Engagement

 Daria woke up more confused than ever. Hadi had left her in a dilemma. The fear kept her gripped. She had stayed away from emotional upheaval for so long. she almost forgot what it was to feel again. She had been happy in her own busy little world . She did not get much time to think because just then she was called down for breakfast. After that it was absolute madness. The caterers, the decorators, the florists were all going about their work . The lawns looked splendid after they were done up for the engagement. Just then her cousin came and called her for lunch. After lunch along with her cousins, she was sent to the parlour. Her hair appointment and a mini spa all fitted in . 

She came home happy with her hair . Makeup she always liked doing it herself. Thankfully! She hadn’t bumped into Hadi. She did not want to deal with all that today . Tonight she wanted to enjoy herself thoroughly. After a long time, there was going to be wedding gaiety in the family. Starting from tonight it was going to be fun. The wedding was fixed for next month. Time for her to shop and plan her outfits 😊. She smiled to herself as she got ready in her soft velvet ankle length gown in emerald green with copper trimming. It did something magical to her colouring . Her crimson lips looked beautiful. Her eyes shone. The loose messy bun looked perfect. Her long chandelier ear rings touching her softly dusted collar bones. She looked beautiful and elegant. 

She never paid attention to herself. Not now, never before either. Her grandparents and her mom and uncles were already seated. She was enveloped in bear hugs by her uncles. Her grandad called her and looked at her lovingly . He took out a small ring box and told her” This is an antique ring of my mother’s, I want you to have it. Wear it tonight. It matches your outfit.”. Daria was moved to tears. The most beautiful ring stared out at her. Encrusted between golden vines it sat majestically, a deep green colour”. She wore it . Her grandfather smiled lovingly at her.

She was called by her cousin . She went to meet them. She was thirsty. She went looking for the juice counter. Just then Hadi stopped her. He smiled at her and said” You look beautiful tonight. May I have a dance with you”.

She and Hadi danced for a long time together. They found a quiet spot on the lawns . They were both famished. They filled their plates and sat enjoying the music and the breeze.

After sometime Hadi cleared his throat “ So what have you decided Daria”?

Daria answered hesitantly” I honestly don’t know Hadi. I still don’t feel ready. I need time”.

Hadi smiled and then replied” Take as long as you want. I’m not resting till I hear a yes. I’m here for few more days . Then I might visit you. Anyway next month we’ll be meeting for the wedding festivities again. I would like you to spend as much time with me as you can”.

Daria smiled back at him. They danced for some more time. Then sat with her cousins. It was late . They were all calling it a night.

Hadi walked her to the door. He wished her good night. Hugged and kissed her . 

Just before turning he said” Be ready by 11. We are going to a beautiful quaint little place up in the mountains. We’ll be out for the day. Dress comfortably “.

Saying that he turned away.

Daria smiled to herself and fell asleep.

Stay tuned for more excitement.

Daria Troubled

 Daria was torn. Next morning she left early . She went to her friend’s place . They were both going to be out for the day. She had to attend her cousin’s engagement tonight. She did not want to meet Hadi today . She wanted to be away from him. This was too soon for her. She did not want to give her answer right away. She still did not know about her feelings. She was still trying to understand. 

She was sitting at her favourite cafe in the olden part of Marrakech. They made exquisite coffee. It was always her favourite place. She often came here then too. 

Suddenly it all came back to her . How perfect it had been with Ali. Then suddenly at her cousin’s wedding, he came to her and whispered” We have to talk”. She went with him towards the garden and he dropped the bomb . 

He looked awkward and suddenly he blurted out” I’m sorry Daria but we can’t get married”. I still remember those moments . I had stopped breathing . I just kept staring at him. He went on” I’m getting married to Fariya”.  Saying that he had gone away . Leaving her life for good.

How hard those months had been after he had left. She had stitched her broken heart together but by bit . She had lost faith in love and forevers.

Now Hadi had come and forced her to acknowledge emotions which she had thought were alien to her. 

Love was something which terrified her. She knows there was nothing like love. Love never stayed. Love hurt. It left you broken and hurt .

Her friend brought her out of the reverie. It was time to head back . She would get late for the engagement.

She was going in when she heard footsteps behind her.” Where have you been whole day”? . I have been looking for you . It was Hadi . She answered him in a hurry . “ I was out with a friend. Just got back . Please excuse me. I have to get ready . I’ll be late” 

He looked at her closely and said” Daria we are still not done”.

We’ll speak later . Saying that he turned away and walked towards the lawns .

Daria went to get ready . More disturbed and confused then ever.

Stay tuned for more.

Querencia

 The “Need of the hour” once again, your undeniable strength. The power you have within which helps you fight all odds. The place where you dwell and rest calmly. The uncertainty keeps each gripped once again. No assurance of life or moments. Whatever we have or are gifted in the moment is truly ours, rest it only wishful thinking . Wish always! Hope for the best as we say but to keep your being together in the most trying times is what resilience is all about. 

The fear of what holds next keeps each its unwilling slave. Yet! Slaves we all are at times. How we break free from the threatening, menacing tentacles of fear and anxiety is what living is all about. How? The question of many? To keep your sanity, your mental health together the biggest requisite.

Build a loving community together. Stay connected to your close ones. Practice self love. Read inspiring stories. Tell yourself each morning how important you are. Honour yourself by just saying at-least one positive word. One hour in the day, gift it to yourself exclusively. Work the brain along with the body. Stay inspired. Motivate others. Compassion, humility, kindness the biggest “ Need of the Hour”.

Keep the fear at bay. Smile often. Spread joy all around. Lend your shoulder for a troubled heart to rest. 

JUST BE THERE FOR OTHERS!

Have a blessed day ahead😊.

Keep smiling always!

Keep the faith, “ Whatever happens, happens for the best”!