Flashback continues
Riyad on his bed was trying so hard to give rest to those tired eyes but sleep was far away from him and he kept thinking of tommorow.Tomorrow would be day of his Nikkah...He would become someone's spouse...he would be someone's husband..and that was a big responsibility...which he was not ready for...To say he was nervous would be an understatement...because he was angry,afraid,unsure,
nervous and felt struck...
He was angry on his mother cause she suddenly demanded him to marry a girl who was not less than a stranger to him...its not like he wanted a love marriage cause he often underestimated the power of love partners...he was not a guy to fall head over heals for any random girl,bear her tantrums,give his bank card,do sheepish things like bringing gifts,going for dates and annoying stuff ...he don't have time for all that although he was a man with strict morals and never indulged himself in haraam activities.There wasn't a specific reason for denying the wedding except one...
(Readers guess what could be the reason for him to deny the wedding???)
Marriage in two days...for a second he thought it was a lame joke but when he observed the seriousness on the face of his mom,Mr siddiqui and others he couldn't do anything but accept the bitter reality...
He was unsure...about fulfilling the obligations of a good husband...he thought he will tie knot with a mature and calm girl but Hoor was far away than those girls...She was too naive and always viewed everything in a positive way..she often stayed in her own happy bubble...In the process failed to see the challenges and difficulties of the life...She is always pampered and loved by her uncle and his family...
They were two people with opposite personalities...They weren't meant for each other..
Riyad was a keen observer...he considered everything happening in his surroundings..Though he choose to remain silent in most of the time but his eyes captured all actions and moves of people around him...thus he did registered hoors personality.... Years of working experience in field of business and marketing had taught alot to him....
Out of nowhere his sister appeared in front of him..
"Bro..don't think much!"she blurted smiling
widely
"What??I'm not thinking...I was just stressed out"he replied
"Come on bhai.Let me tell you that you are a terrible lier...I know you were lost in thoughts of my dearest bhabhi(sister in law)...Say bhai do you like her?"Maheen asked teasing Riyad
"My small baby sister... let me tell you I m not lieing...neither I was thinking about Hoor...Its better if you go and help ma in kitchen"Riyad spoke out
"Dnt call me baby sister..I m not one...got it?"she whined throwing her hands in the air
"Nah!.I will call you baby sister...Get out of my room or else I will smack your head"he groaned
"I will get going and ya Mom's calling you, come soon"she left
Riyad went to his moms room.She gestured him to sit next to her on the couch and he did as she said.Qudsiya took both hands of Riyad in hers and he saw a glint of happiness and tears in her eyes.
"What happened Ammi?"he asked wiping one of the tear.Worry evident on his face.
"I Cant believe my little son has grown up and is getting married"she said
"Baby..you know you when you were little you wouldnt do a thing without me...You needed me every time in front of your eyes...Once I left you alone sleeping and was in another room I guess you woke up started crying , came running to me saying 'Mamma dont leave me' I picked up my baby boy and hugged him..You were such a momma's boy...But now my Riyad is all grown up and ready to carry the responsibility of being a husband and I m soon to become mother in law..You know its the most blissful moment"She exclaimed delightfully
"Riyad,Hoor is going to be your wife...Marriage is such a pious relation but love,respect and trust are the pillars of marriage.And you very well know if a pillar is damaged or broken then no one can stop the walls from collapsing.I know in the beginning everything will be kind of difficult as I know you never shared your room with anyone but now you need to sweetheart....Give hoor space and time.Trust her and try to become outspoken only for hoor cause the less we speak the less the conversation and interaction between you guys will be...so you cant easily get comfortable with each other..."Their talk continued and she adviced her son to be faithful and loving husband.
On the other hand Hoor Ali was scared and nervous..Never in her twenty years of life she had been so restless as she was today..Now she was going to be a wife..she always dreamed of a handsome and caring person with whom she' ll spend her life...and Riyad was not less than a hero to her.she thanked Allah for giving such a charming husband.
Little did she know that ...Almighty Allah always tests the person whom he loves truly and Hoor and Riyad were one of them...
----------------------
The Nikkah was held in the evening.During the nikkah ceremony Riyad recieved a call,an unknown number appeared on his mobile screen and he furrowed his eyebrows looking perplexed.He reluctantly said
"Asalamualaikum..who is this?"
"Riyad its me Anissa"The person on otherside of phone spoke out
and Riyad was bewildered.His shocked face and discreet breaths were suffocating him..
He so badly wanted to get away from here and reach Anissa as soon as possible...Listening to her pale and quivering voice made him go insane and anxious.
"Oh.."He barely whispered but Anissa heared him clearly ...How cant she after all she was his best friend..A bestfriend who was always there for him. Riyad had gradually become comfortable and began to like her but failed to admit it.Little did he know that his best friend was already taken by someone else....He sent a proposal for her but her parents immediately denied for it...And here the misunderstandings grew....He felt deceived and insulted..and without a word to Anissa he left....He never called or enquired about her well being..The biggest problem of Riyad was he couldn't trust anyone easily..
Now he was curious to know why she called him?
Just then his mother interrupted the moment and shouted
"Why you standing there Riyad..hurry up..Everyone's waiting for your nikkah..."
He was sure that his mom's voice was cleanly audible to Anissa..He was waiting for her reply until
"Got to know you are getting married today.You are so mean,didnt even invited your bestie.Anyways I just want to give you my best wishes.May Allah bless you and hoor.All the best and ya no need to act like a douchebag tonight..And I will beat you like a sh** if you behave as if your a silencer...Hoor wont be able to bear your silence so make her comfortable and yourself too..Give salaam to aunty and Hoor...Allahafiz Ri.."she trailed off
A curve formed on his face listening to his bestie's instructions.She was same as before.It wasn't like he didn't get over Anissa but his pride and honour was disgraced.Moreover he didn't love her he just had a slight liking for her but now he was happy and prayed for her to have a good future.
Hoor's hands were icy cold and her terror striken face spoke nothing but nervousness.Damn she was scared not nervous.Yet she displayed a smile which pleased others whereas Inside she was dying due to fear.Her uncle approached her and nodded understanding and assuring everything will be fine..And then she was taken and made sit...Before she could compose herself.
The qazi asked her
Do you accept Riyad Omar khan son of Qudsiya khan as your husband?
"I ...do"Hoor replied
Do you accept Hoor Ali daughter of Hamza Ali as your wife?
"I do"Riyad responded calmly.
"THE NIKKAH IS COMPLETED.
CONGRATULATIONS "
Qazi smiled and spoke to crowd and evryone hugged each other.Bride and groom signed the Nikkah papers and now they were officially declared as couple.
The bride and groom were made to sit next to eachother.The close relatives and family greeted and blessed the couple.The dinner was done and everyone was enthralled by the decorations and perfect wedding planning.
Hoor was surprised by the presence of her best friends. She was excited to meet them and when they met her they squeezed the life out of her by hugging.Riyad controlled himself from laughing seeing Hoor and around four girls hugging her.She looked so happy and enthusiastic. Riyad felt a tug in his heart thinking about Anissa.He was guilty for accusing her for disapproval of proposal.He was determined to ask forgiveness from her ASAP.
Hoor introduced her friends
Zara,Elma,Nahid and Fatima to Riyad.
"Are you planning to continue your studies after marriage?."zara asked hoor
Hoor didnt knew what to say.Her uncle confirmed that he had discussed with groom and she will study after wedding but that was in the case of Mansoor(the boy who left her on wedding day)...
But uncle never mentioned a word to Riyad about hoor willing to complete her graduation.How can he...he was so busy in preparation of nikkah which was held today.Hoor stood there dumbfounded not knowing what to answer.
Riyad sensed sudden change in Hoor's behaviour and answered
"She will join the university soon and will surely complete her graduation"Riyad answered indirectly indicating hoor that he will allow her to study after marriage
(Such a sweet husband,isnt he?)
The frown on Hoor's face was long disappeared as the smile grew wider.Riyad shook his head smiling seeing adoration in hoors hazel eyes.
Her friends were not the people to be messed with.They several times warned Riyad to takecare of their lovely friend.He chuckled when five of them cried loudly saying
"Call us everyday,Never forget me"zara said
"Me too"elma smiled
"Me three"Nahid pouted
"Hey I m here too"Fatima cried.
Suddenly the crying turned into sweet laughter.Riyad sighed,he can never predict girls mood.Her friends chatted with eachother and left.
Maheen advanced towards hoor and chirped
"Congrats bhabhi...You look beautiful"
"Thanks"she replied and maheen also went away leaving the couple alone and as the seconds passed the tension in the atmosphere increased.None of them uttered a word.Hoor kept staring at her hands filled with henna and Riyad uncomfortably shifted creating much distance between them.Finally Riyad thought to glance at his wife ,he turned and faced her indeed she was an epitome of beauty.Her big doe eyes captivated his soul and there at that moment he wondered how to start a conversation.He was eager to hear her voice.Hoor blushed under the gaze of her husband.
"Hi"hoor greeted smiling at him and then Riyad realised he has been staring at her.He embarassingly looked away and running a hand through his hair he said
"Asalamualaikum"
"Wa...laikumasalaam"hoor replied thinking
'Cant he just casually say hi...Already I m freaking out and he is making me more scared with his monotone...'
"How are you??"hoor asked
And then Riyad raised his eyebrow giving her 'what do you want' look.
Good.."Riyad replied with a stoic face
Hoor speaks to herself 'By the looks I can say this man sitting beside me is surely the most arrogant and rude person...cant he just continue the talk like a normal person.. he as a groom should die to converse with me but Here the situation is complete opposite...but hes looking freaking handsome yaar'
"You look handsome"Hoor blured out praising him.
Then she immediately put hands on her mouth realising what she just said..
She freaking told Riyad he's handsome.The stupid mouth of hers never keeps quiet,she thought.
Riyads charcoal black eyes widened listening to hoors comment.He thought girls on their nikkah would be so shy and silent and often replies through gestures but the woman next to him was screaming he's handsome..she really was frank and outspoken.And Riyad Omar khan hated loud speakers.He liked peace and calm environment.But his wife has a big mouth,he concluded..
'Oh Allah help me bear this woman my whole life'he prayed.
"Ah...you don't look that bad..you look better"he said lying to her.
Honestly she was looking like a queen sitting on a throne.Her features and complexion suited her innocent yet beautiful face.But Riyad was very bad at complimenting someone.
His mom was well aware about the way he appreciated someone or something...Just like if he says "ok" for something he dislikes it
If he says "not bad" he considers it as good in his mind
If he says better/good he loves it.
Hoor on the otherhand was so angry with him.She spent hours in parlour not to hear out her husband implying"You don't look that bad..."
She thought she deserved a compliment like beautiful,mesmerizing,
gorgeous etc by him.But he was least bothered about it..
'Nerve of this guy to insult me..wait Mr husband I will make sure to get a sweet revenge on you for this...tit for tat"she mumbled to herself and an idea formed in her tiny brain making her smirk.
Riyad saw her smirking and his facial expressions changed from calm to confused..He knew the trouble was awaiting for him..'GOD SAVE ME'he said looking up
It was time for rukhsati and hoor cried hugging her uncle,aunt,sheema,friends and cousins.
Ateeq Siddiqui took hand of his niece and gave in the hand of Riyad saying
"I give my niece to you and I expect you to fulfill your responsibilty.Please keep her happy and safe.My niece has a pure heart..If she commits a mistake do forgive her..never leave her hand son and May Allah bless you two."He trailed off
"I will take care of her uncle..Inshallah will keep her happy and safe"Riyad said
"I will miss you all...take care uncle"Hoor cried
The couple sat in black Mercedes waving bye to family.Hoor wiped away her tears
"Hey...stop crying"Riyad murmured
"I m strong...I wont cry"hoor was consoling herself still tears flowing out of her eyes.
"Ya..ya hoor I knew you are the strongest.."Riyad chuckled
"A woman sitting beside you is crying her heart out who happened to be your newly wedded wife and you have the audacity to laugh..."Hoor screamed angrily
"Ok woman...calm down.Its not the correct time to fight..lets go home and we will clear this matter..ok"Riyad replied and closed his eyes resting his head on backseat
Hoor signed but the next thought angered her more and made her cry again
"You will never understand...you boys don't have to leave their parents house and go to another,live among strangers and compromise in every circumstances...its cheating.."Hoor cried and Riyad pressed his lips in a thin line to stop smiling...Hoor was blabbering nonsense...Watching him laugh hoor became frustrated and threw her clutch which landed exactly on his forehead making him growl in pain.
"Ouch"he winced and was about to scold hoor but watching her cry made a pit form in his stomach.He moved towards her until there was no gap between them and forwarded his hands,wiping tears,then kept his hand on her shoulder
"Shhh...I understand"he consoled her...Hoor relaxed for awhile keeping her head on his shoulder and two of them remained in the same posture until a honk awakened them signalling that they reached their destination. THE KHANS MANSION.
How was the chapter guys???
Hope you all like it
So finally the reason for Riyad denying marriage is revealed..its Anissa
Will Anissa comeback in Riyads life again?
Do you hoor and Riyad can bear eachother for long time?
Do you like Hoors nature or Riyads?
Keep reading