Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 21 : I Accept

Half an hour later, Arbaaz and Zunera were sitting between two pillars in an open corridor of Dargah. Her head was resting on his shoulder, eyes closed whereas he was holding her wrist with one hand while playing with her bangles with the other. The clinking sound calming his very soul.

“You won't leave me na ?”

She felt a stabbing pain in her heart at his question. His voice was so troubled and baby like, unsure and scared. Guilt hit her like a tidal wave of ocean. Engulfing her entire existence and soaking her from head to toe. She was completely at fault and she would rectify her mistake now.

She stood and forwarded both her hands infront of him. Silently asking to hold them and get up.

“Do you trust me ?” - she asked when he just stared at her in askance.

Although, the way she he had hurt him, she herself was afraid of his answer. But to her surprise, he smiled and placed both his hands in hers and stood up. She smiled, touched, and intertwined their fingers together before walking towards the shrine. He didn't ask a single question. Just kept walking along her wherever she was taking him.

“Darbaan Sahab!” - she addressed the old man who was lightly dusting the grills.

He walked towards them at her call. A kind and elderly smile on his face.

“Yes my child ?” - he inquired politely.

“We want to perform Nikah.”

Arbaaz's head snapped to her in shock. His jaw, ready to touch the floor.

What ?!

“Zooni...” - he said in a trance, not believing his ears.

She squeezed his hand but kept looking at the man hopefully. Confidently.

“Can this happen now ?” - she asked and the old man smiled.

“Of course it can. I can be your officiant but have you thought this through ?” - he asked, his tone as calm as ever.

It was then when she turned towards Arbaaz. Her eyes sure and calm.

“I have never been so sure about anything in my life before as I am now for this. I want to assure you that I will never leave you. NEVER EVER! I am yours and will always be. And there's no better way to tell you than this sacred bond Arbaaz. Now, I'm leaving this upto you. Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me ?”

Her tone was soft yet firm. Leaving no room for his doubt that she was unsure or doing that in a haste.

Her words soothed something deep inside him. The wounds of the day before, healing in an instant.

“Even if you are not sure yet, it's fine. I can wait as long as you need time. I just want to let you know that I'm here to stay. Won't go anywhere. EVER.” - she said, smiling softly at him.

A smile came over his face. Slowly brightening and widening. He squeezed her hand and turned towards the Darbaan.

“Would you be able to arrange the witnesses ?” - he asked and her eyes welled up. But she was mirroring his bright smile.

The man smiled again. Feeling assured that these two souls were sure and knew what they were doing.

“Yes my child. Come with me.” - he said, and they both followed him. Hand in hand.

~

“Arish, it's been a while. Abhi had said he'll return soon.” - asked a distressed Jahan'ara.

“Don't worry Dadi Jaan... he'll be fine. Okay let me call him.” - Arish said, pulling out his phone and dialing Arbaaz's number.