Not a Fairy Tale

3.

The night sky was dark, no stars were shining, no moon was visible but there was a hope of bright morning after a few hours same as Madiha's heart. 

Tonight she was the point of attraction for everyone, clad in cherry red and golden lehnga she sitting on the stage with lower gaze. Her face was still free from any kind of smile or happiness because she wasn't happy. Was there any reason of happiness? She was already trying to figure out what she got on the name of marriage. 

A man who was fifteen years older than her.

The responsibility of the mother for two girls,  one was already older than her and the other was the same as her age.

A non fairytale like wedding and copses of her dreamland. 

After spending only one day and one night she understood that her life was not going to be easy with this man. Only twenty four hours of togetherness give her idea about his dominant and aggressive nature. 

"Koi pareshani hai kya?" A whisper near her ear jumped her at her place, controlling her heart she turned her head to other side and looked at the tall man in white sherwani sitting beside her. "Nahi. (No)" She shook her head.

(Any problem?)

"To itni khoyi khoyi kyu lag rahi ho?" Danish asked and Madiha tried to smile a bit. "Nahi bas… sab kuch itna achanak hua ki yaqeen bhi nahi aa raha." She muttered and again lower her gaze, and that forced smile was lost after few seconds. The photographer who was taking Humera's pics suddenly appeared in front of Danish and Madiha. it was Danish's wish to had a photo with his wife.

(So why are you looking so lost?)

(Nothing like that... Actually everything happened in a hurry that it seems so unreal.)

The photographer told them to stand up and Danish did so while looking at his wife whose face was still bowed down. "Madiha, stand up." The instruction was simple but she closed her eyes for a moment. Her feet were paining due to 5 inches heel. Before she could decide to stand up a hand offered her support, she  looked up and the tall figure stood straight in front of her. Grabbing his hand she took a step near him but without looking at him. On photographer's demand she placed her hands on his chest and he held her waist.

"Ma'am, look towards sir." She lifted her eyes towards Danish, he was already smiling at her which unknowingly gave her hope of a bright future. 

"Bhai, wo caterer se aap baat kar lijiye usne mujhe bohot mushkil mein daal diya, meri to koi baat sun hi nhi raha hai wo. Humera baji ke susral wale bethe huye hain aur khane mein deyr kar rahe hain ye log." Saad came with long steps and Danish immediately stood away from his wife, he glanced at the wrist watch then at guests. He was the only brother so he had to handle everything alone. 

(Bhai, you talk to that caterer, I'm tired but he is not listening to me at all. Humera bhaji's in-laws are already waiting but they people are taking so much time.)

"Wese maanne wali baat hai Saad, tu kisi kaam ka nhi hai." Danish glared at Saad and walked down the stage. Madiha sat back and saw the empty seat beside her. She never imagined a wedding like this, just like all other girls she had dreams. She smiled sadly and her heart again asked the same question, what did I get from this marriage? And this time she got an answer too A home, a home full of apnapan and love. That was enough for her to feel okay. 

(I have to Admit Saad, you're good for nothing.)0

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"Humera achhi lag rahi hai na?" Asked a lady to other and she hummed but her eyes were fixed on the other stage which was quite bigger than the one on which Humera was sitting, decorated with yellow and orange floral jewellery.