Hey guys, here's the next chapter. I really hope you all like it. Please comment down your thoughts. Also check out my sister's account @wittypenart. Don't forget to check my insta account @iwrites11
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Shiza's POV (Edited)
It's been one and half a week since our wedding. Nothing much happened in between. Those days passed by relatives coming and congratulating us for the wedding. Some were interested in how the new bride is while some were probably not even interested if I was present or not.
Some passed witty comments while some were genuinely civil with me. I tried my best to blend with those people but I was having difficulties. The stiff and non- welcoming behavior of Zohra aunty was outshining the whole time. She ignored me like a plague.
She even didn't introduce me to anyone. It was like I was just sitting here mute. No one even glance at me. I felt utter embarrassment but still I chose to remain silent. Zohra aunty's friends even passed some weird and snarky remarks towards me which really hurt bad. The one that hurts me the most was
'Look at the way she stared at our expensive outfits like she wants to snatch it off of us.'
That one hurt me the most. My eyes blurred with unshed tears. How can someone be so judgemental. I wasn't staring at their choices of clothes. I was trying to be as polite as I could but they were not stopping.
They were hell bent on making me embarrassed of my own self. Shehnaz Ammi was not present there as she was taking a nap. Otherwise,I would have someone's support. Only she is the one who really cares for me. Otherwise, everyone don't even pass me a small smile. Ya Allah! Help me in my bad times. Only you know my situation and I have no doubt that you will do the best for me. Please help me in these hard times.
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It's morning now. I had prayed my fajr prayer and since then I am awake. I was always an early bird and I usually wake up by the time of fajr. I love to relish the calm yet breath taking view of fajr time.
The Qudrat of the Almighty was intriguing at that time. The way birds started chirping and the way sun gradually spread it's rays throughout the horizon shining the whole sky. It's so soothing watching it. Since Shah Zain's room balcony had the best view, I chose to read Quran there.
The beautiful words of the Holy Book calmed my inner turmoils and I got positive vibes for the day. I close the Quran and kept it safely at it's respective place. I undid the scarf and placed it on the chair. I glance at him but he was fast asleep.
He offered his prayers at the Mosque and dozed off after coming. You can't blame him though. He was starting his office from today. He needs to be extra fresh. Don't be so excited, we are not on talking terms. He still ignores me. I overheard his conversation with Shehnaz Ammi that he will be re-joining the office from today.
He has important work pending and he can't take holidays for stupid reasons. I checked the time and it was 7 in the morning right now. I walked inside the wardrobe and picked out my dress for the day. I grabbed my towel and went to take a shower keeping in mind that I have to come quickly before he wakes up.
I also had to leave the room before he wakes up. I took a fairly quick shower before making my way outside. To my utter relief, he was out sleeping. I dried my hairs and let them rest on my back. I applied some cream to hide my swollen eyes.
I didn't get a good sleep last night. I wore my bangles since they were a gift from khala. I wore my dupatta and carefully left the room.
(Shiza's Dress)
I stepped down the stairs and walked towards the dining area. But no one was present there. It was still time left to nine. I stood there awkwardly for few moments not knowing what to do. I looked here and there hoping to find any family member but all I could see was nothing.
So, then I decided to go in the kitchen. I made my way to the kitchen and every other maid was busy either in cooking, cutting or washing dishes. When they heard my footsteps, they stopped their work. They all looked at me and one of the head maid muttered with respect
"Asalamualikum choti bibi."
Her voice was filled with respect. I smiled at her gesture before saying my greetings
"Waalikum asalam. Please just call me Shiza."
But she shook her head and proved her point
"Oh no, I can't do that. You are choti sahiba's bahu. We can't disrespect you in anyway."
My eyes saddened. She is way too elder than me. I then said
"Please you are my elder. I don't like when you call me with such words. Infact I should treat you with respect."
She smiled at me and stated dreamily
"Allah ne is ghar ko ap jesi bahu dekar bara karam kiya ha. Beta, ap boht achi hu."
(God has blessed this house by giving you as a daughter in-law. You are really nice)
I smiled at her appreciating words. She is too good. I then asked them hopefully
"Can I help you with something?"
The head maid turned to me and was about to say something but her words died when one of the younger maid stated quiet rudely
"Choti sahiba didn't like when we ask for unnecessary help."
I know her comment was directed towards me. Her straight forwardness did make me embarrassed and Zubeda khala noticed it. She looked at the maid with narrowed eyes and stated
"Beta, ap ye kia keh rahi hain."
(What are you saying, dear?)
That girl only shrugged and resumed her work. I stood there awkwardly. I think my presence is not wanted there. I still smiled at Zubeda khala and told her
"I guess I shouldn't meddle you all in your work. Easy work for you."
She was about to say something but I didn't stop for that and quietly left the kitchen. On my way to the backyard, I got crashed into something or rather someone. I looked up to find none other than him. He was glaring hard at me. I stumbled back and he spat
"Can't you see while walking?"
I was already shock and his abrupt comment made me flinch. I down casted my eyes before clearing his way. He scoffed dryly and went to take a seat at the table. I sighed heavily.
Atleast, he didn't scold me. Soon, Shehnaz Ammi and the other members also join the table. I didn't fail to notice the scowl Zohra aunty gave when she noticed me standing there. While the others just ignored me and took their respected seats. I was still standing there.
Should I join them too? I don't think it's a good idea because the way Zohra aunty is boring her stare into me, she won't like if I join them. I started to make my way outside but Shehnaz ammi's voice stopped me in my tracks
"Beta, where are you going?"
I turned around and all the heads were turned to me except his. He was still looking down unaffected. I answered unsurely
"Outside.."
Shehnaz Ammi looked at me confused so she further asked me
"Why? Aren't you going to eat breakfast with us?"
I remained silent. Zohra aunty's face was screaming at me to deny her. Shah Zain doesn't even care to look up. He was all set scrolling down his phone. I fidgeted with my fingers failing to answer her. I finally tried to mutter an excuse
"Umm...I'm not...that hungry."
I know my lame excuse will not take me anywhere. Shehnaz Ammi's eyes furrowed and she asked me
"Beta, how are you not hungry? You didn't even eat last night. Come here and eat your food."
Her last sentence held order. I sighed knowing very well that my next move will irritate Zohra aunty but I have no choice. Shehnaz Ammi very politely asked me to join her.
I decided to sit down on the last chair away from Zohra aunty and Shah Zain. But Shehnaz Ammi stopped me
"Beta, why are you sitting there? Come here and sit beside Zain."
He stiffened hearing that. His jaw got clenched. I don't think it's a good idea. I don't want to ruin their breakfast. But Shehnaz ammi constant gaze caused me to stand up and took the chair beside him.
As I sat down, immediately Zarnish's eyes caught me. Her gaze held venom and pure hatred for me. I tried not to look at her. I was about to take some bread when Shah Zain abruptly stood up. My movement stopped and I looked up to him. Shehnaz Ammi asked him
"What happened, beta?"
He turned to her before saying dryly
"I will leave now."
But Shehnaz Ammi interjected
"But you didn't even eat anything. Sit down and have your breakfast first."
He scoffed before saying
"I don't have any appetite to eat. I will eat something in the office."
With that, he left the table. I know he did that because of me. He doesn't like my presence around him that's why he did that. Zarnish also stood up and stated rather sweetly
"Zain, please drop me to my work place to."
Lubna aunty asked her
"Beta, you won't eat your food?"
She shook her head and stated with hatred dripping from her voice
"No, the air is to stuffy. Also, my mood is good today and I don't want to ruin by sharing the same air with 'some' people."
She quoted the word 'some' before grabbing her bag and exiting the dining area. I sat there ashamed and humiliated. I didn't dare to look up. I heard Lubna aunty muttering in disgust
"Pata nhi aur kia kia is ghar main hona baqi ha."
(Don't know what else we have to see in this house)
Zohra aunty scoffed before sipping her tea. I sat there embarrassed. I am unwanted here. They don't like my presence here at all. I looked up and saw that Shehnaz Ammi was already watching me. I passed her a small smile and blinked my eyes to get rid of the tears. I shouldn't cry here. She will feel bad. With that, I put my respect at side and silently began to eat my breakfast..
***
It was mid afternoon now. After that breakfast session, everyone dispersed. The men left for office while the ladies busied themselves in their house chores. I was once again remained alone.
No one talked to me nor did I try. But I know one thing that if I have to spend the rest of my life here than I will have to get civil with them. But I know it needs lot of effort. It's not an easy task and I might probably will be facing more troubles than I already have. After checking on Shehnaz Ammi, I came out in the garden for some fresh air.
My mind was in chaos and only a little breath of fresh air can calm it down. My official first day here is not going as I expected it. I was aware that I will not be getting any proper welcome but I never thought that it will be this bad. I'm unwanted there and their actions are constant reminder.
I crossed my arms around my chest and closed my eyes to breath the fresh air. My surroundings were calm and in peace. But my peace was short lived when I was harshly jerked away back. I gasped in surprise and came face to face with Zohra aunty. She was glaring at me and her eyes were slightly dark. I timidly asked her
"Do..do you need anything....aunty?"
She scoffed rudely and tightened her grip on my forearm causing me to hiss in pain. Her nails were digging in my skin through the fabric. She gritted her teeth at me and said
"Suno larki, ziada hoshiyar banne ki zaroorat nahi ha. Ye mera ghar ha. Bhale Ammi Sahiba ne tumhen is ghar ki bahu man liya ha lekin yad rakhna, main aur beta kabhi bhi tumhen tasleem nahi krenge. Mere alfaz ko zehen nasheen krlo. I will make you regret marrying my son. You will cry to me to stop but I will show you that it's not easy to mess with me. Remember that!"
(Heart me out, girl. Don't be so cunning. This is my house. Mom might have accepted you as a daughter in law but I and my son will never accept you.)
She left me with a jerk and stormed inside. I stood there rooted on my spot. She threatened me and it will be a lie if I told that I'm not scared. I'm really scared right now. Ya Allah! What have I gotten myself into?...
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That it's guys for today. I tried my best to write it interesting but I'm facing a little writer block right now. If you all have any suggestions for any scene in the story then comment them down. I will try to add them in the next following chapters. Do vote comment and share.
Till then take care
Allah Hafiz
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