Despite the sadness of Ramadan ending, the joy of Eid seeped into Jadwa's bones. Life felt significantly more bearable and peaceful compared to how it had been recently. Every conversation with Abdul or recollection of his words from the previous night fueled her with gratitude. Yet, a part of her trembled with nervousness, knowing he was planning to discuss marriage with his parents excitement also ran through her.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant dress and veil, she joined Ameerah, who was already waiting to leave and collect their clothes from the designer. Upon arriving at the store, adorned with modern furniture, Jadwa was initially captivated by the beauty. Her passion for architecture found itself enthralled by the intricate details of the chandeliers and the well-designed space. While impressed, she also expected such excellence from a renowned fashion designer. Escorted to a private room, they were greeted with tea and a plate of delightful desserts.

Moments later, Grace, the head designer, entered the room with a wide smile. "Good afternoon, beautiful ladies. Welcome!" she chirped as another woman wheeled in a massive, golden vintage single-pole hanger draped with clothes. Jadwa extended a friendly hand and smiled. "Jadwa, pleased to meet you" she greeted politely.

Ameerah commenced her fittings, and the clothes fit flawlessly. "Are you sure my brother will let you out looking like this?" Jadwa teased, prompting Ameerah to playfully roll her eyes and cover her face. The dresses hung beautifully on Ameerah, leaving everyone in awe. Zara and Hanan also tried on their clothes, expressing delight with most pieces. Hanan, however, expressed dislike for the beading on a particular bubu.

Unaware of the time passing, Jadwa glanced at her phone just as a message from Ahmad popped up. "Salam, Jadwa. I'm at home and have a few things to discuss. When you return, meet me in the backyard" it read.

Her gaze fixated on the message. All she desired was to fly home immediately to hear what the conversation was about. It appeared serious, piquing her curiosity immensely.

"Jadwa, come on, try your clothes on, let's leave. It's getting late," Ameerah urged. However, the last thing on Jadwa's mind was trying on clothes. "I honestly have a terrible headache right now and feel lightheaded. I'll just take my outfit home and send it back if there are any issues" she murmured, hoping they wouldn't press the matter.

Hanan, understanding her situation, nodded and stood up, followed by the others. "Alright, thank you very much, Grace" they expressed their gratitude as the designer escorted them out. As they reached the car, the girls continued to admire and praise Grace's exquisite work, declaring they'd found the perfect place to have their clothes made.

Upon reaching home, Jadwa excused herself for fresh air and swiftly made her way to the backyard. Her eyes met Ahmad's, who looked up from their conversation and smiled, gesturing for her to sit opposite him in the pergola.

"How are you, Jadu?" he inquired cheerfully.

"I'm doing well, but why are you so happy? I thought there was something serious," she admitted with a nervous laugh.

He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Why would it be? Did you do something wrong again?"

"No, but I literally skipped my fittings to rush back here because of you" she groaned playfully, drawing another chuckle from him.

"In my defense, I never said it was Jadu," he clarified with a playful laugh.

"Well, please tell me what's going on" she persisted, folding her arms.

"I'm planning an Eid barbecue party at my place" he began.

"No way, really?" Jadwa's face lit up with excitement, her hands clapping together in anticipation.

"Yes" he chuckled. "There's also someone I want you to meet, which is why I wanted to talk to you first" he explained.

Jadwa's smile instantly vanished, replaced by a frown. "Ya Ahmad, Abdul just said he was going to talk to his parents yesterday" she confessed.

"I know, Jadwa. Ameerah told me" he confirmed.

Instead of responding, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"Look, Jadu," he began, his voice taking on a gentle yet firm tone, "I understand your concerns. But trust me, this person is someone I respect immensely. They expressed an interest in you, and I think it wouldn't hurt to at least meet them."

His words felt heavy, laden with expectations, leaving little room for her own desires. She felt like a pawn on a chessboard, her future being moved by forces beyond her control.

"But... I already have Abdul," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible.

There was a long, tense silence. The setting sun cast long shadows across the backyard, mirroring the turmoil within Jadwa. A part of her longed for the comfortable familiarity of Abdul, the path that seemed laid out before her. But another, more curious part, couldn't help but wonder who this mystery person was, and what this unexpected twist in her life held.

"Someone you respect? Someone who expressed interest?" she repeated, the words tasting like ashes in her mouth. "Who is it?"

A flicker of frustration, quickly masked by a forced smile, crossed Ahmad's features. "The details aren't important right now, Jadu. All I want is for you to be happy, but also with someone who truly deserves you."

His words felt heavy, laden with unspoken emotions. Jadwa's mind, however, was already a chaotic storm. Was Abdul's conversation with his parents just a formality, a preordained path laid out on the map of societal expectations?

"Jadu," Ahmad finally sighed, a hint of disappointment shadowing his eyes, "the choice is ultimately yours. But I just want you to be happy, and be with someone who truly deserves you."

His words hung in the air, a challenge and a plea rolled into one. As the call to prayer echoed through the neighborhood, Jadwa stood up, her mind still a swirling storm of doubts and hesitations.

***

The next two days before Eid were a whirlwind for Jadwa. Every stolen moment was spent glued to her phone, the connection cracklier than usual but the voice on the other end, Abdul's, a lifeline amidst the storm brewing in her heart. He was already in Adamawa, finalizing things for his family, and the distance felt amplified by the secret she now carried.

Despite the internal tug-of-war, the Hafiz household buzzed with preparations. They assisted Ameerah, who, ever the perfectionist, was meticulously planning the barbecue. Vendors were vetted, menus finalized, and last-minute touches confirmed with the event planners. Jadwa found herself surprisingly engrossed, the familiar tasks grounding her amidst the turmoil within.

Then came the day of henna. Stepping out of her room, the joyous sounds of laughter and chatter greeted her. The girls were getting their hands decorated, their faces alight with anticipation. Jadwa's heart skipped a beat. Henna! Her love for the intricate designs ran deep.

"Natural red, please," she declared, approaching the artist. "I always react to the black henna."

The artist, a woman with a kind smile and nimble fingers, expertly mixed the paste and loaded it into a delicate cone. Jadwa watched, mesmerized, as she began weaving magic on Jadwa's palms and the dorsal side.

Time seemed to melt away as the artist worked. Jadwa sat patiently, the anticipation for the final reveal gnawing at her. When the artist finally finished, revealing a masterpiece of swirling maroon designs, Jadwa gasped. It was stunning, the best henna she'd ever had.

A wave of elation washed over her, momentarily pushing aside her worries. Tipping the artist generously, she waited for the henna to dry, careful not to smudge the intricate design. Finally, with a flourish, she scraped off the dried paste, revealing the vibrant colour which will darken overnight

A smile spread across Jadwa's face, she snapped pictures and sent them to Abdul, a silent plea for reassurance amidst emotions.

Eid in the Hafiz family had always been a grand affair. It was a time for celebration, for family, for joy. But this year, the celebration promised to be unlike any other.

FOLLOW MAYAAAWRITES ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE UPDATES.❤️❤️