Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 15

Ifra's POV:

I noticed Bhai was deeply absorbed in his thoughts while lounging on the sofa. "Bhai, do you remember the internet friend who wrote poems for me and some of the poems that you liked?" I asked him, calling him out. She and I met, Bhai stared at me like I was a fool. "So, was he a man posing as a woman? If not, why do you seem so happy?" I looked at him for a moment before laughing naughtily. "Bhai, she was for real, and you were the reason we met". "Who was she, and how was I the reason for your meetup?" he said, growing irritated. "Oh, that was your wife, I shot back. Oh, sorry, future wife". He was taken aback, and I burst out laughing. Teasing him, I replied, "Bhai, she also mentioned that she and I can get together instead of you since it was a fated meeting like in a romance novel".

He gave me a calm, knowing look, one that told me he was definitely up to no good. "Ifra, same-gender marriage is illegal in this country. Why don't you allow us to get married? This way, you can benefit too," he added. "Bhai, seriously, you want to share her with me?" I asked, laughing at his strange antics. Nevertheless, you can get together, and as her friend, I'll write another chapter in our story." I sat down and began chatting about everything. I informed him about all of her adorable and considerate behaviors as well as how amazing she was as a person. His interest in her was evident from the look in his eyes. After finishing my rambling, I stood up to grab a bite, but he interrupted me. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, staring at me, stuttering something I didn't understand. Could you please speak louder, I asked. "Can I see her Instagram?" he asked in response.

After I looked at him, he said, "I am not friends with her, and her ID is private, so I can't check her on my phone. She could feel uncomfortable speaking with me at this time, so I can't even send a request. Can I just get to know her a little better before we meet?"

I could almost feel that I was older than him after the way he explained things, but I can't say no, now that he's asked me so sweetly. I gave him my ID nevertheless; nothing confidential on that one.

Azlan's POV:

I was convinced of fate after hearing Ifra describe how she had been Zia's friend for a very long time. Ifra read aloud a ton of poems that Zia had uploaded. A few of them were excellent. Since I doubted that ID belonged to a boy who was pursuing Ifra with this ruse, I listened to her poems carefully. I am aware of how boys are and the extent they will go to to speak with a girl. To get to know Zia better, I asked Ifra if she could give me her ID. When I clicked on her profile, all I saw were quotes, book recommendations, and some poems. I began reading a few of them. As I was reading, I came across a few poems about heartbreak, and it was consistent around those dates. There were a lot of them about missing someone, and I was insatiably curious. I looked through the comments hoping to find something relevant, but there weren't many.

Zia's POV:

As the day of the important meeting approached, time seemed to slip away unnoticed until my mother's reminder jolted me into reality. I was scared since I needed to make some important decisions in my life. I am aware that my parents will only make a decision after receiving my responses, and that everything rests on me. Though I am relieved that they won't pressure me, I worry that this choice may turn out to be my greatest regret. That's not what I want to do. I reviewed all the questions I planned to ask him. I approach my mother and say, "Mum, before I tell you my choice, please let me speak with him directly about the marriage proposal if you think it's appropriate. Even if he's the finest possible fit, I won't get married if he can't meet my expectations for his responses to a few personal questions I have. My mother questioned me, looking rather puzzled, "What are the questions? I beg you not to ask strange questions." I replied, "It's nothing, just something related to my personal life." She nodded once, then turned and walked away. I was nervously prepared, and we were simply waiting for them to arrive.

They came on time, and my parents warmly welcomed them. I was attempting to hear what they were saying in my room, with my ears pressed against the door. My mother advised Ifra, "If you're bored here, go to Zia. She must also be sitting by herself". I quickly sat down on the bed as soon as I heard her approaching my room. I have to look collected and composed; I can't come across this way. In no time at all, Ifra showed up, and we were talking. We were so into speaking that I forgot about what was happening outside. My mother soon knocked on the door and called for me to come to the hallway. We went there, and I greeted everyone.

I took a seat next to my mother, and after I spent a few minutes addressing their questions, she asked if he and I could have a little conversation by ourselves. With a nod, his parents expressed their desire to do the same. My mother realized I had something to say when I glanced at her. I followed her out of the room as she excused herself to speak privately. My mother asked me about it. I said, "Even if I want to talk personally, where should I go? I mean, won't it be strange if I take him to any room and we can't communicate freely because it isn't soundproof? You are fully aware of how loud I am, and if I ask a personal question, you may hear it".

My mother stared at me as if I were an idiot and said, "Get to the point, Zia. Do you want to go somewhere else?" I nodded at her and said, "Yes, we can go to a restaurant, and you guys can come a little later, and we will have dinner outside together. I will have some time to speak with him by the time you come. Is that okay then?" After giving it some thought, she remarked, "I have to ask your dad before we can decide". They discussed the matter. Initially, he seemed hesitant, but I expressed my concern about potential differences in opinions that could hinder compromise. After considering it for a moment, he replied with a simple "Okay," showing a hint of hesitation. They went outside and asked his parents whether they were OK with it. "We are not old-fashioned, and we understand that taking such a big decision requires some preparation," they said with a smile. "We appreciate you caring for your daughter so much rather than making decisions for her," they said.