CHAPTER 03 -
The Proposal.

Sky was shining brightening with tiny stars, covering the blanket of midnight blue sky with its shiny dot like stars. Small stroke like appearance of moon gave the night sky more dreamy effect, sound of crickets were audible around the place. Cool breeze making her to forgot her problems for sometime. That's the reason why she always wants to watch the moon during lonely nights. So that she could feel that, even though night is dark., stars and moon give small light of hope to her, that no matter what the situation was. There is always a ray of hope would be sent by almighty Allah.

Aasiya was sitting by the side of her french window in her bedroom, thinking about the discussion occurred at dinner. What her parents told her about her future plans.

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What..?

She was stunned by that sentence which left from her father mouth, her mind was clouded. She was not able to think properly, suddenly a warmth engulfed her in a fatherly hug, her father was whispering sweet words to her but she was unable to comprehense.

"Am so happy honey, they are so reputated and practicing family. Actually, he is my friends son. I think, you know him, Siya." Her father was blabbering about his happiness about this proposal.

Its like her mouth was sealed. She was not uttering a word.

One by one everyone congratulated her and Raiyaan even started to tease her. But, she was so engrossed in her project and field trip thing she didn't pay attention on what he was saying or on what name he was teasing her. After dinner, she ran to her room as fast as her legs could take her. After that her sleep was long gone.

"They're wishing to see you tomorrow. As its weekend, get ready my princess. I am so happy." Those are the last words that reached her ears before she retired to her room.

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"Hmmmmmm." A deep sigh escaped from her lips.

She lay flat on her bed and whispered some night prayers which are recited before sleeping, then went to sleep while thinking about the whole situation she was in. "Whatever happens its for the best, either its good or bad both are from Him." She thought to herself then sleep took over her.

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Aasiya was looking her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a dark blue colour loose patiyala pant with a long loose cream colour top. Which is studded with blue stones on the end and long sleeve ends. She covered her head with the veil which is matching to it, blue and cream combination, securely placed it by using pins. She didn't wore any make up just applied some kohl, to her eyes. She glanced one more time before heading downstairs, to help her mother in kitchen.

Its 10 in the morning, they said that they will arrive at 11'oclock, so her mother had prepared a great feast for them to have, she made mouth watering delicacies. Aasiya helped her mother to arrange them neatly on the dining table. After an hour, There is a car honk in their drive way, so she hurriedly went inside the kitchen, so she could come when her mother ask her to come.

After what felt like an hour, Raiyaan called her. She went in the living room. "Assalamu alikum." Aasiya greeted them with a small smile while her head bow down.

"Walikum assalam, darling. You've grown up to be so beautiful ma sha allah." Mariam said while looking at Aasiya and motioning her to sit beside her. She hesitantly obey her and sat beside her.

They asked her about some things about her studies and hobbies, etc., suddenly a smooth voice bloomed in her ears. "Assalamu alikum." Said the person who is sitting across her beside Raiyaan while looking directly at her. She was startled by the sudden intrusion. She didn't felt his presence before, she meekely replied to him. "Walikum assalam." While looking down at the carpet.

Mr.Siddiqi and Mr.Ahmed siad that they should give some privacy to them so they could get to know about one another, with Raiyaan's chaperoning, of course. So Mariam and Mrs.Siddiqi went to dining area to chat for some time. Both their fathers went to guestroom. Now Aasiya and Raiyaan with Him, left in living room.

Raiyaan lift from his place to sat beside his sister. So that she won't feel nervous.

He cleared his throat before saying.
"Umm, I am Imran Ahmed." He said while looking at her. She lift her gaze to look at him. He was wearing a dark grey button down shirt with a black pant, his pitch black hair is stylishly gelled back and clean shaved face, his hazel eyes are sparkling while he talk.

"Hi, I am Aasiya Siddiqi." She siad while lowering her gaze, they talked for a while about each others likes and hobbies.

Suddenly she asked. "Do you offer you're obligatory prayers.?" For a second he got stunned, after regaining his sense he replied with a smile. "Allhamdullilah, I am trying my best to offer them at first half of the paryer time." She sighed in relief.

After some time Raiyaan sign her to leave. So she left them in their living room and went upstairs to her room. She can't stop her heart from beating frantically. Indeed he is good looking., she couldn't deny that and she was not good at conversing with guys, so she is damn nervous. She offered her zuhr salah and make dua'a, asking to guide her and what was best for her in this world and hereafter. For her parents safety, to protect them and grant them high ranks of jannah. She make a sujood, and raise from her prayer mat. While folding it and placing it in the shelf. She descended downstairs to dining room for lunch, at the time she reached Ahmed family already left the for their place.

After lunch, she was having her favourite dessert. Kaju kulfi pudding. When her father entered living room and cleared his throat. She move aside to make place for her father to sit.
She placed a spoon full of pudding in his mouth. "Well,
They are so happy to see you dear and they wish you to be their daughter in law." He ended while beaming happily.

She was frozen for a moment, she don't know about her own feelings, she didn't know how to feel. She was excited, but at the same time she was sad about her project. While she was in her thoughts her father said that. "They wanted the engagement to be done the upcoming weekend. What say Raiyaan." He asked his son, Aasiya was listening to everything silently, trying to take all this information in her mind carefully. While they talked about some more time.
Then Raiyaan left to meet up with his friends saying his salam.

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Zaryaan woke up to the ringing voice of alarm turn off his alarm while rubbish his eyes with his thumb and index finger., muttered dua'a which is recited after waking up. He went straight to wash room and performed his daily ritual and make wudhu and offered his fajr salah, after salah he changed into jog suit and went for jogging near the river. Where he saw her 2 years back in hope of seeing her again.

After jogging for some time., he went back to his house and when he entered home strong smell of bread halwa and aaloo paratha filled his nostrils, his stomach started to make sounds telling fill it with those delicacies. He went straight to his room to get fresh and made his way to breakfast table.

"Assalamu alikum, ladies. Hmmm., my mouth begin to water yummmmm." Zaryaan said while rubbing his belly. While Yusra and her mother are working on making orange juice. He is so hungry because, its been so long he eat something Indian that too home made food by his mother.

His mother filled his plate with paratha,bread halwa,some pickel and filled glass with orange juice putting plate near his side and making him sit on chair in the mean while ahil entered breakfast table while greeting loudly with a huge grin. "Assalamu alikum everyone." Ahil said while sitting on a chair beside Zaryaan.

"Hey bhai, what are the plans for weekend?" Ahil asked zaryaan while stuffing his mouth with paratha.
Such a clumsy eater.

"Huh.! Am planning to meet my buddies. Its been so long, we didn't catch up. So I'd called them yesterday they're so happy, me too." Zaryaan said while sipping some juice and taking a piece of carrot from salad plate.

"Oh! That's great bhai, okay. But I've classes today enjoy you're time. Allah hafiz ammi." Ahil said good bye while placing a kiss on Mrs.Khan cheek and walking towards main door.

After breakfast., he took Yusra for shopping because according to her., he owe her to take her to shopping for making up for all the times when he is out for business. (silly reason. ..bcz she wants to spend his money...lol)

After roaming through all shops and boutiques, she felt hungry so now they're waiting in a restaurant for arrival of their food. When the food arrived they finished their food and headed to their home. He felt exhausted after his baby sister little shopping assault on him. He just wants to take a nap. After reaching home he went directly to his room and as soon as his head his pillow he went into a deep slumber.

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He was getting ready to meet his friends after such a long time, and he was so excited. He made his way towards his car after saying his salam to his mother and Yusra sat in his car and drove off to his destination, their usual stop. He drove for about one hour after some time he spotted a small cafe at hill top. He made his way towards cafe and spotted his friends, Sadiq, Hafiz., are seated at the table at far end.

He made his way towards his friends and greeted them. With a bro hug.

"Hey, Assalamu alikum, bro. Good to see you after such a long time." Zaryaan said while hugging Sadiq followed by Hafiz.

"Walikum assalam, Ryan." Both said in unison.

"How are you and how's everything out there.?" Hafiz asked Zaryaan after placing their order.

"Allhamdullilah, am all good and it feels good to be back with family and you guys. I missed this place our banters, all." Zaryaan said while sighing in content. Hey forget to ask where is our another buddie. I didn't listen from him. Where is he?" Zaryaan asked after realising that he was not there.

"Well he., ahhh! See who's here!!" Sadiq said while looking behind Zaryaan.

"Assalamu alikum guys. So sorry for waiting you guys." Imran said while catching his breath because of running.

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Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu....and hello...

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