Samar's POV

Its the most difficult thing to do.I cant choose ,I cant.

I am waiting for this CEO post since my mamma's death.All my efforts,all hard work,all sleepless nights were for this.I have to take back Capital tech from this man.I cant loose this position.

But I cant even loose Maryam.I went too far for her.I even hurt her,I hurt Rayan.I did things I would have never think to do,just for her.So I can make her mine.Now I am getting marry her not to risk this marriage and getting divorse if I loose this competition.

I feel something in my chest,a weird feeling.My hand is bleeding but I am numb.so numb ,so deep in my own thoughts.I cant choose between her and my mother.These two people are everything to me.

" Say something,Samar." Dad says," You are coward." He adds.

" You cant take such small risk.How you dream about leading my Multi national company." His voice cruel," Tell me do you want it or not.Do you wanna take risk and close this deal.Tell me you are ready for this." He says.

I am silent,out of words,full of emotional turmoil.

" Yes.I am ready.I will win this competition." I say and walk to the door.

As I take the elevator i feel my head is hurting.I run to my apartment and walk straight to my room for shower.I need to put some water on my head.I feel hot very hot.

As water runs on to my body I am saying in shower," How can you do this,you idiot?How can you agree to such stupidity.You are not yet married to Maryam and you risked divorsing her.What if you loose.You will loose both your promise to Mamma and your only Love."

I stand in the shower for a long time,dissapointed in myself.

.............

I put on my custom-made tuxedo, and Jain uncle nodded in approval. Anneanne and Alina aunty are fighting over which shade of red will look good on Maryam.

Alina aunty shows me a fabric swatch. 'Samar, will this look great on Maryam?'

"'Absolutely,' I say.

Anneanne shows me another option. 'What about this one, Samar?'

"'Beautiful,' I reply.

Anneanne and Alina aunty smiled. 'You agreed to both."

I grin. 'Every color and shade look good on her."

" Samar" they both says and Alina aunty teases," Look,Samar is blushing."

.............

I watch my father, confused. He's planning my wedding like he's always wanted me to marry Maryam. He booked the fanciest hall, invited all his friends and business partners. He seems really happy, but it feels weird.

I know why he's doing this. He wants to show me that my marriage won't last. He thinks I'll divorce Maryam after loosing this competition to Rayan.

I sit behind the curtains, my heart racing. It's surreal - I'm marrying Maryam. She's just a few feet away behind this curtain. I imagine her looking unreal in her wedding dress.

The Qazi turns to Maryam's side of the curtain and asks her father, Junaid Ahmed, for his consent.

Next, Qazi asks Maryam.

My heart racing, I hold my breath. What if she says no? What if she changes her mind? The thought sends horror in me.

Maryam is silent and Qazi repeats himself.

Silence.

More silence.

Time freezes.

The silence is deafening.

And then finally, her soft voice whispers: "Qubool hai( Yes I do)."

A tidal wave of relief crashes over me, washing away my doubts and fears. My tense muscles relax, and a warm smile spreads across my face.

As the Nikah ceremony concludes, warm congratulations envelop me. Waleed and Amir wrap me in tight hugs, beaming with joy.

My father approaches, and I tense, hesitant to reciprocate. His embrace feels suffocating, his voice dripping with insincerity.

"Congrats, son," he whispers, his breath cold against my ear. "You look stunning today."

His fingers adjust my tie, a gesture that feels more like a manipulation than a paternal gesture.

"Now that the wedding's done, let's discuss the real business," he says, his smile twisted. "Tomorrow, you and Rayan will face your first challenge as CEO candidates for Capital Techs. Be prepared with your presentation. I'll send the details."

I am aware that He is doing this on purpose, He could have waited for this stupid competition but he wants to torture me. I just signed my Nikahnama and I am on cloud nine and he expects me to make a stupid presentation. How pathetic.

Maryam's POV

Have I forgotten how to write or have I forgotten my name.If not then why I am frozen ,holding this prettiest pen in the world for minutes.It has feathers and bows.

Maryam its not for staring.Its for signing.Sign the nikahnama

I think to myself.But my hand doesnt move,its like ice.

I was feeling nothing the whole day but right now having this nikahnama in my hand is making me feel every emotion that is knows to mankind.

After signing this nothing would be the same,I will be married to a stranger who is strange to understand.

I feel suffocated this heavy veil over my face and heavy jewelry is making it worse.

I want to breathe.

I want to runaway.

I want to be invisible.

Someone touches my arm to hurry and sign the nikahnama.I cant see due to this vail but I can sense its my mother.

I finally sign it with shaky hands.

I hear Samar's grandmother calling his name, signaling his arrival from the other side of the curtain. My heart skips a beat as realisation hits me : he's now my husband.

He steps forward, likely to lift the veil and reveal my face. I'm scared, angry, and hurt. Alina Aunty's lively voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Have you brought a gift for your wife? It's illegal to see her face without rewarding her!"

Samar's response, brief, "I brought it."

I hate liking his voice,its deep and attractive.

His grandmother chimes in, "Then lift her veil!"

As he gently lifts the veil, I feel a weight lifting off my face. I keep my gaze down, focusing on the intricate designs on my lehenga.

"Its wrong to look this pretty,Love."He wisphers.

He hands me a box, and I instinctively smell the contents. My favorite dessert - milk cake from olive garden.

Just as I'm processing this unexpected gesture from him, Alina Aunty's voice sends panic coursing through me. "Kiss her."

As he leans in to kiss me, my fists clench, aching to punch him with all my might,but I control my emotions.I cant punch him ,he is my husband.He is doing nothing wrong according to people.

Samar surprises me by whispering in my ear, "Sorry, love, but don't hit me in front of everyone. It was Alina Aunty's idea."

I'm stunned, my mind reeling.

He flashes a captivating smile.That irritates me.

That angers me

He angers me.

Its just cruel,why must he be so much beautiful when everything about him is ugly.

He gently presses his mouth to my forehead, just beside the tika. His lips are soft, hot, and infuriating.

The tender gesture sparks conflicting emotions: anger, shock, and an unwelcome flutter.

................

When I enter into his lavish apartment,I am amazed.Its expensive.It has minimal furniture and I saw something I have never seen,A plant three times taller then me.I wonder if its real or fake.Whole apartment have beautiful plants for designing.Nothing looks more or less.Everything looks perfect.

Anneanne escorts me to Samar's room,it is painted in a shade of red.I dont even know which shade, it is giving myterious vibes.Anneanne leaves,I am alone I wonder where is Samar.

I walk in to his room,I remove my heels first as I was dying to remove them. I feel fluffiest carpet under my feet.It tickles.

As I glance around Samar's room, my eyes linger on his bed, its crisp, snowy sheets radiating luxury. The opulent linens seem too refined for someone like me to touch. A pang of inadequacy strikes, making me feel poor and out of place.

I settle onto the plush carpet, my head resting against the bed, and I gaze around Samar's room. My eyes land on the Arabic painting of Ayatul Kursi, the one he'd brought from my home. He's hung it prominently, and suddenly, this familiar piece brings a sense of comfort, a glimpse of home.

Rumi's elegant Arabic script on the nearby wall transports me to memories of my home, surrounded by the same quotes and verses. It reminds me of Baba and his arabic paintings.The familiarity soothes my nerves, and for a moment, I feel a connection to this opulent space.

As I rest my head against the bed, my mind begins to reel through the whirlwind of the past two months. Memories flash before me:Me meeting with Rayan, the sudden encounter with samar,Stalking,Rayan's fake chat, the hasty wedding, and the unfamiliar world I've entered. The pace of change has been dizzying.

Before I realize it, exhaustion claims me, and I drift into a dreamless sleep, the softness of the carpet and the silence of Samar's room enveloping me.

As I stir awake I find myself in his bed, the soft glow of the bedside clock reads 3:00 AM. I jolt upright, remembering I need to study. I cannot afford to waste more time.

Groggily, I scan the room, searching for Samar. But he's nowhere to be found. His coat lies on the couch, and I wonder when did he carry me to his bed and disappeared again?

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, realizing I'm still clad in my wedding lehenga, jewelry intact. The weight of the intricate fabric and ornaments feels suffocating.

Stifling a yawn, I make my way to the bathroom. Despite my half-asleep state, the luxurious space awakens my senses. Marble countertops, a spacious shower, and ornate fixtures dazzle me.

I stand before the mirror.

As I carefully remove the jewelry that's been weighing me down, I'm met with a searing pain when I take out an earring. The sudden jolt leaves me breathless, and for a moment, I feel like I'm on the verge of crying. Note to self: never sleep in heavy jewelry again.

As I remove my jewelry, my eyes wander to my henna-painted hands. The vibrant design has transformed overnight, deepening into a richer hue that leaves me mesmerized. I recall how it looked last night, but now it's even more stunning. A childhood wonder takes over me again: Does the Henna fairy secretly visit while we sleep, infusing our hands with radiant colors?

After freeing myself from jewelry, I opt for a half shower, mindful of my long hair's daily maintenance. Washing it every day would be a chore, so I settle for a quick refresh.

Once I've cleaned up, I slip into the comfortable clothes I brought from home. The familiar fabrics envelop me, providing a sense of security in this opulent yet unfamiliar space.

I slide open the closet door, and my eyes widen as I'm met with an astonishing sight. Rows upon rows of exquisite abayas hang before me, each one more breathtaking than the last. I gasp, covering my mouth with both hands in awe.

I pull out one Abaya,its white with poet sleeves.I try it on me and Its breathtaking.

I am looking so pretty.

No I am looking prettiest.

I am looking like a fairy.

A henna fairy.

Suddenly I realise I am laughing and talking to me alone in night in the mirror.

A wave of regret washes over me, and my thoughts turn bitter. "Samar thinks he can buy me with his wealth," I think, "but he'll never win me over with money."

I strike a defiant pose, gazing at my reflection. But then, a sly smile spreads across my face. "Maybe," I whisper, "just maybe, he can."

I am shocked by my reaction,I put my hands on to my chin in disbelief and say

Am I an Abaya digger?

Is that a thing?

I take my books with me and decide to study in the living area as I am feeling a little scary in here.

I sit on the floor putting my books on the table and I start writing my tests.

Its been an hour when I feel something behind my back.Its soft,it jiggles.

I am a statue.

Frozen

I slowly turn to look at it and I see my heart leaving my body.

Its a cat.

Cat.

I am scared of cats.

Its a phobia.

I run and cat runs behind me.

I sprint across the kitchen, the cat chasing after me like a furry little shadow. I leap onto the counter, using the cabinets as a makeshift ladder. Panting, I peer down at my determined stalker.

The cat sits beneath me, its whiskers twitching with mischief. It seems to be thinking, "You can't escape that easily."

I hate him.

I really hate samar.

He has cat.

He didnt tell me.

How can I handle samar and this cat both altogether?

I have gotten myself into a big trouble.

This cat has whitest fur and bluest eyes.I feel scared I try to look away.

What am I gonna do now.

How long can I be on this kitchen counter.

How long?

What can I do?

Then suddenly the cat starts screaming,really loud and I am wondering why is she screaming,I should be the one to scream.