Latif looks around the empty road after parking his car on the side for a long time until he finds the similar sound of bangles and the red dress appearing in front of him.
"You have been standing here for one hour". Afreen said looking at him
He narrows his eyes at her, "Well if someone wasn't excited to get married to me I wouldn't be in this situation".
She kicks his leg making him wince, "Who told you I wanted to marry you?. I had a groom already but you ruined it".
"Oh, yeah, he is the best groom to exist because he left his soon to be wife to marry someone else". He said rolling his eyes
She narrows her eyes, "He is your friend".
"Thank you for reminding me because the first thing I do if I get to live until tomorrow is to kill him". He said as he brushes his hand through his hair frustrated, "Can't I just hide you?. Maybe stay at some hotel?".
"When my family will be at your door tomorrow, be sure to tell them where I am and see if you live through". She said shrugging
"You seem strangely calm for someone who was married to a stranger". He said sighing, "As soon as my family know about this you won't be a new bride but a new widow".
"The excitement is amazing". She said grinning at him, "I can have you killed without even doing anything. That's the perfect strategy".
"Stop eating my brain".
"You have one?".
"I do have one, I don't think you have one".
"How are you so sure you have a brain after what you did!?".
He groaned ready to hit his head somewhere, "Fine. You want to go to my place, be my guest".
He enters his house sweating profusely as he wishes this is a bad dream.
"We have been standing at the door for fifteen minutes now". She said from behind him
"Why is this dream so long?". He said anxiously, "Maybe I should hit my head on the door to be awake".
And he did hit his head at the door but he didn't wake up but heard her snickering behind him.
"Don't ever mention this". He said entering inside standing in front of his family
He can hear everyone shouting at him asking him a question as she hides behind him after he reveals that she is his wife, not by choice- but he didn't add that detail in.
"I can't believe this". His father said angrily, "Go to your room until we decide what to do next".
He quickly escape leaving her behind in his room.
She stands in front of them not sure what to do next as she did expected this reaction but he didn't add the details of what he had done wrong.
"How did you get married?". His elder brother- Hadi asked strictly and she finds her heart ready to stop
"Um, h-he, I mean he--". She stutters trying to form a single sentence, "It was his fault".
"How?". Raza asked a little more calm
She explains the situation in details not leaving anything behind watching them relax a little more.
"I know he is reckless, I never thought he will bring a bride home one day while he is at it". His father said sighing
"You should rest". His mother said softly, "I will send some clothes to the room".
"I will take you". Eshal said smiling as she holds her hand dragging her away, "Do you want to know a place you can relax here?".
"What place?".
"The fountain. You can always relax there. It's the best place and I love it". Eshal said grinning
"Ah, do you always share details with strangers?". She asked as the stop in front of the room door
Eshal grins nodding, "I never had an issue before. And you are family now".
She didn't say anything smiling awkwardly as she enters the room. She looks around at all sort of colours in the room and she frowns if this is a room or a circus?.
She turns at the sound to find him walking out of his closet in different clothes and once his eyes stop at her, they both stood still.
"What are you doing here?". They both asked
"This is my room". They said
He brushes his hand through his wet hair frustrated, "This is my room since I was young".
"Why did they send me in here then?". She asked innocently as she looks around confused
He looks at her for the longest time trying to understand if she really didn't get it why she is sent here or is she pretending because now he is more confused then her.
"If it isn't obvious for you". He said taking a few steps closer to her standing in front of her as he examined her painted face but it did look good on her, "You just became my wife a few hours ago and husband and wife stay together".
She makes a face, "I know that".
"I am sure". He said smugly as he moves to his bed when the door knocked, "Mind getting the door?".
"I thought it was my room too". She said opening the door to find another female with clothes in her hands
"I didn't get to introduce myself". Hajar said smiling, "I am Hajar".
She smiles nodding, "Thank you for the clothes".
"I figured Eshal clothes won't be a fit. I have these new ones because Eshal took me shopping just a while ago. If you need something my room is just there". Hajar added
She nodded as she watches her leave closing the door looking at her namesake husband sleeping all over the bed making her groan.
She changes into the white shirt and pyjama that Hajar got here taking the pillow from the bed and sleeping on the couch under the air-conditioning. He heard someone sneeze making him open his eyes as he groans wondering who let the sick person in his room at this late.
He turns around blinking in the dark as he finds a figure curled in a fetal position on the couch.
Who in the world is sleeping on his couch?.
Is it a ghost?. Is it because he didn't pray his prayers yesterday?. Is it going to die tonight?.
The white colour clothes only made his imagination to run wild as he grabs a pillow muttering a few supplications he can remember in his mind at this trembling moment.
"Why are you so loud?". The ghost said, "Will you stop it?. I am already tired".
He frowns, "What ghost says they are tired?. Do ghost get tired?. I mean I know they are busy running around but they get tired?".
"What ghost are you talking about?". She said switching on the lamp on the table beside the couch, "Why do you look like you have seen a ghost?".
"Oh, it's just you". He said sighing as he fell on the ground
"I think I need to marry someone else, this is downright ridiculous". She said sighing tiredly from the full day of drama
"I should be saying that". He said standing from the ground walking back to his bed taking the air-conditioning remote shutting it down, "Why are you even on the couch?".
"Someone didn't wait for me and spread themselves on the bed so what choice did I have?". She said rolling her eyes as she stands from the couch stretching
She shouldn't have stretched because her shirt rides a little making the skin come on display and his eyes unconsciously move to her movement.
"Move". She said coming closer and like he was on fire he immediately runs to the other side staying on the end
"Don't come on my side". He said but he didn't get any reply from her
He moves closer to her slowly peeing at her face to find her asleep. He slumped back taking a deep breath clearing his mind, it must be because it is night and he didn't sleep that this is happening.
The next day she found Eshal bringing her clothes to wear and she didn't like that she has to borrow their clothes so she sent a text to her mother to bring her bags and things over.
She exits the bathroom wearing a pink frock twirling as she giggles because she always loves doing that. That was until she finds him looking at her and her cheeks flare in embarrassment as she quickly exits the room.
But she knows she has to wait for him because even when the things looks a little better last night, she didn't want to risk it. She is still tired because she didn't get to sleep last night and to be honest, she couldn't sleep from the day she came to know she was getting married.
"Are you going to stand there all day?". She heard his voice breaking her daydream
She scowls, "I was waiting for prince charming to get ready so we can go down".
"At least you agree I am a prince charming". He said shrugging as he starts to walk ignoring the glaring at the back of his head
She didn't know what to expect when she finds her parents and her phopo (aunt) in the lounge. She can tell by the look on her father and aunt face as they continue to look at the house, this isn't going to end well.
"I didn't know you were their son". Her aunt who literally is the reason of this marriage in the first place spoke
"If you weren't busy shoving me to random people to be married maybe you would have found out". She said bitterly because luckily she got married to someone nice, what if it was the opposite?.
"I thought after you get married you would have learned how to behave". Her aunt snapped
She could feel the tension rising as each of his family members watches the exchange.
"Well, your experiment failed. You shouldn't try anymore". She said shrugging watching how red her aunt turns at her words
"I think it's best we decide what to do next". His father interrupted, "We should have done this more appropriately even if it was my son fault, we would have asked for her hand in a respectful manner instead of the way she was pushed here".
She has to agree that this man knows how to respect women. She didn't think they will even let her in their house today.
"Your son shouldn't have done what he did". Her father said angrily
"There are a lot of things you shouldn't have done, do you see me complaining?". She said diverting everyone eyes on her, "You should have trusted me when I told you everything instead of throwing me to another man to save the so-called reputation that you don't even have, to begin with".
"How dare you speak to your father in this way?. Did you forget everything?". Her father shouted and she feels the lump in her throat as she knows what he is implying to, "Go and speak to her".
It was an order for her mother who timidly got up from her seat but she didn't.
"I don't have anything to speak to her about". She said watching everyone sucking in a breath
"Afreen, come with me, please". Her mother said desperately
She clenches her hand following behind her mother knowing exactly what she is going to say to her.
Measuring the situation, his family knows there is no use in speaking to her family. They don't seem to come for any sort of solution.
"You should keep your hands tight on her". Her aunt spoke as everyone looks at her, "She is not a very mannered woman and that was why we were marrying her--".
"Do you know who are the people who speak behind someone back?". Hadi said narrowing his eyes at her aunt old tactics, "Coward. If you are right why didn't you speak when she was here?. We don't need to advise how to treat our family member".
"I thought I should warn you. She isn't good for such a big family". Her aunt said shamelessly
"We can decide that". He said having enough of this, "We can decide how we want to treat who and right now I don't think you are going to receive any good treatment from us. You were the one who started shouting at us (Afreen and him) and creating drama without even acknowledging what we were saying to you. You insulted her in front of the whole crowd last night and I didn't realise it then". He paused as his hand tightened, "But now I know who is not well mannered. If your reputation was that important you wouldn't have made her look like someone low like that. You could have handled the matter better. I think we all got a clear idea about what you are".
"So what are you going to do now?". Her aunt asked as she walks back in with her mother
Everyone looks at how red her face looks not because she was slapped but the anger evident in her eyes with the disgust didn't go unnoticed by anyone.
He smirks standing from his place as he moves towards her and she turns her eyes to look at him confused. When he winks at her she seems to understand that something is going on here which she didn't know so she smiles at him for no reason but to show she is happy here to the one who doesn't want her happy.
He holds her hand turning to her family, "Oh, I am going to marry her like I should have in the first place, respectfully and make sure that everyone knows she is my wife that they can't mess with".
The look on her family has to be priceless because she couldn't help her as she giggles and he turns around her smiling as he shrugged.
She has to agree from what she took him for yesterday as a man who is childish and immature, he can be much more.
Her family left after that.
"Since you decided to bring a bride and now decided to get married, is there anything we can do?". His father said with his tone filled with sarcasm
"Baba, I told you to stop watching shows. Now you are being sarcastic in serious situation". Raza said sighing
"You are just jealous that I can sit at home and watch shows while you have to work". His father said shrugging making all other shakes their head
"You can help me with the wedding since I don't know what to do". He said grinning
His father rolls his eyes, "I wouldn't have guessed. At the speed you are running I thought you will just send a car and ask us to come to the venue. Thank God, there is one thing you can't actually do".
"Yes. Imagine we all came in our regular clothes to the wedding. I wanted to wear good clothes". Eshal said horrified
"Don't worry, begum, I am sure we can hold him down for now". Hadi said looking at his wife lovingly
"Before that". Raza said getting everyone attention as Hajar starts to run outside before she faces this embarrassment, "I want to get married too".
"Oh joy". His father said shaking his head looking at his third son, "Please tell me you are not planning to get married anytime soon because I can hardly handle this".
"Don't worry about me. I am not planning to marry anyone". Imran said shrugging
"Just inform me beforehand please". His father said looking at Latif who grins, "We can do two weddings on the same day if that is ok with everyone else?".
Once everyone agreed and the dates were decided she went to her room sitting on the couch as she starts to think about her mother words. She paces around for a long time until she decided she needs to speak to his father.
She walks out of the room heading towards his father office where she finds the other brother and she almost made a run-out.
"Who do you wish to speak to?". Hadi asked and she gulped
She pointed to his father as the rest of the brother left the room and she was thankful for that. She heard some show playing on his father laptop as he munches on the popcorn.
"Since you are the new addition to my daughter's list". His father said gesturing her to come forward, "This stays between us that I watch shows here and eat junk food".
She giggles at his serious expression, "It's our secret".
His father nodded pausing the drama, "What is that you want to speak to me about?".
She took a deep breath as his father spoke again, "I don't think daughters need to hesitate to speak to their fathers".
She feels tears brimming her eyes, "Not all fathers are a comfort for their daughters".
"It's their loss". His father said gently, "You can speak to me about anything that is bothering you. I promise I will help you until the end".
She nodded smiling, "Can I continue my studies and my jobs, please?".
"Why are you asking me that?". His father asked confused, "You can do what you wish for who am I to impose unwanted restrictions on you?".
"You don't mind your son's wife to work outside?". She asked shocked because their reputation is the highest in the city
His father chuckles, "Before my son's wife, you are a woman with her own life and passion. Both my daughters are working already. I can be proud to say my third one is going to be same".
She couldn't help the tears of joy leave her eyes, "I can't tell you how much that means to me".
"As long as you are happy, that is all that matters". His father said smiling as he looks at his laptop, "I have to finish this episode now before I go back to wife to have quality time. Let me know when you want to join in advance so I can prepare everything".
"Prepare?". She asked confused
"If you don't mind I would like to take the financial responsibility of yours. You are my family and I will be happy to provide for you". His father said softly
"I-I don't know what to say". She said genuinely because this isn't order but a request, "If that makes you happy then ok".
His father nodded, "Send me the details, please. I will look into it".
She smiles heading back to her room and she couldn't help the excitement that was building in her. She cannot believe that these people are so kind to her.
"I know you were excited to marry me but I didn't know you were this excited". She heard his voice to find him on the bed and she wonders how long he has been there for, "At least act a little shy".
"I am not excited about the marriage". She said grinning as she stands in front of him, "Your father told me that I can study and work".
"You are still studying?". He asked confused because he has no idea, "What year are you in?".
"Last year. Why?". She asked frowning
"I just wanted to know that's all and my Baba wouldn't have stopped you".
"Then would you?".
"Why would I do that?".
"I don't know. Some husbands do".
"Don't compare me to those low namesake psychopath husband".
She laughs wholeheartedly pinching his cheeks as he slaps her hand away, "What should I call you then?".
"A handsome intelligent amazing--".
"Self-centered, immature, thoughtless--".
She started the list off when he holds her hand pulling her towards him. He moves aside as he falls on the bed and he hovers over her.
"I am nothing like that. Take it back". He said sulking
She feels her cheeks turning pink at how close he is that she can feel the heat from his body.
"I am not going to do that". She said after composing herself
He narrows his eyes at her but the soft pink shade on her cheeks divert his attention completely. He raises his hand slowly bringing it to her cheeks as he caresses them. She could feel her heart beating loudly as she didn't know what exactly is happening to her.
"You are too pretty to be a ghost". He mutters breaking her daydream as she pushes him off her
"Was that an insult?". She asked crossing her hand over her chest
"You can take it however you want". He said grinning, "Which reminds me that we have to go shopping?".
"You work?". She asked because he didn't seem like the one who works
He rolls his eyes, "What do you think people my age do?. Of course, I work at my Baba's company with my brothers".
"Oh". She said stupidly because she should have known that, "I will have to go to university tomorrow. I am already behind in studies".
"No wonder". He said receiving a pillow to his face as she runs outside of the room
She stays with all the women and they all seem to take a liking to her warm behaviour and understand that she is not how her aunt describes her. Though none of them believes a word from her aunt they do want to know about her before they trust her enough.
"Is there something going on in her family?". Raza asked as the brother sits on the bench in the garden enjoying their drinks
Everyone turns to Latif, "Am I supposed to know that in a day?"
"Latif, are you going to grow up now or do I have to slap you to it?". Imran asked lunging at him but he hides behind Hadi sticking his tongue at him
Hadi turns to him, "I think you should make sure she is not worried or if there is something you could do to help her. She might need time to open up but if she does, don't do anything stupid".
"Fine". He said groaning as he looks at Imran, "Since we are both getting married aren't you interested?".
"No". Imran said nonchalantly
"Come on, there has to be someone". He said eager to know
"Latif, stop it". Raza said
"I am just asking what he is planning to do next". He said shrugging not measuring the environment
"Latif, drop it". Hadi said stern
"Am I missing something?". He asked frowning
"Latif". Hadi warned and he jumps from his seat
"What did I do wrong now?". He whined as he heads back inside towards the kitchen to find his mother wrapping his arms around her, "Your sons are mean".
His mother chuckled, "You are one of them".
"I am not a meanie". He said sulking as he turns to find her working delicately on the dough which covers all her hand and even some on her face making him smile
"We need to take Eshal to the hospital". Hajar screamed
The next few minutes went by in pure panic as everyone was rushing crying Eshal to the car and she left with her husband as his parents and older brother followed behind them.
She stands still looking at the door they went out from feeling the worry consuming her.
"Kia soch rahi ho?". (What are you thinking?)
She turns to him, "It looks scary".
He chuckles lightly moving towards her as she frowns adorably at his laughing. He raises his hand wiping away the powder from her face.
"It is scary and beautiful at the same time". He said smiling as his hand remain on her cheeks, "You should probably change because we might have to leave any time".
She nodded heading back to her room glad that she settled her things yesterday.
Hajar looks at him smirking, "I never thought I will see this day".
"What day?". He said innocently as he turns around
Hajar moves to stand in front of him, "You falling for someone. It is a sight to see".
"I am not falling. You are imagining things". He said looking at his phone
"Ok. I am convinced". Hajar said laughing as she walks towards his room to play a game
She heard a knock on the door and soon it reveals Hajar who came inside.
"Do you mind if I choose an outfit for you?". Hajar asked innocently, "I just like doing it. If you don't want--".
"No. No. Go ahead". She said hurriedly
Hajar grins walking with her to the closet as she starts to look through her clothes but didn't find anything that she wishes for.
"Come with me". Hajar said holding her hand dragging her towards her room, "I will find the perfect dress for you".
If by perfect Hajar meant a plain black shirt with jeans and a brown overcoat maybe she should have worn her simple clothes which are mostly black and white because her father didn't like her wearing any shades or styles.
But after Hajar was done with her, she did look good so she stays in the clothes as she heard his voice calling for them.
"Let's start the show". Hajar said excitedly
"Show?". She asked naively as she walks behind her
"I meant the show to go to the hospital and watch the new baby". Hajar covered the truth
She shrugged as Hajar said she has something to bring from her room and she can go ahead without her. She went towards the front door where he was standing dressed in a different pair of clothes.
He turns when he heard her calling his name and his heart stopped. He couldn't even speak another word as he takes in the beautiful sight in front of him and his eyes involuntarily moving over every single feature of hers.
He took a deep breath trying to calm his racing heart but when she steps closer to him, his heart was ready to explode at any time.
"Let's go". Hajar said saving him and with the smirk of her, he knows she did it on purpose, "Not falling. I agree".
He shakes his head as they start to head to the hospital.
She cannot explain how it feels to hold a baby but it is the most amazing feeling ever. She hasn't had a chance to hold a child before because she was too busy surviving and most of all, she cannot explain how amazing it is to stand in this family who consider she is worthy.
She took the baby last because she wanted to hold onto the little baby girl a little longer. She holds her tiny hand smiling at how soft her skin feels and how amazing she looks.
She feels a hand covers over both their hand and she looks at her husband who has a smile on his face and the fondness in his eyes as he looks at her which made her heart flutters as she looks back at the child in her hand not wanting him to see how red her face is but she heard him chuckle so he must have seen it.
The next day she prepares excitedly to leave for her first day at university last year. As she sets to leave the house someone holds her hand turning her around abruptly.
"Mujhe ek dafa bhi nahi dekha tum nae subha se aur ab ja rahi ho bus". He said sulking (you haven't seen me once since morning and now you are just leaving)
"Tumhae dekh k kia mera din acha jaye ga?". (Will my day go well if I leave after watching you)
"100 percent". He said nodding as he makes her sit in the car asking his driver to leave
"Don't you have work?". She asked confused, "Even Hadi bhai is on leave so won't you have double work to do?".
He shrugged, "This is my responsibility too".
She didn't say anything after that as she feels that she needs to calm her heart down before she went into a heart attack at this early age. She calculated her age difference with him which is much anyways. He graduated over two years and she is in her last year.
"Here". He said passing her the sandwich he made since everyone was at the hospital, "Eat it before we get to university. Also, I will pay your tuition today so don't worry about that".
She takes the sandwich because she didn't eat anything in a hurry as she munches on it.
"Wait! You are going to pay for my tuition?". She asked taken back
"If I won't pay for my wife, will our neighbour do it?". He asked rolling his eyes as he finally takes the turn to the university gate, "We are here".
She grins at him, "Your office is far from here. You shouldn't worry about me".
"That is my worry. Now you can leave and have fun". He said smiling as he watches her leave excitedly
She spends her day catching onto everything that she needs for her semester and she knows no one is going to speak to her after they know she is married, they all distance themselves and she cannot believe how weird they all are.
But she can care less.
After she was done with her last class, she still has half an hour before the university ends so she went to the library to borrow a book. As she was exiting someone bumped into her making her book fall down and as she proceeded to collect it, he places his hand over her and she immediately retracted her hand looking at her classmate- Atif.
She didn't wait for anything as she quickly takes her book almost running towards the gate when she finds him following behind her making her skin crawl.
She bumped into someone again as she was ready for her to fall back but she never did.
"Who made you run like this?". She heard her husband voice
She opens her tightly shut eyes as tears brimmed her eyes. She moves towards his embrace and he wraps his arms around her trying to calm her down.
"Was someone bad to you?". He asked concerned as he pulls away from her wiping her tears
"Do you see the man behind me?". She asked scared
He turns around at her words but he didn't find anyone out of the university yet.
"I don't see anyone". He said looking back at her, "Was someone bothering you?".
She gulped at how dark and deep his voice sounded making her shiver even when his body is providing her with sufficient heat.
"I am waiting, Afreen". He said impatiently because if there is someone, he is not going to leave him
She took a shaking breath, "No. I think I was imagining it. Can we leave now?".
He sighs nodding, "Where do you want to go next?".
"I work on weekends so we can go to the hospital. I want to see the baby". She said as a smile appear on her face
He smiles wiping away the few tears that were still on her face as he asks her to sit inside so they can leave.
"They decided to postpone the wedding". He declared, "I guess you will have to wait".
"I wasn't dying to marry you". She said rolling her eyes
"You can lie, Ya zamaa jaanukai (O my darling)". He said smiling as she shakes her head
She stayed at the hospital longer than anyone else until she was alone with Eshal.
"What are you going to name her?". She asked smiling as she places the baby back in her mother's hands
"Kanwal". Eshal said looking at her baby, "You should leave now. You look tired".
She nodded biding her goodbye to Hadi as she walks with her husband back to the car.
As she enters the house she feels the atmosphere almost killing as she stands in front of everyone.
"Is something wrong?". He asked confused at how serious everyone looks
"Her aunt came to a while ago". His father said
He holds her hand in his hand as he nodded for his father to speak, "I wouldn't repeat the words she utter because they are not appropriate. But, she just said something about why she was marrying you off".
She sighs knowing what her aunt must have said and she wonders if they believed it.
"She said I had an affair with a boy in my university". She said hearing a sharp intake of everyone
"We didn't hear her when she said she is here to tell us the truth about your marriage but she still forced some words out". His father explained, "We are not blaming or judging you, beta. That's not how family works".
She holds his hand tighter, "She is lying. She was pressuring my parents to marry me off since I turned 15 because she got all her daughter married at that age. She didn't want me to study and once I started earning, she went crazy and started making all these stories feeding my parents that they finally decided to marry me".
"You were forced into this marriage?". He asked because he didn't realise that was the case
She nodded timidly, "They didn't listen to my explanation and found a boy in a week and set the date after a month".
"What the--". He started but pause when he gets a glare from everyone, "This is insane".
"Thank you for trusting us enough to share it". His father said softly, "You should go and rest".
She smiles tightly as she leaves for her room.
"There is more to it". Raza said as he watches her leave, "There is something with her father and the way he was looking at her the whole time".
"We predicted that already. Until she is ready to tell us, we wait and if she doesn't then we will respect it". His father declared as he went to his show marathon
He went to his room to find her sleeping comfortably on the couch with a book in her lap. He smiles walking closer to her as he bends in front of her watching her sleep. He places a kiss on her forehead watching her shuffle a little until she went back to sleep. He carried her back to the bed and this time he didn't make her sleep at the side instead she slept in his arms.
The next day she cannot help the feeling inside of her. After waking in his arms, she was blushing and ran away from him. Then she made Raza take her to university because she can't calm her heart enough.
She enters inside another day of her university as she beautifully starts her day.
He looks around for his wife after he was awake but he finds no trace of her anywhere.
"She went to university". Imran said after he saw him taking the hundredth round of the house
"She went?. With who?". He asked confused
"Raza". Imran said
He clenches his hands, "Oh, she did?. Didn't Raza Bhai have to drop Hajar off?".
Imran shrugged, "Hajar had an early call so she went with her team".
"Of course". He said through his clench teeth as his mood sour while heading to work
He cannot stop thinking the whole day about how she didn't go with him instead choose to go with his brother.
She looks at her watch as the last bell rings but she still has something to speak to the teacher about. She spoke to her teacher for a few minutes and by the time she leaves the classroom, everyone has left.
She sighs walking through the empty corridor when someone holds her hand stopping her. She turns around to find Atif again.
"What do you want?". She asked angrily trying to push his hand away
"Why did you get married?". Atif asked shaking her hardly
She feels the pain coursing through her hand as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"Are you crazy?. I can marry whenever and whoever I want". She said as she tries to push him off her
"Not when I wanted to marry you. You can't be with anyone else but me". Atif said scaring her as she watching the glint his eyes
She cried harder as she starts to trash around and finally managing to kick his leg enough for him to lose his grip as she starts to run away but stops when she finds someone standing in front of her.
Her husband.
His dark raged eyes and tense body even made her shiver as she looks at him through the blurry vision as tears flow from her eyes. He places his hand gently on her wrist pushing her behind him shielding her away from this bastard he is going to kill soon.
"Maybe you should speak to her husband who she married and see if he is going to leave you for claiming his wife". He said as he leaps forward beating his hard
He didn't stop until the guard pushed him away and she holds his bleeding hand taking him away.
He drives away towards the seaport not wanting to go home looking like a mess. He closes the door heading to stand in front of his car as he brushes his hair away from his face frustrated.
"Are you mad at me?". She asked standing in front of him after a few minutes
He opens his eyes pulling her into his arms, "You must have been scared".
She nodded as she weeps in his arms, "I don't know why he said that".
"He is a psychopath. Don't think about him".
"You are not mad at me?".
"Why would I be mad at you when you are the victim?".
"You don't doubt me?".
He smiles removing a strand of her hair away from her face, "That's like doubting myself".
"And you are not going to ask me to leave my studies?".
"That's downright stupid and cruel. I should be mending the problem not hiding you away from it".
She grins looking at him as she places a kiss on his cheeks shocking them both. She gulped as she looks at anywhere but at him trying to move out of his arms.
"I am mad at you". He said getting her attention as he spoke again, "You left with Raza this morning. Why?".
"Oh". She said softly as she tries to come up with an excuse but the look in his eyes made all lies fly away, "Um, I was shy. Don't laugh at me".
"Ittna bara gunnah kaise kar sakta hoon mai?". (How can I commit such a sin?)
"Mazak bana rahy ho na tum mera". (You are making fun of me)
He smiles kissing her nose watching all the shyness appearing in her eyes making him smile wider, "Yeh gustaki ho gi jo mai karna nahi chahta". He pauses, "Next time no matter what, stay beside me so I can help get rid of your shyness".
He applies the ointment to her bare hand and she tries her best to not run away and hide somewhere from him.
"Can you do it faster?". She asked groaning because she is wearing half sleeves because her wound was at the upper side of the hand
And it is his shirt.
"Why are you shy?". He asked looking at her red face
She narrows her eyes at him pushing him away as she lay on the bed covering herself with the duvet. He chuckles placing the first-aid kit to the side as he lay beside her.
"Are you still shy?". He asked moving towards her
"I am mad at you, not shy". She said from under the cover
He laughs pulling her towards him since it's been a long day, they went to sleep.
He groans sleepy moving his hand around the bed when he finds nothing he found nothing he frowns opening his eyes as he looks beside him to empty place. He looks at the time and it was only 3 AM. Thinking she might be in washroom he waited for a few minutes but didn't find her coming so he stands from the bed looking through the room.
He didn't find her anywhere as he went out of the room looking through the house until he comes out in the garden and front of the fountain. He heard the small sound of whimpering coming from the other side of the fountain as he takes steps towards that side.
He frowns when he finds her crying by herself with her head buried in her knees. He sits beside her calling her name gently as she raises her head looking at him leaping into his arms crying harder.
"Shh, it's ok". He said wrapping his hands around her
"It's not ok. He is going to kill her". She said
"Who is going to kill who?". He asked pulling away from her, "Did something happened?".
She took a deep breath trying to calm herself, "Will you stay with me forever?".
He places his hand on her cheeks nodding, "I will. I promise".
She nodded standing from her place taking his hand, "I want to sleep".
The next day they started preparing for the wedding in another month but since it's two big wedding everyone needed time to prepare for it. She looks around everyone running around discussing things while she sits with her thoughts messing her brain.
He looks at her lost in between everyone and he cannot even take her away from here without being teased for it.
He sighs.
She looks at Hajar coming back from her usual hunt for criminal as she stands from her bench in the garden where everyone was gathered. It was already night by now and everyone is already in their room beside the brothers and Hajar.
"Can I please speak to you?". She said as Hajar approach them, "Alone?".
Hajar nodded guessing that there is something wrong that have her look like a white sheet in a day. They move to stand at a distance as she opens her phone handing it to Hajar so she can read the message.
"Who is asking you to steal from this villa?". Hajar asked shocked as she reads the message which clearly states that she needs to bring a million rupees anyhow or she knows what will happen
"M-My father". She stutters, "Please, you have to help me or he will--".
Before she could have said anything more, she fainted.
"Afreen". Hajar screamed holding her falling body as all the brothers run towards them
He holds her body towards him looking at her shocked gently patting her cheeks to wake her but she didn't.
"What happened to her?". He asked Hajar
"You need to take her to the hospital now. We can discuss everything later". Hajar said clenching the phone in her hand
He nodded quickly picking his wife as his brother wanted to come along but he didn't want to alert anyone else in the house so he left with his wife driving through the night at a full speed fearing that something might happen to her.
"What happened to her?". He asked worriedly as the doctor finally came out of the room
He has been worried sick pacing around for an hour.
"She is under a lot of mental pressure due to which she skipped her meals and fainted". The doctor explained, "We will need to keep her the night".
He nodded as he sends a text to his brother informing the situation as he enters her ward. He finds her sleeping as the IV was hooked in her hand and her face was still pale.
Is it because of last night?.
He didn't know why she was crying and respecting her he didn't investigate it further thinking she will come to him when she is comfortable enough. But, now he regrets it maybe he should have spoken to her instead of being busy in the marriage preparation all day.
He messed up.
He holds her hand which were cold trying to warm them with his hands. He stayed by her side the whole night simply watching her gaining her face colour back.
She stirs in her sleep feeling someone hand tightening around her hand as she heard his soft voice coaxing her to him.
"Afreen". He said gently as he places his hand on her cheeks and she opens her eyes that brimmed with tears, "It's ok. You're ok now".
She holds his hand tightly crying, "Please help me. I can't bear this anymore".
He bends down closer to her face looking in her eyes determined, "We will fight whatever it is together. All you have to do is trust me, Janaan". (My beloved)
After discharge from the hospital, they went back home and everyone already knows she fainted because of something but didn't ask anything more.
As she enters she finds her father standing there with her aunt and she holds his hand tightly. As he watches the way she turned rigid he figured that his brother was right.
He held her hand even tighter.
"What are you doing here?". She asked looking at him showing no fear
Her father stepped closer to her, "Didn't you read my message?".
"I did". She said shortly, "I never said I am going to do it".
"I thought so". Her father said chuckling as he handed her his phone
She frowns looking at her father's phone and her breathing hitched as the phone fell from her hand.
"What did you to her?. Where is she?". She asked holding her father hand, "Tell me you didn't kill my mother".
She heard everyone gasp as Hajar was the first one to come near her holding the phone which has the pictures of the abuse on her mother and her unconscious body.
"I have the proofs". Hajar said looking at her, "It is on you now".
She looked at her father and back at the pictures on the phone.
"Take him away". She said angrily as she looks at him, "I will go and get my mother".
"I will send my team because they need proofs and they will be faster. You can meet her in hospital". Hajar said sending a message to her team
"What are you talking about?". Her father asked angrily
Hajar move near her father took out the handcuffs from her pocket, "You are under arrest for abuse, blackmailing and attempted murder of your wife".
"That's not the only attempted murder he did". She said clenching her hand as everyone turn to look at her, "He tried to kill me with my aunt when I was young".
She revealed the burnt marks on her hand from the hot iron that her aunt placed on her hand when she didn't press the clothes right.
"I am sure you can find the proof from the officer on the case back then. He has been protecting me ever since". She said, "And my father did throw me away in rain outside of the house one night. I think that can add to his offence".
"What did your mother do?". Hajar asked unsurely
She sighs, "People told her to be quiet to save her house so she did".
She can still remember how much she cried when she begged her mother to help her and she didn't.
"I was taken to the hospital when I was dying in rain by the officer who is the one who gathered the proofs back then. But my mother didn't speak or filed the case so he didn't do anything. It is because of him that I managed to study and come this far". She explained as she handed her phone to Hajar on which she has the officer number, "There are more pictures and videos of the abuse they did on us".
Her father and aunt were dragged by Hajar and some of her teammates screaming but she didn't pay any mind to them.
"You need to go". His father said softly as he looks at her puzzled expression, "Your mother needs you".
She nodded heading outside when a hand on her wrist stops her movement as she turns around to find her husband.
"I will drive you". He said softly as he made her sit inside the car driving to the hospital
As soon as she reaches she jumps out of the car running inside and he follows behind her quietly.
Her mother was beaten badly but she managed to have wounds that did not serve making her release a breath as she stumbles but he wraps his hands around her supporting her.
"She needs at least a week stay in hospital just to be sure. We will keep her asleep for two days so she can heal physically before she has to deal with her mental stress". The doctor explained
She nodded heading towards her mother holding her hand as tears brimmed her eyes, "I am not going to forgive them this time".
"Did they do this often?". He asked standing behind her
She sighs, "He always threatened me with my mother since he couldn't touch me because of the officer. That was how they were making me get married in the first place".
"They?".
"My aunt always fumed my father- I wouldn't just blame my aunt because my father was just a coward weak man who listened to my aunt words".
"Why doesn't your aunt stays at her place?".
"Because her husband died years ago".
He sighs frustrated and hurt hearing all of these new revelations.
"We should go back. You need rest too". He said after three hours of staying here
She nodded as they went back and she finally sits in front of all his family.
"We don't want to know". His mother said softly as she looks at her, "You don't have to tell us anything".
She gulped nodding as she moves back to her room falling on the bed and in a second she was asleep. He chuckles entering inside to find her asleep he went near her taking off her shoe and placing her properly on the bed as he pulls the duvet over her.
He sits on the ground placing his head on the bed as he continues to watch her sleeping. He moves a strand of her hair away from her face kissing her forehead and she groans turning to the other side and he smiles.
The next day he was awake a little late and he didn't find her anywhere. Her bag was still in the room so she should have been in the house.
"Your wife went outside". Imran said reading the paper nonchalantly
Again?. he thoughts
Hadi looks at Imran trying to shut his mouth.
"Did she?". He asked with a fake calmness
Imran nodded, "She went out with Raza for shopping for the wedding".
Hadi kicks Imran leg which he ignores thinking his brother has lost his mind while taking care of his daughter who his wife left behind before leaving to shop with the others.
"Oh! She did. That is so nice". He said as he clenches his hand with a tight smile on his lips as he looks at his brother, "You don't happen to know which mall they went to?".
Hadi shakes her head looking at Imran but he shrugged, "Of course, I know. It's the famous one".
"Marvellous. What would I have done without a brother like you". He said raged as he starts to head towards the door but he halts frowning, "Why does this scene look familiar?".
He shakes his head as he pulls his car out of the house still trying his best to stay calm about his wife leaving to shop with Raza. Why couldn't she just wake him instead?. He should have told her the first time to not go with Raza anywhere.
He enters inside the mall looking through the crowd of people to the point he was ready to scream her name when he saw her.
In the long crowd, she somehow stands out the most to him while she stands in front of the Icecream stand ordering for herself. He didn't find anyone else besides her and while she is busy being excited about the Icecream, his eyes narrow at the group of boys beside her who was eyeing her.
In took him a split second before he was walking straight towards her and he stops right in front of her. She grins looking at him.
"When did you get here?". She asked as she takes her Icecream cup
He holds her hand walking away from the group not before glaring at them as they run away. She continued to enjoy her Icecream not watching how angry he looks right now.
"Why did you come here without me?". He asked after she was done
"I tried waking you but you weren't moving so Raza Bhai said to leave you". She said innocently, "Why?".
He sighs frustrated, "Then did Raza Bhai bought your clothes?".
She shakes her head, "No. I took your card before coming here".
"What?".
"You told me that you are responsible for whatever I do so I thought you would want me to shop from your card". She said hesitating, "Are you mad at me?. I shouldn't-".
He holds her hand as a smile appears on his lips, "No. I am glad you did it".
She smiles nodding, "I am done with the shopping but I don't think others are done".
"Do you want to leave?". He asked and she nodded
They enter the house and back to their room where he gives her the medicine she needed.
"Did you visit your mother yet?". He asked softly
She nodded, "Raza Bhai took us all to meet her. She is still sleeping but the doctor said she is doing well".
He nodded.
"This reminds me". She said making him look at her, "Do you have that note?".
"Note?".
"You know the one which you came to give me just before the Nikkah and caused the scene?. It was from him, right?. What did it say?"
He frowns as he went towards his closet where his suit was taking out the paper and she stands in front of him asking for it.
"Why do you want to see it now?".
"I can't?".
He sighs looking at the note that reads,
I hope you know that I hate you more than anyone in my life. You disgust me. I will only marry you to make your life horrible for having me marry you forcefully.
The raged he felt the moment he read those words and to think that his friend asked him to deliver this by any means to her just before the Nikkah made his anger spike.
"What does it say?. Did he say something about waiting to meet me or something nice?". She asked smiling
He took a deep breath opening the door as he starts to leave when she follows behind calling his name. His brothers watched the fury in his eyes as they look at one another before Hadi went towards him stopping him.
"What is wrong with you?". Hadi asked confused
He pulls his hand away, "I am going to kill him".
All the brothers look confused towards his wife who had no idea about anything so they quickly followed behind him.
He enters inside his so-called friend house and the minute he finds him laughing among the people he holds his collar punching him repeatedly.
"What the hell did you think while sending her that note?". He screamed as he punches him again, "Just because you were forced by your own, you were going to make her suffer for it without knowing if she was suffering from something similar?". He punched his bloody face again, "She was leaving everything she has behind just to marry a bastard like you. I am going to kill you".
Until his brother tears him away from his friend, he continued to fight.
"I am going to call cops on you". His friend scream wiping away the blood
"Go ahead and look at what I will do to you". He screamed as he turns around leaving the place driving until he stops at the seaside to calm himself
"What exactly happened?. What was in the note?". Hadi asked standing beside him with the other two brothers
He shows him the note still feeling the need to go back and kill him.
"What if that bastard married her?. What would her life be like to have that bastard in her life?. Her life was hard as it is and he would have made it worse". He said pulling on his hair
None of them spoke watching him struggling until Hadi gestured to Raza and he nodded.
After about a few more minutes he heard her sweet voice, "Latif".
He raises his head to find his brother gone and she was the only one standing in front of him. She takes a step closer towards him standing right in front of him.
"What would you have done if you married that man?". He asked the question that was agonizing him
She frowns, "Why are you thinking about that when I am your wife".
He smiles lightly, "You are right. You are my wife, only mine".
"Why do you look sad?". She asked placing her hand on his cheek as she looks sad too, "Did someone hurt you?".
He pulls her in his arms, "No. But someone hurt my heart".
"How?".
"They hurt someone who my heart belongs to".
She looks at him confused, "Who does your heart belongs to?".
He takes her hand placing it over his heart, "You".
A blush appears on her cheeks making him smile, "Who do your heart belongs to?".
She smiles shyly, "You".
He chuckles as she hides her face away from him. That was when he knows he is going to flip the world if he has to for her.
The wedding preparation started as everyone was busy in it.
She stands in front of the mirror watching the happiest bride in it. She can still feel the way her heart was beating so loud knowing he will come to take her to venue any minute now.
She heard the door clicking and her breathing hitched as she turns around to find her husband smiling at her. She takes in his appearance which was beyond words as he steps closer to her.
"Bohat haseen lag rahi ho". He said softly as he admire how the red colour compliments her beauty making her look exquisite and his heart thunders against his chest (you look very beautiful)
"Ap bhi". (You too)
"Mai haseen lag raha hoon tumhae?". (I look beautiful to you?)
She blushes deeply, "Don't tease me, please".
"Uff mere khuda, ab tk toh mai tumhari is shyness ko khatam nahi kar sakha". He said softly as he forwards his hand to her (Oh my God, I am still not able to take your shyness away from you)
They enter the venue after Raza and Hajar entry and she could feel everyone rejoicing in pure happiness. Her mother was still healing mentally more than physically but he took the responsibility for her mother. Though she still earns and sends all the money to her mother, he makes sure he always go to her before coming back home to check on her.
She couldn't have asked for a better family.
Imran stands in the sea of people however his eyes narrow unfortunately at one figure in them in a beautiful black dress that made his hand clench. He watches her frowning until her eyes landed on him and the way they held something within him only anger him more. But, he wasn't sure if this was anger or his heart crying in pain.
Not wanting to spoil his brother's wedding, he left from the venue.
He looks at his family who was struggling with walking properly and in his tries to help her he made both of them fall.
"I don't know why I mess things up every time". He groaned laying on the ground beside her
She scoffed, "You always mess everything just like how we met under a mess created by you".
"Oh my God, you are not going to let that go, are you?".
"Of course not. That's the first thing I will tell our kids when they are of age".
He turns to hover over her, "Kids, huh?".
She blushes, "That was about future".
"Toh konsa ek din mai ho jaty hain bachy". (Who said they happen in a day)
She tries to push him away but he didn't move and she looks into his eyes which were looking at her with adoration.
Then he spoke, "zu pa ta Mayan yama". (I am in love with you)
That was them.
Latif and Afreen.
The end.
****
10.2k words!!!!!!!
The way I was grinning through the whole chapter. :D (if my parents saw me they would think I am crazy)
The most anticipated story ever. There was so much happening and Hadi and Eshal have a baby girl now. so proud :').
I loved writing about them so much and I was so excited to share it with you all.
How you like it?.
What was your favourites part?.
I will see you all soon.
Your Author,
Faiqa.