Rebellious Spouse

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Faizan
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Keeping the phone aside, I reached for the bottle of water from the bedside table, and it wouldn't be me if the bottle was filled. I forgot to bring a new one with myself after dinner.

Groaning at my own forgetfulness, I lazily got up from bed before making a beeline to the door aiming to go downstairs to grab some water and if I was fortunate enough might find something delicious to drink.

Because of Zayan, bhabi stopped stocking soft drinks or packaged juices in the fridge otherwise that little sneak would fill his tummy with unhealthy food.

My safe heaven was at the farthest end of the hallways, after walking past some spare rooms, my heels stopped when I heard my name from my parent's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar as they were still awake.

I didn't intend to eavesdrop nor did I like to meddle in someone's business but the topic they were discussing compelled me to listen. My heart was hammering in my chest as a shiver ran down my spine thinking about the possibilities.

"Did you find any suitable spouse for our Faizan? It's so hard to find an educated, polite, modest and well mannered girl", I overhead Mom's unexpected question. I had no idea they were searching for a woman to wed with me.

"Yes.. I have met a few but they don't match our family", Dad sighed, his voice laced with disappointment.

I knew my family traditions, also the fact that I had to marry the person my parents would select for me. They wouldn't even ask whether I was ready or even I liked the person. I was ready for it untill my life was turned upside down by a storm, a beautiful one at that.

"Please keep in your mind that my daughter-in-law must be really beautiful with perfect proportional frame, polite, obedient and from a descent background.
The families we met definitely didn't reach our expectations and also the  proposals in hand. We must select the best for our son", Mom said in finality as if it wasn't my wife but a puppy she wanted for herself.

What's with these expectations? She should focus on my preferences first, someone who would understand me, love me and care for me. I didn't want just a wife, I wanted a partner who would stand by my side in every step of my life and I was certain mom could never find someone like that. I had many things to say but I wasn't allowed to and expected to act like a robot.

"Why don't you talk to your business partners? They might suggest you some families", she suggested.
"That can be done", Dad said thoughtfully.
"You don't have to worry, I will talk to someone", he added.

I returned back to my room feeling extremely exhausted all of a sudden. Life was never easy for me except for the years I spent in foreign land away from my family.

People generally had presumptions that I was a spoiled rich brat who didn't care about anything considering the fact I was the youngest son. Oh! How wrong everyone was, as the reality was far from it.

Even after being a Sheikh and the youngest, I was never spoiled or pampered. Yes, my family loved me and gave me enough affection, at least I believed it was, but at the same time there was always strict discipline I had to follow.

Initially, I was interested in fashion designing and wanted to secure a career in the field but my father clearly denied saying fashion industry was nothing but a dirty hell hole. Once you stepped inside there would no way back to have a peaceful life. No matter how much one tried to stay away from scandal they wouldn't be able to and it would effect the reputation of Sk corporation and family name.

And like the obedient little son, I agreed, opting for business studies instead. I was sent to Harvard University after my bachelor's degree to accomplish MBA. It was like a family rule. My father studied there, my elder brother as well as sister, thus, I was expected to follow their path.