Hi beauties :)

Plug in the music and I hope you LOVE the chapter !!

***

Amal

The spiral staircase railing was covered by fresh flowers.The bunch of pink, white,blue,red,lavender blue and yellow flowers covering the railing making it look spectacular.The cream coloured net was sizing down the stairs with the green leaves and bushy decorative grass making the garlanded stairs look more spectacular.Taking another step down, I traced the flowers lightly feeling the soft petals kiss my fingertips.

My grey eyes casted to the living room and main hall seeing a rush as the servants and the decoration staff rushes around trying their hardest to get the work done.Loud voices and footsteps were being heard.The maids walked around with large silver trays that were filled with bangles, sweets, and hand garlands.

The fresh scent of jasmine filled my nostrils.The sharp and sweet contrast pulling me towards itself as I turned to the hallway seeing the glass vases filled with the white flowers.The small jars that were kept on the wooden dividers were filled by lavenders creating a wondrous contrast.

Stepping inside the kitchen, I saw Ahya work with Aunty Meena as they stirred a large pot, the sweet smell making me walk over to them.Trays were decorated with sweets and nuts.Peeking inside the pot, I saw the women make kheer.In another pot the milk came to a boil as Aunty Meena mixed the vermicelli into it.

" Need help?"I asked with a soft smile on my lips.The two women turned to look at me and smiled.Aunty Meena shook her head caressing my cheek as she ordered a maid to get something for her.Ahya grinned and pulled at my hand making me follow behind her out of the kitchen.

In a shocking pink and yellow embroidered flowy dress, she had matched tights with a yellow chunri dupatta.With her hair in a braid similar to mine, the woman looked like a newly wed.Her beautiful features adding up more by the light makeup she adorned.

" Nasreen, please get the cones filled for the mehndi."She said to the young girl as we walked around the main hall.The usual chiffon curtains were swept with floral printed net curtains.The setting of the sofas were also changed now making the hall and living room look more spacious.Uncle Yousuf and Uncle Nawaz stood with the workers guiding them about the work.

Stopping by the sitting room, the woman left my hand before helping the maid put the vases on all the right places.The bright sun from the early day seeped through the large windows.

" Come on-"Ahya beckoned me to once more follow her making me smile at her.

Opening Daadi Ma's room door, I saw the elderly woman sit with jewellery boxes all around her.A freshly press white shalwar kameez adorned by the woman.A soft smile played on her face as she saw me.Aunty Neelum also sat by her mother-in-law's side.

" Assalam O Alaikum-"I spoke.Leaning towards the elder woman, I bent my head making her caress my head and she whispered thousands of dua's.

"Walaikum Assalam, Amal.Come sit here."Aunty Neelum said making me sit on her previous spot.Daadi Ma opened a royal blue velvet box.Turning the lid, she forwarded it to me.

" This is for you, Arsalan ki dulhan."She smiled.My eyes widened as I saw the golden bracelet lying there.The red and green stones en-craved in it.The white bead pearls were so dotted around the carving of the stones adding it a more bridal look.I was in awe at the beautifulness of it.

" Daadi Ma-"I started.

I couldn't take it.

"Arey-"Daadi Ma shook her head before holding the bracelet and thrusting it through my wrist.The cold heavy metal now shined in my wrist as I looked down at my hand.It looked more than beautiful.

" There, now it looks very beautiful."Aunty Neelum spoke making me give her a soft smile.

As the rushing of footsteps increased from outside, Ahya and I walked out.

Passing through the cream sofa in the hall, I blushed furiously replying the time when my husband and I had slept on it and when early morning had greeted us at the dawn time, I had sneaked back to my room before we could be caught incase our uncles came down early for a walk.

I walked to the main wooden doors seeing them wide open.The pillar on the patio area were covered by a spiral pattern marigold.The bright orange colour adding to the day light.Stepping down in the garden, I saw the men work their way as chairs and tables were being set for the functions.Walking back inside, I saw the marigold curtains now hang through the walls.

My hearts blossomed like the flowers as I took a slow twirl in the hall, seeing the different colours surround me.A mix of fragrances filled around the large mansion.A smile on everyone's face as they worked around.

" Amal, come here."Shahwar called out making me turn to her.In a royal blue and orange dress, she had a similar design as Ahya.Her hair were also in a braid like ours.Walking over to the woman, I sat down on the chair as she instructed me.

" Wait a second."She said as she came behind me.Tugging an orange marigold in my braid she secured it and then added another.My hair hair got covered by the flowers as the woman smiled at her artwork.

" Go see how it looks."Shahwar grinned making me reciprocate her gesture.

Walking over to my room, I opened the door.Standing before the mirror, I did a look over.My hair were paeted again and a thick braid of my wavy hair was weaved with the marigolds now decorating it.My grey eyes looked dark with the deep kohl filling them.Blush was stroked on my cheekbones.And a pinkish shade was painted across my lips.I wore a black embroidered front open styled shirt with straight matching black trousers.My dupatta was simple with only the tassel covering the borders as it remained on my shoulder.Deciding to give a tap to my lipstick, I uncapped the stick when my phone vibrated it.

A new message.

Opening the notification, I saw a message from my husband shine at me.Smiling to myself, I read through the line.

"Missing you janaan :("It read.

A giggled to myself.He was off to shopping again and this time Ammi had also gone with the boys as she had to buy very important things.Typing through the phone, I hit the send button.

" Suits you well.."I teased.

I waited for a reply but it never came so I walked out of my room.Deciding to check on Zarah, I knocked her bedroom door.

" Please come in-"Her voice came.

Opening the door, I saw the young woman sit on the bed as she huffed irritatedly.

" Look at my hair, they look like a birds nest."She pulled at her strands.

Shaking my head, I said.

" Let me help you."Brushing her hair, I weaved them into a side fishtail braid.When I was done, I asked her to look in the mirror.She gasped dramatically and then hugged me like a bear making me squeak.

" Zarah, your killing me-"I protested.

" Oops sorry."The young woman spoke sheepishly.

The heavy dull gold jhumkas dangled in my ears as I shook my head yet again.The white bead pearls locked on the base of the earrings caressing my neck each time I moved my head.

" Zarah, please tighten this."I asked the woman seeing the dull golden strands holding up my choker styled necklace loosen.She tightened it making the choker sit perfectly against my neck.

Soon enough, the decoration work was completed and the guests had started to pile in as late afternoon fell.I was instructed to stay with Zarah, until all the ladies and girls had arrived.

Ammi had also returned back and had gotten ready speedily.I was called by a little girl to join in.My heart thudded in my ribcage as I walked with Zarah and her friends down the stairs.A bag of butterflies bursting in my stomach.The once men working had all gone as the flowers decorated all around.Golden thin ropes had marigold weaved around them making marigold curtains that remained like a partition in the large open hall.

Soft giggles and laughs erupted around the large home.Muttering came from the kitchen and the crockery danced together making the cutling sounds.Passing by the hallway, I dipped by eyelashes low in shyness feeling various eyes on me as I stepped in the veranda with my sister-in-law.

Gaining the courage, I looked up to the see the smiling faces.The closest aunties and cousin's of my husband were invited to get their henna done before the wedding.Today was only a girly formal function so that the ladies could meet me and everyone could have their henna on except for me.I was to get mehndi on the function before the wedding day as I was the bride.

The strong smell of the fresh roses made me look to the side seeing the golden decorative trays filled with rose petals and marigold petals.The two open sides of the veranda had the marigold and jasmine ropes for decoration making it all add up to a magnificent view.

Hira led me to sit on the divan sofa in the centre as the young girls sat on the yellow and mustard carpets spread on the floor, with the henna experts getting their mehndi done.When I sat down, I heard the various whispers of MashALLAH making me blush shyly knowing they were directed to me.

Ahya came grinning before me and kept the tray of mehndi cones on the table before me with the various pates filled with sweets and laddo.Shahwar, came holding up a cake and placed it on the table making me smile at her.

The white layered cake was frosted with flowers making me it look mouth watering.Shahwar winked my way making me smile wider at her.

Soon my aunties joined me and I was made to wear flower garlands.I also cut the cake and after that, Minha aunty sat with the dhol and the dholki started.The yellow and hot pink were the vibrant colours worn by the cousins.As they started to sing the classic traditional wedding songs.The glass bangles clinking mixed up with the claps making a beautiful contrast as I sat smiling widely.

My sister in laws also sat down to get their henna done making me smile at them.The cake was distributed and various pictures were clicked.

" Your husband wants to see you impatiently."Ayha whispered smirking.

My large eyes widened more and my heart raced.Looking down at my hands I traced the bangles in my wrists.

The little girls danced to the beats of the song and soon the starters were served.The aunties also made me eat sweets making my mouth taste too sweet for my liking.Laughing and smiling with everyone, I forgot what fear and loneliness meant.

If there was family and love-I was experiencing it right now.With everyone around me, I felt the tiny insecurities break through me, leaving me forever.

After hours, the function came to an end and the darkness started to fall on the land.And as the fairy lights were introduced, the house looked swoon worthy.It looked like a fairy tale and everyone treated me like a princess.

" Should I wash it now?"Zarah asked making me look down at her mehndi clad hands.

" yeah, go wash it."I spoke before inspecting that the mehndi had dried completely.The very thin design on her fair hands made her skin prominent with the dried up dark mehndi.

As the young woman stood up to go inside, I also followed behind her.The guests were almost gone.And I wanted to take the heavy earrings off as they dangled in my ears.Informing Asiya baji that I was going inside, I made my way to the stairs.The large crystal chandelier hanging in the hall was lit up.Glowing all of the mansion. Carefully climbing up the steps, I passed the brightly lit hallways.

My bedroom door came into view as I reached to twist the door knob.Beut before I could do so, I was pulled inside Zarah's room.My head swirled and in a split second, I was pulled inside the dark bedroom by a strong hand and was pressed against the door.All breath knocked out of my lungs as I felt a large figure stand before me, occupying my personal space.

" Aaahommpphh-"Just as I started to scream for help, a hand was pressed to my mouth.Claming my mouth shut, I inhaled the very similar cologne that wafted passed my nostrils.

" Janaan-"A deep voice rasped out making me calm my erratic heartbeats.

The lamp was switched on from besides us as I looked up to my husband seeing his hand across my mouth.Glancing down at me he removed his hand and pressed his forehead to mine.In the silent room with the lamp illuminating light around us, I felt our heart beat in sync.Thud-thud-thud.Erractic beats as more blood pumped.

I closed my eyes enjoying the feel of his forehead against mine.

" I missed you."The man confessed as he pulled back.I smiled and brought my hand up to his face, caressing his cheekbones.

Leaning into my touch, he closed his eyes.As if reality had slapped me, I withdrew my hand.

" Oh ALLAH, we shouldn't be here.Someone will come."I panicked.Turning to the door, I tried to open it but my husband kept his hand firmly on my arms and pulled me in his embrace.

" I won't let you go."He said out childishly.

" Zarah could be here any moment."I said pushing him away.But his stubborn arms wouldn't just leave me.

" Arsalan-"I protested as he nuzzled his head in my shoulder.

" Janaan, have I told you that how haseen you look today.God, I don't even have words."He spoke.His charcoal eyes piercing through my soul.Staring deep inside me making me blush hard.Looking down at my hands, I gulped feeling my skin heat up more.

His arms loosened and I took a step back.My back hitting the door as the man took a dangerous step towards me.

" I-I-"I stuttered wanting to pour any words out but his aura made me speechless.Caging me in his arms he leaned down, his eyebrows raising in question as if beckoning me to continue the stutter speech.

" Zarah would come."I managed to breath out.

Charcoal eyes narrowed at me and their intensity made me look down at my hands.Arsalan's hand wrapped around mine as he pulled me away from the door.Opening the wooden door he peeked out in the hallways as I looked horrified at his back.

Making sure the coast was clear he pulled me out and opened my-our bedroom door.As I stepped in, he closed the door behind him.

My hands trembled in his presence as his cologne filled my senses and the room.Walking over to the vanity table, I stood before the mirror.The man stepped behind me.Making me flicker my eyes to him.Dressed in a crisp white Kurta Shalwar he looked like the most handsome man of the century.His stubble had grown a little giving him a more manly and rough look whilst his hair were styled back.

" You know how I feel, having you in the same house and not being able to see you.There you are surrounded by thousands of people but not surrounded by me.All my relatives can see you and not me.Why are they so unfair?"He asked.His deep voice filling the room making me inhale a shaky breath.

His confession left me utterly helpless.I couldn't find the right words to respond him.

Bringing my hand up, I pulled at the lock of my earrings wanting to busy myself from the intensive gaze that was doing wonders to me.

I huffed in irritation as the lock didn't budge and only then the cold fingers removed mine and replaced theirs.Arsalan stepped closer to me as he worked on taking the earrings off.I looked at him in the mirror as his eyes clashed with mine before me look down embarrassed that I was literally gawking at him.

He smirked.

The audacity of this man.

" When I finally have you.I am not gonna let you go.You will be mine and only mine.And then I wouldn't let you go to my relatives even if they beg me."The man whispered lowly in my ear, his lips kissing the shell of my ear making me gasp.

" Arsalan-"

" I promise."He said in finality.

He kept my earrings on the table and leaned down to my face.Placing his cold lips in my cheek, he kissed me passionately.My lashes shied down and I shut my eyes tightly.My knees turned jelly as his arm snaked around my waist.

" I promise Amal Arsalan Khan."The man whispered once again.Seconds later when I opened my eyes he was gone.Leaving me to flush heatedly.Sitting on the bed, I pulled against my dupatta and just then the door opened and Zarah walked in.

" Look at my hands."She chirped happily.Looking down at her hands I grinned seeing the dark henna imprinted on her hands.

After dinner, my sister in laws gathered in my room and talked away the night.

And deep inside my heart I felt guilty each time Arsalan's words played in my mind.