It's been two days since the reception,a brutal event to me. I had to witness my love being in hands of Mehreen,she was happy but I detest her happiness. For when she is happy,smiling and blushing on the stage;my mourns with torture that Burhan has been the cause and if Burhan is loving her,I can't live being unloved.

Today I was enraged by the way Burhan has been skipping me. Zara's husband Yunnus have come in unexpectedly with his second wife Rumana. I looked at her,she was behind Yunnus the whole time. She looked scared but she covered it with rather a convincing smile.

"She's so shameful!" Mawra grunted.

"How dare she come here!" The maid mumbled with her.

A second wife....I'll be Burhan's second wife?

I kept looking at her,she had no sympathy from anyone. She was not welcomed,nobody talked to her. It was saddening me so I greeted her with a glass of juice,I laugh at my own misery. I had been the most bitter about the idea of a second woman. So unbelievable I now fancy to be one.....

She smiled back and thanked me.

"Aha! Mahi! Here you come!" Aabish rejoiced as I returned to the kitchen. They all clustered around me. I was confused.

What? My eyes asked.

"What did you mix in her drink?" Mawra asked.

"Nothing" I replied nervously.

"What! But you should've! Oh god! Mahi why are you being sensitive to that lady! She's a bit--" I stopped Aabish's words.

I was feverish with their actions,I know I was one of them but now I'll be one of her.

She was humiliated by none of us giving her an ounce of greeting,no one talked to her,she was ignored basically.

When Zara went away with his husband she cried to her mum. All I could hear was every Ill- word against her,she was cursed.......

I secluded myself and a delirium was thrusting upon,I was thinking about myself,to assure,to calm ,to somehow believe that I can never be like,her situation and my situation are different. I love Burhan,he loves me too,I ain't coming in between....I am not Another woman.....

I sat alone curling myself on the garden bench,what should I do?

And Mehreen is always smiling. I suddenly felt a strong grip on my arm and the force took me away. It was Burhan.

He took me to the back door of the living room,it's always vacant and dark. I could hear his breath.

"I don't want to marry you Mahnoor" he stated firmly.

"What! No! Don't say that" I interjected.

"You don't understand Mahnoor,I would never be able to do justice to you. I fear my Lord Mahnoor! He would punish me severely if I wrong Mehreen,he would punish me of I would leave her without a valid reason! I cannot wrong her!" He spoke gritting his teeth in falling hopes.

"So don't leave her,marry me; I would be alright having her" I said though I was unsure.

"I refuse,I refuse to marry you. I cannot keep my promise. Please forgive me Mahnoor!" He was tame but bold on his apprehension.

"You cannot do this to me!"I said breaking into absolute pieces.

"Forget me Mahnoor!" He exclaimed with his misty eyes.

"I cannot,I would bear be your something but I won't bear be your nothing" I helplessly retaliated.

"You don't understand.... I love you more than you love me,believe me when I say that. But I wouldn't be able to bear see you be treated like how they treated Rumana"
He stated as a single tear fell off his eyes.

"Why are you so scared?" I asked.

"I'm not scared for myself,I'm only scared for you. Trust me Mahnoor,I want you more than you want me but I can't stand your honour on this! This love would debt us dead" he held me. "Understand Mahnoor,please"

"I beg you to marry me" I pleaded.

"Please mahnoor..." He was pleading too.

"I beg you to love me Burhan,I beg you" I repeated as my eyes closed and tears streamed down my face.

With my eyes closed,the wild winter breeze could be heard aloud,my misery was only supported in his arms as his hands had gripped my lifeless arms,I kept pleading in words without a voice,I kept falling apart hoping he would either pick me up or walk on me today. He could hear his breaths till,his heart beating,he moved closer and I could feel his warmth,his lips touched mine and I was scattered across, the time froze insanely long and I could only be still. I held his face with my hands,his tears dropped on my finger. Tell me now how do I let him go? How do I let a man so in love with me to let go ?

I opened my eyes and he moved away. He didn't lose my arms. "I love you Mahnoor,I'll be beside you always. Just remember that" he said. And with that he walked to the end of wall. He came back in a few moments but I was still locked in the emotions that just rushed in me free now.

"What time is it?" He asked,

I glanced at my phone, 9:22 pm.

{Won't be able to keep track of updating daily from now,Sorry! Please vote and share}

Mehreen's POV

I sat in my room weaving anxious inside me,so much exhaustion and nervousness mixed with happiness and madness. New love,a new lover. Something about it is pleasing but yet frightening. I want to smile all day,my jaws hurt smiling all day,ah!

I was sitting,standing,marching,sitting,standing,peeking out the window,smiling ear to ear and controlling my heart beat.

Everyday has become so different,like everyday I long for a happiness,everyday is new.

I'm habituated to these extreme fortunate events happening to me,by far Burhan is the most gracious blessing of my lord to me. Mum was standing outside the room,I walked up to her.

"Mum, come inside" I requested taking her hand.

"Where's Burhan?" She asks screening down the empty large room.

"He took Mahnoor and Masirah for a treat,they left Mawra to tease her" I said smiling to the thought of Burhan.

Mum nodded but she looks a bit tired.

"Are you okay mum? Should I make you some tea?" I asked worriedly.

"No,darling it's just have been such a blessing by Allah,that my heart melts! All has been so good and you're now married to My brother's son,I don't know if I could ever be more thankful for anything as much as I am" mum remarked with her eyes filled with water.
I nodded with the same feelings inside me. I hadn't been the luckiest for proposals. By far,I've only felt more unwanted until that Aunt has looked at me in the way that made me feel loved.

This year has brought me the blessings stitched all together in the self of Burhan. I have words to thank Allah for him,my prayers have been answered by this marriage as a whole package of happiness for the rest of my life.

"Mehreen,never take the blessings that you have now for granter ever. Never be ungrateful of this. Allah had been kind to you,he granted you the spouse, who would respect you,love you and I don't have to remind you of how men can be,you have seen for yourself that not all marriages lead to happiness" she advised me,I closely listened.

She then added "Mehreen,Burhan is the man as a spouse,I've been an admirer of his early faith and dedication on religion. He doesn't talk much,maybe you will take time to know of his inner feelings as he might not be very expressive. Not every man opens his heart with a ring on his finger,some have to be won by patience. Mehreen,you wouldn't disappointed for the wait,his mother told me to guide you about Burhan's introverted behavior. I hope a lot from you,I hope you would be a patient wife,a obedient daughter in law and beautiful partner for Burhan"

I was overwhelmed,can I do this? I don't know.
I,myself don't talk much. Also I don't know how I would do it all. Aunt and uncle are the most benevolent and patient humans I've ever encountered, I don't want to fail,to be a misfit in such a perfect family it is. Mum's words have tensed me now. How would all this?

"Mum what if I won't be able to be nearly as good as they expect me to be...I'm scared mum..I don't know" I said with my voice sounded lower.

"Just keep your faith strong, pray when you doubt yourself and place it in Allah's hands. Your dad would come tomorrow, I will leave, take care of yourself Mehreen and make us proud and make Uncle and Aunt proud" she said and my heart dropped inside, "you're leaving tomorrow?" I asked almost to tears.

"Yes...don't cry now" she held my face.

"Please stay for another week mum" I pleaded.

"No Mehreen,I want you to handle your responsibilities from now" she kissed my head.

She smiled at me and I smiled back but I'm scared inside. I don't know how would I do anything without her.

I looked at the clock, 12:39 am.

I sighed. Where's Burhan?

I called him,he wasn't answering.

I was already doubting myself so I worked as per mum's advice and prayed. I ask the Lord of heavens and earth to make me able,to make as good as he is. To make me a good daughter in law, to make me a good wife. To keep always content and grateful of what I have and to never disappoint anyone.

I had been going through my whole life in my head.
When the salah's competed and my hands rest on the mattress after praying. I looked beside.

It's surreal,how did I get this lucky?

I remember when I came in here last year,when I woke up for fajr,I  saw Burhan in the back lawn praying,his tears streaming down. I adored of how he controls the aura standing around him,so powerful he seemed. Something about Burhan is very captivating, like he's a heart filled with all the genteel and kind emotions,he attracts love from a single smile. I've been admiring Burhan since my childhood. He's changed tremendously,he went from all laughs and pride to a silent man with a smile.

Even at his tender years,he was kind and selfless. I loved Burhan's open heart and different form. I always admired him from afar,something in me always threatened that I was never good enough for him,so kept my hopes very small. Years went by and Burhan only got more precious. Three years back, late night when we were all asleep I overheard mum talking to Aunt;she asked for my hand in marriage to Burhan,I was shocked. Mum insisted that my dad would never say yes,as he thinks of Uncles as arrogant and proudly. So It was last year when I gave up all my hopes on him,how could a diamond be sold to a cobbler. I was poor in my character to me and he was placed on the highest merits of summit.

I was just another girl,I was twenty-five. My proposals have been scanty,nobody out there knew me. I don't pity myself,for Allah has been very merciful. I am grateful for all things I had. But I always just thought that for Burhan; no I couldn't aim that high. I never thought that Uncle and Aunt thought of me so favorably. I was surprised. I only knew that I got much more than I ever asked for. They are great people,I now them,I love them and I will love forever with all my honestly inclined emotions of them as a gift from Allah to me.

I looked at the clock. 1:03am.

I was about to call  again but Burhan came in slowly opening the door.

"Burhan....where were you? I've been awaiting..."
I said catching my voice.

"I went out to give Masirah and Mahnoor a small party,my car....the way was just so long" he was speaking with much thinking like he was too tired.

"It's alright,you look tired. It's also late, we should sleep" I said sitting of the bed and arranging his bedding.

He laid in sighing. He looks exhausted,it's cold outside,perhaps he's struck by the wind. "You okay?" I ask.

"Yeah,sleep Mehreen. It's too late" he said switching off the side lamp.

I joined him on the bed switching off the lamps and thanking my lord again. I couldn't sleep which is a problem I've contacted from marriage but Burhan aside,he kept twisting and turning,I pulled another short blanket over him,maybe he's cold. He opened his eyes,the little light from the window shining over his face. He looked and gulped. I grew nervous.

He faced away and  then perhaps he slept but I couldn't. These feelings while he's just a few inches away,they make me uneasy.

I prayed my fajr,he was still sleeping. I should wake him up.

I gradually shifted his small blanket from his face,he was softly snoring,he's adorable.

I smiled, "Burhan.....Burhan?"

He just moved a little and comforted himself farther. Come on Burhan,I'm sorry, have to wake you up.

I called him again,he woke up. I left him get tea for him when I came back,as I was a little delayed by Aunt asking me to bring her eggs,I didn't found him in the room.

Burhan is so hard to find available.

I walked after the lunch from Granna's room. I thought I could sit with Granna but she was asleep. Aabish was peeking in my room. "Aabish" I said placing my hands on his shoulder.

"Oh! I was stalking to see if he treats you right!" He said putting his arm over my shoulder.

"Oh really,you don't have to peak inside. You can just walk in"
I stated walking to the room again.

"That's not your room,that's Brother Burhan's room...." He was trying to joke about but his emotions failed him,he hugged me and said "I'll miss you"

I was tearing up but I have to hold him. "Don't make me cry Aabish,I don't want mum to cry...also Mawra..I don't --" I broke into a breathless state.

He hugged me tighter. He composed himself and said " you should fear for Mawra,she's going to suffer a lot"

I laughed "you won't do anything to her,you love her more than you love me"

"That's not true" he shrieked.

"Dad is here,he hasn't called for you. Just go get that last meeting done!" He spoke with bitter tone.

"Don't say that Aabish" I warned.

"Oh I'd be a girl,I'd be married at the age of ten if I had him as a father and never would've have returned to him. Also would have clapped sassily before exiting,bye bye bald man no more of you in my life" he desperately worded.

I looked at him in anger. He laughed instead.

"Take care of you and Mawra and mum too. Aabid also" I spoke losing my resuming power,

"Yep" he nodded,

"How's Imran?" I ask halting my steps.

"He's great,I'm happy" he said splendidly.

"I'm proud of you Aabish,be a doctors quick" he lastly added before entering the library where my dad was.

Mum,Aabid and Mawra were also present,me and Aabish joined.

"--so look quickly look for another guy and marry Mawra and then I would be done with all my responsibility"
My dad's sentences reached us as we entered.

"First we have to marry Aabid" mum stated in a low tone.

"He can marry himself whenever he pleases,he has to earn and marry himself,like I did. He's not a kid anymore so I have to spend on his expenses. Have I not already spent all my life's savings on his education" dad bitterly answered.

We silently listened.

"Here your result came in mail" said dad as he handed Mawra her result and threw another mail sealed; on the floor.

It was Aabish's result.

He picked it and up and opened it,he did well.

Burhan and Uncles entered,he greeted Dad.
They talked for a while and when I was leaving uncle said "Mehreen,did she come?"

"She's been here for an hour now" Aabish answered and then whispered to me "why is your father in law invalidating you?" I smacked him and smiled.

"Met your father Mehreen?" Uncle asked me.

I nodded. While dad still didn't talk to me. My dad doesn't talk to us often,he seldom does and it's only formal.

"Burhan, you should be glad. I've raised my daughter under my guidance you won't have to fear her being like your Aunt" Dad grunted offensively.
He always does that.

Uncles now changed their posture while mum sat uncomfortable.

"No Uncle, I would be lucky if she would reflect Aunt--"Burhan stated but Aabish interjected "in that case,you won!"

I smiled at him and he returned the smile.

Dad said "You should not judge a woman on her appearance she wears for a week. I have lived with your Aunt son,I'm warning you,this daughter here that I have married to you,is only good, if she is because of me and you shouldn't wish her be like your aunt" he mocked making a vile appearance while looking over at mom.

I walked out furiously. I cannot bear him insult her anymore.
Burhan came and stood before me.

"What happened?" He asked as I quickly covered the running out patience.

"Nothing,it's just mum's leaving today. I wish she would stay another day or two"
I responded.

He returned to the room.

In the evening I was arranging tea for Brother Bareek who insisted he wants to taste the snacks made by me. I made a small snack preparation and tea.

Mawra came in and I handed the tea for everyone else to her,
"When will you be leaving ?" I asked sadly.

"Day after tomorrow" she said smirking at me.

I looked at her and warned with my eyes that she dare not joke. But she threw her arms around me and exclaimed "Brother Burhan is so sweet, he urged Dad continuously till he gave up.Dad actually agreed to stay!"

A had an extra reason to find his gesture sweet,oh Burhan you are exceptionally special.

Burhan with the thought of him entered inside the kitchen,Mawra raised her eyebrow took a biscuit and was leaving when Burhan handed her a date.
She took ity from him and left still turning back and giving me various looks.

He looked at the tray and placed dates on one side.

"Is it for Amma?" He asked.

"Yes, for Granna and Aunt,they all are in the living room" I answered nervously. I don't know why but he makes me nervous.

He added a few more dates in another tray,I looked at him from the corner of my eye,his dense lashes and beautifully designed iris,he's so exquisite.

"Can I take one?" I asked gulping when he caught me looking at him.

"....yes" he said,his voice was breaking.

He took the tray in his hands. "No,I'll take it" I said.

"No,let me please" he insisted.

I walked behind him,in the hallway he halted and I leaned from behind,Mahnoor was standing. "Mahnoor" I said. "Come,everybody's having tea inside"

She looked at Burhan and then answered "no,I've just had a cup"

Why is everybody so shy of Burhan and me being together? Maybe I understand.

We walked till the living room and I stood at the door,perhaps it makes me shy too of being with Burhan. I turned and went to my room instead.
Huh,these hours seem so long when he isn't around and when he is,the time flies.

I wait for the day when we both would sit and talk comfortably and confess the lovely emotions inside our hearts. I wish for the day to come soon. I want to tell him,I love him.