Dedicated to

Hazerin Nazerin... Dekhti ankhoo aur parhne walo ko Mera Salaam...

Hello my beauties...

Here we are with the last chapter of this beautiful story.

Hope you all enjoyed this journey as much as I did...

Next update will be next Thursday. And people didn't comment on last one, please do it because I love reading your comments.

Thanks to everyone for showing love with last updates.

Keep loving and supporting.

Enjoy the update ❤️❤️

❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎

ہم جو تم سے ملے ہے اتفاق تھوڑی ہے

مل کے تم کو چھوڑ دیں مذاق تھوڑی ہے۔۔۔

اگر ہوتی تم سے محبت ایک حد تک تو چھوڑ دیتے

پر ہماری تم سے محبت کا حساب تھوڑی ہے۔۔۔

اب تم ڈھونڈو گے میری اس غزل کا جواب

یہ میرے دل کی آواز ہے کوئی کتاب تھوڑی ہے ۔۔۔

(Hum jo tumse mile hai itefaq thori hai

Mil k tumhe chor de mazak thori hai

Agar hoti tumse mohabbat ek had tk toh Chod dete

Par hmari tmhari mohabbat ka hisab thori hai

Ab tum dhondho ge meri es Ghazal Ka Jawab

Yeh mere Dil ki awaaz ha koi kitaab thori ha)

❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎❦︎

☾︎ 𝑊𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑒𝑠𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 ☽︎

The vast infinite blue hovered above them looking soft and clear through the veranda of the mosque. With dashes of white coming and going, blending and parting in the bright afternoon sky.

A never changing constant, silently present through fire frenzies and blood-stained wars visible to the make eyes and depicting the condition of her heart.

The soft smiles and Loud chatters of people do nothing to soothe her heart. Just like the moving sky, which is bound to sail through the day, she moved with them.

Mind away from the moment but body stuck in the situation. She was in dilemma, her heart doesn't wanna disappoint people who stand with her through thick and thin, people she loved dearly.

But the coming event scared her, her nerves on high alert as she thought about what she will do in a few moments, how can she marry a man who doesn't even love her? It's not about love but how can she marry a man who just wanna own her?

The paranoia stays with her, the fear of the unknown, as scenarios come and go. She doesn't know how she will say the words.

Maybe it's just her mind, but she knows she can't back out after she said those two words. It will stay with them, Till their last breath in.

For the past two days, she was in this dilemma, his behavior, his words, and his actions keep flashing in her mind, confusing her more.

But what confused her more was her heart and mind, this morning her Baba came to her room and asked her if she is happy about this.

She got a clear out but her tongue didn't utter the words, it's like something stopped her. That's how she found herself in this royal attire looking every inch of the princess.

From her sandals to the nose pin, everything was chosen by the family, or that's what she knew. But she was too lost to argue, yet she did give her inputs here and there.

It's not like she is not happy with this, she is neither sad, but she missed her grandfather and grandmother too much.

She just wanted his guidance and his words and she will know what to do. Hoping she will do right by herself and them, she moved toward the mosque with the teasing sisters.

Her face was covered with the veil but she can feel that everyone was looking at her. The mere thought of being in the spotlight, tricked her nerves as she grip her lehenga with an iron hold.

"Come on girl let's get you married,"

Trying to smile at Anabia's teasing tone, she takes a deep breath and leaves the matter to her Lord.

On the other side of the floral curtain he sat on, she can see his scorching gaze but she keep her head lowered and bless whoever decided for the veil.

Like a blur everything happened, the people say down and the ceremony started, her heart pounded like crazy as her mind took the reins.

Asher stood beside his friend placing a hand on his shoulder as he was actually happy for his friend but his eyes moved to the nymph who look ethereal today yet didn't give him the attention he wanted.

As the nikkah ceremony started after the sermon and Moulana Sahab asked Sadia the question that will change many lives and relationships.

"Do you Sadia Sheikh bint Dilshad Sheikh take Aarish bint Qais sheikh in your nikkah for Haq Mehar of rupees 5 lakh?"

'It's now or never Sadia... Bach ja... Warna baad main pachtaye gi,'

Giving herself all the mental courage she needs, and looking one last time at her mother and any incoming weapon, she looked down.

Gulping her saliva as her parched throat hurts, she closed her eyes, she doesn't know what happened, how she got the strength but the next words just escape her mouth.

"No,"

An answer was given after a few moments of silence but it was not the answer they were looking for, as everyone gasped in shock, and two loud reactions resonated in the mosque.

"WHAT?"

"Hey! I don't wanna die young,"

Safa beghum and Asher's voices resonant the veranda of the mosque while everyone else looks like statues.

She waited for the worst, and just like she know what will happen, he stands up suddenly as live wire touched him, almost knocking the chair down.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY?"

She didn't get proper time to respond as the curtain was thrown away and her gasp got ignored when people yelled and gasp in shock.

Removing her veil she looked at him who was red, he looked ready to kill. His eyes were bloodshot, his face looked hot red with anger, and veins popped on his forehead as well as his neck.

She gulped remembering all her prayers and tries to reach her family but one look at him and she is stuck. His blazing mysterious eyes keep her locked and immobile.

"I SAID WHAT DID YOU SAY? DID YOU SAY NO? YOU CAN'T SAY NO,"

Throwing the chairs away, he marched towards her causing her breath to hitch and the fight-flight mode to activate in her body.

But before she can run, she was caught by her arm. An involuntary scream escape her mouth as he turned her around and hold her neck tightly.

"You don't wanna marry me? Then you won't be able to do it with anyone else,"

The grip got tighter with each moment, soon her family members moved and tries to get her free from the beast who was out after the wait of years but just to be defied.

"L-leave... Me, please,"

"No... Meri Nahi Toh Kisi ki Nahi,"

She scratches his hand but nothing helps her, no one can move him away. Feeling her body sagging and losing all her strength as her lungs can't get enough to function, she stops struggling. She can hear her family scream for him to stop, for her, but nothing helps as black dots start coming.

"Sadia... Sadia!!!!"

It promises happiness and freedom from this beast who was scary at the moment, she doesn't wanna die but the black started to embrace her.

"YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID NO,"

Those were the last words he whispered but they got lost in the screaming her family did. They were screaming and yelling and calling her.

"SADIA DILSHAD SHEIKH!!!,"

"HUH,"

Gasping as she hold her neck looking at her mother's face which was almost matched to Aarish's when she said no.

Another gasp escapes her as she looked at the man who was still sitting on the other side of the curtain with a blank face and eyes that contains storms and promised destruction.

"I swear Sadia... If you faint or don't answer in the next 5 seconds, bride or not... I will beat you with my chapal,"

As soon as Safa beghum words registered, she looked around the place and people, just to notice everything is ok. Which confuses her immensely but soon Anabia takes mercy on her and leaned forward.

"I have no idea what you were daydreaming about but congratulations you didn't die by Bhai's hands... Ab qubool kar apne bagad billa ji ko otherwise he is seconds away from doing whatever you saw in that dream of yours,"

"Sadia!!,"

Another whisper yell from her mother and it finally registered in her mind what happened, she dreamed about saying "no" and it shows her what will happen.

Gulping at the scenario her mind showed and knowing the truth of her best friend's words, she just steal one glance at him, listing the final pros and cons in her mind.

'Living with his brooding self is way better than dying at his hands... Come on Sadia... You can do it,"

Taking a deep breath and remembering the smile of her grandfather she murmured the words that cause everyone to sigh in relief, but two people are the happiest.

"Qubool ha,"

Aarish finally take the breath that was stuck in his lungs and chest due to her silence. It's like peace filled his mind and soul, blooming his heart for the coming spring in his life.

While Asher feels like dancing as he knew his friend won't back out on his words and he would have lost his life if the bride didn't answer in the next few minutes.

Sadia was still baffled by the daydreaming or day-mare when people engulfed her in hugs and congratulations.

"Mubarak ho Mera bacha... Aj apke dado bohat Khush honge mujhse...,"

Her Baba came forward and kisses her forehead making her cry in his chest. She doesn't know why she cried but it helped her.

"Mama... What was this for? I am the bride woman, at least have mercy today,"

"Then don't pull such stunts... I got worried there for a minute,"

Safa beghum too came to hug her but slapped her for the stunt she pulled Making her pout while looking at Baba.

"Well, she is not Sadia if she doesn't do such things,"

"Bhai... Bhabhi! he is annoying me,"

"Hey, no annoying my Bhabhi...,"

Sadia blushed at Imaan's words as she looks down with bright red cheeks as her family laughed at the shyness she rarely showcases.

"Good, finally something that can shut her up except Aarish Bhai... Now come on people, let's tend to guests, we will continue this at home,"

Kissing his sister's head, Dawood and Dilshad Sahab went along with Qais sheikh to look for the arrangements.

The ladies then turn to Sadia, who was still covered with a veil. Safa beghum nodded at Imaan and Anabia to get Aarish for the veil lift while the mothers sit beside her.

"Congratulations mere bacha... Finally, you are officially my daughter now,"

Getting embraced by her Tayi Ammi, now mother-in-law she didn't feel any difference like she thought she will.

But soon her mother spoke as she make faces under the veil and turn to Safa beghum who just rolled her eyes at her daughter.

"Sadia...,"

"I know mama... Seedhe baitho, don't smile shamelessly, don't talk too much, just smile politely, behave like a bride... Tayi Ammi are you sure that you are not my mother?"

Noor beghum chuckled while Safa beghum hold her daughter's ear making her yell.

"Ouch... Mama, acha sorry na... I was just teasing you,"

"Main karwati ho teasing... Ruko tum,"

"What will you- yeh Yaha kya Kar rahe ha,"

She was going to ask something in a cheeky tone but soon forget as she saw someone else coming to throw the curtain. The pounding of her heart confirmed who it is as she leaned toward her mother and asked softly.

"I called him,"

"huh? Why? Don't you love me?"

"Chup pagal ladki... Rasam Karni thi,"

Safa beghum feels like facepalming herself as she signals Aarish to come and stand up to give him a seat.

He sat down with a little space as the mother's stood up, Sadia feel her soul leave her body. Aarish wanna smile when he felt her shivering form.

He can't blame her as his own heart was quivering but knowing he has this effect on her, made his heart soar in his chest.

Soon the mothers hold a circular wide mirror in front of them and Imaan and Anabia covered them with a dark red shawl-like veil hiding them from the world.

Sadia gasped as she remembers and cursed herself for forgetting this part. But what she didn't notice was the man who was lost.

He looked handsome no doubt there, the sherwani suits him. All prepped, groomed, and handsome just for her but the intensity of his eyes drill holes in her making her cower away a little but this time he knew she won't be able to escape.

He followed each curve and bump of her face with his eyes, tracing and noting them in his mind and feeling proud that he loves this woman and now he can officially call her 'his wife'.

"Masha 'Allah...,"

The whisper was low but it cause her soul to quiver at the spot, their gaze meet in the mirror and she was as lost as him.

It was just for a few minutes but for them, it's like time stops, Sadia felt the world stopping the way he looked at her. Like he can do anything for her, it scares and excites her soul.

"Nikkah Mubarak... Dia,"

Just before the veil was removed and the mirror disappeared, he spoke the words and leave her speechless. The words hold so much power that she finally realized what happened.

That moment of realization leave her giddy and anxious for what was coming next, as she didn't pay attention to the people who were coming to congratulate them and just sit there and process them.

"Meri shadi hogyi?Wo bhi bagad billa ji ke Saath? Tu sachi mar gayi Sadia,"

........

He was devouring the amazing ras malai after getting the mini heart attack. He was almost ready to run if Sadia didn't get out of her daydreaming anytime soon.

He values his life and his youth very much and he can't die at the hands of a man who is crazy in love. Hell, he didn't even start his own love story.

Thinking about the love story, he smiled when he remembered the love interest who look regal today, but like always she didn't pay attention to his heart while he was begging for one glimpse.

"Congratulation,"

He choked on the next morsel as he heard the voice, coughing violently as the bite got stuck in his throat, and a glass of water miraculously appeared in front of him.

Drinking it greedily, he turned to look at the woman who was smirking at him, clearly aware of the effects she had on his poor self.

"What?"

Eyes similar to his best friend shone brightly at him with glee as she leaned against the table and looked at him with a glint so evil yet innocent that it clenched his heart.

"I said congratulations but it looks like you were too much busy with the celebration or you are on a suicide mission today,"

He chuckled at her words, this woman loves to test him and he always loves this game of them. Looking into her eyes, he too copies her posture and smile.

"I think you forget who got married here Miss sheikh... It's your brother... But I am planning to be on the receiving end soon... And what about the suicide mission huh? Are you planning to kill me? Because I will accept that fate gladly,"

She rolled her eyes at his cheeky words, this man never cease to amuse her with his corny responses. But she is not Anabia if she didn't match his fire with equal flames.

"I know who got married, Mister Durrani... But I didn't miss your sigh of relief when my best friend said yes... It was like you were freed from a death sentence... So I concluded that you tried to poke fun at Bhai and instead got a decree... That's why I congratulate you, and about me killing you? You might get lucky someday if you keep this up,"

She was waiting for another cheeky and flirty response but frowned when she saw his teasing smirk and shining eyes.

"What?"

"Should I be happy that you had eyes on my reactions while your brother and best friend were getting married?"

"You heard only that?"

Narrowing her eyes at his enthusiastic nod, she huffed while he chuckled.

"Dil wohi sunta ha Jo wo Chahta ha... Aur jab mehboob wo bole Jo Dil Chahta ha... Tab toh Eid Hoti ha,"

"Then you better celebrate this because soon you won't be getting any chance to celebrate... Kya pata kal koi Eid ho na ho,"

"Eid toh hogi... Eid bhi hogi aur uska jashaan bhi,"

"Eid ki Khushi main apka qataal hi na hojaye,"

"Maar toh hum pehle hi Gaye ha... Now I just need to officially dedicate this sacrifice to someone,"

Shooting glares at him with the familiar eyes, she knew what he means but instead of answering she moved away from him while he keep until she disappeared from his sight.

Picking the small bowl of the sweet delicacy, he smiles to himself as he mutters the words.

"Chal Asher Durrani muh meetha kar... Tere Yaar ki shadi ha... Warna yeh Bhai Behan toh Teri qurbani chahte ha... kidhr Jaye ga toh Asher Durrani, ek taraf pagal aashiq... Dusri taraf Teri Rani,"

Saying that he keeps enjoying his treat as his mind plan the future and gets excited about all possibilities.

.........

She is annoyed as hell, the heavy jewelry, dress, and heels feel like punishment as she sat there smiling for hours, and as a result, now her jaws are paining.

Finally, when the car parked in front of the house she sigh in relief but it soon disappeared as she remembers why she is annoyed in the first place.

"Because of that workaholic man,"

She thought bitterly as she glared out of the window pane, during the dinner for guests arranged at the banquet and other stuff that needed both bride and groom, he bailed due to some important work and she had to suffer alone at the hands of all those aunties.

She swear to murder him when she sees him next time, as the door to her side opens and Dawood smiled brightly at her but she only glared at him.

She quickly gets out almost stumbling in the heels but her brother hold her and she frowned looking at the ground.

"Stupid earth,"

Everyone knows she is angry and agitated because of Aarish's disappearance but they kept their silence.

As they were still getting out of the cars, Sadia stomped towards the Dilshad villa while a shocked voice stopped her.

"Oh, Bibi kidhr?"

She turned around looking at everyone as they looked at her like she suddenly has two heads.

"What do you mean kidhr? I am going home,"

"Ya'Allah kya Karo main eska,"

Safa beghum feel like hitting her head in a wall while everyone chuckled, Anabia skipped happily toward her as she placed her arm around her shoulder, making her almost lose her balance, and glared at her friend.

"You are forgetting something bestie,"