Hiraeth

AiraSmiles are deceptive, and today I could feel it.There were excitement and joy everywhere, emotions and feelings occupying every ounce of air but I felt the void inside of me.My mother would peep at me every now and then, her eyes moistening with painful happiness each time.Dad would often brush his hand on my hair, smiling at me vividly.And my brother would care for me like never before. He wouldn't fight, he wouldn't argue but just yield to my desire easily.He was ready to give me anything but of course he couldn't give me what I really longed for.I was overwhelmed with all the love. I felt so filled and full yet so empty and incomplete.Tears whirled in my eyes but I bit them bitterly, with the

 AiraNobody in the world knew what was more difficult, whether what I was doing or what Asher was doing.Constantly smiling, obeying my family, helping them out to arrange and carry different events for my wedding wasn't easy at all when his heart was terribly breaking in the process.But Asher wasn't complaining. He was doing all of that with full dedication, perhaps with the hope that somehow the tables would turn and he'd make us win.But I knew, it was impossible.It was ironical how my father and brother bonded so well with Asher and yet they wouldn't choose him as my life partner ever.No matter how perfect Asher was for me, but his religion shaded it all. A Muslim could never be with a Brahmin.I often wondered what could really break me in my happening, happy, little living and life gave me its answer f

AiraIt was all good. I often used to hang out with Asher's mother. She loved my company and she called me her saviour in the foreign, rushed lifestyle of Sydney but it was all until one day Asher told her about us. She had come to Australia during Christmas. I remember we had a fantastic weekend that year but it soon died when Asher revealed about us.She stopped talking to me since that day. The only limited, precise conversations we had after that were about how she wanted me to maintain distance with Asher or how both of our lives would ruin if we continue to go along. Series of conflicts and arguments continued for a year or two and eventually we were left with nothing but to gi

AiraFor a change I had opted for a dress. It was a black, floral printed midi dress. It made me feel uniquely comfortable or probably it was just the transformation from suits and kurtis that made me feel different. Looking out of the window I concluded Udaipur was more beautiful than what I thought it to be. The palace we were staying at was nothing but purely gorgeous, the lakes were serene and pacifying and the hills and the plateau only added to the glory. It was a nice and affordable place for vacation I thought, turning towards my right.I expected Asher but it was Virat. Immediately the truth dawned upon me and

AiraThe day was really hectic. Everything had happened, from Asher to Virat without any prior warning. I was completely drained to even feel myself but I had no time to spare, to rest. There was much more to come. A casual, ordinary family dinner was arranged for today, before the heavy wedding rituals which were starting from tomorrow. But it wasn't a mere evening for me, I was supposed to be the most pleasant and happy woman present out there. I sat on the bed with a sigh, staring at the footwears lying in front of me. I was wearing a pista green anarkali and I was confused about how to carry it.