Author's POV

Everyone was shocked to see his first wife walking beside him. They had only ever heard of a first wife marrying her husband to another woman—but seeing her there stunned them.

Reema looked at them with hatred. It was supposed to be her day, but Saim was standing with Aina, and everyone’s attention was on her instead. Even though Aina wore little makeup, she still looked strikingly beautiful—which burned Reema from the inside.

“Saim, go sit beside Reema,” Shamim said.

Saim loosened his grip on her hand, but she clutched it tighter. Her hand was too cold, trembling in fear. She looked into his eyes, silently shaking her head, tears welling in her eyes—a wordless plea. Saim felt a painful tug in his heart, his breath stuck in his throat as he drowned in her pleading gaze. Aina’s eyes were filled with love, and Saim froze at that very moment.

“Saim… beta, everyone is watching you. What are you doing? Qazi sahab is here.” Shamim nudged him, pulling him out of her eyes that held him captive.

Everyone was staring at them. Zubaida prayed silently that Allah would turn Saim’s heart. His father came forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

“Saim… everyone is watching. Come,” he urged, trying to drag him forward—but Saim’s feet felt rooted to the ground.

“Saim!! You’re being influenced by her again. Don’t forget what she did. You left Reema once before like this, and now you’re doing it again—only because of her, the same woman who made you a rapist in front of everyone,” his mother whispered harshly into his ear, snapping him out of his trance.

His grip loosened on Aina’s hand. He looked away from her hypnotic eyes. His parents tugged at him. He stepped back slowly, letting go of her hand. This time, Aina didn’t try to stop him either.

He turned and walked toward the stage. He sat down, and the nikah began. Aina stood frozen in the middle, everyone’s eyes on her more than on the groom or bride. To the crowd, it seemed as if Saim had brought her there only to entertain them.

Qazi asked Reema’s consent, and she replied:

“Qubool hai.

Qubool hai.

Qubool hai.”

(“I accept. I accept. I accept.”)

Then the Qazi turned to Saim, whose eyes instinctively sought out Aina. She was still staring at him.

“Kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?” (Do you accept this marriage?)

The Qazi repeated the question. Again, Saim found himself lost in her eyes.

His father pressed his hand firmly onto his shoulder. It had been a mistake to let Aina come here. The sorrow written on both their faces revealed the storm they carried inside.

“Saim, don’t create a scene,” his father warned, his hand tightening on his shoulder.

“You’ve brought disgrace upon us, Saim!” his mother’s voice echoed in his ears.

“I never thought you would be the one to bow my head in shame before the world. You were my pride,” his father’s words stabbed deep.

Saim had endured everything because of Aina—but nothing pained him more than seeing his parents bow their heads in shame. And she was the reason behind it all.

Now, whatever was happening to her—she deserved it. Reema, on the other hand, didn’t deserve to be abandoned again, not for the second time. She didn’t deserve this humiliation. She was pure-hearted.

His mind hardened, and swallowing all his mercy, he uttered the words that shattered everything between him and his Ain.

“Qubool hai.

Qubool hai.

Qubool hai.”

(“I accept. I accept. I accept.”)

He closed his eyes. A lone tear slid down his cheek.

Meanwhile, Aina’s eyes turned hollow. She didn’t shed a single tear.

Everyone congratulated the newlyweds. Her parents went to bless them. Her father patted Saim’s back before walking away. Zubaida placed her hand on both Saim and Reema’s heads, her eyes brimming with tears.

Aina turned and slowly walked back toward the house. She had just left her entire world behind. Each step felt heavy. Inside, the guests crowded around the couple, but Saim’s eyes followed Aina until she vanished from his sight.

Inside the house, Aina stood still. She looked around—every corner whispered its memories. The day she had burned her hand and he had gently treated her wounds. Their photos clicked in that very corner. How he had carried her into his arms when she had fallen asleep waiting for him in the living room. The way he teased her secretly among everyone. Every memory haunted her mind.

Someone stood behind her, but she didn’t notice—lost in her daze.

“I feel pity for you,” a man stepped in front of her. “You’re so beautiful. You don’t deserve a man like him.” His filthy eyes scanned her shamelessly. He grabbed her arms and spun her toward him. Her dupatta slipped from her shoulder, but she didn’t even notice.

“Oh God, you’re so beautiful,” he whispered, holding both her shoulders. She stared at his face—only for it to blur and turn into Saim’s in her vision.

“Leave him and come to me. I’ll keep you happy,” he said, mistaking her silence as agreement and moving closer. Aina just stared at his face silently.

At that very moment, Saim rushed inside, his heart uneasy with the thought that Aina might do something reckless.

His body went rigid the instant he saw the man clutching Aina’s arms, her dupatta fallen to the floor, and her standing lifelessly. The man leaned closer—but Aina didn’t move back.

Fury exploded in him. Saim stormed forward, grabbed the man by the collar, and yanked him away. Without hesitation, he began punching him mercilessly.

“You bastard! Himmat kaise hui meri biwi ko haath lagane ki!” (How dare you touch my wife!)

Everyone rushed inside at the commotion.

“Bhai, what are you doing?” Zaid and Affan hurried forward, trying to stop him.

“He tried to touch her. I’ll kill him!” Saim roared, grabbing a vase from the table, ready to strike. But his father caught his hand.

“Saim, stop. We’ll handle this.”

“What!? Handle what? Who the hell is he, and how dare he touch my wife!” he roared again, trying to lunge, but Zaid and Affan held him back tightly.

“Itni mohabbat thi to doosri shaadi kyun ki?” (If you loved her this much, then why did you marry another?) the man’s father shouted furiously.

“Main doosri karu ya teesri, yeh kisi ka masla nahi. Yeh meri pehli biwi hai. Aur hamesha rahegi, yaad rakhna.” (Whether I marry a second or third time, it’s no one’s business. She is my first wife—and she always will be. Remember that.)

He glanced at the two elderly women watching, and they flinched under his sharp stare.

The man took his son away.

“Please, everyone, go have dinner,” Hameed said, and the crowd slowly dispersed. “He’s our new client…”

“We won’t do any business with them,” Saim declared firmly.

“Fine, we won’t,” Hameed agreed quickly, trying to calm him.

Saim’s eyes snapped back to Aina, who was still standing in the same position. His blood boiled at the memory of how she hadn’t pushed the man away.

He marched to her and slapped her hard across the cheek. Aina’s head snapped to the side. Slowly, she turned her face back toward him. That was when he saw it—

Her lifeless eyes.

Her gaze rolled back, eyelids drooping shut, and she collapsed. But before her body could hit the floor, his arms wrapped around her waist.

“Aina!” Saim whispered, his voice trembling.

____________________

The doctor came and told them that she had a fever, weakness, and had taken too much stress, which caused her to faint. She must not have eaten anything for a day or two. Saim and Zubaida were in the room. He had left the function with Aina. He brought her to their room and called the doctor first. His mother came twice and asked him to come into the garden where Reema was sitting alone, but he didn’t go.

"You go, beta. Your bride must be waiting for you. I will take care of my daughter," after the doctor left, Zubaida said to Saim.

Saim heard the taunt in her voice but didn’t reply. He had to go. His parents and Reema hadn’t had dinner, and Shamim had already told him they would eat with him.

Nodding his head, he glanced at the girl lying on the bed, sleeping. Saim also wanted to go away before he did something he knew he would regret.

Saim entered the dining room where his parents, Chachu, Affan, and Zaid, with Reema, were waiting for him. He stopped when he realised she was sitting on Aina’s chair. His heart sank for a second, but ignoring it, he repeated the words in his head:

She deserves it.

He sat beside her. He didn’t speak to anyone.

"What did the doctor say?" Hameed asked, noticing his son’s tensed face.

"She fainted because of stress and weakness. She hasn’t been eating properly," he replied before taking a small amount of rice. He started eating, not caring that his bride was sitting beside him.

Shamim pressed her lips and shook her head at her son before serving Reema with her own hands.

"Eat, beta," she said lovingly. "And you, no need to worry about that girl. Whatever she did to us, this is nothing compared to it. You should now concentrate on your new married life. We will see what we can do with Aina," she said strictly.

Saim’s hand halted, then he nodded because his mother was right. Now that he had chosen his path, he should remain firm on it. He would see in the future if he could forgive her or accept her again, but right now, he didn’t want to be near Aina as it reminded him of the time he had suffered.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Aina woke up and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, then she heard her mother’s voice.

"Aina, meri jaan" (Aina, my life). Her mother patted her cheeks. "Idhar dekho, Mama ki taraf" (Look here, towards Mama), she said lovingly. Aina turned towards her mother. Her eyes were void. She had been angry with Aina before, but now that Saim was married, in her eyes her daughter had been punished most cruelly.

"Pani" (Water). Her low voice came out. She felt her throat burning; she didn’t even remember the last time she had drunk water.

Her mother helped her sit up and gave her a glass of water, which she drank in one go, then rested her head on the back. "Mai khana lati hun" (I’ll bring food), she said lovingly and left the room while Aina just stared into space.

That moment when Saim accepted Reema in his nikah started replaying in her head again and again.

"Qubool hai." (I accept)

His words echoed in her mind. His acceptance was for someone else. Not for her.

Qubool hai.

The words started repeating in her head.

Aina shut her eyes and pressed her hands against her ears. But that voice didn’t stop. Her body began trembling. Head started hurting.

"Aina!" Her mother came running with food. Saim also entered the room.

"Mama, ye awaaz… ye…" (Mama, this voice… this…) Her voice died in her throat as her eyes met Saim, still in his wedding sherwani.

"Aina, beta, kya hua?" (What happened, my child?) Her mother held her face and made her look at her. She could also feel Saim’s presence behind her. "Come, I’ll feed my baby," she said lovingly. Now she knew only she had to look after her daughter.

Saim went to the dressing room. He knew Aina would not eat in front of him.

After he left, Zubaida fed Aina a few morsels. Aina constantly refused and felt like she would throw up any moment.

"Mama, please, I can’t," she pleaded, closing her eyes and leaning against the headrest. She was drained of all energy.

"Aina, beta, have some juice. You will feel better," Zubaida touched the glass to her lips, and Aina took a few sips before moving the glass away.

Saim walked out of the dressing room. He had changed into night trousers and a loose shirt. He saw Aina refusing to drink.

"Aina, have this. Kyu pareshaan kar rahi ho chachi ko?" (Why are you troubling chachi?) he said sternly. Aina didn’t open her closed eyes.

Zubaida sighed. "It’s okay. Finish this when you feel better," saying this, she took the tray of food away.

Saim took his laptop and sat on the sofa. He had to check a few important emails.

***********

Shamim settled Reema on the bed in the guest room. Reema, who had hoped to go to Saim’s room, frowned in dislike.

"I will send Saim, okay."

"Where is he?" Reema asked.

"He is in his room. He had to change, na," she replied softly.

"Then what am I doing here? That is Saim’s room. His belongings are there, then why am I here?" she asked, looking at Shamim.

Shamim pressed her lips. "You know, na, Aina is there."

"Then send her to her old room," she said.

"Her old room is now renovated into a study for Zaid and Affan. They wanted their own space, as they said they couldn’t work with serious people like Razzaq, Hameed, and Saim," she explained.

"Aina can stay here. You know Saim will never come close to me if he sees Aina ten times a day. And Aina staying in his room makes them face each other more often," Reema said, making Shamim nod her head.

She was right. Her son couldn’t move on if Aina remained in front of him every day. Shamim knew Aina was still his wife, and after seeing Saim’s reaction today, she believed he wouldn’t divorce her easily. So, to make Saim agree to divorce Aina, they had to keep her away from him and keep Reema close. Once he started his married life with Reema, he would surely forget about that cunning girl.

No one would have believed that Shamim, who once loved that girl immensely, now hated her so much that she wanted her out of her son’s life. Shamim could never forget how her son was tainted, how Razzaq beat him that day, how she herself ignored him for two months, and how everyone called him a rapist. She would never forget how the police took him to prison.

"You are right. You deserve to be in his room, not that girl," Shamim said, holding Reema’s hand and taking her upstairs.

On the other hand, Aina slowly got down from the bed. Saim, who was still there after checking his emails, glanced at her. With the help of the bedside table, she stood up. She wanted to change out of that heavy dress.

Her legs felt like jelly because of weakness. She took a step when her head spun, and before she could fall, he held her arms. Saim had already been watching her condition, ready to catch her.

"Careful," he said. Aina raised her void eyes. Saim felt a knot in his stomach seeing her lifeless gaze. She removed his hand from her arm and stepped away before slowly walking towards the dressing room. He clenched his fists. Taking her night clothes, she went to the washroom.

Saim was still standing there when he saw his mother walking in with Reema and a maid. His eyes widened.

"What are you doing here with her?" he asked his mother, pointing at Reema.

"She is your wife, so now she will live with you," her mother announced.

"But Mama, Aina…"

"Aina can stay in the guest room. You want to move on with Reema, then why will she stay in your room?" she said, and he saw the maid start removing the bedcover. She went to the dressing room to bring a new one.

"Mama, please, not now," he said. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t want this right now. Maybe he was feeling pity for Aina.

"You shut up. You’re going too soft with her."

"She is not well, Mama," he reasoned.

"All that was drama to get your attention. I told you to focus on Reema now. She is your wife," she said. The maid left after setting the bed.

Shamim took Reema and sat her on the bed. Saim felt a painful knot in his stomach seeing her on his and Aina’s bed.

Meanwhile, Aina splashed water on her face to wake herself up. She looked at her reflection in the mirror—her red lifeless eyes staring back. After a few minutes, she changed into her night clothes.

When she walked out of the bathroom, her eyes went straight ahead, and she felt the ground slip beneath her feet, her dupatta sliding from her hands. Her eyes widened, and her heart sank seeing bride Reema on her bed. Her disbelieving eyes went to Saim. He was staring at her, but when he saw the hurt in her eyes, he looked away. She stood there frozen.

"From now on, you will live in the guest room." Shamim came in front of her and said. Aina couldn’t say anything. "Now go. It’s my son’s first night with the bride he chose," she said with a smirk. Saim closed his eyes tightly for a second.

He didn’t like any of this, but what could he do now? Aina was reaping what she had sown. His mother, the one who once loved her so much, now hated her this deeply. It was all her doing.

Aina tried to move her feet, but as if they were frozen on the spot. "Why are you not going? He wants to be with his wife…" Shamim again started, and he knew she would not stop until Aina left.

"Aina, go from here," Saim’s voice broke her trance. He said it to save her from his mother’s harsh words, but something inside her broke. She bowed her head and slowly dragged herself towards the door. Saim felt his eyes burn. He didn’t want to, but still it felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest watching her walk out of their room without saying anything.

The room they had arranged after marriage with so much love and adoration.

"Aina," she was on the doorstep when his voice halted her. Her heart trembled.

Maybe he would stop her.

She felt something being placed on her shoulder. She looked—it was her dupatta. She slowly raised her eyes to Saim, who had placed it there.

He stared into her void, broken dark-grey eyes. Aina hid her gaze beneath her lashes, bowed her head, and turned to leave—without realizing her broken eyes had just captured his heart completely. He stared at her as she walked away from him.

His mother placed her hand on his head. Without realizing, Aina turned back to look at him, but she saw the door closing. Shamim had shut it after walking out, while Saim was still standing there, watching Aina’s retreating figure until the door closed.

Aina held her chest as if her heart would burst out.

"Aina," Zaid, who was passing by, saw her and held her arm. He saw his mother walking towards them. "What happened? Why are you out of your room? You’re not well—go inside."

"Now it’s not her room. It’s Reema and Saim’s room. Take her to the guest room," Shamim said, narrowing her eyes.

"Mama!" Zaid was shocked to see his mother like this. How could she be this heartless?

"What? Your brother asked her to go away himself," she said, shrugging her shoulders before walking away.

"Aina, it’s okay… chalo, mai tumhe guest room mein.... chhod deta hun" (Come, I’ll take you to the guest room), he gulped his tears as he couldn’t see the once lively girl like this. She didn’t say anything and walked with defeated steps towards the guest room.

*************