It was a September morning, the weather exceptionally pleasant. Although September is not known for its cold temperatures, today was an exception – perhaps a sign of harmony between the couple?

At six in the morning, the melodic chirping of birds echoed throughout the city. Karachi, being one of Pakistan's largest cities, possessed a unique charm in its construction.

Even at this early hour, the sounds of cars and buses drowned out the birdsong. Rubaab, typically not an early riser, found herself sleepless for the past two nights, haunted by Anabia's words about her parents' untimely demise – a tragedy linked to her decisions.

Nights became a battleground for Rubaab, grappling with guilt. Were her parents the ones eager to meet Karim Shah for some business? Despite knowing the truth, her innocent mind couldn't shake the self-blame. What if she had stopped them? Would they be here with her on her wedding day?

Rubaab's dreams were never grand. Loved by her parents but loathed by her extended family, she merely aspired to a simple married life, mirroring her mother's happiness. However, as the impending nuptials approached, a sense of foreboding gripped her, forcing her to reevaluate her decision repeatedly.

She was not as naive as they perceived. Rubaab understood the lifelong commitment awaiting her. Even on her wedding day, glitches and doubts persisted. Standing before her open window in a night suit, a black shawl draped around her, she sighed as the chilly wind brushed against her face.

The door burst open, and a lively Sana entered, teasing Rubaab about her early awakening on the wedding day.
"Aj to bari jaldi uth gain han, raha nahi jata?" Rubaab, sensing the double entendre, pouted and looked away.

(You woke up quite early, cant wait han)

Seeing Rubaab's distress, Sana's cheerful demeanor faded. "Kya hua" She sat beside Rubaab, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, inquiring about the cause of her unease. Rubaab, sensitive, started sniffing.

(What happened)

"Darr lag raha hai!" Rubaab confessed in a quiet and frail voice. Sana, almost on the verge of tears herself, asked, "Kis baat ka darr?"

(I am afraid)
(Why)

"Mai sahi kar rahi hun na, Sana?" Rubaab sought reassurance in a vulnerable, child-like tone. Sana, staring at her with concern, responded, "Rubaab, we all know you are very young and shouldn't get married, but it's Arsalan bhai who's going to be your husband! If you are worried about him, you know how amazing a person he is. He's going to be an amazing husband as well."

(Am I doing right?)

"I know! Mujhe pata hai!! Mujhe dar hai ki mujhe to kuch nahi pata hai k kaise rehte hain kisi larke k sath... Mama or baba always happy hua karte the... Agar hum na hue to? Mai kya karungi kisi ko khush karne k lie mujhe nahi pata," Rubaab spoke, her lips forming a pout, revealing her fear of the unknown.

(I know but I dont know how to live with a boy, mama baba used to be happy and I dont know how to make someone happy!)

Hearing Rubaab's concerns, Sana playfully chided her, "Itni si baat? Ye behan kis din kam aayegi? Shohar ko khush karna seekhna hai na? I'll tell you, but don't be scared, okay!" Sana reassured Rubaab, anticipating her emotional response.

(You are worried for nothing, I am here right. I will teach you how to keep husband's happy)

Rubaab nodded, and Sana began explaining some seemingly confusing things, causing Rubaab to blush in embarrassment and fear.

While downstairs, after a light breakfast, preparations for the nikkah were underway. Arsalan's eagerness to expedite the nikkah and delay the rukhsati until Rubaab completed her education showcased his impatience. His gaze couldn't help but linger on her, and his heart carved out a space exclusive to Rubaab.

Seeing his soon-to-be wife in front of him but unable to hold or talk to her freely tested Arsalan's patience. At times, the desire to simply get married clashed with the realization that her age mandated restraint.

Haseena, the exuberant mother, reveled in the preparations, unwilling to let Arsalan's impatience dampen her enthusiasm.

"Mama, please yaar, aram karne dein... meri shadi hai!" Haseena sighed for the ninth time, hearing Arsalan's anxious pleas. She turned to face him, a playful smile playing on her lips. "Kis baat ke liye itna energetic ho rahe ho? Koi zaroorat nahi hai...
Sirf nikkah horaha hai!"

(Ammi let me rest, its my wedding)
(Why, nothing is happening, its just nikkah)

Arsalan's face resembled a ripe tomato upon hearing his mother talking so openly. Clearing his throat, he stammered, "Ammi... aisa nahi kehain, meri biwi hogi wese bhi wo!" With that, he swiftly ran from his mother, leaving her chuckling. She muttered 'besharam' under her breath and walked away. The nikkah was scheduled for seven pm, and it was already four, yet their decorations were far from completion.
(Ammi dont speak like this, she will be my wife)
_______

Exiting her room, Aliya felt a surge of resentment at the sight of the decorations. Suppressing her tears, she made her way to Rubaab's room.

Violently opening the door, she found Rubaab in her nikkah attire, sitting on the bed. Approaching her with anger, Aliya's accusatory words filled the room. Rubaab, confused, sensed something amiss.

"Mil gaya sukoon? Aj to bhot khush hogi na tum, Rubaab!"

(Are you happy now rubaab?)

"Kya bol rahi hai, Aliya api?" Rubaab asked, scared and nervous with the aura radiating aliya, and Aliya, arms folded tauntingly, accused her " ye hi, ke kese bechari rubaab ab bari bahu ban rahi hai, han"

(What do you mean)
(The same, how you are becoming the bari bahu)

Rubaab's eyes welled up. , " maine kuch nhi kia ..p-phuppo c-chahti thi m-meri shadi h-ho..." She replied to aliya who snorted and folded her arms infront of her chest tauntingly!

(I didn't do anything, phuppo wanted it)

"Jese tumne to kuch kiya hi nahi hai, ARSLAN MERA THA! TUMBE CHHINA HAI USE MUJH SE!" Aliya erupted, causing Rubaab to yelp and flinch. Tears streamed down her face as she denied any involvement.
Her tears start making their ways down..." M-maine s-such m-mai k-kuch n-nahi kia"

(Like you didn't do anything? Arsalan was mine, you snatched him from me)

(I didn't do anything for real)

"Mujhe khush nahi rehne dungi, Rubaab...YAD RAKHNA," Aliya warned, turning to storm out while Rubaab sobbed. Arsalan, standing in the doorway, witnessed the scene. His stern expression silenced Aliya, who hurriedly looked around the room, nervous and scared.

(I wont let you be happy rubaab, remember it)

"A-arslan...w-wo m-mai," Aliya stuttered, attempting an explanation.His eyes were hard, his hands were clenched beside him, his vein on the forehead was popping! Alia was aware of this Arsalan! The angry Arsalan! aliya tried forming some words but was cutt of when Arsalan said "ap ki galat fehmi hogi agar apko lagta mai apko meri biwi ko rulane dunga... Ye pehli or akhri dafa ap ne rubaab par chillya hai... Dubara aisa hua to acha nhi hog" His words were clear! He had defended his to be wife. Alia understood the hidden threat! Arsalan, issuing a clear warning, declared that he wouldn't tolerate Rubaab being mistreated. He knelt beside Rubaab, holding her hands, and gently addressed her.

(Arsalan...I)
(It will be your innocence if you think I will let you misbehave with my wife. It is the first and last time you yell at rubaab and if it happens next time, it wont be good)

"Rubaab, maine apse iske bad tameezi ki maafi maangta hun... Ap abbu ko batana woh isko khub dante gein, okay?" Rubaab shook her head, declining the offer. "It's okay... Mujhe bura laga lekin woh bhi udas thin... I understand...ap kisi ko nahi batana, okay?" she assured him.

(Rubaab, I am sorry for her behaviour. If it happens again, you will tell me or abbu)
(Its okay,I didn't mind, she was sad)

Astonished, Arsalan observed Rubaab's forgiveness despite Aliya's mistreatment. Rubaab, like a child, sought confirmation, and Arsalan nodded. "Chalo ab neeche chalte hain? So that ap meri biwi ban jao! Chalen," he suggested, and Rubaab blushed, agreeing to accompany him.

(Lets go downstairs, so you can be mine)

Arsalan extended his hand, but as Rubaab was about to place hers in his, the room's door swung open again. This time, Haseena and Karim Shah entered.

Dramatic as ever, Haseena slapped her forehead. "Hae Allah Karim Ji... Apke bete se nikkah ka intezaar nahi hua!! Dekho kaise yahan pohcha hua hai." Karim Shah nodded, acknowledging the impatience in his son's actions. "Bete, apki hi toh hone wali hai...hum lekar aa hi toh rahe the, apke paas? Ap toh khud aage aaye?" Rubaab chuckled at their antics.

(Oh Allah karim shah, look at your son impatience)
(Yes son, she is about to be yours..why did you come here?)

The assembled family turned their adoring gaze towards Rubaab, expressing their approval. With a heartfelt 'Mashallah,' Arsalan departed, muttering 'jaldi le aen neeche.'

(Come fast)

His parents shook their heads, bemused by Arsalan's impatience. Perhaps tying the knot sooner rather than later was for the best.