Mannat

38 | Give this marriage a chance

THIRD PERSON POV

Shiza rubbed her palms over her eyes to shed the last remnants of sleep. She had been abruptly woken by the sound of someone banging on the front door.
Squinting, she turned to see Asad still sprawled on his stomach on his side of the bed.

"Asad," Shiza called, trying to rouse him. He didn’t budge.

"Asaddddd..." she groaned, dragging out his name while poking his arm.

"Ugh, let me sleep," Asad mumbled, his voice thick and hoarse.

"Someone’s at the door." Unable to ignore the constant thudding, Shiza stood up. She tossed her pillow at him, making him groan in protest.

"Who on earth is here this early? At least let a man sleep peacefully on the first day of his marriage," Asad grumbled. He sat upright, raking his fingers through his messy hair.

"And you—" Asad tilted his head to look at Shiza as she sat on the edge of the bed. He had been ready to start a fight for being woken up, but the sight of her in the shirt he’d given her last night made him sigh instead.

"What?" Shiza asked.

"You look good in my shirt, wifey," he teased. Shiza just met his gaze with a bored expression.

"If you’re done with your useless flirting, can you please go open the door?" She shook her head and made her way toward the bathroom.

"Izzat hi nahi hai," Asad muttered to himself, padding toward the door.
[There is no respect.]

(⁠✷⁠‿⁠✷⁠)

It was Ahmer and Asad's sister Maira who were at the door.

"This is your new aunty." Asad stated pointing towards Shiza.

The twelve year old blinked her eyes smiling.

"It's Didi, Come here." Shiza said patting the seat beside her. The girl shyly got up and made her way towards Shiza. "Oh you are so pretty Maira." Shiza pulled the girl onto her lap.

"Thank you didi." Maira answered in low voice, while stealing glances at Asad.

Asad signed some documents and gave it back to his cousin — Ahmer.

"Okay Bhai (Brother) I'll leave then. I am taking Maira with me." Ahmer stated standing up.

Shiza narrowed her eyes looking at Asad. Why wasn't he saying anything? This Ahmer is his wicked Aunty and Uncle's son.

"I don't think it's a good idea, Ahmer." Asad answered.

"Don't worry I am not taking Maira home. I'll take her to the office, she can stay there with me till evening. I will drop her back later at night." Ahmer replied.

Asad just nodded.

"Mairu chalo ham office chalte hai." To Shiza's surprise Ahmer's voice was soft and loving. Maira skipped from her lap and ran towards Ahmer.
[Mairu come let's go to the office.]

"Do I get chocolates?" Maira asked pouting.

"Yes princess." Ahmer smiled holding her hand and looked at Shiza.

"Aapko milke acha laga bhabhi. Allah hafiz." Ahmer gave her a slight nod.
[It was good meeting you sister-in-law. Bye.]

Shiza just gave him a smile.

Once Ahmer left, Asad turned towards Shiza.
"Ahmer is nothing like Aunt and Uncle. He is a very genuine person and works incredibly hard at the company. More importantly, he cares deeply about me. That’s why I’m not concerned about him taking over Dad’s company when he turns 22. He is also the main reason I’ve been able to travel for business without constantly worrying about Maira. He protects her and cares for her just as much as I do."