As I walked into my luxurious apartment after a long day at the courthouse, the weight of exhaustion was heavy on my shoulders.
Atleast I took a very beautiful selfie, Selfies are totally my thing when they come out nice.
Being a lawyer was no easy feat, especially when every case seemed to drag on forever.
But today, my weariness was overshadowed by a sense of impending doom, a storm brewing on the horizon.
My parents had left a note on the kitchen counter, a short and direct message that managed to turn my stomach. "Hania, sweetheart, we've arranged your marriage. The Rehmani family is coming over tomorrow to meet you. They're good people. Love, Mom and Dad."
"Arranged marriage?" I muttered, my voice laced with disbelief. How could they do this to me? I was a modern, independent woman, and they were treating me like a pawn in some outdated game. I crumpled the note in my hand, frustration and anger welling up within me.
My fingers flew across my phone's screen as I texted my four closest friends - Shahana, Rhea, Heer. The "Queens," as we called ourselves. We were more than friends; we were sisters, bound by an unbreakable bond forged through years of shared laughter, secrets, and support.
"Emergency meeting at my place NOW!" I typed and hit send. Within minutes, my friends began to trickle in, each adding their own unique energy to my already chaotic living room.
"What's the matter, Hania?" Shahana, the vlogger with a vibrant personality, was the first to ask.
I clenched my fists, trying to control my emotions. "My parents... they've arranged my marriage to some guy named Zaan Rehmani."
The room erupted in exclamations of shock and disbelief. Heer, my younger sister, crossed her arms, her expression one of stubborn determination. "You can't let them do this, Hania. You're not some doll they can just hand over!"
Rhea, always the animal lover and the most level-headed of us, nodded in agreement."Haan, yeh koi middle ages ka zamana nahi hai. Tujhe apni zindagi ki faisla lene ka pura haq hai. You have a say in your own life."
("Yeah, this isn't the Middle Ages. You have a say in your own life.")
Shahana said flirtiously. "We're not letting you go down without a fight, darling."
Their support was a lifeline, pulling me out of the depths of despair. With my girls by my side, I could face anything.
As the evening turned into night, we laughed, reminisced, and plotted ways to escape my parents' plan. Shahana, Rhea, decided to stay over for the night. We were like a tribe, huddled together in defiance of tradition.
The next morning, I woke up and took a very cute-funny picture of the girls they were looking so cute while sleeping.
As I got ready for the storm that was about to hit, the Queens surrounded me. We had claimed each other's homes as our own, so it was natural for them to be here while I prepared to face the enemy - my future groom's family.
"Heer," I heard Shahana's sing-song voice, "do you think the groom will be as handsome as our Hania deserves?"
Heer, ever the innocent soul, replied with a nod and a twinkle in her eyes. "Definitely, didi! He's going to be super handsome, just ike a hero from those romantic movies."
I couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. Even in the face of adversity, my friends had the power to make me smile.
As I slipped into a dress, Shahana spoke with a wicked grin. "Alright, Hania, let's make sure you're looking your best when you crush Mr. Rehmani's heart."
We laughed together, as we took a group mirror selfie.
✨Mirror Selfie✨
With my Queens by my side, I felt invincible. Whatever this Zaan Rehmani was, I was ready to face him head-on and make my stance clear.
________________
I stared at the message on my phone, a mixture of dread and frustration swirling within me. My parents had once again demonstrated their ability to control my life.
"Zaan, my boy, we've arranged your marriage to Hania. The Khan family is expecting you at their residence tomorrow. Your mother and I will be there. This alliance will solidify our position further."
Hania Khan, the name itself was enough to elicit a storm of emotions. I had seen her face plastered across news articles and social media countless times - the criminal lawyer, the heiress to a colossal empire, the quintessential rich brat. Her reputation was legendary, and it was not one that endeared her to me. She was the last person I would have chosen to be my life partner, but in our world, family honor and power were currency.
So, I had put on my best poker face, my emotions well-hidden beneath a facade of acceptance.
Deep down, though, anger roiled within me like a dormant volcano. I was being thrust into a situation I had no control over, all for the sake of power and prestige. The irony was not lost on me; the very things I sought were chaining me to a life I had never desired.
I tapped into the instagram group chat with my cousins - Abeer, Ayaan, and Ishaan. They were my cousin brothers, our bonds forged through years of shared experiences and unbreakable camaraderie.
Me: Guys, I'm getting married tomorrow. Going to meet the girl. You all better show up, or I won't survive the torture.
Abeer: Zaan, you're one lucky man! Congratulations!
Ayaan: Finally, the mighty Zaan Rehmani is falling into the clutches of marriage!
Ishaan: Haha, Zaan, be ready for a life sentence!
Their messages flooded in, each one more amusing than the last.
Zaan: Thanks, Abeer. Don't sound too excited, will you?
Abeer: Oh, we're thrilled, Zaan. Finally, you won't be terrorizing us with your bachelorhood tales!
Ayaan: True that! Abeer's going to throw a party tonight!
Zaan: Great, looking forward to celebrating my impending doom.
Ishaan: Cheer up, Zaan. You might actually like this girl. It's not like you've ever tried a committed relationship before.
Zaan: You're one to talk, Ishaan.
Ishaan: Touché, bro.
The back-and-forth banter continued, each message drawing a genuine smile from me. These guys knew how to turn even the most daunting situations into a source of laughter.
Zaan: Anyway, I need you all to show up tomorrow. I can't face this alone.
Abeer: Don't worry, Zaan. We'll be there to watch you squirm.
Ayaan: Yeah, and take photos to immortalize your misery!
Ishaan: And maybe record a video of Zaan getting his face painted with haldi!
Zaan: You guys are relentless.
Abeer: That's what family is for, right?
Zaan: Lucky me.
The next morning, I jerked awake, eyes wide, only to find myself beneath a pile of laughing cousins.
Blinking my eyes open, I was greeted by the chaotic scene of my cousins - Abeer, and Ishaan - practically pouncing on me.
"Get off, you lunatics!" I managed to gasp between fits of laughter.
Abeer clapped me on the back. "Rise and shine, groom-to-be!"
I chuckled, my sleepiness giving way to genuine amusement. These guys could make even the most daunting situations seem like a grand adventure.
Ishaan was next, adding his weight to the playful pile. "Time to face the music, Zaan!"
Ishaan, ever the mischief-maker, joined in with a mischievous grin. "We thought you needed some encouragement to get out of bed."
As I sat up, I was surrounded by their infectious energy. Their laughter, teasing jabs, and familiar banter were a balm to my spirit. We were a group of brothers who could understand each other without uttering a single word.
"Zaan, your expressions when you saw the message yesterday were priceless," Ishaan, the joker of the group, quipped.
I rolled my eyes, a mock glare directed at him. "Well, I'm glad my life's amusement brings you joy."
As we finally managed to untangle ourselves from our huddle, I found myself surrounded by these guys who meant more to me than I could express. All but One.
"Abe, Ye Ayaan kaha hai?" I asked them.
(Hey, Where's Ayaan?)
Ishaan replied me "Don't worry, Usko kuch kaam tha to wo direct bhabhi ke Ghar ayega.)
(He had some work to do so he will come directly to your bride's house)
"Okay!" I huffed.
As we untangled ourselves, the teasing didn't stop. Abeer imitated my facial expression from yesterday, and the room was filled with laughter.
"Zaan, you're going to be an epic sight on the wedding stage!" Abeer declared, amidst everyone's laughter.
I mock-glared at them. "Chal Chal, Apna dekh"
[Go, Go, See for yourself]
We went through the motions of getting ready, trading light-hearted taunts and laughs along the way.
"Zaan, tu toh shaadi ke mandap pe bhi aise hi stage pe perform karega," Abeer teased, earning chuckles from the others.
[Translation: Zaan, you'll perform on the wedding stage just like this.]
I shot him a mock glare. "Shut up, Abeer. At least I don't try to mimic Bollywood heroes in every situation."
Abeer winked. "Oh, but that's the charm, my friend."
With our morning antics concluded, we began the process of getting ready, sharing jokes and laughter all the while.
"Zaan, you better not faint when you see the girl!" Ishaan teased.
I scoffed. "Who said I'm the one who's going to faint?"
Our playful banter continued, each remark and gesture cementing the bond we shared. As I got dressed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. These guys, my brothers, were the reason I could find humor even in the most challenging situations.
With our outfits finally sorted, we headed out, ready to take on whatever came our way. As we exchanged light-hearted jabs and shared laughter, I knew that no matter what challenges awaited me, I had a brotherhood that would always have my back.
________________
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 !
Hey Guys, This was a glimpse of our Queen and our Rehmani Boys
Wanna know more?
Then read the next chapter 🐼