Amal

In a land of solace we travelled.

The crowding trees and hovering mountains passed by us in a blur.The car sped down the narrow roads, passing all the various beautiful colours as my grey eyes stared out of the car window.

Lush green with dusted brown, pink and red with yellow and white.Blue covered the horizon with a clear sky devoid of clouds.Yet the sun remained shining over our heads.

We passed the sign board of Abbottabad indicating that we had entered the premises of our city.As the all too familiar roads and building surrounded us.

My shaky hands rubbed against each other.A ball of anxiety and nervousness settling in the deep pit of my stomach.Despite the mental prep I had been doing for the past week, I still felt an uneasiness within me.An unknown fear.But what I feared the most; were the reactions I was going to get after meeting my husband's family.

Husband.

Looking over at the man besides me, I saw him rest against the back of the seat with his eyes fixed out of the window.He remained quiet yet his tensed figure didn't go unnoticed by me.I could feel his nervousness too.The cold wavering off his charcoal eyes hid the warm pain.

Arsalan was someone very different.Sometimes you could read him like a book, other times he would hide himself.Sometimes he would allow himself to be shown and sometimes he would do no effort and let the expressions say it all.

A confusion- Arsalan.

The driver drove towards our destination and I leaned against the headrest too.Awaiting what awaited me.

The air blew my hair, tickling my nose making me close my eyes and brush them back.Relaxing against the seat, I felt myself drowning in the pools of sleep.The exhaustion getting the better of me.

A cold hand touched my arm, shaking me lightly.Opening my eyes I saw the man besides me, smile at me.His charcoal eyes looking at me before looking before us.

" We are home."He said.Sitting up, I glanced at the windshield.The driver honked and in an instant the large black gates were opened.The car had slowed down as I looked out of the window.

A large garden remained at the side and green hovering trees were planted everywhere in the driveway.Stopping at the patio, the driver got down from the car.Arsalan guided,

" Come."Opening his side of the door he too got down from the vehicle.The driver opened my door making me slid down.Glancing up at the- the huge mansion I froze.

A huge mansion remained before us, the off white pillars supporting the entrance as the five steps led to them.Dark wooden doors were polished and shined as they remained wide open giving the view of the haste happening inside.The large garden area could be seen from where we stood.Two other cars were also parked in the driveway.Plants were aligned on the steps as we stepped up.My husband a step before me.

" They are here."A loud girly voice called from inside making me peek from behind Arsalan's back.

Footsteps rushed and voices hushed.Two elderly woman came into view.I recognized my mother in law in an instant.She stood in all her glory dressed in pistachio coloured shalwar kameez,her head covered with her dupatta as her light coloured eyes stared at us.A wide smile stretching her lips.

" Ammi"Arsalan said before shortening the distance between them and embracing her.

" Shehzaaday" I heard her say as I stood besides them now.

The other woman was same aged as Aunty Naheed, her light brown eyes were teary as she looked at the mother and son.

" Assalam O Alaikum."I said to her.Turning to me she embraced me tightly greeting me back.As we pulled away she kissed my forehead lovingly.

" I am Neelum.Arsalan's aunty."She introduced making me nod my head.

"Amal-"A young woman said, Ahya.

Dark hair and dark brown eyes with cream skin tone, the woman was very gorgeous.The dark blue dress only made her stand out more as she hugged me tightly.

Next was Aunty Meena.Embracing me, she kept blowing dua's at me.Her warm hands cupping my face as she smiled at me.

I was so overwhelmed with love and we hadn't even entered the home.Feeling a heated gaze on me, I turned to look at my husband seeing him look at me.Pulling away from his mother he stepped back.Greeting his aunties.

Stepping towards my mother in law, I greeted her.Her warm hand reached towards my cheeks as she ran a hand over the side of my face.

" MashALLAH"She said before embracing me lovingly.Pulling away she looked at me with warmth that I felt with Aunty Shahana only.Smiling at her, I kissed her hand in respect.

" My kids are finally home."Aunty Naheed said wiping her happy tears away.Wiping away my own lone tear, I turned to look at the other women that came out.

" Zarah, go bring the plates of sweets first."Aunty Neelum said.

A young beautiful girl returned back.Her eyes filled with kohl and a smile wide on her pink lips.The shimmery white dress she wore fitted her perfectly.Handing the plate of sweets to Aunty Naheed she was engulfed in a bear hug by my husband.

Zarah

" Sweets are a sigh of happiness and its a tradition to feed a new bride with sweets."Aunty Naheed stated before beckoning me to open my mouth.Biting a small part of the gulaab jamun, it was fed to Arsalan.

Next, I met Asiya Baji and Hira Baji and Zarah.When the meet up at the entrance finished we were guided inside.A sitting area came into view behind which remained a spiral staircase.The walls were off-white and the marble flooring beneath us shined.The interior decor of the place looked magnificent and spectacular.

The walls had painting and shelves were encased in the walls that were stacked with books.

Swarovski crystal vases were placed on a dark wooden divider that joined the sitting area and main hall.Four pillar stood proudly in the room.The net curtains lined the windows that gave a view of the garden outside.Two french doors opened in the garden area.The television was also fixed there with the sofas in the room.A coffee table also remained in the centre of the sofa sets.

" Arsalan-"A manly voice called out making me turn to look at the man.My husband moved forward and pulled him in a brotherly hug.Green eyes swept my way and the man smiled.His dark black hair were styled backwards as his beard added the intimidating look to him.His muscular figure was as same as Arsalan's.Dressed in a grey suit, he looked like a handsome gentleman altogether.

Pulling away the two man whispered amongst themselves before the man walked over to me.

" I am Salah."The man introduced smiling.

Returning his gesture.I nodded,

" I am Amal."

Not knowing what more to say, I looked at my husband seeing him look intently at me.As if getting the signal, he came to his cousin aaking,

" Where his your wife?"Salah shook his head smiling.

" She'd be down here any minute now-"

Someone gasped loudly making me snap my eyes to the beautiful woman that entered the hall.Light brown hair were tied in a loose braid but the tendrils still shaped the beautiful face, a sharp nose with large brown eyes, perfect lips and a curvy figure.The woman walked inside grinning.

Reaching towards me she winked at Arsalan's way before pulling me in for a hug.I had no doubt saying that this was Shahwar.

Pulling away, she held my arms.Her eyes assessed all my features before she turned to my husband and then back to me.

" I always knew that ALLAH had stored a precious pearl for him.Welcome home."She said happily.

" Thank you so much."I said already loving his- our family.

As the woman went to the kitchen to check on the dishes for lunch, Arsalan took me away to meet his Uncles.Uncle Nawaz and Uncle Yousuf both were very happy to meet me as they blessed us with wishes and love.

" This is Daadi Ma's room."My husband said as we stopped before a closed door.Sighing in deeply, Arsalan opened the door.

Inside the large room on the bed remained a curled figure.I remained by the foot of the bed as the man came to Daadi Ma's side.Shaking her hand lightly, he kissed her forehead.

Daadi Ma reached a wrinkled hand up to his cheek before smiling at him. The man sat besides her as she sat up.Her eyes filling with tears as she whispered,

" My Junaid, My Junaid."Arsalan hugged her to his body.

" Yes Daadi Ma."He only replied.

Fresh tears filled my eyes too at the scene.My eyes looking over at the wall seeing the family photograph frames hanged on the wall.

" Meet my wife Amal Arsalan Khan."Arsalan said making me look down at them.Making room for me on the bed, I sat besides them.

The old woman cupped my face.

" MashALLAH."She said before whispering something under her breath and then blowing it at my face.Pulling me in, she embraced me and Arsalan close to her.And then she whispered all the words she wanted to say.An endless conversation settled between us.And our laughter and soft giggles mixed up as Shahwar and Ahya joined us.

Daadi Ma had been ill for quiet a few months now so she couldn't sit for a longer while.When she rested against her pillows and closed her eyes, we took that a sign to leave her to rest.

When the lunch was served, I was astounded.The dining hall was as large as the main hall.With large windows that overlooked the outside of the house, chiffon curtains were draped.A large wooden dining table was set up with the most expensive of crockery.The plates were set up with the cutlery and glasses were placed with each plate set.When Aunty Neelum called everyone for lunch, in no time the hall started to fill and each one know their places well as everyone settled down.

I waited nervously by the french doors waiting for my husband who had gone to check if your suitcases were unloaded from the car or not.A pair of shoes came before my eyes as I stared up at the person only for my eyes to widen.

A smile played on the man's lips as he looked my way.In his green eyes, recognition swam.

" Imraan?"I asked without a doubt.

The man nodded his head.

" Its very nice to meet you again."I smiled reciprocating his gesture.

" I believed that only you could bring my brother back to life."He added making me glance up at him.

" I beg to differ, your brother has brought me back to life."I stated meaning each of the word I uttered.

An arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me towards them.Flickering my gaze up to the charcoal orbs, I saw my husband smile softly at me.His features softening as he looked down at me.

" All good?"He whispered close to my ear making me nod my head.Looking before me I saw my husband's cousin smirk at us.Heat flooded through my skin making me move away from the two men who exchanged a silent moment.

Aunty Naheed ushered me to the dining table making me sit on one of the empty chairs.Arsalan sat besides me.The dining table atmosphere was no less as all the family members chatted away.Arsalan spoke and laughed as his cousins and sisters teased him.And in a long time, I felt a little out of place but in place at the same time.This was family, a room filled with people that loved and adored you even without knowing from which background you had come.Arsalan felt so nice mixed up with his family.A relaxation could be seen on his face.A calmness that I had not seen in a long time.

I craved for a family like this all my life and I didn't even know what I was missing on life.But right now being here, surrounded by people that loved me, it was all I needed.

Arsalan's hand curled around mine under the table as he spoke about something to Aunty Meena.A havoc of butterflies forming in my stomach as I smiled slightly.His thumb caressing the wedding ring in my finger.

*

" Daadi Ma wants you both to have a wedding here in Pakistan."Uncle Yousuf said as everyone sat in the main hall.Frowning Arsalan turned to look at his grandmother and then mother.

" We are already married, then why this-"He spoke.Biting my inner cheek, I looked over at Daadi Ma too seeing her smile warmly at me.Aunty Naheed was the next one to speak, as she beckoned me to follow her.

Opening one of the bedroom door, Aunty Naheed walked inside with me and Aunty Neelum following behind.Sitting on the bed, the woman patted the space besides her.

" Come sit here, Amal."She said warmly.Obeying her, I took the seat besides her as she took my hands in hers.

" You and Arsalan got married in a rush.I always wanted to have a big wedding for my only son, but now if the deed is done there is no fault in celebrating it again."I remained confused as to what she was saying.

" It is your Daadi Ma's wish and everyone also wished the same that we have all the wedding rituals and functions again.Except the Nikah we all want the wedding to be held like all the other weddings."She explained caressing my face.

" I want you to have all the happiness you deserved.And all the happiness my son deserved."She added.

" I would really love that, Aunty Naheed."I said too overwhelmed.Aunty Naheed smiled brightly looking up at Aunty Neelum.

" Now, don't call me aunty.Instead call me ammi like Arsalan says."She said lovingly.

" Okay Ammi"I grinned.Leaning over I hugged her feeling the tears swim down my face.

" If I ever had a mother I doubt if she would have been like you.You are just like Aunty Shahana."I mumbled truthfully.

She rubbed my back muttering.

" You are my daughter now, Amal."

I had always imagined to be married like a normal girl.With all the ritual and small functions that build up vast memories.To be wed like a princess.But-

Sighing, I turned to the other side of the bed.I was currently in Zarah's room resting while my husband was out with his cousins.I had slept for a good four hours and now as I looked out of the window, I could see darkness spread through the land.Indicating that night had fallen upon us.

Feeling much fresher now, I stood up from the bed.My eyes glanced at the dull gold maxi dress that remained hanged.Zarah had said that she would bring a fresh pair of clothing for me but I never anticipated that this would be the dress.

Walking inside the washroom, I tagged the hanger along.Fifteen minutes later as I stood before the mirror, applying lipstick.I couldn't help but admire the dress.A long flowy maxi in dull golden colour had a matching light embroidery with a black velvet dupatta adding the sophisticated and classic look altogether.

Striding down the stairs, I could hear the women chat away in the lounge.Ammi sat with baby Maira in her arms whilst Aunty Meena and Aunty Neelum accompanied her.

" Amal, slept well?"Aunty Meena asked as I sat across from her.

" Yes Aunty."I said softly.

Glancing around I saw no one in sight.Aunty Neelum spoke making me turn to her.

" Arsalan just came back with the boys, he was asking about you."The woman said making me smile at her.

But where was he know??

"Bhabi-"A new voice interjected making me glance up at Zarah.The young woman shook her head before making her way towards me.Clasping my wrist she pulled at my hand.

" Come on, you are expected somewhere."She said.

Opening the french doors, we stepped out in the garden.Ahya and Shahwar sat with their husbands and Zarah also sat down on one of the plastic chairs.And there my husband sat with his eyes trained on me.Standing in the middle nervously, I took a step forward only for the ladies to yell out.

" No, no don't move."Shahwar said.

Looking at them confused, I saw the secret smiles and smirks on their faces directed towards Arsalan.

" Why are you still sitting, go-"Shahwar said to Arsalan.

The man glared at his cousin.His eyes turning into silts.

" You can't back off now."Salah pressed this time.

Utterly confused this time, I asked.

" What are you all talking about?"

Ahya stood up from her seat and came by my side.

" Nothing much-"She looked over at Arsalan.

" Your husband is going to propose you."

What ??