Author's POV

"Saim baig wald Hameed baig aapka nikah Aina baig wald Razzaq baig se kiya jata hai. Kya apko qubool hai?(Saim Baig, son of Hameed Baig. I am conducting your nikah with Aina Baig, daughter of Razzaq Baig, in the presence of two witnesses, with a haq mehr of 15 lakh rupees. Do you accept?)" Qazi Sahib asked.

“Qu... qubool hai (I do),” Saim replied, the words escaping his lips with difficulty. Qazi Sahib repeated the question twice more, and both times, Saim responded with “I do.”

"Aina baig wald Hameed baig apko  Saim baig wald Razzaq baig ke nikah me diya jata hai. kya apko qubool hai?(Aina Baig, daughter of Razzaq Baig. I am conducting your nikah with Saim Baig, son of Hameed Baig, in the presence of two witnesses, with a haq mehr of 15 lakh rupees. Do you accept?" Qazi Sahib asked Aina.

Aina felt as though the entire world was being handed to her, as if everything she had ever wanted was now being offered—and all she had to do was accept it.

A joyful sob escaped her lips, a sound that Saim and the others heard. To them, it sounded like the sob of someone broken or hurting. But only Aina knew what emotions were blooming within her heart.

"Qu...qubool... hai."

"Qubool hai."

"Qubool hai."

She uttered the sacred words in a heartbeat.

She felt her mother embrace her tightly. Aina wrapped her arms around her and cried to her heart's content. Now, no one could take him away from her.

“He is mine,” she whispered between sobs and smiles—but no one saw it, as her face was hidden beneath her red dupatta.

“Shhh…” her mother patted her back softly.

********

“Saim!”

A voice screamed—one that made Saim’s heart drop. He turned toward the door and found Reema standing there. She stepped inside, her movements hesitant and full of dread.

“What’s happening here?” she asked, scanning the room with panicked eyes, even though she had already heard the truth—that Saim was marrying someone else. She had rushed over immediately to stop it, believing that there had to be a strong reason behind such a drastic step.

But she froze when she saw someone standing beside him—a girl in a beautiful white dress, her head covered with a red dupatta.

“Aina,” she whispered. Aina stood with unwavering determination in her eyes. Reema turned to Saim and saw tears brimming in his eyes.

“What is going on, Saim? Someone called me and told me you’re getting married to someone else!” her voice trembled. Saim lowered his head, unable to speak.

“Nikah hogaya hai. Aap der se ayi hain, Reema aapi.”

(The nikah is already done. You came late, Reema aapi.)

Aina’s words struck like a dagger. Saim glanced at Aina and noticed how close she stood to him—too close for his comfort. He took a few steps back, a move that did not go unnoticed by Aina, and it hurt her deeply.

“No! This can’t be true. You’re lying. Tell me this is a joke!” she pleaded.

“I’m... sorry. It’s true, Reema,” he said, his heart heavy with guilt at the sight of the broken girl in front of him.

“No! You can’t do this to me. How could you?! You cheater!” Reema screamed, and everyone silently allowed her to release her pain.

“Stop it!”

Hameed’s voice echoed with authority, bringing her to silence.

“It’s true. You have to accept it,” he said firmly, causing her to flinch.

Hameed sighed and walked over to her, gently placing a hand on the crying girl’s shoulder.

“Dear, we’re truly sorry for the injustice done to you. But we had no choice. Please accept it and forget about Saim. I pray that Allah sends you someone better than him.”

“Who did he marry?” she asked, though deep down she already knew.

“Aina,” came the answer, confirming her worst fear. She had always sensed something between them, and now her instincts were proven right.

Reema stared into Aina’s eyes.

“I want to know the reason.”

“We can’t reveal the reason. Please try to understand,” Zubaida said as politely as she could.

Saim remained silent, unable to speak. He met the gaze of the broken girl—her eyes filled with questions and accusations he couldn’t answer.

Realizing no one would give her an explanation, Reema ran out of the house, crying.

“Reema…” Saim whispered. Wiping his face, he quietly made his way to his room.

_______

Aina stood outside Saim’s room, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

“Let’s go, beta,” Shamim said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Tayi Ammi, hum kal aajayenge. Aaj please let him rest,” Aina pleaded with her mother-in-law.

“No, beta. He needs to face the truth. And your presence in his room will help him accept it,” Shamim replied, her voice laced with bitterness. She was disappointed in her son, but she couldn’t allow this situation to ruin both of their futures. She also worried for his health—he hadn’t eaten anything since morning, and on top of that, Razzaq had beaten him.

“But…”

“Aina, beta, I’m truly thankful that you accepted my son after what he... did to you. If someone else had been in your place, they would have filed a rape case against him…”

“Tayi Ammi, please don’t say that. He didn’t do anything,” Aina blurted, hurt by the accusation. Saim didn’t deserve this. Shamim smiled, assuming the girl was just too kind.

“You’re too kind, beta,” Shamim said, kissing Aina’s forehead before knocking on the door.

When no response came after a few more knocks, Shamim raised her voice.

“Saim, open the door!” she said sternly.

Moments later, the door opened to reveal a disheveled Saim, his eyes red and swollen.

“Move, Saim,” Shamim said coldly. Saim silently stepped aside to let them in.

“Ammi…” he said softly, looking at his mother with longing.

“Aina, beta, from today this is your room,” Shamim told her, ignoring her son. Saim’s heart shattered seeing the woman he loved and respected so deeply now refusing to even meet his gaze.

“And you, Saim—remember, she’s not just your wife, she’s our delicate daughter-in-law. If you hurt her again, you’ll face my wrath,” Shamim warned.

Saim nodded, head bowed in shame. He couldn’t look at anyone—not even at Ain.

“Now rest,” Shamim said, kissing Aina’s forehead and leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

-------

After Reema left in tears, Saim went to his room and cried his heart out. This was nothing like what he had imagined for his life. Everything had turned upside down in the blink of an eye. He still couldn’t believe he had done such an injustice to Aina. How could he?

Saim began slapping himself repeatedly. It was all his fault. He had ruined Aina’s life and shattered Reema’s happiness. He had destroyed everything.

“Urgh!!” Saim screamed in agony.

“Why? Why, Allah? Why did this happen to us? Why did I have to make that mistake? Why?”

He didn’t know how long he had been crying, but he came back to his senses when he heard his mother calling him and knocking on the door loudly.

Assuming she had come to comfort him, Saim went to open the door, but his faint smile vanished when he saw Aina standing beside his mother. Without acknowledging his presence, his mother merely issued a warning about her daughter-in-law and walked away.

After she left, Saim finally looked at Aina. This was the first time he was seeing her since the wedding. She looked nervous yet beautiful. Had things been normal, he might have pulled her cheeks playfully, but everything had changed now. She was no longer just his cute little cousin—she was now his wife… even the thought made him shudder. He turned around and walked to the balcony.

Aina stood silently for a few moments, then moved to the wardrobe to take out her nightwear.

She wore a simple yet elegant white dress—one she had bought specifically for Saim’s wedding. Her makeup was light: a touch of foundation and compact, subtle highlighter and eyeshadow, and a baby pink lipstick that matched the natural blush on her cheeks. Even with minimal makeup, she looked like the most beautiful girl anyone could see. Sadly, her husband wasn’t interested in her.

***********

Aina stared at the ceiling, haunted by countless thoughts. She feared Saim’s reaction. She feared what decisions he might make. He hadn’t spoken to her—not even glanced her way. He was still standing out in the balcony. Aina didn’t know what to do. Should she go to him? Or should she wait for him to come inside?

Her heart was restless. Everything that had happened since morning replayed in her mind. Saim wasn’t just someone she loved—he was her ishq (intense love). She couldn’t bear the idea of being separated from him, or him belonging to someone else. He was hers, and she was his. From the moment she gained awareness of her feelings, she had loved only him. She could do anything for him—anything.

With great difficulty, Aina got off the bed and slowly walked towards the balcony. She couldn’t bear seeing him like this. He had been standing outside in the cold for two hours now.

Wrapping her dupatta (shawl) tightly around herself, she gently opened the balcony door.

“Saim Bhai…” Aina bit her tongue the moment the word slipped out.

Saim stiffened at her voice and turned to look at her.

“Aap… please come inside,” she whispered, as he stared at her, waiting for her to speak further.

“You go. I’m fine here,” his voice came out hoarse. Aina could tell he had been crying. The strain in his voice made it evident.

“You’re not fine.” Aina took a couple of steps toward him.

Saim grew alert and took a step back, raising his hand to stop her.

“Don’t come closer!” he snapped.

Aina flinched at the loudness in his voice. Her heart sank. A dreadful feeling settled deep inside her as she stepped back. Saim immediately regretted his harsh tone upon seeing her pained expression.

“Please go away. Leave me alone,” he said again, this time softly.

A sob escaped Aina’s lips as she turned and walked back inside, collapsing onto the bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks. This was the second time he had raised his voice at her. It hurt deeply. Even after becoming his wife, he felt miles away. She wasn’t asking for love or romance—at least not yet. All she longed for now was his friendship, his attention, his care.

Saim felt awful. It wasn’t her fault. All of this was because of him. He was the one who had destroyed her future. He had no right to be angry with her. She wasn’t someone who could bear anger—she was too gentle, too innocent.

She was crying. He could hear her soft sobs through the open balcony door. Saim wanted to go inside and comfort her, but he couldn’t bring himself to go near her. The truth of her being his wife made him feel disgusted with himself—because he had always seen her as a little sister.

They both needed time. Aina needed time to come to terms with everything, to understand Saim’s broken self. Saim needed time to move on from Reema and accept Aina as his wife. This restlessness… it was life. Nothing comes easily. You have to fight for what you truly desire.

**********

The next morning, Aina woke up with the sunlight falling on her face. She rubbed her eyes, stretched, and sat up on the bed. It took her barely ten seconds to remember everything that had happened the day before.

She immediately went to the balcony, but Saim wasn’t there.

He must be in the washroom, she thought.

She walked to the bathroom door and called out softly, “Sa… are you inside?” She stopped herself from calling his name with the usual “Bhai” and chose not to say it at all.

Getting no response, she slowly pushed the door open. It was empty.

She looked at the clock—it was 11 AM.

He must’ve gone out, she assumed, then took her dress from the cupboard and went to freshen up.

********

As Aina stepped into the dining room, she saw Saim hugging his mother and crying like a small child.

“Please trust me, Mama!” he pleaded, his voice choked.

“Trust you?” his mother pushed him away. “You broke our trust. You failed my upbringing. You brought shame to our name, Saim. I feel ashamed to call you my son. Don’t show me your face unless necessary.” She pointed to the plate of food on the table. “Have your breakfast,” she said coldly before walking into the kitchen.

Aina’s heart ached at his mother’s words. She saw Saim cover his face with his hands, rubbing it for a few moments before silently walking away.

Tears rolled down Aina’s cheeks. Wiping them quickly, she picked up the plate of food and followed him to the room.

As she entered, she found Saim sitting on the bed with his head in his hands.

“Your breakfast,” Aina said softly. Saim looked up, his eyes red and swollen. She walked to him and sat beside him, placing the plate between them.

“I’m not hungry. You eat,” he mumbled and tried to stand up, but Aina gently held his wrist.

“You haven’t eaten since yesterday. How can you not be hungry?” she asked, trying to act like nothing had changed, though everything clearly had. She picked up a morsel of paratha and brought it to his lips.

“I said I’m not hungry,” he said again, pushing her hand away—gently this time.

“Fine. If you’re not going to eat, I won’t eat either. I’ll fast for 24 hours,” she declared and stood up to leave, but he caught her wrist.

“Don’t be childish, Ain. Eat your food,” he said sternly.

“No! I won’t eat unless you do,” she replied stubbornly. After a few seconds of silence, he finally took a bite and put it in his mouth.

“Now eat,” he ordered, pushing the plate toward her.

Grinning like a child, Aina took a bite and watched him. When he raised an eyebrow, she mirrored the expression and motioned for him to keep eating.

“Ziddi,” he muttered under his breath and resumed eating, while Aina beamed with satisfaction.

After a few more bites, he stood up and went to the washroom, saying he was done. Aina knew he ate only because she insisted.

I will heal you. I will make everything right. I will keep you happy. I will always love you.

“I promise you,” Aina whispered to herself, wiping a single tear that rolled down her cheek.

***********

The next day was the reception, as planned. They were introduced as husband and wife—much to Saim’s displeasure. But what could one do in the face of fate?

Many guests were shocked to see Aina instead of Reema as the bride, since the wedding cards hadn’t mentioned the change. Her family, however, gracefully offered vague explanations about family issues, implying it was a last-minute decision.

★★★★