Chapter 2

Qurbat sighed. “I don’t know. I mean, we have never been close. We aren’t exactly friends. I don’t expect her to be jumping up and down from excitement, but I am her sister. It is a little weird to see her lack of interest.”

Huma swallowed. “Well, maybe she’s just young...”

“She is just ten months younger than me,” Qurbat interrupted. Huma didn’t reply, studying her face instead. Qurbat was bubbly by nature, always smiling, so much so that Huma often wondered how her cheeks never ached. Yet after years of studying together, Huma knew there was more to her than that. When the moment demanded it, Qurbat could be calm and calculating. And so, Huma knew: Qurbat was aware, fully aware that her sister envied her.

“Come on you two!” Emaan called, loading the bags into the carriage that had been waiting for them outside the bazaar.

“Let us reach her she bites both our heads off,” Qurbat chuckled.

“Ugh, my own feet are killing me,” Huma snickered.

“That’s a small sacrifice for a friend, sugar plum,” Qurbat winked.

Huma shook her head.

...

They chatted all along the ride home. About the ceremony, clothes, jewellery, food, dancing, music and everything related to weddings.

When the carriage stopped, Emaan kicked open the door before the chauffeur had the chance to open it.

“Finally,” she grumbled, hopping out.

Qurbat and Huma followed. “Aamir, get the bags please,” said Qurbat with a smile.

“Of course, Maam,” he replied as he curtsied.

The gates were already open for them. The mansion that stood within was huge, as suited to Councilman Raees, a member of the King’s court. The mid afternoon sunlight shone of the grass in the lawn as they walked through the courtyard and into the main building. Once they were inside, a middle aged woman walked up to them and curtsied.

Qurbat smiled at her. “Where is Amma, Madam Kausar?”

“In the hall, milady,” the maid replied. “She and your father were entertaining Sir Saud.”

“Yahmir is here?” Qurbat’s eyes brightened up like they always did when she heard his name.

“Isn’t he always here?” Emaan grumbled, walking past her.

Qurbat tipped her nose up haughtily. “Don’t dare speak that way about my husband!”

“To be,” Huma added, walking up beside her.

Qurbat grinned. “You know what I mean.”

Huma sighed. “I am famished. I need to eat.”

“He is in the second yard before your room, milady,” said Kausar. “I will have your lunch sent to your chambers.”

Qurbat nodded before signing Emaan and Huma to follow as she entered the corridor. “Come on. You two wait in my room. I’ll see Yahmir and then we can eat.”

“I can’t wait to lie down!” Emaan exclaimed, trotting after Qurbat.

“Don’t get too cosy. Remember, we still need to visit the seamstress tin the evening,” Qurbat chirped with a grin.

“Oh Lord,” Emaan moaned, dropping her head.

Huma sighed. “Me and Emaan seem to be waiting more for the wedding than you. When it is over, I will sleep for...” She paused as Qurbat stopped walking.

“What’s wrong?” Emaan asked, stopping behind her.

Qurbat didn’t answer.

Huma stood still for a moment, eyes fixed on Qurbat’s back. They were standing at the entrance of the second yard. Then she walked forward slowly, as if knowing what she was going to see. And there it was, right under the canopy.

Laia... in Yahmir’s arms.

Emaan gasped. “Oh my...”

Laia shrieked as they heard her and sprang apart. “Never heard of knocking?

“It’s an open space, you harpy!” Emaan snapped.

Yahmir’s eyes met Qurbat’s, whose face had turned to speak. Qurbat! I... listen to me...”