His words had shattered her battered soul further. How dare he?

"What did you say?" She stepped towards him. Her breath ragged and her nostrils flared.

"I said the truth." He evenly replied.

"You swine," she slapped him hard that his head jerked away. But she wasn't done with him, clutching the collar of his t-shirt in her fists, she seethed, "If you dare accuse me of such a heinous sin I will walk out of this house without ever looking back. You can keep your damn divorce I can live without any man in my life."

His eyes bore into hers. There was fury in them but most of all there was shocked. He was astounded at her reaction. Grabbing her wrist he pried her hand from his collar, "I have proof."

She stepped back, releasing him and crossed her arms over her bosom, "What proof is that?"

He strode to his night side drawers and opened the last drawer taking out a large envelope. He tore open the envelope and photographs spilled on the bed. Photographs of the sweet memories she had with Daud at the stud. A day she could never forget. The most memorable day.

Pointing at the photograph where Daud and she were locked in a passionate kiss he probed, "What is that?"

Colour drained from her face.

"And that's not all. You had also been to his apartment alone for a considerable long time."

Her eyes rounded and her face paled further.

"What do you have to say to defend yourself?" He tread towards her.

But she stood rooted to the ground and hissed, "You are worse than I thought. You were stalking me and keeping tabs as to what I was doing with Daud."

This is not what he expected at all from her. He was taken aback. She had guts, she definitely did.

"You know what? I despise you even more now. You think I slept with him? Great then! Good for me, just leave me then. But remember Allah is the witness and whosoever falsely accuses a chaste woman of adultery there is punishment, a severe punishment."

His lips pursed.

"I will keep my lips sealed here but how will you face your Rabb (God) when I can tell you know in your heart I never committed such a sin," She pointed at his chest where his heart was.

She trudged back and muttered, "I can't stay in this room anymore. I will just go and sleep with Manal."

She whirled around to leave the room when he grasped her wrist, "You belong here with me in this room."

She glowered, "Then act like a husband and give me the respect I deserve."

He released his grip on her wrist. He wasn't going to apologize.

She left the room and he stood there astonished at what happened. He had believed after last night they would come closer. But he blew it. A sickening feeling rose in his gut. He shouldn't have accused her when he knew well she wouldn't have committed such a grave sin. He was certainly not going to mould according to her. If she thinks she could make him her puppet then she was wrong. Very wrong.

He was a man with a great ego.

He never bent for anyone.

Never.

But there was always a first time.

****

It was another sunny day of summer. The sunlight streaming through the sheer purple curtains woke Manal. She turned to the other side and covered her face with the light duvet to sleep more. But sleep had vanished. Sighing heavily, she sat up on the bed and glanced at the wall clock. It was past 10 am, she was better to start the day now even though it was summer holidays. She always had endless house chores to help her mother during the day.

Rubbing her eyes, she stood and took two steps when something hit her foot. She looked down drowsily and scowled. Nawal was sleeping on the floor. She had spread the mattress and was sound asleep. Manal frown deepened, what was she doing here? She should be at her brother's room which was hers now as well.

She didn't wake her new sister in law, instead she quietly walked to the bathroom to wash up. After few minutes when she sauntered at the backyard where her mother was having her tea with the iPad.

"Assalam u alaikum Ammi." She murmured sitting beside her mother on one of the garden chairs.

"Walaikum salaam," murmured Seema, taking a sip of her masala chai.

"Is bhai still sleeping?" Manal probed.

Seema scrolled down on her iPad reading a new desi recipe she was planning to cook, "No he went to the gym half an hour ago."

Manal forehead creased now, "Ammi, Nawal is sleeping in my room."

That alerted Seema, she abandoned her iPad and focused her attention on her daughter, "When did she come to your room?"

Manal shrugged, "I don't know. I am not praying so I didn't wake up for fajr. But I think it was after the salah."

"Hmmm..." Seema thought of her son's attitude when he was leaving for gym. He had been very quiet. Not his usual self.

In just a few minutes, Nawal joined them at the backyard. She was subdued, not the lively Nawal Seema knew. She had to take matters in her hands. She couldn't remain silent and watch her son and daughter in law arguing and being upset with each other.

"Manal why don't you go and make yourself and Nawal an omelette for breakfast," she ordered her daughter.

When they were alone, Seema gently asked, "Nawal, is everything alright?"

Nawal had been staring at the rose bush, lost in her thoughts. It took her few moments to realize her khala was talking to her.

"No Khala," she whispered. She hesitated for a few seconds and then asked, "Is it okay I go to Faraz bhai's place today?"

Seema's eyebrows rose. What exactly happened between them? "Of course you may. You can go to Baji's place or your brothers' place any time you like. But –"

Nawal waited for Seema to go on.

"Did you and Salman argue?"

"I ... I ... Khala I just miss bhai jaan and bhabi." She murmured unable to meet Seema's eye. How could she tell her Khala what her husband had accused her of?

But Seema persisted, "What did Salman do?"

Nawal stood up, "Ask him. With one statement he destroyed any respect I had for him."

Seema was stunned unable to reply.

"I will get ready now and I will take the bus to go to Bhai jaan's place." Nawal saying that walked back in the house.

Seema stared at the summer flowerbeds at the far end of the backyard corner. She was not going to stop Nawal going to Faraz's home. But rather she was going to have a stern discussion with her son.

It was two hours later that Salman strolled in the house. His eyes roamed in the kitchen where Manal and Seema were preparing food for the day. Without greeting them, he skidded up the stairs to his room in hope to find Nawal there. The room was empty. He strode to Manal's room and that was empty too.

His eyebrows furrowed and he went back to the kitchen, "Ammi, where is Nawal?"

Seema grimaced at her son, "Manal I am lowering the flame. Switch off the stove in 10 minutes ok?"

Manal nodded, knowing well her mother was going to give out to her older brother.

Seema grabbed Salman's arm and tugged him, "Come with me."

They went up in his room and when the door was closed, she folded her arms over her chest and scrutinized her son acutely, "Salman what did I tell you about how to be with Nawal?"

Salman stiffened, his jaw clenched, "She complained to you?"

"No she didn't. Answer me first."

"Ammi I am trying." He murmured looking away guiltily.

"Is this your trying that pushed her out of her room and she slept with Manal last night?"

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed, "We had an argument."

"What happened?" she further probed.

"Nothing important," he mumbled still not looking at his mother. He didn't want to discuss the details of the argument.

"It was important to Nawal. You know, what's the first thing she did when she woke up?" He finally glanced at his mother, "She left for Faraz's place."

His eyebrows rose and his dark eyes rounded. How could she leave without even asking him?

"She didn't bother to ask." He deduced.

"She asked alright and of course I said yes. When I know my son is at fault why should I stop her."

His shoulders drooped. He didn't know what to tell his mother.

Sensing his discomfort, Seema assured him, "I don't want to know what you argued about. It's your private matter with your wife. But I will repeat again Salman you need to be gentle with her. If you are patient you will see with time she will get closer to you."

His head bowed down in culpability.

"Marriage is a beautiful relation. But my son, it is based on trust and love. How do you expect her to trust you or love you if you are arguing with her in just 4 days after the wedding that she is compelled to sleep in Manal's room. You drove her out of the house so she can find solace in her brother's home. She should find solace with you, Salman."

Trust? His mother's words hit him hard. He didn't trust her and accused her without thinking. He shouldn't have said those words. He rubbed his bearded jaw.

Seema approached him and lightly touched his flexed biceps, "You have disappointed me, Salman. She is so young. Much younger than when I got married. Please be patient with her. She needs a life partner who loves her and understands her not someone who is there to argue with her."

"You're right, Ammi. I will call her and go get her from Faraz's home." He said straightening his shoulders.

She shook her head slightly, "No let her spend some time there and it will cheer her up. In the evening, go and get her. Then, perhaps take her out somewhere and bond together. I know she is a soft hearted girl and if you make her happy, I'm sure she will forgive you."

Forgiveness was a trait he didn't have himself. But he hoped his wife did.

****

Nawal was sitting in Liyaanah and Daniyal's room with little 9-month-old Salim on her lap. She had been rocking him slowly until he slept. Staring at Liyaanah's Barbie doll house where she was busy arranging her dolls, Nawal was lost in her thoughts.

It had been few hours since she had arrived at her brother's home. Faraz was at work and Samreen was cooking dinner. Nawal had opted to take care of the children and this would give her respite from any adult's prying eyes. Samreen had been shocked to find her at her doorstep but she hadn't prodded much for which Nawal was grateful.

The baby slept in her arms, she lovingly gazed at her nephew. Tears glistened her eyes, she had dreamed to be loved for who she is. But that was snatched away from her. The brutal fate had not been at her side. She was trapped in a loveless marriage. No scratch that, a marriage where her husband didn't even respect her. Closing her eyes, the tears fell on her cheeks, her bottom lip quivered. She had no desire to go back to him. With every minute, she detested him severely.

He had belittled her with his words. She may had made mistakes in the past which now she regrets. The beautiful relationship with Daud now tainted her. She was being judged for her actions taken in the heat of the moment. But the nerve of him, he had been stalking her the whole time. It repulsed her inferring what sick-minded her husband was. Why was he after her when she wasn't even married to him? Was this his plan all along? She gently brushed the baby's curly locks away from his closed eyes, first she allowed him touch her and after the horrid experience he spoke filth. She had assumed after consummate the wedding he would be somewhat nice. No not nice but civil. But civil and Salman? Impossible.

Her phone rang, she glanced at the screen and cringed. He was calling her. She didn't want to answer his call but there was no escape from him anymore. Wiping her cheeks, she shifted sleeping Salim in her arms as she held the phone and swiped her thumb on the sleek screen.

"Hello Nawal." His husky voice greeted her.

She was silent.

"Salaam."

Reluctantly she murmured, "Walaikum salaam."

They were both at a loss with words at how to address each other. There was silence for few minutes then Salman cleared his throat, "You're having fun with Faraz and the family?"

"Ya"

"Good. I will come over around 6pm to pick you up."

She wasn't ready to go back, "I don't want to come back."

"Nawal..." his voice softening.

"Look it's better we clear our heads. I will come tomorrow."

"I have to go for a conference in Birmingham tomorrow. I am taking the 6am Aer Lingus flight. I will be back after two days."

"Ok then let me stay here until you come back." there was a pause and then she added, "Please."

He sighed deeply, "Fine as you wish. I will pick you up when I come back."

"Thank you." She mumbled.

They said their goodbyes and ended the call. When Nawal lifted her eyes from Liyaanah's doll house, she was startled to find Samreen standing at the threshold. She wondered how long her bhabi had been there and how much she heard.

Silently, Samreen took Salim in her arms from Nawal and went to lay him in her bedroom where the baby cot was located. Then she came back and sat beside Nawal. Patting Nawal's cheek, she looked straight in her eyes.

"I have no sister. But you know what when I married Faraz I gained a sister. My little sister Nawal." Nawal weakly smiled and Samreen continued, "We have always shared so many secrets. You know you can trust me."

Nawal's head lowered and she fiddled with the phone in her hands, "We had an argument." She said in a hushed tone.

Samreen nodded in encouragement.

This was embarrassing but she had to share it with someone. "Two nights ago, he wanted to consummate the wedding but I said I wasn't ready."

"Okay," Samreen whispered.

"Then he threatened me that he will tell Mom that I wasn't granting him is rights."

Samreen sat up straighter and her lips curled in disapproval, "What? That is disgusting of him to do. Why would he talk about the intimate part of his marriage with his mother in law?"

"Last night he reminded me again of what he had said. I had thought the matter through."

"Did he force then?"

"No no he didn't. I knew well that he was just blabbering about the threat that he will tell Mom. I know him enough to gauge that it was an empty threat. He has always done that to Manal when we were young to make her follow his orders. So I wasn't much bothered about his threat. I decided it was better to concede as I am married to him now and there was no point in evading it which is about to happen anyways."

"So you agreed at your own free will?" Samreen asked vigilantly.

"Yes I did but the experience..."

"He had no clue what he was doing and it was rushed." Samreen concluded.

Nawal's baffled eyes raised to Samreen, "How did you know?"

"Most men who have no experience are like that. They are bewildered how to please their wife and are unable to control their desires. They act like oversized hormonal teenage boys. I am not surprised."

"Oh... I never thought of it that way."

Samreen smiled gently, "Nawal if a man has a very good idea how to make a woman feel giddy that definitely means he has some past experience."

Nawal thought of Daud, now it made sense. Daud had slept with a lot of women and if her mother had been telling the truth, he also fathered a child. Of course he was experienced in how to kiss and where and how to touch her and make her dizzy. Salman had no idea at all. His kisses were sloppy and too harsh.

"Don't worry, with time both of you will learn how to be with each other and you will see it will get better." Samreen gently reassured.

Nawal winced, she didn't want to think about that, "Then bhabi he accused me of sleeping with Daud because --,"

Samreen's eyebrows arched, "That is ridiculous. How can he accuse you like that?"

"I didn't bleed." Nawal's eyelashes dipped bashfully.

Samreen grimaced, "That was very low of him. Well he definitely needs some basic biology classes on women bodies functioning. He is worse than I thought. Many girls don't bleed. In fact, some girls are not even born with a hymen. But many times the hymen gets damaged due to various activities. And I am not surprised about you. You always loved horse riding."

"Oh? Horse riding? I only thought of vigorous exercise or something."

"Well horse riding is known to break off the hymen."

"I don't know what do now Bhabi. I am honestly despising him at the moment," Nawal shoulders sagged and again she was fidgeting with her phone.

Samreen's eyes turned bleak, "Men can be very insensitive Nawal. Very indeed insensitive. But we women are much stronger. We need to help them and most of all make them value the relationship they have with their spouse." She swallowed and looked away from Nawal's bewildered eyes, "There are times your husband will hurt you a lot. But .. but .. we should learn to be forgiving. Forgiving for the sake of the relationship but most of all forgiving him for the sake of Allah."

"I really don't want to see him ever again how he accused me. He is going away for business conference for two days and I told him I am staying here. Is that ok, bhabi?"

"Pagal (foolish)" Samreen lightly smacked Nawal's arm, "You are welcome here anytime you want. This is your bhai's home. You can stay as long as you want. But think over what I have just said to you. Forgiveness is vital in any relationship but more so in a marital relationship."

Nawal's tried hard to understand her bhabi, "Would you forgive Bhai Jaan if he had said something like that to you?"

Samreen looked away, glancing at her children playing together on the play mat, she disconcertingly said in a very low tone that Nawal had to concentrate hard to decipher the words, "You don't know what I have to forgive him for. It's much worse than what Salman has said to you."

Nawal frown deepened.

Were her brother and sister in law having problems in their marriage?

Then as she scanned Samreen's face and discerned, behind the smile was sadness lurking in her eyes. This wasn't right. Samreen had always been happy.

She prayed whatever mistake her brother committed, he would rectify and not destruct his relationship with Samreen further.

After a long while, Nawal asked, "Bhabi, is there a man who forgives his wife's mistakes?"

Samreen glanced sardonically, "I doubt so. Men and their big egos."

Just as what Nawal thought.

But there was a man who would forgive his wife's grave sins...

****

Seated at the aeroplane window seat, Salman desolately looked out the window the airport grounds. The plane was getting ready to take off, the passengers were boarding. It was early morning around 6am. There were no late night calls with Nawal. Alone in his bed, he had thought for many hours.

He had been unreasonable. He shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. But jealousy had been eating his insides since the time she had moaned Daud's name when he touched her. The drive to make her his permanently was haunting him. But that failed. He had pushed her away from him.

Perplexed, he rubbed his throbbing temple before unlocking his phone and blankly gazing at her display picture on What's App. He thought to text her but he was out of words. Unable to come to up with anything to write to her.

After thinking over for several minutes, he finally typed and before he could think he sent it.