Mehrem- The Confidant

03

Illiyeen

The afternoon breeze hit my face when I rolled my car window down. The chaos of Lahore's roads paralleled my inner turmoils. Thirty minutes into the ride, only one person occupied my thoughts: Umair Ansari. If Rohan's intel is correct today, the Ansaris are coming for my engagement.

Today will also be the first time I will meet the myth and legend of Umair, whom my best friend praised throughout our lives.

The confined space of the vehicle mirrored the tightening knot in my chest as my father turned into our driveway. The long stretch of concrete with lush green grass on both sides and a three-story mansion expanded in the middle.

Nawaz Bhai, our worker, opened my door and helped me step out. Hala and Azaan ran out of the house as if on cue, with Mama and Mami Sanam trailing behind them. Everyone hugged me, but Mami Sanam took my hand and led me into the house.

Walking towards the doorstep, I heard familiar noises mixed with strangers. My mother stopped beside me, her hand on my back, when I entered the living room full of extended family.

After another round of hugs, asking, "How are you?" I looked around the room and saw my Mom approaching me. Nodding and smiling, she came closer. My eyes couldn't read her face.

For the first time, my Mom was good at hiding her thoughts from me. She reached for my hand and dragged me out. We walked past people into a room at the end of the hallway.

"Ma, what's going on?" I asked her.

"Your family wanted to meet you, " she nervously laughed, and I figured out why she had gathered everyone. I smiled at her. "Now, go and get ready. I left a new dress for you in your room. Wear that, please, " she said, and I nodded at her, kissing her cheeks.

"Oh, my sweet mother, I love you."

Tears pricked her eyes, "I love you, Illiyeen. You are my proud, and there's nothing I won't do for you."

"Same here," I replied, even if it meant agreeing to marry a stranger no matter how good his family was.

I made my way to my room, feeling the walls close in around me. I slipped into the bathroom, gripping the sink's edge as if grounding myself for what was coming next. I could not find the right water temperature, so I turned the tap to the left and right. Finally, hot water cascaded down my body. I wiped the hospital's antiseptic scent off my body and cleaned myself.

Hala knocked on my door to give me some towels and garments. I took them from her. A gown wrapped around my body as I stepped out of the bathroom.

Mawaa stood there, her face crumpling the moment our eyes met. She rushed to me, her arms wrapping around me tightly, and I felt her tears soaking into my shoulder.

"I missed you too," I spoke. She, however, pushed me away and sat on the bed.

"You could have died." She sniffed and started crying again.

"But I did not. Look at me." I sat beside her and signaled Hala to bring her water. My cousin nodded and passed me a glass. Mawaa took it out of my hand and gulped it down. Hala joined in the hug when I wrapped my arms around Mawaa.

"Api, you should get ready. Everyone is waiting for you." Hala said and passed me my dress. I took it from her hand and walked into my closet.

After changing into a beautiful light beige dress with a minimal dupatta, I walked out. I placed my wet towel on the chair and sat before the dresser.

"Hala, pass me some pins; I will style Illiyeen today," Mawaa said, working her way on my wet hair.

Suddenly, the door knocked, and after Hala yelled, "Come in," Azaan entered.