Won’t back away

"Mom ask Rehan uncle to do the ruksati soon"

His words still rang in my head. It was as if my whole brain had freezed and my body was numb. My heart was thudding loudly making me realize that it was the only thing I can listen to right now. Only none words. Yet it was so difficult to understand. It was as if my brain was not able to comprehend it. I stared at everyone as they looked me. I shifted my gaze to where he was standing few minutes back. He was gone. With him his aura to had left. But this time even if he had gone for now, he had left a silent storm behind him. I didn't know what to do? Be happy? Be sad? No there was no problem with me and Asad being together. Is there? Yes. There is. Ashton.

"Firdaus" I heard someone call me. I slowly lifted my head up and saw Jannat aunty standing in front of me. Ya Allah! Was I so much lost in thinking that I didn't felt that aunty is standing in front of me?

"Hmm. I-"

"It's okay beta. I understood. Believe me I myself had been thinking about this from a long time now. I was just waiting for the right time. But look what can be more perfect than now, I am so happy now. Zayn we will talk about it to Rehan Bhai and Umera Appi soon. I just can't wait." She told me as she kissed my forehead and patted my head lovingly.

"Finally!" Elnaz sighed as her eyes twinkled with excitement and happiness in them as she came and gave me a tight hug. I smiled a bit but my head was full of lots of if's.

"Finally, I got to have you with me in the same roof. Ya Allah I am so happy-" she stopped as someone else's voice intervened her.

"Same roof? What?" Asked my brother as he made a sudden entry from the door. When did Bhai came? He was wearing a dark blue sherwani (kurta). He looked at Elnaz who had already moved away from me and had her bowed. I never understand their relationship. Rafay Bhai is always intimidating her. Scaring her away. Abbu (dad) and Ammi (mom) came in too behind Bhai (brother). They had a smile etched on their faces.

"Assala-" I interrupted them as I ran and hugged Abbu burying my face in his chest. I was overwhelmed. My emotions were everywhere. It seemed as if it was out of my control. "Assalamualaikum Abbu " I whispered still hugging him. "Walaikumasalam Gudiya (doll) how are you? " he asked as he rubbed my shoulders. I quickly wiped my tears and moved out of his embrace. Forcing a smile on my face I replied him. "I'm fine Abbu. Assalamualaikum Ammi and Bhai. How are you all?" I asked as I hugged mom and Bhai.

"Walaikumasalam. We are fine Firdaus." Mom and Bhai replied as mom kissed my cheeks.

"Eid Mubarak Firdaus." Rafay Bhai said hugging me. We all wished other the same.

******

"It was a good surprise indeed. We missed this gathering so much." Jannat aunty said as she passed on the bowls of sheer-khurma to everyone. Everyone has seated in the dining area. Talking chatting, giggling, laughing everything was happening.

"Indeed. I always loved meeting and joining in like this. But you know that these men are always busy so it got postponed." Ammi said as she started eating the kheer.

"Truth indeed." aunty replied as they both were chatting again about different stuffs. Rafay Bhai and Asad had seated on the opposite side of these women. They were talking something related to business because it seemed from their serious expressions. On the other hand, Abbu and Zayn uncle returned from the garden area ending their evening walk. Elnaz had gone all quiet after the arrival of my family. She would fidget with her dupatta (stole) or browse through her phone. I was sure it was because of Rafay Bhai. He always made her scared. Poor Elnaz. He would at glance at our direction. Questioning me with his eyes. It was clear that he would want to talk to me when we are alone.

"so, when are you wanting to come back Firdaus?" Abbu asked.

"Dad I would join you while you would be returning back." I replied suddenly feeling hollow that I would be leaving so soon.

"but It's so early!" Elnaz suddenly emphasized but then she kept quiet as she saw that my brother was watching her.

"It's okay Elnaz. Any ways she would be staying here with us for always." her mom spoke as her eyes held the infinite happiness while she was looking at Firdaus's mom's direction.

"What are trying to imply Jannat?" Umera {Firdaus mom} asked her but her eyes showed that she knows everything.

"Actually, what my wife is trying to say here right now is that It's time that Firdaus should come and start living with her husband and by that we mean that you guys should think about the ruksati now." Zayn told.

"ohh you are saying that but Zayn my daughter is so young to start living a life like a married woman." Rehan grimaced.

"ohh come on Rehan, I know that you are yet possessive of your daughter but now It's time that you let her husband take care of her." Zayn told him patting his back slightly.

"What do you think Asad beta? Do you want it to?" Rehan asked his son-in-law.

Asad who was sitting on the chair listening his parent's conversation spoke "uncle" then he looked towards Firdaus direction judging her already beetroot face and hesitant eyes which were looking at the floor while he was calculating his words. When he didn't reply she looked up only to meet his gaze and when it did, he marked "I do uncle."

He could clearly see the hesitation and how her eyes welled up at his response. But he was damn sure that this time he won't back away.

No matter what!

******