No matter how much I empty it out
This longing fills me up again
My feelings have blossomed and withered countless times
Past all those days I wandered, looking for you
Past all those painful times
When I see you again
I couldn't help but feel pity for myself.
I did everything I could
To protect her
To keep her away from hurting
To keep the sadness away from her
So that it won't come to her tomorrow.
In return for it,
All I wish was to be with her
To stay with her.
But my prayers were never answered.
No matter how many countless times I called out to her,
It never reached her.
~ Imraan.
■■■
"Mom, you look marvelous today."
Reeha complimented her mother-in-law.
"I feel like I'm overdressed."
From the back seat of the car, Mrs. Malik spoke. Today was the wedding day. Ayana with Rayyan and Myra already reached the wedding hall earlier. Because of the preparations, Mr. and Mrs. Malik got a bit late getting ready.
"Not at all. You look incredible. Don't she, dad?"
From the driving seat, Ayyan asked his father with a wink.
"Indeed. She does."
Sitting beside his wife, Mr. Malik agreed from the backseat making Mrs. Malik blush whereas the others teasingly hooted.
"Because of all the wedding preparations, I couldn't concentrate on you both today.
To divert the topic, Mrs. Malik asked her son and daughter-in-law.
"Were you two able to eat anything for breakfast?"
"Actually I managed to eat but not him."
Reeha replied. Because of the Couvade Syndrome(a condition in which an expectant father experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as their pregnant partner) for the past few days, Ayyan wasn't able to eat anything.
"I was fine for a few days but the nausea is back. I guess I'm nervous to see my sister getting married."
Ayyan joked.
"You always have to make a fuss, don't you? It's not like you're going to give birth instead."
Mr. Malik spoke, making Reeha laugh.
"Tell me about it, dad. It's not just morning sickness but now he also has mood swings."
Remembering last night's incident, Reeha spoke.
"He cried last night watching a TV series."
"Oh my!"
Mrs. Malik exclaimed.
"It was a father-daughter reunion. How can I not cry?"
Ayyan said in his defense.
"Just thinking about it brings me to tears."
"Always has to be the drama queen."
Mrs. Malik commented whereas Mr. Malik shook his head.
"But oddly enough my morning sickness is gone now that he's suffering from it."
Reeha added.
"Really? That is odd."
Then looking at her son, Mrs. Malik worriedly asked.
"Are you sure you can attend the wedding? What if you get sick?"
"She's right. If you feel too sick, then you can stay home. We'll cover up for you."
This time Mr. Malik said.
"It's Ayana's wedding. Why will I stay home instead of being with her on her big day?"
Ayyan assured.
"Don't worry, Mom and Dad. It's the wedding of his only sister so he will be alright."
Reeha concluded with a smile assuring everyone.
♧♧♧
(Other characters outfits are pinned above)
D
ressed in a heavy Maroon lehenga, there stood the bride in front of the mirror fidgeting with her fingers in nervousness. She looked gorgeous in the dress as it hugged her figure perfectly and the dedicated and beautiful designs made the dress more beautiful. A crimson-colored heavy stole was placed on her head flowing through her figure as her loose hairs were playing on her face.
In short, she looked like a complete enchantress.
Ayana was lost in her thoughts when a knock was heard. Thinking it to be Myra she replied,
"Come in!"
"Ma Sha Allah!"
Entering the bride's room, Mr. Malik muttered, making Ayana look at her father, surprised.
"May Allah always keep you happy."
Softly kissing his daughter's forehead, Mr. Malik added.
"It seems like only yesterday I was watching you run and play. And today... today you are here looking as beautiful as ever in your wedding attire... ready to start a brand new journey of your life."
With his soft eyes, he glanced at his daughter.
"I can't help but reflect on all the years I was lucky enough to watch you grow and become the beautiful woman that you are today."
"Dad!"
Getting emotional, Ayana hugged her father.
"Wanna know a secret?"
Hugging her back, Mr. Malik whispered.
"What?"
Curiously Ayana asked.
"Don't tell your brothers but among the three of you,"
Indicating his children, he said, making Ayana laugh.
"You have always been special to both of us, your mother and I."
"And always remember, forever in our hearts you always will be the most special one."
Then breaking the hug, Mr. Malik took her hand in his.
"I have always wanted to say this to you and today seems to be the perfect day. Ayana, my dear daughter, I'm so proud of you. For the person that you have become and for all the decisions that you have taken so far, I'm so proud of you."
This time Ayana couldn't help but tear up. Since the morning, she has been feeling anxious and restless. It seemed like she wanted something but didn't really know what it was that she wanted. But now hearing her father, she realized. She realized that it was the exact words... the exact words she craved to hear.
"Of all the things I've done in my lifetime, being your father and caring for you is by far my biggest achievement."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she somehow managed to say the only thing that she truly felt that time.
"I love you, dad."
"Thank you... Thank you for being... such an... amazing father. Thank you so much."
No words were exchanged as the father and daughter continued to hug each other with tears, feeling grateful to have each other.
After a while, breaking the hug, Mr. Malik called his daughter.
"Ayana?"
"Yes?"
Wiping her tears, Ayana looked at his father expectedly.
"I know there are a couple of unpleasant things that your mother did and for that, you might even hate her but dear, until now, whatever she did it was for your betterment. For you. Instead of being angry at her, try to think from her point of view. Try to understand her."
"Before the wedding, if possible, reconcile with her. Talk with her. Okay?"
Ayana nodded.
After Mrs. Malik burned the pictures of hers and Zafar's, Ayana has been keeping a distance from her mother. She was still angry at her mother for touching her stuff without her permission.
"I should go out and check up on the guests."
Saying Mr. Malik went out of the room.
As soon as he went out, Ayana looked in the mirror to see that her eye makeup was smudged. As always. With a sigh, she looked for the makeup kits only to realize that it was with Myra. Thinking Myra was outside, she stepped out of the room but alas there was no sign of Myra. She was about to go inside to take out her phone when her eyes caught a familiar figure. Her mother.
She was about to call her out but then noticed Mrs. Malik walking towards the groom's portion. Being curious, she followed her.
♧♧♧
"Sir, this is for you."
Entering the groom's room, Adil forwarded a bouquet.
"You are late!"
Imraan grumpily said before taking the bouquet.
"Flowers? What will I do with them?"
Imraan made a face that Adil ignored.
He was wearing a knee length black and maroon sherwani over a kurta in collaboration with a maroon salwar and a pair of maroon and golden shoes making him look more handsome than ever.
"I thought you would run away like you rambled."
Making a serious face, Adil said, indicating about the fuss that Imraan made in the call yesterday night about not wanting to get married.
"Then I'll have to report it to the police and the next day an article will be published with the title: A story about a runaway groom."
"Don't you think you are talking too much nowadays?"
Narrowing his eyes, Imraan said.
"I really should cut your salary."
"I'm sorry, sir."
Adil passed him a sly smile.
Before any of them could say anything, a knock was heard.
"May I come in?"
Mrs. Malik asked from outside the room.
"Aunty!"
Surprised to see her, Imraan stood up.
"Of course. Come in."
"Is everything alright?"
Imraan worriedly asked whereas Adil excused himself.
"Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to talk with you before the wedding."
Nervously Mrs. Malik spoke.
"Sure. Please sit down."
"I know it's late still, I would like to apologize for the scene caused on the engagement day. Also, I'm thankful to you for the way you handled the situation."
Sitting down, Mrs. Malik said.
"Don't say like that, aunty. You are making me feel bad. Whatever happened, it was all in the past."
Politely, Imraan said, making Ms. Malik smile.
"You know, son, my Ayana has always been the type of person to find a good quality in everyone. Even when she was a little girl, she had such a large amount of compassion that it blew me away."
Reminiscing about the past, Mrs. Malik started.
"From the time she was old enough to go to school, she made friends with every single person in her class. It didn't matter if one child was not popular or if the other was too quiet; she found the best in every student that year. It surprised me that she was so sensitive yet made people feel like they had known her for years."
"Since she has always had that quality, I was not surprised when she declared that she would be a doctor. She thrived off of the fact that she could help people and save their lives. From that moment, she worked more for other people than herself."
Without interrupting Mrs. Malik, Imraan silently listened.
Pausing a bit, Mrs. Malik continued.
"I always wished she would find a husband so she could do more for herself. I wanted someone who was just as warm-hearted as her but still had a great work ethic and a sense of determination. And after seeing the way you saved us... her from facing any embarrassment and taunts,"
Indicating the engagement day, she added.
"I am certain in my heart that regardless of what happens later in life, you are the perfect match for her."
Then slowly looking at Imraan, she spoke.
"I don't have any doubt. I know that you, who has such a marvelous mother like Mrs. Sherebano Quraish, will treat my daughter well but still, I would like you to promise me two things."
Imraan nodded, indicating Mrs. Malik to continue.
"My Ayana... once she starts crying... she can't stop crying easily. So don't let her cry alone. Even if you are the reason behind her tears... please stay by her side. At least until she stops crying. So promise me that no matter what happens you'll always be there for her."
"I will."
Sitting beside Mrs. Malik, Imraan softly promised.
"At a very young age, my daughter faced a lot of things: ugly truths, betrayals and nasty scars, which make her seem to be cold-hearted but in reality, she is sensitive and naive. And her nativity and credulousness is the reason for heartbreak and scars."
Looking at Imraan, she completed.
"Son, promise me that you'd never let her down or break her fragile heart. Promise me to care and always cherish her so that she doesn't remember her past scars. Promise me?"
As soon as she said it, a flashback crossed Imraan's mind, making him freeze.
Flashback Starts
"How could you forget about it?"
Barging inside Imraan's room, Azeen angrily asked.
"One should knock before entering. That's a basic manner which you seem to forget."
Without looking away from his laptop Imraan calmly said, making her fume more.
"You!!!"
Instantly going towards him, Azeen closed the laptop.
"Zee!!"
Imraan whined.
"How could you forget my birthday?" Glaring at him, Azeen fumed.
"Forget about the gift, you didn't even wish me."
Imraan smiled before saying,
"It's your birthday. How can I, of all people, forget it?"
"Then why didn't you wish me yet? It's already 12 past ten."
Like a child, Azeen pouted, making Imraan laugh.
Getting up from the bed, he opened the cupboard and then took out a packet and went to Azeen.
"Happy 24th Birthday!"
He sang before forwarding the packet to her.
"You are ten whole minutes late." Narrowing her eyes, Azeen took the packet before opening it.
"No matter what you give me I'm not going to forgive- OH MY GOD!!!"
As soon as Azeen saw her gift she couldn't help but exclaim in joy. "Where did you get it? I have been searching for it in every store."
Eyeing the limited edition handbag Azeen said.
"And this... Gosh! They were recently launched... How did you manage to get it?"
Taking out the imported cosmetics, Azeen excitedly asked.
"I have my sources."
Imraan winked, making Azeen clap her hands.
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you soooooo much."
Imraan laughed at her antics.
"Let me bring my phone! I need to post it on my Insta."
Azeen spoke.
"Slow down, woman."
Laughing, Imraan said which Azeen obviously ignored before dashing out of the room to bring her mobile.
A few minutes later, she entered the room with her mobile but this time instead of being all joyous and excited, she looked shocked and almost... gloomy.
"Zee? What happened? Is everything alright?"
Noticing her sudden change of mood, Imraan asked.
"Dad and Chachi... I overheard them... talking about..."
"Talking about what?"
"Talking about... our marriage. They... they are thinking... thinking of our marriage, Imraan."
Anxiously, Azeen said.
"We need to stop them. We have to." Azeen repeated to herself before looking up at him.
"Let's go and stop them. Gosh! How could they even think that you and I..." Azeen stopped. She never thought Imraan to be anything beyond a friend.
"Why? Why can't they think?"
Looking back at her, Imraan questioned.
"Us... being together, what's wrong in it?"
"You knew!"
Seeing Imraan so calm, Azeen couldn't help but give him a disbelieving look. "You knew, didn't you? You knew about this!"
"Yes. Just yesterday, Maa told me." Imraan confessed.
"How could you?! You knew but still, you didn't say anything to me!"
Azeen accused.
"I didn't say anything because I knew. I knew that you would react in this manner."
"Should I not be reacting in this manner? Huh? Even after knowing about that incident, my feelings... everything, how could you agree to the alliance? How could you hide it from me?"
This time Azeen semi yelled.
"Look, Zee,"
Grabbing her shoulder, Imraan softly spoke.
"Can't we give this alliance a chance? What's the harm in giving it a chance? We have nothing to lose, right?"
"Moreover, how long are you going to wait for him?"
Releasing her, he asked.
"It's been three years. Three years since you saw him. I bet he doesn't even know who you are."
Imraan tried to make Azeen understand that waiting for Fawad was futile.
"No, I'll wait for him. I'll meet him one day. Face to face and that day he'll definitely acknowledge me. I know he will."
Azeen firmly said.
"I felt it, Imraan. We were fated to meet. Maybe... maybe he is my fate."
"What if you are wrong?"
This time Imraan spoke a bit harshly. "What if it's not him but I, who's your fate? What if, what if we are the ones meant to be with each other?"
At this Azeen kept quiet.
Calming himself, Imraan softly looked at her.
"Moreover, zee, it's not like we'll be married now. For now, only the engagement will be done. After that whenever we... You feel comfortable, only then the wedding will be held. So why not give this alliance a chance?"
"But-"
"In the future, you might never come across that guy. Even if you do, who knows whether he'll acknowledge you or not?"
Cutting her off, Imraan hugged her.
"But I, Zee, I will always be by your side. No matter what happens, even if the whole world is against you, I'll always be there for you... to protect you. I promise. I promise to cherish you. Always and forever. I promise."
Flashback ends
Hearing Mrs. Malik asking him to promise the exact same things he promised to Azeen, Imraan couldn't help but fall into a dilemma. He has always been a man of words. Who, no matter how small or big a promise was, will always keep it. But today, he was speechless. He didn't know what to say or do.
"Son, promise me?"
Mrs. Malik repeated, making Imraan feel more guilty. He was not only lying to himself and his family but he was also fooling the Maliks.
At that moment he realized that he was trapped... trapped in his twisted lies. In that very moment, he had two options. Either be honest with everyone or just go with the flow and promise something which he might never be able to keep.
"I promise."
And at last, he replied. Like his father did all those years ago, he also cowardly chose the latter option.
Mrs. Malik gratefully smiled. Patting his head affectionately, she went out of the room to check out the arrangements leaving turmoil in Imraan's emerald eyes.
"You coward! Bastard!! You are just like your father."
As soon as Mrs. Malik left, Imraan stood up and then slapped himself continuously.
"Mr. Imraan Quraish, congratulations on proving that you really are Badar Quraish's son! You indeed are!"
♧♧♧
Before saying 'Qubool' (I do) for the last time, Imraan glanced at her.
Azeen.
Trying to find anything... detect anything sadness or disapproval for the marriage but found none. In fact, there she stood with her husband by her side looking as cheerful as ever.
Sighing, at last, he uttered 'Qubool' for the last time followed by Ayana who also repeated 'Qubool' three times from the other side of the parda (curtain) which was hung in the middle separating them from seeing each other.
Once both were done signing the marriage paper, the parda was lowered and everyone started to mutter Alhamdulillah, Congratulations, Mubarak, etc congratulatory words. Imraan looked around the hall filled with guests. Everyone seemed happy. Everyone except them.
The groom and the bride.
His eyes slowly rested on her... his wife whose face was hidden under the veil. Wife... the word felt so unknown and weird.
As his eyes rested on her veiled face, he couldn't help but felt curious... curious to know her facial expression.
'Was she in tears or was her face neutral like it always stays?'
He thought unaware of the emotional turmoil that Ayana, herself was facing after eavesdropping on his and Mrs. Malik's conversation.
♧♧♧
Assalamualaikum and hello everyone! 👋
Hope all of you are doing well.
Alhamdulillah!!!
At last, after so much drama the wedding is completed.
Phew!!! 😩
So... what are your thoughts on the chapter?
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Thank you for reading.💕