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Azara's pov.

As soon as Rohaan bhai departed, Aryan entered the room. I hastily brushed away my tears and averted my gaze, avoiding any eye contact with him.

"We should have sought their approval before getting married. I know it would've been tough trying to convince them but eventually they would've agreed." he remarked, gently turning my face towards him.

"Enough of shedding tears now, everything will be fine," he assured, pulling me into a comforting embrace.

He released the hug and took a seat on the edge of the bed. Letting out a deep breath, he said, "We are leaving for Sialkot tomorrow. Everyone at home knows about us, and it's time to confront them now."

I anxiously sat beside him, fidgeting my fingers restlessly. "Will they accept me?" I inquired, my heart trembling with fear and nervousness, knowing their reception may not be kind but all I yearn for is acceptance and respect.

"They will not only accept you, but also respect and love you, biwi. As my wife, you don't have to fret over such matters," he reassured, tenderly placing his hand on mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

The next morning,

We were merely an hour away from Raees Haveli. The thumping of my heart intensified immensely, my anxiety reaching its peak. Damn, I should've considered the consequences before planning to elope.

Reciting every dua I knew silently, I braced myself for what awaited. Would they humiliate me? Or simply kick me out?

As my husband drove, solely focused on the road ahead, my mind raced with irrational fears. What if he chooses his family over me?

All these worries bombarded my mind, pushing me further into a state of panic. I tried to push these thoughts aside, to focus on the love and commitment that had led us to this point.

"Relax biwi, don't let your mind run wild." Aryaan's words cut through my racing thoughts. I gazed at him, my eyes filled with surprise and anxiety. "I cannot read minds, but I can sense your thoughts from your expressions," he said with a chuckle, giving my cheek a gentle squeeze.

Despite Aryan's efforts to ease my anxiety, as we approached Raees Haveli, my fear grew stronger.

As we finally reached the gates of Raees Haveli, my heart felt like it would burst from my chest. The moment of truth was upon us, and I could only hope for the best as we prepared to face the consequences.

I clung to my husband, seeking solace in his presence, hoping that together we could face whatever awaited us.

The grandeur of the haveli was both intimidating and awe-inspiring, each detail of its architecture whispering tales of an esteemed lineage. We were led into a grand hall adorned with a large family portrait.

As we walked inside, I prepared myself for the judgment of a family I was unfamiliar with. Would they see me as an unworthy match for their beloved son?

"Bhai," A girl of my age called out. Her facials matched with Aryan, making me assume that she is his sister. Everyone's attention diverted to us, they turned their heads towards us, their eyes seemingly piercing through my soul. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed upon us. My heart raced, hoping to find acceptance.

"What have you done Aryan," The man I assume is Aryan's father comes forward with a stressful look latched on his face. "Alira, take Azara to my room." Aryan's demeanour had changed. His tone wasn't calm, instead it was harsh and authoritative.

"Go with her and wait for me biwi," he whispered, leaning in. I nodded and followed Alira to his room.

Upon entering his room, I observed the surroundings and admired the luxurious grey bedroom, adorned with simple yet striking abstract art pieces and frames. A spacious window on one side flooded the room with sunlight, highlighting its authoritative ambiance. Next to the window, the balcony offered a stunning view of the outdoor pool surrounded by a lush green garden. The pool added a sense of peace and luxury to the already extravagant room.

Moving further into the room, I noticed the rich mahogany furniture, placed thoughtfully throughout the room. The intricate details of the ornate ceiling molding and the intricate patterns of the Persian rug added a touch of old-world charm to the modern aesthetic of the space.

The plush velvet chaise lounge in the corner and the carefully arranged throw pillows on the king-sized bed, every detail had been carefully selected to create a welcoming and harmonious space that showcased his impeccable taste and eye for design.

I was awkwardly standing in the center of the room, with neither of us saying a single word. After a minute, two women who appeared to be around my mother's age entered the room. They stood before me and one of them spoke up, "I'm Imama, Aryan's mother, and this is Mehnaaz, his aunt," they introduced themselves.

I greeted both of them and my mother-in-law gracefully sat on the edge of the bed, calling me to sit beside her, while Alira and chachi stood in front of us.

"I won't inquire about the details of this incident, but I will only say that I wholeheartedly accept you as my daughter-in-law." a glimmer of warmth flickered in my mother-in-law's eyes, and a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. Relief washed over me, like a cool breeze on a sweltering day. Perhaps, just perhaps, they were willing to give me a chance.

"Alira, you stay here with her, we'll go and see what's happening downstairs." Saying, they exited, leaving Alira with me in the room to converse.

_

Author

Nourez descended the stairs, none dared to look at his way. His presence radiated a power of authority and dominance.

He walked up to Aryan, and stood before him. Aryan contemplated if he should speak first or wait for Nourez to say something.

If there was anyone Aryan truly feared, it was his grandfather. It wasn't just fear, but he held immense respect for Nourez and always followed his instructions.

However, would he be able to maintain that if Nourez didn't approve of Azara? This one thought lingered in Aryan's mind.

Dawar stood at the back, anxious about his father's reaction. He was well aware that his father wouldn't be lenient with Aryan, as he had faced the consequences of a similar action in the past. Although Nourez had been somewhat forgiving back then because of Imama's pregnancy, Dawar feared what Aryan would have to endure.

"Dada, I can expla-" After waiting for a while Aryan finally decided to speak up but before he could finish his sentence, the sound of a slap echoed through the hall, leaving a lingering silence that spoke volumes of the pain and fear that filled the room. The force was so strong that Nourez felt a sting in his hand and Aryan's cheek turned crimson.

Nourez had always been strict, but his voice never raised towards Aryan. He enforced strict discipline upon everyone in the family, except for Aryan. Even Arzaan and Arslaan had a taste of his wrath when they were caught sneaking out at midnight, but Aryan had always been spared, he had never caused any trouble, always avoiding anything that could tarnish the family's name.

However, the scene that unfolded before them today left everyone stunned and aghast. They stood frozen, their mouths agape and eyes wide in sheer disbelief.

Dawar couldn't control himself, ignoring his racing thoughts, he boldly took a step forward, ready to intervene. However, Aryan's subtle head movement silently warned him that his involvement would only worsen the situation.

Nourez's voice echoed through the haveli as he exclaimed, "Don't you dare to address me as your dada, haram khor, you have dared to tarnish my reputation!"

In the room upstairs, Azara trembled, her fear intensifying with each echoing word, but Alira quickly reassured her that it was just Nourez scolding Aryan, and nothing to worry about.

"I have never restricted you from doing as you wish, then why did you have to this or was that girl not worthy enough to be introduced to us and be respectfully wedded into our family?

Ya phir kisi kothey wali sy nikkah kr aye ho jo humey bata na saky?" His choice of words had extremely triggered Aryan.

"Merey biwi ky liye ainda koi galat alfaaz istemaal nai karna, warna main hamara rishta aur apky liye mere dil mein jo izzat hai woh sab bhoola doonga." Aryan grunted. The words that had spilled from his mouth had cut deep, leaving his parents in utter disbelief.

"Aryan!" His mother's voice hissed with a mix of anger and disappointment, as she forcefully nudged him to snap him out of his disrespectful behavior. Nourez let out a bitter laugh,

As the weight of Aryan's words hung heavy in the air, his parents knew that his relationship with Nourez would never be the same. The trust that had once bound them together had been shattered in an instant, leaving behind a chasm of hurt and betrayal that would take time to heal.

"Aik hafty mein, apny sary asool bhool gaye tum. Apny baroon sy baat krny ka tareeka bhi bhool gaye tum!" Nourez roared, Aryan ignored his words and stormed out of the haveli.

His parents stood there with their heads bowed in shame, "abhi sy hamara larka itna badal gaya hai, agey Allah janey kya kar baithey!" Nourez exclaimed, raising his hands in frustration, then storming off to his room.

Dawar contemplated whether to follow Nourez into the room and have a conversation with him. So an hour later, he finally walked towards his father's room and gently knocked on the door.

Walking inside, he found Nourez sitting on his rocking chair, his wife's shawl wrapped around his hand.

"Betey ny koi kasar chorh di thi, jo tum poori karny aye ho?" Nourez uttered bitterly. "Aryan ko aisy baat nahi karni chahiye thi, mein usky liye maazrat chahta hoon." Dawar kneeled before his father and apologised sincerely, holding his hand.

"I don't need your apology Dawar." He replied, politely pulling his hand back. He then asked Dawar about Azara, "Abu, she is Iqbal uncle's granddaughter. Achy khandan ki larki hai." Dawar stated.

"Achy khandan ki larki aur aik achi larki honey mein zameen, asmaan ka fark hota hai Dawar." Nourez snapped at him. "A girl from that family would never do such a thing, if she had moral values and principles.

Jisey apni khandan ki izzat ka parwah na ho usey hamarey izzat ki khakh parwah hogi? Kal ko woh kisi aur ky sath chali gayi, tab kya karogy? Tumhary betey ka toh pata nai par meri izzat toh mitti mein mil jayegi, aur yeh mein bilkul bardasht nahi karoonga."

"I will never accept her as the daughter-in-law of this family!" Nourez declared. Dawar sighed in defeat and walked out of his father's room.

"Wapis ana hi tha toh aik doo bachy hi sath ly aty tab toh aba maan hi jaty" Dawar murmured under his breath.

_

Author's note.

╰┈➤ This chapter is unedited. My exams just ended a day ago. Let's get to the main point, I've realised there's too many roman urdu dialogues in the book, should I lessen them or let it be as it is?

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