Laila

Since the morning I have been feeling the jitters, and butterflies in my stomach even though after rukasti I have to live in this house only but still, the fluttering feeling won't go away.

I was in the salon with Alaya and as usual, I was kind of getting annoyed because of what she was doing with my hair "I think if you do a braided bun it would look good on you" the salon lady says.
I gave her my sarcastic smile "I'll do my hair, you just trim them a little, only a few inches" I said, my tone held a hidden warning, I don't know why these women never listen to their customer I mean whenever someone tells them to cut a few inches they will cut half your hair and they never cut the way you want it that's why I hate it, coming to the salon but the situation needed it right now. Alaya lets out a giggle in return gaining a glare from me.

"You look so cute when you are angry, just like a cute panda" she teases me, I slap across her arm.

"Ouch, talk with your mouth not your hands," she says whining about it.
"Oh come on you know how much I hate sitting like some lab rat and getting things done on my face and hair," I said touching my hair and my face on which I had a mask on.
"Don't talk with a mask on, it'll cause wrinkles" she warns me.
"Oh who cares about the wrinkles," I said removing the face mask the salon lady comes running towards me.

"Oh Ma'am why would you do that now?" She says looking at the mask taking from my hand.
"It was frustrating, I'm sorry but I don't like all of it, you do your wonders to her I'll wait," I said picking up a magazine and already started to flipping through the pages.
"You are crazy Laila, I don't even want to think how Maan Bhai keeps up with you," she says chuckling.
"Oh, he keeps up with me just fine, or maybe he is crazier than me you just don't know that" I retorted, to which she raises her hands in surrender.

We spent another hour I guess there before leaving to pick up our dresses Amaan is busy with Hammad following some lead and Khaloo, Khala is busy with the preparations plus Khaloo told someone to keep an eye on Nargis and look into her background, no one ever doubted her because she is been here for a long time, no one would have thought she would do something like this to us when Khaloo did everything for her and family or maybe she lied about that too.

"So how is your married life with Afan?" I ask Laila as we were sitting in a cafe sipping on my tea.
"It's pretty amazing, Afan is an amazing guy he keeps everything balanced with me and his family I mean I know people always think its girls who have to make most of the sacrifices but I believe they are wrong because our sacrifices are in front of everyone but no one talks about the guys, they also make many sacrifices cause they have to balance the relationship with his wife and his family member too which trust me isn't an easy job" she explains.

I agree with her its true, all we see is that a girl has to leave her parents house and go live with her husband's change her last name adjust to a new environment and home where she faces difficulties differently every day but we look past the guy's efforts whereas they have to equally manage and balance everything. If he spends much time with his wife friends and family are like yeah why would give time to us now, and if he gives too much time to his family and friends then his wife is like you only think about your family and give time to them not me. So it's a pretty tough job for them and doesn't even get an appreciation for it.

"How is with you and Maan Bhai?" Alaya pulls me out of my thoughts.
"Oh you know we had our ups and downs, it wasn't easy for both of us because of the conditions we got married in, but it's going amazingly I love your brother and that is enough," I said, not realizing what I have said until I heard Alaya gasp.
"You love him?" She questions, I just nodded in the response with a blush on my cheeks.
"Did you two confessed it yet?" She asks excitedly, to which I nodded again.

"Oh wow, I'm so happy for both of you," she keeps her hand on mine giving me her big smile.
"I'm glad that I met someone like Amaan and get to share my life with him, in all this chaos he has shown me how to love and laugh even though the situation around you is shitty," I said smiling looking in distant, reminiscing my moments with him.
"It's a beautiful feeling Laila, and I'm happy that you got to feel that and I'm so happy that you are finally smiling after all you have been through so much," she says, which drops the color of my face, she doesn't know yet we haven't told anyone about what is going on or what happened with Nargis.

Khaloo said we shouldn't worry everyone with such information because this should be dealt with as much as the care we can, we are still not sure who is that man helping Nargis, and if he is then why, or who is behind all this I'm hoping and praying to my Allah that he helps Hammad Bhai Jaan and Amaan and that lead they have isn't any dead end.

"What happened everything okay?" Alaya asks.
"Yes everything is fine, I was just thinking about Ammi she would have been so happy seeing me finally starting my life with someone I love," giving her a tight-lipped smile.
She looks at her watch "okay come on let's leave it's going to take time for us to get ready plus the venue is also far from our house, I don't know why Abbu chose such a place" she whines about the location which she is been doing since yesterday but we have a reason for it, the venue is near Nargis's house we want to be prepared for anything.

We hopped in the car and drove off to Bashir Mansion.

After we reached home Zain was propped down on the couch with his headphones around his neck" ladies what took you so long because I certainly see no difference on your face or your hair" he says playfully sitting up.
"Oh yes, only your Miraal looks beautiful right?" Alaya retorts smacking his forehead.
"Ow, and don't get jealous Aloo, it brings wrinkles on your face which will result in becoming ugly which you already are, Allah knows what Afan saw in you" he jokes throwing the pillow at her which made contact with her face and I sat there laughing my ass off looking at their bickering which was broken by Khala.

"You two go get ready before I lose my cool and Zain stop bothering your sister or else I won't talk to Miraal's parents tonight" Khala warns Zain, and he turns tomatoes looking surprised.

"What do you think I won't see the way you look at her, and how these two are always teasing you with her name," she says giving a fake glare.
Zain scratches the back of his head before blushing"okay I'll do as you say Amma, but please talk to her parents soon" he says and runs off from there, leaving us laughing at his behavior I didn't know he is such a guy who would blush at the mention of some girl's name.

I went to my room Amaan was not there so I thought of taking a shower first then I will start getting ready "Laila" I heard Amaan's voice he walks in with some file in his hand.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Okay, so we went to Nargis Baji's house and we have found something which is quite disturbing and we saw some medicines at her place which Hammad has sent for testing we have thought those are the ones she gave you" he whispers after closing the door and making sure no one is around.

"What seriously, did you guys found out anything else?" I ask giving my full attention to him.
"And we found a picture at her house, Hammad is already looking into that he told to be careful tonight" he explains.
"Okay, don't worry Khaloo has got that covered, now I should get ready and you should too," I said glancing at the clock it was getting late and we have to leave in an hour Khala will kill me.

"Yeah you are right I'll go and get ready in Shahzain's room," he says kissing me on my forehead.

I went for the shower after I decided to do my makeup first and my hair, doing light makeup leaving my hair in soft curls, I wore my pastel shade lehenga with thread work and zardozi, embellishment on the blouse which is heavier on the cuff with detailed broad V neck with organza net dupatta with heavy embellishments throughout the dupatta and detailed heavy borders, I put on my juttis as I've been told to avoid heels at the moment anyway they hurt my feet giving me one last look in the mirror I settled on the bed and called Alaya.

She picks up on the first ring" what happened?" She asks sounding concerned.
"I'm ready are you?" I ask.
"What seriously, I haven't even worn my dress yet how could you get ready so fast," she says.
"I don't know with my hands anyway I'll wait in the room till you get ready," I said lying down on the bed I cannot wait for everyone to see Alaya's dress she is always overdressed but according to her she always dresses to impress herself no one else, I don't know why she studied Psychology when she should have pursued Fashion Designing I mean she has a good taste in clothes, after all, she is the one who chooses my dresses but not this one it was my choice.

Things are taking a different course in both our lives, starting our lives officially as a married woman until all of it didn't happen I used to think what kind of a feeling will it be, what kind of a husband I'll have, there were so many doubts but now I don't have any I don't know if its because Amaan is here to support me for everything or maybe now I'm in that situation so I don't feel that nervous or anything.

"Laila are you ready?" I heard Khala knocking on the door.
I got up to open the door"yes, is Alaya done" I ask her grabbing my lehenga.
"Haaye Allah, Laila you are looking so elegant and beautiful," Khala says putting a dot of kajal behind my ear.

"Men have already left for the venue it's just you, me, Alaya, and Nargis Baji," she says helping me walk and now I'm regretting my decision to wear this lehenga, because of all the heavy work it's biting me.
We went downstairs where Nargis Baji was helping Alaya pinning her dupatta she was looking stunning her dress which was intricated with subtle colors and embroidered frock which was sky blue, it has a work of silver embellished around the neckline, dull golden kora, dabka, pearl, and sequins, full sleeves adorned with floral motifs pairing with sharara. Thin borders and floral designs on all borders have golden embroidery with kora and dabka. Her hair was open in beachy waves.

"You are looking so stunning Alaya" I complimented her.
"Back at you Laila", she says smiling.

We left for the venue with Nargis Baji and Khala.

•••

I was sitting beside Amaan sleep was taking over me it was becoming hard for me to keep my eyes open eyelids felt heavy " Laila keep them open" I heard Maan whisper as he smiles at the guest.
"Oh yeah, uh I'm sorry it's just after having dinner I find it hard to keep them open plus you know all of this is boring why this Nargis isn't doing anything" I muttered lowly.
He chuckles "you are unbelievable Laila," I roll my tongue out looking at him.

"For how long we are supposed to be here?" I ask him.
Before he could answer his phone starts to ring it was Hammad"I have to take this" he says and leaves the stage where we were sitting.

"What happened to him?" Alaya asks.
"No, nothing he got a call from someone," I said casually.

After ten minutes Amaan came back with a tense look on his face " what is it?" I question.
"That woman in the picture well Hammad found out that she is your biological mother and according to his research and sources Nargis is her sister in law" he mumbles, I was...uh I don't know what to say on this.
"Is she umm, is she... I trail off with the question on the tip of my tongue but the words have died down.
"Yes, Hammad asked around but no one knows what exactly happened all people know that while giving birth she died but we know it is not true," he says, looking around.
Khaloo walks up to us " what is it?" He asks.

"I got a call from Hammad, the picture I told you about is Laila's biological mother and Nargis Baji is her sister in law" he repeated.
Khaloo kneels in front of me" you want to leave?" He inquires.
I just nodded in response Khaloo is been there for me just like Abba Jaan I don't have to say anything he just understands what I want just like right now he knew that I want to get out of this place or I will lose it here.

"You go inform your Ammi and call Hammad at our place tell Alaya and everyone else Laila is not feeling well so I'm taking her home" Khaloo explains everything helping me get up we walked out of the venue hall and drove off to the Bashir Mansion.

After reaching home I quickly changed into my comfy clothes while Khaloo was making some calls for the security he is planning to confront Nargis today itself that would be in front of everyone so she doesn't try to hurt anyone else.

Whilst I was keeping my dress in the closet I heard some noise coming from downstairs picking a vase I went downstairs making sure I don't make any noise I peeked near the stairs a woman was standing looking down at body lying unconscious when she moved away to call someone I saw it was Khaloo his head was bleeding as something smashed in, I panicked and dialed Amaan and Hammad's number both of them didn't pick the call so I left them a text.

Come on Laila, get it together you cannot let that woman hurt your family anymore giving myself a pep talk I went downstairs.

First I made sure there was no one I mean that woman who is Nargis I think, tilting Khaloo's head "open your eyes Khaloo, hey come on" I murmured.
He opens his eyes slowly "Laila" comes out in his hoarse voice.
"I'm here, I'm here now I want you to keep your eyes open for as long as you can okay," I said in an authoritative tone whilst picking up a cushion from the couch keeping it under his head, and ran to get the first aid box I don't know much about this but I have seen in such situations head should be kept up on something.

When I came out in the living room Khaloo was still on the floor but as I walked towards him Nargis walks in "just the girl I was looking for" she says coldly and her eyes have anger in them which I believe is directed at me.
"What do you want?" I yell at her.
"Haven't you got all figured out?" She says walking more into the living room.
"Whatever it is, it's not right," I said taking small steps towards Khaloo.

"Oh come on don't teach me you are the reason I lost my brother, you are the reason he didn't want to live," she says acidly.
"What are you talking about?" I implored.
"You got your mother killed and because of which my brother your biological father tried to commit suicide" she blurts out, pointing the gun at me.

She unclicks the firearm but before she could pull the trigger Hammad walks in with his team I ran towards Khaloo "Khaloo?" I nudge him a little he opens his eyes reciting duas I let out a sigh of relief we rushed to the hospital, without wasting any minute Alaya and everyone were outside the mansion Khala was crying I went in her direction she breaks down in my embrace "I'm so sorry Khala" I whispered. Alaya was standing beside Afan she was crying too.

Allah, please take care of Khaloo, and bestow us with your blessings.

After Khaloo was taken to the hospital I prepared tea for everyone Amaan is with Khaloo.

"What is all this and why any of you never told me and Zain about it?" Alaya asks angrily.
"It was not that easy plus you just got married finally something good was happening," Khala says.
"So, this is not the reason to lie to us" it was Zain this time.
"I know and we are sorry we should've told you guys," I said as I served the tea to everyone Afan was also present here.

"You were attacked by her and didn't even bothered to tell us, I mean how can you do that to us, Laila, she could've killed you that day, and maybe tonight," Alaya says cooling down a bit.

"And Ammi since when our family started keeping secrets huh, everyone knew about Amaan Bhai adoption then why hid about Laila" Zain questions.
"It was dangerous her mother said so, she was on the run when she left Laila," Khala says.

We told them everything and the look in their eyes is the one that was stopping me to tell anyone or ask for help they all looked at me with pity in them I know what happened to me shouldn't happen to anyone but pity is the most hated emotion.

"Don't look at me like that guys, I know this is bad but you should know I have all of you, and your love, don't give me your pity please" I stated reminding them it's their love that is my strength.

"I'm sorry you were going through so much and all we cared was about our lives," Alaya says pulling me in a hug.
"It isn't your fault or anyone of you it was my fate that I had to go through this much, but you know all of this has made me strong," I said smiling.

I don't care if someone is out there to kill me, because I have the full support of my family and their love.

And as far as I know, love can conquer all.

*****

Phew, my fingers started aching while writing this chapter and the excitement was too much as you all know this book is coming to an end so I'm very much excited to write an epilogue after that journey of Laila and Amaan will be over.

Moving on, how was the chapter?

There weren't many scenes between Laila and Amaan but as the book is ending revelations have to be done but no worries I will find a way for them to make love 🙈

What do you think about Nargis Baji?

What are your thoughts on Khaloo? I mean I'm liking his protectiveness towards Laila.

Finally, everyone knows the truth and soon all the other prospects will be revealed which I know many of you have been waiting for.

So don't forget to share your thoughts on the chapter.

Till next time.

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