HER POV

As I woke up, the faint morning light filtered through my curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stretched lazily, the remnants of sleep still clinging to me. After freshening up, I padded downstairs, the wooden steps creaking softly under my weight.

In the living room, Mom stood by the window, her back turned to me. She was arranging fresh flowers in a vase, her movements calm and deliberate.

"Good morning," I said softly, not wanting to disturb the tranquil moment.

She turned, her face lighting up with a warm smile. 

"Good morning, sweetheart. Breakfast is almost ready."

We both sat at the dining table, enjoying breakfast together while chatting and laughing. It was our favorite time sharing stories, exchanging gossip, and indulging in the comfort of each other's company. 

The aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the air, complementing the warmth of our conversation.

As I took the last sip of my tea, Mom looked at me with a soft smile but a hint of seriousness in her eyes. 

"Izel, ready ho jao Nikah ke liye," she said, her tone steady yet gentle.

My heart skipped a beat at her words, a rush of nervous anticipation coursing through me. I placed my cup down carefully, composing myself. 

"Ji, Ammi," I replied, my voice calm but my thoughts racing. "Main abhi ghar wapas ja rahi hoon. Waha makeup artist aur Sana bhi ayegi mujhe ready karne."

Mom nodded, her smile reassuring yet bittersweet, as if she understood the swirl of emotions I was trying to hide.

I went back home quietly, without informing Irfaz. The streets were unusually quiet, the sound of my footsteps echoing faintly in my ears as I walked to my car.

As I drove, my thoughts wandered to Irfaz. A part of me wanted to tell him, to at least let him know where I was heading. With one hand on the steering wheel, I picked up my phone, only to see the screen go black. It was dead.

I sighed, frustrated, and placed it back on the seat beside me. 

----

As soon as I reached home, I dropped my bag on the couch and went straight to freshen up. The cool splash of water against my face felt refreshing, washing away the remnants of fatigue from the morning.

While drying my hands, my phone buzzed. It was my makeup artist calling to confirm she was on her way. I assured her I'd be ready by the time she arrived and hung up.

Just as I stepped out of the washroom, the doorbell rang. I quickly made my way to the door, my heart skipping with anticipation. 

As I opened it, there she was Sana, standing in her signature dramatic style. Her outfit a dress so long it seemed to sweep the floor behind her immediately caught my eye.

I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Sana, yeh height se badi dress pehen ke tu kaise chalegi iss se?" I teased, stepping aside to let her in.

She grinned, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "oohh please this is called FASHION, anpardh fashion designer tum nhi samjhoge".

Shaking my head, I closed the door behind her, a small smile lingering on my face as I wondered what the rest of the day had in store.

----

After that, Sana headed to freshen up as well. I took the time to gather my thoughts, stealing a moment to calm the nervous energy bubbling inside me.

Soon, the doorbell rang again, and this time it was the makeup artist. She walked in with her kit, her demeanor professional yet friendly. I greeted her with a polite smile, then got straight to the point.

"No heavy base," I instructed firmly, sitting in front of the vanity. "Just hide the spots and even out the skin. For the eyes, keep it simple...neutral eyeshadow with a touch of smokey eyeliner." 

I paused for emphasis. "And most importantly, red lipstick. A deep, classic red."

The makeup artist nodded, already laying out her tools as she listened intently.

"For the hair," I added, glancing at the mirror, "bubble braids. Keep it sleek and neat, no extra pins sticking out. And," 

I paused, envisioning the final look, "add some flowers along the braid just enough to make it elegant, not overdone."

The makeup artist smiled. 

"Got it. You'll look stunning, don't worry."

Her confidence was reassuring, but my mind was still racing. 

Sana came out just then, her hair wrapped in a towel, giving me a thumbs-up as if to say, You've got this.

"Ma'am, can you show me your dress?" the makeup artist asked, breaking my focus.

I froze for a moment, a sinking realization hitting me. I didn't have the dress.

Just then, my phone buzzed to life on the table. Irfaz's name flashed on the screen. I grabbed it instantly, hoping for a distraction. 

"Hello?" I answered, but before I could say more, his voice cut through.

"Begum, agar tumhe jana tha, toh mujhe le jaati," he began, his tone a mix of annoyance and hurt. "Mujhe aise sote hue chhod ke chali gayi tum. Itna sa bhi bura nahi laga?"

I could hear his frustration, but there was something deeper a vulnerability he was trying to hide. He continued, his words tumbling out quickly, "Mujhe dekh ke... ki bechara uth ke apni biwi ko dhoondega. Pagalon ki tarah or uske ghrwale hansenge, mazaak udaayenge..."

His words struck a chord, guilt welling up inside me. I opened my mouth to respond, to explain myself, but he didn't give me a chance.

"Irfaz," I started softly, "mujhe laga tum so rahe ho, aur main tumhe disturb nahi karna chahti thi. It wasn't intentional."

He scoffed on the other end. "Disturb nahi karna chahti thi, ya baat karne ka mann hi nahi tha? Tumhe pata bhi hai main kaise pagal ho raha tha tumhare liye?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying the anger he was trying to hold onto.

"I didn't mean for it to turn out like this," I whispered, guilt settling heavily in my chest. 

"Ab apni dress ka kya plan hai?" he asked, his tone lightening slightly.

I glanced at the makeup artist, who was patiently waiting. "Wo toh mujhe abhi tak yahan nahi mili," I admitted sheepishly.

"Acha suno," he said, his voice holding a teasing edge. "Tumhari dress aa rahi hai. Ab bas wait karo... aur apni punishment ke liye tayar ho jao."

I blinked, momentarily confused. 

"Punishment?" I asked, my brows furrowing slightly.

He chuckled, the sound low and full of mischief. "Haan, punishment. Mujhe aise bina bataye chhod ke jane ka result toh bhugatna padega, begum."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued, not giving me a chance. 

"Aur suno," he added, his tone suddenly turning playful, "photographer bhi aa raha hai. Acha ache pics click karwana, samjhi?"

I couldn't help but smile, my earlier guilt melting into warmth at his thoughtfulness. 

"Thank you, husband," I said softly, the words feeling strange yet comforting on my tongue.

"Bas thank you?" he teased.

"Acha suno," he interrupted himself, his tone dipping just enough to make my heart skip a beat.

"Intezaar karna," he said, his voice carrying a promise that sent a shiver down my spine. "Aa raha hoon barat leke."

My breath hitched, and a warmth spread through my chest, making my heart flutter in a way I hadn't expected.

Before I could respond, Sana returned and grabbed my phone. 

"Sari baatein abhi karni hain kya?" she asked him. 

I didn't catch his reply, but I could imagine a bit of it. 

"Waise bhi, ab toh puri zindagi sunni padegi, toh kuch ghante ke liye apne kaan ko shanti do," she added. "Achha, woh sab chhodo. Doodh pilayi aur jhoote chupai ki rasam ka socha kya? Warna Izel ghar toh jayegi, tumhare nahi mere ghar," she said.

I didn't catch his reply, but I heard Sana say, "Mujhe sirf ek husband dhoond ke dedo, apki tarah, taki main aap dono ke honeymoon tak nahi aaun. Otherwise, I don't mind being a third wheel," she said, and then the phone switched off.

"Phone charge kar le, Izel, mar gaya tera phone," she said, handing it back to me as there was a knock on the door. 

"Dekh ke aa, jaake kaun aaya hai," she went to answer the door, and I put my phone on charge. She returned with my dress and the photographer. 

"Le, tera joda aagaya," Sana said. I opened the joda, and it was a white lehenga with golden work on it. 

"Kitni pretty hai," I mumbled. 

"Wowwwww," Sana exclaimed.

----

After that, my makeup and hair started. Once Sana's hair was dry, she came to me. 

"Aurattt, help kar meri, konsi makeup aur hairstyle suit karega?" she asked.

"Ki tu thodi der pehle mujhse kya bol rahi thi, anpadh fashion designer?" I took my revenge.

"Ab khud choose kar apna style," I said.

"Sorry na, nahi bolungi, dubara se batana. Ab late ho raha hai tujhe bhi, aur mujhe bhi..." she replied, wiping her face.

"Loose curls karwa with smokey eyes and nude lips. Day ka function hai," I said.

"Okayyyy, thank you thank you!" She turned back to her seat but then stopped and said, "Par tu hai anpadh fashion designer... Tu kitna bhi Harvard se master diploma le le, tu anpadh hi rahegi," Sana said.

Then, I couldn't help but laugh at Sana's teasing. "Acha, ab chal, time nahi hai, shuru kar," I said, trying to focus on getting ready. 

Sana chuckled and sat down, looking at her reflection in the mirror. 

After my makeup and everything was done, the photographer started taking my pictures. She was a female photographer, and Irfaz made sure to respect my privacy, which made me happy. I was content knowing he respected my decision as a niqabi.

Sana came over with a box in her hand. 

"Yeh le, tera nikkah ka gift," she said. I looked at her face with a mix of shock and fear. 

"Main nahi khol rahi isko abhi," I said.

"Arey, khol tu, waise kuch nahi hai iske andar, tujhe pasand ayega, I bet," she said. 

I still looked at her with horrified eyes. 

"Tera kuch bharosa nahi hai," I said.

"Arey, this time just trust me," she insisted.

"Bismillah," I said, and opened the box. Inside was a red dupatta with "Irfaz ki Begum" written on it. I smiled at the dupatta. 

"Bohot beautiful hai," I said, but then added, "Lekin nikkah ka dupatta sasural ki taraf se aata hai."

"I know," she replied.

"Phir? Yeh kyun..." I asked.

"Main already Ayesha aur teri saas se baat kar chuki thi, unhone kaha theek hai, toh maine tujhe yeh gift diya," she said.

"Thank you," I said.

"Ek raaz ki baat bataun?" Sana asked.

"Kya?" I asked.

"Mainne khud calligraphy aur sewing ki hai apne haath se," she said with a sly smile.

I hugged her immediately. "Shukriya, chudail," I said. I pulled back and added, "Tabhi mein sochi, itni tedi-medi silayi kyun hai?"

She started beating me playfully. "Izel ki bachi, tu aaj ke din bhi mere se pitengi," she said.

"Ha, pit le, kal se overtime karna phir, bhool mat, teri boss hoon mein," I said, blackmailing her. "Main toh tumhe jeene nahi dungi," I teased winking at her.

She rolled her eyes and then suddenly got serious. 

"Chal, ab jaldi se ready ho ja, waqt kam hai," she said, glancing at the clock.

I nodded and quickly adjusted my dress, tying the dupatta around me. 

"Tu sach mein bohot caring hai, Sana. Thanks for everything," I said, appreciating her thoughtful gesture.

She smiled warmly. "Dost se zyda tujhe behen manti hu. humesha sth nibhaungi i mean chedungi"

Just as she finished saying that, the photographer gave us a signal that we were ready to move to the next phase of the shoot.

----

We arrived at the venue, and I was immediately struck by the beautiful floral décor and the full nikkah vibes that filled the space. The photographer captured every moment, making sure to capture the essence of the occasion. I felt a mix of emotions nervousness, excitement, and a sense of anticipation.

After the photoshoot was done, I noticed my parents and sister walking in, along with some other guests. My heart skipped a beat when I saw them.