chapter 30

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Reem's POV

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I knocked on the door.

"Come in" dad said, and I entered the room. He was sitting alone on the bed. I looked around to find his wife but thankfully she was nowhere.

"You called?" I asked

"Come here" he patted on the spot next to him

"No thanks. Just tell me whatever you have to"

"Beta please" the way he said I couldn't say no to him. I found myself walking towards him and sitting with him. He caressed my head, I closed my eyes. The small gesture was softening me.

"What did you want to talk about?" I said and scooted away from him.

"Shahnawaz Uncle called" my heartbeat stopped hearing about dada ji's call. I crossed my fingers.

"What did he say?" I asked, he sighed

"It doesn't matter in which circumstances the wedding happened, we all have to accept it now and move forward." He took a pause

I wish I could tell everyone the truth.

"I always wanted to have a grand party at the time of your rukhsati (sending off), but the situation is as such that it is not possible now." He sighed, I frowned

"What do you mean?"

"The Khan family would be coming tomorrow, not just for Ayesha, they want to take both of you" my eyes went like saucer

"What?" I shouted in shock. "Me? Why?"

"Uncle said it's high time you start your married life now"

"But so sudden?" I panicked

"It's not sudden beta, we always knew that you'll be celebrating your 23rd birthday with Khan family, Izhaan was concerned about your studies so he tried delaying, but I guess it was fated"

I rolled my eyes inwardly. Really? Studies? What an excuse.

"Dad it's happening so fast, I'm not ready" I shook my head

"Even I'm not ready to send you off in such a quick note, but now I have to think about Ayesha also. Aftab was leaving for Chandigarh, somehow we convinced him to stay till reception" it was yet another shock for me

"Reception?"

Dad told me about the line of action. I was still trying to understand what was  happening. The news was too big to sink in.

"I don't know why Ayesha married Athar, but I'm sure she must have had a big reason, I know her since she was a child. She can never go against her elders. It's a good thing you will be there with her, Khans don't know her yet, be her support" dad said, i nodded my head

"Give the news to Ayesha also"

"Ok" i was getting up when he stopped me, he patted my cheek softly

"I will miss you so much" he said, i felt something in my heart, but i ignored it and got up from there.

I was boiling with anger, why have I got stuck in this situation? What the hell is this?

I reached the room, Ayesha stood up immediately

"What did dad say?" She asked

"We have been sentenced to lifetime imprisonment" I replied

"What do you mean?"

"Batati hun, usse pehle kisi ki khabar leni hai (I'll tell you, but I have to take someone's class before that)" I said and went to pick up my phone and called the jackass

"You got the news?" He asnwered

"What is this? Why am I being dragged in this? I told you to delay it, then why is it happening now?" I shouted at him

"I tried to talk to dada ji, he is not ready to listen. Till the situation was in my hand i did what you wanted, but now I'm helpless" he said, I felt so angry, I just hung up the call

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Ayesha asked, I told her everything, she chuckled dryly, I frowned at her

"What?" I asked

"I prayed to Allah to make some situation in which you have no choice other than accepting to start your life with jeeju, but I had no idea it would be like this" she had a smile on her lips and tears in her eyes

"That is why it is said that we should always make a complete dua (prayer)"

"What will happen now? Everyone in the Khan family must be so upset with me, how will I live there?" She was freaking out

She didn't deserve this, she is not at fault. I held her hand.

"Don't worry, I will always be with you. I promise" she sniffed

I will be there for her at every step, but it feels awkward to be with Izhaan, I understand we are married, but we have hardly spent anytime together, and now this.

Oh Allah please help me! And give me strength to tolerate all this. I hate Athar so much, he is the one who started all this chaos.

If he didn't force her to marry him, then things would have been completely different, Ayesha wouldn't have to go through so much humiliation, i didn't have to start my life with Izhaan.

Both the brothers are alike.

*****

Ayesha and I were sitting in the room, suddenly the door burst open and hayat entered

"Assalamualaikum" she shouted in excitement, she was the first person I have seen in the last twenty four hours who looked so happy

"Walekumassalam" Ayesha and I said in unison

"I have brought your dresses for tomorrow and dadi has send ladies for your mehndi also" she said

"Mehndi? Dresses? Isn't that too much?" I groaned in annoyance, hayat giggled

"It's just the beginning my lovely bhabhi"

"Why are you so over excited?" I asked her

"Because I'm very happy." She shrugged

"And why is that?" I asked

"Because finally you are coming home, and the icing on the cake is my other favourite person will also be coming" she said looking at Ayesha, then she went to her and sat next to her

"I don't know and I don't want to know why this marriage happened, I'm just happy it did. I have always liked you so much, and now you have become my bhabhi, I'm so excited. Welcome to the family Ayesha bhabhi" Hayat hugged ayesha

Ayesha looked at me, there was a small smile on her lips. It felt good to see someone on her side already.

"Let's get your mehndi done, there's a lot of work back at home" Hayat said

"Don't you think tomorrow is too early we could have waited for a month or two, we have a lot to pack" I said

"Maa went for shopping this morning, and she has already got dresses for you both and other essentials also, so don't worry about that"

"There's more to carry than just clothes" I said

"Ohho bhabhi you discuss this matter with Izhaan bhai, I don't know anything. I'm bringing mehndi ladies here now" she said and left from there.

"Reem where is mumma?" Ayesha asked

"She's in the room"

"I want to meet her"

"Now is not the right time, they were anyways too desperate to go, don't push them, give them some time, they love you so much, I'm sure it'll all be fine soon" I said to her. She let out a deep sigh and nodded.

"They are here" Hayat returned, this time there were two more ladies with her

"Here are our brides" Hayat chimed

One lady sat next to me while other dropped in front of Ayesha. She asked for my hand, I gave my hand to her and she started scribbling black patterns on my hand.

Hayat was sitting there, she was continuously talking. Then she got up and peaked to see my mehndi design.

"Please write "Izhaan" on her hand" she said, i rolled my eyes

"Is that really necessary?" I asked

"It will look good bhabhi" she grinned, then she went to Ayesha and told the lady to write Athar on her hand.

"You also get it done" I said to Hayat

"Later" she smiled

***""

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Izhaan's pov

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I was in the car, on the way to Reem's house. For now everything has calmed down, it was a challenge to inform our relatives about Athar's wedding, Nani was upset for having the ceremony at such short notice.

Our close relatives have come to our house, they will stay in our house till reception. Nani couldn't come because of her health, but she told everyone to keep sending her pictures.

I entered the house, this is not the first time I have come to Reem's house, but today I'm here to take her with me.

She will come to my home, she will be in my room with me. How can I not feel excited? I know that everyone is very serious, and there's lot of tension between each other, but i still can't stop myself from feeling happy that my wife is coming to live with me now.

I know she's going to give me a really tough time, she would just keep on snapping at me, but when I end my day near her and wake up every morning watching her pretty face, it will all be worth it.

We were seated in the living room, there were a lot of relatives in the house, they all greeted me, my perfectly made hairstyle got spoilt because of so many people putting their hand on my head, I was fixing it again and again.

I was tired of Athar's constant fidgeting, I turned to him

"What is your problem?" I asked

"Ayesha's parents are not talking to me. How should I approach them?"

"Not now, do it later"

"Why?"

"The house is packed with people, they will think you are taking advantage of the situation" i said, he narrowed his eyes at me

"And you always know what people will think!" He said sarcastically, I glared at him

"So do whatever you want" I snapped at him

"Ok I'm sorry buddy! I'm just nervous" he sighed, I tilted towards him and nudged his shoulder with mine

"I'm here for you" I said, he smiled. Suddenly his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open, he looked awestruck, I followed his gaze and found Ayesha descending the stairs

"Love sick" I mumbled

My breath got hitched when I saw Reem coming behind Ayesha. I had just one word for her at the moment "mesmerizing". Has she always been this beautiful or I have been blind?

The whole room went blurry, I could only see her. She was wearing a rose gold colour dress, her hair was perfectly braided, she put dupatta over her head, she looked like a new bride. I smiled, she was my bride.

She and Ayesha greeted everyone when they reached us. Dadi made Reem sit next to me. My eyes refused to move from her, she is so gorgeous, she smelled like flowers.

"Izhaan Bhai" a loud scream made me look away, it was Nadia, my cousin

"What?" I asked

"I have to take a picture, so please look in the camera, you can look at your wife later. She will come to you only" she smirked, everyone laughed, I shifted uncomfortably.

After a little while the dinner was served, by the time we were done it was time to leave. My eyes stayed on Reem, she was looking around the house, her dad came and patted her head, then he hugged her.

The sight left me emotional. After Reem moved forward, I stopped to meet Abdullah uncle. I saw him wiping tears, I put my hand on his shoulder

"Are you ok?" I asked, he looked at me and smiled.

"Izhaan, my child." He spoiled my hairstyle again, I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. I quickly fixed my hair

"Don't worry about Reem, she will be ok" I tried consoling him, he chuckled softly

"How can I not worry about her, she is my only child, but beta I'm more worried about you than her" he gave me an apologetic smile, I shook my head

"Thank you so much for your concern, uncle, but I can handle her"

"Sure you can and call me dad please"  he grinned and hugged me.

I sat in the car, Reem, Ayesha and dadi were at the back, I was driving and Athar sat beside me. The whole journey were too silent.

We reached home, all the ladies went to settle the girls in their respective rooms, I was in the living room with Athar and dada ji.

"Dada ji! For how long you are going to be upset with me?" Athar asked

"How can you even ask me this question? Your deeds have made me ashamed of you" he glared at him

"I thought you will always support me" he said, I facepalmed myself

"Izhaan! Take him from here, before I do something I don't want to" dada ji scoffed

"Don't stress dada ji" I said

"Tomorrow is reception and there will be guests in this house till then, so don't do anything to make us more embarrassed" he said and turned to leave.

"Dada ji" Athar called, but he didn't stop, "This is so unfair" he said

"Give time to everyone buddy, they will become ok on their own" I patted his back

"It hurt to see everyone so upset with me"

"You stop worrying about everyone for now, and think about the storm waiting for you in your room" i reminded him, he sighed deeply

"How will I face her, buddy?" He shuddered, I laughed looking at him

"You brought it upon yourself" I shrugged

"Why are you so happy? Your "gorgeous" wife is waiting to eat you raw" he said and I heaved a sigh

"To be honest, I'm scared to go in the room. I don't know how she is going to behave"

"Let us write our "will" before going in the room" he said and we both laughed. Maa walked in

"Go to your room Izhaan" she said, Athar held her

"Maa" he said

"Izhaan, tell him to don't call me maa" she broke his grip and went away, Athar sighed

"Sabr (patience)" I said

"Ok master ji. Now go to your room and get slaughtered" he said, and we both turned to go our rooms

"Good luck brother, I will miss you" I said to him

"Just go" he said and went inside his room. I knocked on the door, waited for a few seconds then entered.

We have been married for ten years, but have been living separately. Now suddenly she is here, and we have been told to start our life, there's nothing wrong in it, but it's just a little awkward.

Reem was standing in front of the dressing table. She was taking off her jewellery. I went inside, and stood behind her, our eyes met in the mirror. She was slowly taking off her earrings and my heart beat increased.

"Reem I..." I was saying something but she cut me off

"Change your clothes first then I have to talk to you" she said softly

Ok! That's not a bad start. Maybe she's thinking about starting our married life sincerely.

"I'll be quick" I said and marched into my closet. I smiled when my eyes went to all the new colourful dresses hanging in there, I hope she makes my life as colourful as she has made this closet.

I hurriedly took out my night pajamas and a t-shirt. I went in the washroom, and did my night regime, after I was done I came outside.

Reem was not in the room, when I returned, I checked in the closet, she was struggling to open a suitcase, I entered.

"Let me help" I offered, she moved back.

Kya baat hai, sab maana jaa raha hai (great! She's agreeing for everything)

I opened her suitcase and walked off, giving her some space, I came to the couch and sat while waiting for her. She returned in some time.

She sat on the edge of the bed.

"So?" I encouraged her to talk, she sighed

"As I told you earlier also, I'm not ready to start a life with you as yet" she said

I'm not surprised, I was expecting this.

"What Athar has done with Ayesha is unforgivable" she said and my head snapped at her direction

"You know?" I asked, she scoffed

"How can I not know, Ayesha never hides anything from me"

"I was s..."

"Let me finish" she interrupted me. "I'm only here for Ayesha, so don't think even for a second that you and I stand a chance" she pointed a finger at me, I scoffed

Stand a chance? She's forgetting we are already married.

"Don't expect anything from me. Our marriage for me is just for others, it has nothing to do with you" she said

"Ok" I nodded, she frowned, she must have expected me to say something more, but honestly, I understood what she said. She wants space, I'm ready to give it to her, but on my conditions which I don't need to tell her right now.

"Fine, I'm going to sleep now. I'm tired" she said and got off the bed, she removed the comforter and laid on the bed. Thank God she laid on the left side, I am habitual of the right one.

I stood up and walked towards my side of the bed, i was removing the blanket, she immediately sat up straight

"What are you doing?" She asked

"I'm going to sleep" I shrugged

"You will not sleep on the bed" she shook her head, my mouth hung open

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want to share the bed with you, what's so difficult to understand?"

"Where will I sleep then?"

"Anywhere, but not here"

"I am ready to listen to all your conditions, but not this"

"You can sleep on the couch" she pointed at the couch kept behind me

"Look at its size and then look at me, how will I fit"

"Your problem, not mine. But you are not sleeping on the bed, period"

I groaned in frustration. I picked up my pillow and went to the couch

Heartless creature!

I laid uncomfortably on the couch, she immediately switched off the light.

It's been so long, but I have not found any comfortable spot on the couch, it's so hard. Finally after what felt like ages I fell asleep, but then i had to wake up to go to washroom.

I went to the bathroom in my half asleep state, I returned and laid, after freshening up it feels a little comfortable. I quickly dozed off.

*****

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Athar's pov

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I took Allah's name and entered the room. Ayesha was sitting on the middle of the bed, she looked like a statue, no expression, no movement.

I poured myself a glass of water and drank in three big gulps. I was a little nervous. I know what I have done with her was wrong, but what was i supposed to do, I had no other option.

I know she has feelings for me, I will just open my heart to her, she will understand my point of view and accept me, it might take a little time for her to warm up, but time is a great healer.

I sat on the bed next to her, she still made no movement. I raised my hand to touch her, but put it back immediately, now is not the correct time. I cleared my throat

"Before you make any opinion about me, you need to listen to my side of story" I said, she sat still, her eyes were down.

"You impressed me highly on our first meeting only, people fear staring in my eyes while talking to me and then you came, who turned my car into a wreck and stood still so confidently in front of me, your guts impressed me" I continued speaking but she did not even look up at me.

"I did so much to break your pride, but you kept your chin up high in the air, I didn't realise when I...." I stopped to gather courage, I let out a deep cold sigh

"Ayesha! I don't know when, but I fell in love with you." she looked up at me

"With passing time I was just falling more and more in love with you, but when I got to know about your marriage with Su... the guy, I lost my mind, I feared losing you, so I decided to make you mine." She was staring at me with wide eyes.

"You must be upset with me, but trust me, my love for you made me do it. I know our elders are angry with us right now, but eventually they will accept our marriage." She scoffed and looked away

"You can be angry at me as much as possible, but you can't deny your feelings for me"

"Feelings? For you?" She shouted

"I know you have" she got off the bed

"You please go out of the room right now, I don't even want to see your face" I went near her.

"Please try to understand my point Ayesha"

"Don't. Don't even take my name. What were you saying? You were impressed, you fell in love? You were scared to lose, so you decided. How selfish are you?"

"Everything is fair in love"

"But this is not love, this is authority. The only thing you care about is your ego, you brought me to Delhi, you made my life difficult. It was all just to feed your big ego"

"No it's not tr..."

"When you saved my life, I looked at you as if you were an angel, but I didn't know you thought that after saving my life you have become an owner of it. since when you were planning to ruin me?"

"You have to understand what I went through"

"Seriously? I have to understand?" Tears formed in her eyes, "I took you as my friend, I shared my worry with you, and what you did, you threatened me? You knew how important my parents are for me, and yet you did something so disgusting "

"I never intended to stop the merger"

"Then i should hate you more. Because of you, my parents are not talking with me today, and I will never forgive you about it." She was crying now

"They will forget everything and accept this marriage"

"What will they forget? Their insult? The taunts they had to listen to? Their gazes lowered because of me and you are responsible for it. My mother never raised her voice at me and she slapped me because of you. They had to face rudeness of Avira Aunty. You did not do good with me, you did not do good with Sufiyan" she cried, I felt angry I walked to her and grabbed her arms roughly

"How dare you to take his name? How dare you to show concern for him?" I seethed, she pushed me

"How dare you to make my parents against me?" She yelled and I was quite

"You ruined everything because of your ego" she dropped on the couch and her sobs increased. I took a step towards her, she raised her hand

"Don't come near me" she pulled her knees to her chest and hugged her knees.

I sat on the bed, I felt so helpless, the love of my life is crying her eyes out and I can't do anything to wipe those precious pearls. It felt like someone was clenching my heart, it hurt to see her like this.

After an eternity of crying she fell asleep, her head was resting on her knees. I picked up a pillow and went to her, I put it on the couch and gently laid her down. I brought a  blanket and put over her.

"I'm sorry." I whispered to the sleeping Ayesha.

I went to sit on the chair, I put my head back and I closed my eyes. I heaved a sigh.

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