Chapter 12
The wedding venue, which happened to be a grand palace in Muktsar, stood glowing under the soft hues of the setting sun.
With its courtyards, beautiful gardens, and a cascading central fountain, the entire place looked like something out of a royal dream.
Warm yellow lights traced every pathway and arch, making the marble floor gleam with elegance.
Twin staircases rose from the center, leading up to intricately carved balconies where guests leaned over, watching the chaos unfold below.
It wasn't just a venue- it was history wrapped in gold, echoing the whispers of old kings and queens. The structure's tall arches, domed pavilions, and intricate carving added to the regality.
If not for the tension and scandal brewing inside, the place would've seemed like the perfect setting for a timeless fairytale.
All the cars began pulling in one by one at the grand venue that the Ahmed family had chosen for the nikah ceremony.
It was a sprawling luxury hotel tucked between the sleepy towns of Azamgarh and Muktsar- serene yet stately, far enough from the bustle to feel like a private celebration.
The journey had taken almost an hour from Azamgarh, but the arrangements at the venue made every mile worth it.
All the members of the Khan family and the relatives of the groom's side were draped in royal robes.
As the clock neared the auspicious hour, the air outside the hotel grew louder and more electric. Tyres screeched softly against the gravel as convoy after convoy came to a stop, adorned in fresh jasmine garlands and silk ribbons, a trail of shimmering dust rising in their wake.
And then came the real eruption of celebration.
The moment the lead car of the groom's family approached, there was a sudden burst of sound and colour.
Zaviyar got down from the car followed by Riffat and Nauman. they were welcomed by a shower of flowers followed by a beautiful show of fireworks.
The band people stationed at the gate sprang to life. Loud dhol beats reverberated through the earth, syncing with the eager heartbeat of those waiting. Trumpets joined in, their jubilant notes stretching into the open sky, announcing the arrival of the baraat with grandeur and pride.
Colour bombs burst into the air, plumes of soft rose, gold, and green rising like smoke prayers into the blue expanse above. Shimmers and glitters rained down on the baraat.
The Ahmed family stood at the grand entrance of the hotel, dressed in soft-toned sherwanis and elegant sarees. The men wore topis, some with subtle embroidery, while the women had adorned themselves with delicate jhumkas and gajras woven into their hair and hands along with heavy gold jewellery.
Murtaza Ahmed and his Wife stood at the front, her eyes glistening behind her glasses, hands holding a silver tray of rosewater and ittr (attar) ready for the welcoming ritual.
Zaviyar had worn an intricately embroidered ivory sherwani, adorned with regal patterns that shimmered subtly under the light. A matching stole with heavy zari work was draped elegantly over his shoulder, adding to the grandeur of his presence.
The layered pearl necklace resting on his chest, and the traditional safa with a statement brooch and feather, made him look every bit the royal heir he was.
From the carved juttis on his feet to the antique platinum engagement ring on his finger every detail whispered nobility, pride, and timeless tradition.
{ Platinum cuz men aren't permitted to wear gold. }
A red and gold carpet had been rolled out from the main gate to the entrance hall, and rose petals were scattered along its length. The hotel staff, dressed in traditional ethnic uniforms, stood lined up at the sides, holding trays of drinks, sweets, and welcome towels.
As the Khan family stepped out of their vehicles, dressed in coordinated ivory and gold, a hush briefly fell, a pause of admiration and awe.
Zaviyar, he groom, tall and composed in his embroidered sherwani, was surrounded by Kabir and Waqas along with a few males of his distant family, all beaming with pride and excitement. The women of the Khan family followed gracefully, their dupattas trailing behind like soft rivers of silk.
And with that, the families moved inside where two souls were about to be joined not just in marriage, but in a bond of faith, family, and... forever?
The Khan family was welcomed inside and they entered the hall which was more exquisite.
The nikah hall was ready inside- white floral arches lined the walkway, chandeliers hung from the ceiling casting soft golden light, and the words Zaviyar weds Zulekha were written in calligraphy at the entrance of the ceremonial area.
A grand chandelier hung like a crown above the square stage, its crystal arms shimmering with soft golden light. The stage itself was a vision of elegance, adorned with cascading floral hangings that draped from ceiling to floor, swaying gently with the movement of air.
True to tradition, the stage was divided into two distinct sections - one side reserved for the men, the other for the women.
Towering curtains made entirely of flowers served as a respectful partition.
They weren't entirely opaque, nor fully transparent, just enough for faint silhouettes to flicker behind the blooms, hinting at the quiet flurry of movement on either side.
It was a curtain of modesty and grace, weaving together tradition and beauty in perfect balance.
A quiet elegance hung in the air decorated with white and gold floral arrangements, the soft hum of the nasheed playing in the background, and the scent of roses and sandalwood wafting gently through the air, would the barriers be drawn aside for the families to meet, greet, and celebrate together.
an ethereal canopy of baby's breath and cascading white wisteria hung delicately from above.
Soft pink roses curled around pillars and bloomed from the earth as if they had been waiting for this day all their lives.
The ground was dusted with petals, each step releasing a scent so gentle it was barely there.
.. like a secret shared between flowers.
Above the stage was a huge screen that played a floral decoration and the names of Zaviyar and Zulekha were written beautifully with a few pictures of the couple which the photographer managed to click at the engagement function.
Safiya and Khwaish took their seats on the stage before pulling out their phones for pictures.
Safiya wore a heavily embellished lilac ensemble, adorned with intricate zari and sequin embroidery that shimmered like dew under the soft light of the hall.
The structured bodice and flowing lehenga gave her the air of quiet regality, while the sheer dupatta- dusted with a gold motif.
The flowy skirt cascaded down her shoulder like a veil of starlight.
Her jewelry was bold yet graceful, a choker and jhumka set in lilac as well, and a matha patti crowning her poised expression.
She looked every bit the queen of her own fate elegant, powerful, and unshaken.
meanwhile Khwaish wore a delicate blue lehenga, glowing in pastel elegance and youthful charm.
The outfit was adorned with subtle threadwork and golden-hued embellishments, the soft net dupatta resting lightly on her shoulder like a wisp of spring breeze.
She wore a smile as warm as the morning sun, Khwaish looked ethereal.
Meanwhile on the other side Zaviyar sat on the royal couch constantly dialling a number. He was frustrated as Agastya was not answering his call.
The Qazi Sahab arrived shortly after. He was welcomed with great respect by the elder men of the Ahmed and Khan family. A silver tray bearing ittr, dates, and a small glass of water was offered to him as a sign of reverence.
" So we can start the nik- ", qazi sahab stopped when he saw the curtains being lifted, the flowers from earlier were released raining down on the people on the stage. It perplexed everyone as the nikah wasn't even over.
Zulekha wasn't even down yet. The curtains were now completely lifted making the male and females face each other. Their confused expressions mirrored each other.
Just then a series of gasps echoed in the hallway when the screen displaying the floral decoration switched black before displaying the picture of a girl in yellow dress in the arms of a man wearing black sherwani.
Safiya gasped when she realised it was her and Zaviyar on the day of mayon when she slipped and accidentally fell on him.
The next picture was of when she accidentally slipped while in the rain and fell on him and he helped her straighten up.
The picture changed again and this was the one when Zaviyar was glaring at her as she had accidentally ran into him and he had steadied her but in the picture it looked like he was staring at her.
All these pictures were clicked at an angle that made it look like they were either romancing or getting intimate.
Zaviyar got up at once, his eyes turning red in rage as he scanned the faces of people morphing into disgust.
His eyes finally landed on Safiya who was still shocked and looking at as if she wasn't able to register what had just happened.
safiya's eyes widened when she finally took in the pictures. She was snapped out of her trance when she felt a strong grip on her forearm it was her mom who was looking at her with questioning eyes.
Wajahat crossed the room and engulfed his daughter immediately caging her from the stares and disgusting looks of the people.
However, the pictures only enraged Safiya.
" What the hell is all this? ", Zaviyar roared in anger making everyone flinch at his tone. There were several gasps when Adnan got up on the stage and tried to hold his collar. Before he could reach Zaviyar, two of Zaviyar's bodyguards had thrown him on the floor.
Adnan got up abruptly, his face twisting in anger. He was about to approach Zaviyar and almost held his collar only to be held back by two guns pointing at his head.
" Stay within your limits if you want us not to cross ours. ", Waqas said in a low voice.
Raising a hand on the heir of the Khan empire had several consequences... terrible consequences that either ended up with the person on the hospital bed or the grave... depending on Zaviyar's mood.
" Zaviyar... You are cheating on my sister. ", He barked out making sure his voice was audible to everybody, while the bodyguards held him back by his arms.
" With this shameless girl. ", he pointed an accusing finger at Safiya making her glare at him. She pushed away her father's arms lightly before stalking towards him, snatching the gun from Waqas's waistcoat she pointed it directly at his head, making sure the barrel was poking into his skin hard.
Many people gasped at it, they never knew the girls from Khan family were so bold.
{ Yaha logo ko goli marna - machchar maarne ke barabar hain ?? Also slap the star ★ like you would slap a mosquito }
" Speak one more word about me and I'll empty all six bullets into your skull. You asswipe. ", she roared at him. Zaviyar with speedy steps was walking towards them only to be interrupted by Murtaza.
" How dare you Zaviyar Khan... How dare you... ", Zaviyar rolled his eyes, gesturing Waqas to take care of Safiya with his eyes.
" We thought the Khan's were a respectable family... If only we knew how disgusting they are. ", This time Zulekha's mother said looking at the Riffat and Rabiya with disgust.
" This is all a misunderstanding, Murtaza. Zaviyar and Safiya.... they are not in any relationship. It's all just a misunderstanding. ", Nauman said trying to calm down the situation .
"You've been seeing this girl behind our backs? This city girl?", one of the relative's shrill voices echoed through the hall.
Another voice joined in, a woman's voice filled with righteous anger. "How dare you, Zaviyar Khan! We trusted you! We thought your family was honorable... Respectable!",
"Don't you have any shame?" another relative shouted. "These promiscuous pictures before the nikah- this is clearly a betrayal. "
Safiya almost popped a vein. The people were behaving like both of them were caught having sex that too in broad daylight.
Okay, eww- she would never do that but the reactions seemed too extreme. Those were just a few pictures not a sex tape for fucks sake.
" If only you all have this much...", she showed with her index and thumb finger, " Braincells, even a little- then you all could've seen the reality. Does it really like we are doing something? " she said frustrated pointing at the pictures.
Kabir stalked Safiya pulling her away from Adnan.
"Enough.", Zaviyar finally spoke. His voice was cold, loud, slicing through the noise like a blade.
Everyone fell silent. He stepped forward slowly, his shoulders broad, his eyes furious.
"I don't know who did this," he growled, his voice shaking with rage. "But whoever it is... they'll pay. Every single one of you who's questioning Safiya's character.."
He turned towards Adnan and Murtaza. "You dare accuse me of cheating on the girl of your family when you don't even know the truth? These pictures... they're taken out of context. They mean nothing. She slipped and I helped her. That's all! "
Murtaza laughed sarcastically. "Oh, really? Three different incidents? Always just slipping into your arms?"
"SHE'S NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL!" Zaviyar thundered.
"But she is the girl in those pictures!" someone shouted from the back.
"She's the girl who ruined a marriage even before it even began!"
"She should be ashamed!"
"Don't you dare," Wajahat barked, stepping forward, placing his hand protectively on Safiya's shoulder. "Not one more word against my daughter!"
Safiya was shocked seeing so many people against her just because of three pictures that weren't even much problematic. Her eyes welled up with tears but her tone was sharp.
" Can't y'all see all these pictures are taken in a way to make them look promiscuous.
If I really wanted to break a marriage I would have put up hd pictures taken from a good camera and they would be aesthetic.
", Safiya almost screamed at the end releasing all the pent up anger within her as she gave all the people a death glare.
" But all this. Why would anyone do this? ", her mother voiced out.
"Lies made to destroy everything, mom. ", Safiya said.
"We thought the Khan family was reputable but all we see is betrayal ," an elder scoffed. " Even the daughters are so shameless... Talking to elders like this."
" One more word against the women of our family and you won't even know what struck you. ", Kabir said looking at the man with a murderous gaze.
" Shut up or I'll show you what being shameless really is. I can use my fists better than I use my mouth. ", Safiya snapped at the old man who was instigating the people around.
Murtaza turned to Qazi Sahab. "This nikah is cancelled. You hear me? CANCELLED!"
Qazi Sahab looked helplessly at the families. "This... this is beyond my role now. Only Allah knows the truth."
Only for Adnan to shove away the guards, straightening his blazer he said.
" No.. Murtaza uncle. I believe such mistakes at such a young age are very possible. ", He turned to Zaviyar with a glare.
" We should give them a chance to repent for the sins they have committed. Specially Safiya.... She has broken the marriage of a girl before it even started... But i can see the regret in her eyes. ", Safiya and Zaviyar looked at Adnan as if he had grown two heads.
" I'm ready to accept Safiya as my wife and let Zulekha marry Zaviyar but.... "
What the fuck!
Safiya almost knocked the gun on his head, " I'll fucking fuck you up. You bastard how dare you even say that... I would never agree to marry a fucker like you. Get fucked, you bitch", Safiya screamed at him. Safiya almost jumped on him to teach a lesson but was held back by Khwaish and Kabir.
" Talk respectfully.... you shameless girl... How dare you raise your voice at my son? ", Adnan's mother said now getting up on the stage.
" Fuck off! ", safiya said flinging her middle finger at the lady.
Safiya didn't care if anyone judged her or her parents heard her cursing. They were talking about her marriage like it was some game.
" Zaviyar must get on his knees and apologise to us. And Safiya must marry Adnan. ", Murtaza said turning to Nauman whose eyes widened at the demand. One side there was their reputation to uphold and on the other there was his son and niece.
Just then all the lights dimmed in the hall making people shriek and several gasps followed. That's when a voice boomed in the hall through the speakers,
" Not so fast, you old pig. "
The spotlight fell on the main entrance. The same one through which Zulekha was supposed to make an entry. Only for a guy in black suit to stand under the light. He was wearing a black kurta with a black best on top.
He stalked towards the stage, followed by black commando to guard the politician. With a click of his fingers the lights turned on as soon as he reached the stage. His eyes travelled across the stage and that's when they landed on Khwaish standing behind Safiya holding her arm.
He walked towards her and took out a bundle of notes before circling them around her face and handed the bundle of notes to one of the guards.
Zaviyar let out a sigh in relief but rolled his eyes at his best friend. He wanted to shoot him on the spot but he had to endure him some more.
" Here gajra for you. ", Agastya said handing her the kadas that were made of gold and somewhat looked like a gajra just made out of gold and diamonds missing the roses. The kadas were heavily embellished with clusters of white pearls woven delicately along the edges.
( koi mujhe khwaish ki jagah dedo ?? girl's always getting gifts in golds and diamonds and icecream )
He let out a chuckle at Khwaish's confused expressions before turning to everyone.
Safiya's eyes widened when she saw Agastya, the politician of Silthar. This was the Agastya they always talked about.
THE FREAKING POLITICIAN OF SILTHAR!
" Enjoying a show weren't we? So I thought why leave you all cock blocked. ", he said clapping his hands. Safiya and Kabir almost choked on their saliva at his words.
" Here's a season 2, ladies and gentlemen."
The screen completely went black before it was switched to a video from the point of a CCTV footage of Zulekha writing a letter and placing it on the top of her dressing table.
She then stepped out of her bridal lehenga to reveal her wearing shorts.
She opened her blouse and was wearing a bralette underneath.
She bent down and pulled out a bag from under the bag.
She quickly stuffed her bag with jewelleries and wore it on her back before walking towards the balcony of her room.
( Zulekha's wedding outfit ????? )
The camera angle then switched to the cctv which was placed at the back of the hotel venue. Zulekha threw the rope which was usually used for mountaineering and using it climbed down to the ground floor. A guy who was standing there caught her through her waist and helped her down.
She turned around and hugged the guy tightly before they shared a French kiss making the Ahmed Family gasp in surprise. The boy along with Zulekha somehow managed to cross the wall of the hotel. This all happened when everyone was busy waiting at the entrance for the arrival of the groom.
The screen turned black and switched off. Several whispers ignited throughout the hall. The Khan family was shocked. Riffat clenched her chest letting out a sigh as she thanked heavens her son didn't marry that girl.
Agastya placed a hand on Zaviyar's shoulder smirking at him. Zaviyar opened his mouth only to be interrupted by Agastya.
" There's more to this just wait- ", Agastya said in an excited tone trying to hide his sheepish grin. Zaviyar wondered whether Agastya was helping him out as a friend or just enjoying this whole drama.
Safiya smirked almost wanting to kiss Agastya for this. She turned towards Zulekha's family and relatives crossing her arms.
" And you all called me the shameless one? For slipping and falling accidentally. But it looks like your daughter slipped and fell into someone's arms and oh- ", she said with a fake gasp.
" AND ENDED UP KISSING HIM. OH, THE IRONY. ", Murtaza only hung his head down in shame as Safiya made sure to emphasize each word.
" That's Safiya right? ", he asked in whispers to Zaviyar who just nodded too tired to even stop anything.
" What nonsense is all this Murtaza... you were questioning our daughters and here is your daughter who ran away from the wedding. ", Nauman said angrily.
Adnan who was shocked spoke angrily, " All these are edited videos. "
Kabir scoffed, " Edited? No one has the shitty time to do all this you dumbass fucker. Are you blind? Aren't you a doctor or something? "
Just then the two girls who were supposed to accompany Zulekha down from her make up room came down running in haste.
" aunty.. aunty.... ", they ran towards Zulekha's mother who looked at them witth hope shimmering in her eyes. She wished those pictures were fake.
" Zulekha- ", she panted before saying. " Zulekha told us to bring some different jewellery so we went searching for that in the other room. B-but she is not opening the d-door. ", Maya, one of her cousins said almost on the verge of tears. Thats when they noticed the curtains that were lifted.
At first they thought Zulekha came down but then realised something had happened seeing everyone's grim expressions.
" Door kha se kholegi woh bhagori touh bhaag gayi... ", Khwaish said making some people look at her before turning back to the girls.
While Agastya smirked happy that his shireena finally spoke that too to comment sarcastically.
Mrs Ahmed closed her eyes in pain before quickly opening her purse and taking out her phone to dial Zulekha's number.
Mrs Ahmed placed a hand on her mouth as she tried to calm her self down but only let out a frustrated groan when the call got forwarded. She tried a few more tries and squealed when the call finally got connected.
"The call is connected... it's Zulekha's call.", she said clutching the phone close her ear. Murtaza and Adnan stalked towards Mrs Ahmed who kept the phone on speaker.
Agastya whispered something to one of his men who sneakily brought the mic that was supposed to be used by the Qazi. The Qazi pinched his nose bridge not knowing what drama was going on.
The bodyguard went towards the Ahmed Family and held the mic close to them from behind which they failed to notice being too occupied in the disappearance of their girl.
"Zulekha, dear, where are you? Why- why would you do that? Please come back- please beta. Think about us. It's your wedding day.", Mrs Ahmed said, her voice laced with desperation as she tried to persuade Zulekha. The noise of a moving car could be heard from her side.
"I'm not coming, Ammi. ", Zulekha said with a bored tone...
"What kind of joke is this?", Murtaza snatched the phone from his wife screaming into the phone. " Why did you do this, Zulekha? "
Zulekha snapped back from the phone.
"I told you before- I'm not interested in this marriage. I wanted to study abroad, but you people were blinded by the Nawab's money. So I took everything and I'm leaving with Samir.", She said in a casual tone. The Khan's shocked expressions mirrored the expressions of the guests.
Safiya on the other hand leaned on Khwaish who stood frozen. She understood Zulekha's point as well. Every girl had dreams which were mostly crushed by their imposing family.
"It's almost time for my flight. I'm leaving.", she said almost in a whisper but almost everybody could hear it due to the mic that was being held close to the phone by Agastya's man.
"Does it make you this happy to throw our honor into the dust?", Murtaza said holding his wife by her shoulder supporting her as she cried out while clutching her mouth.
"Touh kya aapki izzat ke liye uss jawani mein buddhe jese nawab ke saath shaadi kar leti? Saari zindagi kitchen mein masale peesne parte mujhe.", She snapped angrily.
( So should I have married that young Nawab who behaves like he's a senior citizen in my youth just to preserve your honor? I will have to spend my whole life grinding spices in the kitchen? )
Safiya bit her inner cheek suppressing the smile that almost broke out on her face. She hated Zulekha for doing all this but she couldn't help but agree with Zulekha.
"You could've run away earlier too-why wait until the wedding day?", Mrs Ahmed said into the phone, her voice laced with anger.
"If I had run away earlier, where would I get all this jewellery from? It's not like it would fall from the sky. Samir and I were just waiting for all the wedding jewels.", she said with a hint of malice in her voice.
Guests turned their heads, startled by the sudden tension slicing through the celebration like a blade.
Adnan raked a hand through his hair. With a surge of rage, he snatched the phone from Murtaza's trembling hand.
"Why would you even do that?" he growled, his voice edged with fury.
"Do you have any idea how much I struggled to make these arrangements?" he shouted, his voice rising above the sound of shehnai and murmurs, like a man on the verge of unraveling.
" I only did what I wanted to. ", Zulekha said from the other side.
"YOU FOOL. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE? YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!", he screamed, his voice echoing in the grand wedding hall.
"I FAKED THOSE PICTURES..." Adnan confessed, eyes wild with obsession, ".
..so i could get zaviyar on his knees and make these bloody khan's to agree to my proposal to save their reputation.
" He screamed into the phone, his face contorted in an animalistic snarl, madness flaring in his expression beneath the ornate sehra tied around his head.
Safiya, standing at the edge of the flower-draped stage, froze, stunned by the confession. The members of the Khan family looked at Adnan with disbelief.
Zaviyar stood stone-still beside her, his posture stiff in his embroidered sherwani, hands curling into fists as his eyes met Waqas'. A silent nod was exchanged, an order understood without words- Skin Adnan Shah Alive.
Only for him to be surprised when he turned around, Agastya was grinning at him with a 'I wanna join the fun too' smile.
Thats when Adnan screamed into the phone making everyone shocked.
" I DESTROYED HER IMAGE... TO MAKE HER MINE THEN brEAK HER EGO."
·····
Author's Note
At first, while writing this, I wondered if it might seem a little unrealistic - why would an educated man behave this way?
But then I reminded myself of the countless real-life incidents where rejection bruises a man's ego so deeply that he resorts to horrific acts: acid attacks, sexual assault, rape even murder.
So no, I didn't dismiss this as 'impractical' anymore because this is reality. If you're even slightly aware of the news, you'd know just how disturbingly common this actually is.
Ranted a little ??
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