CHAPTER 27
HAYAT POV:
I sat downstairs with my mother-in-law, as she told me about the family gathering that was going to be held there in a few hours, and all the close relatives would be there to meet me. I was dressed in a royal blue gown with a silk dupatta on one side.
Both brothers have gone to drop Samir off at the airport since his flight was delayed. I asked them to stay for a little longer, but they said that they'll be back soon.
All the family members sat there in the lounge. I came in with Ammi (mother-in-law) and Chachi on my side; she came to meet me and Ammi requested her to join us.
I sat on the sofa. I felt someone staring continuously at me, glancing towards the side, I found a girl looking… NO glaring at me, oh why? I questioned myself, yet, shrugging the thought off, I greeted everyone.
Ammi introduced everyone, and I found that the girl who was staring at me was Ahad's phupho's (aunt's) daughter, Seema.
"Bhabi, the bride is hmm, beautiful, but she has really bad taste in color and dressing. Look at my daughter, isn't she looking pretty in this green dress, and wasn't she looking beautiful at the wedding? What do you say, Hayat? Isn't my daughter looking beautiful today, too?" I heard Ahad's phupho.
As per my request, no one wore red in my wedding, but this girl did! She wore a dress that looked like a bride's dress, how dare she… I couldn't complain because I thought she might be illiterate, since it was written on the card that no one is allowed to wear a red dress at the wedding.
Ahad and Ashar came back and greeted everyone before taking a seat on the side sofa. My eyes met the figure of Seema, who had walked out of the lounge area. Soon, she came back with a single glass of water, passing it to Ahad but not to Ashar.
If glass could break from such a hateful look, then the glass in Ahad's hand would have been shattered into pieces. I was burning with anger. How dare she do this…
People might think that I'm overreacting, but if I don't take care of my possessions, then who'll I blame if someone steals them?
"Give it to me bhai, I'm more tired than you." Ashar snatched the glass of water from Ahad's hand, gulping it down in one go, and I sighed in relief. I'm not getting good vibes from her.
"Don't mind, but I think Seema would have looked better with Ahad than this girl," Phupho whispered to one of the ladies beside her, indicating me as "this girl."
I had had enough of this mother-daughter drama. This whole thing was pissing me off, so I stood up, taking my things in my hand, my Chachi, mother-in-law, Ahad, and Ashar also stood up.
I calmly turned to Ahad's Phupho, "I mind Phupho, I hope you won't make this stupid comparison again, he is my husband and I won't let anyone bounding him with any girl other than me and I don't gossip just to fit in the conversation, so I may excuse now," delivering my words authoritatively I gestured Ahad to lead me to my room.
I heard someone clapping from behind, "Who's clapping?" I questioned Ahad, still not turning around, "Your biggest cheerleader, Begum." He smiled, patting my head. (Translation: wifey)
"Did I say a lot?" I asked Ahad as soon as we walked into the room, "Nah, Begum, you did right. Standing up for yourself is what you should have done! I'm proud of you." he spoke softly, peaking my head lightly while taking me in a bear hug.
I sat on the lawn with my new family, my mother-in-law sat beside me, while the men of the house sat on the other side. We were all talking about different things when Ashar questioned, "Where are you guys going for your honeymoon?" He wiggled his eyebrows as I threw a pillow towards him.
"I mean vacations, Hayat?" he said, teasing us again, this mannerless man!
Ahad's eyes met mine, hiding a smile, and he gestured for me to speak instead. I rubbed my hands together; they were sweating badly.
"I was thinking if we all could go together to Islamabad by road?" I felt four pairs of eyes on me.
"You sure? Like you want all of us to go together," Ashar questioned.
I gave a nod in response as he screamed the words, "I AM IN," and walked out of the place.
"Beta, you all children should go, we couple need our own together time, so we will be here waiting for you guys," Baba said, patting my head, taking Ammi with him to the room, "Take a lot of pictures and enjoy."
I glanced towards Ahad, who was smiling, looking at me, and shaking his head. He too stood up and extended his hand for me to hold. I held his hand as he led us directly to the room. "You okay with what I suggested?" I asked Ahad.
"You wanted that?" I nod my head to his question.
"You did right, I'm not upset, and I won't be ever! I'll call my mates to join us on the trip, too. Is it okay with you, my dear wifey?" he had started calling me begum, my wife, and whatnot since we got married. Once I haven't heard my name from his mouth, he does flirt!
"Oh, why would I be? They should join us, but will I be alone?"
"Why would you be alone? You have me now, meri jaan," he whispered the last part near my ear, moving towards the bed. His nickname is just... (Translation: my baby)
By the end of February 23, on Sunday, we will leave for the trip. I'm pretty excited since it is my first time driving out of the city with my own family... MY FAMILY!