Chapter 21
This chapter is unedited so read at your own risk...
Please Vote, comment and share your thoughts.
100 votes and 150 comments and I'll post the next chapter...
Happy reading ????
·····
Author's POV
The spotlight fell dramatically on the bride and groom as they appeared at the top of the grand staircase, their presence commanding the attention of the entire hall.
A thunderous wave of applause erupted, echoing like a celebration of royalty. The crowd rose to welcome the newly married couple, their claps and cheers blending with the faint hum of music that filled the air.
Safiya looked nothing short of celestial, draped in an opulent gown of muted gold that seemed to carry its own light.
Every inch of the fabric was a masterpiece, intricate embroidery glimmering with shimmering threads that caught the glow of the chandeliers above as though pieces of starlight had been woven into her dress.
The silhouette flowed gracefully, brushing against the marble floor with every step and the sheer dupatta trailed behind her like a golden river embroidered with delicate floral motifs.
Each stitch whispered the artistry of timeless craftsmanship, an heirloom of beauty and grace.
A regal choker, studded with pearls and crystals, rested elegantly against her collarbone, catching the light whenever she moved.
Tonight, she wasn't just a bride rather she looked like a goddess descended from yeh heavens, divine yet untouchable.
Beside her, Zaviyar stood tall, his quiet dignity filling the space around him. His attire was understated, yet commanding in its own right. A cream-toned kurta paired with a finely embroidered waistcoat accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame.
The threadwork on the vest was subtle but precise, a reflection of sophistication without ostentation.
The cut of his ensemble was clean, sharp, and dignified, giving him the aura of strength blended seamlessly with tradition.
His very stance radiated control, a calm authority that needed no embellishment.
Together, they mirrored the image of royalty itself. The golden radiance of the bride complementing the ivory calm of the groom. They stood not merely as two individuals but as two legacies, two worlds, entwining before the eyes of all.
He extended his arm for her to hold, his gesture steady and practiced and she slipped her hand onto it delicately. Her fingers, though hesitant, clutched his firm biceps. The material of his kameez did little to mask the taut muscles beneath. he was a well-built man, strong and solid.
For a moment, she frowned at their height difference. even in her heels, she realized she barely reached his shoulders, a fact that made her frown internally.
As they began descending the staircase, music swelled around them, soft yet dramatic, and the clicking of cameras followed their every move. Her face carried a subtle, controlled expression for the photographers, though her thoughts wandered.
She hadn't known until days before that the Khans were not just influential but considered near royalty in Azamgarh and around. Direct descendants of ancient rulers, their lineage was spoken of in hushed hsitory.
Her marriage to Zaviyar wasn't just a union, it was a decision that bore weight upon the very heritage of Azamgarh.
Too much, far too much for her to absorb in such a short time.
The Khans were not only wealthy landowners but they were also major producers of essential materials for industries, with networks spanning across the country.
And, of course, their political ties ran deep, adding power to prestige. It wasn't hard for her to recognize that tonight's reception was not merely a family gathering. This hall was brimmed with important people, dignitaries, and influential figures, mingling seamlessly with relatives.
As she adjusted her expression, Zaviyar suddenly descended the last few steps quicker than her.
Confused, her pretentious smile nearly broke into a full scowl when he extended his hand once more making sure she got down carefully.
The gesture, though romantic to the crowd, made her insides twist with distaste.
Yet, they smiled for the cameras, the perfect facaade of a perfect couple.
They walked forward, heading towards the center of the long ramp, built specifically to resemble a stage.
Her breath caught when she felt his calloused hand enclose hers, his fingers interlacing deliberately with hers before giving a firm squeeze.
Startled, she looked at him from the corner of her eyes, her instinct screaming resistance and freed her hand almost immediately.
But the flashes of cameras only intensified. So, this was his game. He wanted to show the world a flawless picture of marriage. She scoffed internally at the charade.
' bloody opportunist', she muttered.
The hall itself glittered like a dream. Thousands of shimmering lights twinkled above, while cascades of florals hung from the ceiling, making it look as though it were raining crystals. The atmosphere was enchanting, too perfect like a scene out of a fairytale.
They reached the stage as fresh flowers rained gently upon them.
At the center stood a magnificent black royal couch and they sat side by side, poised for the never-ending series of photographs.
Relatives soon approached them with gifts and greetings.
First Rabiya and Riffat, who blessed them warmly and posed for pictures.
The came Wajahat and Nauman who blessed them and soon left to cater to their guests. .
Then began the procession of the rest of the guests, each approaching with gifts, greetings, and words of congratulations.
Rising to her feet, Safiya suddenly realized Zaviyar still held her hand, his grip unrelenting.
His calloused palms engulfed hers entirely, a silent but firm hold.
He held her like like he wanted to protect her from the peering gazes around them.
"Mashaallah, you both look so good together," a woman said sweetly, her husband nodding in agreement.
"Yes, what a perfect couple," he added.
Another man approached, and Zaviyar greeted him with a brief, brotherly hug but never once did he loosen his grip on Safiya's hand. The routine continued, one guest after another, until finally a contractor introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Khan. Zihan here. I'm one of the contractors working with Mr. Khan."
Safiya smiled mechanically, her lips curving into a practiced warmth though it never touched her eyes. Zihan turned toward Zaviyar next.
"I must say, Sir, you have a very beautiful lady as your wife. And I heard your wife is a lawyer as well."
Zaviyar only nodded curtly, his usual reserve intact. But Safiya's insides churned. Every time someone addressed her only as his wife, she felt the sting of her identity shrinking. She had a name, a career, her own existence and yet all of it was eclipsed under his shadow.
So-and-so's wife, the only title she never wanted to associate with.
When the line of greetings finally ended, both sighed in relief, already weary and eager to retreat to their chambers to sleep.
But the event stretched on. Soon, dancers took the stage, performing a mesmerizing rendition on the song ' Ghoomar '.
The rhythm of their movements filled the hall with regal energy.
Their lehenga skirts flowing with grace and tradition.
They were followed by Khwaish, who twirled and spun to the 'Ghaghra' song, her laughter infectious. Safiya, watching intently, couldn't help but sway her shoulders to the beat, her lips parting into a smile for the first time that evening.
Zaviyar, seated beside her, caught the moment from the corner of his eyes.
A smile tugged at his lips as he saw her finally unburdened from her scowl, even if briefly.
His gaze, however, soon drifted across the room, narrowing when he noticed Agastya glaring daggers at anyone who dared to look at Khwaish.
The irony of her oblivious joy made him smirk faintly.
Then came Kabir's performance to 'Maahi Ve'. The hall erupted in cheers, but none louder than Safiya's as she shot up from her seat, clapping and cheering him on with unrestrained joy.
' That's the way, maahi ve.', she sang along while Zaviyar turned red in embarrassment by the sudden attention her her enthusiasm attracted.
He covered his mouth to stifle a reluctant smile.
He didn't dare interrupt her happiness, though he leaned forward to gently tug her hand, urging her to sit.
She complied, this time without protest.
When the performance ended, Khwaish and Kabir rushed to her, handing over bouquets of flowers. She quickly shoved them towards Zaviyar and pulled both into a suffocating hug, laughter spilling freely from her. For a moment, the entire hall seemed lighter.
Just when everyone thought the performances had ended, the lights dimmed completely. A hush spread across the hall. A slow tune began, curious and suspenseful. And then, the unmistakable beat of 'Badtameez Dil', blared across the speakers. Safiya's head snapped up, confusion etched across her face.
"Kehti thi shaadi mere bas ki baat nahi.
..
Aur dekho aaj, dulhan banke baithi hai madam!
Safiya... meri jungli billi, meri sherni!
Tune shaadi karli aur mujhe bhanak tak na lagi
Zaviyar bhai, tayyar rahiye.
..
Yeh case aapke khilaaf hamesha jeetegi,
Aur roz aapko pagal banayegi! "
The rhythmic jingling of anklets followed as a girl's silhouette emerged from the shadows, walking towards the center of the stage.
Zaviyar's face drained of color. His eyes darted to Safiya, whose expression mirrored his shock. If she was not the one who planned this then who did.
"Ab touh mein aapko warning nahi, bas dua'ein aur himmat deh sakti hu...", suddenly the lights switched on and several confetti guns shot out streamers and confetti as the girl stood in the middle of the stage.
"Iraaa~" Safiya gasped, bolting up from her seat at the sight of her best friend. Adhira rushed forward, embracing her in a bone-crushing hug before turning dramatically to Zaviyar, greeting him with a playful adaab. He looked at her like she had sprouted two heads before giving her a curt nod.
" Namaste namaste jeeju, aap aur meri dost ki jori kya astagfirullah lagti hain- ", Adhira said beaming only for Safiya to correct her.
( Namaste, namaste brother in now, my bestie and your couple, it's so astagfirullah )
" eee- mashallah hota hain. Paagal. ", Zaviyar looked mortified but he remained a neutral expression.
( eeee- it's mashallah, stupid. )
" Tu samajh gayi na. ", she said patting Safiya's shoulder.
( You understood right... Then it's fine )
" Yeh kesi boring party hain, ab mein aagayi hu tu tension na le. ", Adhira laughed and stepped back onto the stage to begin her performance. Safiya's eyes sparkled with excitement, her grin wide as she nudged Zaviyar with her shoulder.
( What a being aorty, but don't you worry I'm here now. )
"That's my best friend.", she beamed to which Zaviyar simply nodded fretting whatever was coming up.
"Thora has lijiye jeeju, ese bhi meri dost puri zindagi rulayegi aapko," Adhira teased into the mic, making the guests burst into laughter. Zaviyar, caught off guard, almost... almost- felt his eyes sting with tears. The truth in her words was far too real already.
The music shifted again, this time to 'Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai'. Safiya laughed out loud, memories flooding back of wild hostel nights spent dancing like crazy baboons with Adhira. For the first time that night, her laughter was unrestrained, her joy real.
Darwaje Ko Kundi Maaro
Koyi Na Bachke Jaane Paaye
Dj Ko Samjha Do Music
Galti Se Bhi Ruk Na Jaaye
Daga Daga Sa Jo Feel Kare
Wo Jaake Do Red Bull Gatak Le
Aur Jisko Dance Nahi Karna
Wo Jaake Apni Bhains Charaaye
Safiya sang as Adhira danced to the song with her crazy moves.
.meanwhile Zaviyar was two seconds away from having a heart attack after seeing the horrendous dance and hearing Safiya sing.
He almost wondered where she learnt those songs.
He preferred the calm and soothing music not the type that would give him headache.
Party Karni Hai
Hum Party Karenge
Kisi Ke Pa-Pa Se Ni Darenge yehhh
Safiya sang the words quietly while looking at Zaviyar with a smirk as if challenging him through the lyrics. Meanwhile Zaviyar tried not to show hai disgust and could only internally pray for her to stop.
Hum Hai Bete Hum Baaki Paani Kam
Hume Rokk Ke Dikhaye
Jiski Bum Mein Hai Dum
Yes, Zaviyar almost fainted at the brainrot lyrics and ridiculous dance. But Safiya on the other hand should have joined the stage has it not been Zaviyar holding onto her hand lightly.
Zaviyar's prayers had been heard as she completed her performance and Khwaish, Kabir and Adhira finally concluded their performnace with the song 'Gallan Goodiyaan' which was really enjoyable for all.
Overall, everyone enjoyed the programme and the atmosphere of the hall was joyous. The music, the laughter, and the thrum of chatter blended together like a living heartbeat of celebration.
After the performances were over, most of the guests drifted towards the lavish buffet spread, the aroma of rich dishes filling the air, while Adhira along with Safiya's other friends stayed back, their faces lit with smiles as they approached the couple.
"Ira, you? Here? And you didn't even tell me. Not even once! I thought you said you couldn't come," Safiya's voice cracked as she clutched Adhira, hugging her like her very life depended on it.
Her arms wound tightly around her friend, refusing to let go, and for the first time that evening her eyes glistened with real emotion.
Adhira herself almost teared up, seeing her best friend decked up as a bride married to a man, of all things and not curled up in their hostel room laughing at silly jokes.
"Yes, you had completely forgotten me. If Auntie hadn't called me, you would've only phoned after having kids!
Sahi bol rahi hu na mein, Bhai?" Adhira pulled back, her hands planted firmly on her hips as she turned toward Zaviyar.
Her tone was bold, her eyes sparkling with mischief, completely unfiltered and frank.
Zaviyar, caught off guard, coughed lightly to hide his discomfort. He wasn't used to such directness, especially not from women.
"Auntie, I came here only for you," Adhira said sweetly then, her tone flipping in a heartbeat as she turned to Rabiya and handed her a large gift.
"Please give this to your daughter on my behalf."
Both Rabiya and Riffat chuckled at their childishness, shaking their heads.
" Now you'll act like this? Sorry yaar, everything happened so fast..." Safiya said, guilty eyes darting away as Adhira folded her arms and looked at her with exaggerated accusation.
"Sorry," Safiya finally muttered, clutching her ears and pulling a pout to soften her friend's heart.
Zaviyar almost rubbed his eyes in disbelief. This wasn't the sharp-tongued woman he knew, the one who glared daggers at him every chance she got. She had transformed into someone else playful, pleading, girlish all of a sudden.
'Insaan nahi, girgit hai yeh' he thought dryly.
"Alright, fine... I'm accepting your apology because I don't want you to cry on this day," Adhira finally relented with a dramatic sigh before plopping down beside Safiya and clicking a snap with her.
Zaviyar shifted uncomfortably on his seat, still gripping Safiya's hand. His awkwardness only doubled when Kabir came and sat beside him but then he noticed something odd- Kabir sneaking glances at... Adhira?
Wtf... Zaviyar's brows knitted. He shook his head quickly, irritated with himself. Why was he even thinking like this? Why was he cursing in his head? And worse, why was he feeling affected at all? Why was he starting to curse like his wife?
"Chal na, jyada bhaav mat kha... main nahi ro rahi tere liye," Safiya teased mockingly, rolling her eyes at Adhira, who instantly stuck out her tongue in reply.
(Oh come on, don't act pricey... I'm not crying for you.)
"Safiya, will you meet the rest of us too? The moment you saw your best friend, you forgot about us, huh?" another voice chimed in and soon enough her other college friends swarmed in, surrounding the couple.
"No, no... it's nothing like that," Safiya said with a wide smile, hugging a few of them. Though, deep down, there were faces she would've rather not seen tonight. Some she hadn't wanted to invite at all, given their history. But choices weren't always hers to make.
"Forget the rest, where's our brother-in-law? I don't see him..." Sajal's piercing voice carried a sharp edge of mockery.
Safiya rolled her eyes so hard they nearly hurt. Her throat itched to snap at her, ' side mein jo yeh 6 foot ka danav baitha hai, nazar nahi aata kya? ', but she held her tongue. Zaviyar, seated right beside her, raised a brow slightly but stayed silent.
"Assalamualaikum jeeju... main aapki muh boli saali. Nikah mein toh iss dhokebaaz ne bulaya hi nahi," Adhira grinned, her words bold.
(Assalamualaikum, brother-in-law... I'm your sworn sister-in-law. This traitor didn't even invite me to the nikah.)
Zaviyar gave a small nod, hiding his amusement behind a polite facade.
"Lekin agar aati toh aapke joote zaroor churati," Adhira added enthusiastically, her gaze flickering down to his shoes.
(But if I had come, I would've surely stolen your shoes.)
Safiya burst into giggles, clutching her stomach, while Zaviyar surprised himself by letting a faint smile escape.
"Waise aapne meri iss jhalli se shaadi kaise karli?" Adhira asked, side-hugging Safiya who instantly pouted at the betrayal.
(By the way, how did you end up marrying this crazy girl of mine?)
" Bas karli... ", Zaviyar said with a failed attempt at a smile and soft voice.
"Ouch!! Let go, it really hurts!" Adhira yelped when Safiya twisted her ear mercilessly.
"You talk way too much," Safiya scolded, making everyone laugh harder.
Zaviyar finally got up, releasing Safiya's hand for the first time that evening. He tugged Kabir along with him, probably in search of some air.
Adhira, without missing a beat, scooted even closer to Safiya while the rest of her friends circled around. They clicked pictures in clusters, laughter echoing as old memories resurfaced.
"Suna hai jeeju yahan ke kuch nawab-shawab hain... kahin mujhe kaale pani ki saja toh nahi suna denge na?" Adhira fretted in mock horror, her eyes wide as she deliberately glanced at Zaviyar who carried an aura of seriousness around him.
(I've heard, brother-in-law, that you're some kind of local nawab... you won't sentence me to exile, will you?)
Zaviyar who was near them talking with some of his cousins almost choked on air at Adhira's words, blinking at her in disbelief. Was this girl for real?
Zaviyar returned to sit beside Safiya and before he could even respond, Sajal glided closer, perching herself on the extra couch. Her smile didn't reach her eyes as she extended a hand towards Zaviyar.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Khan. Congratulations from all of us! Honestly, I always thought Safiya would marry someone from the city. It's surprising to see her marrying someone from this small village," she said, her tone dripping with fake innocence.
Safiya's head snapped toward her, her eyes widening in disbelief. The audacity she had.
Sajal wasn't done. "Safiya always told us how her ideal type was and now she married you... well, she's lucky to get you, I must say," she added with a forced laugh. The air thickened with tension.
Safiya wanted to bury her face in her hands. She could only imagine what Zaviyar must be thinking, hearing all this.
"And that too after breaking off the engagement with Adeel..." Sajal smirked.
Safiya's fists clenched, her knuckles whitening. She was one second away from lunging at the girl when Zaviyar spoke, his voice calm, crisp but powerful enough to cut through the tension.
"Maybe Safiya told you about her ideal type," he said evenly, "but she gave her heart to me.
And her acceptance to marry me truly makes me happy.
It's nice to meet the people who've been part of my wife's life.
Honestly, I'm the privileged one to have married her.
And as for Azamgarh, it's one of the most beautiful places to visit. If you find time, do explore it."
The weight of his words silenced the air. His words carried weight and elegance, they weren't the words of a husband who was insecure or tolerated when his wife'e name would be dragged.
Sajal's face twisted for a second before she forced another smile.but the bitterness in her eyes gave her away.
Soon, Agastya entered with a few more powerful men. Zaviyar excused himself politely, his voice steady. "It's been a pleasure meeting you all. Please enjoy the party. I'll excuse myself. I need to greet some guests." He then turned to Khwaish and Kabir.
"Khwaish, Kabir... please make sure Safiya's friends feel at home."
Before leaving, he bent slightly toward Safiya, his voice softer now. "I'll be right back."
Safiya froze. Why did those simple words make her stomach flip? She gawked at him as he walked away, his presence still lingering. And unknowingly a red hue spread on her cheeks..
"Wow, I didn't know jeeju knew all of them," Adhira exclaimed loudly, watching the politicians and chairperson who they only saw in tv flock around Zaviyar.
"That's Silthar's CM! And... oh my god, that's the chairman of... wow. Waah bhai!"
Sajal, unable to bear the praises, sneered.
"Wow, your husband even speaks English! I thought villagers were always illiterate." Her fake laugh scraped against the air.
Adhira rolled her eyes so hard they nearly fell out. "Education isn't just about holding a degree... an educated person also knows manners and etiquette."
"Kuch bhi bolo Safiya... jeeju hain toh barein handsome..." Adhira teased next, smirking wickedly at Safiya who promptly smacked her arm, cheeks warming at the teasing.
(Say whatever you want, Safiya... brother-in-law is really handsome.)
"What's the use? He's still from a village," Sajal hissed again.
"This man isn't even your ideal match," another friend joined in, emboldened. Safiya's patience snapped thread by thread as they all chimed in.
"What kind of compulsion made you agree to this marriage? The Safiya I know would never agree. You had such big dreams... your degree is all useless now," Sajal went on, her voice dripping venom.
"Sajal, be quiet... at least be mindful of the occasion before speaking.", Payal who was Sajal's friend whispered to her only for Sajal to wave off her words and look back at Safiya with a mocking smirk.
"Mein touh kehti hu ese gawaron ke saath rehne se achcha hain tum khula lelo..", Sajal said crossing her legs and proposing her elbow on her knees and her chin on her fist.
( I'd say it's better to get a divorce than to live with such villagers.. )
"You'll find much better, educated men, Safiya.... Haan, aur tumhare in-laws bhi kaafi ajeeb lag rahe the.... like bohot hee gawa- ", Sajal continued but was cutt off by Safiya who had enough. Seeing no one around Safiya finally let her words out which pierced Sajal's reputation.
( Yes, and your in-laws also seemed so strange... like really backward- )
Safiya's eyes darkened, her jaw clenching. Almost all the guests had moved to the eating section, leaving the stage nearly empty.
"Bas!" Safiya's voice thundered suddenly, making them all freeze. "Bahut ho gaya. I'm being nice because I don't want a scene here. But if you want to spew such nonsense about my husband and my family, I will not take it. I suggest you leave."
The firmness of her voice startled even Khwaish, who was standing nearby.
"Do you really think we don't know about your affair?" Safiya added, her eyes sharp. "Before advising me, take care of your own home."
Sajal's face turned beet red, rage and humiliation mingling as she shot up from her seat.
"No sweetheart, Mama insisted on inviting you all," Safiya continued coldly. "Trust me, if it were up to me, I wouldn't have even thought of it. Remember what you did in law school?"
"That's enough!" Sajal spat, her voice rising. She grabbed Payal's wrist but Payal yanked it free and muttered flatly, "Jab doosron ki bezzati karni aati hai, toh khud bhi sunna seekho."
Sajal's lips trembled, but she turned on her heel and stormed away.
The silence that followed was suffocating, until finally Safiya exhaled a shaky breath of relief. After Sajal left, Payal apologised to Safiya which she shrugged off and asked Khwaish and Kabir to escort her friends to the dining area.
"Waah bhai, I'm impressed," Adhira whistled, eyes wide with amusement.
"Itne saalon se yeh tujhe bhala bura bolti rahi aur tuneh kabhi kuch nahi kaha... aaj Zaviyar bhai ka zikr hote hi..."
(Wow, I'm impressed. All these years she insulted you and you never said a word... but the moment Zaviyar bhai was mentioned, you did.)
Safiya adjusted her bangles, brushing it off. "I won't hear a word against my family."
"Family? Waah bhai, maan gaye," Adhira gasped in mock shock.
(Family? Wow, I must say, I'm impressed.)
Safiya glared at her but Adhira leaned in with a teasing grin. "You're getting so defensive for him... are you sure you don't like him?"
Safiya swatted at her arm with a huff, but her ears burned. For the first time that night, she had no answer.
Why was she feeling this warm and giddy for him when she knew all his actions were just pretense for yeh world?
_______________________________________
Please let me know your thoughts.
I know I'm late at updating but I'm trying to manage. Please bear with me.
Tell me what you like about this chapter?
I'm almost done writing the next two chapters so please vote so I can quickly post the next chapters with lots and lots of Safiya and Zaviyar's moments.