Hey guys here's the another update. I hope you like this update. Also follow me on my Instagram account @iwrites11....
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Shah Zain's POV (Edited)
The morning came earlier than I expected. Its like I just got a blink of a sleep. It's kind of tough knowing that mama knew that I was out last night till late. I have to face her now. I wonder if baba will scold me too.
Since I don't have any work today, I decided to keep in my casuals. After taking a fresh yet cold shower, I stepped out of the bathroom. I was dressed in a black trousers with white shirt. I was drying my hairs with the towel when the door of my room banged open. Aaban and Salar entered inside and plopped down on the bed. I sighed heavily and turned to them. They grinned cheekily at me. I exhaled and said
"Why am I getting gifted by your presence?"
Salar sighed and stated
"Come on, brother. Let's go on a brotherly day today. It's been ages since we last celebrated that kind of day."
His offer is appealing and intriguing. It's been so long since we have gone on a boys outing. The pressure with the work and the new position was keeping me pretty occupied. I had little to no time for my social life. I nodded my head before saying
"I do agree on that."
Salar smiled and Aaban chirped in between
"So, what's the plan?"
Salar began excitedly
"We will be spending this whole day fishing, long driving and exploring, what's say?"
I nodded my head. A little drive will clear my mind. I desperately needed that. I need some fresh air to emptied out my mind. Salar clapped his hands and stood up. He was about to leave but he stopped and said
"Be ready, bro. We won't be hearing any excuses?"
I laughed and assured him
"Not taking any chance of that."
He smiled and then left. Aaban was still lying on the bed. He had his arms behind his head and was staring at the ceiling. I plopped beside him and asked him
"What's got you thinking so much?"
He exhaled deeply and answered
"Bhai, do you think Kinza like me?"
I broke into laughter at his words. His question was so simple yet it hold deep meaning. He has sort of a crush towards Kinza. She was three years younger than him but both had amazing chemistry between them.
They are the crime partners and he absolutely adored teasing her. He supported her decision on pursuing her studies overseas the most. Infact, he was the one who practically begged Chachu and Chachi. Aaban's voice brought me out of my wonderland
"But she sees me as her brother. Nothing at all."
His sad voice was making it obvious that there was no improvement in their relationship whatsoever. She thinks that he's her partner in crime and the best friend she always wanted. But for him, it's not the case. He wants to marry her.
To lawfully look at her without any fear of disrespecting her self-respect. But for that, he wants her to show some signs. But till then, there was nothing much sort of that can happen. To cheer him up, I patted his back as he was now sitting up. He glanced at me and I assured him
"Don't worry. Your luck will work too. It's just need time."
He nodded his head. As we both stood up, I exclaimed
"Let's go down before dado came scolding us."
He laughed and we both exited the room to join everyone downstairs....
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Shiza's POV
This morning when I woke up, I was astonished to be exact the words. Bisma and Khala were busy in the kitchen preparing lavish delicacies. I don't know the occasion as it was nothing extraordinary happening today. It's just a simple Saturday morning when I am free of my work.
That's why I even woke up late. It's already 12:00 in the noon when I decided to leave the bed. When I came out of the room fully fresh, khala and Bisma were too busy to even notice my presence here. I was literally confused.
What's got them so hyped up today? I finally decided to make my presence known as I can't be standing there waiting for them to atleast acknowledge me
"Asalamualikum khala and Bisma."
At my sudden voice, they both looked up at the same time. Khala smiled in my direction and stated fondly
"Meri pyari bacchi, uth gaye tum."
(My beautiful daughter, you woke up)
I smiled hearing the sweetness in her voice. Her voice reminds me of honey and all the sweet thing. She is such a sweetheart. Bisma wriggled her eyebrows at me and said
"Should I ask why were you so late?"
She knows that I hated to sleep till late. But today is maybe an exception. At her comment, I tried to think a little before muttering cheekily
"Maybe, today is exception."
At my answer, Bisma started laughing. I also joined her. My mood is good today. The weather, the chehal phehal in the home is making me looking forward to this day. But still I am unaware of the preparations. They both might have judged the calculative gaze of me. So, khala rolled her eyes and slightly slapped her forehead before saying
"Ya Allah! Ye larki bhool gaye ha."
(Oh God! This girl forgot)
I am still not able to grasp anything. Khala exhaled heavily before announcing
"Beta, Shehnaz Sahiba is coming today for asking your hand in marriage."
At her sudden information, I was left stunned. Did I hear right? No, it can be possible. Her announcement took me back to the day when Shehnaz Ammi first proposed this idea to me.
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Flashback
I was stunned and shell shocked hearing her sentence. Does she know what's she saying? It is something that is next to impossible. Shah Zain and me are not a match. He hates me. She knows that too. She was looking at me waiting for an answer. I shook my head and asked still not grasping the new found information
"Ammi, what are you saying?"
She sighed and said
"Please, beta do try to understand my situation."
Her voice was urgent and filled with plead. She was looking at me with every world's hope. I sighed. I don't know what to say. Is Shah Zain know about this? Does he know about this alliance? I turned to her and asked her
"Does he know about this?"
She must have noticed the agitation and worry in my voice. She shook her head making me worry even more. He will very angry. He doesn't even like my presence. He doesn't even like to hear my voice. He will not agree, never. I shook my head and tried to explain her
"No, Shehnaz Ammi. He will never agree. He hates me."
She shook her head and said
"Beta, I know the situation right now is not in your hands but only you are the one for my Shah Zain."
She is not understanding. She should talk to him. I sighed and said
"Maybe, you should first talk to him. He should know about this."
She held my hands in her frail grip and said
"Beta, try to understand. He will agree. He will never disobey me. But I need your will into this too. I don't want to force you but please, only you can help me. Only you can handle my Zain."
I remained quiet absorbing everything. I can do anything for her. She is like my mother. I hate to defy her but it's not in my hands. Marriage is not easy. It's need permission from both sides.
I don't want to be the cause of any humiliation towards my family. They are already hurt enough. I don't want to add more to the list. Shehnaz Ammi didn't say anything probably giving me sometime to think. When I still didn't say anything, she began
"Beta, main janti hun k is waqt tumhare zehen main tarah tarah k khayalat arahe honge. Lekin mere bacche, mujh per bharosa rakho. Main tumhare liye kabhi bhi bura nhi sochon ge."
(Dear, I know there's must be many different scenarios running through your mind. But my dear, believe me. I will never think ill for you)
I smiled hearing her words. She is such a sweet and caring woman. How can I even disobey her? She was always there whenever I needed her. She helped my family many times. She never once asked me anything in return.
So, if now she needed me for something, I will not turn my back on her. I can't just do that. My inner instincts are not allowing me. She was still looking at me with hope. So, I took a deep breath before answering
"Ok fine. I have no problem unless Shah Zain disagree."
A smile finally appeared on her cheeks and she kissed my hands before muttering
"Thank you so much, chanda. Thank you."
I smiled. Atleast, I became the reason for someone to smile.
Flashback Ends
That means Shah Zain agreed to marry me. Is it really true? Does he not have any problem in marrying me? When I didn't reply, Bisma nudged my shoulder before saying
"Where did you get lost to?"
I shook my head just and said
"I'm going outside for some fresh air."
Khala nodded her head and I made my way outside. It is all just so hard and sudden to digest at once...
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Shah Zain's POV (In The Morning)
"What are you even saying, dado?"
I was enraged. This is not what I had expected. As soon as me and Aaban reached the dining area, dado was already seated on the head chair. Her chin was supported her by hands and she was waiting for me. When she saw me, she passed a cryptic smile before motioning me to sit.
As we both sat down, she looked at each and everyone of us. She then began
"I have an announcement to make. But before that, I want all of you to stay calm and listen to me first."
Everyone nodded affirmative. But then she dropped the bomb on all of us
"I have fixed Zain's marriage with Shiza."
My eyes widened and the fork slipped from my hands. Did I hear right? Zarnish's head snapped in my direction but I was too shocked to notice her. I can't believe my ears. I chuckled assuming it a harmless prank before confirming dado
"You're joking, right?"
Her expressions didn't falter. Her face was stoic of any emotion. No! She can't do that. She doesn't has the right too. She can't just take such a big decision of my life. Mama's urgency filled voice resonated in my ears
"Ammi Sahiba, ye ap kia keh rhi ha?"
(Mom, what you're saying?)
No one can believe what they just heard? Dado sighed heavily and answered
"Why are you all acting like this? Main ne Zain ki shadi Shiza k Sath the krdi hai."
(I have fixed Zain's marriage with Shiza)
Mama gasped and looked at baba. He was quiet. He didn't even flinch like it all didn't even affect him. Mama spoke
"Jahangir, ap khuch bolte kiun nhi? Ye Ammi Sahiba kia keh rhi hain?"
(Jahangir, why aren't you saying anything? What is mom saying?)
Her voice was anxiety and hatred filled. She hated Shiza's guts and so do I. I can't even breath in her presence. She is that venomous. Dado sighed and stated with a hard voice
"I want you all to respect my decision as an elder. I have taken this decision after alot of thinking."
I chuckled dryly and said
"Dado, don't you think it should be first discuss with me?"
Dado sighed and said
"Beta, main ne ye faisla tumhare bhale hi k liye kiya ha."
(Dear, I have make that decision for your own benefit)
I stood up from my seat with great anger bubbling inside me. My voice raised unintentionally
"What are you even saying, dado?"
I was literally fuming right now. My voice was distressed
"I don't like her a tad bit. She is not my taste. She is such a liar. She betrayed you yet you are still hell bent on giving her space in our family."
Dado stood up from her seat and warned me
"Shah Zain, sambhal k bat kro. Ye konsa tareeqa ha baron se bat karne ka."
(Shah Zain, watch your tongue. What's this way to talk to your elders?)
I scoffed looking away. No, I will not marry her at any cost. She will never be my wife. I won't let it happen. Mama spoke in between
"Ammi Sahiba, wo chalak gareebi ka dikhawa karne wali larki ap ke dimag k Sath khilwar krrhi ha. Ap uski baton main agayi hain."
(Mom, that cunning and hypocrite girl is playing with your mind. Don't let her get to you)
Dado turned to mama and snapped
"Main koi choti bacchi nhi hun jo Kisi k bhi baton main ajaoun. Main ne ye faisla boht sochne aur samjhane k bad liya ha."
(I'm not a little child for easily be convinced. I have taken that decision after a very thoroughly)
She finished. I can't tolerate it anymore. I can't marry her. I should just told dado that I love Zarnish. Maybe then she will leave that matter. I sighed and turned to dado and said
"Dado, I can't marry her. Please I don't like her. I like..."
But my words died when I glanced at Zarnish and she shook her head. Her eyes were filled with fear and worry. I don't know why but I became quiet. I can't disrespect her. But why is she stopping me? Why is she not taking stand for us? Why is she so quiet? All these questions ignited a fire inside me. Dado sighed and asked
"She is not that type of girl, beta. I know her. She is pure and innocent."
What an irony! She is just a facade. She is not as she seems she is. She is a liar. A big liar! I was losing my temper and before I could disrespect dado, I stated saying my point
"I will never marry her. Never!"
I was about to leave but dado's next words halted me in my steps
"If you didn't agree to marry her, then I will exclude you from the family wealth. You will be not able to even place a foot inside the company."
I turned around to look at her. Is she even listening to what she is saying? Mama gasped loudly. Everyone in the house were shocked and amazed. Dado looked at me with pure determination in her voice. I chuckled and said
"You're not serious right?"
She folded her arms around her chest and just stare at me. She can't do that. She knew I was preparing the best for the CEO's position. She knew I was working day and night for the position. She just can't do that to me. Mama tried to intervene but dado didn't pay heed to her. I turned to baba and said
"Baba, will you not say anything? Are you just going to listen dado saying that? Why aren't you saying it?"
Baba looked at me finally and then spoke for the first time
"I agree with Ammi. She wants the best for all of us."
I was shocked to hear that. Not baba too. He should be siding with me. Baba signed and spoke with sterness in his voice
"You have to choose now. Do you want the position by marrying Shiza or do you want to stay on streets and disregard our reputation."
No, they can't do that to me. No, they just can't. Mama was shaking her head in my direction but I was too confused. I can't do that. Dado and baba are doing unfair with me. Why are they doing it? I kept quiet for few minutes. They didn't leave me with any choice. I sighed heavily before surrendering to their brutal game
"Ok, I will marry Shiza."
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Author's POV
The Mirs arrived at Shiza's house. Baskets of sweets and other traditional delicacies were set up line by line. The Mirs were in pitch perfect attire. The light weighted jewelry with crisp ironed branded suits fitted perfectly on their petite figure. The young generation were busy setting up the boxes of sweets and jewelery in the servants hands.
Their faces were filled with still shock and worry but the thrill of knowing that it's their eldest cousin's marriage after all, they were ready to do anything even by not their wills. They wanted to enjoy their eldest cousin's shadi and they will not let any hindrance came in between.
Shehnaz Begum and Zohra were dressed in light pista and cream colored. They adorned light oxidized jewelry. Shehnaz's face was beaming with pure happiness while Zohra's face was contorted in discomfort and hatred being the top of it. She discomfortly mumbled
"Such a cheap house it is!"
Shehnaz passed her a displeasing look causing her to shut up immediately. Shehnaz turned to Salar and asked him
"Where is Shah Zain?"
Salar answered
"He is here."
Just then he came dressed in a beautiful dark blue kurta. His wrists adorned with black rolex watch and hairs perfectly styled back. Face stoic of any emotion yet his heart was beating loud. Never did he expect anything like that to happen. He took a deep breath before joining her dado at the front.
While walking he passed a small glance in Zarnish's direction. Poor girl's heart has been broken. She dreamt of having Zain by her side as her husband but fate didn't give them the chance. She was quite and solemn all the time. Eyes fixed on the ground like it's the most intriguing thing in the entire world.
As they rang the bell, almost immediately Bisma opened the door. She greeted them with utmost respect and glee. Shehnaz hugged her and entered inside. The lounge was decorated lightly with ferry lights and white flowers. Kulsoom hugged Shehnaz and tried to hug Zohra but she stay away causing Kulsoom to step back. Her action wasn't noticed by anyone.
They all seated. Shah Zain was mostly quiet. It was still very shocking to him. As they made themselves comfortable, Bisma greeted them with a tray full of lemon juice to calm down their thirsts. Shehnaz finally began
"Today, we are here to respectfully ask the hand of your niece Shiza in marriage to our Shah Zain."
Kulsoom's face beamed with happiness. Every mother dream is to see her daughter getting married and she is lucky enough to see that moment. She smiled and said
"Of course. We have no issue."
Shehnaz smiled and turned to Zohra. She eyed her to say the rightful words. Zohra rolled her eyes before muttering. Her voice almost robotic
"Can you please call the girl. We shouldn't delay in rasam."
Shehnaz sighed not liking the way Zohra talked but nonetheless didn't say anything. Kulsoom nodded and commanded Bisma to bring Shiza. She immediately rushed towards the room.
Shiza was waiting impatiently. Her foot was bouncing in pure agitation. She was worrying about the incoming storm. She knew Zain will never accept her. He will humiliate her. When Bisma came inside, Shiza stood up. Bisma smiled at her and said
"Come on. Everyone is waiting."
She nodded her head and walked outside. Her eyes were down-casted and she took slow steps. When she entered inside the lounge, all the eyes were fixed at her. Shehnaz Ammi was looking at her with fondness and love while Zohra was glaring at her hardly. The others were just sitting stoic. She didn't even dare to look at Zain.
His one stare can tremble her. Shehnaz stood up and kissed her forehead. She was looking radiant in her long white ankle length frock. Small mirror were attached on it and she supported that look with oxidized earrings and open hairs. Shehnaz made her sit between her and Zohra. Zohra didn't even move an inch and she had to fit in between.
Her posture was very uncomfortable. But she remained quite. Shah Zain was boring holes in her figure. Her timid figure refuse to look at her. His eyes were fixed on her. Shehnaz finally began
"Since everything is ready, we should do the ritual of exchanging rings."
Kulsoom nodded and the to be bride and groom made to stand infront of each other. Shiza and Shah Zain stood infront of them. One of them was looking down while the other one was staring right back at her. He wanted her to say no. He doesn't want to get tied down to an unwanted relationship.
But he can't do anything. His hands are tied. Soon, the rings were brought. The rings were of intrigue design. It was couple rings. They both took each in their hands. Shah Zain almost immediately slid the ring in her finger. His touch was void of any softness and tenderness. She also slid the ring in his finger.
Her hands were shaking yet she controlled herself. None of them said anything. The crowd clapped and cheered. Finally the elder Mir was engaged and soon to be married. Today, two souls were tied together in a sacred bond. Today, the heart of an helpless and innocent girl was broken. But what's written in fate is bound to be happen. One can only dream as no one has ever win against the battle of fate...
(The Rings)
( Shiza's Dress)
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Phew! Guys, my hands are aching. Let the real fun begin. You will be receiving some wedding bells.
Do vote comment and share
Till then take care
Allah Hafiz
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