Chapter 11
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A tense, quiet stillness hung in the grand hall of the Khan mansion, almost like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Riffat sat in her old rocking chair. She was softly doing zikar, her fingers counting each bead.
Beside her, Shabana sat on the floor, gently massaging her legs with hot oil.
The mayon ceremony had gone off without any trouble. The smell of turmeric and rose petals, still lingering in the air. But now that it was over, the silence that followed felt heavier.
Almost all the lights of the house were turned off except for the ones in the hall, which castef a soft glow on Riffat's face.
After a tiring day everyone had retired off to their bed chambers. She remained in the hall waiting for Zaviyar as she had some important matters to discuss with him.
She opened her eyes when she heard the soft thump of the boots against the marble floor. Knowing it was Zaviyar, she gestured to Shabana to bring water for him.
Zaviyar greeted Riffat and placed a soft peck on the back of her palm. He took a seat beside her on the couch, relaxing against the soft cushion. Riffat finished her zikar and placed the tasbeeh on the centre table.
Zaviyar frowned when he saw the tensed look on her face, " What's wrong ammi? You seemed tensed about something. ", Riffat nodded at his question.
" Today Zulekha's mother and her aunt approached me with a proposal... A marriage proposal. ", Zaviyar looked at her with an unreadable expression.
" Khwaish is not getting married. She has to complete her studies. ", he said with finality in his voice. He was about to get up and leave but Riffat's next words made his steps halt.
" Zulekha's aunt asked Safiya's hand in marriage for her son- Adnan. ", Zaviyar turned his head towards Riffat's direction so fast, it almost snapped.
" WHAT?!! "
Riffat flinched as his thunderous voice echoed through the hallway, sharp and sudden like a crack of lightning. She reached out, her fingers curling around his wrist, guiding him gently toward the couch. With quiet insistence, she urged him to sit, hoping he'd listen with a calmer heart.
"Have you told Wajahat chachu or chachi about this?" Riffat shook her head silently.
"Well, I'll have to. It's about their daughter, and they deserve to have a say in it," she said softly.
"Adnan doesn't seem like a bad guy, though. From what I heard, he's a doctor too and lives in the same city as them. I don't think they'd have much of an issue, but-" she added, but Zaviyar cut her off sharply.
"It would've been better if you had turned down the proposal yourself. She's not going to agree to this," he said firmly, dragging a hand through his already disheveled hair, his frustration barely contained.
"We can't be so sure, Zaviyar, after all-" she tried to reason, her voice laced with cautious hope, but he rose abruptly, his tone cold and resolute, leaving no room for further discussion.
"I know her, ammi... she wouldn't agree to this in a million years."
Without sparing her another glance, Zaviyar turned on his heel and strode toward the stairs. At the foot of the steps, he paused, his back still to her, and spoke with quiet finality.
"She would rather embrace death than tie herself to Azamgarh in any way."
The wedding prep had taken over the entire mansion, filling the air with frenzy and laughter. Riffat and Rabiya were inspecting the decorations, making sure everything for the nikah was on track. Only two days remained.
On the sofa, Safiya and Khwaish were going over designs for the bridal outfit and jewelry that would be gifted to Zulekha after the nikah. While Kabir was given the task to taste the freshly prepared sweets for the guests. And he was doing his work very diligently.
"Safi aapi, the peach lehenga looks good..", Khwaish said pointing at a picture of a designed peach lehenga in the phone.
"That goes well with the engagement ceremony. We should give her something of ivory white or cream white.", Safiya argued showing Khwaish her Pinterest board which she had sorted out.
"NO-", both the girls turned to where the voice had come from.
"Give her a black lehenga. More than 20 aunties in the village will have a heart attack from the shock. And it will be iconic.", Kabir said grinning at them. Kabir was holding two forks each having a gulab jamun. He was trying to see whether he could eat two gulab jamun at once or not.
Safiya and Khwaish shared a look before both of them took the forks into their mouths eating one gulab jamun each which melted into their mouths.meanwhile Kabir shrieked almost at the verge of tears as his favourite sweet just got stolen from him.
He was about to jump on both of them, ready to throw hands but stopped when a voice interrupted from the doorway indicating that guests were coming into the living room.
"Adnan, please come in.", Nauman said pulling Adnan in with him.
"No... no, uncle it's okay. I just came to drop off some of Zulekha's things.", he said trying to wave off the offer but it went to deaf ears.
"No, beta. I can't just let you go like this."
" Have a seat beta. ", Nauman was about to sit with him but then another man came and told him that the decoration guy was here to meet him. Nauman excused himself after telling the trio to accompany him.
Kabir was sitting just then another man came and called Kabir as he had to go pick up his aunt. He excused himself and soon Khwaish was also leaving as a sudden call from the senior of her medical College had her adhering to him.
Safiya was trying to find a way to escape as well. She knew the guy was the same one whose marriage proposal had come for her. He looked decent but she would not in a million years ever get married to anyone having a connection to this village. For some reason it gave her an ick.
She was busy in her own thoughts just then a manly voice interrupted the inner monologue she was having with herself.
"Assalamualaikum...", Adnan said setting the tea cup down and now looking at her straight.
"Walikum salam...", Safiya greeted before turning her attention back to her phone.
"It's good to finally meet you... I'm Dr. Adnan Shah.", he said with a polite smile, his gaze not leaving her.
"Safiya Shah.", she said with a smile before turning back to her phone.
"Well, we even share the same last name. Looks like fate might be hinting at something.", Safiya blinked, taken back by his cheesy flirty lines.
Fate? What bullshit is this guy high on? Cocaine?
"I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but I got to know from my mother that you refused the proposal which I sent.", he asked her, crossing his legs and then proceeded to sit with his back straightened. His hands placed on either armrest as though he owned the place.
"I thought I had the right to say no to a proposal- ", she said sarcastically, her eyes not leaving the phone screen as she tried to focus on the game she was playing on her phone.
"You absolutely did. I saw your picture on Kabir's whatsapp status and asked my mom to send the proposal. "
This caught her attention and she finally set her phone aside and looked straight at him.
"So, you proposed after seeing my photo?", she asked her brows raised.
"I just thought... we could get to know each other. I don't see why you wouldn't like me. I'm educated, I earn well-", he tried to reason but was cut off by the sharp ice-like voice whose shards cut through the air in the room.
"ADNAN-"
Zaviyar strode towards them and stood in front of him blocking his view of Safiya who was still seated.
"Assalamualaikum, Zaviyar Bhai...", he got up immediately feeling intimidated in front of Zaviyar's 6'3 height.
"Khwaish is looking for you.", Zaviyar said tilting his head to the side a bit. Safiya let out a sigh in relief, finally finding a reason to step out.
She got up and walked out only to crash into Khwaish who was headed towards the living room.
" Why were you calling me? ", hse asked Khwaish who looked at her puzzled.
" I didn't call you, aapi. ", she said with a shrug. Before Safiya could ask her why Zaviyar told her that Khwaish was calling for her, a panick stricken Riffat approached them.
Riffat told them to quickly get ready as they had to go for some shopping and that it was urgent making both the girls agree immediately.
Meanwhile the atmosphere in the living room had turned quite intense as soon as Safiya left. Zaviyar had Adnan cornered between him and the front of the sofa while Zaviyar glared at him.
"Why are you here again?", he asked raising a brow.
"I just came to drop off Zulekha's things.", Adnan said trying not to stutter but the waver in his voice was quite evident. It made Zaviyar mentally roll his eyes.
This guy here wanted to marry Safiya, the rebellious girl who would throw him in the tandoor and burn him alive. And he would still be stuttering.
"If you're done, you can leave.", Zaviyar said firmly ready to turn around and leave but paused when he felt a feeble hand placed on his shoulder. He looked through his periphery to see Adnan had placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We're going to be related soon. I thought-", he started but was cut off by Zaviyar's firm voice.
"I don't care what you think. What I know is, you came here to talk to Ms. Shah, who already rejected your proposal.", his voice was low, laced with authority. He made sure to emphasize the rejected part and this made Adnan frown.
"That's between us-", he said with urgency seeing Zaviyar leave. The desperation behind his voice was palpable.
"There was no 'us' to begin with, Adnan. She made her decision. She was told everything about you and still said no.", he said holding the hand on his shoulder only to jerk it off harshly.
"If you want to approach her, do it the right way. Respectfully. And through permissible means.", he walked towards the doorway ready to leave.
" Not Bhai ", he stopped near the doorway and said without turning, " It's Khan Sahab for you..."
" Next time you take my name... Make sure you take it with respect... "
Adnan clenched his hands into fists, his jaw tight as he watched Zaviyar's back.
" What do these Khan's think about themselves? ", he looked around in anger and that's when his eyes fell on Safiya who was laughing with Khwaish about something.
" Just you wait, Zaviyar Khan... I'll make sure to cripple your pride. "
Zaviyar sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone with a growing scowl.
His favourite team had lost last night's cricket match, and he clicked his tongue in irritation.
Yesterday, he had regretted staying an extra hour at the panchayat office for the new water canal project but now, he felt oddly satisfied. At least that hadn't let him down.
"Zaviyar beta, are you free?"
He looked up, slightly distracted, to find Riffat watching him with expectant eyes. He gave a quick nod. She flashed him a smile before speaking in a panicked voice.
"I just remembered- I still haven't bought the gold bangles for Zulekha.
I need to give them to her just after the nikah," she said in a rush, her voice tinged with the kind of panic that only came from forgotten wedding errands.
In her mind, a checklist of tasks swirled, the peeled vegetables for the cooks, the gifts for the relatives. All the tasks were all piling up.
( These customs are influenced by culture, not religion. )
"You want me to go? Ammi, how am I supposed to shop for bangles?" he asked, visibly flustered by the thought of shopping for something so... delicate, especially when it was meant for his fiancée.
Whatever she was at this point.
"Take Khwaish and Safiya with you. They need to pick up a few things too," she said with a persuasive tilt to her voice.
"Just send the driver," he replied, trying to wriggle out of it.
"Waqas is off getting your sherwani fixed. The other three drivers are busy picking up gifts and food. Kabir went to the city to bring your aunt," Riffat informed him matter-of-factly before narrowing her eyes. "Right now, your car's the only one available."
" Safiya can drive- ", Zaviyar tried to reason only to receive a glare from Riffat.
" It will be night by the time they return. ", she said.
"They're already here. Go now."
He opened his mouth to argue, but she was gone, already vanishing into another whirlwind of tasks like a tornado in motion.
Zaviyar slipped into the driver's seat with an irritated sigh and fastened his seatbelt. His brows furrowed when he glanced in the rearview mirror. both Safiya and Khwaish were lounging comfortably in the backseat, giggling over something on the phone.
"Why are you both sitting in the back?" he asked, his voice edged with annoyance.
"That seat is reserved for Zulekha," Safiya said with a shrug.
"Bas kuch dino ka akelapan, shaadi ke baad aapki side vali seat bhi book hojayegi," Safiya added in a teasing, sing-song voice, making Zaviyar shoot her a death glare as he started the engine.
(After your marriage, you won't feel lonely in the seat next to you. Just a few days of loneliness.)
"Chup karo. Har samay bakwaas karti rehti ho," Zaviyar gritted out, barely keeping his temper in check.
(Shut up. You're always talking nonsense.)
"Sadu kahi ke," Safiya pouted, muttering to Khwaish, who remained absorbed in her phone. "Shaadi hain aapki... Thora muskura dijiye," she added loudly, causing Zaviyar to flinch at the sudden volume.
(You grump. It's your wedding... at least smile a little.)
"Ishu... Tumhare bhai ko kya hasne ke liye bhi tax dena parta hain kya? Pura din manhus shakal bana ke rakhte hain-"
(Ishu... does your brother need to pay tax to smile? He walks around with that cursed face all day.)
She whispered under her breath, earning a confused look from Khwaish.
Why were they even fighting again? she wondered before shaking her head.
Well...When are they not?
She had long stopped trying to understand their bickering. It was their default setting, every time Safiya opens her mouth to say something let alone breathes, Zaviyar's blood pressure would spike. At this rate, her brother was a few days away from getting hypertension.
"Shut up or I'll throw you out of the car," he snapped.
"You wouldn't dare," she challenged, eyes flashing.
"Oh, I will."
"Whatever, go to hell," she muttered, shooting a glare at his reflection in the rearview mirror. Then, under her breath, she added with mock sympathy,
"I really feel bad for Zulekha. She has to cope with this absolute grumpy man."
It has been more than an hour since they arrived at the jewellery shop. Khwaish was busy selecting gold bangles to be given to Zulekha while Safiya and Zaviyar sat a little away from the counter. Safiya was playing an asmr game named 'perfect tidy' on her phone.
" Aapi, which do you think will look better?", Khwaish asked walking up to Safiya showing her two different bangles. One had heavy work and looked more antique while the other was an elegant pair of kalire.
" I don't know what she likes Khwaish...", Safiya said without breaking away her focus from the game. She was too focused on cleaning a dirty shoe with a brush on her phone. " Ask him... It's for his wife not mine. ", Safiya said pointing at Zaviyar who was playing sudoku on his phone.
Khwaish huffed in anger, Kabir was a total pain in the ass but he helped her more than these two. She rolled her eyes and walked back to the counter and looked at the sales girl helplessly asking her to choose.
That's when her eyes landed on a picture of another Kalire in the magazine. She pointed at the piece and asked the sales girl to take out that piece.
"Ma'am, please come with me.", the sales girl guided Khwaish to a farther corner of the counter to show her the piece.
Safiya let out a silent growl in frustration as she lost the level where she had to clean a girl's face and do her skincare.
She could swear the time limit was too little.
She closed the game app and pocketed it only to let out a gasp as her eyes landed on a beautiful pendant that the female staff was placing inside the glass shelf. .
She immediately got up and strode towards the counter and pointed at the piece, " How much is this?", she asked the sales girl who immediately replied.
"Ma'am, this piece is around 1.5 lakh. It's a limited edition, maam..", Safiya didn't need any more convincing. She knew this was capitalism and no such thing as a limited edition.
But she would lie if she said she didn't like the pendant.
"Pack it.", she said to the sales girl who nodded.
"What's the price of this one?", she asked pointing at another piece though the glass kept nearby.
"Khwaish, come here quick.", she said calling Khwaish who had by now already selected a kalire.
"Do you like this?", Safiya asked showing Khwaish the pendant..
"Wow, aapi. It's so pretty.", Khwaish said thinking Safiya was going to buy this for herself.
"Pack this as well. How much for both?", Safiya asked.
"This one is around 1.5 lakhs and the other one for 1.7 lakh, ma'am.", Safiya nodded before saying.
" Pack both. I'll use a card..", she said before diving into her bag to take out the purse.
"Aapi, we only came here to buy bhabhi's bangles... is bhai paying for all this?", Khwaish said after seeing the sales girl take out two pendants instead of one.
"No, I am.", Safiya said with a shrug.
" Two pendants? ", Safiya nodded before saying. " One for you and one for me. "
Khwaish almost choked on her saliva. By now Zaviyar also walked towards them.
" No.. aapi this is too pricey. I cannot take this. ", Safiya ignored her words before turning to the sales lady and handing her card.
" I'm giving this to you, take it if you want it or throw it away. ", Safiya said with a shrug.
Zaviyar also extended his card. The sales girl was perplexed when she looked at both of them.
"Maam, should we put all three items on the same card?", the sales girl asked.
" Yes, put them on min- ", Zaviyar's words were cut off by Safiya.
"No. The gold bangles on his card, and the other two on mine.", Safiya said jerking her card a bit forward.
"Ma'am, it would be easier if we charged it all to one card. I'm sure your husband won't mind-", the sales girl was cut off by Zaviyar's shrill voice.
"WHAT-"
"WHAT THE FUCK-", Zaviyar scrunched his nose at her choice of words, that too in public and snapped at her.
"DON'T CURSE.", he hissed out loudly.
"What do you expect me to do? They're calling you my husband! Ewwww... I feel like vomiting.", she said wrapping her right hand on her neck as she pretended that she felt like vomiting.
"Stop being so dramatic- she could never be my wife. She's-", Zaviyar said before turning towards the scared sales girl, trying to explain the situation to her.
Meanwhile Khwaish not knowing how to stop their fight gestured to the sales girl to take both the cards and go.
"Like I'd ever- ewww. You're practically like my broth-", Safiya started but was cut of by Zaviyar..
"Shut up.", Safiya shrugged before saying,
"Whatever, sadu kahi ke."
After vigorous and tiring hours of shopping for just three pieces of jewellery and a pair of regal, royal shoes the three finally reached home.
It was almost 7 in the evening and the sky had turned darker.
Kabir who was sitting at the porch waiting for them let out a squeal in delight as he saw his favourite people getting out of Zaviyar's car.
Safiya was the first to step out of the car and let out a delighted squeal as the raindrops touched her face. Before she could even think of rushing inside, a strong gust of wind blew, and the light drizzle quickly turned into a full-blown downpour.
Khwaish turned to Zaviyar, asking for the umbrella, but let out a surprised squeak instead-Safiya had already grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the rain. Within seconds, she was soaked.
"No aapi!!!! I'm gonna get wet," Khwaish cried out as the rain poured heavier, the earthy scent of wet soil thick in the air.
"Eww, don't say that, Khwaish. That sounds weird," Safiya laughed, shrieking a little as the wind howled, sending sheets of rain tumbling over them.
"Why?" Khwaish asked innocently, both of them now twirling in the rain like carefree children.
"You're very innocent. Well, I'll leave that work to your husband," Safiya said, laughing as she pulled the clutcher from her hair, letting her damp locks fall free.
"Leave what work to my husband?" Khwaish tilted her head, genuinely confused-only to scream when Kabir suddenly jumped in, twirling with them.
"The work of ruining your innocence," Safiya whispered with a mischievous smile, leaning close to Khwaish, whose eyes widened in shock.
"Eeee-no-"
Just then, both Safiya and Khwaish let out horrified screams as Kabir, the culprit, kicked water from a puddle, splashing it all over them.
"Abeh oo-naali ke keere. Kichar kyu faila raha hai?" Khwaish yelled, clearly annoyed.
( Hey you-gutter worm. Why are you splashing mud? )
"Toh naali mein kichar hi toh failate hain, nai?" Kabir replied cheekily, making Khwaish let out a frustrated squeak before running after him in the rain.
( I'm just throwing mud back in the gutter, that is you... )
" Kabir ke bachche teri toh-"
Zaviyar, still in the driver's seat, looked up and froze. His eyes locked on Safiya, who had turned towards him just then- her wet hair whipping gently across her face as she twirled in the rain, everything slowing for a moment in his mind.
He didn't even realise when a soft smile crept onto his face. Something about her expression, the quiet joy, the untamed freedom pulled at something deep inside him.
He stepped out of the car, and a man immediately rushed over to hold an umbrella above his head. But Zaviyar barely noticed.
He stood there, speechless, watching her. For the first time in years, he felt the urge to stop time. To just stand there and soak in the peace etched on her face.
He slowly extended his hand from under the umbrella, letting a few raindrops fall onto his palm like tiny diamonds falling from the sky. The water gathered in his hand, cool and soft.
Just then, both the monkeys , Kabir and Khwaish, ran over and joined Safiya. But Zaviyar's eyes stayed fixed on her. She was dancing freely with his siblings, as if the rain wasn't water but flower petals falling from the heavens.
He took a slow step forward. The man holding the umbrella moved to follow, but Zaviyar stopped him with a slight wave of his hand.
He stepped out from under the umbrella, letting the rain soak him completely.
Closing his eyes, he tilted his face upwards.
The raindrops kissed his skin, washing away something heavy inside him.
For the first time in years, his heart felt.
.. Peace. Like some forgotten part of him was finally being soothed, something his inner child had always longed for.
When he opened his eyes again, he saw her.
Safiya was looking right at him with a soft smile, flicking her wet hair back. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth. She smiled at him and for the first time, his expression mirrored hers. Not entirely... but just enough. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
And for the first time, Safiya noticed that the 'sadu' Nawab had dimples.
He had dimples!
Even though it wasn't a full smile- more like a failed attempt, it still made him look... adorable!
That tiny smile of his stirred something warm in her heart. Something soft and unexpected.
She walked toward him with measured, careful steps, the rain still gently pouring around them like a whispered secret between the sky and earth. Her eyes met his for the briefest moment, steady and unreadable. Then suddenly her foot caught on a slick rock hidden beneath the thin layer of water.
A startled gasp escaped her lips as she lost balance, arms instinctively flailing. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable impact with the ground but it never came.
Instead, she felt a firm grip wrap around her arm, grounding her.
Her breath hitched. The warmth of his hand cut through the chill of her soaked cardigan, anchoring her like a sudden pulse of comfort in the middle of chaos.
The cardigan now clung to her like second skin, drenched and heavy, yet his touch felt impossibly warm.
Safiya slowly opened her eyes to find Zaviyar standing close, still holding her, as if letting go was not an option.
“This is the fourth time,” he murmured, his voice calm but laced with dry amusement.
She blinked, momentarily confused... until it clicked.
Of course! Classic Nawab Sahab-
The fourth time she’d almost fallen and the fourth time he’d caught her.
Her brows knit together before she lets out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes.
“Sadu kahike,” she muttered under her breath with a playful frown, turning on her heel and walking back toward the two little monkeys splashing in a puddle nearby.
Zaviyar watched her go, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He shook his head before turning away from them. Their laughter echoing in his back like a melody.
Sadu, huh....
If only she knew how much he was starting to like that.
{ Reference - meem se mohabbat scene. }
? The Night Before The Wedding ?
A woman with a shawl draped over her shoulders walked quietly to the car parked in the dark backyard of the mansion. The window rolled down, and a man extended his hand out.
His face remained hidden in the shadows. The only source of light was from the car's headlights. The girl placed a smartphone in his palm. He held it tightly, unlocking it with a pin before removing the memory card. Then, he handed the phone back to her.
The man reached into his coat and pulled out a bundle of crisp notes, handing them over. The girl clutched the money close to her chest and turned, walking briskly back towards the mansion.
The man spared one last glance at the Khan Mansion before rolling the window back up and driving away into the night.
Zaviyar was late from work again. He was desperate to get the water canal project off his plate.
If only Agastya hadn't been busy with election campaigns, he wouldn't have to put up with those officers alone.
He had just returned after arguing over the route the water canal should take into the village when something caught his eye.
A dark silhouette moved suspiciously along the edge of the mansion.
Frowning, he followed quietly. The figure, draped in a shawl, slipped into the kitchen. Zaviyar followed cautiously, watching the person fumble through drawers and eventually pull out a knife.
The figure walked toward the fridge and opened it. Zaviyar knew this was his moment. Step by careful step, he approached, one hand reaching forward while the other clutched his gun-ready to react if things turned dangerous.
He placed his hand on the figure's back, and before he could say a word, a loud scream erupted-high-pitched and girlish-followed by a splash of ice-cold water on his face.
Zaviyar let out a startled shriek.
He blinked. Once. Twice.
As he wiped the water off his face, his eyes finally adjusted-and he nearly screamed again, this time in pure shock, maybe even a tiny bit of fear.
No, I am not scared. The mask just startled me.
Looking closely, he realised who it was- Safiya.
"Why would you scare me? And why is that gun in your hand?" she shrieked, pointing to the weapon he was still holding.
He raised a brow. Seriously?
She was the one walking around the house in the dead of night, her face covered in a white mask, hair loose, wearing a cream shawl like some midnight ghost and yet she was accusing him of scaring her?
"First you tell me why you are roaming around the house looking like- like a ghost," he said, trying to keep his irritation in check.
"This is a face mask and I'm doing this because tomorrow is your wedding and-" Safiya replied, rolling her eyes. That's when her gaze landed on Zaviyar's face.
Worry lines on his forehead. Eye bags that were faint but noticeable. His eyes looked tired, his hair greasy from long hours at the panchayat office. His beard had grown unruly and his moustache needed trimming.
"IT'S YOUR WEDDING TOMORROW AND YOU LOOK LIKE THIS?" she yelled in horror, pointing at his face like it offended her.
"What do you mean?" Zaviyar frowned, clearly confused.
"You look like the groom's dad rather than the groom." she said, arms crossed as she leaned casually against the kitchen island.
"WHAT!!!" he growled at her choice of words.
"Yes, but don't you worry. I'll make you into a handsome man for Zulekha," she said with a smirk, snapping her fingers in confidence.
"Mushkil hain lekin mere skills bohot hee achche hain."
(It's a tough job but I trust my skills.)
She shrugged, filled her mug with water, pulled an apple from the counter and cut it into pieces with the same knife before casually walking away toward her room, mumbling to herself about calling the parlour people early because Zaviyar looked absolutely hideous.
Meanwhile, Zaviyar stood rooted to the spot, staring after her retreating figure, still trying to process everything that had just happened. With a sigh, he shook his head and walked away, disappearing into the quiet of his chambers.
After all, tomorrow was a big day. A day full of promises he couldn't escape.
Even though with each passing second, as the time for his nikah crept closer, those promises started to feel more like chains than vows.
Sorry for the late update I had to attend one nikah ceremony in the afternoon and one walima party at night. And both were my close relatives. And at night Wattpad was acting up.
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Tell me your thoughts on this chapter.
Who do you think the girl with the shawl was?
Check out the next chapter as well ????