A Y E S H A
“ Come Ayesha beta sit beside your husband “
Maa said gesturing me towards the couch where Ahad was sitting. I nodded and walk where he was sitting and sit besides . As I sat in the living room with Ahad's family, my heart raced with uncertainty and apprehension. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was an outsider in this new environment, and my forced marriage with Ahad only intensified those emotions. But this family has always welcomed me. Maa and everyond gave me love.
“ so as you all have my attention, I called you all to announce that tomorrow will be Ahad's and Ayesha's Walima. Because the media is asking why we are hiding and also it's a tradition. “
Ammi's announcement about the wallima tomorrow caught me off guard. I tried to hide my disappointment, but it was difficult not to feel a pang of sadness at the thought of not being able to see my parents. I had always felt distant from them, and this wedding only added more distance between us.
It's not like I don't wanna see them but what they did to me and to Baji was never good. We were never good enough for them. No matter what we do.
“ But Ammi I have meetings and lots of work.
Can't we cancel. “
Ahad attempted to speak up, mentioning his important meetings, but before he could finish, Ammi interrupted, asserting that the wallima was a must, no matter what. I glanced at Ahad, wishing he could stand up for me, but I knew he was stuck between his mother's wishes and his own commitments.
My eyes welled up with tears, but I held them back. I didn't want to appear weak or ungrateful for the efforts Ahad's family had made to welcome me. I looked down at my hands, intertwining my fingers, hoping to find some strength in that simple gesture.
I guess Ahad noticed me and he slowly intertwin his fingers with mine covering my hand with his. I look up at him but he was looking at his Ammi. His warm hand was giving me comfort .
Maa continued discussing the preparations for the wallima, going into details about the guest list and the menu. I tried to focus on what she was saying, but my mind drifted to the memories of my Dadu, whom I had always adored. He was the only one who truly understood me and supported my dreams.
Finally, when there was a pause in the conversation, I gathered the courage to speak. "Maa," I said softly, "I know the wallima is important, and I appreciate everything you all have done for me. But, can I please have a moment to visit my Dadu? I miss him dearly, and I really want to see him."
Ammi looked surprised for a moment, then her expression softened. "Of course, beta," she replied, "You can visit your Dadu tomorrow before the wallima. Family is essential, and we understand your feelings."
I smiled and thank her for everything. How sweet she is. What a perfect family is this.
I hope Baji is fine.
Night time
As I sat on the bed engrossed in the adventurous world of "Alchemist," I felt a sense of escape from the reality that had become my life. The book's captivating storyline had completely consumed me, and I barely noticed Ahad working on his laptop beside me.
I heard him sigh and look up from his work, glancing at me with a mix of amusement and concern. "Ayesha, you've been reading for quite a while now. Don't strain your eyes too much," he said, gently prying the book from my hands.
I looked up, startled by his sudden action. "Oh, I'm fine, Ahad. This book is just so captivating; I can't put it down," I replied, trying to hold back a smile.
He placed the book on the nightstand and took a seat beside me on the bed. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, but taking care of your health is important too," he said, surprising me with his considerate tone.
For a moment, I forgot that Ahad was known to be cold and grumpy. The way he was talking to me, showing genuine concern, made my heart flutter with an unfamiliar warmth. I couldn't help but feel my heartbeat quicken.
He continued, "Let's talk about our likes and dislikes. It might be a good way to get to know each other better." Ahad's attempt at initiating a conversation felt so unexpected, yet I welcomed it with enthusiasm.
"I like adventure and romancebooks like 'Alchemist' and exploring new places," I replied, feeling a bit shy but also excited to share my interests with him.
Ahad nodded thoughtfully. "Adventure and romance , huh? That explains your enthusiasm for that book. As for me, I prefer detective novels and classical music," he said, surprising me once again with his response.
As we continued talking, I found myself opening up to him about my dreams and aspirations, and he shared his ambitions too. The conversation flowed easily, and I felt a connection forming between us that I hadn't anticipated.
In that moment, Ahad didn't seem like the distant man I had married out of obligation. Instead, he appeared more human, vulnerable, and relatable. It was as if we were two individuals getting to know each other, rather than being bound by a forced relationship.
As the night gradually transformed into the early hours of the morning, Ahad suggested that we get some rest. He tucked me in couch and gave me a small smile before going to bed.
A H A D
As I opened the door to my room, a delightful fragrance of flowers and sweet scent greeted me, instantly filling my nostrils. I knew it could only be Ayesha who had worked her magic, making my room smell like her. Her presence was always so warm and comforting, and it felt like she had infused a piece of herself into every corner of the room.
As my eyes scanned the room, they landed on Ayesha, sitting gracefully in front of the mirror, putting on her earrings. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, dressed in a stunning green Walima outfit that accentuated her natural elegance. I couldn't help but pause for a moment, completely captivated by her charm and radiant glow.
Ayesha turned around and saw me standing at the door, and her smile lit up the room even more. "Oh, you're here," she said, her voice a gentle melody that soothed my nerves. She asked me how she looked, but I was too stunned to form coherent words. Her beauty had rendered me speechless, and my heart was racing with a mix of admiration and affection
After a moment of silence, I managed to find my voice, though it came out as a whisper, "Beautiful." The word barely escaped my lips, but Ayesha heard it clearly, and her smile widened in response. The way she looked at me, with those sparkling eyes filled with her charm.
I blink my eyes.
“ I-i mean you are looking good “ Why am I shuttering again. It's like everytime I am in front of her I am nervous. No a lot of nervous.
She took a step as her earring again make sound and my whole body get goosebumps. I don't know what's wrong with me. First the earring of flower and then her earring is marking me crazy.
“ Mr Ahad, if you don't mind can we please leave for dadu's place. Then we need to leave for Walima. “ She said in her soft sweet voice.
“ Huh... Yeah if you are ready then let's go “ I spread her arms and rotate on her place.
“ You see I am ready “ She smiled. I am happy she is not tensed like she was when Ammi announced about Walima. I don't know why she was tensed but she was shivering.
“ Yes mi esposa you are all ready “
As we drove towards Ayesha's dadu's place, I couldn't help but notice how she seemed uncomfortable in her heavy dress. I didn't understand why, but something within me compelled me to turn on the AC, even though I used to be the grumpy and cold person who never cared about such things. It was strange how she had managed to change me in just three days.
As we continued the drive, the conversation took a more serious turn. Ayesha, looking thoughtful, asked, "Ahad, can I ask you something personal?"
I nodded, "Of course, Ayesha. You can ask me anything."
Her voice was soft, "Tell me about the girl you used to love. How was she? Was she beautiful? What was her eyes' color?"
When Ayesha asked about the girl I used to love, I hesitated for a moment. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and I knew she was genuinely interested, but I could also sense a hint of jealousy in her voice. Nevertheless, I decided to be honest with her. "She was really beautiful, Ayesha, and had the sweetest smile. Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of drown,"
As I revealed those details, Ayesha forced a smile and nodded, but I noticed her lips twitching as if she was trying not to feel something. It made me chuckle slightly, realizing she might be getting jealous, which was amusing and adorable at the same time. I gently placed my hand on hers, trying to comfort her, and said, "But that was all in the past. You're my wife now , Ayesha."
As we were entering the her dadu's house I noticed her dress was making her uncomfortable moreover it was getting dirty.
I hesitated what should I do now. I sigh and picked her dress up from the side. She look towards me. But I avoid looking at her.
Well I am not master in all this things. I just know I need to do what a husband do.
“ Thank you Ahad “ She said as we walked further in. As soon as she saw her Dadu on the chair her eyes sparkle as she smiled and slowly walked towards him. She walk behind him and put her hands on his eyes. With a smile on her face. Warmth spread all over me.
Her smile is like sunshine in my dark night.
It's like she is rainbow and I am dark clouds
She is music and I am silence.
And We both are never meant to be. I can never love her.
Because I know this all will end in hurt and pain. I don't belong to her beautiful world .
She can my wife. But my heart only belongs to one and only girl my flower .
After greeting Dadu we all sat in the living room. Me, Ayesha and Dadu. The way she here so carefree talking is so amazing. Like she forget her all tensions when she meet her Dadu.
“ Ayesha beta, I want to say I am sorry because I could not protect you from the forced marriage. “ Ayesha sadly smiled and hold her Dadu's hand.
“ Dadu, it's not your fault and Ahad is a good friend. So be happy and don't stress “ She smiled towards her Dadu who smiled back.
I gulp knowing what a innocent soul she is.
Later Dadu told me about Ayesha's childhood how she used to play all day . And on the first day of her school when her class teacher told her to open her book and she answered her saying “ I don't want to open the book come and open yourself “
I wanted to laugh I tried to do too but what you can do when you did not laughed for years and then suddenly you forget how to laungh. I forget how to laugh or feel fully happy.
A Y E S H A
As we entered the Walima Hall, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Ahad looked handsome in his suit, and his touch reassured me as he held my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. It surprised me because Ahad had always been a cold and grumpy person, but in that moment, his warmth brought comfort.
Seeing my parents across the hall, I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. I knew I had to put on a fake smile and greet them politely, even though deep down, I couldn't forgive them for pushing me into a forced marriage. Growing up, I had yearned for their love and affection, but it always seemed out of reach.
“ everything will be alright mi esposa “ he said nodding towards me. All the media was present here. Clicking pictures .
As we approached my parents, they greeted us with smiles, and I responded in kind. Ahad stood by my side, and I half-expected him to leave me to handle the awkward encounter alone. But to my surprise, he stayed with me, his presence giving me the strength I needed.
“ Ahad beta, Aap kasa haan “ Ammi asked as Ahad answerd.
“ Hum Acha haan “ Unknowingly my grip on Ahad's hand tighten because I was feeling mixed emotions in front of my parents.
I want to ask them why they did this with us.
I want to ask them why I was never enough. But I just smiled and stayed silent.
Then, my mother made an insensitive remark, suggesting that we should stand a little apart from each other to avoid any misconceptions. Before I could respond, Ahad gently pulled me closer to him and spoke with unwavering determination, "Thanks for your advice, but she is my wife, and I like her right beside me."
His words resonated within me, touching a part of my heart I thought had become numb. For the first time in a long while, I felt valued and protected. Ahad's action wasn't just a gesture; it was a proclamation that he accepted me for who I am and that he was willing to stand by my side no matter what.
As the evening unfolded, I found myself engaged in conversations with Ahad's family, who welcomed me warmly. It was a stark contrast to the distance I had always felt from my own parents. Ahad's family showed genuine interest in getting to know me, and their acceptance started to heal some of the wounds I had carried for so long.
As I hurriedly walked towards the restroom, my heavy Walima dress weighing me down, I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was following me. When I turned around, my worst fears were confirmed as I saw Hamza, the guy who had been relentlessly obsessed with me during college, standing there with that sinister smirk on his face.
"How can you marry someone else, huh? Didn't I tell you? You are just mine... just mine," he said in a possessive tone, making my heart race with fear and anger.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to gather the courage to face him, "What the hell are you doing here? Get lost!"
But he scoffed and reached out towards me. Instinctively, I stepped back, not wanting to let him get any closer. He taunted me, claiming that I could run all I wanted, but I would eventually end up trapped in his prisons.
As if his words weren't enough to terrify me, he mentioned my sister, saying, "Ayesha, your sister was looking good in that yellow dress." My heart sank as I realized he was now targeting her too.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and my hands trembled in fear. I was a strong girl, but in that moment, the memories of his unsettling attention from college came rushing back, leaving me vulnerable and anxious
Hamza finally turned to leave, but the fear lingered. I knew I couldn't let him get away with this, I rushed into the restroom to find a moment of solace and tried to gather my thoughts.
I walked out of the rest room. Wearing a big smile as if nothing happened. This is what I always do. I cry and then walk out like I am the most carefree person.
As I stood beside Ahad amidst the chattering guests, I tried my best to maintain a smile, but the weight of my encounter with Hamza earlier was too heavy to hide completely. Ahad, with his keen eyes, noticed that something was off and asked me gently, "What happened, Ayesha? Did someone say something?"
I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to burden him with my worries. I thought I could handle it myself, but his concern was genuine, and I knew he wouldn't let it go easily. Taking a deep breath, I shook my head, unable to provide a truthful answer. "No, really, it's nothing. Just some random thoughts."
However, Ahad wasn't convinced. He could sense there was more to the story, and he asked again, his tone becoming more serious, "Tell me, who made you cry? I can see it in your eyes."
My heart skipped a beat as I looked into his earnest gaze. I knew I couldn't hide the truth from him for long. But I was scared, not for myself, but for him. I didn't want Ahad to get involved in any trouble because of me.
"I'm just a little overwhelmed with all the emotions of the day. But being with you and everyone makes it better."
I smiled widely. Ahad is a nice person. But this is my war. I will handle it. Like all these years.
Thank you for reading.
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