When god gives you new beginnings, don't repeat the same old mistakes.

__________________________

*A week later*

Ayman was in her room when Shaamil enters with a huge grin on his face.

"Hey Manu when are you getting all your things back from the hostel?" he inquires.

"I was just about to leave bhaiyu" she responds.

"Acha. Okay, so are you comfortable with meeting Nihaal tonight? Don't worry I'll come along with you"

"Bhai actually I was supposed to meet my friends today"

"It's alright I can pick you up and later we can go meet him"

He gently holds her hand and makes her sit on bed. He sits down before her.

"I'm not pressuring you for anything Ayman. It's totally your choice if you want to marry him or not. But let me tell you, he is a good guy and you can trust me with that. He will definitely take good care of you"

"I didn't know what to do. I'm just confused bhai"

Why don't you offer 2 nawafil of istekhara and let Allah decide it for you?

"Bhaiyu I had already done it but I'll do it now once again in shaa Allah"

"Okay Chalo I'll ask Faazil to drop you now at the restaurant in which you will be meeting your friends". He knew she enjoyed meeting her friends and would always support her with meeting new people and moving on in life.

"Thanks bhaiyu"

He left the room after that.

Ayman started to think about the proposal.

I had seen him in college and had observed a lil bit in office as well. He didn't held eye contact with female colleagues. He respected women. He wouldn't raise his voice in front of me or anyone. He always cared about others. She thought.

She put her thoughts aside and got ready to go out.

∴━━━✿━━━∴

The weather was a little bit cloudy and it would rain but she really did enjoy it. She loves rain. She like how the sky would changes its hues of colour from blue to grey. She compared it to her life. Her life was also changing. She was witnessing different hues of love in her life.

She went to the restaurant and Faazil dropped her. She got inside and saw everyone were waiting for her. She greets them and settles down next to her support system. Ayesha.

"Ayman we got to know about your past" Amina started.

"Do you want to share about it?" Bushra asked her.

"Only if you are comfortable and no forcing from our side" Zeeshan smiled at her and everyone agreed with him.

"Okay it's time I tell you guys about it" She took a deep breath and started telling them about her past.

"In our family it's a tradition to get the girl married when she turns 18. I was promised to my cousin at birth. We had always kept our distance as he lived in another city. But when ever he would visit I would get ajeeb (weird) vibes from him.

Once I turned 18 my Phuphu came and told that she wanted us to get married. I had refused but she somehow manipulated my parents and convinced them. She told that I would get involved in an affair or something if they didn't get me married as soon as possible. I had convinced my brothers and they were totally against the wedding but she somehow managed to get us married when my brothers were abroad and couldn't come. They literally played with my life" she continued.

"I thought maybe it's for my good and I gave my consent for the wedding. But I was so wrong" she let out a humourless bitter chuckle.

"When we had gone to the so called honeymoon. He had left me all alone in the hotel room. I didn't know what was my fault. I had phobia, I couldn't stay alone and I had eventually passed out. The next day i woke up all alone. I didn't have my phone to call anybody. I couldn't use the hotel phone, I didn't want to scare my parents" it was as though she was physically present but mentally in her past.

"When we came back from our honeymoon he told me we will be shifted to a different city. I agreed for that as well. How stupid was I?

When we shifted, he made me live in a separate room. He told me that he liked somebody else and wanted to marry her but couldn't because his parents wouldn't agree" tears were continuously flowing from her eyes.

"He would torture me and make me do all the work. I was just 18, I didn't know how to do many stuff. I was brought up with love and care. I was the most pampered child by my parents and siblings" she said wiping her tears. Ayesha got hold of her hand and asked her to stop. They didn't want to hurt her by reminding her about it.

"Ayman please stop. We don't want you to cry and remember that horrible person"

"No I want to let it all out. Their are a lot of things nobody knows. I want to end it once and for all. I've been holding it on for too long"

"Bushra you remember, one day you saw marks on my hand and asked me how did I get them? It is all his doing. He would always torture me and hit me even though I would do the work on time.

One day he came back home drunk and I was ironing a shirt of his. He came and tried to touch me and I instantly refused and he ended up pressing the hot iron on my hand. I.. I couldn't even scream for help. He..he had pressed his hand against my mouth. Nobody could hear us. My screams came out muffled.

He had trapped me in a cage like a bird. I wanted to be set free. He wouldn't even let me go out"

"Didn't your phuphu take your side or stand for you?" Junaid asked getting angry.

"No. She would always say that it's alright and we should sit and sought out things and stop fighting.

We weren't fighting on anything. He liked someone and wanted to marry her but he had to marry me because he was forced by his parents to do so"

"Your Phuphu knew everything and she spoilt your life? I mean who does that? How could she do that?" Jawaad was fuming in anger. All of them truly cared about her. They really wished that they could protect her in the past like they protect them now. They wouldn't let any guy look their way.

"Well apparently Phuphu thought that I would fix her son.

Was I a fixing machine or something?
How could I fix someone else and get broken at the same time?
I couldn't do it.

Why do parents think that their daughter in law will come and fix their sons.

Why can't they do it themselves?

Aren't we human beings?" she asked them.

"The worst part a family can do is marrying their son, who they know is a scumbag, to an innocent girl in the hoe he will miraculously change" Zeeshan commented.

"I had always wondered what would it feel like to have freedom from him.
I wanted to feel like the bird that escaped a cage. But would I get to experience it anyday?"

"How did you get away?" Shahmir asked.

"One day we had gone for a wedding which was quite far away from the city. While coming back we had a fight and he was soo angry that he suddenly stopped the car in the middle of the highway and asked me to get out. I was beyond shocked. It was almost 2am.

He came to my side and pulled me out if the car and just got back and drove away just like that. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have my phone with me. I was in the middle of nowhere.

I started walking and I saw some guys who were drunk. I started walking faster. I kept running but they caught up and pulled my wrist. Tears were flowing from my eyes. The only thing I could do was pray. I prayed to my lord and asked him to help me out.

Those creepy guys started pulling my Duppata. I had started getting scratches on my hand. Luckily I saw a vehicle coming and I screamed my lungs out. They instantly left me and started running. The vehicle pulled up. It were an old couple almost of my parents age. He immediately got hold of me when I was almost about to faint due to shock. He told me that he knew me and was my dad's old friend. He immediately called up dad and took me home.

I reached home and I got to know my brothers had come back. They immediately took me to a nearby hospital and got me all cleaned up. This is how I got away. Then later on my brothers filed a divorce against that man and our divorce took place and my brothers put him into jail for the abuse he had caused me"

"You are a very strong girl I've seen but I wish we could kill that guy for hurting you" Junaid told her.

"Anyways he is no more involved in my life. Alhamdulillah my brothers made sure of that. But I'm also glad to have all of you in my life. You guys helped me without even know me" she said with gratitude.

"We are so proud of you Ayman." Bushra pulled her into a hug and the girls joined her.

"You deserve so much better in your life Ayman" Zeeshan commented.

"Nihaal proposed me. He wants to marry me" she told them. They were shocked to hear that.

"Wow. I mean that's great.

"Ayman we saw him and we truly saw the way he cared for you in your brothers wedding. I think you should say yes. Life is giving you a second chance. Don't back away from it" Nabiya told her.

"Is this really my second chance in life? Should I really give this a try?" she wondered

"When life gives you second chances, take it with opening arms Ayman. I think it's high time, you've suffered enough and you also deserve some happiness in life. And Nihaal sir is good and a humble guy. We've heard much about him from sadiya and junaid. He literally treats them like his own kids. I think you should give this a try" Ayesha also consoled her and told her to go ahead with the proposal.

"Yeah I will think about it. Anyways I have to meet him after this lunch is over. Bhai had asked me to come and meet him" she said getting back to eating her food.

"Go and talk Ayman. Communication is really important. Let all your insecurities out and talk to him" Jawaad suggested.

They continued to have their lunch.

"Guys I have something to say" Bushra announced.

"What is it Bushra?" Anam asked her.

"I had applied for higher studies in UK and I got selected. I will be moving out" she told them excitedly.

"Congratulations,
Mabrook" a chorus of congratulations were heard from everyone. Everyone were happy for her.

Junaid was happy for her and a bit sad as well. But he decided to keep his sadness aside and let her live her life. He knew that she was studious person and wanted to achieve something in life and he didn't want to become a barrier.

So he just congratulated her with a big smile.

If they were meant to be together, they would meet up in life by hook or by crook.

"Guys I also have something to share" Zeeshan excitedly caught everyone's attention. He saw Anam and she was blushing. She knew what he was about to tell. Nabiya cleared her throat and got back his attention. He slightly scratched his head.

"I spoke to my parents about Anam and they sent her parents a proposal. And guess what?"

"What?" everyone shouted getting excited.

"They finally agreed and we will be getting married in two weeks" he declared.

Everyone were over excited and started screaming. The rest if the people in the restaurant were staring at them like they've gone mad or something.

"Masha Allah congrats but when did this happen? " Ayman asked them.

"When you were busy talking to  your Nihaal sir" Zeeshan told her and she hid her face in her palms.

"So when are you leaving?" Amina inquired Bushra.

"I'll be leaving by the end of this month"

"Hey but what about attending our wedding?" Zeeshan asked. He wanted everyone to be present at his wedding.

"Don't worry Zeeshan I will attend your wedding. I will be leaving after it happens" Bushra told him.

"Okay guys I need to go. Shaamil bhaiyu might be on his way to pick me up" Ayman said getting up from her chair.

"Mere brother ki dulhan. Haan bolke aana" Sadiya winked at her. (My brother's future bride. Just say yes and come back)

"Ayman don't worry everything will be fine" Nabiya gave her support for she was nervous.

"Ayman don't get married after I'm gone. Please Jaldi se Jaldi shaadi karlo" Bushra beamed at her.

"Guys relax she's just going to talk to him and not to fix her wedding date" Ayesha being the smart one interrupted their blabbering session.

She came out and saw Shaamil waiting for her. She gave him a warm smile. He returned her the smile and thought about that day.

Shaamil would always stumble when he remembered her lifeless body in the hospital bed. She was brutally hurt. She had been depressed for a longer time. Hence the brothers decided to send her away from the family drama. They sent her to college to complete her studies. Graduate and turn into a strong girl.

∴━━━✿━━━∴

He reached the restaurant and took her to the table where Nihaal was already present. He left them and took a seat in a near by table to give them privacy and to also remain nearby as her mehram and not violate the rules of Islam.

They started with the greeting and they ordered their food. Ayman directly came to the point.

"Why did you send a proposal Nihaal? Are you pitying with me or sympathising with me" she asks getting offended.

"It's neither pity nor sympathy ayman. I care for you. I cannot see that hurt look on your face" he said scratching the back of his head.

"I know you're in pain Hayat. I know it hurts. You've got a precious heart Hayat, I want to keep it protected. I know you feel like you can never love again, but you can start loving yourself first. I will help you with that. I will become your happiness. We can become each others happiness. Just let me be your peace. Hold on to whatever peace you find and forget about the past" He portrayed his raw emotions. It was not a planned speech, he was just stating his heart out.

She was wondering how could someone who was a stranger to her about 2 months ago understand her so well.

"Maazi (past) ki baaton ko Maazi (past) me rehna do. Hum apne Haal (present) ke baare Mein dekheinge ab Hayat" he told her with a smile that reached his eyes.
(let's keep past in the past and concentrate on our future Hayat)

He saw her contemplating with her thoughts so he tried to put his point even further. He started again.

"Hamari zindagi me bechani ki ek wajah ye bhi hai ke hum jahan hain wahan hone ka he nahi seekha. Saara din ya toh Maazi (past) me hote hein ya toh mustaqbil (future) me, agar nahi hote toh Haal (present) me nahi hotien hein" he said softly.

(The restlessness in our life is because we don't live in our present and always drift to the past or always think about our future. We should always live out our present only then we can enjoy our life)

She thought about it and indeed he was right. She took a deep breath and finally thought about it.

"Theek hai. Hum Iss Nikah ke liye apni haami dete hein" she had performed her istekhara and she was getting good vibes. She knew it wasn't about getting dreams or something. She got that contented feeling in her heart and which is why she agreed for it. (Okay I'm ready for this Nikah)

He wanted to scream and enjoy the moment. He was overwhelmed.

Their food came in the meantime and they started to enjoy their food.

"I want to get married to you as soon as possible Hayat. I can't wait for more time. Let's get married by the end of this month" he told her getting all the more excited.

"Nihaal it's too early for me and also Zeeshan and Anam are getting married in two week. And Bushra is leaving by the end of this month. So it won't be possible" she put forward her point. She was not ready to get married so soon.

"Hayat it's not too early if you see it from my side. And I got an idea" he slightly chuckled. She felt giddy.

"Which is?" she composed herself and asked.

"I think we could marry on the same day as Zeeshan and Anam and make it a double wedding. Bushra will also be able to attend and enjoy" she saw that his point was right. She told him that she would talk to her parents about it and let him know.

Shaamil came and hugged his best friend and his lil sister. He was indeed happy for both of them. They continued talking and having lunch together.

∴━━━✿━━━∴

Sadiya had planned on meeting Zain and talking him about his behaviour with Ayman.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about? I hope it's not something related to Ayman"

"Zain it wasn't her fault. Life played with her. You could at least stand by her side. Remember that's what best friends do right? And you chose to stand against her like a stranger"

"Sadiya I just needed time to wrap up things and I burst on her in the heat of the moment. I was not in my senses"

She told her about Ayman's past and indeed he felt guilty for not listening to her and getting all furious and angry on her.

"If you truly love someone you will care about them Zain and not become a burden to them. Just like how Nihaal bhai had" he knew she was right.

" Thank you Sadiya for putting some sense back into me. I had lost my mind and acted all stupid. And maybe I was looking for my love in the wrong place. I honestly believe that I was wrong I will make sure to apologise to her and Nihaal sir" he smiled at her.

He told her that he would drop her home as it was late.

She got inside the car with him. He started driving and their was an awkward silence. He turned on the radio to change the atmosphere.

🎶Teri Nazar Ne Yeh Kya Kar Diya
Mujhse Hi Mujhko Juda Kar Diya
Main Rehta Hoon Tere Paas Kahin
Ab Mujhko Mera Ehsaas Nahi
Dil Kehta Hai Kasam Se 🎶

He turned towards her and saw her humming to the song. His heart skipped a beat. She was truly an amazing person. She always cared for him.

She was in her own world and didn't know about a particular pair of grey eyes scanning her.

🎶Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
Ke Zyada Bhi Hoga Tumhi Se
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse 🎶

He started to think if he truly loved Ayman or was just being blind eyed towards Sadiya. He knew she had liked him. He put his thoughts aside and continued driving.

"If you truly love someone you will care about them Zain and not become a burden to them" he remembered her words a few minutes ago.

🎶Meri Aankhon Ki Dua Hai
Yeh Chehra Tera
Ab Dekhe Bin Tujhe
Na Guzara Ho Mera
Main Saans Bhi Loon
Tujhe Chahe Bina
Ab Hoga Na Yeh Humse 🎶

Again he was reminded about the tike when she had cooked a cake for him on his birthday. She took care of every single thing of his. She helped him with assignments.

🎶Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Ikraar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Zyada Bhi Hoga Tumhi Se
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse
Ke Thoda Thoda Pyaar Hua Tumse 🎶

He decided to give his love a second chance. He was guilty about what he had done and decided to think about it.

He reached outside her home and dropped her. She thanked him and left.

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Assalamu alaikum dear readers

How are y'all?

I can't tell you how much it hurts to write about abuse and all.

Some parts are inspired by Hafsa_tahir 's her silence screamed a thousand words. The ironing part to be exact.

And also this story will be my last work and I don't feel like writing anymore. Don't worry I will finish this story.

Also I will be taking down Sayonee.

Two more chapters to go and this story will end.

I love you LihaMirza and kefimysa for always staying by my side and for the lovely support.

Stay safe and keep smiling.

~Zoe.