Main qasmaqas mein hun, meri jaan.
Ke Aasman ke Chand ko kaise dekhun?
Tum ho hi itni khubsurat ke
Main tumpe hi apna ashiyaan dekhun
The chirping of birds sending a different chilla to the core. Her eyes shifted to the mirror. She admired herself looking like a cute fairy in a red dress. It's her Engagement day. She got tears of joy.
The grand hall adorned with golden drapes and twinkling lights was a dazzling spectacle as Meerab and Murtasim's families gathered for the engagement ceremony. The air buzzed with excitement, and the fragrance of flowers enveloped the room.
Meerab, resplendent in her intricately embroidered outfit, awaited Murtasim's arrival with a mix of nervousness and joy. As the doors opened, Murtasim, dressed in regal attire, entered with a dignified presence. Their eyes met, exchanging promises that words couldn't capture.
The traditional engagement rituals began, with elders from both families offering blessings and well wishes. The exchange of rings sealed the commitment, symbolizing the union of Meerab and Murtasim.
"Ijazat hai?", he asked.
She blinked her eyes twice in approval.
He pushed the ring on her ring finger. She looked at him with a profound smile.
In a corner of the hall, Murtasim's mother observed, her initial reservations now softened by the genuine connection between the couple. The grandeur of the engagement couldn't mask the authenticity of Meerab and Murtasim's love.
As the ceremony continued, Meerab and Murtasim stole moments of whispered conversations and shared glances, their hearts echoing the joy of the occasion. The hall echoed with laughter, music, and the joyous celebration of two families coming together..
Amidst the celebration, Meerab's glass bangles chimed delicately, a reminder of their journey from the vibrant streets of Lahore to this opulent hall. The city's essence, the chai dates, the haveli's magic, and the shimmering glass bangles-all woven into the fabric of their engagement.
In the midst of joyous preparations for Meerab and Murtasim's engagement, a subtle undercurrent of tension flowed within the grand halls of Murtasim's estate. Murtasim's mother, seemingly supportive, harbored a hidden disapproval of Meerab, a sentiment she concealed behind a facade of congeniality.
As the engagement ceremony unfolded, Murtasim's mother, Salma Begum,with a forced smile, approached Meerab.
"Ahaa... Meerab, dear. Yeh humari khushnaseebi hai ke tum... Tum jaisi ladki humare Ghar ki Bahu ban rahi hai" she said, the sweetness in her tone betraying the bitterness beneath.
Meerab, sensing the underlying tension, responded graciously, "Thank you, I am honored to be a part of your family."
Unbeknownst to Meerab, Maa begum whispered to a confidante, "Feudal lords should align with their equals, not someone from... simpler beginnings."
She continued,"Meerab, dear, your family must be overjoyed with this match," she remarked, her words laced with subtle disdain. "Such an interesting blend of backgrounds."
Meerab, unaffected by the insinuations, smiled warmly. "Yes, we're thrilled. Our families may be different, but love knows no boundaries."
She continued her charade, "Indeed, it's like a fairy tale for you. From your modest world to ours."
She pointed towards her engagement ring.
"Itna mehnga heera toh sayad hi dekha hoga tumne", saying this she laughed lightly.
Meerab, though sensing the condescension, replied gracefully, "Love transcends societal norms. We appreciate each other for who we are. And about this ring, Khan ki mohabbat iss anguthi se Kayin zyada mehengi hai"
There was silence for a moment but Maa begum continued with veiled taunts, comparing their two worlds. "Your family must find our lifestyle fascinating, coming from such a humble background."
Meerab, undeterred, stood her ground. "We find joy in simplicity and genuine connections. Our love is strong, regardless of our backgrounds."
As the engagement festivities continued, Meerab's charm and genuine nature began to win over the guests, even as Murtasim's mother maintained her façade.
In the midst of the celebration, Murtasim's mother couldn't resist another jab. "Meerab, adapting to our grandeur must be quite a change for you. The estate, the traditions-so different from your simple life."
Meerab, choosing diplomacy over confrontation, responded with a gracious smile. "Change is a part of life, and I am more than willing to embrace the beauty of our differences. It's what makes our journey unique."
As the night unfolded, Meerab's humility and grace softened the skepticism in Murtasim's mother's heart. The engagement became a testament to the transformative power of love, proving that it could bridge even the widest gaps in societal norms.
Eventually, Murtasim's mother found herself caught in the sincerity of Meerab's character, and her initial reservations began to wane. The engagement, once marred by subtle class distinctions, evolved into a celebration of unity, proving that love, irrespective of social status, could create a tapestry of its own. But she's so blind with the fact that she's a normal girl and ain't seeing her soul, her behaviour, her heart.
Little did anyone anticipate that Meerab's presence would not only bring love to Murtasim's life but also challenge the preconceived notions embedded in the rigid structures of societal hierarchy.
A delicate dance between joy and hidden agendas. Murtasim, caught between his love for Meerab and his mother's disapproval, attempted to bridge the gap. "Maa Saab, Meerab is my choice, and I hope with time, you'll see the love we share."
His mother, maintaining her facade, replied, "Of course, dear. I only wish for your happiness."
After the engagement ceremony, Murtasim walked his mother to a more secluded area, sensing the need for a candid conversation. "Mother," he began, "I want to talk to you about Meerab."
His mother, still masking her reservations, nodded for him to continue.
"Meerab and I share something profound," Murtasim explained. "Her simplicity is a refreshing contrast to our world. Her love is genuine, unburdened by societal expectations or material wealth."
His mother, raising an eyebrow, inquired, "But what about the differences in your backgrounds? Are you sure she can adapt to our way of life?"
Murtasim smiled, a mix of determination and affection in his eyes. "Maa Saab, Meerab doesn't need to adapt to our way of life. Instead, I believe our lives can be enriched by embracing the authenticity she brings. Her love is like a breath of fresh air in our sometimes stifling world."
He continued, "Her humility, her strength-those are the qualities that drew me to her. I am not asking her to change; I am asking you to see the beauty in the fusion of our worlds."
Murtasim's sincerity began to melt the ice of his mother's reservations. She listened, albeit reluctantly, as he spoke of Meerab's character, painting a picture of a love that transcended societal norms.
As the conversation unfolded, Murtasim's heartfelt words planted seeds of understanding in his mother's heart, sowing the possibility of acceptance and unity in the union between Meerab and their feudal world.
But deep down somewhere maa begum wasn't pleased with it or she's not trying to accept meerab as her daughter in law. It's Murtasim's Zid to marry meerab.
"I'll try my best to change your decision murtasim. She's not a good match for you my dear child", maa begum thought looking at her son's retiring figure.
To be continue....
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Note- As you all know Ramadan is here. I'm not getting much time to type down stories. I also have my Final Exams next month. But I'm still writing whenever I get time. Hope you all are understanding.
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Irada-E-Ishq
Romance"Ishq kya hai?",they asked him. " Ishq woh bharosa hai jo kaanch ki tarah hai. Khubsurat, magar kamzor", he replied.
