When I reminisce about Eid celebrations at my place, I think of my happy family, which gives me a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Nonetheless, it also reminds me of the rhapsodic essence of Mehndi (Henna).
News:
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announces that Eid’s crescent has been sighted; hence Eid will be celebrated tomorrow across Pakistan.
Naseem knew how to arrange a delightful Eid party. She has done this numerous times earlier. But this year is particular as Major Hanif, Naseem’s husband, is available for Eid for the first time in 5 years. Since he was busy bombing and droning at the Afghan border, he never got a chance to celebrate Eid festival with his family.
Naseem, a beloved and enthusiastic wife, rolled up her sleeves and mumbled to herself, “I desire to make this Eid party the most remarkable one.” she then fumbled for the planner she kept in one of the chest drawers. She leafed through the planner and started to write.
Nasreen’s planner:
List for groceries: It includes everything she needs for breakfast and dinner. And lots of milk for dessert.
List for decoration: She has all sorts of Eid decorations in a carton box lying on the top shelf in the pantry.
List of the guests.
“Girls, get ready Henna artist will arrive any minute. It’s time to get your hands adorned with exquisite Henna designs.” Naseem said cheerfully.
And headed straight to the kitchen to prepare a cup of tea for herself and almost shouted to ask, “Who else would like to have tea?”
“Ah, your tea unburdens me unlike anything else can do.” Replied Major Hanif.
Naseem continues with tea-making joyfully. She was murmuring while preparing tea. Her murmurs had a cadence and rhythm like a song. It goes like this,
The air is scented with Mehndi thoroughly(Henna),
Bliss and joy are embracing us gently,
Ah! this Eid, we are together as a happy family!
Naseem and Hanif had two daughters. Both were old enough to enjoy the pleasure of Eid preparations. The elder one is 13, and the younger one is 10. They both came rushing down the staircase to see the Henna artist. But they saw their father sitting near the dining table.
The elder one ran to her father and asked promptly, “What am I getting this Eid? A gigantic gift box or a hefty envelope?” chuckled
The younger one, who is as talkative as her elder sister, also asked politely.
“Are we going to get the balloons this year as well? Before Major Hanif could reply, she resumed, “Remember those balloons you used to buy us every Eid in our childhood!
Balloons in vibrant colours and various sizes amused us on Eid mornings. I often reminisce about those balloons; they brought us so much joy on our Eid morning. I want to …” She got hushed and interrupted by Major Hanif.
“shhh. I always knew how to cheer up my gorgeous princesses. And I still know how to do that. So wait till the morning breaks, then who knows if it’s an enormous gift box or a hefty envelope.”
He hugged and kissed both of his daughters and asked them to let him know when they would get the Mehndi (Henna)done so that he could admire their Henna designs as he did whenever he was available on Eid.
“The tea is ready Major.” informed Naseem; she appeared carrying a white porcelain tray with the tea. They talked about various things as they sipped the tea. They began by exchanging their political views, then conversing about gratitude for being in this solid and imperishable relationship and the Eid preparations for tomorrow. Nonetheless, they also talked about their daughters’ studies and bright futures. They spoke till they were fatigued and yearned to sleep.
Major Hanif interrupted and said, “We must go to sleep now. It is a big day tomorrow.” Then he entered his daughters’ room, and both were busy uploading their Henna pictures on Facebook. At the sight of their father, they both jumped off the sofa and produced their palms to exhibit the Henna designs on their hands.
“wow! It looks fantastic!” exclaimed Major Hanif, and admired the colour and fragrance of Henna for another few seconds. He hugged them gently and wished them a good night’s sleep. He left.
It was drizzling when the dawn broke with a call for prayers. Major Hanif woke up to Naseem’s voice, who gave him both a hug and a bed tea. Major Hanif then hurried to shower and made his ablution; he wore white, wrinkle-free and starched kameez shalwar. It looked pristine. He looked calm and composed.
The call for Eid prayer was audible.
Major Hanif kissed his wife and left.
News:
A suicide bomber targeted Al-Jamia mosque during Eid prayers, leaving at least 30 people dead and 27 others injured, an official of the political administration informed.
Doorbell rings
Neighbours came with heavy hearts, sniffing noses and watery eyes.
The house was glittering; the walls were ornamented and illuminated with LED lights.
Two presents were lying under the banner of Happy Eid. “From everloving, dad.” said the gift tag.
There was a peculiar, sweet smell of Eid dessert in the atmosphere. There was this sandy-minty Henna fragrance that dominated the place.
Everything looked perfect, as perfect as Naseem wished it to be.
Guests arrived in unexpected numbers. Yet the house still felt empty.
The day she was expecting to receive Eid greetings along with her beloved. Instead, she received condolences and consolations for losing her beloved. It seemed to be one person’s funeral, but two died. One was Naseem’s beloved husband, and the other was an endearing father to their daughters.
The event, supposedly celebrating happiness and togetherness, turned into a bleak funeral. This Eid day was darker than the darkness of the grave. It is the gloomiest day of all.
Naseem was standing beside the Eid gifts. Cold. Frigid.
Ah! This Eid, we are together as a happy family!
Sang Nasim to herself.
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