4- Relationship

Things were going beautifully for Hoorain, she was delighted to study under Zain, everything about it was mystic but time does not wait for anyone. It didn't stop and as slowly this time came, it was leaving with twice as much speed.

"Bhai!" Hoorain's voice came, getting down from stairs at the Mehendi function of Hoor, displeased that everyone left her and Emraz was not even present to take her.

“You love pissing me with your laziness, don’t you?” A growl can be heard from Rayan, scolding Isra, their event planner for being late. Zain motioned to Rayan about his sister but he was busy on the call, 

"Hoor Api left with Mama, how am I supposed to go now?" She asked sadly, looking down. Rayan gestured to Zain to check up on her, walking away, still rebuking Isra. 

Chuckling, Zain spoke up, "Leave Rayan, Hoorain. He is preparing to fall on my sister's head for being late."

Sighing, she held her forehead, "It's not a new thing. Isra api is always late. Hoor api left. Papa is busy and Emraz bhai didn't even bother to come home!" She argued, getting infuriated by each passing moment.

"Okay, okay, don't be tense-" She cut him off, "How can I not?!" Rolling her eyes, she mumbled, "If I am the youngest that doesn't mean I am not allowed to get ready." But then she looked at him expectantly, "Can you take me with Isra api?"

Zain chuckled nervously, "I don't think she will even have time to go to the parlor. It will be late, but I can drop you off, if you are fine with it?" He offered her politely. Her face lit up in glee, making her heart thump in happiness, "Really?"

"Sure, come." He smiled softly, "Rayan! I am taking Hoorain to the parlor!" Zain told him and he waved his hand to tell him, 'Okay fine' and they left. She could barely control herself, glancing at him with a shy smile.

“I hope I didn’t bother you.” She said sweetly when they drove off. “What? Of course not.” He chuckled. She couldn’t control her flutter while he drove, oblivious of what she was feeling in his presence. “How fast time flies, don’t you think?” She asked, looking out of the window, wrapping her arms around her.

“Yeah. Time doesn't stop for anyone.” He hummed. “You never know when a moment will become a memory.” She whispered, curling her lips downard, vexed to think what will happen when her course will end. 

“But I do pray the upcoming days will bring everyone endless smiles." He grinned when they stopped at the parlor, "There you go. Here's your destination, Ma'am." He teased, causing her to chuckle. "Thank you, Sir." She grinned, not wanting to leave him but that's not an option and getting out, she left to the parlor.

"Ah, there you are Hoorain." Hoor called, waving at her, getting her nails done. "How could you guys leave me behind?" She frowned, putting her hand on her waist. "So your Prince Charming could drop you off." She smirked but her voice was nonchalant.

"What?" She asked, taken aback. "Emraz Bhai, didn't come, did he?" She asked, looking at her sister who was blushing, shaking her head.

"See. I know Isra is always late that's why I told Bhai to pick Isra on his way back and knowing Rayan, he wouldn't breathe until he makes Isra complete all the decoration and that just leaves him." She ended, giving her a mischievous look and Hoorain couldn't help but to blush, looking away timidly making her laugh. "Now, make sure to give your best." She smiled. "Of course, she will." Hania said, entering the room after going to send her a picture of her henna to her husband.

"Geez, Mama, can't you wait? You were going to show your hands to Papa anyways." Hoor said, sighing at her Mother. "What can I say? Your Father asked and you know I never say no to him." She said sweetly, going back. "Ah Hoorain, you're here? Good. Sit down girl and get your hands done. The henna will take time." She smiled, making her sit.

"Sure." Nodding, she sat down, getting ready for the ceremony.

"Today is a big day for you, my love. I shall pray for your happiness, bless you." Hania whispered, kissing the Hoor’s forehead while they were going back.

"How do I look?" Hoorain asked Isra excitedly. "You look amazing!"

"You should have worn something more fancy." Hoorain told her innocently, chuckling, Isra looked at herself in the mirror. "It's fine."

"If you say so."

"We're going first Mama, you come with Api." Hoorain said and Isra stopped her, "You are not going, you are also staying with your sister."

Hoor chuckled, "Ah, she is always like this." Hoorain made an almost crying face and looked away, "There's still time for your wedding, I am not wasting my tears." She said sternly knowing if Hoor will leave, she will have no one to share her feelings with except her friend Haziqa who planned to leave the country as soon as she is done.

“I am so glad for you.” Hoorain whispered, holding Hoor’s hands. “Me too… I never thought this day would come.” She whispered as their Mother was calling their Father to pick them up. 

“Haider is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me.” Her smile grew wider, thinking about her tale of love. “You know Api, After seeing you I am at least assured that happy endings do exist. Not all love stories are left unanswered.” Hoorain whispered, looking at her sister in mesmerization, dressed up  no less than a doll, being the prettiest of their family.

“Me too. And I shall pray your story reaches its destination too." She breathed out, raising her gaze, saying seriously, "Because when feelings are left unattended, they develop into a scar. I don't want you to be hurt, My sister. I shall pray you find the best, if it's not Zain then so be it." She said, patting her back to help her ease but since when does love have a cure? Never.

"I don't think it could be anyone but him, Api." She whispered, not raising her head. "Girls, come! Your Father is here!" Hania called. "Let's just hope for the better." She breathed out, taking a deep breath that she is finally reaching the point where her tale of love is marked completed.

At the mehendi function, Hoorain rushed to Zain the moment his and Rayan's dance ended. "Sir!" She called, lifting her lehenga and running to him. "Careful, you might fall." He called, gesturing to her to ease, "What happened? What's the rush?" He asked sweetly. "You were amazing." She grinned, noticing how handsome he looked in that navy blue kurta, well fitted to his broad chest and rolled sleeves.

"Thank you." He smiled, "You ran just to tell me this?" He asked playfully. "Yeah..." She whispered, looking away.

She wanted to ask him how she looks but what he would think. "By the way, have you seen Rayan?" He asked, checking his watch. "Yeah, He was with Isra Api." She nodded. "I see. I will check up on him. You enjoy it." He smiled and left. She couldn't help but to smile, watching him walk away with an uncontrollable sensation glowing in her chest.

I wish I could tell you how you make me feel.  

***

"Do you, Hoor Ahmed take Haider Wardak as your lawfully wedded Husband?" Maulvi asked. Hoor smiled at her soon-to-be husband and said firmly, "I do."

"Do you Haider Wardak take Hoor Ahmed as your lawfully wedded Wife?"

He smirked, "I do."

"I pronounce you as Husband and Wife! May God bring endless happiness in your path! You may now kiss the Bride!" After the enunciation, everyone began to cheer for the new couple.

Hoorain cheered for her sister but at the same time, she was disheartened that she would leave. “Take care.” Hoor said sorrowfully, hugging her sister, on the verge of crying, creating a woeful moment.

“I will miss you.” Her voice broke, pulling away. “Me too.” She replied. Hoorain turned her head away, trying to control her trembling lips. “It’s okay. Don’t cry, Hoorain, don’t you want to bid your sister goodbye with a smile?” Zain asked softly, standing in front of her. “But.. But…” She tried to reason but no words came out. “I will miss her.” She whispered, making a crying face. 

“I know you will. But I am sure if you will cry, she will too, do you want that?” He asked tenderly, turning her to Hoor who was leaving. “No…” She mumbled. “Then don’t make that face and let’s go.” He smiled, giving her a tissue. “Thank you,” She whispered, curling her lips upwards as they walked after Hoor and Isra came running, "Out of my way!"

"What's with her?" Zain asked, furrowing his brows in confusion. "Guess who was late?" Rayan's voice came. "She was supposed to leave with Hoor but here she is." He sighed and Emraz stood beside Hoor, giving her a hug and kissing her forehead, "May you be happy." He smiled.

"Aw..." Hoorain breathed out, holding her dress. "Don't aw yet, your number is the next shrimp." Rayan smirked, teasing her, earning a gasp from her. "What!? No! Why!? It's either yours or Bhai! Why me!?" She panicked.

"Yeah, your number is next. Just watch." Rayan smirked, teasing her, making her more gloomy. "Sir! Say something."

"Oh, if bhai is not here then you are taking his help hmm?" Rayan's smirk grew wider, leaning closer to her face. "Good luck, Hoorain." Zain smiled, showing her a thumbs up, leaving her more disquiet. "I hope a Prince comes for you." He said sincerely. I don’t want a Prince. I want you!

"Bhai!" She called, almost crying. "Rayan!" Emraz's stern tone came, warning him to shut his mouth. "Oh shit, bhai. Let's go, Zain." He said, moving back, "Just you watch!" Rayan clicked his tongue at her, frightened deeply she rushed to Emraz, holding his arms tightly. "What happened?" He asked sweetly, holding her shoulder, to ease her tensed form. "Bhai look what Rayan bhai is saying! He says   he will marry me off." She mumbled sadly. "Ah, leave him. He is just teasing you. Stay with me." He smiled, waving Hoor goodbye as she left. The elderly couple had tears in their eyes, not believing this day finally came.

Hoorain hummed, not leaving her Brother's arm, making a puffy face. "Ah, let's go home." Emraz grinned, offering his hand. Happy-sad to know Hoor won't  be there anymore. "Uh.. bhai, you take Mama and Papa, I will come on the bus with everyone." Hoorain said nervously, moving back.

"Are you sure?" He asked but she nodded and went to the bus and the moment she entered, there was only one seat left, the one behind Zain and Rayan. They were sitting, talking to each other, tugging her hairs back, she sat behind, glancing at Zain with a faint smile while he was engrossed in his conversation with Rayan.

"Ah, I am thinking about asking Natasha out." Zain breathed out, leaning back but her heart rate dropped in distress. "Can your fragile heart bear her rejection?" Rayan asked with a smirk.

"Hmph, we will see about it later. Would be a great time to pass." He scoffed. "Don't you have a pretty girl in your culinary class?" Rayan asked, "Well yeah, there is one... Fariha... but we rarely talk." He shrugged. "Why don't you show her the magic of your hands?" Rayan suggested.

When it means nothing then why does it hurt? Hoorain thought, biting her lips, lowering her head and putting her head on the seat in front of her.

"Yeah.." He nodded. "So- Hey, who is it?" Rayan asked and turned and saw Hoorain's head resting there. "Oh, you. Are you sleepy? It might take an hour to reach home. Get some rest and don't be sad. I am still present for you." Rayan said, pulling her hand forward, kissing it and going back to Zain. "This mang tika might hurt you, you can take it off." Zain suggested. She hummed, eyes devoid at the moment, taking off her maang tikka and giving it to Zain before putting her head on the seat again.

"Here, rest your head on my hand." Rayan said softly, putting his hand behind the seat, humming as she put it over, biting her bottom lip to not cry. Why is it hurting you? Everyone has lovers. She thought.

"I guess she is sad that Hoor left." Zain mumbled. "Yeah... but what can I say? She has to get used to it." He shrugged as the drive started.  "Don't worry, Bhai knows how to handle her." Rayan said going back, talking with Zain the whole way while-

Unwilling the thought Zain could be in a relationship with someone else broke her heart.