Love after Nikkah

Chapter 81

💕An appreciation chapter!💕

One of Heba's relatives, Ayeesha, was getting married and today is her Henna party. It would be taking place in the Gamal's household and everyone looked forward to a beautiful event.
Even though Heba doesn't really share a close bond with any members of her family apart from Omaa and her children, she had always shared a friendly relationship with Ayeesha in the past, when they were children until Ayeesha's mother stopped Ayeesha from talking to Heba and that was how their childhood relationship ended.

Nevertheless, it's a family function and Heba wishes Ayeesha all the best for her new home as she embarks on her marital journey. Omaa has informed them all that, in the spirit of celebration, they would also be part of the highlight as Ikiey would also undergo the bride rites as a bride-to-be and an addition to the family while Heba would redo her bridal rites since now, her husband is around unlike the first time when Habib was absent.

Soon enough, the whole house was occupied by family, friends, neighbors and guests. The Gamal's events have always been a grand one and the type everyone in the neighborhood looks forward to attending so it's not surprising how United neighbors troop in and out of the big house.
This ceremony mainly involves ladies and women of the house, as the main event involves a turmeric bath, mehendi paste appliances, gifts, dance show, and various snacks to eat.

Omaa and the remaining wives including Dina's mom did a good job with the decor, as the room was adorned with colorful fabrics, flowers and twinkling lights. The setting was nice and everyone felt comfortable. The Shaabi music playing in the background added more life to the vibrant place as children were seen playing and having the best time of their lives.

The main bride Ayeesha,  then Ayeza, Heba and Ikiey sits in the center of the room, surrounded by their husbands and other women. The older women started by praying for a successful marriage life to the ladies before proceeding to applying the tumerics on their body, from one woman to another. The turmeric appliance to the body is for the bride to have glowing skin and to remain young and beautiful for her groom.
This particular act took over 2 hours before they were done. At some point, Nazir excused himself as something more important called for his attention but he didn't leave without giving his wife a small kiss on her forehead and also a bigger kiss on their son's cheeks, flashing an apologetic smile to everyone else who granted him their permission to go attend to his work and return later on.

Left was Hammad and Habib who didn't miss any given chance to tease the ladies as turmeric paste was applied on their faces, necks, hands, and legs. It was a fun and beautiful time that would forever be engraved in their hearts.
After the turmeric bath, they were asked to wash off their body and return for the next step which they did. Gifts like beautiful clothes and expensive jewellery were given to each of them. Everyone loved and appreciated it. Ikiey absolutely loves this tradition and it made her fall in love more with Theban culture.

Later on, the henna artist arrived. A renowned Henna artist, one of the best in Egypt, was invited to the Henna ceremony. Skillfully, she began to apply the mehndi paste on the Ayeesha's hands, everyone was wowed by her skill including Heba. She had wanted this particular Henna artist for her Henna ceremony but the wedding prep was too fast and she wasn't available at the scheduled time due to late booking. Heba ended up settling for the available ones, though they were also good.

The fact that this Henna artist is going to apply the henna design on her hands gots her overly excited, she can't wait to see the outcome. The scent of the Henna filled the air adding to the festive atmosphere while the other three ladies waited for their turn. They spent some time chatting over a drink with Hammad and Habib. They talked about how fun, beautiful, and memorable the night before was, the dinner date that is.
"It was great but it would have been perfect with Jawaad and Sheeba around" Ikiey made a remark that got everyone nodding to it. True, it would have been a perfect date with those two, Jawaad being an outgoing and goofy person would have made it even more fun, though they still had fun with Nazir around.