Mayi Ri

Chapter 8

"Ainy, take care of yourself. If you ever need to vent or talk about something, just give me a call, okay?" Aiman says, embracing Ainy tightly. Fehmi has decided to return to her own home as her husband has been living alone while she stayed with her mother and siblings.

"I will," Ainy responds, returning the hug. Ainy and Aiman are only a year apart in age. Throughout their childhood, Aiman has been not just a cousin but also a close friend to Ainy. They've shared their deepest thoughts and feelings with each other, something Ainy couldn't always do with Fakhir due to societal norms and gender boundaries.

When Fehmi leaves with Aiman, Saiqa teases her mother. "Ab amma, aap kisse sabki burayiyan karegi?"

Amma responds with an affectionate smile, "Mujhe Fehmi ke alawa aur bhi bache hai, Saiqa. Tum khud ko mere bachon mein ginti nahi to main kya karti."

Saiqa grins, understanding her mother's point, "Amma, hum karenge na baatein par logon ke burayi karne mein mujhe maza nahi aata."

"Burayiyan karne ke liye waqt nahi hai ab. We have to start the preparations for the nikkah," Amma reminds them,

The women gather in the living room, surrounded by colorful fabric swatches and bridal magazines spread out on the coffee table. They're discussing the wedding attires for Ainy and Fakhir, trying to decide on the perfect outfits for the bride and groom.

Aisha flips through a bridal magazine, pointing out various designs and color palettes. "I think a traditional red lehenga would look stunning on Ainy. It's a classic choice."

Saiqa nods in agreement. "Yes. It's perfect for a wedding."

Sameena suggests with enthusiasm, "How about we add a touch of modernity to it? We could incorporate some gold or silver embroidery to make it more unique and contemporary."

Turning their attention to Ainy, Saiqa asks, "Ainy, tum batao, tumhe kaisa lahanga chahiye?"

Ainy, feeling frustrated by the lack of control over her own wedding, responds with a hint of bitterness, "If you all haven't given us the chance to choose when and whom to marry, then you can choose our wedding attire as well."

Aisha and Sameena exchange concerned glances as Faiza follows Ainy, recognizing her frustration.

"We didn't have a choice in our marriages either. We married whoever the men in our family chose for us. The cycle is repeating, and it's disheartening that we can't do anything about it. I feel helpless as a woman because I can't stop this wedding," Saiqa says, her frustration evident in her voice.

"Maybe in the future, Ainy and Fakhir will break this cycle," Aisha suggests, trying to find some hope in the situation.

"I hope so, Aisha. I don't want this cycle to continue in our home," Saiqa says with a hint of concern.

Sameena adds with regret, "If it weren't for Zaheer's health, I would never let him do this to Fakhir."

Despite their reservations and shared desires to prevent the wedding, the women continue discussing wedding attires, knowing that the impending nikkah seems inevitable, and they must fulfill their roles in the preparations even if they wish otherwise.

Habeeb and Zaheer sit together, deep in conversation about the upcoming wedding preparations. They delve into the guest list, venue arrangements, and all the logistical details needed to make the event a resounding success.

"Zaheer bhai, we need to finalize the guest list. Do you have any specific names in mind?" Habeeb inquires.

Zaheer responds with determination, "Yes, Habeeb. I've already compiled a list of close relatives and friends. We should extend invitations to all of them. This wedding should be a grand affair."

Habeeb nods in agreement, "Of course, Bhai. And what about the venue? Have you decided on a location for the nikkah and reception?"

"I'm considering booking the community hall. It offers ample space to comfortably accommodate all our guests."

Habeeb approves, "That sounds like a practical choice. It's convenient for most of our attendees. We should also make arrangements for catering and decorations without delay."

"Absolutely, Habeeb. I want every aspect to be impeccable for Ainy and Fakhir's special day."

The two fathers continue their discussion, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable event for their children.

Zaheer sits down with his mother, Amma, to discuss the preparations for Ainy and Fakhir's nikkah. He shares his plans and talks about booking a venue for the event.

"Amma, I've been thinking about the nikkah preparations," Zaheer begins.

Amma, who has been sewing quietly, looks up at her son, her eyes kind but firm. "Yes, Zaheer?"

"I thought we could book the community hall for the nikkah and reception. It's spacious and convenient for our guests," Zaheer suggests.

Amma considers this for a moment, then gently shakes her head. "Beta, there's no need to book a venue for the nikkah."

Zaheer looks surprised. "But Amma, I want it to be a grand affair, a memorable event for Ainy and Fakhir."

Amma smiles, her eyes filled with wisdom. "Zaheer, remember our traditions and values. Nikkah is a sacred ceremony, and it should be held in our home, where our ancestors' blessings reside. It will be just as special, if not more so, within these walls. We can book the venue for the Walima though."

Zaheer reflects on his mother's words, realizing the importance of preserving their family traditions. "You're right, Amma. Nikkah in our home will have its own charm and significance."

Amma pats her son's hand affectionately. "We will make it beautiful, and it will be a day to remember. You'll see, beta."

Zaheer smiles, grateful for his mother's wisdom and guidance.

Fakhir, filled with tension as he packs his bags in the dead of night, senses someone knocking on the floor. He exchanges a nervous glance with Arsal, his heart racing. Fakhir quickly hides his packed bag under his bed, while Arsal pretends to be sound asleep. The knock persists, and Fakhir cautiously opens the door, his anxiety slowly easing as he finds Ainy standing there. Ainy can't help but chuckle.

"Darr gaya?" she teases, her voice carrying a playful tone.

"Tum kyun aayi ho yahaan pe?" Fakhir asks, glancing past Ainy to ensure no one is in the hallway.

"Yeh lo," she says, placing a packet in his hand.

Fakhir locks the door behind her, his curiosity piqued. "What is this?"

"Khana. You will get hungry on your way. To maine socha khana leke aau. Packing ho gaya?" Ainy settles on the bed, and Arsal, no longer pretending to sleep, joins them on the bed.

Fakhir sits down beside Ainy. "Haan, ho gaya."

Ainy notices his anxious expression. "Why this face?" she asks.

Arsal chimes in, "He's nervous."

"Koi jaag toh nahi raha?" Fakhir asks, looking a bit worried. Ainy shakes her head.

"I confirmed. Everyone is sleeping except Faiza. She is just making sure that no one is awake while I give food to you," Ainy replies.

"Okay, Ainy, listen. I will be leaving in like 15 minutes. Thanks for the food and for coming," Fakhir says, his voice filled with gratitude and tension.

Arsal takes out Fakhir's bag from under the bed and carefully places the food inside.

"I need to pee," Fakhir suddenly announces and heads towards the bathroom.

"He needs to pee whenever he is nervous," Ainy chuckles softly. Arsal quickly puts his hand over her mouth. "Shhh," he hushes her, not wanting to risk waking anyone up with their laughter.

Fakhir takes his bag from Arsal and embraces him tightly. He shares a piece of brotherly advice with a smile, "If Baba forces you to marry Ainy just to save his honor, don't do it. She'll talk your ears off all day, I'm telling you from my own experience."

Ainy kicks Fakhir with her foot. "Badtameez, dafa ho ja yaha se."

As Fakhir smiles and playfully tugs at Ainy's hair, a habit he never got rid off, he gives her a warm side hug. With one last glance at Arsal, he leaves the room, his heart heavy with both excitement and anxiety. Ainy watches him go, her mind filled with uncertainty about what the next day will bring when the family learns of Fakhir's elopement.

As breakfast time arrives, everyone gathers at the dining table. Zaheer, concerned about Fakhir's absence, inquires, "Where's Fakhir?" The atmosphere at the table grows tense as they realize Fakhir is not present.

Ainy and Arsal exchange tense glances, and Arsal reaches out to place his hand on Ainy's, silently urging her to remain calm.

"Arsal, Fakhir kaha gaya?" Sameena asks arsal.

Arsal, trying to keep his composure, responds to Sameena's inquiry, "I haven't seen him since morning, Bari maami." The uneasiness in his voice doesn't escape notice, and everyone at the table starts to feel increasingly concerned about Fakhir's whereabouts.

Zaheer's concern quickly turns into irritation as he scolds Sameena for Fakhir's absence during breakfast. "Sameena, how can you be so careless? Fakhir should have been here for breakfast. This is an important time, and he needs to be present for family meals."

Sameena, feeling a pang of guilt, apologizes, "I'm sorry, Zaheer. I thought he was with Arsal. I'll go check on him right away."

With that, Sameena leaves the dining area to find out what's keeping Fakhir away from the family breakfast.

Sameena's worry intensifies as she searches Fakhir's room and realizes he's not there. She decides to call his phone, but the ringing goes unanswered. Concerned, she tries again, hoping for a response that would put her at ease, but Fakhir continues to ignore the call, deepening Sameena's anxiety about his whereabouts.

Sameena decides to reach out to one of Fakhir's friends, Ahmed, to see if he has any information about Fakhir's whereabouts. She dials Ahmed's number and anxiously waits for him to answer.

Hello?" Ahmed answers the call.

"Hello, Ahmed. It's Fakhir's mother."

"Haan, aunty. Boliye."

"Is Fakhir with you?" Sameena asks with growing concern.

"Nahi aunty, he's not with me. What happened?" Ahmed inquires, clearly worried.

"He's not at home now, and he isn't answering my calls either," Sameena explains, her voice trembling with anxiety.

Ahmed pauses for a moment, "Let me check with our other friends."

Sameena makes a plea to Ahmed, "Please, if you hear from Fakhir or know where he is, tell him to come back home immediately. I am really worried about him."

Ahmed assures her, "Don't worry, aunty. I'll let you know if I hear from him or if I find out where he is."

Sameena returns to the dining area, her face reflecting worry and concern. She addresses Zaheer with a troubled expression.

"Zaheer, Fakhir is not at home," she informs him, her voice laced with anxiety.

Zaheer's face tightens with concern as well, and he responds, "What do you mean he's not at home? Did he go out without telling anyone?"

Sameena nods, her worry deepening. "Yes, and he's not answering my calls either. I'm really getting worried, Zaheer."

Worry and tension fill the room as Sameena shares this troubling information. Zaheer begins to speculate, "Doston ke yaha gaya hoga," suggesting that Fakhir might be at a friend's place.

But Sameena's concern grows as she responds, "He isn't taking my calls either. I talked with his friend Ahmed. He isn't with Ahmed either."

"Arsal, Ainy, do you both know where Fakhir went?" Zaheer asks.

Zaheer's question hangs in the air, directed at Arsal and Ainy. The tension in the room is palpable as they exchange anxious glances. Both of them are well aware of Fakhir's plan to elope, but revealing this information could have serious consequences.

"Nahi." Arsal and Ainy respond in unison, their voices betraying no hint of the secret they share. They maintain a facade of ignorance, not daring to reveal the truth about Fakhir's disappearance and elopement plan.

"Ainy, Fakhir kabhi bhi tumhe bina bataye kahi nahi jata." Sameena says.

Ainy responds, trying to appear innocent, "Bari Ammi, main aaj use dekha hi nahi." She keeps up the charade, not wanting to reveal that she's aware of Fakhir's secret plan.

Amma expresses her disappointment, wondering aloud, "Fir kaha gaya ye larka?" She's clearly concerned about Fakhir's sudden disappearance.

Zaheer's phone rings, and he quickly answers the call. His expression changes as he listens to the voice on the other end.

Zaheer's sudden command to his brother Habeeb, "Habeeb, gaari nikalo," leaves everyone in the room puzzled. Ainy and Arsal exchange anxious glances, unsure of what's happening. The family members sit in tense anticipation, wondering why Zaheer has asked for the car.