Riyah

It was a long journey. The jet lag hit me hard. My Khala had sent Amna to pick me up, and it took us a full hour to get home. Karachi traffic was a nightmare—I puked twice and felt like I was about to faint. The warm welcome was matched by the scorching heat. Amna kept stealing glances at me while focusing on the road, occasionally reaching over to pat my back.

"The streets here are never clean. If I’d just come from somewhere neat, I’d be puking my ass off too," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

I managed a weak smile. "You’re not wrong, but it’s been years since I last traveled by plane. Jet lag mixed with a little bit of phobia isn’t exactly a great combination."

Amna chuckled. "I remember the last time you were here—you’d shut your eyes every time you saw a truck, convinced it was about to tip over. How’s that phobia holding up?"

I couldn’t help but snort. "Yeah, I’ve mellowed out a bit, but now I’ve noticed they always have something written on them."

"‘Maa ki dua, jannat ki hawa,’" she said, nodding toward the truck ahead of us, and we both burst out laughing. For a moment, all the exhaustion and discomfort seemed to melt away.

"I’m really hoping it’s a great stay this time," I said, leaning back in my seat.

"Trust me, we’ll make sure of it," Amna replied with a reassuring smile.

I came home to a decorated house. It was all shiny and adorned with fairy lights. I looked at Amna in confusion. She gave me a sly smirk.

My eyes widened in realization.

This will be the first wedding I ever attend...

Khala was quite excited to see me. Her warm hug reminded me of my mother’s. She shed a few tears at the sight of me, repeating that if I ever decided to move back, I was always welcome, and that I didn’t have to live on my own forever. I’m sure if we weren’t interrupted by others, she would have also mentioned me finding a guy and settling down, either here or there. But she preferred if I was in front of her, so her worries would be less. Her kids were already with her, and the only person who caused her anxieties was surely my stubborn self—which didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. Everything felt strange to me. I excused myself and went to the guest room they had emptied for me to relax. They were more than happy to oblige.

My bags were already placed in the right corner near the dressing table. I plopped down on the bed, contemplating whether I should shower or take a nap. Instead, I was reminded of all the different places I had been while traveling and settled on the first thought.

I woke up to the sound of loud music blasting throughout the house. I’m assuming today was going to be a little dance party for Amna’s upcoming wedding. I peeked into the lawn; it was almost packed with people, but more guests were still arriving. I suppose the main event was yet to unfold.

I walked to the bathroom, unpacked a few of my necessities, and freshened up. Coming back, it hit me how I had zero fancy dresses, and it was going to be weird for me to go out looking like a homeless person who could barely afford to feed herself. I could pass off as a servant. I opened the door, hoping no guests would find me, but only to catch a glimpse of Khala or Amna to help me out of this dire situation.

I tiptoed my way into the kitchen. The inside of the house was empty. Thank God, I breathed. I took a few steps, but my head bumped into something hard. I looked up and freaked out.

I started fumbling with my hair and clothes. Damn! Why would a guest be here when the event is going on outside?

Before me stood a tall, handsome guy with slightly foreign features, but that slicked-back hair, and little that fell to his left side covering that area and little bit of his temple. His body was rather build like an athlete even that black XXL shirt looked small on him .He seemed to be in causals. Which was odd for wedding functions but then again men barely cared about such things. could pass him off as an actor. Hollywood, because no way would Pakistan cast such handsome dudes. All they have are old ones with their bellies popping out like they’re nine months pregnant. His voice shook me out of my thoughts.

"Are you a spy or what?" he said between bites of an apple. I breathed out.

"This isn’t a movie. Why would I spy in my own house?" I scoffed. Brother must think he's a gangster or some undercover spy, huh?

Quite schizophrenic.

"Well, for one, you don’t quite look like you’re from the crowd and—" he swallowed, "it was a joke. Your humor’s quite dead, not that you look—" he gave me a head-to-toe glance, "that much like a living being yourself," he snickered.

I was quite embarrassed, but who was he to tell me that?

"At least I’m not creepily checking someone out," I said, crossing my arms and giving him a stern gaze.

"Creepy?" He looked around, confused, as if to say it wasn’t him. He pointed a thumb toward himself, which just made me roll my eyes. I made my way to the fridge, hoping to grab something and wait for someone to come inside. Since I had just arrived, I barely had anyone’s number except Khala’s, and I doubted anyone would hear me with the music blasting outside, practically shaking the floor.

"Why would I check out someone who looks like a skeleton? Very delusional of you." He laughed, then stopped when I glared at him.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“So how are you related to the bride? ”He questioned like some detective .

“How are you here if you don’t even know how I’m related to bride ?you’re the one suspicious here “I played .His eyes darkened for a moment which turned into little smile .

“I'm from the groom’s side so I barely know anyone here , my mother insisted I join in , itd be liked “He replied.

“Then shouldn’t you be outside ?enjoying ? And filling the lawn with your presence so the guests know you came ?”I asked curiously.

“Yeah well “ he leaned on counter top “it seems like its a mistake , that seems like women’s function mostly , its either kids tearing at grass or women so I just stayed inside till its over “ he was right even though there are still guys around who are present but I'm guessing they might not be around his age .

“ But you tell me , how are you related and why do you look like you just got up? Not happy with the wedding or is it yours ?”He asked nonchalantly .

“First I , did woke up from sleep since I just arrived. Second no I'm not the bride or id be outside or in my room getting ready .third its my cousin’s wedding if you have seen a girl in yellow dress wearing glasses and flowers , that must be the bride .”I said pouring glass of water and rounding my eyes for food .

Hoping either the function gets over or I could find a dress. But not being present would be bad , it wouldn’t put nice impression , I assume they didn't wake me up because they wanted me to have rest .

“Yeah , why are you not outside .with the bride? He continued searching through cabinets .Does he not have any shame lord.

“I don’t have a dress ”,I wonder why id be conversation with a stranger I met at someone else’s house but that was my only option at the moment .I had nothing better to do .

He gave a hearty laugh .

“Why ? Did our little princess here not have dad buying her favorites? He joked which not only pissed me off but my eyes widened at sudden mention of his .I froze and stared at him for bare few minutes before I turned around and took long strides to my room.

*********

A minute has passed as I sit here in my bed consoling myself I’m an adult and such thing shouldn’t affect me like that , at least not when I told myself I’m over it .Yet ,how could I make myself fool by running away when all a stranger did was made a little joke .I stared at the wall before me hoping all this sudden thoughts would disappear but what was even there to think about ? Maybe the issue itself was that every-time someone mentioned him my head would be thoughtless , my responses unclear and absent .I didn't know what to say or how to react.

I wish I could let go of it like I convinced myself I did .I counted till ten and breathed out loud. Maybe I should go out and find myself something to eat , change into clothes .

I sighed getting back up .Going out again I found the kitchen empty .Meantime I fetched myself croissants from inside the cabinet and started feeding myself. The door to lawn opened khala made her way .She noticed me - a smile covered her face.

She caressed my face .I gave her a nod.

“You slept well it seems, the event isn't over , I'm assuming you didn't bring any fancy clothes ?”I gave her a embarrassed laugh and nod.

I followed her to the closet room which honestly I had no idea it belonged to .Neither did I remember how many people lived in the house .At the moment it was wedding house and it was confusing to make about who was permanent member or guest. Khala was the only person I knew so far and would trust .Amna being second .And hat guy..I wonder who he was. I forgot to catch his name.

Khala gave me a beautiful golden gown paired up with same jewelry and a pair of heels.

***

I changed into the dress made applied makeup and went out. Loud music made my heart thump loudly against my chest .The beats mixed with my own the moment I stepped into light. It felt awkward the social anxiety came rushing back .Thoughts scattered and worries poured everywhere and nowhere .No familiar face just made me more lost.

Amna was on stage , I looked at her and smiled she glanced my way then got busy in talking with others. I had no right being there at stage .Barely knowing anyone and afraid of various questions made me stat low-key .My breathing quickened .I glance around taking every décor , light .

All across the lawn I was met with same scowling pair of eyes .They stared right back into my soul .But neither of us made any move towards each other .

No right existed for either of us to walk towards each other .A mere stranger that triggered me .

After moment of intense staring contest I decided it was best if I made atleast Amna know I was there .I walked up to her to perform little ritual of feeding her sweet stuff whispering her that I was still tired from the flight I let her know was going back inside and left for the room to confide myself in.

It would take me awhile to get used to interacting humanely again .Years of not socializing outside of my bare work related stuff made me bad at communicating let alone communicating while also composing my emotions .

It seemed like I had become a child that was learning everything again .

And it would take me awhile to learn that .It couldn't just happen over minor conversations.

By few minutes I was back in my unfamiliar room .