Embracing Love [✓]

ᶠⁱᶠᵗᵉᵉⁿ✓

No matter how much I empty it out
This longing fills me up again
My feelings have blossomed and withered countless times
Past all those days I wandered, looking for you
Past all those painful times
When I see you again
I couldn't help but feel pity for myself.

I did everything I could
To protect her
To keep her away from hurting
To keep the sadness away from her
So that it won't come to her tomorrow.
In return for it,
All I wish was to be with her
To stay with her.

But my prayers were never answered.
No matter how many countless times I called out to her,
It never reached her.

~ Imraan.

■■■

"Mom, you look marvelous today."
Reeha complimented her mother-in-law.

"I feel like I'm overdressed."
From the back seat of the car, Mrs. Malik spoke. Today was the wedding day. Ayana with Rayyan and Myra already reached the wedding hall earlier. Because of the preparations, Mr. and Mrs. Malik got a bit late getting ready.

"Not at all. You look incredible. Don't she, dad?"
From the driving seat, Ayyan asked his father with a wink.

"Indeed. She does."
Sitting beside his wife, Mr. Malik agreed from the backseat making Mrs. Malik blush whereas the others teasingly hooted.

"Because of all the wedding preparations, I couldn't concentrate on you both today.
To divert the topic, Mrs. Malik asked her son and daughter-in-law.
"Were you two able to eat anything for breakfast?"

"Actually I managed to eat but not him."
Reeha replied. Because of the Couvade Syndrome(a condition in which an expectant father experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as their pregnant partner) for the past few days, Ayyan wasn't able to eat anything.

"I was fine for a few days but the nausea is back. I guess I'm nervous to see my sister getting married."
Ayyan joked.

"You always have to make a fuss, don't you? It's not like you're going to give birth instead."
Mr. Malik spoke, making Reeha laugh.

"Tell me about it, dad. It's not just morning sickness but now he also has mood swings."
Remembering last night's incident, Reeha spoke.
"He cried last night watching a TV series."

"Oh my!"
Mrs. Malik exclaimed.

"It was a father-daughter reunion. How can I not cry?"
Ayyan said in his defense.
"Just thinking about it brings me to tears."

"Always has to be the drama queen."
Mrs. Malik commented whereas Mr. Malik shook his head.

"But oddly enough my morning sickness is gone now that he's suffering from it."
Reeha added.

"Really? That is odd."
Then looking at her son, Mrs. Malik worriedly asked.
"Are you sure you can attend the wedding? What if you get sick?"

"She's right. If you feel too sick, then you can stay home. We'll cover up for you."
This time Mr. Malik said.

"It's Ayana's wedding. Why will I stay home instead of being with her on her big day?"
Ayyan assured.

"Don't worry, Mom and Dad. It's the wedding of his only sister so he will be alright."
Reeha concluded with a smile assuring everyone.