Chapter - 4

Faizan

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Keeping the phone aside, I reached for the bottle of water from the bedside table, and it wouldn't be me if the bottle was filled. I forgot to bring a new one with myself after dinner.

Groaning at my own forgetfulness, I lazily got up from bed before making a beeline to the door aiming to go downstairs to grab some water and if I was fortunate enough might find something delicious to drink.

Because of Zayan, bhabi stopped stocking soft drinks or packaged juices in the fridge otherwise that little sneak would fill his tummy with unhealthy food.

My safe heaven was at the farthest end of the hallways, after walking past some spare rooms, my heels stopped when I heard my name from my parent's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar as they were still awake.

I didn't intend to eavesdrop nor did I like to meddle in someone's business but the topic they were discussing compelled me to listen. My heart was hammering in my chest as a shiver ran down my spine thinking about the possibilities.

"Did you find any suitable spouse for our Faizan? It's so hard to find an educated, polite, modest and well mannered girl", I overhead Mom's unexpected question. I had no idea they were searching for a woman to wed with me.

"Yes.. I have met a few but they don't match our family", Dad sighed, his voice laced with disappointment.

I knew my family traditions, also the fact that I had to marry the person my parents would select for me. They wouldn't even ask whether I was ready or even I liked the person. I was ready for it untill my life was turned upside down by a storm, a beautiful one at that.

"Please keep in your mind that my daughter-in-law must be really beautiful with perfect proportional frame, polite, obedient and from a descent background.

The families we met definitely didn't reach our expectations and also the  proposals in hand. We must select the best for our son", Mom said in finality as if it wasn't my wife but a puppy she wanted for herself.

What's with these expectations? She should focus on my preferences first, someone who would understand me, love me and care for me. I didn't want just a wife, I wanted a partner who would stand by my side in every step of my life and I was certain mom could never find someone like that. I had many things to say but I wasn't allowed to and expected to act like a robot.

"Why don't you talk to your business partners? They might suggest you some families", she suggested.

"That can be done", Dad said thoughtfully.

"You don't have to worry, I will talk to someone", he added.

I returned back to my room feeling extremely exhausted all of a sudden. Life was never easy for me except for the years I spent in foreign land away from my family.

People generally had presumptions that I was a spoiled rich brat who didn't care about anything considering the fact I was the youngest son. Oh! How wrong everyone was, as the reality was far from it.

Even after being a Sheikh and the youngest, I was never spoiled or pampered. Yes, my family loved me and gave me enough affection, at least I believed it was, but at the same time there was always strict discipline I had to follow.

Initially, I was interested in fashion designing and wanted to secure a career in the field but my father clearly denied saying fashion industry was nothing but a dirty hell hole. Once you stepped inside there would no way back to have a peaceful life. No matter how much one tried to stay away from scandal they wouldn't be able to and it would effect the reputation of Sk corporation and family name.

And like the obedient little son, I agreed, opting for business studies instead. I was sent to Harvard University after my bachelor's degree to accomplish MBA. It was like a family rule. My father studied there, my elder brother as well as sister, thus, I was expected to follow their path.

I was anxious to live in a foreign land all alone as I was worst with strangers but I was relieved when my cousin Naim invited me to stay  with them. His wife Noor was a lovely lady and she welcomed me wholeheartedly for three years.

They are really close to me and Noor bhabi behaved like a second mother to me, honestly I wished to stay with them forever but unfortunately, I had to return as soon as my degree was accomplished.

However, upon my arrival I was expected to join the company without giving me a proper time to at least rest my mind and prepare myself for the future hustle. Many had the misconception that it was our own company hence I would be presented with a high post on a golden tray. I chuckled mirthlessly at the thought.

I joined the company as an intern, completed my training period with dedication and hard work. My identity as a Sheikh was hidden until I was promoted to my current position. Needless to say, the staff members were dumbfounded seeing the strict rule that I had to follow even after being the youngest son.

Moreover, I didn't really remember whether Junaid climbed the same ladder because as soon as he was graduated father announced his retirement presenting his position to his eldest son as the CEO, also held a grand celebration for that.

Although, Tasnima had to go through the training period but her identity wasn't hidden unlike mine thus she received privileges from her trainer. But I never took all these unnecessary thoughts to my heart which might serve as a gap between our relationships.

However, I was getting used to his inhumane schedule after years of practice, but now this sudden drop of the bomb in the name of marriage.

Marriage was a huge responsibility and I had no clue how tame the storm that was awaiting for me. Not like, I would be given any choice rather than agreeing to whatever my parent's wished for me.

Nonetheless, I was terrified.

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Amirah

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Yawning heavily whilst stretching the sore limbs, I descended the stairs, hardly keeping my droopy eyes open. Completely aware of my messy bun but couldn't care less, somehow I had managed to brush my teeth to have breakfast. Mornings could be lazy.

"Morning, not so lovely people", I had dropped myself on the couch with phone in hand, adjusting my body in a comfortable position by leaning in between the back rest and arm rest.

"Morning, princess", Dad greeted back with an enthusiastic smile completely unbothered by the remark. Bhai and Bhabi just chuckled before resuming their activities  which I didn't give a heed what it was.

"Just look at this ill mannered, brat", came an irritation comments from my beloved mother, through my peripheral view I could see her approaching me with a coffee cup in her hand as I needed to energize my nerves with caffeine, first thing in the morning.

I had grabbed the cup and kept it on the corner stool just between the two couches where a flower vase stood delicately, without moving from my position, ignoring my mother's piercing gaze.

"Sit properly you ignorant sloth.. Close your legs", she smacked my thighs receiving an annoyed groan from me, but did that make me move even an inch from my comfortable position? No.

"Can't you just listen to me once?", her tone was laced with a mixture of disappointment and amusement.

"Mom... I am not wearing a skirt or dress that I have to close my legs.. Come on now, just chill for a minute, woman", I spat just to receive a smack on my shoulder which had me to glower at the lady.

"Learn a little mannerisms, will ya? And provide an ease to my heart", she rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Fine", I almost barked in annoyance startling the stubborn lady, as I sat up straight with my right leg above the left one, placing both of my palm on my knees elegantly, imitating those typical high class ladies.

"Am I looking graceful enough now, mother?", I fluttered my lashes faking an innocent glint in my eyes.

"I really can't with you", she stomped her feet like kids who are refuse to have their favourite dessert and rushed inside the kitchen where I could see bhai was having a hard time to breath due to laughing so hard.

Dad and bhai too were laughing out loud almost rolling down the couch when they witnessed my exaggerated act of reading the magazine in same graceful posture with a proud expression on my face or more like a b* face.

"I wonder what would you do in your in-law's.. I bet they will kick you out the very next day you arrive at their home", Mom yelled out a common remark from the kitchen.

"Don't worry about that mom.. Even if they kick me out, I will drag my dearest hubby with me and crash in here for the rest of our lives", I retorted with a smug smile.

"Well if you behave this bratty with your husband, he will be the one to kick you out, himself",  she threw back, her proud expression indicated how she believed to win the argument.

"Naahh! My charms are too magical to resist, watch him run up to me the very next day with his tongue hanging in the air", I flipped my bun like a b* that I definitely was.

"What the.. Are you calling your husband a dog?", she exclaimed with an over dramatic stance.

"When did I even say that, it's you who brought the poor animal in between.. I meant to say, if he run all the way to me, he will be out of breath with his tongue out in display..

Oh! mom you called your son-in-law, an adorable animal..", I bark out a laughter when I saw the red fuming face of my mother.

Dad and bhabi were literally on the floor and bhai was trying his hardest to control before approaching our now sulking mother and side hugged her to provide some comfort.

"It's okay mom.. Ignore her.. I love you", he took the advantage to tame the fuming lady and achieve her favor.

"She is so mean", she pouted at her elder son immediately changing her demeanor.

"Yes, i know.. Let her be", he coaxed affectionately, she hugged his torso still pouting like an infant.

"Aww! my adorable, mommy", I ran towards her before wrapping my arms around her tightly.

"Let me go, you are mean", she yelled tring to push me away but I could see the secret smile adoring her face.

"But you love me nonetheless", I bit her cheeks harshly before running away, leaving the lady to shout after me yet again.

"Oi! You can call you mother mommy but can't call me dada", Dad placed her palm on his hips dramatically just to be ignored and received a glare from Mom.

"Jealous much", I rolled my eyes at his childish antics.

"Aww! I will call you dada..leave that mean brat", bhabi said hugging the sulking kid hidden inside that old man whose eyes immediately lit up in excitement.

"Yes... My dearest daughter, you are the only one who loves me in this household", he rubbed his cheek on bhabi's head like a cute little puppy  making her laugh, Mom and bhai just stared at the duo blankly whereas I shook my head before focussing on the messages.

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