١٦

I barely got any sleep last night. I know I messed up, but he could've at least let me explain myself. I totally own my mistake, and I feel awful about it, but Aryan is acting like pulling away will somehow make everything better.

At breakfast, I overheard Alira mention that Aryan, Arzaan, and Arslan headed to Murre. So, they all left together-does that mean Aryan's really just there for work?

If he's trying to distance himself from me, why drag his cousins along? It's probably just work-related. Maybe I'm just overthinking this whole situation...

I was lounging in my room, mindlessly scrolling through my phone when a photo caught my eye. It was one from that rainy day in Murre, with Rohaan, Azar bhai, Aryan, Emara, and me, all smiles while grabbing ice cream. Man, we pulled off such a sneaky mission, especially with Samar bhai snoozing away in his room. I bet if Emara hadn't been there, Azar bhai would've thrown a fit about us sneaking out.

But now, it's weird. I haven't heard from Rohaan bhai since that day, and when I saw him at Emara's nikkah, it felt like he was pretending I didn't exist. He seemed so wrapped up in his own world, or maybe he was just avoiding me.

I can't shake the thought that maybe I should have just gone for Shehzad. I chose to break free from a toxic relationship, but in the process, I ended up hurting so many people.

I picked up my phone again, trying Aryan's number again, but he sent me straight to voicemail. The mix of hurt and anger bubbling inside me is almost unbearable.

In the evening, all the ladies were hanging out in the living room. I plopped down next to Alira, trying to join in on their chatter, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Aryan.

Then I overheard Mama and Alira chatting about him. "Oh, he just called me five minutes ago," Mama said when I asked if he had reached out. I nodded, feeling a bit deflated, and slipped away to a corner. I dialed his number again, but like always, he didn't answer the call.

"Mama, can I call Aryan from your phone?" I asked. "Of course," she replied, handing it over without a second thought. I headed to my room and dialed his number.

He picked up right away, thinking it was his mom. "Aryan, it's me, Azara. I've been trying to reach you, but-" before I could finish, the call dropped. He hung up on me just like that?

Damn, that hurts!

I swallow hard, fighting the tears that threaten to spill, as I dial his number again. My mind races with excuses-maybe he just lost the signal.

I held onto that hope for a moment, but he shattered it when I realized he really did hang up on me. He didn't want to talk, and it stung like hell. With a shaky breath, I set the phone down and wipe my eyes, realizing I need to give Mama her phone back.

I push myself off the bed and reach for her phone, only to freeze when I see her standing in the doorway. Did she hear everything?.

"Is everything okay, bacha?" she asks, her hand gently cradling my cheek. I wanted to reassure her with a yes, but all I could manage was a slow shake of my head.

"Come here, spill it. What's going on?" She tugs me over to the couch and settles in next to me. I lay it all out-my past engagement, the whole marriage mess. I braced myself for her anger, expecting a sharp retort, but to my shock, she just listened.

"I get it, Azara. I really do. Sometimes our families just don't get what we want. I've been there too, and honestly, you're lucky to still have a connection with yours." Her words caught me off guard.

"Growing up in Murre, my family was all about rules and discipline. My dad, Abad Wazir, was the epitome of strictness. Love and marriage outside our clan? Not a chance. Most of my relatives ended up marrying within the family, keeping everything close-knit.

It was when I turned eighteen that I first laid eyes on Dawar. He came to our haveli to seal a deal with my father. The Raaes family was looking to buy a hefty chunk of land in Murre, and my dad and brother were right there, helping them scout the best options. Dawar kept showing up at our place, and I couldn't help but run into him time and again.

One night, as I strolled past my dad's study, I overheard Dawar asking him to let us get married. My dad shot him down without a second thought. Dawar was head over heels for me, and honestly, I felt the same way.I was not a rebellious kid and followed my dad's rules-until it came to love. I refused to tie myself to someone I didn't truly care for. So, I made the bold choice to run away with Dawar.

It felt like something straight out of a movie. We were on the run from my dad's goons, and it was wild. For a whole year, we lived in a different city, far from our families. When I found out I was pregnant with Aryan, Dawar thought it was time to come back. My in-laws welcomed me with open arms. Aryan's grandpa was a bit disappointed in Dawar at first, but eventually, he warmed up to me.

But my own family? They didn't even want to look my way.

When Aryan's grandfather revealed our relationship and approved our marriage, the Wazir completely cut off all connections with him. That's when the feud with the Raees began. They've attempted to bring us down more times than I can remember, and they're still after us. To be honest, I haven't been to the Wazir haveli since I got married."

I was just listening to Mama recount her story, and I was amazed by what I learned. It all makes sense now-no wonder we were attacked in Murre.

"But mama, you had baba backing you up, but Aryan is just pulling away from me. He won't even hear me out," I whined.

"Azara, when he asked you nicely, you should've just been honest with him. I believe in my son; he would've done anything to help you out of that mess," she replied. And honestly, she had a point.

"Abhi bhi waqt hai everything can be fixed. You just need to make lots of effort and I'm sure Aryan would be convinced." she said, giving my cheek a gentle pat. She's right again. I can't just sit here and mope. I've got to put in the effort to win him back.

_

Murre

Author's Pov

Aryan lounged in his room, lost in thoughts of Azara. A flood of memories hit him like a tidal wave-how they first met, her heartfelt confession, and the day they tied the knot. He was holed up in his cozy cottage where they exchanged vows, while his cousins were back at the mansion. Aryan craved some solitude to sort through it all.

Arslan was feeling the weight of boredom in that massive mansion. One brother was sulking like Devdas, while the other was acting like a lovesick puppy. Neither of them had time for him.

Frustrated, he decided to hit the road and explore the city. Not really familiar with the area, he found himself venturing into an unknown territory.

As he crossed a small bridge, something caught his eye-a figure in hot pink darting around. There was something about this person that intrigued him. He drove closer, parked a little ways off, and stepped out of the car.

He propped himself against his car, his gaze locked onto the girl. She was a vision in a simple hot pink anarkali, the vibrant hue perfectly complementing her radiant beauty.

He locked eyes with her for what felt like an eternity, until a guy strolled up, and just like that, she was gone with him. Arslan couldn't help but grin; it seemed like his life was about to take a thrilling turn.

As he made his way back to the Mansion, he found his brothers lounging in the living room. "What were you doing in the Wazir's territory?" Aryan shot at him the moment he stepped inside.

"Ooh acha so that place is Wazir's territory? Kiun wahan jana mana hai kya?". He plopped down on the couch, curiosity written all over his face.

Arzaan shot a glare at his younger brother, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "As if you don't know about our relation with them," Aryan replied, rolling his eyes at the carefree attitude that seemed to infuriate him.

"Hmm it should be off limits though, wahan itni pyari larkian rehti hain." Arslan couldn't stop rambling, .

Arzaan shot him a furious glare, his patience wearing thin. If their mom had been around, she would've definitely smacked him upside the head with her sandal.

"Don't tell me you've actually fallen for someone there!" Aryan eyed him with suspicion. "It better not be anyone from Wazir family," he cautioned, his tone serious.

"Arey bhai, I don't even know her name and you're already jumping to conclusions about families!" Arslan complained, exasperated.

_

Wazir haveli, Murre,

Usman was deep in conversation about business with his grandfather and a few others, the air thick with ideas and plans. As the discussion wrapped up and the others filtered out, Usman lingered, a mix of anticipation and nerves swirling inside him. With only him and Abad Wazir left in the room, he knew it was time to lay his cards on the table.

"Dada, I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. Abad paused, pen hovering above the paper, and turned his head slightly, curiosity etched on his face. Usman could feel the intensity of Abad's gaze boring into him, a silent challenge to reveal what was on his mind. "I want to marry Jahanara." The moment hung in the air, charged with unspoken questions and the gravity of the decision.

"I see where you're going young man, but you're wishing for something that is impossible." Abad speaks in a cold tone. Usman could feel anger built up in him.

"

I am already considering your marriage with Mr. Asim's daughter." Usman lifted an eyebrow, "Mr. Asim? The guy who was just here?" Abad nods to his question.

"No way. I'm not tying the knot with anyone else. My heart belongs to Jahan, and I'm going to marry her," Usman declared fiercely, cutting off Abad before he could respond. In a flash, he stormed out of the room, his emotions boiling over.

As he stepped into the hallway, he caught sight of Jahanara lingering outside the study, a steaming cup of coffee in hand for Abad. He had a gut feeling she might have overheard the whole thing, but he brushed it off, choosing to head straight to his bedroom instead.

That evening, Jahanara found herself on the lawn, swinging gently back and forth, lost in her own world. Usman happened to stroll by and caught sight of her, her expression distant and contemplative. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he decided to have a little fun. He crept up behind her, his footsteps silent on the grass, and leaned in close to her ear.

"Thinking about me, butterfly?" he whispered, his voice teasing. Jahanara jumped, her thoughts shattered by his sudden presence. Frustration bubbled up inside her, and she shot him a glare that could cut through steel. "Apko kya lagta hai, apky baremein sochny ky ilawa merey paas aur koi kaam nai hai?" she snapped, her annoyance palpable. Usman flinched slightly at her sharp tone, realizing he might have pushed her too far.

"Kya hogaya? I was just messing around," he said, trying to play it cool. She rolled her eyes and muttered, "Asim uncle ki beti ko karein tang aap" making sure he didn't hear.

"Someone's feeling a little jealous," Usman grinned, catching her words. He was ready to poke fun at her some more, but his playful mood shifted when he noticed her turning to leave. Without thinking, he dashed after her, grabbing her wrist and spinning her around to face him.

"W-what are you doing?" Jahanara's irritation was reaching a boiling point. Usman yanked her closer, and she quickly scanned the area, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "Why are you acting like this? Don't think I haven't seen you trying to brush me off," Usman shot back with a smirk.

"You've got a wedding to plan. Maybe you should concentrate on that," Jahanara snapped, attempting to pull her hand free, but his grip only tightened. "I'm not marrying anyone," Usman replied firmly.

"If you're worried about what dada jaan said, just forget it. I'm not marrying anyone but you," Usman asserted, his voice steady and unwavering.

"Why don't you ask her if she wants the same?" The booming voice from behind sent a jolt through both of them. Jahanara struggled to free her hand from Usman's firm grip, but he stood his ground, ready to take on whatever storm was brewing.

Usman turned to face his grandfather, who was a picture of calm amidst the chaos. Clenching his fists, he shot a glance between his grandfather and Jahanara, determination etched on his face.

"Of course she does. She wants to be with me." Usman shot back, fully believing Jahanara would choose to be with him. "Do you, Jahanara?" Abad directed his question at her, completely brushing Usman aside.

Jahanara felt the weight of her grandfather's authority pressing down on her. Even if her heart leaned toward Usman, she knew Abad wouldn't allow them a moment of peace. So, she made the choice she thought would protect them both.

"No." That single word hit Usman like a freight train, leaving his heart in ruins. He stared at Jahanara, his mind racing, unable to process the rejection.

Jahanara avoided his gaze, convinced that once he tied the knot, she'd be nothing but a distant memory, just another name in the crowd, while she too would be walking down the aisle with someone else.

"Mil gaya jawab?" Abad shot a sly grin, but before he could dive deeper into the conversation, a guard called him away to handle some urgent issue. Just like that, Usman and Jahanara were left alone once more.

"You're pushing me away because of him, aren't you?" Usman snapped, his frustration boiling over.

"No, that's not it at all. There's nothing between us! Have you ever caught me flirting with you or giving you any hint that I might like you? You really need to let this go." She brushed him off and hurried into the haveli, leaving him fuming.

Usman was frozen, caught in a whirlwind of shock and disbelief. This wasn't the Jahanara he knew; she felt like a stranger standing before him.

Jahanara's pov

I could see the pain etched in his eyes, a reflection of my harsh words, but I was trapped. There was no way I could defy dada jaan. Even if I took the leap and married Usman, he would unleash hell on us.

Dada jaan was ruthless, a force of nature with no compassion. He had shown no mercy to his own daughter, her husband, or even the grandchildren. He had tried to bring them down time and again, and I knew we wouldn't escape his wrath either.

_

- Thanks for reading 🩷🪷