ISHQ, EK IBADAT | (Completed)

Episode - 23

After the guests departed, Amreen hastily retreated to her room, with Azka close behind. Amreen's anxiety was palpable as she paced back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She couldn't think straight, her heart pounding in her chest. She bit her nails, a habit she thought she had long broken, and felt her anxiety spiral out of control.

Azka entered the room, concerned etched on her face. "Amreen!!! Calm down, dear. Amreen, please meri jaan (my soul), calm down."

Amreen turned to her, tears welling up in her eyes. "Ammi (mom)!!! Ammi, what's happening? You can't do this again. Not another proposal, no...no, Ammi (mom). I won't...I won't..."

Azka approached her, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves. "First, sit down, my dear. Calm down. Please. It's not good for your health. Please calm down."

But Amreen couldn't sit still, her emotions in turmoil. "Ammi (mom), you don't understand...I can't..."

Azka's voice was firm but gentle. "My child, listen to me. Calm down and sit. We'll talk about this."

Azka gently guided Amreen to sit on the bed, offering her water and medicine. She hugged Amreen tightly, stroking her hair until she relaxed. Once Amreen calmed down, Azka began to reason with her.

"Your mother is not doing anything wrong or forcing you into something you don't want. I won't proceed with the marriage until you're completely convinced and happy."

Amreen protested with tearful eyes, "No, Ammi (mom), I don't need this. I want to stay with you. The thought of marriage itself terrifies me. I don't want to get married, not again. Please."

Azka reassured her, "I never said you have to get married right now. But, my dear, I won't always be here with you. You need to think about your future, now."

Amreen asked, tears welling up in her eyes, "Why, Ammi (mom)? Why?"

Azka explained, "See, my dear daughter, every person needs someone in life who understands them, takes care of them, loves them, and stands by them. Everyone needs a partner in life. And I never said I'll force you into a marriage you don't want. I won't do anything until you find someone you like, until your heart agrees. I won't rush into anything without getting to know the other person properly. Don't worry, no one will force you here."

Amreen started to speak, but Azka continued, "Let me complete first, my baby. Remember, your grandfather also said he want to see you happy and promised not to let any injustice happen to you. You trust your nanu (grandfather), don't you?"

Azka's words were a gentle reminder of the love and support surrounding Amreen, encouraging her to trust in their wisdom and guidance.

Amreen said, "I trust you, Ammi (mom). I trust both of you. But I'm scared. The thought of marriage terrifies me. I don't want to get married, Ammi. You always say, who can we trust by just looking at someone? Marriage isn't beautiful, Ammi (mom). It's all a lie. You've suffered your whole life with Abbu (dad), and I have been ruined by that devil. Men are not good, Ammi (mom). They're very bad. I don't want to get married again."

Azka countered, "That's not true, Amreen. Men are actually a lovely creation. Some of them might turn out bad, but that doesn't mean all of them are. Look at your Nanu Jaan (grandfather), how kind and sweet he is. And your uncles and male cousins, are they good or not?"

Amreen nodded, "Yes, they are. But not everyone is like them."

Azka continued, "See, my dear, there are good people everywhere. We just need to find the right one. And we will, don't worry."

Azka asked, "Is the relationship between your Mamu and Mami as bad as ours?"

Amreen replied, "No."

Azka continued, "Then why focus on the negativity when we have so many good examples around us? What happened to us was a test from our lord. If that's all we were meant to experience, if not, then we wouldn't be where we are today. We've come a long way. Am I right?"