Chapter-1

I sat unflinching in my place, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Only for today, everyone; meaning Mum and Annie, had gone out of their way to pick my dress. They took special care that my overall look was perfect. Not to forget the 4 inches heels. Today, everything is supposed to be perfect. Nothing should be out of place. Dad had helped out Mom in the kitchen to prepare the dishes. Our maid Auntie had made sure that every nook and corner was clean, the driver Uncle had cleaned out the veranda and Annie was going to make sure that everything was served in perfect order and time. Obviously, my role was decided too. I had to dress up pretty, talk pretty, look pretty, laugh pretty, smile pretty etc etc and obviously serve without spilling any tea on anyone. I was not feeling nervous. It wasn't nerves, but I couldn't escape the feeling of wanting to run away. This was what I had been praying for, since forever. This was it and yet...

My gaze was abruptly torn away from the mirror when the door banged open with a forced shove and in came my sister. 

"You're summoned." She began with a sinister grin and I had to gulp down the bile rising in the back of my throat along with the rest of my apprehensions .

"Is he here?" I asked hesitantly. She paused thoughtfully for a moment, before raising her eyebrows in affirmative. In response I dropped my head with a groan.

"Mahnoor! Baji is calling for you." Auntie Rukhsana came behind Annie and yelled in a hushed tone. I gave her a helpless look to which they both started laughing before Annie pulled me up by my hand and pushed me out the door. Catching my balance I swiftly turned my head to give her a glare. In returned she grinned with the phone directed towards me. This video is gonna be viral on the family group now. Straightening up, I slowly started making my way to the drawing room. Reciting Ayat-ul-Qursi, I pushed open the glass door and the first person on whom my gaze landed was Uncle, who was sitting beside my Dad on the couch. Turning my glance to the opposite couch, I spotted a well dressed, decent lady sitting with Mum and just for a split second, I saw THE dude and our eyes met for the briefest moment. I continued to walk towards Auntie and gave her a small hug, before going around to the opposite couch and saying Salam to Uncle. Even before I could take my seat, Dad had started my introduction, hinting at my young age and my medical qualification.

"Yes, she is still in housejob." Mum added while I sat elegantly with my legs crossed and hands clasped on my lap. In my mind, I corrected her, "done with housejob Mom". They went on and on about random things which I was barely interested in. Only answering when asked and not daring to look at the dude.

"Saad, is in his third year of residency. In Trauma." Auntie chided in gleefully and despite my lack of interest at the core of my heart; I gave appropriate responses. Afterall, there is 90% chance that I am going to marry him. Dad & Mum like him. He is from a great family. A doctor in UK, decent looks with seemingly good personality. What more could I ask for? What more—my thoughts faltered as his face flashed on the screens of my mind and I had to stop and catch my breath.

"Noor--!" Huh? I looked up quickly at the sound of my Mom shouting. Shit! I messed up!

"Lost somewhere?" It was Dad this time. I gaped at him, my gaze wandering to anticipating look on everyone's faces, stopping a moment longer, to catch the blank look on his face.

"Um sorry, I zoned—"I began but was cut off by Auntie. 

"We were thinking that before deciding on an engagement date, you two should talk and get to know each other better. What do you think?" Auntie Farzana suggested helpfully. I watched between her and Mom for my expected response but before I could further ruin the situation; Dad came to my rescue.

"Of course. After all it's the two of them who have to spend the life together. They should be the ones to decide on it." I sat quietly, with my eyes downcast, staring at my fingers fiddling with the hem of my dupatta.

"In fact, if you both are okay with it then they can go and talk in private right now." I chose this moment to look up at Dad and accidentally glanced at him; who caught my gaze and gave me a small smile. Immediately, I turned my gaze towards Mom and Auntie who were giving their own shots of encouragement.

In the end, us two were left in the drawing room, while the adults moved to the TV lounge. I sat in my seat in one corner of the room, whilst he sat on the far end. Barely a minute passed before he spoke up.

"Hope you don't feel that everything is being too rushed." He spoke softly in his British accent. Whereas, he was always loud and annoying. Rarely, serious. I looked up at his voice and watched him for a moment before replying.

"No, of course not. No such thing. Um..Do you..?Think..?" I stammered the last part and he gave a soft smile at that, no teeth. Sir, always had a sly grin. Always teasing. I had to look away as he took a moment to reply.

"If you don't mind, can I move to a closer seat?" His face had a permanent soft touch. But sir, had a kind look too, when he wasn't up to his antics.

"Oh. Yes, please. Not at all." My voice was very steady and I felt very collected and stable. Nothing at all like when I would see his face and lose ALL of my wits. I would be all over the place, as Faryal pointed out once.

I gave him a warm smile as he sat on the chair next to me.

"Hi. This feels better. No?" He remarked innocently and I gave him a small smile in response.

"So, do you have any questions for me?" He sat bending forward with his hands knotted. I caught a glance of his big, clean, hands. Sir, had very pretty hands. Very neat and clean. Long fingers and clipped nails.

"I think so, but would prefer for you to go first. If you don't mind." I gave him a half apologetic half pleading smile. He returned with one of his own.

"First things first. Do you wish to work after marriage?" 

"Madam, what are your future plans? 

Sir, surgery IA! 

Ohhh! So, I have motivated you to become a surgeon?

No, sir. I was going to pursue surgery from the very start.

That's great! So when are you giving the exam?

April IA, sir.

Isn't that great. May Allah help you succeed and you clear your exam quickly!"

"Yes. IA. I want to become a surgeon." I think, I added the last part to myself.

"Oh. That's great. So you must have already thought it through? Won't it get difficult? To manage?" I looked up as he ended his sentence. In response, I could only shrug. He watched me for a second before moving onto his next question with a small smile.

Most of his questions were related to my personal hobbies and interests, before he started dwelling into his life in UK. His job, his friends, family. How he grew up. His likes and dislikes. I responded adequately to his every inquiry. All in all, he seemed like a nice guy. A guy that I can imagine spending the rest of my life peacefully with. Unlike someone else.

We were still in the middle of one of his college story, when the adults came in. After some teasing about how we had lost track of time, numbers were exchanged.

"In the end whatever is Allah's will. Pairs are made up in heaven." Dad ended satisfied, as we all got up to see them off.

"Allah hafiz. Talk to you soon?" He stayed behind with me as others walked in front of us. I gave him a sideway glance and nodded a smile.

"Yes. IA." I returned smiling and held up my hand in a wave as I watched him leave out the gate. He shot me a smile before disappearing inside the car. With a sigh, I moved back into the house, leaving Dad and Mom at the gate.

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1 month later

"Of course I will come!!" I yelled excitedly on the phone. Maha giggled in return. 

"It's only close friends and cousins. Family mainly. A small gathering. Phupo, Fahad and everyone made sure that I have invited you and you don't have any excuse. Otherwise Fahad himself would come and bring you." I chuckled at that and knew how persuasive Fahad bhai could be.

"No please. No need for that. I wasn't going to miss your long awaited baby shower anyways! I'll be there IA!" 

"Okay!! Tell me the time of your bus arrival. I'll send Fahad to pick you." She continued and before I could return with a reply, I was interrupted with the arrival of a patient.

"Hey! I'll call you back. Patient's here." Saying my goodbyes, I returned to attending the patient.

1 week from now, huh. Time sure flies. It feels just like yesterday when I finished my housejob. But it's already been 8 months.

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"Hello? Fahad bhai? Yeah I am here—where? I don't see—" I was saying, standing at the Rawalpindi bus terminal, searching for Fahad bhai.

"Madam." I heard the familiar voice behind me and my heart literally stopped beating for a moment there. I didn't dare move. In fact I was physically incapable to do so. Just like that time.

"Madam." he called out again. It was like deja vu and this time I didn't have to turn, because he was there, right in front of me and I couldn't breathe. I stood there staring at him, like I had seen a ghost. I felt my life draining out of me.

He was back.