Esra, Jungkook's mother, was flipping through a photo album with Iliana and Zahra, pointing out pictures of Jungkook and Zeeshan. "Look at this one! They were swimming together when they were just 10 years old!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. Zahra and Iliana burst into laughter, and Zahra added, "And look at this! They always used to fight over food!" The room filled with their laughter, a warm reminder of the bonds shared over the years.
As Esra turned to another picture, a fond smile crept across her face. "Oh, my dear Zeeshan is such a wonderful guy; he will definitely keep you happy after marriage," she said, her voice full of affection. "His mother and I were great friends, and he always thought of me as a second mother. So, please, whenever you need someone to talk to, feel free to come to me anytime." She leaned over and kissed Zahra on the forehead, a gesture filled with warmth and care.
Zahra's smile faded slightly as she replied, "My mother passed away last year, Honestly, it feels like I'm talking to my mom right now." Iliana and Esra exchanged gentle glances, responding softly, "May she be in a high place in Jannah," to which Zahra whispered, "Ameen." Sensing the somber mood, Esra quickly shifted gears. "How about we go shopping for your wedding dress today, along with our dresses too, Zahra?" she suggested, her tone brightening. Both Zahra and Iliana nodded enthusiastically, the prospect of shopping lifting their spirits.
"Gimme one more slice, Zeeshan! You just took three!" Jungkook pouted, playfully tugging at Zeeshan's arm to snag a slice of pizza.
"No way, Jeon! Walk off, duh! I'm not giving you this!" Zeeshan shot back, a cheeky grin lighting up his face. Just then, Jungkook's phone buzzed, and as he answered, Zeeshan seized the opportunity to snatch the third piece, taking a big bite. Jungkook shot him a mock glare but couldn't suppress a laugh as he picked up the call.
"Yes, Eomma?" he said, trying to focus amid the chaos.
"Come here and take us to the shopping mall; we need to select dresses," Esra instructed, her voice firm and authoritative.
"C'mon, you can take Appa and Zeeshan's dad with you!" Jungkook protested, hoping to dodge the shopping trip.
"Jungkook, come here, I said! Okay, darling?" Esra replied, her tone leaving no room for argument before she hung up.
"Who was that?" Zeeshan asked, sipping his juice with a curious look.
"My mom. We have to help them with shopping," Jungkook said, already feeling the thrill of the impending adventure.
"Let's go!" Zeeshan exclaimed, excitement bubbling over as he hopped up.
They hopped on Jungkook's bike, and as they sped off, Zeeshan clung to Jungkook's shoulder. "Slow down, Jeon! Why do you always drive so fast? You're not in a race like you were five years ago!" he teased, laughter dancing in his voice.
"Duh, I might start racing again, but now it'll be in my car, not my bike!" Jungkook laughed, the thrill of speed evident in his eyes.
"Good idea, Jeon!" Zeeshan chuckled, imagining all the fun they could have together.
As they arrived at Jungkook's mansion, they spotted Zahra, Esra, and Iliana waiting outside, their faces beaming with excitement for the shopping trip ahead. The energy was palpable, and Jungkook couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness at the thought of spending the day with his friends and family.
"Okay, me and Iliana will go in Jungkook's car, while Zahra and Zeeshan will take Zeeshan's car," Esra announced, and Jungkook nodded eagerly, his excitement palpable.
He swung the door open for Esra, saying, "Come on, Eomma, take a seat!"
Esra laughed, "Oh, my son is starting to become such a gentleman!"
Next, he opened the door for Iliana, adding with a playful smirk, "Hop in, green chameleon!"
Iliana shot back with a teasing grin, "Sure, Jeon Archaeopteryx!"
Esra couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of pride as she watched her son open the door for a girl for the first time.
Zeeshan and Zahra exchanged amused glances, chuckling as they climbed into Zeeshan's car. "Both of them are chaotic in their own way," Zahra remarked, shaking her head.
Zeeshan, smiling as he drove, replied, "I take pleasure in knowing that soon you will be my wife, Ms. Syed Zahra." Zahra blushed at his words, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.
Meanwhile, Jungkook kept stealing glances at Iliana, who was sitting in the backseat, while Esra sat beside him. "Son, look ahead... if you want to say something to Iliana, you can," Esra teased, a playful smile on her face.
Jungkook tried to hide his blushing cheeks, stammering, "Nah, nah, Mom."
In the back, Iliana was quietly doing zikr on her fingers, lost in her thoughts. "Ya Allah... whenever Jungkook is near me, my heart races. Please don't let me stray into haram," she whispered softly, her heart filled with emotion as she focused on her prayers.
Everyone finally reached the mall, buzzing with excitement and energy. Zeeshan, Zahra, and Esra headed straight for the wedding dress corner, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, while Jungkook made his way to the men's section, eager to find the perfect suit. Iliana, drawn by the allure of the dresses, decided to follow the others, her curiosity piqued.
As they sifted through the dresses, Iliana flipped through a few options, her brow furrowing in concentration. "This one? Nope," she said, shaking her head with a playful pout. "This one? Nah," she continued, her disappointment evident as she moved on to the next dress.
Just then, Jungkook appeared behind her, holding out a beautiful dress. "Wear this. It's modest and pretty," he suggested, his voice slightly shaky as he realized how close he was standing to her. Iliana took a step back, her cheeks flushing. "Astagfirullah," she exclaimed. Jungkook quickly handed her the dress, feeling the heat of the moment, and hurried off to join Zeeshan, trying to shake off the awkwardness.
Meanwhile, Iliana examined the dress he had given her-a lovely pink gown paired with a matching hijab that seemed to shimmer under the lights. "Ah, Jeon Archaeopteryx... this dress is pretty though and modest too," she said, a smile breaking across her face as she twirled the fabric in her hands.