chapter - 3

Samaira

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After the first meal of the day, the men along with the so called princess of the house left for work leaving behind me and parents-in-law. I wasn't allowed to work, it was normal in this household. Not that, I was complaining.

When the proposal from one of the most influential family of our country arrived at our door step, I was on cloud nine, it was like a dream come true but I never in my life believed the Sheikh's could be tremendously conservative when it came to societal or family norms.

It was suffocating indeed but I didn't really mind to act like the perfect daughter-in-law image because I needed favor of the elders of this house to maintain my luxurious life peacefully.

Well, money means happiness and I definitely didn't mind to be a stay at home wife and enjoy my husband's money, he was supposed to provide for me anyway, hence why bother playing all empowerment and shit.

But the thing I hated was I had to obey our parents and my husband for what ever they asked me to and help Mom in the kitchen even when we had multiple helps. It was one of the damning rules this family had.

Thus, here we are, me and mom, in the kitchen preparing lunch while the helps were assisting us. And this was the exact time I was looking for, to have the talk I had been wanting to have with the elder lady since past few months.

"Uh! Mom.. Faizan is 27 now..", I trailed off, she hummed in acknowledgment.

"Yes, my little boy is a man now", she let out an adoring chuckle, which had me to roll my eyes subtly.

"We already had Zayan when Junaid was of the age.. Don't you think it's time to find a perfect spouse for him?", I suggested cautiously and keeping my son as an example to strengthen my point.

"Hmm", the lady of the house just hummed whilst continuing the work in her hand.

"So! If you agree, I can talk to my friend, her sister is really pretty, educated and graceful, perfect for our family", I continued with hesitancy but tried hard to not show it to the elder.

"His parents are still in the picture to decide that, Samaira. My son's marriage is not something that you should concern yourself with", she said casually and I held myself from talking back.

"Yes, of course, Mom.. I was just saying", I was quick to add, faking the politeness to which she offered a curt nod.

"Faizan is young and by the grace of Almighty, really handsome and a perfect gentleman. He is too soft and kind for his own good, Mom. It really scares me sometimes, what if some gold digger manipulate him into a relationship and he demand to marry that woman..and what if she is a lowlife who doesn't match our status, Mom", I said side eyeing the elder lady to see her reaction.

And I almost laughed when she stopped her hand's movement, processing the my words thoroughly, staring at void. I was excited internally and continued to convince the elder lady.

"We can't blame him. People like that use their charm and being the kind hearted man, Faizan might forget his family ethics and may fall straight into their trap and ask for love marriage which is restricted.... Also, it's about his life too. Poor Faizan's life will be destroyed if he marry any wrong person", I faked my empathy to prove my assumptions.

I could feel her drewing in a shaky breath considering my words regarding how her beloved son's life might be destroyed for a mere lowlife. I could clearly read her expression that she would never let that possibility to come true.

"Take care of this dish.. I will be back", her voice was agitated as she left the kitchen not noticing the smirk that formed on my lips.

I wanted faizan to marry someone of my choice and preference. Someone who would be wrapped around my fingers and become my obedient dog. I wished to rule over this household and I could only achieve that if the other daughter-in-law would be under my feet.

I asked a maid to cook the dish as I rushed upstairs towards the home library where Dad was reading like everyday as I was quite confident that Mom would rush to him to spill the things I implanted in her mind.

I saw her knocking at the door before going inside. I looked around to make sure no one was around as I pressed my ear against the door to eavesdrop. Well, I didn't give a damn about ethics, all I cared about was whether my plan worked.

"What happened?", I heard a faint voice of Dad asking.

"Honey! I am worried about my Faizan. He is really soft and kind what if someone try to snatch him from us, from me", she sounded extremely desperately.

"What? Faizan is not a child that someone will snatch him away, Yusra", Dad retorted.

"Noo, you aren't understanding.. What if some slut- I mean some gold digger try to manipulate him..", Mom reasoned.

"I know my son. He won't go against me or any of us..stop this nonsense assumptions", Dad's voice held authority in order to disregard the concern.

"No.. My heart is not at peace, please..find a perfect spouse for my Faizan and fix his wedding. I don't want to take any risk", her voice held equal authority with a final edg, yet she was respectful enough.

"Take a deep breath and relax, Yusra.. Alright, we will search for a perfect spouse if that is what it takes for your heart to be at peace. I am worried for him too but I wanted to give him a little more time but it's okay, he has to get married today or tomorrow, anyway", he assured his wife who was a high blood pressure patient, too much stress could led her to fall sick.

"Yess", she sighed in relief resting her head on her husband's chest.

"I will talk to some agencies or my friends, alright", Dad further added in a comforting stance.

"Yes.. I will do the same", I could clearly hear a smile in Mom's voice.

Smirking to myself, I left for the kitchen.

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Amirah

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It had been two months, I returned back to Mumbai. Dad wanted me to join the company and help my brother and sister-in-law. Nevertheless, I had a passion of my own.

And it wasn't surprising when my denial led to an usual banter between my mother and me as she didn't want me to be a journalist because according to her it was a dangerous job. She knew my goal was to expose the wrong doers in front of the world which was directly proportional to gaining enemies.

She agreed for me to get a degree but refused to allow me to work in that field. But, did that stop me from achieving my dream? Nah. She eventually gave up unable to win against my limitless mouth.

Although, I didn't get any official job yet but I did help one of my friends in her first ever official project as a director. She wanted me to host her first travel show in Venice and I accepted gladly. It would be excellent to boost my future career.

It wasn't out yet as she needed few more months for promoting her show and create a hype among people, I was excited to see the final result.

Life was somewhat smooth for me because I always did what my heart desired for and never listened to anyone stating otherwise. I knew my limits thus none could stop me from enjoying my life to the fullest.

None had the power to change my mind if I fixed a goal for myself, it was always futile to argue or reason with me. I was what people called as hard headed person and I wasn't ashamed to accept  that.

My family supported me in every step of my life, excluding few episodes with Mom but that was nothing I couldn't handle. Regardless, I always had the shoulder whenever I needed one and I was extremely grateful that it was my family. Almighty indeed favored me while selecting parents for me.

Even when I took the biggest decision of my life, my family stood beside me. They knew it was risky and might invite unwanted drama or chaos in our peaceful life but life wasn't life it didn't involve any dramatic twist.

It was safe to say, I was happy with what I had now. It was more than enough to wake up with a smile on my face.

"Where are you going?", Mom asked from where she was settled in one of the couches in living room when she noticed my presence, walking towards the front door.

"Lunch", I stated casually keeping the answer short intentionally.

I selected my brown timberlands from the full length cabinet as it would match with my head scarf complementing my outfit which involved, black t-shirt paired with cargo pants.

I saw my  mother coming towards me with a bowl of cheese popcorn in her hand, through my peripheral view.

"But your appearance is giving-- I am out to murder someone-- vibe", she exclaimed plopping some popcorn in her mouth as she leaned against the wall, gazing me with judging eyes.

"Well, my looks can easily kill anyone", I winking at the lady playfully before tightening my shoe lace.

"Narcissistic much", she rolled her eyes munching on her favourite snack, I wonder how was she still in shape without exercises even after inhaling bowls of cheese popcorns every now and then.

"Why don't you try wearing elegant heels with some soft colored dresses.. It will look great on you", she suggested her stereotypical style, acting nonchalant as if she wasn't adamant on changing my dark edgy look.

"Yeah, everything looks good on me but that particular style will make me look like an angel which I am definitely not", I replied faking a casual tone just like her. She glowered at me which led me to smirk as  I could see right through her.

"You have an answer to every of my statements, huh... Tell me something.. What will you do if your husband wants to see you in pretty clothes rather than these outfits you wear", she asked curiously.

"Don't stress you pretty brain so much, mom.. My husband likes me the way I am or else there's always an option", I said grabbing my Versace sling bag.

"And what would that be?", she quirked her brows challengingly.

"Divorce", I literally sprinted out of the door laughing out loud, leaving behind my yelling mother. She continued to shout her displeasure and frustration as I hopped inside my newly bought black Lamborghini.

A surprised gift from my father which wasn't really a surprise rather a product of blackmail but my mother didn't need to know that.

"Come back before dinner, brat", that was the last phrase I heard before driving out of the gate, which had me to chuckle, she was adorable.

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