unexpected marriage invitation

Writer: Husny-Kanwal

Novel: I am yours, my beloved.

“Najma Abdul Rahman Malik, I hereby wed you to Muheeb son of ajlal Malik…”

Hearing just these few words from the Nikah officiant , Najma’s mind went completely numb. She couldn’t understand what was happening.

How had her life turned upside down in just one week?

How had all her dreams been shattered?

How had she become trapped among these cruel people?

Her eyes were red like burning embers, and tears flowed endlessly — tears that only her mother wiped away. But even her mother stood helpless, watching her daughter’s life being destroyed, powerless to intervene.

“Come on, bride.”

After the Nikah officiant

and a few other guests had left, Moheeb held her hand in front of everyone and said commandingly.

The moment she heard that, she ... who had been sitting motionless — began trembling violently.

“I’m not going anywhere with you! Let go of my hand!” she shouted, trying with all her fragile strength to free herself from his cruel grip.

“You have to go,” he replied with authority, pulling her closer.

“Mom… save me! I don’t want to go with this disgusting man. Mom!”

Her screams echoed throughout the lounge.

“You will go — because now, I’m your husband.”

His face bore a triumphant smirk as he spoke.

“Moheeb! What kind of joke is this? You know very well this marriage wasn’t meant for those purposes. I will never let the daughter of a courtesan become the pride of your room.”

Mrs. Mubashra looked at Najma with deep contempt as she addressed her son in a firm, disdainful tone.

“Mom, we’ll talk about this later. Right now, I’m going to my room.”

For the first time, Moheeb ignored his mother’s command — something that left her utterly shocked.

“Moheeb, she may be your wife, but that doesn’t mean you can give her this right! She’s not worthy of becoming your room’s adornment. Don’t grant her such an honor!”

Grandmother could no longer bear to see her beloved grandson holding Najma’s hand. She stepped forward, intending to separate them.

“ grandma, this marriage was arranged by all of you,” he said, his anger barely restrained as he tried to keep his voice steady.

“Dad, please make them understand. You know I hate unnecessary drama.”

His tone was calm but colder than ice.

“Moheeb Ajlal Malik doesn’t tolerate anyone’s interference in his decisions.”

With that, he swept a hard gaze across the room, then gripped Najma’s delicate hand and started pulling her toward the staircase.

“Let me go! I said let go! Mom, help me!”

She struggled desperately to break free from his grasp. Her red bangles shattered one by one — some scattered across the floor, others cut into her soft hands.

“That’s enough!”

He stopped, anger flashing in his eyes, then bent down and hoisted Najma onto his shoulder like a sack of grain.

Her helpless screams echoed through the entire house — but no one came to her aid.

---

A week earlier:

“It’s just for one week. Then I’ll be back, and we’ll do all the wedding shopping together.”

Najma smiled as she spoke to Zaron.

“Yaar… I still don’t feel right about you going there alone.”

The handsome young man’s face showed signs of worry and fear. Concern laced his voice.

He stood with his arms folded, leaning against the wall, watching she pack her suitcase.

“Oh, come on… why are you worrying so much? Mom called two weeks ago — she said she misses me a lot and insisted I come to Pakistan, at least to attend my cousin’s wedding.

At first, I thought about refusing… and I actually did. But then uncle called last night. He too insisted I come. Honestly, I was shocked — uncle has never spoken to me so kindly before. How could I say no? Besides, it’s been years…”

Najma smiled as she looked at him.

She had a pure heart — maybe that’s why she always saw the good in everyone.

“I don’t know… I just don’t feel good about you going there alone. Take me with you, please.”

He urged earnestly.

“No, no… it’s not the right time to take you there. I haven’t told Mom about you yet. Let me go first, see how things are, then I’ll talk to her and maybe call you to meet her at a restaurant. But I don’t want you coming to Malik Mansion yet.”

Her expression dimmed as painful old memories surfaced.

Zaron understood her. So, he didn’t argue further.

“Hmm… fine. I’ll wait for you,” he said in a sad tone, nodding slightly.

“By the way, how many days are in a week?”

He sat down on the bed, trying to lighten the mood, looking adorably innocent.

“Seven,” she smiled, replying as she looked at his sulky face.

“Seven days? Oh God… how will I survive? That’s too long! And our wedding prep isn’t even complete yet. Why don’t you go for just three days?”

His eyes lit up as he offered the idea.

“Zaron… it’s just one week. It’ll fly by. Anyway, you hardly visit my apartment every other day,” she teased.

“So what? I do call you every few hours, don’t I?”

He said proudly, defending himself, which made her laugh.

“Oh, and don’t forget to tell Uncle. I was in such a hurry, I forgot to inform him.”

She turned to him quickly while packing her clothes.

“Okay… though you should’ve talked to Dad before making such a big decision,” he said, narrowing his eyes a little.

“I know… but I’m sure Uncle will let me make my own choices, like he always has. He won’t try to stop me like you do.”

She widened her eyes dramatically and spoke quickly.

“Alright, alright… I won’t stop you. But please, promise me you’ll stay in touch once you get there,” he pleaded.

“Okay, boss,” she smiled playfully.

“Hey, you’re the boss here, madam! If I were the boss, you wouldn’t be packing right now,” he pouted.

“Fine then, before I leave, make me your special biryani — or else I’ll miss it for a whole week,” he requested sweetly.

“Should I finish packing or cook for you?” she asked, hand on hip, pretending to scold him.

“Please, yaar, make it. I’m craving it so much,” he pleaded again, stretching his tone cutely.

“Alright, alright… don’t make that face. I’ll make it,” she smiled warmly.

She loved Zaron deeply — how could she not? After Jazey, he was her only friend in the whole world.

Since Jazey , she had only made one true friend — and that was Zaron, her companion in joy and sorrow.

Zaron knew her heart inside out, like an open book. Maybe that’s why she felt so comfortable sharing everything with him.

---

“What biryani, yaar! It’s so good I feel like kissing your hands,” he said after the first bite, catching her hand playfully and bringing it near his lips.

“Zaron!” she protested, widening her eyes. His gaze sparkled with mischief, which she understood immediately.

“Alright, alright,” he said, lowering her hand with a pout.

“Now let go of my hand,” she said softly but firmly.

“I need both hands to eat.”

He ignored her words, still holding her hand with one while eating with the other.

“After marriage, if you keep eating like this while holding my hand, then I’ll admit you truly love me,” she teased, her tone playful.

“Just your hand?” he replied meaningfully, letting his eyes wander over her face.

She blushed, lowering her gaze shyly.

“Uff… don’t blush like that. It drives me crazy,” he said, gazing at her lovingly.

“Eat your food,” she murmured, cheeks turning rosy. It was becoming impossible to handle his romantic stare.

He smiled, storing that shy, beautiful image in his eyes.

“So, what time are you going to the airport tomorrow?” he asked casually, sipping water.

“By two o’clock. But you don’t have to take time off work. I’ll go by myself. Muheeb will be at the airport.”

At the mention of that name, Zaron froze mid-sip.

“Muheeb?” he asked, puzzled.

“Yes, Uncle said Moheeb is in California for work, so I’ll return with him to Pakistan. We’ll meet at the airport.”

Najma said carelessly, washing dishes.

“Why are they being so nice all of a sudden?” Zaron said suspiciously, standing behind her.

“He’s there for work, not to do me a favor,” Najma replied, smiling over her shoulder.

“Still, I’m coming to drop you at the airport,” Zaron said firmly.

“There’s no need. I told you — after I come back from Pakistan, we’ll have a ton of wedding shopping to do together, and your grumpy boss won’t give you leave then. So don’t even think about taking it now,” she said in a commanding tone.

He sighed, reluctantly nodding in agreement.

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