17.

The niqah day dawned bright and clear, with a gentle chill in the air that hinted at the changing season. The house buzzed with excitement as family members scurried around, ensuring every detail was in place. Despite the undercurrent of tension from certain individuals, the day carried an air of anticipation.

Anam sat in her room, surrounded by Ayub, Pari, and a few other cousins who fussed over her final look. Her pink lehenga, adorned with delicate silver embroidery, shimmered softly under the light. She had chosen a matching hijab, its intricate lacework framing her glowing face beautifully. Despite the soft flutter of nerves, she smiled warmly, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the room.

"You look stunning, Api," Ayub gushed, adjusting the drape of the dupatta over her sister's shoulder. "Feras bhai won't know what hit him."

Anam laughed softly, a mix of shyness and humor in her tone. "I'm just hoping I don't trip on this lehenga."

Pari chimed in with a smile. "You'll be fine, Anam api. Trust me, no one's eyes will leave you today."

Despite their words, Anam's heart raced with conflicting emotions. She had always loved Feras, but today marked a monumental shift. She was still grappling with the idea that she was truly becoming his wife. Was she worthy of someone like him? Yet amidst these doubts, she felt a steadying sense of calm.. a trust that Allah's plan would unfold as it was meant to.

Downstairs, the guests were gathered, filling the house with a hum of chatter. The imam had arrived, and Feras sat in the center of the main hall, surrounded by family and friends. His sherwani... a rich ivory and gold ensemble... highlighted his sharp features and calm, composed aura. Though he maintained his usual stoic demeanor, there was a glimmer of something in his eyes... a quiet anticipation.

As the ceremony commenced, Chachi sat in a corner, her expression tight and sullen. Her displeasure was palpable, but it did little to dampen the mood. Seher lingered nearby, her face a storm of jealousy and resentment. She watched as all the attention focused on Anam, her bitterness growing with every passing moment.

Meanwhile, Aman's absence was noticeable but not remarked upon—his sour attitude had been a persistent shadow, and perhaps, his absence today was a small blessing.

When Anam finally descended into the hall, escorted by Ayub and Pari, a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to her, and a collective murmur of admiration swept through the crowd. She walked with measured grace, her gaze lowered, but the faintest smile played on her lips. The pink of her lehenga seemed to glow under the lights, and the hijab she wore only added to her elegance, highlighting her poise and inner strength.

Feras's eyes lifted to meet hers as she approached, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. He wasn't one to display emotions openly, but the faintest flicker of pride and something deeper crossed his face as he noticed her hijab. She carried herself with dignity, embodying everything he respected and admired.

The imam began the proceedings, and as the crucial moment arrived, Anam's voice, soft yet steady, echoed through the hall. "Qabool hai," she said three times, her heart pounding but her resolve firm.

Feras followed with his own solemn, "Qabool hai," thrice his tone unwavering, each word a declaration of his acceptance of this bond.

Then they signed the documents.

The room erupted in congratulations, the ceremony now sealed. Ayub couldn't contain her excitement and rushed to hug Anam, while Pari clapped with joy. Chachi, meanwhile, sat frozen, and looked at Pari with a scowl her lips pressed into a thin line as she struggled to mask her resentment. Seher turned and walked away, unable to bear the sight of Anam receiving all the love and blessings that were supposed to be hers initially.

As the evening celebrations unfolded, Anam stole a glance at Feras from across the room. He was surrounded by well-wishers, his demeanor calm and composed as always. Yet when his gaze met hers, a moment of understanding passed between them. For the first time, Anam saw something in his expression that gave her a flicker of hope...

.....

The family gathered around the large dining table, the sound of cheerful chatter filling the room. The lavish spread of food was a sight to behold, but there was a certain tension that lingered, despite the outward joviality.

Chachi, though she tried to mask her displeasure, couldn't help but cast sharp glances at Anam, who sat happily beside Feras, her face glowing with joy. She grumbled quietly under her breath, unable to keep her bitterness from spilling out, "Look at how much they're pampering her. As if she's the only one who matters today."

Anam, aware of the undercurrent of negativity but not wanting to let it affect her, smiled softly and continued eating. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, Chachi would never accept her, but today, she felt at peace. Her heart was lighter than it had been in a long time, and she was determined not to let anything spoil it.

Ayan, who was seated next to Anam, leaned in with a playful grin. "So, now that you're officially Feras bhai's wife, I guess you'll be avoiding us little people from now on, huh?"

Anam chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't be ridiculous, Ayan bhai. I'll still be the same. Ap toh aise baat kar rhe ho jaise mai pta nhi kya banjaunghi nikah ke baad." (You're talking as if I'll become something else after marriage)

Feras, who had been silently listening to the exchange, gave a rare smile, though it was brief. He didn't say anything but his quiet approval was evident. Anam, in turn, felt her heart flutter at the sight of his subtle acknowledgment. She was still nervous about their future together, but for the first time, she felt like things might just be okay between them.

Meanwhile, Ahmed observed the entire scene with a quiet, reflective expression. The joy in his heart was evident, though he tried to mask it behind a calm exterior. He had never fully understood why his late wife, Saira, had insisted that Anam be the one to marry Feras.

Initially, he had thought it was just a matter of convenience... he had considered pairing Anam with Ayan at one point. But after everything that had happened, especially with Seher's episode, he began to see why Saira had made that choice. Anam's grace, her ability to stay true to herself even in the face of adversity, was exactly what their family needed. He finally understood. Anam was everything they could have hoped for in a daughter-in-law.

"Feras," Ahmed finally spoke, his voice warm but firm, "I see now why your mother chose Anam for you. You may not believe it, but this was the right decision. She's the one who will keep the family together."

Feras, though surprised by his father's words, simply nodded. "I believe that too, Abbu."

The meal continued with light teasing and laughter. Ayan kept the mood light, cracking jokes that made everyone laugh, even Chachi, who tried to suppress it. Despite her sour mood, even she couldn't help but smile at Ayan's antics.

Time passed, and soon it was time for Anam to excuse herself. She gently placed her napkin on the table and stood up. "Excuse me, everyone. I need to pray Zohar," she said politely, her voice soft but firm.

As she made her way out of the dining room, she caught Feras's eyes for a brief moment. There was something in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat... a fleeting look of something almost like care, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. She turned away quickly, not wanting to overthink it.

She made her way up to her room, her heart still buzzing with the events of the day. She had so many conflicting emotions... joy, fear, uncertainty... but in that moment, as she stood in front of her prayer mat, she felt a deep sense of peace wash over her.

In her quiet corner, with the soft rhythm of her prayer, she felt closer to Allah. The weight of the world seemed to slip away as she poured her heart out in prayer. She asked for guidance, for strength, and for wisdom to navigate the path ahead. Her thoughts wandered briefly to Feras, to the life they would soon share. Would he ever truly accept her? Would he ever look at her the way she had always dreamed?

But for now, she was content to let it all go, knowing that only Allah's will could guide her through. When she finished her prayers, after she finished reciting Tasbi e bibi Fatima s.a., she stood in silence for a moment, feeling a renewed sense of calm. Whatever the future held, she had faith that she would be okay.

As Anam stood up and prepared to leave the room, a soft knock came at the door. She turned and opened it to find Feras standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

"Kesi ho Anam?" he asked, his voice low and steady. (how are you Anam?)

Anam blinked in surprise, her heart racing. "Ji... I'm fine, just praying."

Feras nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. "Good," he said simply, before turning to leave.

Anam stood frozen, her heart pounding. She turned back to her prayer mat.

.....

It was a warm afternoon when Ayub entered their room, ready to call Anam down for the upcoming family gathering. She knocked lightly on the door, but there was no answer. Frowning, she opened the door cautiously, expecting to see her sitting by the window, lost in a book, or maybe just resting for a while. But the room was empty.

"Anam api?" she called out softly, stepping inside. She looked around, her gaze scanning the familiar space. Her prayer mat was still neatly folded on the side, and her belongings were in place, but there was no sign of her.

She walked out into the hallway, her footsteps quickening as she searched for her. "Has anyone seen Anam api?" she asked, her voice rising slightly in concern.

Chachi, who had been in the living room, overheard and immediately seized the opportunity, her eyes narrowing in scorn. "This is what happens when you let these kinds of girls into the family," she hissed. "She doesn't know how to carry herself! Running off like this... God knows what kind of disgrace she'll bring!"

Ayub bristled, she couldn't hear any kind of insult against her apis character. "She's not like that, and you know it. Don't you dare insult her character."

She turned back toward the living room, calling out her name again. "Anam api?" Her voice echoed through the house, but there was no answer.

Seher, who had been sitting on the couch, glanced up and smirked. "Maybe she ran away." She tossed her hair back, the bitterness in her tone clear. "It's all too much for her, I'm sure."

Ayan, who had been quietly watching the scene unfold, spoke up, his voice light but laced with concern. "Has anyone seen Aman?" he asked, glancing toward his cousins. "He's not around either. Maybe he knows something we don't."

Feras, who had been standing by the door listening to the exchange, immediately stiffened. His eyes darted between the group, then quickly fixed on Ayub. "Where is Anam?" His tone was cold.

Ayub didn't know how to respond. She had already looked around the house, and Anam was nowhere to be found. "We don't know, bhai" she said, her voice edged with panic now. "She's not in her room. I've checked everywhere."

The tension in the room thickened as everyone exchanged nervous glances. Chachi folded her arms, her expression smug. "I'm sure she's fine. She's probably just sulking somewhere, like she always does. Why make such a big deal?"

FEW HOURS PASSED...

Seher, unable to hide her growing sense of satisfaction, smirked, but Feras could barely contain his anger now. His jaw clenched as he turned away from the group, his footsteps heavy as he walked toward the staircase. "I don't care where she is. I want her found. Now."

Ayan caught up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him down. "Feras bhai, let's not jump to any conclusions. We'll find her, okay?"

But Feras didn't wait. He was already heading out the door, a sense of urgency in his steps. "I need to find her," he muttered under his breath.

"Feras bhai, wait!" Ayan called out, but Feras was already striding toward his study, his mind focused.

Feras entered his study, slammed the door shut behind him, and immediately grabbed his phone. His fingers moved quickly across the screen, dialing Rayan's number ... the number of his hacker friend. The urgency in his voice was unmistakable when the call connected.

"What's going on?" Rayan asked, his tone casual but tinged with concern.

"Get me her location, now. Anam's gone missing," Feras commanded, his tone sharp and demanding. "Use everything you've got. Check every lead, every trace of Ibrahim... "

Rayan raised an eyebrow. "The guy who made headlines for snatching your cousin? You think he's involved again?"

"I know he is," Feras growled. "I need her location now."

His hacker friend, someone who was skilled at tracking even the most difficult-to-find individuals, didn't hesitate. "I'm on it. I'll need a few minutes."

Feras didn't wait for pleasantries. He paced the room, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. What could have happened? Who would take her? His jaw clenched at the thought of anything happening to Anam. He was starting to realize just how much her disappearance affected him—not just because of the need to protect his family, but because something deeper was stirring inside him. Something he didn't feel when Seher was kidnapped.

The seconds stretched into minutes, Feras's frustration growing with each passing moment. Finally, Rayan's face lit up. "Got something. He made a recent transaction near an abandoned textile mill on the outskirts of the city. It's not concrete, but it's worth checking."

"Send me the coordinates," Feras demanded.

"They're on your phone," Rayan replied. "Be careful, Feras. If this guy is as desperate as you think, he won't go down quietly."

Feras ended the call without another word. Storming out of the study, he found Ayan in the hall, readying his motorcycle helmet.

"I've got a location,"

He stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "I'm coming with you. We'll get her back."

Feras didn't argue. They both had the same goal now... Anam's safety. The two men, focused and ready, raced out of the study.

"Don't worry, we'll find her, bhai" Ayan said, trying to reassure Feras.

Feras's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "We'll get her, and I'll make sure whoever did this pays."

As the car sped down the road, both men prepared themselves for what lay ahead. The next moments would define more than just the outcome of Anam's disappearance... they would reveal a side of Feras neither of them had expected.