Written Among The Stars.

Chapter 11 - The reception and the deceptions.

Walking arm in arm in the spot light was the most stunning couple, the eyes had ever seen. Aaban looked like a prince charming straight out of a disney fairy tale. In an impeccable white maxi, Haneen looked no less than an angel. She flashed a smile as everyone adored the young and beautiful couple but her heart twisted into several knots when she realized that it was all fake, a show off and a deception for the world to see. Forget about holding hands, he didn't even want to see her face when they were alone and yet he had to act all happy and merry in front of the world. He had made it crystal clear that it was just a marriage on paper. He neither expected anything from her nor she should from him. But the world didn't need to know. They admired what they saw and wished for similar fates. Only if they knew the reality behind the closed doors.

As they settled on the couch for the couple, Haneen's family came up. Her face lit up seeing them again after a long and difficult night. She hugged them tightly and shed a tear or two but her dad quickly wiped it away. Aaban too greeted them warmly. For a moment, Haneen felt that it was genuine and she wished that her heart was right in this case. Even if he didn't acknowledge her, he should treat her family with respect because they did nothing wrong in all this fiasco. The event came to an end and they finally went home. The rest of the day passed silently as all the guests had already started leaving. Haneen felt sad and empty. At night, she grabbed a duvet and went to the balcony to enjoy the cool breeze. She didn't realize when she dozed off there. It was only when she woke up the next morning that she realized that Aaban was nowhere to be found in the room. With guilt filling her insides, she quickly changed into a nice fancy dress and went downstairs to greet her mother in law who as always gave her the warmest smiles.

"Aunty? Where's him?" She asked worriedly.

"That brat went to office."

"Office?" Haneen asked, surprised.

"Yes. I told him that it's been just one day since your wedding but he's such a workoholic. He doesn't even listen to me. Don't worry, he'll come earlier than usual. Apparently, there was some important work."

"No that's okay but he didn't even wake me up. I could have prepared breakfast."

"Don't worry. I didn't let him go without breakfast." She told her.

"I am sorry." Haneen looked down, guiltily.

She held her chin and made her look up. "You are my daughter, okay? I didn't bring you here to look after Aaban. He's a grown man who can take care of himself so don't worry about such things. Even I don't make breakfast for him. He's used to doing his chores on his own. The reason I brought you here is to make this empty house, a home and I know for sure that you are fully capable of doing that with your love and care."

She smiled at her lovingly. It felt so amazing to listen to her words. She didn't expect her to be so sweet to her.

"Also, don't call me Aunty okay. Call me Ammi [Mother] just like Aaban does. And don't you dare step into the kitchen for atleast two weeks. Understood?" She fake scolded her.

She nodded and chuckled, with moist eyes and then both the mother and daughter in law sat together to watch TV and gossiping over random stuff from the wedding. Haneen was more than happy to have a woman like her here and Mrs. Rehman was glad to have found a daughter she had always wanted.

In the evening, they were having tea when Aaban arrived back.

"Aaban, you said it was just a small thing." His mother complained.

"Sorry. I was just stuck."

"Assalamualaikum." [Peace be upon you.] He spoke, briefly looking at her.

"Walikum assalam." [Peace be upon you too.] She replied and then silence.

His mother noticed the awkwardness between them but brushed it off thinking that they were probably adjusting to the new life. She didn't want them to rush into anything herself as well.

At dinner time, as they sat together. His mother brought up the topic of honeymoon.

"Haneen, where do you want to go for your honeymoon?" She asked sweetly.

"What?" Haneen choked on her food.

"What's so surprising? Everybody goes after wedding." She chuckled.

"Ammi, [Mother] it's too early." Aaban spoke up before she could reply and she was thankful for it.

"What early?"

"I mean we aren't yet that comfortable with each other."

"When you'll go, you'll automatically get comfortable."

"But still Ammi. [Mother] My schedule is very busy right now. We'll see later."

"Look at Haneen, she'll become sad."

"No, no. It's fine. I don't mind." Haneen assured her.

"As if a workoholic son wasn't enough for me, now I have to deal with a daughter too." She made a disappointed face. Haneen didn't know what to say so she remained silent.