𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

غمِ عشق ۷۔

Life is very interesting. In the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths~

– Drew Barrymore

Airah woke up in the morning with a heavy heart. The night had been uncomfortable as she had slept on a couch in the dressing room.

Discomfort still lingered in her body as she glanced at the clock, revealing it to be around 8 AM. Anxiety coursed through her as she cautiously ventured out of the dressing room.

What she found outside left her with a sinking feeling. Altamash lay on the bed in a disheveled and pitiable state. Releasing a sigh of relief, she tiptoed towards the washroom. Once under the shower, her tears carelessly rolled down her cheeks with the flowing water.

After some time, she changed into a simple baby pink Georgette dress.
Descending the stairs, she faked a smile and proceeded towards the lounge, feeling awkward. Everyone was immersed in their conversations.

"Laiba, jaa kar apni bhabhi ko unke walima ka dress toh dikha do!"

(Laiba, go and show your sister-in-law her dress for the wedding reception!)

After a few minutes, Altamash's mother signaled her daughter, who scowled and discreetly shook her head in denial, not wanting to miss something on her mobile phone.

Altamash's mother's stern gaze made Laiba reluctantly rise to her feet with a forced smile and took Airah to the room where her dress for the wedding reception was hanging.

Examining the outfit chosen for the wedding reception, which was to be held the next evening, Airah found the dress undeniably beautiful, but the sparkle in her eyes had long since faded.

Soon they were all settled in the dining room. Her appetite was long gone, and she was merely pushing her food around on her plate while listening to her in-laws' small talk.

"Asalamalaikum!"

It was then that she heard Altamash's greetings, which sent a shiver of agony and terror down her spine.

Altamash came forward and sat next to her without acknowledging her. Airah looked at her mother-in-law's face, which was beaming with happiness at seeing her son. She averted her gaze, frustration and tears in her eyes, hating the fact that they all knew how Altamash was, yet they had arranged her marriage to him.
______

Flashbacks;

Hamza and Zarish were sitting in the library. Hamza often helped Zarish understand various topics and tutored her frequently. She would listen attentively every time, and their friendship had grown strong.

Despite Zarish's somewhat socially awkward nature and lack of popularity among others, she shared a special connection with Hamza. He had a completely different, laid-back personality. Not only was Hamza kind, but he also never tried to take advantage of their friendship.

Over the few months they spent as friends, Hamza had developed feelings for Zarish, although he was reluctant to jeopardize their friendship.

That day, Zarish kept zoning out and appeared visibly tense.

"Kya hua hai Zarish mujhse share karo, please?"

(What's wrong, Zarish? Please share with me!)

He asked for the umpteenth time that morning.

Releasing a wavering breath she almost whispered,

"My classmate Zayan has been bothering me for quite some time-"