Story taken from Muslimah Network on Facebook - part 2

"Eid mubarak" my husband says. "Khair mubarak". I reply with looking down shyly, he holds my hands and asks why I haven't put any henna on. I tell him that I was busy with eid preparations so didn't get time, "never mind, shaam ko laga lena" (never mind apply it in the evening) The men leave for eid prayers. 

I look through my wardrobe for a nice outfit, it's my first eid since leaving my parents home. I pick out a lilac and silver outfit and choose some matching ...bangles, the bedroom door opens and my mother in law asks me to iron her clothes. I greet her with a hug and say eid mubarak Our house is very big, no I mean my house, I smile, whilst ironing mmm yes my this is my house now. I finish ironing my mother in laws outfit and then my sister in law comes in "Bhabi, can you iron this too, I need to do my hair and makeup" "But, hassan is coming home I need to get ready and get the food ready for. ... She looks at me piercing into my eyes and I don't speak any further. 

The men later return and we serve them with food, most of the day is spent with entertaining guests. I feel special when my mother in law introduces me to everyone, but notice that she doesn't let me answer questions that people ask, I'm strangely interrupted.

The day is nearly over, so I ask my mother in law if I can ring my parents to say eid mubarak. " oh yes i forgot, they rang earlier on, but I forgot to tell you. I was busy so were you. Uff I'm so tired, beta make me some tea." I pause and then think, yes she's right we have been busy i'll ring tomorrow. I take the tea to her and she thanks me and says "beta, why didn't you put henna on" I tell her I was busy so couldn't put it on last night and it's late now, .oh well maybe tomorrow. 

I go back into my room, I don't change as hasan will be back soon, I gaze out of the window. 1am, 2am the clock keeps ticking and it's raining, he doesn't return home. I fall asleep on the bed in my eid  clothes......