Vows Of Vengeance

Chapter 15

?? It's a triple update ??

?? Vows of Vengeance has crossed 10K views so I decided to surprise you all with a triple update ??

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This story wouldn't be what it is without your support, love, and encouragement.

Thank you for believing in my characters, for feeling their emotions, and for sticking around.

All of this means a lot to me. It was just in May 2025 when I started with this story which I have been planning since 2024 in my head. The little scribbles of ideas in my diary, the late nights when I stayed up to write the chapters and perfect my grammar.

Thank you for reading my book and showing so much love ????

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Author's POV

As soon as Wajahat stepped out of the room to inform the others about Safiya's decision, she slammed the door shut behind him.

Her hands trembled as she brushed a hand through her hair before leaning against the door.

She approached the dresser with urgency and grabbed her phone, scrolled through her contacts, and hit the call button without hesitation.

The moment the line connected, a voice answered on the other end.

" Hello, Ms. Shah-"

"Azim. I need you to draft something for me. Right now.", she said with urgency pacing the room in circles..

" What exactly do you need?", Azim asked confused hearing he panicked voice.

"A contract. I'll text you the details in two minutes. I want the papers in Muktsar within an hour."

There was a shoet pause as Azim let her words sink in.

"Ms. Shah, that's not possible. Muktsar is at least three hours from Almora. Even if I leave now, I can't-", he reasoned.

"Azim", she cut in coldly, "do I sound like I'm interested in your excuses?

I said one hour. I don't care how you get it done.

Drive like your life depends on it. Fly a helicopter if you have to.

But I want that contract in my hands in exactly sixty minutes.

" she said without a pause, her voice sharp and tone authoritative.

"But-", she cut him off

"You're free to say no," she said..

"But if you do, consider this your last conversation with me. And the last day of your employment.", Azim sighed, his shoulders sinking in distress as he couldn't defy her. He had taken too many favors from her and now it was time to pay her back.

"Understood, ma'am. Text me the details. ", he said.

Without another word, she hung up, her fingers already flying across the screen as she drafted the message and texted him the information.

__________________________________

Safiya stared at herself in the mirror, her reflection making her stomach twist with mixed emotions. She had changed into the red bridal lehenga, the same one that the Khan family had chosen for Zulekha to wear for the nikah ceremony.

It clung to her her body like a costume that didn't belong to her. It didn't look horrendous but surely looked misplaced.

The skirt fit her perfectly but the blouse was too tight, pinching at the seams. The fabric itched. and she despised everything about it. the colour gave her an ick, the pattern was too basic, the embroidery too heavy

This dress seemed like a reminder. A painful reminder that this wasn't supposed to be hers. It was a reminder that she wasnt the first choice but rather a substitute.

Her normal jewellery had been replaced with flashy gold jewellery pieces. Apparently, Zulekha had run off with the gold jewellery her mother planned to gift her.

Riffat was going to give her all the jewellery today but she had already run away. Not that it mattered to Safiya. These weren't hers. They were chosen for someone else. Every ornament felt like a borrowed lie which she was trying to bury with luxury and glamour.

She looked down at the lehenga again, its bright red shade almost mocking her. Her makeup had been redone, her hair twisted into a tight bun, adorned with a gold mathapatti and gajra adorned her designed bun.

Her simple jhumkas had been replaced with oversized gold ones that already made her ears throb.

Her neck itched under layers of gold necklaces.

She could feel the hair stylist pushing in what felt like a million pins to hold the bun in place.

she winced just imagining the pain of taking them out later.

Khwaish, along with the makeup artist, was helping her put on the final set of bangles. One by one, thick gold kadas were shoved onto her wrists, a few of them scratching her skin. A gold ring was slid into her finger to complete the look.

She felt a sting rise in her throat. Her eyes burned, her chest tightened. But the words to protest never came. She wanted to say it out loud, ask them to stop, to remove the necklace choking her but the voice inside her had gone quiet.

That's when she realised it wasn't the necklace Rather the circumstances she was in.

.....

An hour later, the makeup artists finally stepped back, their job complete. Safiya slowly lifted her lashes and stared into the mirror again. She looked beautiful, yes. But not the kind of beautiful she ever wanted to be.

The lehenga was too red, too loud. The gold jewellery swallowed her whole.

Her nails, at least, remained the same. the ones she had gotten done a week ago along with khwaish.

She had always joked with her nail artist about the kind of nails she'd want for her wedding day.

It was supposed to be fun, something she chose.

( Imagine them really pointy stiletto nails )

She adjusted the bangles on her wrists. The jewellery irritated her, but the real problem wasn't gold. It was the man waiting to be her husband. The one she hadn't chosen.

Then again, when has this marriage ever been about choice for her? It felt like a burden, responsibility forced upon her whether she wanted it or not.

She raised an eyebrow when her mother stepped behind her and gently kissed the crown of her head. In her hands was a red veil, the final piece. Her mother draped it over Safiya's head, letting it fall gently around her. Her face remained uncovered. For now.

"Safiya, you're looking absolutely beautiful," her mother whispered, her voice thick with tears. She wrapped her arms around Safiya in a tight hug.

But this time, the hug didn't comfort her. It suffocated her.

Her chest clenched, like someone was squeezing her heart. Her brain screamed at her to run, to escape while she still could. To go back to her life which she felt that she was abandoning.

She shook her head, pushing the thoughts away. No! This was the right decision. The Khan family would be indebted to her now.

Her parents would remain by her side. She would still have her freedom. She wouldn't be tied down by a controlling man or a demanding household.

This marriage had a time limit. She could walk away if she wanted to. She placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. That's when her gaze met Khwaish's.

Khwaish had been quiet the entire time, helping her get ready without uttering a word. Not since the announcement of Safiya marrying Zaviyar.

Does she hate me now?

Does she think I'm also like Zulekha?

Safiya stood up from the vanity stool as Khwaish walked toward her. But before she could speak, Khwaish wrapped her arms tightly around her neck in a sudden, heartfelt hug.

"You're not doing this willingly, aapi. I know," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Safiya froze at her words which hit her like a wave. No one else had seen it. But Khwaish, young but far more perceptive than anyone gave her credit for had seen right through her. She was able to read the hesitation and fear in her eyes which she tried so hard to hide.

"Why did you agree to this?" she asked softly, her heart heavy.

"There are reasons I can't tell you," Safiya replied, her voice quiet. "But I'm not unhappy. Okay?"

Khwaish nodded, though she didn't believe Safiya. Yet, time was slipping out of hand and it was too late to go back. There was no turning back.

That's when Kabir barged into the room. Khwaish rushed to them, asking if everything had been done.

Kabir grinned and nodded. He pulled out a laptop from his back and turned the screen towards Safiya, who squinted her eyes trying to see what they were showing. Her lack of spectacles made her nearly blind.

She gasped at the changes in the hall that seemed familiar.

The entire wedding hall had been transformed.

The flowers were changed. A soft canopy of blooms had been arranged above the stage, exactly how she had once imagined for her own wedding.

A professional photographer had been called.

The nikah board now had her name next to Zaviyar's.

"It's not much. We didn't have a lot of time. Agastya Bhai helped us, but-"

"Are you kidding me?" Safiya breathed, stepping forward and pulling both of them into a tight hug.

"This is so much better."

She looked at Agastya who leaned against the door frame and passed him a grateful smile. Her voice broke at the end. She blinked back tears, holding in a hiccup.

While the rest of the world cared about gossip and damage control, her own family card about saving their reputation, these two had cared about her.

She broke the hug and smiled at them, warmth and gratitude shining in her eyes. The siblings nodded and left the room, off to handle more preparations. As much as they wanted to remain by her side they knew she needed space and time to deal with this.

Safiya turned to sit down and take a breath when the door flew open. Azim walked in drenched in sweat, with a suitcase in his hand . He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Safiya dressed as a bride. Before he could ask her about anything she gave him a side making him shut his mouth at once.

She walked towards him calmly and extended her hand. Wordlessly, he opened the suitcase, pulled out a file, and handed it to her. She flipped through the pages carefully, then gave him a short nod.

Opening her GPay app, she showed him the transaction confirmation.

The money was transferred.

"Now get lost," she said, stepping away and walking over to the couch. She dialled her father's number and asked him to meet her in the vanity room.

The papers were in her hand.as she read it making sure everything was correctly quoted.

Now she doesn't need to worry anymore.

____________________________________

Wajahat stepped into the room and froze. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes landed on Safiya dressed as a bride. For a moment, he forgot everything. He forgot the circumstances theY were in or the rumours. The storm outside seemed to disappear as he looked at his daughter.

His little girl, hiss daughter who was now all grown up. He walked over to her in long strides and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

"Safiya, my child... you look like a princess. ", he whispered, emotion tightening his throat.

" It feels like just yesterday you were a little baby in my arms." He cupped her face and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

But the moment he pulled back, he caught the look in her eyes. Her face seemed devoid of any emotions as she nodded half heartedly. Her eyes seemed gloomy. For the first time his daughter seemed like she was quite distant from him

She turned around and opened the suitcase and pulled out the document along with a pen. She held it out towards him. His smile faltered as he stared at the pen then back at her.

Realisation dawned upon him as he looked at the contract.

The one she had forced him to promise he'd sign.

He had brushed it off, thinking she was bluffing.

That it was just something to she was bluffing about.

He thought it would be an oral agreement, a temporary contract. One which she would forget about.

But how could he have forgotten? His daughter wasn't just anyone. She was Safiya Shah, a lawyer and one of the best at that.

"We can do this after the nikah is over", he said gently.

"Sorry, Dad. But you need to sign it now.", Safiya shook her head.

"You don't trust me to do it afterwards?"

" No. " she said without flinching, shaking her head slowly.

He blinked at her cold reply, " I'm your father, Safiya. I would never lie to you.", he gripped her shoulder tenderly trying to make her believe him.

"Then prove it by signing it Dad.", she snapped at him.

" This is a marriage between you and Zaviyar. It's something you should be discussing with him, not me."

Safiya let out a dry chuckle at his words before she said with a scoff.

" Believe me, Dad. This marriage means nothing to him. Just like it means nothing to me. And if I ever decide to walk out of it, he'll probably be the first to hand me the divorce papers.", She placed the document on the table in front of him.

" This isn't anything big. It just states that the marriage is valid for one year.

And when that time is up, if I choose to leave, I can.

without you or anyone else interfering. That's all.

I'm not asking for money or alimony.", Wajahat stared at the paper then at her and without another word, he picked up the pen and signed his name.

Safiya exhaled, her shoulders sagging slightly in relief. Wajahat signed all the papers before flicking the pen away. He looked up at her and handed her the papers. He placed his hand on her shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze as he softly said.

"I still pray that this marriage becomes something beautiful. That all your wishes are fulfilled in it."

"Well... for starters, this marriage isn't my wish.", Safiya met his eyes, her voice steady and low.

" I wish for it to end. "

The grand wooden doors creaked open, revealing a pitch-black hall with specks of light from the chandelier that hung in the middle of the ceiling of the hall.

Then, a single spotlight flickered to life, falling upon the far end of the stage.

There stood the groom, Zaviyar Raza Khan in his cream sherwani gleaming softly under the light.

His tall frame was regal, sculpted like a Greek god, yet something in the tightness of his jaw hinted at a brewing storm within.

His features were dark but royal and majestic.

One that would draw anyone in a spell.

A soft tune started playing in the backhround as another spotlight beamed from the ceiling and fell on the veiled bride standing at the opposite end of the ramp.

Safiya Wajahat Shah stood draped in deep maroon, her lehenga heavy with intricate zardozi, her head bowed under the ornate deep red veil.

She slwoly began her walk, the hem of her dress brushing softly against a path of rose petals that was laid carefully across the white ramp. With each step she took, the canopy of flowers above released a gentle cascade of petals, falling upon her like a soft shower from the sky.

The spotlight followed her. The guests looked to figure out who was walking the ramp, to get just one glance of the face of the bride.

All eyes were fixed on her, yet she felt detached. The lights, the stares, the soft gasps all blurred into silence. As she reached the end of the ramp, the entire hall lit up in sync, washing the venue in golden light.

She looked through her veil as she adjusted her lehenga to step into the stage. Agastya elbowed Zaviyar to give her a helping hand but he only rolled his eyes looking away. He made no move to come forward.

A sudden movement to her side startled her. Kabir appeared bowing down a littlr with quiet grace. He extended his hand toward her. A grateful smile appeared on Safiya's lips as she raised her trembling hand to place it in his.

But before their hands could touch, another hand appeared from the side and caught hers in a firm grip.

Her breath hitched, a soft squeak escaping her lips as she was pulled gently but surely onto the stage. That familiar warmth spread through her skin. She didn't need to look to know it was Zaviyar. But the touch was limited, it was gone as soon as it came.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Riffat and Khwaish came to her side and gently guided her to the bride's side, whispering calming words she could barely hear.

Zaviyar walked back to his side intentionally stepping on Agastya's foot on his way. Agastya who was giving Zaviyar a teasing, shit eating grin mocking him, winced in pain but maintained his calm when he caught a glimpse of Khwaish though the flower hangings.

Safiya sat quietly, her posture stiff, fingers clenched tightly together in her lap. Her eyes travelled around around before settling on the declared cushioned seat. Her ornate veil, confided her expression from the world and perhaps that was the only thing keeping her tears at bay.

The Qazi sat on the cream and gold seat at the center, with Wajahat Shah and Nauman Khan on either side.

The table in front of them was adorned with jasmine garlands and candles, and the Nikahnama parchment lay ready.

The room though full with people fell into a hush.

There were broken murmurs in the farthest corners, some still busy gossiping and throwing taunts at the change of events.

Most of Zulekha's side had already left, unable to face the disgrace. Only a handful remained, common friends who had no choice.

To everyone's surprise, Adnan and his mother were seated quietly in the far corner along with Zulekha's mother who was weeping.

Murtaza sat beside them, his face taut with shame and anger, muttering curses under his breath.

His daughter's betrayal had brought disgrace to them all.

Not only did he spend a fortune in this marriage but also took a loan thinking it would be to his benefit.

The floral partition between the bride and groom swayed slightly with the air, allowing brief glimpses.

Safiya dared to look up and met Zaviyar's eyes through the hanging flowers.

His expression was cold, unreadable. She quickly looked down again, unwilling to let anyone see her in such a fragile moment.

"Bismillah karein, Qazi Sahab," Nauman spoke softly.

(Please begin, Qazi Sahab.)

The Qazi nodded and began in a low but clear voice, "Safiya Wajahat Shah, daughter of Wajahat Shah... do you accept your marriage to Zaviyar Raza Khan, son of Nauman Khan, with a mahr of fifty lakh rupees?"

Wait... She wanted to scream. It was all happening too quickly for her to adjust with.

Safiya shut her eyes tightly. Her chest tightened, her throat felt like it was closing. She couldn't find her voice. The time passed in suffocating silence as she rubbed her clammy hands together.

Rabiya who standing beside her, leaned in and gave her shoulder a gentle but firm squeeze. Safiya flinched at the touch but finally drew in a slow breath.

"Qabool hai," she said, her voice calm but the weight of her words pressing heavily on her heart. It felt like surrender, like she was cutting away a piece of her own soul. Her chest ached, not from fear but from the raw wound this moment had carved.

Her mind screamed for her to escape.

To hell with Zulekha.

This is where she landed her. She was trapped in this chaos because of Zulekha who didn't think twice before choosing herself.

The Qazi asked again, "Safiya Wajahat Shah, daughter of Wajahat Shah... do you accept your marriage to Zaviyar Raza Khan, son of Nauman Khan, with a mahr of fifty lakh rupees?"

"Qabool hai," Safiya repeated, this time her voice barely above a whisper. She looked up again and caught a shadowed glimpse of Zaviyar's face, clenched and cold. It looked like he was dreading this very moment and wanted it to pass quickly.

The Qazi asked for a third and final time, turning toward her. "Safiya Wajahat Shah, daughter of Wajahat Shah... Do you accept your marriage to Zaviyar Raza Khan, son of Nauman Khan, with a mahr of fifty lakh rupees?"

Safiya gave a small nod and murmured her final "Qabool hai.

", that's when she felt a drop of water on her mehendi clad hand.

She lifted her hand to check and felt dampness on her cheek as another tear slid down from under her veil, landing on her palm.

This time her fingers curled around it.

Now it was Zaviyar's turn.

The Qazi turned toward the groom's side. Zaviyar sat tall and silent, his eyes sharp and unreadable. His sherwani was flawless, his posture regal. But his jaw was clenched, his knuckles pale where his hands rested on his thighs.

Unlike Safiya who could at least confide and conceal her emotions behind her veil, Zaviyar had to put on a mask of facade.

"Zaviyar Raza Khan, son of Nauman Khan... do you accept your marriage to Safiya Wajahat Shah, daughter of Wajahat Shah, with a mahr of fifty lakh rupees?"

"Qabool hai," he replied curtly. His voice was low, rough around the edges, controlled but boiling underneath.

Safiya's heart skipped at the sound. The calmness in his voice wasn't peace rather restraint and suppressed wrath.

"For the second time, Zaviyar Raza Khan son of Nauman Khan... do you accept your marriage to Safiya Wajahat Shah daughter of Wajahat Shah, with a mahr of 50 lakh rupees?", The Qazi repeated the question again.

"Qabool hai," Zaviyar replied again, this time his gaze fixed on the red silhouette he could barely make out through the floral drapes. All he could see was a blur of reds and golds, but it was enough.

The Qazi asked for the final time, and this time, Zaviyar turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in the direction of where Safiya sat.

Safiya looks up finally, trying to find his outline even a mere glance through the red veil as well as the floral partition.

They didn't realise but both of them were looking at each other with an intense stare. Their unintentional stare didn't break as the Qazi repeated once again.

" Zaviyar Raza Khan son of Nauman Khan... Do you Accept your marriage to Safiya Wajahat Shah daughter of Wajahat Shah, with a mahr of 50 lakh rupees?"

Zaviyar with a glance toward the partition where Safiya sat behind said,

"Qabool hai."

Safiya closed her eyes as she let the tears fall free. She thanked the heavens as she wore water proof make which wouldn't smudge her make up and make her look ugly.

Riffat and Rabiya hugged each other, quiet sobs escaping as relief washed over them. Wajahat exhaled deeply, placing a hand on his chest.

The Nikahnama was handed to Safiya along with a crested glass pen which was beautifully decorated with a feather attached to it.

Safiya stared at it for a moment. It was beautifully designed, but in her hand, it felt heavier than stone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked it up. The neatly written names and the details, everything has been changed.

She held the pen still, turning it slowly between her fingers. Sweat glistened on her forehead despite the air conditioning. Taking another breath, she leaned forward and signed on the allotted place.

She stared at her signature and grimaced. It looked horrible, she wanted to redo it. Thats when she realised it wasn't a some simple document rather her legal marriage contract.

The paper was taken to Zaviyar next. He didn't hesitate befire hr picked up the pen and signed his name with a sharp, quick motion without even glancing down.

The Qazi raised his hands and the people in the room followed. A collective dua was offered for the couple's future. A soft sermon followed, reminding them gently about the responsibilities of marriage and the sanctity of the bond they now shared.

Everyone around began offering congratulations.

Safiya was pulled into the embrace of Rabiya, Riffat, and Khwaish. Their hugs were full of warmth, trying to hide the unease lingering in the air.

On the other side, Wajahat stepped forward and pulled Zaviyar into a brief hug. Zaviyar accepted with a stiffness.

"Mubarak ho. Nikah mukammal ho gaya hai," the Qazi announced, gently closing the black folder after checking all signatures one last time.

( congratulations, the marriage is complete)

He stood up and both Nauman and Wajahat rose to escort him out. Another wedding waited for him so he had to hear out immediately.

"Remove the partition, bhai," Kabir said softly.

Zaviyar didn't speak, he simply gave a curt nod and stood up. He walked to the edge and slid open the floral partition that had separated them. The drapes rustled as they were pulled away, revealing the two of them to each other.

Safiya's breath caught in her throat when she looked up and saw him. Her eyes met his through her red veil.

Even through her veil, she could feel the intensity of his gaze. His eyes weren't soft or welcoming. They were fierce and unforgiving. She wasn't sure if it was hate or something worse burning in them.

An overwhelming silence fell between them. A storm of emotions churned beneath their composed faces, buried in two heavy hearts forced into one unbreakable bond.

Was it too late to run?

Safiya thought, looking around for an escape route.

The murmurs in the room returned like a slow rising tide. "Mubarak ho... Shaadi Mubarak..." Guests whispered between themselves as trays of sweets and glasses of beverages were carried around by the hotel staff. Wajahat Shah and Nauman Khan exchanged brief, stiff nods with the crowd.

" The couple should now sit together. ", a few elders gestured toward the stage, signaling for the newlyweds to take their seats on the decorated couch. Safiya glanced toward Zaviyar for the briefest moment, their eyes locked again.

The floral partition was moved completely aside now, rolled back and placed behind the stage like a mere decoration.

The thick curtains that had earlier veiled the stage were drawn apart slowly, revealing a breathtaking canopy of fresh blooms. Beneath it stood the cream and gold sofa meant for the bride and groom.

But what made her pause was the initials shining on the wall behind the sofa.

Safiya 3