Chapter - 18

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If you haven't prayed your salah please pray this book can wait but your salah can't

Happy reading

THE STORY BEGIN.....



Mannat p.o.v

I sat on my bed, my heart weighed down by the heavy burden I carried. Today was meant to be the happiest day of my life—my  wedding day. Yet, as I stared at my reflection in the mirror, a profound sadness clouded my eyes.

My marriage to Zunaid, was an arrangement born out of necessity and sacrifice. The union was meant to safeguard my sister's daughter Zubi.

But as the minutes ticked away, I couldn't help but agonise over the prospect of a loveless marriage. How could I bind myself to a man who would never truly be mine? I knew all too well that his heart belonged to another, hidden beneath the façade of familial duty.

As I looked around the room, my eyes drifting over the extravagant decorations and gleaming jewellery laid out before me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of suffocation. The silken threads of my bridal trousseau seemed to constrict around me, mirroring the constraints imposed upon my heart and soul.

I clenched my trembling hands, eyes welling up with unshed tears. She had always been the pillar of strength for her family, shouldering their burdens with unwavering love and determination. I can never take her place.

Zunaid p.o.v

As I stood at the altar, dressed in a suit that felt more like a shroud, my heart screamed out a name. Samiya. My beloved late wife, who had been taken from this world far too soon. Her memory, her presence, was etched into my soul, an ache that never truly faded. But here I was, about to marry her sister, for the sake of my little daughter, Zubi.

I glanced down at Zubi, a miniature version of the woman I had loved with all my being. Her innocent eyes held a glimmer of hope, a plea wrapped in sweetness. She had lost her mother, her guiding light, and I had promised to protect her, to be the anchor she needed in this tumultuous sea of life. Marrying Samiya's sister was a choice made from a sense of duty, of responsibility towards my precious daughter.

But my heart, my conflicted heart, couldn't help but revolt against this decision. It yearned for Samiya, for her gentle touch, her vibrant laughter, her unwavering love. How could I betray her memory by laying my future in the hands of another? It felt like a betrayal of my own heart, my own soul.

As the wedding ceremony commenced, I listened to the familiar words of commitment, promises that I had vowed to Samiya not so long ago. The weight of those vows, the echoes of the past, were heavy upon my shoulders. I knew that the sister, Mannat, who now stood beside me, had her own share of grief. She too had lost a sister, one dear to her heart. And yet, she had agreed to marry me, to become a mother figure to Zubi.

But love cannot be forced or chosen arbitrarily; it is an uncontrollable force, an emotion that knows no boundaries. It was unfair to ask Mannat to fill the void Samiya had left behind, just as it was unfair to ask my heart to forget the woman who had meant everything to me. My heart longed for completeness, it ached for the memories we had created together, and it yearned for the love we had shared.

I don't know the future but one thing I know is there will be no love in this marriage .

Mannat had to bear the brunt of fate… She will always be my unwanted bride …



Third person p.o.v

INT. MANNAT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Soft moonlight spills into the room through the lacy curtains, gently illuminating the lavish decor. Mannat, an anxious newlywed, sits at the centre of the bed, a mixture of anticipation and sadness evident on her face. Her gaze is lost somewhere in the distance, as if her thoughts were drowning out the bustling sounds of the outside world. Zara, Mannat's mother-in-law, enters the room with a kind smile, understanding the turmoil Mannat is experiencing.

Zara approaches Mannat and sits beside her, emanating warmth and reassurance.

She put hand over her head softly "My dear Mannat, I know this must feel overwhelming for you. But you must remember, love takes time to bloom. Zunaid is a wonderful man; he just needs to get to know you better "

Mannat's eyes welled up with tears, but she remained silent, absorbing Zara's comforting words.

" Marriage is not a destination, my child. It’s a journey, a beautiful journey that brings two souls closer. It's okay to feel uncomfortable at first, but give it time. Zunaid will discover the remarkable woman you are and fall in love with you, just as I have seen him fall for the good in others " she smiled

Mannat's lips curve into a tentative smile, hope flickering in her eyes.

She whispered, barely audible " I miss my family, mom . I miss my old life and everything that was so familiar "

Zara wraps her arm around Mannat, offering solace and understanding.

Mannat p.o.v

After Zara aunty went away , I continued to wait for Zunaid.  We haven't even talked about everything , this wedding our future , I just want to assure him that I am not here to take a Samiya place in his heart but can share this life like a good friend . I don't remember when my eyes closed with the heaviness of my eyelids.

My eyes fluttered open when I unconsciously heard the door slam shut .

Zunaid entered and went straight to the washroom .

I licked my lips again and nervousness started to overwhelm my body .

The moment he walks out of the washroom I straighten my body .

My eyebrows furrowed as I saw him again walking out of the room without sparing a glance at my way .

" Zunaid"  I called him out , his feet stopping in his tracks .

" Ca- can we pray together ? " I don't know why I felt so nervous and scared. I used to be so confident around him but now it feels like my life has turned 360° .

He turned around and I could see a hint of anger in his eyes .

Did I upset him ?

" What should we pray about ?" I blink … it wasn't a question but a mockness in his voice .

" Its- it's our first night and we should -" before I could say anything I stopped , an ugly smirk spread across his face .

" First night ?"

" Do you really think this marriage is real ?" He stood closer to bed .

Okay he is really freaking me out …. What is wrong with him ?

" I am just asking you -" .

" Don't ever ask me anything , you are just my daughter's mother not my wife and never dare to consider yourself to be my wife , getting into this marriage is your choice so bear the brunt " he gritted out with so much hatred that my eyes instantly filled with tears .

" Okay…" I could barely whisper as my eyes automatically looked down.

" Good " that's all I heard before he slammed the door shut walking away .

" Oh my Lord please give me  '' I started crying covering my face.

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