𝑸𝓪𝓵𝓫 -𝓔-𝑵𝓪𝓪𝔃 🤍ft. sɪᴅɴᴀᴀᴢ | On Hold

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سمجھوتہ-Samjhauta

Sidharth checked his reflection in the mirror one last time before heading out. His tall, muscular frame and chiseled features always made heads turn, but today, he felt a knot of nervousness in his stomach. This was no ordinary meeting; it was a setup orchestrated by their families. He was going to meet Shehnaaz, the girl he was expected to marry, and he wasn't thrilled about the idea of the marriage. He wanted to live life on his own terms.

At the same time, in another part of the city, Shehnaaz was also preparing herself for this meeting. Her heart pounded with anxiety. At 20, she felt too young to be pushed into marriage, especially with someone she had never met before. Dressed in a simple yet elegant hijab, her innocence and beauty radiated, but it was her vulnerability that she tried hard to mask.

The restaurant was upscale, with a calming ambiance, filled with the subtle aroma of spices and soft instrumental music playing in the background. Sidharth arrived first, his sharp eyes scanning the place. He chose a table by the window, partly to watch the street outside and partly to calm his nerves. He couldn't help but feel a little annoyed at the situation, and he resolved to keep his guard up.

Sidharth's attention was caught by his phone ringing: "Haan Didi.. pohonch gya mai restaurant".

"Accha sun Sidharth, please usko daraake bhagana mat". His elder sister pleaded over the phone.

"Mmm I'll talk to you after the meeting". He said before hanging up the call.

Shehnaaz entered moments later, her eyes searching until they met his. She has saw his pictures before and her gaze fell on a handsome well-built figure at a table by the window. She felt a jolt of fear and excitement. As she approached the table, Sidharth stood up, offering a curt nod. She returned it with a shy smile.

He took a good minute admiring her beauty. She radiates an inner and outer beauty that captivates those around her. Her eyes, deep and expressive, reflect a sense of serenity and wisdom. The soft glow of her complexion, framed by her hijab, highlights her modesty and grace. Her smile is warm and inviting, embodying kindness and compassion. Her elegance extends beyond her physical appearance. She carries herself with a quiet confidence and humility that inspire respect and admiration. Her demeanor is gentle, yet her presence is powerful, embodying the strength of her character and faith.

"Assalam walaikum" she greeted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Walaikum Assalam," he replied, his tone colder than he intended. "Sit."

As they sat down, an awkward silence fell between them. Sidharth couldn't help but stare at her; her beauty was indeed mesmerizing. But he quickly reminded himself of his resentment towards this forced meeting.

"I ordered some appetizers," he said, trying to sound polite but coming off brusque.

Shehnaaz nodded, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under his intense gaze and curt demeanor. "Thank you."

The waiter brought in the appetizers, and they both busied themselves with the food, struggling to start a meaningful conversation. Finally, Shehnaaz mustered the courage to break the ice.

"So, tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?" Her bubbly, chirpy self spoke.

He sighed, a bit irritated. "What's the point? We're here because our families want us to get married. What difference does it make what I like?"

Shehnaaz recoiled slightly, her eyes widening with hurt and fear. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I just thought..."

He softened a bit, seeing her reaction. "I didn't mean to snap. It's just... I'm not happy about this situation. I prefer to make my own choices."

Shehnaaz nodded, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her scarf. "I understand. I didn't want this either. But our families..."

"Exactly," Sidharth cut in, his frustration clear. "It's not about us. It's about them and their traditions."

Shehnaaz took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I guess we're both in the same boat then."

"No... no we are not." He said bringing her attention completely to him. "I don't know what you've heard about me outside but let me tell you my truth. This is not my first time. Ive been married before and I have a child. And you're not only agreeing to be my wife but also to be the mother of my child. I want you to know what exactly are you getting yourself into".

As he finished she felt her heart heavy. So much responsibility to bear overnight. She doesn't know what reaction to give.

Sidharth looked at her, really looked at her for the first time. She was scared, unlike him. But there was a strength in her eyes, a resolve to make the best of the situation. He felt a pang of guilt for being so harsh.

"I...umm" she began to speak and he was mesmerised in her sweet voice. He could hear her voice trembling out of fear.

"Yes... go on". Sidharth said.

"I also want to confess something". Shehnaaz said not taking her gaze from the plate on the table. "I liked someone in college". Sidharth suddenly felt a possessiveness in the corner of his heart. Since he couldn't justify it, he didn't let it out.

"Ohh". He said nonchalantly.

"Its nothing like what you think". She said more like correctly him desperately. "2 mahine chale and ghar pe pata chal gya. But jab gharwale proposal leke gye, he insulted my whole family. He said he never loved me". Her eyes well up with the bitter memories of that night and the possessiveness inside Sidharth grew seeing her having tears thinking of another man. "Uske baad Saba maami ne aapke rishte ki baat ki. I honour my family's pride more than anything and mai bina dekhe hi maan gyi nikaah ke liye. Meri family ne bola tha ye sab baat mat chedne ke liye. But I wanted to be honest with you. Mai kuch chuppana nhi chahti aapse".

Atleast she's honest, unlike that evil of a ex-wife of his. Eventho he already heard these stories from his sister and brother-in-law, he appreciated her coming clean with him. Her face reflected the purity of her heart and now her confession made him more confident about her honesty. But still, can she be trusted fully? Should i make that judgment too soon? His mind asked.

"Dekho.... Eventho I care about my fiancée's past, ye saari cheezom pe mai abhi focus nhi kar rha. For now, ek biwi se zyada I need a mother for my child. As long as tum wo role acche se nibhavo I can leave the past in the past. Abhi tak tum kaisi thi, ye mai shayad andekha karlu, lekin abhi se leke I want you to remember that tum Malik khandan ki bahu honewali ho and I don't want anyone in the family to compromise with our standard and class".

"Ji..." she nodded with a mixture of relief and gloominess. Relief that she confessed about her past to him and felt sad for the reaction he gave. It's like he doesn't give a damn about anything related to her, not in a good way. But she sighed in defeat as marrying him was not an option for her now. It's the only choice she have. And she had to compromise with her life yet again. 

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I know the day you all are waiting for. Trust me, it's not far. Stay tuned for the next chap!🫶