Saad's pov:

The next day arrived earlier than usual. Or so it seemed like that to me. Yawning, I rubbed my eyes as I sat up and turned off the alarm. My gaze travelled to check the time and it was around 9 in the morning. Even though no guests have arrived yet, I could still feel the excitement buzzing around in the house as I noticed a message from my brother. Furrowing my eyebrows, I wondered what it might be about as I opened the chat. My eyes widened in surprise at what I saw. I quickly replied to him before replying to others messages. Getting down from the bed, I went to freshen up.

I wasn't expecting a quick reply but when I returned, I was surprised to see his reply. Sending him the location, I sat down on the bed, thinking about what to tell aunty. Bhai is coming here today. And he is on his way. He will be here in around two hours and I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing. I don't even know what will happen when he arrives here.

Before I could start over thinking, I was startled by the kids running in the room. "Bhaiii!" They squealed as they ran to where I sat. Jumping up on the bed, they sat on either side of me.

"You are up!" Alayna stated excitedly.

"Yeah he is up, can't you see that. Leave her bhai, tell me, did you sleep well?" Before I could say something, anything, Amira facepalmed and told her before asking me her own question.

"He can't leave me, he is my bhai!" Alayna pouted, glaring at Amira.

"Yeah I know he is your bhai, but you shouldn't be asking these obvious questions. So he can ignore your question for now." Amira replied in an obvious tone as she turned her attention back to me.

"I can ask him anything and he won't ignore me." Alayna whined, the pout still on her lips.

"Okay okay, no arguments here. I will answer both of your questions. Now happy?" Looking at them, I raised my eyebrows and asked them both questioningly.

"Okay bhai!" They chorused together happily.

"Yes, I woke up and alhamdulillah I slept well." I replied to their previous questions as I played with my phone, turning it up and down in my hands.

"Umm... Bhai? Can we ask you something?" Alayna hesitated, looking away.

"Yeah sure, go ahead, what is it?" I replied gently as I passed them both a warm smile.

Alayna looked at Amira and they seemed to communicate through their eyes. Glancing at me, Amira started playing with her fingers. I raised my eyebrow, wondering what the matter is. But I didn't have to think much as Amira's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Are you happy bhai?"

Their question caught me off guard and I could feel my body stiffen at their question. Am I happy with this? Do I really want for this to happen? This time my chain of thought was broken by my phone vibrating in my hand. I looked up at them and they were both looking at me expectantly. Their gaze hopeful for a positive response. I gave them a small smile, not knowing what and how to answer them.

I was rescued from answering their question when a knock resounded in the room and the door creaked open a bit. Aunty's head popped in the room, "Sorry for disturbing you guys and coming in without permission, but breakfast is ready. Come and join." And before any of us could reply, she was out of the door.

I stared at the door, wondering if we are supposed to go now. Sighing, I turned to both of them. "Let's have breakfast first, I think your ammi is quite busy and if we get late, we might have to skip breakfast. And I'm sure we don't want to do that when we have a big day ahead."

They both giggled as they nodded their head and got down. Shaking my head, I stood up and followed them out of the door, a small smile playing on my lips.

The sweet aroma of pancakes and coffee filled our nostrils as we made our way to the dining room. The breakfast was laid out on the table, ready for us to devour it. The kids squealed as they ran and sat on their seats quickly. Chuckling, I went and sat on one of the chairs.

"Okay kids, start your breakfast, it's getting late and I still have so much work to do." Aunty buzzed in and told us hurriedly before disappearing in the kitchen again.

I was wondering if others won't join us today and was about to ask her but Amira beat me to it. "Won't you and api's join us today?" She had her eyebrows furrowed as she looked in the direction of the kitchen.

"No Mira, they won't be joining us today. But I can join if you both want." Aunty replied, coming out of the kitchen with chocolate syrup in her hands and beamed at us.

"Okay, but why won't they come?" Alayna smiled before asking curiously.

"You see, the bride and groom can't meet or see each other until after the nikkah, so she won't be coming downstairs." Aunty clarified as she sat down on her seat and started serving us breakfast.

Their lips formed an o shape as they nodded their head and started having pancakes. I sipped my coffee silently as my thoughts once again started drifting off to what is going to happen in a few hours.

Suddenly realising I haven't told her about my brother's arrival yet, I cleared my throat glancing at her. She looked at me as she raised her eyebrows, waiting for me to continue. "Uh... Aunty if you don't mind, my brother is coming today. He would like to join us." My eyes flickered to watch her and I saw her smiling.

"Okay that's great! At what time will he arrive?" She asked, happiness radiating off of her.

"In about two hours, I guess." I replied, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Okay, send him the location and if he still doesn't understand then give him my number, I will tell him the directions." She beamed at us as she continued sipping her coffee.

"Okay." I replied while starting my own breakfast. The thoughts of the upcoming events still lingering in my mind.

._._._.

"I can't believe this!" Bhai exclaimed as he paced around the room, a frown adorning his face.

"Neither can I, bhai." I replied in a monotonous voice, staring at my own reflection in the mirror.

"God! This can't be happening right now!" He added, running his hand through his hair in frustration.

"But it is happening. This is reality." I stated, still in daze.

"Shut up guys! It's actually his nikkah today so you both better get ready quickly before I call his soon to be mother-in-law. And also, you both are getting late for Jummah prayer." Bhabi interjected in a warning voice as she looked at us pointedly.

"Bhabiii! Help me please!" I called out to her helplessly, coming out of my dazed state and looking at her pleadingly. (Sister-in-law/brother's wife)

"But I actually can't believe it Zara!" Bhai once again started, earning a sharp glare from her which made him shut his mouth. "Okay, I won't say anything anymore." Bhai added in a defeated tone as he raised his hands in defence.

"You better not. We don't want him to have an anxiety attack during his nikkah." She told him strictly. "Yes Saad, what happened?" Bhabi turned her attention to me as she started adjusting her hijab while looking at the mirror. She was already ready in her pink dress, which aunty had forced her to accept and wear.

I looked at her, trying to form words, my mind had turned blank and I couldn't comprehend what to tell her. I blinked my eyes, my gaze flickering to her face. She passed me a warm smile, encouraging me to tell her what's wrong. "I don't know what to do! This is all too much! This is so overwhelming and... And..." I suddenly exploded, my voice going quiet in the end. "Mama and baba are also not here today." I whispered quietly as my gaze flickered from her to bhai. I could feel tears gathering in my eyes, ready to roll down my face, just waiting for a moment of weakness from either of them.

Their gazes softened and Bhabi gave me a small smile. "I know it must be hard for you. And maybe I can never understand what you are going through, but maybe, this is what Allah planned. Maybe this is how it is meant to be." She said softly as she sat on her knees in front of me, looking directly in my eyes, trying to comfort me. Bhai came and sat beside me, giving me a side hug.

"But this was supposed to be a special day for all of us. And they aren't even here with us. They don't even know that I'm getting married today! They will be so hurt when they get to know that I took this step without their consultation or knowledge. I'm sure they would have wanted to join us." I told them, my voice breaking the slightest bit as I covered my face in my hands and tried to take deep breaths to calm myself down. I don't want to break down in front of them and show them my weak side. Not now. And not ever.

"Yes we know. But you have your reasons for not telling them now. And you aren't married yet. You still have the chance to say no. And none of us will judge you or say anything to you if you say no. In fact, we will be supporting your decision chote." Bhai replied gently. (Younger one)

There was silence after that, none of us saying anything. All of us pondering, deep in our own thoughts. I never imagined getting married this early or under these kind of circumstances. Life has its own way of taking its turns and bringing us to unexpected places.

Our emotional moment was broken by Alayna running into the room with a squeal, who was followed by Amira. Both of them, a giggling mess. As soon as Alayna noticed bhai and bhabi, running towards us, she crushed them in her hug while Amira stood there, a confused and flabbergasted expression adorning her face.

I smiled at her as I motioned for her to come forward. With slow and hesitant steps, she came to stand in front of me. Bhabi was still on her knees in front of me hugging Alayna and bhai had a grin on his face as he gazed at them.

Taking one of Amira's hands in mine, I gently tugged her and turned her towards them. Pointing, I introduced them to her. "This is my bhai, Maaz and his wife, our bhabi, Zara. And bhai bhabi this is our other princess, Amira, who is also my soon to be sister-in-law." I added the last part with a grin as I winked at her, trying to make her comfortable.

By now their attention had turned to us. "Assalamualikum Amira. You have a beautiful name, just like you." Bhabi told her as she took her hands in her own and passed her a soft smile.

"Assalamualikum princess, I agree with her." Bhai added with a wink before smiling at her.

"Walikumussalam, Jazak Allahu Khairan." Amira returned the gesture, smiling back at them, her cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink from which she recovered soon.

"When did you come?" Alayna asked them, excitement radiating off of her. "And where are mama and baba? Are they also here?" My heart clenched at the mention of our parents and I turned my gaze away from her, the smile slipping off my face.

I could see bhai and bhabi hesitating as they looked at each other then back at Alayna. She was eagerly looking at them, waiting for their reply. Bhai smiled as he pulled her towards him. "We came here when you were busy getting ready and running around. And no, mama baba couldn't come because they were busy."

Alayna pouted, "You should have told them that bhai is getting married, I'm sure they would have left their work and come here."

"Yes we know that meri jaan, but the work was important, that's why we didn't tell them. Or else do you think we wouldn't have told them?" Bhabi pitched in and replied to her gently. "Now don't worry about all these things and go enjoy with your friend. I will come out after scolding these boys for not letting me meet you earlier." Bhabi winked at her as they both giggled while covering their lips. (My life)

"Okay." Alayna replied, the mischievous glint of amusement back in their eyes as they skipped out of the room.

Bhabi stood up and looked at us. Folding her arms, she narrowed her eyes at us. I frowned, now what did we do? Before I could think much she ordered us. "Okay, enough of being emotional. I want you both out of here within ten minutes."

"And what if we don't come out?" Bhai dared to ask her, standing up. Silly questions like these when a woman is angry, is definitely not a good decision. But it is bhai who we are talking about, he can never learn that.

I watched with amusement as bhabi took a step towards him making him gulp visibly. But he stood his ground, not moving away. He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes too, making bhabi smile in amusement. "You really want to know what I will do?"

He tried to gulp discreetly, but it was visible that he was scared of whatever she would say. "Yes."

"You already know what I will do." Bhabi smirked, looking at him and turned around to go.

The look of horror on bhai's face made me chuckle thinking what is it that could make him so scared. "Bu- But that's not fair! And what will you do to Saad? You can't do that to him so you can't do that to me as well!" Bhai protested, his face turning pink.

Bhabi turned around, a smug look on her face. "The world isn't fair Mr. Hubby. And you are his elder brother, if he doesn't come out, it will be because of you. So I won't do anything to him, whatever it will be, it will be only to you. So it's better for you to get yourselves out within ten minutes. I'm watching the time." And before bhai could protest anymore, she was out of the room.

I gazed at bhai in amusement, wondering what will he do now. "Your wife is so controlling man!" I mused, glancing back at the door.

"Don't forget that you are going to get married too now." Bhai grumbled in frustration as he sat back down beside me.

"Yeah I know that, but she won't be like bhabi. I mean, she won't do like that." I replied uncertainly, hoping she really isn't like this. I wouldn't like being asked to shut up or threatened like that. It's scary.

This time bhai looked at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Yeah right!" And then he added with a smirk, patting my back. "But we will only know that after you get married."

"Bhaiii!" I groaned hiding my face in my hands.

"What? Can't I repay you back for the time when I was getting married?" He asked me innocently.

"No you can't." I muttered back.

"Well yes, I can. Thank you for your opinion but who told you I will consider it?" He asked me amused, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Let's go out now or else you know what bhabi might do." I tried changing the subject as I stood up, ready to go out.

Bhai checked his watch before pulling me down to sit. "We still have some time left and you aren't even ready yet. We will go out in a while. Until then, let me enjoy." He replied cheekily.

"You are being so annoying right now!" I muttered as I huffed and sat down, adjusting my sleeves. I was wearing a white salwar suit for the Jummah prayer as I didn't feel comfortable enough wearing the suit and going to pray. Also, it would grab others attention and I don't want that.

"I bet you weren't thinking that when you were enjoying teasing me." Bhai teased as he continued to make remarks making me sigh, shake my head and groan. I feel like banging my head somewhere. Or maybe just disappearing from here.

A groan escaped my lips as a thought crossed my mind. I wish bhabi was here to control him, or better, I hope she would have taken us out with her. At least I wouldn't have to deal with this annoying side of him.

._._._.

"Aunty, I wanted to talk to you about something. Is it possible for you to take out a few minutes for us?" Bhai asked her, as we paused our work of placing the flowers around the room, when we saw her rushing around adjusting things and ordering others to put it in the right place. It seemed so hectic, doing everything in just one day. Actually, not even one day but having just a few hours to completely decorate a wedding house.

The guests already arrived, who consisted just of her brother's and Emaan's family. I was secretly thankful that there weren't many guests to attend. I was already nervous and I didn't want to add to my already existing anxiety.

We were introduced to the guests when they arrived and now they were helping aunty in decorating the house. It was being done simply, the way I like it. Although I doubt that they know about my likes and dislikes. I wonder if Atifa likes simple things too, and this was being done according to her liking. I guess I will have to wait to know about that.

"Sure beta, tell me what is it?" She replied, coming to stand in front of us.

Bhai's gaze flickered around before he glanced at her. "Not here, maybe in the room?" He suggested, glancing at me. I gave him a small nod letting him know that I agree.

"Okay, let's go." She replied as we walked towards my current room.

"What is it? Is everything alright?" She questioned once we were settled down and thinking of a way to start the conversation.

Bhai casted me a quick glance before turning his attention to her. "Yeah everything is alright alhamdulillah. It's just that earlier I was talking to Saad and he told me that you guys still haven't decided about the Mahr. So I wanted to ask you what it is. Since the nikkah couldn't possibly take place without it." Bhai went straight to the point as we waited for her to reply.

"Oh yeah, the Mahr." She chuckled as if just remembering about it, and then added with a thoughtful look. "I totally forgot about it because of everything happening so soon. I think we will keep it Mahr-e-Fatimi."

Bhai smiled, "Okay that's great. But I think you should ask your daughter once if she wants the same thing. It's her nikkah after all and she should be the one deciding the Mahr."

"Yes, you are right. I agree. I will let you guys know soon what she wants." She replied as she stood up, glancing at the clock. "Now I need to go and check up on the work since it's getting late already." She added as bhai nodded his head and we stood up, ready to go out.

._._._.

GLOSSARY :

- Jummah prayer - Friday prayer.

- Bhabi - Sister-in-law/brother's wife.

- Meri jaan - My life.

- Mehr - It is the obligation, in the form of money or possessions paid by the groom, to the bride at the time of Islamic marriage (payment also has circumstances on when and how to pay). While the mahr is often money, it can also be anything agreed upon by the bride such as jewelry, home goods, furniture, a dwelling or some land. Mahr is typically specified in the marriage contract signed during a marriage.

- Mehr-e-Fatimi - Mehr-e-Fatimi is the mahr Sayyidina Ali Radhiyallahu Anhu gave to Fatima Radhiyallahu Anha. (The mehr which was given to our prophets youngest daughter by her husband.)

._._._.