Captive

Chapter-18

Rubab stared at her reflection in the mirror. The red sharara, gorgeous bridal make-up and those expensive jewellery suited her perfectly. She was looking breathtakingly gorgeous in her bridal attire.

But, her eyes reflected a sudden change of emotions. The excitement in her eyes vanished suddenly. She felt her throat getting dry recalling that day when she was abducted. She did not want to remember that dreadful day but she couldn't help herself. She noticed small beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

" I should focus on my future. Give me strength, Allah," Rubab rubbed her chest lightly.

Today, she is getting married to Darwish. It wasn't going to be a grand wedding. Only family members would be present since the wedding was happening in a hurry.

Rubab was anxious and excited at the same moment regarding this wedding. She was happy that she found a good person as her partner. Maybe she decided pretty early that Darwish is a good person. The way Darwish acted anyone would have believed in his facade.

" The groom's family is here. Let's go everyone," Rubab was startled hearing her cousins excited voices.

She rushed to the window and looked outside. She noticed Darwish coming out of the car. She skipped a heartbeat seeing him. Her cheeks heated up after noticing how handsome he was looking in that off-white colour sherwani. His pitch-black hair was brushed backwards while his beard was groomed nicely. He was looking like some kind of supermodel.

" No elders of your family come. Is there any problem?" Rubab heard her father asking Darwish.

That's when Rubab's eyes caught the scene around him. There were no elderly people with him. She knew that his parents were no more but she did not expect he did not have any uncle or elderly figure in his home. She only saw some young men standing behind Darwish. She wondered why they were standing like guards. Weren't they his relatives?

" My parents are no more as you know," Darwish reminded Selim.

Selim let out an awkward smile," Yeah. I know." " I mean your uncle or any eld............"

" Shall we go inside?" Darwish interrupted. He did not feel the necessity to answer Selim.

Looking at Darwish's annoyed eyes, Selim did not fuss though he was expecting a proper answer from Darwish.

" Yes, please. Come inside," Selim and his sons moved away giving enough space for Darwish and the guests.

All the rituals went smoothly. Finally, Darwish and Rubab were married. Rubab's parents took breaths of relief seeing Rubab with her husband. They were looking adorable together. Runa prayed for this new couple with teary eyes. She just hopes her daughter remains happy.

A photographer was clicking photos of Darwish and Rubab. They were sitting on the stage and everyone was coming forward to congratulate them. Rubab was genuinely happy but Darwish seemed forcing smile on his face. He was behaving as if he was suffocating here.

" It's like hours since we are together. You did not tell me how I am looking? You did not even look at me," Rubab asked Darwish lowering her voice.

Darwish gave her a straightforward answer," You are looking as usual. Nothing special." There was no emotion in his voice.

Rubab's face fell. She felt an instant sting right into her chest. She kept looking at him with disbelief. How could he talk to her like that? Did she hear wrong or he said that in real?

" No matter how much a crow put on a peacock's feathers, it will remain a crow always," Darwish hooted smiling at the camera.

Rubab felt her eyes getting blurry with tears. But, she controlled her emotions hurriedly. She looked at her parents and brothers. She did not want to ruin their happiness with her tears. But, one thing started bothering her. What was wrong with Darwish? Why was he talking to her in such an insulting manner? Was he upset about something? Why did his tone change suddenly? Where did that charming smile and promising words go? She was flabbergasted.