CHAPTER 26
HAYAT POV:
It was my big day, a day when a daughter would need her father the most, her strength, but I couldn't find him. Uncle was there for me, and I was more than happy to just have him by my side. Even when I know my father does not value me, I still miss him on this big, special day.
As per my ranting and chanting, everything was done perfectly, just like I wanted, but one thing caught my eye, not a thing, but a girl wearing red! I tried to ignore it for now. Everything had gone happily until I had to leave with Ahad, leaving behind my little family, while moving forward with memories of every little happiness.
Ahad stood beside me. His fingers wrapped around mine, held a softness, "You got married, doesn't mean your Chacha Chachi does not need you now, you were my daughter and you still are, and always will be, if someday you need us, just come to us, we know our little warrior." he hugged me, and Auntie did too.
Sana too came forward and hugged me, "You can call me anytime you want, sissy, I'll always be there for you, hmm." Things are changing between the two of us; I feel like there's a bond we have started to share now.
I sat inside my car, taking off my veil first since I needed to drive the car. As I started the engine, I heard Ahad say, "This feels illegal. It looks like I'm going to my bride's house."
His words had me questioning if he was commenting or joking around. As I glanced his way, I found his thoughts in his thoughts. I couldn't help but laugh, "You said it aloud, actually."
I gave another glance at him, finding him looking out of the window, his face hiding behind his hand, like he's shy—embarrassed, I guess. Through my side mirror, I could see Ahad's and Ashar's friends were on their bikes. It looked like I was a gang leader and I'm kidnapping the man sitting beside me, while others are my bodyguards.
Halfway, I felt his eyes on me, glancing towards him, I caught him looking at my hand that was turning the steering wheel to the left side with one hand, I fake coughed as he said, "I fell again, I guess, damn that turning was so… Ahm, amazing, I mean..." I felt embarrassed, he complimented or flirted, I don't know, but I couldn't speak out my answer.
Soon we reached the Mir House, before I could open my door, I heard Ahad, "Let me."
I turned to find him getting down from the car and coming towards my side, opening the door for me. He helped me down since the dress was too heavy to adjust by myself.
The bikes were stopped behind our car, and as we came a step ahead, I smiled and looked back to see all of them still accelerating their bikes. Soon Ashar came down from his motorcycle and came forward. He gave signals to some men, who soon started fireworks. All the boys started to hoot. Ashar stood in front of me, said, "Welcome home, bhabi jee." (Translation: Sister-in-law)
AHAD POV:
The whole ceremony and celebration Ashar did with everyone to welcome Hayat home was pretty perfect. We settled down in place. Hayat was upstairs with Ammi, while I was waiting for mates in the lounge area. Soon they were in front of me… with bags.
"I'm going to leave for Chicago by midnight, Ahad," Samir said, hugging me.
I frowned, "My wedding happened just today, bro!" he has been the most generous to us when we all studied together; he knew Chicago like he back of his hand, which helped us in our whole 4-year journey.
"I got some urgent work that needs my attention, and I unfortunately have to be there. But don't worry, I will be back within a week after all, I got a little sissy here," he tried buttering me up.
"Guys, I'm also leaving." Here I heard another voice from the back. Turning back, I saw Sahil with his luggage, ALL READY!
"YOU TOO!!" I spoke loud enough for them to know that I was very disappointed.
"I'm going to meet my friend here, and then I'll need to return to London for my next artwork. But I promise I will be back too, within a week with Samir." I sighed, I can't force them to stay with me, they came for me was more than enough…
"I'll talk to you both after you guys come back here!" I moved upstairs without hugging them for the last time.
The door of my- our room was closed. I knocked 3 times, waiting for some response. After a while, I pushed the door open, glancing up, I found Hayat on the balcony, looking up at the moon. I fake coughed a little to make her realize my presence so that she wouldn't get startled.
She slowly turned around. Her eyes held some visible tears. It startled me as I took steps closer to her, asking as softly as I could, "Kiya howa, Begum?" (Translation: What happened, wifey?)
She looked at me and took a deep breath before speaking, "Love is not expressed through words all the time, but from affection, trust, care, protection, and loyalty, which I couldn't find in my protector, my father."
Taking a few moments to compose herself, she continued, "But I want it from you, can you give it to me, Ahad?" Her words came out whisperingly slow, yet I could feel the unexpressed pain that she was feeling. She leaned her right hand towards me, waiting for me to hold it.
I would desperately, hopelessly, eagerly, yearningly, gladly, happily hold her hand and follow her to wherever she wants...
We held eye contact and replied, "YES" in a firm voice. I promised... I made a promise to my wife. A promise I will keep till the day I die.
After some time, we moved towards the room. She subconsciously walked towards the right side of the bed, so I turned towards the left side, "Oh- I forgot to ask which side you would like to take?"
Now knowing that she sleeps on the right side, "I don't have a side, like I sometimes sleep on the left, sometimes on the right side, so no worries." I smiled and lay down, taking her left hand in my right one after asking if she was okay. I murmured a soft good night before sleep took over me.