Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha

Ch. 6: Conditions

Alizey's P.O.V.

The man Mamu and Mami were suggesting that I marry was Fawad. Fawad Raza.

It felt like time had come to a standstill just like my heart as we stared at each other.

"Fawad, sit," Mamu urged.

His light brown eyes shifted from mine to my uncle. He then lowered his gaze then proceeded to the seat next to me.

"Fawad, the girl I wanted you to meet is none other than our Alizey," Mami smiled.

Fawad's P.O.V.

I had notified Dilnaaz Aunty of my decision to get married so I could get Baba's money, and she offered to help me find someone. Little did I know she was going to suggest Alizey. I thought she was engaged.

"Jalal Bhai, Alizey's father, is getting her married to his former boss's son against her will. The only way remaining to prevent it is if we get her married to someone else," Shehroze Uncle explained.

Which explains her stiff reaction to her fiancé hugging her.

Alizey's eyes lifted from the table top to her aunt's face as the latter spoke. "Before Fawad's Baba passed away, he left him money in his will. The only condition is that he has to get married in order to get the money."

I watched Alizey's forehead crease.

Aunty took each of our hands, "I've known you two since you've been born. I think the both of you will get along very well. Both of you have the best of hearts and will be a good match for each other. I know you two will be there for each other and complete what is missing in each other's lives."

Mamu smiled and nodded.

Alizey looked down at her engagement ring then back at her aunt, as though searching for an answer.

Alizey's P.O.V.

Marry Fawad?!

Go against Papa's back, my entire family's back and get married secretly?!

And marry Fawad?!?!

"We know you two might feel like this is a lot of pressure, but both of your circumstances are as such that we do not have much time. Alizey's nikkah is set for Saturday, which is only four days away. Fawad needs the money as soon as possible," Uncle voiced.

My shoulders deflated slowly at the reminder.

"We are here for the both of you. We will take care of everything," Mami reassured.

I shook my head at my relatives, "Mamu, Mami, main kaise-"
(How can I-)

"Aur koi chara nahin hain hamare paas," my aunt looked at me sympathetically.
(We have no other choice)

"Fawad se nikkah ho jaayega toh phir kuch nahin kar sakenge Jalal Bhai. Tahir ke saath zabardasti shaadi nahin kar sakenge tumhari."
(If you marry Fawad, then Jalal Bhai can't do anything. He wouldn't be able to force you to marry Tahir.)

"Papa toh mujhe jaan se marr denge!"
(Papa is going to kill me!)

"Nahin maarenge," Mamu tried to calm me down.
(He won't kill you)

Fawad continued staring at the table, his eyebrows slightly tugged together, deep in thought.

Mami began defeatedly, "Agar tumhe Tahir se shaadi karni hai, toh phir-"
(If you want to marry Tahir, then-)

"Nahin!" I exclaimed frustratedly.
(No!)

"Then, Fawad, Alizey, we don't have much time."

"Both of you take the rest of the night and decide by tomorrow," Mamu stated.