Amidst a sea of opulent fabric enveloping her delicate frame, Haya sat with her face veiled by the weight of her lehenga. The gaze of onlookers, captivated by the grandeur of her attire, unwittingly bore witness to her inner turmoil. Folding her hands in prayer, she beseeched Allah for solace, tears streaming down her face, each droplet a testament to her confusion over the impulsive decision she had made. The kajal adorning her eyes smudged, mirroring the tumultuous emotions within her. In this moment of solitude, Haya found herself engulfed in loneliness and vulnerability.

Although guilt tugged at her heart for the repercussions her actions might have on her family's reputation, there lingered no regret. She had chosen freedom over the shackles of pain, unrequited love, and the weight of societal expectations. Aware that this daring act would forever tarnish her place within her family, she nevertheless embraced the newfound liberation coursing through her veins.

As she sought solace within the sanctuary of the dargah, her presence did not go unnoticed. Eyes filled with compassion, the maulvi offered her a piece of khajur, extending his blessings upon her. "Beti, khuda aapki madad karey" (Beti may Allah assist you in your journey), his soothing words resonated in the hallowed space.

Soon after the resonant call of the azaan, a man draped in a topi and a black shawl entered the dargah, his shalwar kameez reflecting simplicity. Engaged in prayer and recitation of the Qur'an, his gaze unintentionally gravitated towards a figure hunched over in despair. A sense of familiarity stirred within him, compelling him to steal more than a few glances. Despite her disheveled state, he witnessed her tear-streaked face earnestly uplifted in supplication to Allah, her hands entwined in fervent prayer. Twice, he found himself momentarily distracted, until the faint sound of payal, the anklet, captivated his senses. It was her, Haya.

With an air of trepidation, she hurriedly departed the dargah, her face carefully concealed from prying eyes. Sensing her unease, as if sensing an invisible pursuer hot on her trail, he closed the holy book before him and rose to follow her. In that moment, their destinies became intertwined, guided by a force greater than themselves.

***

In the wedding hall, a palpable shock reverberated through the air, leaving Maa Begum trembling with disbelief. Her hands quivered as she implored Maryam to take Haya's place, the weight of the unforeseen circumstances bearing down upon her. As Naurez entered the hall, Murtasim disclosed what had transpired, without thinking twice he consented to his union with Maryam. Perhaps it was a testament to his respect and sense of duty.

The qazi sahib, his voice resounding with authority, posed the question, his words laden with anticipation, "Maryam bint marhum Shahnawaz Khan, rupey sikh laahi pacchas lakh, Naurez Ahmed Khan bint Ahmed Khan ke nikah me milte hain. Kya aapko qubool hai?" The very essence of the moment seemed suspended, as Maryam found herself caught between uncertainty and the overwhelming weight of her decision.

Maryam's gaze shifted to her mother, tears welling in her eyes, pleading for her compliance. The room held its breath, recognizing the gravity of her choice, intertwined with the honor and respect her family commanded. It was in that poignant moment that Maryam summoned her courage, her voice resonating with unwavering determination, "Qubool hai."

Her eyes then met those of her brother, who closed his eyes in remorse, grappling with the guilt that weighed upon him, she whispered "Qubool Hai".

And as her gaze shifted towards the groom, adorned in a black sherwani, Naurez extended a reassuring smile, instilling a glimmer of hope within her. With a decisive nod, Maryam finally spoke the words that sealed their fates, "Qubool hai," signifying her acceptance of the union.

In the midst of swirling emotions and unanticipated turns, the beauty of resilience and familial duty unfolded, casting a mesmerizing aura upon the scene, captivating the hearts of those who bore witness to this profound moment of acceptance and sacrifice.

***

He pursued her, trailing her footsteps until he found her sitting outside the dargah, the depths of despair etched across her delicate features. In that instant, his own pain from that fateful night resurfaced, and he realized that she had been the only one who offered him solace, albeit in her own unique way. Their conversations, though laden with his own self-discovery, had brought him a measure of comfort, her presence a balm to his wounded soul. Now, gazing into her tear-filled eyes, mirrors reflecting his own past sorrows, he couldn't help but feel a profound connection.

With a sigh, he settled beside her, their silence speaking volumes. It was she who broke the stillness, her voice laden with a touch of sarcasm, "Mujhse humdardi karne aaye hai?" (Have you come to sympathize with me) A dry chuckle escaped his lips, the humor lost on her as she simply shrugged in response. " Nikah se bhaagi ho?" (You fled from your wedding, didn't you) he posed the obvious question, to which she nodded, her actions speaking louder than words.

"Ghar waalon ko khabar dedo pareshan ho rahey hongey" (You should inform your family; they must be worried sick) he suggested, mindful that the sun would soon set, leaving her vulnerable and alone. A fleeting smile adorned her face as she replied with solemnity, "Woh toh dholak baja rahey hongey, Behaya se humesha ke liye jaan chut gayi unki" (They must be celebrating, beating drums of joy. They have rid themselves of their shame, their Behaya daughter forever) There was no blame in her words, only acceptance of the chaos and turmoil she had woven into their lives, compounded by the disdain she had earned from her brother.

" Aap fikar na karey mai kahi chali jaongi" (Please don't worry about me; I will find my own way) , she uttered, well aware that those were mere words of reassurance. The place she had once called home, where she resided with Maryam, belonged to Murtasim. She had no family left, no sanctuary to return to.

Malik Zubair, sighing heavily, rose to his feet and began to walk away, leaving her stunned by his unexpected departure. She had anticipated perhaps some monetary assistance or some form of aid, yet he chose to simply walk away. "Aap mujhe chodkar jaarahey?" (Are you abandoning me) she couldn't help but call out, her voice tinged with desperation. "Aapne hi toh kaha toh aap kahi chali jayengi" (You yourself said you would go somewhere),  he retorted with a mischievous grin, his words made her realise Mahjabeen's accusation was right, she was indeed Behaya, shameless. Yet, despite the unexpected turn, Malik Zubair extended his help and led her back to his haveli.