Mrs. Amina caressed Inara’s hair and sighed. Inara’s worry over the news of her parents looking for a suitor for her was almost palpable.
“They won’t decide something bad for you, you know that right?”
Inara smiled bitterly and hugged her some more.
“They will do their best to find me a perfect husband in their circle, as perfect as they can. But I’m not Afaaf, Nano. I don’t have families of young men literally flocking my parents to know more about me. If we go by Baba and Mama’s attitude, they think someone will really be kind enough if he decides to marry me.”
It pained Mrs. Amina but Inara’s ordeal was true. Marrying their daughter off out of their circle wasn’t accepted to both Wijdan and Zoha but it was also true that unlike Afaaf, Inara didn’t have many options to choose from.
“I don’t want someone marrying me just to fuel his ego that he has a wife far less in achievements than him and he can rule over me.”
“Inara! You’re no less than anyone.”
“I’m by the standards of this social setting my parents move in. It’s good to be proud of who you are and I’m, Nano but I’m also a realist and I know what they all think of me.”
Mrs. Amina opened her mouth to say something. She never liked when Inara was so harsh on herself.
“But marriage is a part of life. I won’t say no to it because I’m not an idealist either. I know by saying no the notion of marriage I’ll make things a lot complicated for myself. Also, marriage isn't itself a bad thing. I’ve seen happy couples as well, my parents weren’t one is whole another thing. I will marry but not anyone chosen by Mama and Baba. No!”
“What if your Nanu and I look for someone?”
“That’d be the best thing but just so you know my parents will try their best finding faults in the guy you choose for me.”
“We can always handle them.”
“Fat chance but I’d love to see you try.”
She snuggled into her grandmother’s warmth and closed her eyes. Marriage was a conundrum of her life at this moment. She knew her parents were very keen in finding her someone they approve of but that was the issue, she won’t approve of the guy they’d want for her. She knew how their mind worked and she didn’t like it. If any elder was going to try for her marriage, that’d be her Nanu and Nano. No discussion needed.

*

“You guys will get me out of the department I’m sure of it.”

Nahyan grumbled as he swiveled the steering. Hadiya could just laugh lightly in return. It wasn’t her fault she had decided to visit an old teacher of hers and Nahyan who had come over to meet his Dadi had to drive her there.
“You were already going this route. What harm dropping me on the way will cause? You worry too much.”
“Sure, Phupho.”
After settling down in Jehlum, starting a famiy and now being busy with her kids all the time, Hadiya had left Pindi far behind. But there were things she loved to reminisce and her college life was one of those. She was a good student and a livewire so she also was on the back of the mind of many of her fellows and teachers. Few years back she’d found out about this one particular lecturer of hers who lived at the drive of just half an hour from Hassan House and now her every visit to Islamabad also meant her visit to that teacher of hers.
This was the first time Nahyan was taking her there. He had a habit of taking time out and go to meet his grandmother and his parents but right now that visit had led him to be his phupho’s chauffeur.
As he stopped the car in the said lane, his eyes found the black gate and following his Phupho’s cue he knew that was the house. The nameplate of Rehman Residence was shining from even far. Hadiya rang the doorbell when Nahyan took a step back.
“I’m going now.”
She waved him off with a careless shrug. His phupho was such a character. He was fiddling with his car keys waiting for the gate to be opened so he would drive back in peace. Hadiya had told him she’d go home on her own.
The gate creaked opened. Hadiya smiled at the person standing in front of her.
“Assalam Alaikum, is Mrs. Rehman home? I’m an old student of her.”
“Wa Alaikum Assalam. Yes, she is. Please come on in.”
She made way for Hadiya to pass the threshold and in doing so, Inara’s eyes landed on the man behind her who was standing close to his car with his arms folded on his chest.
Not again!
It was basic etiquettes otherwise after their last encounter and how it had ended; Inara didn’t feel like conversing with him.
“Won’t you come inside?”
She glanced at Hadiya’s retreating back. Nano who was sitting in the lounge greeted her very warmly, an indication that she knew her well.
“I was just here to drop her. I’ll be off now.”
Inara looked on not saying anything. Why was this man dropping an old student of her Nano here?
“I know it’s not a right place to do this but now that you’re in front of me so why not. I was rude that day. My apologies for that.”
Inara was taken aback but recovered shortly. She had replayed that meeting many times in her mind. When her initial anger had subsided, she could see if someone lashed out on her without any fault of hers, she’d also be as cold towards that person as he was towards her that day.
“I accused you without even hearing you so I think you shouldn’t apologize. We both made it even somehow.”
Nahyan nodded and then looked back at the house she was standing in the doorway of.
“Mrs. Rehman…”
“She’s my Nano and the woman who’s come with you…”
“Mrs. Hadiya, she’s my phupho.”
“Oh…”
Her student’s cousin. Her Nano’s student’s nephew. This was getting weird.
“But I think this isn’t the introduction we should be making.”
Inara was confused but then it dawned on her.
“Oh, yes… Inara Sukhera. You know by now but I teach English at Rooba’s school.”
Sukhera. He knew this surname.
“Are you by any chance…”
“Wijdan Sukhera’s daughter, Yes.”
Nahyan thought about the last time he had visited Sukhera house. Did he see her?
“Nahyan Hassan.”
He didn’t tell her his designation and post because he didn’t think it was necessary.
“I kind of knew already. See you around, Nahyan.”
“See you around, Inara.”
He had walked towards his car and as it moved on the lane leading to the main road, both didn’t know the next time they’d enter this house with changed equation and relation.

*

Hadiya pushed the food trolley through the lounge door where both her sisters in law and her mother were already seated. Nahyan had refused but that didn’t mean they had stopped looking for a suitable girl for him. She was taking it all lightly but the visit to her old teacher and the young beautiful woman she had met there made her change her mind.
“Should we talk to her grandparents?”
Fariha suggested as they all took their cups of tea. She was the most excited person to go on with this idea of Hadiya. Having her youngest and most stubborn child settled down would be happy for any parent.
“I think we should. We know enough about the girl and so far it all looks amazing. An English Literature graduate working in our Rooba’s school. Rooba’s all praises for her. Who knew the teacher Rooba never used to shut up about would become our choice for Nahyan. Also, her father is from Nahyan’s department only. This is also a plus point.”
Hadiya’s opinion had weight in the family and since the time she’d come from Rehman Residence she was talking about this girl. This ensued excitement in all the family members. Her being Rooba’s teacher whom she respected a lot was also accepted with open arms and smiles.
Inara Sukhera had not even become a part of this family yet but she was being talked about so fondly.
But no matter how excited and hopeful they all were, talking to Nahyan was pending. Hadiya was given this task.
“I think I made it clear that right now I can’t think about getting married.”
“We know that but if not now then when?”
“A few years down the line.”
“When you will have no hairline.”
“Phupho, I’ve just started with this job…”
“No one’s going to snatch it from you. We just want you to settle down; Nahyan and we aren’t saying this without any preparation. We do have someone in our minds.”
“And who that someone might be?”
He asked already bored.
“Inara Sukhera.”
Hadiya had known this man since he had just gotten into this world and by now she was aware of every mood of his. The expressions on his face hadn’t been discouraging.
“I don’t see you complaining now.”
Nahyan tried masking what was written on his face but failed nonetheless.
“So, should we go further with it?”
Inara’s face came on the curtains of Nahyan’s mind. The smile which was so slight yet so impactful, the anger which she had tried her best containing and the forever soft glow that surrounded her.
“Nahyan?”
The mirth in Hadiya’s voice had him grumbling. He picked up a file from the table and opened it in front of him.
“Do whatever you want to do.”
In Nahyan Hassan’s language, okay go for it. Hadiya ruffled his perfectly combed hair and walked out of the door. This was easy.
In Rehman Residence, well this wasn’t the case.
Inara gave herself some time to contemplate what her grandparents had just told her. Marriage proposal? For her? From Nahyan Hassan?
She looked at the couple sitting in front of her and sighed.
“I don’t know, Nanu.”
Rehman Shafee didn’t find it surprising. He knew this would be her reaction.
“Inara my child, both me and your Nano, we want you to think about this proposal. We’ve met Nahyan’s family and honestly I wasn’t expecting such warm and close knitted people. You said you’d consider someone only if your Nano and I tell you about him. We’re telling you about Nahyan. He’s also from your father’s department that’s also a good point in my opinion. You will face no difficulty in adjusting.”
Inara understood all this. But still she was apprehensive.
“You say those people are very fond of me. Have they ever seen me?”
The confusion and disbelief on her face made Mrs. Amina almost cry. What the Sukheras had done to this soul so beautiful? Even after working on herself so much, there was still those insecurities somewhere buried deep inside her. The reason why she liked the Hassan family so much was that as well. There was a sense of family love and care which was evident to even those who met these people for the first time. This was something Inara had always missed out on in life. It was like Allah’s plan for her to get what she never got from her real family.
“They know you because of who you are and some of them have seen you as well. They are so excited to have you as a part of their family.”
“I’ll think about, Nanu.”
She whispered after some time. Rehman and Amina knew she needed time and they planned on giving her that no matter what.

*

The coming days had been eventful to say the least. Both the families were visiting each other though there hadn’t been clear cut yes from any side. They were all taking their time in knowing more and nothing so far had been discouraging as well.
Inara was thinking everything through. Though both Zoha and Wijdan wanted her to come to a conclusion soon, her Nanu and Nano had them at bay telling them to let her take the needed time for it was her whole life in front of her. Adeem had given his green signal; he knew Nahyan and had only positive things to add to the ongoing list. Afaaf was busy in her life and upon knowing Inara was getting married to a civil service officer as well, she hadn’t made any comments of any sorts. Wijdan and Zoha had initially showed their reluctance seeing how the family was so into each other’s lives but Rehman had rejected their reasoning, stating after what they had put their children through all their childhood, at least they shouldn’t talk about families which were too close to each other. That shut both of them up for good.
Inara knew sooner or later she had to make a decision. She had contemplated everything from every angle. Her old insecurities were coming out in full swing but she was trying hard to think about this proposal without getting driven by her own ideas about herself or the ideas she had been fed all her life.
It was one such gathering that particular evening. The Hassan family was here at Sukhera house to meet them. The only difference being, Nahyan was also with them and soon both of them were very conveniently asked to talk more in the lawn.
They were walking on the pavement; Nahyan’s hands were in his pockets while Inara’s were on her sides with fingers fidgeting.
“I’ve been told you are feeling confused about this proposal.”
Inara looked sideways at him.
“And you’re here to make things easy for me?”
“Not really but I’d like to know what’s the problem?”
Inara sighed.
“You are a bureaucrat.”
Nahyan stopped in his tracks.
“That’s your problem?”
“Part of it. Yeah.”
He looked visibly offended.
“I mean I’m sorry but you come from the family of bureaucrats! Your father’s one, your grandfather was one, your brother is one and so is your sister!”
Inara gazed at his face. The setting sun was throwing its orange glow at both of them.
“That’s the reason.”
Nahyan was confused but didn’t let it show. He could see there was more to it than she was letting on.
“It’s not a hard and fast rule that people from the same walk of life have to act the same as well.”
“Really?”
She was fully attentive towards him.
“I don’t know how to say this without going the typical way of shouting that I’m not like the other bureaucrats.”
Inara laughed at the way his voiced had taken a higher note saying the last sentence.
“But the point stays, Inara. You’re judging me based on something I wasn’t even a part of and that’s not right.”
It was true. She was refraining from saying yes to this proposal because Nahyan came from the same line of profession as her family and somewhere she was expecting him to be like them only.
She was wrong. This was wrong. She shouldn’t have.
“I’m sorry about what I said. I wasn’t thinking straight I guess.”
She whispered meekly. Nahyan just nodded. There was a silence of a few minutes when he spoke again.
“You know when did I first see you?”
Inara shrugged.
“At the school?”
“Nah. Here in this same lawn.”
It was Inara’s turn to be stopped in her tracks.
“What?”
“It was the first time I along with some other newly appointed people from the department was invited by Adeem and Mr. Sukhera here. I think it was one of those functions of your sister’s wedding. You were sitting there…”
He pointed towards the fountain in the middle of the lawn. The night of Afaaf’s dholki flashed across Inara’s mind. She smiled lightly.
“I remember but I don’t remember seeing you as well.”
“You didn’t see me.”
“Then you must be thinking what a crazy woman sitting there like a…”
“A swan.”
“Hun?”
“You were making the picture of a swan, maybe it was because of the white color that you wore that night or the way you were so lost sitting by the pool filled with flowers. I just thought of a swan who was sad and not a part of the pond.”
The night Inara Sukhera had called herself an ugly duckling after years was the same night Nahyan Hassan had called her a swan for the first time.
She kept on looking at his face. He had gotten a call from Numair inside and now he was telling her they should probably go and join the others. She said nothing to him.
She said nothing to anyone; just saw his family off with a smile on her face.
She had said just one thing when her parents and Adeem had asked her what her final verdict was.
A yes.

*

The dim lights and the feel of the soft carpet under her feet was the indication she was walking. Away. Many faces were with her and as she gotten close to the exit of the house, she realized her new family had been gathered around her while the old faces had left behind somewhere in the crowd.
She looked back. Zoha had smiled at her and then coming forward had hugged her. Inara didn’t cry.
Wijdan patted her head in a fatherly gesture. Inara didn’t cry.
Adeem hugged her sideways saying something in her ear. It made her smile lightly. But Inara didn’t cry.
Afaaf had also hugged her but even with no distance within still there was a huge stretch which both of them had never tried crossing. But Inara didn’t cry.
It was when Rehman and Amina blessed her with their prayers and so many warm hugs and kisses on the forehead, Inara felt a tear rolling down her cheeks. As the stairs on the entrance of the house grew nearer, Inara felt her feet getting heavy. This house had given her nothing. She was going away with a baggage instead of memories. But still she had spent the last twenty five years of her life here, no matter how hard or bitter.
It was a farewell to Sukhera House. And that awakening made Inara stumble a little but she had strengthened herself. And as she did so, her eyes landed on an extended palm.
Nahyan.
Her husband.
As she gave her hand in his and they both walked towards his car, Inara didn’t look back. Inara didn’t cry.

*

The first week after marriage was happening to say the least. Nahyan was living alone in the house that came with his posting. He hadn’t taken Inara there yet. They were staying with the family at Hassan House. Inara wasn’t expecting much but what she did find out during this week with this family as a newly added member was enough to surprise her. Pleasantly surprise.
From Mrs. Shahnaz aka Dado to Hadiya Phupho’s kids who were human representation of energizer bunnies, Inara had seen and felt only warmth in the members of Hassan clan.
Nahyan’s father, Nadir uncle who had requested her to call him Baba just like Nahyan did, he was a perfect mixture of both strict and easygoing parent. Nahyan’s mother Fariha wouldn’t stop singing praises of how Nahyan and Inara complimented each other like they were made for just that. Nahyan’s siblings were another story. Inara could say she wouldn’t be able to form a bond like this with Afaaf and Adeem even if all three of them got a rebirth as well. Numair and Feeha had left no chance to pull Nahyan’s leg in front of her and he had given them back in his own way. Numair’s wife Shafaq was an understanding yet fun to be around girl.
Then came the extended family. Nahyan’s Chachu and Chachi, Tahir and Adeela were the best example of a jolly couple. Their playful banter and bickering was a family joke. Rooba was their eldest daughter and the only person in the family Inara knew well. The excitement and concealed exhilaration on Rooba’s face when the young party had first introduced themselves to Inara was hard to forget. Khaula and Hashir, Rooba’s siblings hadn’t hidden the fact that they were jealous of Rooba because she knew the new Bhabhi already and they didn’t. Hadiya Phupho was an altogether another case. She was both an elder and an understanding friend rolled in one.
A perfect joint family who didn’t need to live together to be together.
Zoha had warned Inara that this setup would tire her as she wasn’t habitual to this style of families acting around each other. The Sukheras weren’t close knitted, even when they gathered for any occasion there was a visible boundary every person had around them and no one was allowed to cross it. But this? Inara could say what the Hassan Family shared she had craved it almost all her life.
She wouldn’t admit it in front of anyone but she had expected to hear any snide remarks about her features, complexion, education or her closed off nature, like she used to before marriage from her family. But nothing of that sort came. She knew she was beautiful by any general standard, like everyone is, but here it was about fulfilling a criteria and she couldn’t do it with Sukheras. Did this his family have any criterion of their own? So far it didn’t seem like. Inara didn’t want to get too comfortable and then have it all come crumbling down.
As far as she and Nahyan were concerned, they both hadn’t gotten time off family feasts and gatherings to actually start their married life. It had been a week and now that the whole hustle was wearing off, it was the time to actually leave for Nahyan’s house.
Their house. Where they were going to make a home.
The whole family was gathered in Dado’s room that night when Nadir and Fariha called Inara to sit beside them. She did so with a nervous glance around. All eyes were on her.
“You two are going to start a new life from tomorrow. We know both of you can build a bonding on trust and understanding you have that in you and you also have our best wishes.”
Fariha cupped her face smilingly. Inara didn’t know how to respond to this affection. She wasn’t used to it. Especially from mothers.
“But keep one thing in mind, Inara beta. This officer here,”
Nadir pointed towards Nahyan who was sitting between Numair and Feeha on the couch opposite to them. A smile was playing on his lips.
“If he ever tries his government employee tactics on you in anyway, you are to come to us!”
“We’ll gang up on him, Inara! Imagine the fun!”
Feeha exclaimed earning a disapproving glance from her brother.
“Yeah, Feeha and I are doing it for years now. It’ll be nice to see more people joining us.”
Numair wasn’t behind as well.
“No, but in all seriousness, Nahyan we are trusting you with Inara. Take care of her or else you’ll have all of us to give answers to.”
Nahyan nodded.
“Roger that boss. After all I’m an outsider who’s taking your daughter with him.”
“We also think the same!”
Adeela Chachi took her part and from there on the teasing session had started. Inara looked at Nahyan who was also looking at her only. Both smiled and that’s where Inara knew that this was going to be good. Okay. Fine.

*
Inara stood before the mirror and looked at her reflection in it. The same old. But still so much had changed. She ran a gentle finger over the surface of the polished furniture of the room. The curtains were drawn and the evening light was peeking inside.
They had just gotten to their new house after saying a long goodbye and see you soon to the whole Hassan clan. Nahyan had gotten an official call the moment they had entered the lawn. He gestured Inara to go on and explore the house while he dealt with his duties over the phone.
Inara had walked around checking almost every nook of this house. It wasn’t overly grand neither was it poorly settled. Just the right amount of everything. Going from the main hall to the kitchen, from the living area towards the backside lawn, and finally to their bedroom.
Inara was still standing there when Nahyan had entered the room. The last time she had taken this long to look at herself was the moment the makeup artist had took a step back after getting her ready for her wedding day, and now Inara was doing it again. It was a week between the two days and the impact had been life changing. From someone filled with doubts and apprehension here she was someone who was looking forward to starting this journey with her husband.
Husband.
Inara’s eyes fell on Nahyan’s profile. He was taking his shoes off sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Coffee or tea?”
Inara asked. Nahyan held her gaze and raise an eyebrow.
“Tea. And don’t fret about it. You’ve just gotten here. Ask the house help.”
Inara shook her head walking towards the side table. She didn’t feel like she should call the house help for such a simple task.
“I can manage it. And I was expecting your answer to be tea only.”
Nahyan looked on amused.
“And why is that so?”
“It’s with everyone with an office job. They prefer tea. The principal of the school I was teaching at, she used to stay in her office all day long and gulp down some ten cups of tea.”
“I’m not at that level to be honest. But you’re right. I think I’ll soon start giving her competition.”
“I won’t let it come to this. Unhealthy habits aren’t appreciated in this house anymore.”
Her sweet assertion had Nahyan smiling too.
She was back with two tea mugs in some time. Placing them on the small table in the corner she sat down on the couch around it. Nahyan was already there and taking their mugs both started sipping on the warm goodness.
“Have your family always been like this?”
Inara asked breaking the silence.
“Like what?”
“Close knitted and so together. I can’t come up with the right word here.”
What she didn’t tell him, she couldn’t find words to describe the bonding of his family. They were too pure and too warm.
“Yeah, it has always been like this only.”
Inara didn’t say anything for a long time and then whispered slowly.
“Mine can’t sit together through even a dinner.”
She didn’t have to tell him. Nahyan had figured that out as well. He knew The Sukheras weren’t tight together. And he also knew Inara was the one subjected to this coldness the most. He didn’t need details. He had eyes and a mind he knew how to use. And it was his decision not to let Inara know he was aware of this. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable in any capacity.
“But you know what I feel?”
Inara took another sip of her tea while listening keenly to what Nahyan was saying.
“I think I’ll soon start getting treated like a son in law by my own family. They’d be like those in laws who are always after the poor guy if he treated their daughter right or not.”
Inara snorted and a laugh bubble through her mouth. Nahyan keep on looking at her struggling to suppress her laughter.
A genuine laugh.
He knew.
A genuine attempt on his part to tell her now his family was hers too.
She knew.

*