A favor or a threat?

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I saw Agha Jaan raise his hand, and then he gave a shake of his head. "Nothing. Please."

So I put the receiver down. And waited.

They both exchanges anxious glances, and then I heard Agha Jaan heave in a long breath.

"We want a favor." He finally spoke, his voice low and hesitant, as if he had been afraid of speaking out the words he just did.

My interest in the matter piqued. So nobody died. Cocking my head a little to the side, I raised an eyebrow. A favor from me? The world surely was coming to an end.

His gaze dropped. "I want you to marry Agha Zaman's daughter."

If it was possible, my eyebrows would have flown up my forehead. "Pardon?" Profoundly confused, I wondered about their mental state. For they would never in their right minds would want to marry me to any of their women, considering I had already once turned them down. And considering they had taken quite an offence.

My eyes for the first time found Agha Zaman, who surprisingly had his gaze dropped, as if there was a sin he was trying to hide. He too had a dejected droop to his shoulder, his head seemed to be hanging low in shame.

"For our family's sake, Hasan. For our dignity and virtue, our respect in the society. Give her your name, own her as yours." I swear I had caught a hint of implore in his voice. Desperation swam in his eyes. "We can not find a more suitable suitor for her at such a short notice, someone who'd not make her life a hell for the mistake she did. Someone who'd respect her regardless. And there's no one we can trust with her but you."

Agha Zaman finally looked up, and met my eyes. "I'd be indebted to you for life, Agha Hasan."

They were fucking serious. They had come to me with high hope, probably also after crushing their mounted ego. I found pity emerging in my heart for both men.

But then with a jolt of electricity I remembered the daughter that I knew. Could it be her? I hoped not. I thought it better to confirm before giving the word of assent as the medicine to their ailment. "Which one?"

Agha Zaman glanced at Agha Jaan before turning his attention back at me. "I have only one."

"You have to be kidding." I blurted out, indignant at the prospect. "She's too young for me, do you realise that? Don't do this to her. Even if you want to get rid of her, find her someone of her age."

"She doesn't deserve perfect after what she did." His voice dripped with bitterness for the person in question.

The girl's face flashed in the forefront of my mind. I could never do what they were asking of me. Besides, how could they come to me after years of expressing resentment to ask such a humungous "favour"? "What happened?" I had to ask.

Both men avoided my eyes. "Was caught with a boy at night, in the living room hiding behind the curtains." Agha Jaan finally managed to voice.

Seriously? Was it that big of a deal, that marrying her off at such a young age and in such an emergency was the only solution that came to their minds? I thought it was a bit unfair. Moreover, if she liked someone, why not marry her to that very lad?

"I implore you, Agha Hasan. Take my daughter."

"As your Agha Jaan, I order you."

My attention shifted from Agha Zaman to Agha Jaan. The corner of my lips slightly curled up in a bitter smile. "The last I remember, you had cut every ties with me."

"For God's sake, please don't drag in lost times in it." Agha Zaman said with a desperate lilt to his voice.

"Hasan!" Agha Jaan raised his voice, and I thought I'd had enough.

With a jerk I rose to my feet, and walked away to the glass wall. Looking out, letting my gaze skirt over the buildings standing low around the edifice I myself was in, I thought I was making a decision for myself. I turned to face them. "Please, Agha Jaan, I'm sorry but you can't order me around, not after the years that I've lost living alone. You've lost your place. It's a no from me." And then I added, with a stinging burn to my voice. "Again."

His nostrils visibly flared with rage, but surprisingly he kept quiet. Agha Zaman though stood up. "Hasan, please. I'll owe you all the rest of my life. Don't turn me down. Save my daughter, save her respect in the society by giving her your name. Give her a place in your house."

"I'll bring your name into dirt, if you don't." Agha Jaan stepped in once again. "I hope you're aware that I can do anything."

My jaw clenched. He really got the nerve to come barge into my space and threaten me without an ounce of remorse.

Agha Zaman turned to his father. He looked like a broken man, and strangely, I felt empathy crawl into my heart. "For heaven's sake, Agha Jaan, it's hardly the time for threats. He'd be doing us a favor."

He squared his shoulders and breathed through his nose in an indignant sort of way. "I'm his elder, he should feel obliged to my orders." Getting up, he gave me a hard stare. "You better be home tonight. Arrangements would be done for the Nikah, and remember if you're not present, I'll give a hard time."

Agha Zaman flicked his gaze between us, helplessness marring his every movement. He had to follow his father as he trudged towards the door, leaving me floating in sheer mental misery.

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A/n: Don't forget to vote and comment people

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