Kashmakash

Part 25

The golden hue of the morning painted the sky in warm shades, casting a gentle glow over the world. Hyder's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of the sun delicately touched his face. He found himself cocooned in the presence of Naaziya, who lay beside him like a protective blanket, her slumber marked by an adorable pout. Hyder couldn't help but smile as he brushed away a stray strand of hair that had dared to disturb her peaceful sleep, causing it to tickle her rosy cheeks.

Naaziya's eyes slowly blinked open, and a radiant smile graced her lips as she felt his tender touch. "Good morning," she whispered, her smile rivaling the morning sun in its brilliance. Hyder returned her smile, feeling truly blessed. He couldn't help but think that he would cherish such beautiful mornings with her every day.

She nestled her head on his chest, seeking comfort in his embrace. "Can I sleep a little longer?" she mumbled sleepily. Hyder wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her head to soothe her back into slumber. He marveled at how a single night had transformed everything. He had never imagined that he could bring such happiness to her, yet here they were, both becoming the reason for each other's smiles. The protective walls he had built around his heart had crumbled in the wake of her unwavering assurance.

**

Returning to the bustling haveli, they found workers scurrying about, decorating every nook and cranny of the house. The family had gathered in the dining room for breakfast, and as Hyder and Naaziya quietly made their way to their room, not wanting to gain attention, but Zain caught them and couldn't resist some playful teasing.

"Arey Bhai and Bhabhi, kahan se aa rahe savere savere. Aaiye nashta kar lijiye," he teased with a mischievous grin.

Hyder and Naaziya hesitantly joined the family at the table, trying to ignore the teasing glances and smirks from everyone around them. They focused on their breakfast in silence, hoping the attention would soon shift away.

However, Sameer, ever the curious one, couldn't resist asking after the elders went away, "Waise Naaz, kahan the raat bhar?" He looked genuinely concerned, not realizing he was stepping into delicate territory.

Hyder tensed at his younger brother's question, unsure of how to respond. But before he could say anything, Naaziya took the initiative, her tone carrying a hint of mischief.

"Mere shauhar aapki tarah boring nahi hai, long drive pe le gaye the raat mein," she said, raising a single eyebrow and smirking as she effortlessly diverted the conversation toward teasing Hyder.

Hyder shot her a glare, but Naaziya continued in a sassy tone, "Jaaneman, ye ankhe unko dikhaye jo aapse darte ho. Hum to mohabbat karte hai," she added, sending a playful flying kiss his way.

The room erupted in laughter and playful hoots as everyone joined in the teasing. Hyder's face turned various shades of red, starting from his neck and spreading up to his ears and cheeks. It seemed that their secret adventures had been discovered, but with Naaziya's witty response, they had managed to turn the situation into a light-hearted cousin time.

***

Hyder stood before the mirror, dressed in a black kurta, his reflection staring back at him. As he contemplated his appearance, he noticed Mobeen entering the room with a tense posture, his expression filled with determination.

"Naaziya mujhe jaan se pyari hai aur agar aapne usse dukh pahuchaya to main bhool jaunga ki aap bade hai," Mobeen declared, attempting to sound threatening. Hyder couldn't help but find Mobeen's attempt endearing. He chuckled and reached out to affectionately pat Mobeen's cheek.

"Main kabhi apni zimmedari se nahi bhagta, aur tumhari behen to pyar hai," Hyder replied with a warm smile, his words filled with sincerity.

Mobeen stood frozen, taken aback by Hyder's sudden confession of love for his sister. Hyder noticed Mobeen's surprised expression and couldn't resist teasing him further.

"Tumhi log to kehte the pyaar karta hu, ab chauk kyu rahe ho?" he said with a hearty laugh, lightening the atmosphere with his good-natured humor.

***

Hyder found himself sitting on the stage, surrounded by his brothers who were teasing him relentlessly. However, a single, stern glare from him was enough to silence them all.

"Yaar Naaz ko jaldi lao, bhai to aisa irritated behave kar rahe jaise deal cancel ho gayi hai. Koi inko bolega inki engagement hai," Zain remarked in exasperation. But to his relief, he noticed Hyder's demeanor change when he spotted Naaziya making her way toward the stage.

Hyder couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked like an angel in her black and golden lehenga, and he couldn't help but extend his arm to pull her closer. As they exchanged rings, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

Amidst the festivities, Shafa watched Hyder closely. She couldn't help but contrast his mood during their own engagement with his current happiness. Sameer, noticing her somber expression, approached her.

"Are you okay?" Sameer inquired, genuine concern in his voice.

Shafa couldn't hide her smirk. "You care? Tum to sabse aage the to convince Hyder to cancel our engagement."

Sameer sighed and defended himself, "Shafa, aap napasand nahi the. Bas mujhe lagta tha bhai ki Khushi Naaziya mein hai."

Shafa looked back at the newly engaged couple, realizing Sameer was right. Hyder looked genuinely happy. She had always noticed how Hyder paid special attention to Naaziya. Whenever she was in the room, he seemed to ignore everyone else, and his eyes never left her. This had been true back then and was even truer now.

With a sigh, Shafa admitted, "She was meant for him. Par iss dil ka kya karu, ye to tumhare bhai pe aa gaya tha," she said with a sad smile.

Sameer returned her smile, reassuring her, "You will find someone better because you deserve it."

***

After the engagement ceremony, the venue was transformed to accommodate Sameer's and Rafia's Nikah. Rafia and Sameer sat across from each other, separated by a beautiful flower curtain. Rafia looked absolutely radiant in her cream-colored wedding attire, her red net veil covering her face, but her smile was evident to Sameer.

They exchanged the sacred words, "Qubool hai," three times, binding themselves with the bond that Allah had blessed upon them. The room echoed with joyful congratulations, and Hyder, filled with pride and happiness, pulled Sameer into a heartfelt hug. Sameer glanced at his mother, who was seated beside Rafia. She smiled back at him and discreetly blinked her eyes, giving her silent approval.

Sameer stood up and walked toward Rafia, lowering himself to his knees. He gently lifted her veil, revealing her overwhelmed expression with a few tears in her eyes. Sameer tenderly wiped the tears away with his thumb and kissed her forehead, whispering, "Nikah Mubarak."

Rafia's cheeks blushed naturally under the adoring gaze of her new husband, and she replied timidly, "Nikah Mubarak." Sameer couldn't help but smile, feeling her tremble under his touch. Not wanting to overwhelm her further, he returned to the men's section.

Naaziya approached Rafia and warmly hugged her. "Mubarak ho, Bhabhi," she exclaimed.

"Shukriya.Apko bhi Mubarak, Bhabhi," Rafia teased, and both of them burst intogiggles. Unbeknownst to them, both brothers were watching them with adorationin their eyes, cherishing this moment of joy and bonding between the twosisters-in-law.