His Prisoner 21+

25

Emaan wiped her tears as they reached the kitchen. "As part of the post-wedding ritual, your family is bringing breakfast. In the meantime, you can prepare a dessert for them," Arzal said.

She fidgeted nervously with her fingers. "Mu-mujhe nahi ba-banane ata." (I-I don't know h-how to cook.)

"Acha? Phir ata kya hai tumhe? Tumhari maa ne kuch sikhake nahi bheja tumhe?" (Really? Then what do you even know? Did you mother not teach you anything before sending you here?)

Emaan cast her head down, feeling her tears resurface. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment.

"Uzma!" His rough, loud voice sent chills down her spine.

The housemaid came running. "Teach her how to cook. She should prepare meals three times a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I will test her cooking skills."

"Ji, saheb," Uzma nodded quickly.

Before he could say anything more, his phone began to ring, and Emaan sighed in relief as he left the kitchen.

With Uzma's help, she managed to make Kheer. She was thankful that Arzal wasn't around; his presence would have made it impossible for her to get anything done.

Emaan's family soon arrived with breakfast, and she finally felt a surge of happiness as she hugged her mom.

All of them took their seats in the spacious dining hall for breakfast. As usual, Arzal occupied the head chair, with Emaan seated to his right.

"Arzal beta, aj nikal rahe ho Italy ke liye?" Emaan's dad asked him.

She silently listened to the conversation while pouring juice into her glass.

"Ji Uncle." (Yes, Uncle.)

"Ham aj hi nikal rahe hain." He emphasized the word "ham." (We are leaving today.)

Her hands immediately stopped moving upon hearing the word "we" from Arzal.

She looked at him with widened eyes. "'H-ham'? Par me nahi ja sakti..meri graduation honi hai abhi. Mere exams hain." ("'We '? But I can't go... I'm in the middle of my graduation. I have exams.")

"Mujhe chhe mahine lagenge wapis ane mein. Tab tak tumhe me akela nahi chor sakta. Icliye tum mere saath chalogi." (It'll take me six months to return. I can't leave you alone until then. That's why I want you to come with me.)

"Me akeli nahi rahungi, me ami abu ke ghar rehlungi aur graduation ke baad mein asakti hun." (I will not have to stay alone. I'll stay with my parents and I can join you after my graduation.)

"Exams aur graduation tum online bhi kar sakti ho Italy mein." (You can do your exams and graduation in Italy too.)

"Par mujhe- (but I-

"Yeh mera aakhri faisla hai, Emaan." His lips formed a slight smile, but his eyes remained cold. (This is my final decision, Emaan.)

Emaan stayed silent, focusing on her breakfast to hold back her tears. She could have argued more, but she didn't want to worry her family, especially her dad. Her family remained silent, not wanting to interfere in the personal matters between husband and wife.

"Oh wow. The kneer is so yummy Emu." Farhan complimented her, bringing a bright smile on her face.

After some time, her family left. Emaan stood at the gate, watching the car disappear from view.

She squealed as Arzal gripped her elbow, dragging her inside the house and shoving her harshly against the wall.

"Don't ever fucking question me! How dare you argue with me in front of your family?" He snarled through gritted teeth.