((((((((((____Chapter 42____))))))))))

When they arrived, they didn't have any strength left to make it to Salaar's portion and collapsed on the lobby sofas.

"Salaar, I'm telling you, if you don't dance at my wedding the way I did at yours, I'll haunt you after my death," Jawad said, his voice wavering with exhaustion.

"Yes, you're right because your marriage will probably happen near your death," Fahad chuckled, avoiding Jawad's murderous glares.

"Sir Salaar, we've arranged guest rooms for you. Tonight, you'll sleep there," Zubair said, emerging from the entrance.

"Why, Zubair? You know very well that I can't sleep without my bed," Salaar replied, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Sir, you're right, but please understand it is decorated for..." Zubair trailed off, too embarrassed to complete his sentence.

"Okay, okay, but I have a condition: you need to arrange another room for these two," Salaar said, unable to control his blush as he accepted Zubair's offer.

"Why? We can't sleep with you?" Fahad asked, a bit annoyed. He didn't want to be the only one enduring Jawad's snoring all night.

"Understand, Fahad Princess Salaar doesn't want anyone disturbing his royal thoughts," Jawad teased, prolonging the sentence to provoke Salaar.

Without giving him any importance, Salaar followed Zubair.

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"Amma, Dadi's blood pressure is still very high. Before the Rukhsati, we should take her to the doctor," Ahmed exclaimed with concern, folding the blood pressure apparatus.

"No, I will be alright. It's just that I haven't talked to Fareed since the marriage. It's got me a little stressed," Yasmeen clarified, but her voice stuttered due to weakness.

"What's the matter?" Zarmeena questioned. With that, their gazes moved upwards. Zarmeena had books in her handbag at her back, and she was all ready to go to university.

"What is this, Zarmeena? The house is full of guests, and you are going to university on your wedding day! What will they think?" Zareena scolded, extremely annoyed.

"Mom, I have an important test today. I cannot skip it just for this useless function. Although the function is in the evening, I will be back long before it starts," Zarmeena answered carelessly. Zareena couldn't say anything and just glared at her with taunting eyes.

"Zarmeena, you have only this day with us, and soon you'll be gone to your new home," Dadi said. At her words, Zarmeena gazed at her with complaining eyes and silently perched at the corner of her bed. Zareena and Ahmed left them alone to clear their differences.

"Zaro, my most obedient daughter, you didn't even complain about my decision. You didn't even ask why I played with your life. This thing has drowned me further into remorse," Yasmeen paused, and her gaze shifted downwards, showing that she was unable to meet Zarmeena's eyes. Zarmeena remained silent, feeling the weight of the moment.

"I am guilty of both you and Fareed. First, I tied both of you in an engagement, knowing that you don't love each other, and now I forced you into this marriage. Will you ever be able to forgive this regretful Dadi of yours?" Her voice stuttered due to her hoarseness. Zarmeena's gaze lifted upwards, with wet corners at the sides of her eyes. She looked at her hopefully. Zarmeena stood up and put her arms around her.

"It's okay, Dadi. I have no grievances, but you know about my dreams," Zarmeena said, pouting.

"Zarmeena, I agreed to this wedding because I knew that Salaar loves you more than Fareed. And a husband's love is the biggest strength of a woman. Promise me you will value his love and give this marriage a chance," Yasmeen said, holding Zarmeena in her arms, wanting to bind her in another promise.

"Okay, Dadi, I promise. Now, let me go. I have a very important test today," Zarmeena tried to console her.

"No need to go anywhere. This is your test. Go to your room and attempt it. I will submit your answer sheet to your teacher," Sajid came out of nowhere and stood in front of her, holding the question sheet in his hand.

"Thank you," Zarmeena grinned, her teeth clenched in fury as she snatched the papers from his hands.

"Don't mention it. What are friends for?" Sajid let out a broad grin, fueling her anger by adding more to it.
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Jawad was in a beautiful garden, hand in hand with a stunning girl. The girl grinned, revealing a beautiful dimple. They strolled towards a table filled with a lavish feast. The girl dragged a chair for him and offered him a plate, which he accepted without any resistance. She began filling his plate and leaned forward to place it in front of him, her cascading long hair brushing against his arms.

"Your Highness, all of these graces and flavors are only for you, my lord. I am a fairy of love, showering all my affection upon you," she said.

He took her in his arms, but suddenly, someone kicked him in the back.

"Stop snoring, you idiot! It's 10 in the morning. At least let me get some sleep before the wedding," Fahad's voice dragged him out of his mesmerizing dream.

"Oh, Fahad, I wish you could understand my pain. I was about to kiss that fairy when you broke my dream," Jawad said gloomily, pouting at Fahad.

"Oh, my prince, these are the aftershocks of the henna you applied on your hands," Fahad teased.

"Sir Fahad, Sir Salaar is waiting for you both at breakfast," Zubair informed after knocking on the door.

"Tell him I'm coming, and Prince Jawad is still in his dreams," Fahad replied, taunting Jawad before following Zubair.

"Wait! I'm coming. At least let me have some good food here." Jawad said, jumping out of bed and throwing the covers aside.

Zubair smiled at their playful antics.
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Zarmeena was done with her test when Warda and Nazli came to take her to the beauty salon. It was the first time Nazli visited her sister-in-law's house. Glancing around, an unintentional sneer touched her face as she sensed their financial status was much lower than theirs. However, she quickly controlled her composure, fearing Warda would notice. After her argument with Taimur over Salaar's marriage, Nazli wanted to make up with him by taking an active part in the wedding preparations.

"As-salamu alaikum," Zareena quickly greeted them.

"Wa alaikum as-salam. This is Taimur's wife, Nazli," Warda formally introduced them.

Zareena nodded and placed her hand on Nazli's head.

"Amma wanted us to show Zarmeena's bridal dress to her Dadi first," Warda explained the purpose of their visit. Zarmeena led them to Yasmeen's room.

Yasmeen was still lost in thoughts about Fareed's silence.

"Salam, Aunty. This is Zarmeena's bridal dress," Warda said.

Yasmeen rose with great difficulty and walked to the cupboard. After rummaging for a few moments, she retrieved a white dupatta. She then opened a large, beautifully carved wooden case where the bridal dress was kept.

"MashaAllah, it's beautiful, exactly like my Zaro," Yasmeen said in a frail but happy voice. She carefully covered the folded dress with the dupatta.

"Bridal dresses are considered very holy in our society. This dupatta was bought in Makkah during my Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). It will protect the dress from curses and evil eyes."

"Thank you, Aunty. Now, can we take Zarmeena to the salon for her bridal makeup?" Warda asked, seeking permission.

"Zarmeena is all yours. How can I deny you?" Yasmeen replied thoughtfully.

"Thank you, Aunty. We'll take our leave now," Warda said.

Zarmeena hugged Yasmeen, and then left with Warda and Nazli.
________________________________

Meanwhile, Salaar was lingering in a room, his face clouded with worry.
"Sir Salaar, this is your wedding suit," Zubair said as he entered with a beautifully designed groom's dress.

"Is everything okay, Sir Salaar?" Zubair couldn't help but ask, noticing his tense expression.

"Zubair, I was relaxed when she approved the marriage, but now that the moment is near, I keep wondering how she will react to all this. I know she was against this marriage and agreed only because she couldn't deny her Dadi." Salaar's deep-seated fears finally took the shape of words as he spoke to Zubair.

"Sir Salaar, don't worry. Everything will be alright. Girls in our society eventually accept their marriages, no matter how opposed they might initially be," Zubair said with a smile, trying to calm him down. He had never seen Salaar so concerned about anyone before.

"I wish it were that simple, Zubair. Zarmeena is nothing like those girls. She still thinks I betrayed her friendship," Salaar sighed deeply, his worries evident.

The door creaked open, and Taimur stepped inside, dressed in a grey sherwani paired with a black shawl and traditional khusas. He looked exceptionally handsome.
"Salaar, the time is near. Go and get dressed. Zubair, please..." Taimur urged, glancing at his brother.

"Taimur, you look very handsome," Salaar said, gazing at his brother with loving eyes. Zubair nodded in agreement.

"Oh, my brother, don't praise me too much. You're always here to overshadow my market value," Taimur replied with amusement.
"Let's go, brother, and bring the new member of this family-your Zarmeena."

When Salaar reached the beautifully decorated venue, many of the guests hooted and cheered, praising his appearance as a groom. Their applause made him nervous, and he gripped Taimur's hand tightly.

Every fiber of his being waited for Zarmeena. He longed to see his tomboyish Zarmeena in her bridal dress. Finally, the moment arrived. She appeared, walking towards the stage, escorted by their mothers. She looked stunning in her red bridal dress. His heart seemed to stop at the sight of her radiant beauty. Her lashes fluttered, and he couldn't tell if it was from nervousness or her signature anger. Salaar's eyes refused to leave her face; he saw nothing else but her gaze.

His body tensed in anticipation of her arrival, but suddenly, there was a thud. Sajida plopped into the seat reserved for Zarmeena.
"Salaar, I will not let your bride sit here with you, unless you pay for it," Sajida announced without moving an inch.

"Salaar, don't worry. We're here to defend you. So, Sajida, what are you saying? Salaar won't pay a single penny, and we'll throw you out instead," Jawad declared, reaching for her hand. Before he could, two hands blocked him.

"How will you do that when we're here?" Sajid and Ahmed chimed in.

"Yes, and we want one lakh rupees," Sajida said, emboldened by the support.

"Oh, madam, are you out of your senses? Who carries that much cash?" Fahad exclaimed in surprise.

"We don't care! We won't accept less than that amount," Sajida demanded.

"What if you get crushed by my powerful hands?" Jawad asked, flexing his muscles in a bid to scare them off.

"And what if you get beaten by Zarmeena's gang?" Sajid countered. The threat worked, and Jawad and Fahad fell silent, reminded of Zarmeena's fierce reputation.

"My brother, you're a rich man. One lakh is nothing to you. If you don't have cash, send it online! Save your innocent friends from these monsters," Jawad joked, earning laughter from everyone around.

Warda finally stepped in, offering valuable gifts and the demanded money to Sajida's group. At last, Zarmeena was allowed to sit beside Salaar.

The guests showered them with gifts and praises, and the function eventually came to an end. The Khans grew quiet as their beloved Zarmeena prepared to leave for her new home. Yasmeen, Zareena, Ahmed, Sajid, and Sajida were all teary-eyed. Warda and Nazli escorted Zarmeena towards the bridal car. Taimur held the Holy Quran over her head, and Musa opened the car door for her.

Before stepping into the car, Zarmeena turned to her family and hugged them one by one.
"Zarmeena, always remember the promise you made to me. Live a happy life with Salaar," Yasmeen whispered in her ear.

Zareena hugged Salaar tightly. "Our Zaro is very emotional and stubborn. If she ever offends you, please forgive her," she said, worried about Zarmeena's fiery nature.

"Don't worry, aunty. I know her well," Salaar reassured her with a smile. Zareena patted his shoulder, comforted by his words.

Moments later, Salaar and Zarmeena were seated in the car, heading toward Malik Villas.