Chapter 1: THE HOUSE IS BLOOMING
Well, let's just start from the beginning. I am Huzefa, an engineer, working in Dubai. I was raised in a Bohra family, it's a sect of Shia Muslim community. We have our unique cultural norms and traditions. We have our spiritual leader who is dearest to us even more than our parents. Whenever we face any problem, we seek his help and permission (Raza) in that regard and we feel satisfied. I used to live in Karachi, I studied there all my life until I turned 22 and moved to Dubai in search of work. I got a pretty decent work there. I was happy, getting good pay. Living my life to the fullest. And suddenly one day, my Ammi called me and asked me to come to Karachi as she wanted me to get married. I wasn't ready for that, so I just said no. I messaged Sara, and said to her about this whole situation as she was my only best friend, but to my utter astonishment, she replied in a very weird manner saying "okay". I snapped for a while because I thought she would get either very much mad about this or she would die laughing. But none.
Anyways, after Ammi's so much insist, I came back to Karachi. Naturally, I just accepted the fact that I have to get married someday, why not now? So, I was all fine with this but the thought that Sara didn't even ask me again about this, kept me driving crazy. By the way, I still had no idea whom I was going to meet today. Suddenly, Ammi said, I always wanted you and Sara to be together. You always had this cute bonding together. I am so happy finally; you guys are getting engaged. That was the moment, I knew why Sara didn't react. I lost my cool. I was angry and mad. Because, I always considered Sara as my bestie and never thought of getting into a relationship with her. She was just like a younger sister to me. Ammi! What are you saying? Are you aware of what you are saying? Sara and me? All of you guys have lost it. I can't marry her, that's it. Huzefa! Shut up. We are your parents and we decide what's good for you. All of us have mutually agreed on this proposal and we have even taken Sara's consent. So, now don't be a hurdle in the beautiful knot which is going to be tied today.
After all this fuss, I called Sara, and asked her about this. She replied calmly, she knew all this long ago and she was also forced to get into this relationship just like me. But she was my best friend after all, so I tried talking to her until I actually got her talking all the shit out which she had been keeping inside her for a long time. She started sobbing, she cried a lot. I had never seen her cry this much. We both were not ready for this. We needed time. I assured her that nothing is going to happen until we both are ready for it. After this long talk, we had this thought in our minds that nothing can stop our parents to get us engaged, we knew that it is going to happen anyhow. But we had a plan too. We decided that we would get engaged as per their will but we won't get married according to their set up. We will take our own time and get all this fixed first. We didn't even know that we liked each other or not at that time.
All of us, Ammi, abba, me and my siblings were decorating the house. Preparing the dinner as Sara's family were to arrive just after 3 hours. Ammi made her favorite dish 'Karahi' (mutton curry). I was not that angry actually, to be very honest. I was actually satisfied because I knew her since our childhood. At least I don't have to get married to a complete strange. Ammi seemed super excited; she was very happy with our engagement. And the reason of her utmost satisfaction was Moula's Raza (our leader's permission and prayers). And honestly, this made me happy too.
Its time, the guests arrived. I don't why I am calling them guests when I know them since I used to wear diapers. I was a bit shy too, quite strange. But fuck all that. I was so happy to see Sara after years. She has grown beautiful, tall and charming. Now I was happier to marry her. She was blushing too. She almost looked like the perfect girl. I hugged her immediately. And I didn't realize, everyone was staring at me. Even she started laughing. Well, I was embarrassed. And then, an old cliché statement by my auntie 'what is with that impatience, she is yours after all' with that unwanted laugh, which I always hated. I just smiled and backed off from her. Then, as usual, everyone got busy with their stuff. Ammi and auntie went into the kitchen. Abba and uncle started their boring political talks. And all the kids started shouting and screaming for no reason. In the meanwhile, Sara and I made our way to my room. I was so happy to see her after so many years. Surprisingly, I found her attractive this time, which I never did before. Maybe, it was her new fashion sense, or maybe the puberty hit her really hard. Whatever the reason was, I was attracted to her. I was just wondering, if she has the same feelings for me too? And luckily, she started talking all of a sudden about how I looked so different and cool. She admired my dressing sense too. She said almost all those things which were on my mind, as if she read my mind. But I was so happy to even care about that. You know what? Sara I was going to say the exactly the same to you. You look so different as compared to how I had seen you the time I left for Dubai. Who did this magic to you, queen, I said in a light mood. We talked about so many things. I missed her a lot. But I am happy to see her again.
Huzefa, Sara, come downstairs. Let's celebrate and start the ceremony, Ammi called. And we both sighed and laughed. I guess we were both happy and satisfied with this. We went down. We both sat on the sofa which my mom only used for special occasion. I was quite surprised so I just teased my mom saying, Ammi I don't think so it's a special occasion to use the sofa. She gave me angry and funny look. Sara and I were sitting side by side, keeping a definite distance as per the rules. Then I brought the ring I bought for her. It was a diamond ring, and quite expensive too. And the interesting thing about this ring was; it would turn black and would end up in pieces, if the person wearing it, is unhappy. When I told this to her, she smiled and said, even if the devil himself comes in between us, I will always be happy and I would never let this diamond shatter. Everyone said Masha Allah (blessings in Arabic). And I said Insha Allah (may it be according to God's will). We both smiled looking into each other's eyes. I saw love and affection.
After the ceremony, we all were so hungry. We started preparing for the dinner. Placed the Safra (mat for eating) on the carpet. Brought the Thaal (a large round plate in which the dishes are put and everyone eats from the same plate. This is a Bohra tradition.) and put it there. All of us sat and took some memorable pictures. Ugh, the day went really well. We ate ice-cream. We all gossiped for a while. All of us were finally happy with the reunion and us getting engaged. It felt like a relief on all of their faces. It got quite late, so the other family decided to leave, Sara wanted to stay as always, but now things were different so Ammi and auntie didn't let her stay. Quite understandable! We had this sexual tension arising too. So, it seemed quite fair to not let her stay. The moment they left, I saw that the diamond turned grey.
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Huzefa_Turab
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