Shehzer's POV:

Mom had been nudging me gently regarding Mina. Ever since I had confessed my feelings, it seemed that she had already planned the names of my children, and probably even their weddings. I told her that it might take some time.

But then the cursed guitar party happened.

I am now a huge believer of Motherly intuition. As soon as I came back, she just knew. She knew something was wrong. I saw the hopeful light in her die when she saw my face.

"Oh, my son." She choked, before hugging me like I was still 8. It didn't ease the hurt, but I felt oddly lighter.

"We'll find you another girl my baby. You'll see. She'll be every bit as beautiful as Mina. See if she isn't" I was mildly alarmed by the Napoleon-istic glint of determination in her eyes.

"No mom. I don't even want to think of marriage right now. I need some time....I need some perspective. Please. No more rishta-hunting." I softly pleaded as she stroked my hair.

"We'll see..." she said noncommittally.

.....

"Shehzer. Sweetie. Do you know that the Amins invited us to Mina's engagement party?" Mom asked me over breakfast. She said the words slowly, like she was talking to a potential suicide candidate.

I bit into my buttered toast that Shazia Khala had put in front of me.

"Yes. I was personally invited by her brother." I say tonelessly.

"You're not actually planning on going are you?" She asks disbelievingly.

"I am."

"But..but...honey. She broke your heart! the stupid girl! she doesn't know a good man when she sees one. Why hurt yourself more?"

"Please don't insult her. She can make her own choices. And I suspect that I was already too late when I told her about my feelings.She is still an old friend; that will never change. So I have to go, and support her."

Mom lets out a disbelieving huff.

"Umm... Mom. I still have four months left of my internship. But I don't think I want to do it here anymore. You're gonna leave for home with Rania soon, and I just...I just can't be ...this close to ...her." I manage to explain.

"Okay. So what do you have in mind?"

"I applied for a transfer to a sister hospital of my current one, in Lahore city. They are offering me full accommodations for it. Besides we have a lot of family there, and I guess I could keep busy that way...."

She ponders over this for long minutes.

"I have never stopped you from doing whatever you have to. You're such a smart boy. You've never given me reason to doubt your judgement. In fact the only time you truly lost your head, has been over this...Girl."

She smiles ruefully at me. "So, I trust you....Do whatever you have to do, to get over...this phase. I love you. I'll always be on your team. Don't you ever forget that."

"I won't."

........

Mina's POV:

I feel like I have been plunged into a reality TV episode. Everyone's going absolutely crazy over nothing. I don't understand the point of me waking up early just because I'm getting engaged today.

"OMG the BRIDE-TO-BE is still sleeping at Noon??? THE HORROR!"

I would totally feel guilty over my laziness, but I'm just. Too. Damn. Sleepy.

Mom gave me a ten-minute lecture on my sleeping habits. I feel like I am ten years old all over again. Which would make Areeb a pedophile, I giggled sleepily at the random thought.

After breakfast and a shower, I was bundled off with my princess dress and jewelry towards a make-up salon. An equally sleep-deprived Ali drove me to the elegant looking Town-House converted into a cutesie commercial beautification place.

As soon as I stepped in, I was whisked off towards facial cleansing, and hair removal. I never knew my face had so much hair! and boy did it hurt. That's the thing about beauty. It has a cost. I yelled through the waxing, and threading process, causing the mean-looking salon lady to threaten to wax my mouth shut.

Needless to say, i quieted down after that. But EMV cursed her with all sorts of mean things; like Diarrhea and Dandruff. So a lot of yanking and pulling later, I was deemed presentable.

Then came the hair lady armed with all sorts of gadgets. My impossible hair was neatly tamed, and coiffed into a braided bun. I felt like a human pin-cushion after she was through. She had to use up at least a hundred bobby pins to get my hair to surrender.

I loved the third fairy godmother (isn't that what these ladies are? The real-life versions of fairy godmothers?) She was gentle and sweet, and she understood me dammit. Actually, I'm pretty sure the first meanie had warned her about me, so she was probably just as apprehensive as I was.

She called me "Perfect Raw Materiel" I felt like a recipe waiting to be cooked. She even asked me if I modeled, since I was so tall and all... (pretty sure she's payed to ask this question...hmmm.)

Anyways, I promptly went to sleep in the salon chair, while she worked on my make-up. It felt like hours later, when she nudged me awake, and I woke up to find someone else staring back at me from the mirror.

Seriously, It was like me; but also, so much better. Like every single imperfection I had was eradicated. My eyes were the focal point with the lady's talented makeover skills. Fake eyelashes added to that eye popping eye makeup.

I couldn't look away, I was so overwhelmed by it.

The other ladies gathered around, cooing at my hair and my eyes. A lot of "Mashallahs" (praise be to Allah) were thrown my way.

Then I was gently helped into my stunning cream/gold and purple dress. The long flowing dress was embroidered with delicate gold and purple filigree, it trailed behind my feet in a mermaid style gown. The delicate purple Dupatta was carefully pinned over my hair in our traditional bridal style. I added the lovely jewelry Areeb's mom had sent over. The overall effect was pretty stunning. I must say I have never looked this good before.

Adiba was supposed to pick me up and take me to the engagement venue. So I waited a while. The other brides and customers probably thought I was a total nut job because I was so bored I ended up making some insanely crazy Dubsmash videos of me mouthing corny Bollywood wedding songs. Hey! I was already in costume, why not make the most of it?

When Adiba finally came, she strode right past me, in search of something. I was just about to call her, when she turned to me and said; "Excuse me, do you know where the waiting area is?"

My mouth dropped open. Did I just undergo plastic surgery or something?

"It's ME!!! MINA! YOU DORK!" I yell.

Her eyes go wide; "O to the M,G...Minnie Mouse!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING! Holy shitballs!!" After a decent amount of fan-girling over each other's appearance; (Adiba looked totally adorable in a lively mint green Anarkali dress) we headed towards our destination, much to the collective relief of the salon folks.

...............

My parents had wanted a simple, intimate engagement party, but they gave in to Areeb's Mom's pleading. She wanted the best for me and Areeb. So, thanks to his dad's membership at a swanky golf club, we were getting engaged there.

The venue was in subtle shades of lilac, and gold, to match my dress I presume. As soon as I got there, I was whisked off to a separate suite to "Rest myself, while the guests arrive" I refrained from pointing out that I had slept through most of the makeover. I also, stopped myself from begging for some food. I was freaking ravenous.

I texted Ali instead.

Me: I'm FRAACKING STARVING BRO!

Ali: So? suck it up fatty. It's just a couple of hours till dinner. :@

Me: GET ME FOOD. PLEAASSEE!

Ali: No. :3

Me: I'll tell Adiba of the time when you accidentally drank toilet water....

Ali: -_- You're evil.

Me: I know. :)

Me: Food. Now. Hungry. Ravenous. Starvinggggg....

Ali: Fatty. CALM THE EFF DOWN. Bringing food. wait.

Ali entered the suite about twenty minutes later. My stomach was growling like a power generator by that time. I nearly cried with happiness when I saw the greasy McDonald's bag clutched in his hands.

"Here you go Bhooki (Hungry). Now eat with your bare hands so I can post it on Facebook. Hashtag #RealFace." He grumbled, shoving the bag at me. Adiba entered the room just then, and I saw both of them blush with shyness.

I rolled my eyes as I bit into my chicken Burger and fries. Moan. So good.

"You look beautiful" My brother complimented her.

"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."

Ali puffed up with the compliment. He did look quite dapper and civilized in a formal navy suit, and skinny tie.

Pretty soon, Mom, Kulsoom nani, Areeb's Mom, and a whole lot of female cousins popped in to exclaim over my dress and makeover. Mom and Kulsoom Nani must have "Phoo-ed" a thousand muttered Dua's (prayers) at me.

(Beta Nazar na lag jaye, meri bachhi ko!)

(May no evil eye touch my daughter)

But then, it was time for me to make my entrance. Adiba and Ali escorted me to the raised up stage-like canopy with a love seat. My heart just wouldn't stop pounding.

Areeb waited for me there. Looking breathtakingly handsome in a charcoal grey formal suit. His dark purple tie complemented my dress. He winked when he saw me. It did little to stop my nerves from going crazy. This was it. Time to make a commitment.

"You look gorgeous Minnie" He leaned forward to whisper in my ear; causing my brother to scowl, "Dude, you're not married yet. Give her some space"

During the entire reception, my eyes searched for Shehzer. Will he come? What will he say? Am I a bad person, for thinking about another man when I'm sitting beside my fiance?

I had to keep a permanent smile fixed on my face, as photographers made us pose together. Then for greeting what seemed like a thousand people (there were just around 150 in actuality) I smiled for selfies, I smiled for all the congratulations I got, I smiled over the compliments I received.

Then I saw him. Shehzer. He was clad in a black tux that fit his muscular frame to perfection. He held Rania's hand as he strode towards my brother for a brotherly hug. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but my smile just became a little more hard to maintain.

Then he looked at me, and then straight through me, like I didn't exist.

By the time he reached the stage to greet me and Areeb, I was convinced that somehow Areeb will find out about my reaction to Shehzer.

But, his greeting was polite, and very civil. Almost like we were distant strangers. He handed me a lovely wrapped present, and allowed Rania to hug me and present me with my favorite flowers; Baby's breath.

"You look like a pwincess Minnna" Rania said as she stared adoringly at me.

"Why thank you, your majesty" I inclined my head in a curtsy.

We talked about her new drawings, while Areeb and Shehzer had a a rather forced conversation about the venue, and the club. My heart rate didn't return to normal until they left us alone.

During the elaborate dinner, Areeb and a dozen other people asked me if I wanted to eat something. Woah, I quite liked this VIP treatment.

When my Mom heard me chirp to Areeb's mom; "No thanks, I just ate a Big Mac!" She gave me one of those dangerous, narrow eyed Mom-glare. Message received: 'Shut Up. NOW!'

Areeb's mom and Dad appeared onstage after dinner, followed by own family. They wanted to see His ring on my finger. It was a silly tradition I suppose. That a piece of metal and stone, can tie your life to that of another person.

Areeb produced a velvet box from his pocket, causing a wave of cheers to reverberate through the ballroom. Then he opened to reveal an absolutely stunning sapphire ring. I was speechless. My hand shook as he gently slid his ring onto my left hand. The weight of it seemed unreal. So many promises, so many commitments. I had a childish urge to take it off and run to my Mommy and Daddy.

I thanked Areeb for the lovely ring; my eyes still seeking those Shehzer's. I saw him staring at my hand expressionlessly. He half smiled, and slowly nodded once. Then turned around and walked away.

Out of the Ballroom doors.

Out of my life.

A/N:

This chapter was soooo long! :D atleast equivalent to two chapters!!

Never say I don't love you guys.

Photo in description: My version of Mina's dress and the ring :)

Thoughts??