everyone was happy in the house. they were preparing food. aunts chatting with each other. ones from yoir side of the family and the othera from the other side.. for today was a grand day. one where happiness. excitement and hope had taken over. destroying all the chances evil and sorrow might ever have. fathers. uncles and grandparent shared different stories, some smoked and some didn't. some drank and some were content with just water. only grandmothers who sang about shiva and shivnu or other deities whom their name you don't recgonize all day.. children roamed the big house. sending wavea of joy with their laughter. workers were yelled at by absolutely everyone to hurry up and move everything in or out. food. ingredients. furniture. you even saw a couple of workers carrying cement..

they were preparing for your big day.

your father didn't believe he could actually get an answer from the liuetenant.. and they agreed to give you their daughter!..

• strong.

• tall.

• composed and calm..

they didn't shut up with their praises to her. and what blew their minds is that she served in military. like father like son.. nah. this time it's like father like daughter.

your mother. cousins and other aunta were preparing you in the room. they put on the sari on you. a couple of gold necklaces and other gold wearables. even when you argued back. they didn't listen. at least they didn't put makeup on..

finally. you heard them..

mr karim. a highly known lieutenant in across the entire governote. was talking to your father. as they seemed to be walking to your direction. the door creaked softly and slowly. and everyone left. from your aunts. cousins and even your mother. then an another familiar figure stepped in..

pari mehran.. the lieutenant's daughter..

she wore a suit cladded with a formal red cloth that covered her entire right shoulder. her hair was short. face thickened with scars. yet her expression was weary.. mr karim pushed her in and so did your father. leaving you both in with a thumbs up. after that. they immediately closed the door..

she stood there in silence. stiffened like she is standing before a general. not her future husband. even when she was clearly nervous. sweating and all. she remained composed.. for now.