Amreen bid good-bye to her Uncle and Aunt with tears in her eyes. This is the second time she is being separated from them.
She kept crying in the car as well. Every time Faizaan looked at her crying his heart pained as well. But he was helpless as they are in presence of a driver and in public, he can't even hold her hand and make her feel better. After few more minutes of watching her cry, Faizaan took out his handkerchief and forwarded it to Amreen. She looked at him, he smiled blinking at her. Amreen sniffed and took the handkerchief and wiped her tears and nose. Faizaan relaxed little leaning against his seat.
It took them four hours to reach Amreen's village and ten more minutes to reach the mansion.
Amreen's paternal Haveli in her village is huge and beautiful. There is lush garden at the gate and a path leading to the entrance of the Haveli. Faizaan is very impressed. Amreen had her head lowered as the servants led them to the Haveli. Abdullah and his son stood at the door waiting for them.
'Damadji.' He exclaimed and hugged Faizaan, he then smiled at Amreen patting her head. She greeted her father politely.
Faizaan noticed she isn't much happy as she was back in Lucknow.
'Zeba Come, Damadji has come.' Abdullah beamed happily leading Faizaan and Amreen inside. Maajid as usual has a bored expression on his face, at times Amreen had wondered if that was his permanent expressions or some facial muscle defeat.
'Amreen Darling! Damadji.' Zeba rushed from inside. Amreen mentally rolled her eyes at her step-mother's fakeness.
'Nice place.' Faizaan said looking around a decorated room. Amreen nodded her head. She used to come here only during summer holidays, and stay hardly for two week. More than that neither she can tolerate her step-mother nor can she tolerate Amreen.
Faizaan noticed pile of few Urdu novels, he picked up the first one- a detective novel.
'Yours?' he asked pointing at the pile of novels placed on the table beside the dressing table. Amreen nodded her head, 'Yes.'
'Great! But have you tried English ones? the detective novels are very good. I have good collections I will share with you.' Faizaan said excitedly. Amreen simply nodded her head not knowing how to say to him that she doesn't even know the alphabets of the English language.
Before things got awkward a servant came and informed them that lunch is ready.
********************
Evening,
'Come sit, Damadji.' Abdullah called Faizaan and gestured him to sit with him on a Diwan. Faizaan nodded and sat beside his father-in-law. There are many other men in the living room as well and beside every one there is a Hookah stand.
'Damadji, I will get you one too.' Abdullah said and ordered one Hookah stand for Faizaan. Faizaan felt little uncomfortable, he doesn't smoke but thought it will be impolite to say no so he kept quiet.
A small table is arranged in between and there are many playing cards scattered on it.
'Damadji, join us.' Abdullah said forwarding him a pack of cards.
Faizaan nodded, he has played cards few times back in Aligarh and he must admit he plays well.
Amreen is seated among a group of women, her step-mother's friends. She felt completely out of place with the gossiping woman, some having Pan while some having Hookah.
'So, Amreen? How is your Sasural?' asked one of the woman.
'It is very nice.' Amreen answered politely, her head lowered.
'So, Amreen? When is the little one coming?' another woman asked and the every one began giggling. Amreen didn't speak, she felt embarrassed.
'Amreen, did anything happen or not?' another interrupted and many gasped.
Amreen is more embarrassed, how can someone ask such questions in public? She thought it to be insulting.
'Don't tell me. It's been three days of marriage and nothing happened?' one woman said wide-eyed. Amreen shifted uncomfortably.
'Of course, not. Things have happened. Amreen herself has told me. Relax Shaguftah, soon a little baby will be in Amreen's arms.' Zeba covered up, she then looked at Amreen and glared at her as though daring her to speak.
"But I am only eighteen." Is what Amreen had wanted to say but she kept quiet fearing her step mother.
Dinner time,
Amreen is in the kitchen garnishing the Mutton Kebab she had made, she smiled thinking of Faizaan's reaction after eating it.
'Listen!' Zeba came and held Amreen's hand tightly. Amreen winced but Zeba ignored her.
'Today you embarrassed me in front of my friends...I have given them my word. You better produce a child soon.' Zeba said sharply.
'But Ammi....' Amreen began but Zeba cut her in between, 'Is Damadji attracted to you? if not do something soon else he will get annoyed and remember he is man, he can easily get another wife. You better not mess this up.' Zeba warned her and jerked Amreen's hand. Amreen massaged her hand and wondered, why hasn't Faizaan approached her in an intimate way? Is he really not attracted to her? Will he re-marry someone else? Amreen is worried now.
***********************
Faizaan entered the room, after dinner he had gone for a stroll with Abdullah in the farm. He is impressed with the property. By the time, he came back to his room he is exhausted. Tomorrow, they are to start early, it will take them four hours to reach Lucknow. Thinking about the long car journey, Faizaan groaned inwardly.
Faizaan saw Amreen sitting on the bed leaning against the wall and crying. Faizaan panicked and hurried to her.
'Amreen, what happened?' he asked concerned as he sat beside her. Amreen doesn't reply she continued to cry. Faizaan placed his arm around her shoulder and made her rest her head on his shoulder. He caressed her arm, 'Shh....' He said softly. Faizaan thought Amreen is crying as she is going to leave her home.
After a while Faizaan heard soft snores and realized Amreen has slept off. He smiled, 'Silly girl.' He said to himself.
He made her lay on her side, he looked at her. He leaned forward and wiped tears from corner of her eyes. He admired her, she is looking so innocent and beautiful. Faizaan removed the strands of hair from her face and smiled at her.
He wanted to touch her face but felt hesitant, he didn't want to startle her. He adjusted the blanket over her and lay to his side. He kept staring at her lovingly until he fell asleep.
******************
Faizaan had left with the servant to have the luggage put into the car, Amreen is in the room gathering her things and freshening up.
Faizaan insisted Abdullah to not give them any fruits and sweets but Abdullah handed him two baskets full of fruits, one basket full of dry fruits and one basket full of sweets.
Faizaan couldn't refuse and agreed to take the baskets with him.
Amreen washed her face and adjusted her hair. She came out from the bathroom and saw Zeba fuming with anger.
'What...happened.... Ammi?' Amreen asked fearfully. Zeba walked towards her and held her arm.
'What is this? The room is as it was when we had arranged it? even the bed. There is nothing on it. Amreen don't say you two haven't yet consummated your marriage.' she said angrily.
Amreen is shocked, her step-mother checked everything of her room, even her bed. How can she check something so personal and intimate? Something that is to be between only a husband and wife. Amreen looked away, she didn't want to answer that.
'Listen, Amreen. If Damadji leaves you or if he marries someone else, then remember you will be dead for us too.' Zeba said harshly.
Amreen didn't feel bad, she had expected such venomous words from her step-mother. But her words are starting to worry Amreen.
'I enjoyed your place. We will someday again try to come.' Faizaan said as he and Amreen sat in the car driving back to Lucknow. Amreen simply nodded and turned her head, she stared out from the window and Faizaan continued to admire her.