Inaraah's p.o.v.

Inaraah's room:

I woke up to the sound of alarm. I hardly slept for 3 hours as I couldn't sleep till late night. Again the alarm started ringing and this time even Suhana woke up. I got up and made my way towards washroom. After removing my Mehendi, I did my wudhu(ablution). I started offering my prayer while Suhana went to freshen up. After offering my Tahajjud, I sat down to make dua.

Alhamdullilah for this new day. Ya Rab, today is an important day of my life. It is your will that I accepted this proposal. I don't know what tomorrow holds for me but it will be for my good.

Ya Allah, bless our marriage. Make us the coolness of each others eyes. Enlighten our path with your abundant mercy.

You know me better than I know myself. Don't let my fear and insecurities spoil my new relations. Forgive my sins and make me worthy of their love and faith.

And lastly, shower your blessings upon my family. Always keep them healthy and happy. Forgive their sins and bless them. Ameen.

I wiped the tears which unknowingly slipped from my eyes. I looked at my right side where Suhana was busy making dua. The sound of Azaan(Call of prayer) echoed in the room calming my nerves. We both sat in silence listening to it. Then we offered our Fajr Salah and started reciting Quran.

It was around 6 when I got up and placed the Quran in its place. I went near the window and sat their witnessing the sun rise. It was so beautiful Subhan Allah.

"What are you thinking Inu? And how are you feeling?" Suhana asked sitting by my side.

"Alhamdullilah(All Praise to Allah) I feel good. I mean my heart is content. With the rising Sun, my negativity is leaving me." I replied.

"Inu can I ask u something?" Suhana asked to which I just gave a nod.

"Do you love Alhaan jiju?" Suhana questioned.

My head snapped in her direction. I didn't expect her to ask something like that. I felt conscious suddenly not knowing what to say. I stayed mum for good few minutes and then replied, "I don't know Suhana. Loving someone is not easy. If you love a person by their appearance, then I don't call it as love.

Love is a complete different concept for me. You should be able to trust that person more than yourself. True Love is when you know both the good and bad side, strong and weak point of the person and yet you choose to be with them.

And I don't know anything about Alhaan sir. I do like him but I cannot say that I love him. I need time to understand him, to trust him, to love him. He do have a soft spot in my heart but I cannot name it as love. It is necessary to know a person completely, to Love them deeply."

We sat in complete silence after our little conversation. I was gazing at the sky thinking about our life. A journey where we need to hold onto each other, built trust and find love. My mind was clouded with so many thoughts and I let them consume me.

I am simple, yet complicated..

Lost, scared, weak and defeated..

I smile brightly to hide my tears..

And pretend to overcome my fears..

I don't know how to charm..

Please love me for who I am..

A simple life is what I wish..

With memorable moments to cherish..

"Inu" A voice brought me back to present. I looked at Afreen bhabi who had a worried expression. "Where are you lost Inu?" Bhabi asked.

"Nothing much, I am fine Bhabi." I replied.

"You should sleep for some more time. You are looking tired." Bhabi said. I am actually tired. I couldn't sleep properly last night. But now I want to spend some time with them.

"I will rest later Bhabs. Just stay here with me for sometime. Don't know when we will get the chance to sit together and chat for hours. Please stay." I requested her.

She smiled at my request and we made ourselves comfortable on bed. Samiha Bhabi joined us in a while. We were reliving all our moments together. The day my Bhabis came in this house, our silly banter, our cooking competition, discussions on designer dresses and jewellery. I felt nostalgic thinking of our time. It was as if it all happened yesterday. I am gonna miss all this.

Suddenly the topic shifted to wedding and again these people started lecturing me. Whenever they spoke about the duties of wife, I want to run away somewhere.

'Ya Allah, please help me. I am not ready.................. you know what I am trying to say right. I really hope Alhaan sir will understand my situation and give me my space. I am so scared. Please be with me.'

"Inu where are you lost?" Samiha bhabi asked.

"Nothing Bhabi. Its just I am sleepy." I replied not knowing what to say.

"Yes you should sleep for sometime." Saying so my Bhabis left the room. Suhana and I lied back to get some sleep.

_______________

I was room arrested since mommy asked me not to step out of my room. It was 11.30 am and I was simply sitting making little conversations with Suhana. Suddenly the door opened and in walked my Bhabis along with my idiot friends Neha and Alisha. My blood boiled seeing them and without thinking I started scolding them.

"Why are you both here? You shouldn't have taken so much trouble to come here. It was completely fine if you came directly to the wedding hall." I was so annoyed at them. They called themselves my friends and didn't even show up when I asked them to stay at my place.

"We are sorry Inu. See we came now to spend whole day with you." Neha said.

"Oh Thank you so much for taking out time for me from your busy life. I am highly obliged." I retorted in a sarcastic way.

"Common yaar Inu, we are sorry. Please don't be mad at us." Alisha spoke.

I calmed down after their continuous pleadings and apologies. We started discussing about the rituals that took place yesterday.

"Wow Inu, your Mehendi colour is so dark. Do you know what it means?" Neha spoke wiggling her eyebrows. I looked at them who were having a teasing smile but I won't let them tease me now. 

"Yes Of course. It means that I let it stay for overnight and didn't put my hand in water until today morning, that's why the colour came so dark." I replied in an extremely sweet tone.

"See I told before, she is so unromantic. Her otherwise boring life will have romance only because of Alhaan jiju. But I pity him for getting the most unromantic girl as wife." Alisha spoke in a dull tone.

I shook my head at their silliness. What's the connection between dark Mehendi colour and husband's love. If love depends on Mehendi colour then the divorce ratio would increase if Mehendi colour didn't turn out to be dark.

The rest of the day went in blur and soon it was Asr time. It was decided that Nikah would be done after Asr Salah. I dressed up in a simple cream and white dress for the Nikah. I was taken to the living room where all the male members of my family along with Maulvi sahab was waiting. My hands became sweaty and my legs started shivering. I felt as if my senses blocked and my throat went dry.

I was so lost that I didn't even hear what Maulvi sahab said. Someone placed a hand on my shoulder bringing me back to my senses. Everyone were waiting for my reply. I swallowed the lump and gave my acceptance for the Nikah. He questioned me two more times and I accepted it. I was given papers to sign which I did with shaky hands.

Soon they left and mommy engulfed me in a hug. I hold onto her and without my knowledge again tears made their way out of my eyes. Everyone blessed me for new life and then I was send back to my room.

I was sitting in my room thinking of the event which took place few minutes before. Everything happened in a blink of an eye and I didn't know how to respond. Inayaah Di walked into my room along with my Bhabis.

"Congratulations Inu. Alhamdullilah my little sister is a married women now." Saying so Inayaah Di kissed my forehead and engulfed me in a hug. My Bhabis hugged and congratulated me followed by my friends.

There was a knock on the door and we separated from each other. I looked at the door where my brothers stood. "Can we come in? We want to talk to Inu" Fahad bhaiya asked.

All the ladies left my room leaving my brothers behind. They came in and settled around me.

Fahad bhaiya took my hand in his and said, "My little sister is married now." He looked so happy with tears glistening in his eyes. Again tears started forming in my eyes.

"Today I won't lecture you on anything Inu. I just want to tell you that I am always there for you. We are cousins yet I always considered you as my little sister. I know I have always put restrictions on you, but believe me it was for your own good. I am really proud of you. Remember this Inu, I am just a call away from you." Fahad bhaiya spoke.

I couldn't control myself and hugged him while crying. It was too much for me to take up. I looked at Ziyaad bhaiya who had a tender smile on his face. He wiped my tears and said, "I am always there to protect you. Be happy always." I just gave a nod and hugged him. My brother, my biggest support who protected me from everything.

I composed myself and settled back in my place. I looked at my right side where Shaad bhaiya was seated. I was waiting for him to say something. He stayed silent for a little while and then said, "I am happy that I don't have to eat half cooked or burnt food anymore." He was looking outside the window while speaking.

For the first time, his teasing didn't annoy me. Again he went all silent as if he was thinking of what to speak further. I don't like this side of him.

"I will miss you Inu." He whispered.

He looked at me and said, "Whom will I tease now?" A single tear rolled down my cheek and I hugged his left arm. He wrapped his arm around me while I kept crying in his arms.

"I know I always tease you but I am always there for you Inu." Shaad bhaiya said.

Though they tease me but they pampered me the most. We parted from each other when my parents and rest of the family joined us. I got up from my place and went near my parents.

"I am sorry Baba. Sorry for everything." I apologized for all the mistakes. He engulfed me in a hug and I snuggled into him. Today my tears had no control. I remained in his embrace not wanting to leave him. One by one everyone hugged me and advised me. It was Magrib time and everyone started to move out of my room. Baba asked my sister and Bhabis to get me ready after the prayer.

After the prayer, I went to shower again. The hot water relaxed my nerves and my headache was slowly subsiding. I took my time in the shower. After 20 minutes, I came out where the ladies were waiting for me. Neha dried my hair while Suhana brought my wedding dress.

Everyone left the room so I can change. The dress was too heavy and I was feeling difficulty in walking. I opened the door and let them walk in. All were gazing at me as if I am an alien.

"What?" I questioned feeling conscious.

"You look beautiful Inu." Alisha said.

I just smiled at her. I am not good with compliments and it makes me feel awkward. Inayaah Di tied my hair in a simple yet beautiful low bun. It was Isha'a time so Inayaah Di asked me to pray first and then she would continue with my make up.

I made a sour face on hearing make up and earned a glare from all the ladies. Without any argument, I went to washroom and did my wudhu. After my Salah, Suhana helped me in wearing the jewellery.

Inayaah Di sat in front of me to do my makeup. I made a puppy face hoping she would skip it. "I am not going to melt with those eyes Inu. I will do minimal make up. So don't protest" Inayaah Di said.

Once I was completely ready, they allowed me to look at the mirror. I was shocked to see the girl in the mirror. This is so not me. Afreen Bhabi called mommy to have a look at me. She had tears seeing me in my wedding dress. She took kajal and applied it on my left foot.

I got so many compliments which only made me conscious. 'Is it necessary to give compliments?' Once everyone got ready, we all left to the wedding hall.

(Inaraah's wedding dress. Pics credit Dream_Girl_Unnisa )👇👇👇

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Alhaan's p.o.v.

Qureshi mansion:

Today is the most important day of my life. We will be tied together in the pious bond of Nikah. And In sha Allah our journey will continue in the world hereafter.

After offering my Zuhr Salah, I came back to my room. All the events from yesterday started replaying on my mind. My conversation with Ziyaad Bhai, my promise, My brothers advise.

"Marriage is a very sacred relation. Both the partners have to put an equal effort to make it work. You should be understanding and patient. Girls leave everything behind just to complete a mans life. Always remember that she was made to be beside you. So never ever treat her less. And most importantly give her enough time to adjust to the new changes of her life." Faizan Bhai said.

This relation is new for both of us, but Inaraah's sacrifice is the bigger contribution in it. We don't know much about each other, but I am sure she is scared.

I don't know what happened in her past. Only thing I know is that she is no more the naughty and funny girl she used to be. These things kept on running on my mind. After a lot of brain storming, I came up with a decision.

I looked at Inaraah's picture from our engagement. She was scared, fear evident in her eyes. I know its not easy for her and I will make sure to replace that fear with happiness and love.

'Our marriage will get its true meaning when I will fill your heart with love for me. Until then I will maintain my distance from you Inaraah. I will never ever impose myself upon you. Take your time to fall in love with me. I will wait for you. That's a promise.'

I smiled looking at her innocent face. I will go to any extent to pull you back from your past. It may take time but I will not give upon you. I don't know what to do but I believe in my love. It will make a way for me to reach your heart.

My eyelids felt heavy and I dozed off to sleep. I don't know for how long I slept but the banging on the door woke me up. I took my phone to look at the time and was shocked to know it's 4.15 pm already.

'Freak. I need to be at the mosque by 5.15 pm.'

I opened the door only to meet an angry looking Azaan bhai. "Do you know what time it is?" Azaan Bhai asked.

"Umm.. I'm sorry Bhai. I dozed off." I replied.

"You will be a married man within an hour. Please grow up Chote." Bhai started scolding me.

"I am sorry Bhai. I'll meet you in 20 minutes." I said.

He left my room while I dashed into the bathroom to have the fastest shower of my life. Thankfully my clothes were ironed before itself. I quickly changed my clothes and applied itr(perfume). I left my room and met my family in the living room.

It was 4.40 pm and it would take nearly 30 mins to reach the mosque nearby Inaraah's house. The nikah would take place in mosque as decided. After Salah, Inaraah's father along with her brothers and uncles left to ask her permission for Nikah. I don't know why but I felt fear creeping in me. What if she rejects? This question was constantly ringing in my mind.

A sense of relief passed through me when her family returned with a smiling face. Maulvi sahab came near me to ask my permission for marriage.

"Do you Alhaan Rahman Qureshi, son of Rahman Qureshi accept Syeda Inaraah, daughter of Syed Yousuf as your wife upon the given Meher of 51,000?" Maulvi sahab questioned.

Don't know why I felt nervous all of the sudden. I took a deep breath and replied, 'Qubool hai'(I accept/I do). He questioned for two more times and I gladly accepted. Then he gave me papers to sign. I smiled looking at Inaraah's signature.

Alhamdullilah. Finally we are married. Everyone started to congratulate me. Fahad Bhai came near me and said, "From this moment, Inaraah is your responsibility. Take good care of my little sister."

"I will. I promise." I replied.
_________________

After offering Isha'a Salah, we made our way towards the wedding hall. The hall was beautifully decorated with white and red flowers and yellow curtains in the background.

The people who couldn't make it up at nikah came to congratulate me. I was busy meeting everyone when Faizan Bhai came up to me.

"Chote go and meet Inaraah." Faizan Bhai said.

I gave him a blank look. I mean how can I go in ladies section. It's really awkward for me. Maybe sensing my nervousness, Bhai replied, "Don't worry Chote. You don't have to pass through the ladies. There is a separate door which leads to stage. And mamma will be with you."

I just gave a nod and made my way towards the other side. Mamma was standing near the door waiting for me. As I approached her, she kissed my forehead. My heart started beating fast with every step I took towards Inaraah.

When I reached near the stage, my eyes fell on Inaraah. For a milli second, I felt my heart beat stopped. She was looking so beautiful in her wedding dress. A veil was placed on her head but not completely. Her head was casted downwards.

Her eyes were shivering and as always she was holding Afreen Bhabi's hand. Upon mamma's request, she looked at me. When our eyes met, I felt like everything around us stopped for a while. It was same like the first time in office when our eyes met.

I guess it was hardly for 15 seconds when she quickly looked away. I smiled at her response and went back to the other section. After a hearty dinner and healthy chat with friends, it was time to leave.

I hated this moment when Inaraah was in tears. She hugged her father and cried in his arms. I couldn't see her in such state, so I just looked away from her. My efforts can never equal to her sacrifice. She is leaving behind her world to enter into mine.

Ziyaad Bhai came to me and said, "I am trusting you with my sister Alhaan. Take good care of her and if possible do fulfil your promise."

"I know Bhai. In sha Allah one day you will meet the Inaraah you wished to see. I will fulfil my promise." I replied in a confident tone.

After bidding farewell to her family, we moved towards my car and started our journey to a new life.

Once we reached home, we all settled in the living room while my Bhabis took Inaraah to our room. Even after sleeping for 2 hours in the afternoon I still feel tired. I was drinking water and all this while I felt as if I am being watched.

I looked around to see all my cousins and brothers staring at me. I raised my left eyebrow at them in a questioning way while they just smiled at me. A cunning smile to be more precise.

"You look tired Chote. Go to your room and have some rest." Azaan Bhai said.

Something is surely fishy. How come these people are letting me go so easily. I looked at all of them to get some hint but didn't get any. I shrugged my shoulders and made my way to the room. I was trying to open the door but it was locked.

'That was the reason for those creepy smiles.'

I turned around only to meet all these idiots. Sometimes I feel Zeeshan and Ayaan are more matured than these people.

"Give me the keys Bhai." I said and in return got snickering from them. I was annoyed at their childish act. How can they lock Inaraah?

"You have to lose something in order to gain something." One of my cousin spoke. I wanted to scold them but then again it was of no use. So I decided to give them money and take the keys back. I handed them whatever money I had in my pocket.

"Oye ho! Too eager to meet Bhabi." Tauhid remarked.

I just rolled my eyes at them and forwarded my hand. They placed the keys and slowly took a step back. I looked at them who were again giving me those creepy smiles. I ignored them and unlocked the door.

The room was dark with only bedside lamp on. I went near the bed where Inaraah was seated. I felt awkward not knowing what to speak. I was about to sit on the bed when my eyes fell on her hands.

When I met Inaraah, her hands were covered with mehendi. I moved towards the switch board and switched on the lights. I came back and pulled the veil of the person sitting on the bed. It was none other than my cousin Roshan.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned him.

In return, I heard snickering from outside the door. My cousin was sitting on my bed wrapped in a Saree. I should have guessed that they would do something like this. I opened the door to throw him out when I saw my brothers and cousins rolling on the floor laughing.

'What was so funny?'

"Did you like our surprise Alhaan?" Tauhid asked.

I can't believe that my best friend is involved with them. I just glared at them when I heard another series of laughter. I looked on my right side where my Bhabis and other girls were standing along with Inaraah.

Inaraah was looking down but I could see her smiling. Even though I was annoyed but I was content that this stupid prank brought a smile on her face.

"Alhaan Bhai if you want to have Bhabi all for yourself then give us our reward."

How much do I have to pay? I already paid these good for nothing people to enter my room and now again I have to pay them to get back my wife.

"I already paid them. I don't have anything to give you all. But I will give you all your reward tomorrow morning. Now please let go of my wife." I requested them.

All I got in return was a series of Oooo's and whistles. These girls were not ready to hear a word and were persistent on their demands. Thanks to my lovely mamma, who came in time and rescued us from these monsters.

Then the girls took Inaraah inside the room while these boys caught hold of me. They started giving me silly advises. All I wished was to punch them. How much do they want to embarrass me?

All the girls came out and mamma took everyone along with her. I sighed in relief and went back to my room. Again the same nervousness bubbled up in me. I looked at Inaraah who was tightly holding the bed sheet.

"Relax Inaraah. I am equally nervous like you." I said.

She immediately let go of the bed sheet and composed herself. The room was packed in an awkward silence. I looked around the room when my eyes feel on the Quran and prayer rugs placed in the room. I turned towards Inaraah and said, "How about we offer two rakath Salat-e-Shukr(Thanksgiving prayer)?"

For the first time she looked at me with a tender smile and gave a nod. I helped her in getting up from the bed and asked her to change first. Once she was done I went to freshen up. We placed the prayer mats while I led the prayer. Our first prayer together. It felt so good and I felt complete. After the prayer, we just sat thanking the creator for this beautiful day.

Again the room was engulfed in an awkward silence. Inaraah was playing with her fingers while I stood on the right side of the bed. I cleared my throat and spoke, "You must be tired. It's late as well. We should sleep."

With slow steps, she started moving towards the other side of the bed. I know she is scared and I should be comforting her. But I am nervous too. I never thought it would be this awkward between us.

After settling on our respective sides, I turn to look at her. Her eyes were closed but suddenly she looked at me. I smiled at her and congratulated her for the wedding. She had a shy smile on her face and wished me in return. Though her words were just above the whisper. Thanks to silence in the room if not I wouldn't have heard her.
The awkwardness between us started vanishing and soon sleep consumed us.