Obscured Affection (Slow Updates)

Safoora was called downstairs, so she went down. Meanwhile, Sara received a call from her home, which came to Mahnoor's house phone, so she also went downstairs to talk.

"Mummy, Papa... today is my wedding day...my nikah. I always wanted you both to witness this moment. I miss you both so much today... I wish you were here on this special day of mine. My aunt and uncle truly love me but no matter how much love aunt and uncle give me, no one can ever take your place. Why did you leave me alone?" Mahnoor stood on the balcony connected to her room, looking at the sky. Her tears were uncontrollable. The grief of losing her parents overshadowed all the joy around her.

"Mum..my...Pa..pa... why didn't you take me with you? It feels suffocating to live without you. I miss you both so much today," she wept.

"Mano, where are you?" Rahila called out, entering the room.

Hearing Rahila's voice, Mahnoor quickly wiped her tear-streaked face. When Rahila saw her crying, she became worried and hugged her tightly.

"What's wrong, Mano? Did someone say something to you? Why are you crying?" Rahila asked, concerned as she wiped Mahnoor's tears.

"No, I just miss my mom and dad," Mahnoor said in a sorrowful tone.

"Aren't I your mother?" Rahila asked.

"You absolutely are, but today, I miss my parents as ," Mahnoor began, but her sentence was cut short as Sabeena entered the room, having overheard the conversation. She came close, gently lifted Mahnoor's face towards her, and said, "Mano, my dear, you've known us since childhood, haven't you? I've loved you as much as my own Safoora. I understand that today is a very special day for you, so naturally, you're thinking of your parents. But remember, from now on, I am not just your mother-in-law; I am your mother. If you ever feel lonely or miss your mom, come to me. And if you feel shy about talking to me, you can always talk to Safoora. But never think that you are alone or that you have no one. You are very precious to all of us."

Sabeena's kind words brought a slight comfort to Mahnoor, although the deep pain of losing her parents could never truly be healed. But her heart felt a little lighter hearing such loving reassurances.

Sabeena and Rahila cleaned her face and helped fix her makeup. Since the nikah was happening at home, Mahnoor's makeup and attire were kept simple. She wasn't accustomed to heavy jewelry or makeup, so her bridal look was very modest. Yet, she was naturally so beautiful that even in the simplest clothes, she looked stunning.

Once Mahnoor was ready, Sabeena and Rahila led her downstairs. In the hall, Ishaq sat on one side, and Mahnoor on the other. The hall was divided with flower decorations to separate the men from the women.

The Qazi began reciting the nikah, and everyone's attention turned to the ceremony. Mahnoor suddenly started feeling nervous, fidgeting with her dupatta. Safoora and Sara sat nearby, trying to comfort her.

"Ishaq Ali Bin Ishtiyaaq Ali, do you accept this nikah with Mahnoor Izzah Binte Raheem Ahmed for a haq mehr of 5 lakhs?" the Qazi asked.

Ishaq, who had been sitting there with a sullen expression since he arrived, began to grind his teeth and look at the Qazi as he posed the question. Ishtiyaaq glared at his son, signaling him to behave himself, so he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his anger.

"Yes, I accept!" he said slowly, glaring at his father, enunciating each word carefully.

"Do you accept this Nikah?" the Qazi asked again.

"Yes!" Ishaq replied impatiently.

"Do you accept this Nikah?" The Qazi asked for the last time, and Ishaq continued to glare at his father.