A Marriage of Thorns!!!

Chap-1

*Unedited*

"Kashaf, sir has called you," said our maid.

"Yeah coming!". I folded the corner of the page before closing my favorite book "Study in the Scarlet", the first part of Sherlock Holmes. It might be the 100th time I'm reading this novel still it's my favorite. The first choice of all girls of my age would be cheesy romantic stories, but mine is and will always be a mystery, filled with detectives, murders, etc.

Why is abbu(dad) calling me? Is everything fine? I mentally slapped myself, nothing's fine these days. Every talk and every piece of news that comes turns out only to be a sad one.

I knocked on the door of my parent's room "Enter" came a faint voice from my father. Sadness reflected in his voice. "Abbu, you called me?" I said taking a seat in the chair opposite him. Ammi (mom) was sleeping peacefully, yet in pain.

"Yeah!" He said taking a deep breath before saying " Think twice and consider the present situation before answering". I gave him a short nod.

He continued " Kashaf, I want you to get married". His words made me dumb. "It's your life beta no one is forcing you, all I want you is to consider the present situation and reply as soon as possible".

"I will give my reply by morning, Insha Allah," I said looking at ammi. "But who will marry me this soon," I said with a pout trying to lighten the mood.

"Leave it to me. I gave you the best thing always and your future husband will also be the best"

"And should be handsome too," I said grinning. My father let out a small chuckle "Done, the best and most handsome husband. Any other quality you want madam?"

I shook my head 'no'. "Now go and sleep. Want your positive reply by morning, Insha Allah" he said.

"Yes Sir!" I replied saluting him "Good night" I kissed his cheek. He too returned the same by saying good night.

I snuggled inside my blanket. This winter is making me feel like a vampire. Abbu's words replayed in my mind. Abbu wants a reply by morning so that I could get married soon. Soon in the sense within ten days.

Yeah, within ten days. My mom is suffering from Alzheimer's. She is not in the last stage or something, but she is getting worse every day. Abbu is taking her to London where uncle Jaffar has made all the arrangements for her treatment. My parents are leaving for London in 10 days, so they want me to get married.

I don't think something's wrong with it or like someone's forcing me. Ammi & Abbu has done many things for me and now they want me to get settled, nothing's wrong with it. It's a yes from me. But what's troubling me is who will marry me this soon? What if something wrong happens in haste?

I took my phone and dialed the number of my twin. The call was answered on the fifth ring "Assalamualaikum twin!" I greeted.

"Walaikumassalam twin. What's going on?"

"Saba, I'm getting married".

"Wow..... and me?" She whined.

"In your dreams," I say with a chuckle. Saba and I are besties. We call each twin because we have almost everything in common except the external appearance. Duh!

"What's new in that? I get married in every dream of mine" she said but her voice was not clear.

"Are you eating something?" I asked.

"Yup. Chocolate".

"Without me" It's my time to whine.

"Dude, my phone doesn't have a door delivery service. If it had, I would be glad to share it with you"