heart.

The door opened and I turned to see Haya's parents. "Assalam Alaikum."

Rehan Uncle gave me a warm hug, before turning to greet my father. Meanwhile Aunty hugged Khalla and welcomed us all inside. The two fathers immediately started talking to each other, and the conversation developed father as we greeted Haya's paternal grandparents.

"I cannot believe this is happening." Nina Aunty told Khalla as she hugged her. "After years of knowing each other, we're going to be related, In Sha Allah."

"Oh, Nina, I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am that my Aariz met your granddaughter! I couldn't have imagined a better match!" 

We had a seat in the living room, as the adults continued their conversations about casual topics. It was a well decorated room, designed in warm and light colours. But my eyes immediately went to the painting above the mantlepiece: a multicoloured bouquet of flowers, framed in a silver frame. Even from here, I could see the initials at the corner: H.R.T. A small smile automatically appeared on my face.

Haya's parents were down-to-earth people, very hospitable and welcoming, as were her grandparents. In fact, Dad and Mr Tariq were already in a conversation regarding politics or something, with the latter being a former editor of a major newspaper and all. 

A few minutes later, Haya's twin sister Hooriya entered with her husband, Farhaan, and I got up to shake his hand and greet him warmly.

All in all, I felt quite comfortable being here, not at all awkward at all.

"Hoor." Haya's mother nodded discreetly at her daughter, who nodded back and headed out.

I was just answering Mr Tariq's questions about my job, when Hooriya brought Haya in. I don't know why, but I slowly rose to my feet, without even realising it. Wearing the cream coloured outfit, Haya looked different...but still perfect. 

"Assalam Alaikum." She softly greeted father, gaze lowered respectfully.

"Walaikum Assalam." 

I tore my eyes away from her, because it was starting to feel inappropriate for me to be staring at her so long, no matter how much my heart was pleading with me not to look away.

Fortunately, we were then introduced to Haya's brothers, Rohaan and Arsalan, who were both dressed smartly in formal trousers and button-down shirts, both having a blatant resemblance to their father.

She was perfect in every way, she came from a wonderful family (clearly)...

Oh Allah, please let this marriage be for the best for me and Haya both. Ameen.

*

Haya

When I had walked in with Hoor, my gaze had automatically sought Aariz, automatically and unintentionally. My breath had caught in my throat. Dressed formally, with hair neatly combed back, he looked undeniably handsome, Ma Sha Allah. And I also couldn't deny that it was wrong for me to be 'checking him out'.

 "I've known Nina for years," Rebecca Aunty began the topic. "Which is why I told Abdullah Bhai that I felt that Nina's granddaughter will be the perfect match for our Aariz. Through Nina, I know the family well, and on that basis, we have come to ask you all for Haya's hand in marriage to our Aariz." 

I sat beside Hoor, my twin, the person who had literally been my support since before we were even born. A part of me wanted to grab her hand. A part of me wanted to go and sit between my parents, and ask them to bring my childhood back somehow, because I was not ready for the emotional turmoil of leaving behind my parents and siblings. I acted like a tomboy, but I had the feelings of any other girl who was about to start a new life. 

Hoor must have sensed my nervousness because she reached out and grabbed my wrist, squeezing it lightly.

Of course she sensed it. She's my twin.

"I have done my own research, as you can understand, being the father of a daughter." Papa spoke up, making me come out of my thoughts. "We have discussed this amongst family, with my parents, with my brother and my wife's family, and we agree that we are more than happy to proceed with this rishta, and this is with Haya's consent, of course."

Of course this was with my consent. Mama had directly asked me, while Papa had indirectly asked me, and both times I had told them that it was their decision. I completely trusted them with it. 

Hoor wrapped her arm around me, and rested her head against my shoulder, and I just knew that she was in [happy]tears. My mother was the same as she glanced my way. 

"Oh, this is wonderful!" Rebecca Aunty smiled widely. 

And as the adults started to congratulate each other, I briefly looked up and met Aariz's gaze. He gave me a smallest of smile, and before I could even think about what I was doing, I smiled back.

Our rishta was fixed. In Sha Allah, we were getting married!

*

A few hours later, I came downstairs after changing to find complete and utter silence.

Aariz and his family had long left, and my parents had gone to drop off my grandparents. Farhaan Bhai had also left, and Hoor was staying the night.

But imagine the scenario that all four Rehan siblings were home, but it was pure silence. What was even more shocking was the fact that Hoor, Ro and Arsal were in the same room.

The TV was on, but Arsal was staring blankly at it as if not paying attention. Ro was sitting beside him, but he was scrolling through his phone with an almost sullen look on his face. Hoor sat on the armchair, her legs folded underneath her, also staring blankly at the TV screen.

"What in the alternative reality is going on here?" I asked loudly, making them all turn to look at me, startled. "What's with the silence? Why are you all being so boring?" 

"We are getting used to living a silent life, since you'll be going away." Ro immediately replied. "It feels so damn good."

I rolled my eyes. "Aww, Ro misses me."

"The Behaya is leaving- we're all happy, not sad." He shot back.

"I'm just thinking how sad Mama and Papa will be." Hoor whispered. "It's the hardest moment to leave your parents behind...it must be doubly worse for them."

"I'm not leaving anyone behind. I'll be here so regularly that nobody will even notice that I'm gone." 

"We need to change the locks and ensures nobody opens the door for her." Rohaan loudly whispered to Arsal, smirking at me.

"That would never happen." 

"Wanna bet?" 

"Ro, I'm going to..." I grabbed a cushion, ready for a sibling war.

He immediately got up and ran out of the room. 

"Coward!" Shouting, I ran after him.

"Here we go again." I heard Arsal mutter before I left the room.

I saw Rohaan at the bottom of the stairs, all hint of amusement gone from his face as he looked at me. I laughed. "Are you surrendering? Okay, but you have to declare it loudly: I SURRENDER, QUEEN HAYA!"

"Jokes aside, Behaya...you know I'll always have your back, right?" 

Okay, this was not what I was expecting. And since he was behaving so uncharacteristically, I wanted to do the same and tear up. I wouldn't say it out loud, but I was going to miss this bond with my siblings so much! "I'll hold you to that, you know."

"I promise..." He leaned forward as if he wanted to hug me.

"Ro..." Feeling myself being just two seconds away from being in tears, I stepped forward.

But suddenly, he ducked down, lightly slapped the back of my head and rushed up the stairs. "AS IF I'LL GET ALL SENTIMENTAL LIKE THAT!" He laughed out loud, before I heard his door slam shut.

"ROHAAN KE BACHE!" I yelled. "BANDAR!"

*Bandar: monkey.

*

But, no matter how nonchalant I pretended to be, it was now starting to slowly sink in, and each moment the yearning for my childhood just increased.

I couldn't even handle the idea of leaving. I wondered how I'd cope on the actual day.

And that's why I found myself up at two in the morning, scrolling through Netflix on the smart TV in our living room. I couldn't sleep because the weight of this huge life changing decision was making me anxious.

I looked around at the family living room. Unlike the room where Aariz's family had been seated, this was the room where our family spent most of our time.

I had lived my whole life here. As a newborn baby, I was brought here straight from the hospital. I'd grown up here, with Hoor and my siblings. 

Normally, I kept my emotions at bay, but today I didn't stop the tears. 

Growing up sucks. 

*

Sorry that this chapter is a bit rushed, and a bit boring. I just wanted to write a quick chapter of Irrevocably as it was long overdue.

Rishta finalised so...Haya is getting married! But now she'd understand why Hoor had been so emotional at her wedding!

I've dropped references of my new book 'Unexpectedly' in this chapter. It's Syra's story, based three years after this book was set. But don't worry, there are no spoilers. Do read the book, please!

Thoughts and comments?

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