Rebellious Spouse

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Faizan
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The clinking of cutlery was the only sound resonating around the otherwise silent dining room where the family was having the last supper of the day, contradicting the chaos going on inside my mind. Ever since, I knew my parents were searching for a potential match, my whole being was all over the place.

Even at office earlier today, I messed up several times which earned me an earful from my brother as well as my sister. But I couldn't careless about the humiliation I had endured as I was too occupied to dwell in my own maze that I called my life.

I am surprised why Dad didn't say anything up untill now, because Bhai never leave any opportunity to complain about my so called recklessness during work. I was so used to all these at this point that not getting scoldings for small things made me feel weird.

A heavy throat clearing sound snapped me back from my reverie and it was none other than my father. Huh! here you go, get ready Faizan.

I drew in a deep breath preparing myself to witness the disappointed look from my father. It really stung whenever I saw that because no matter how much I tried, couldn't replace it with pride.

"We decided to visit one of my acquaintance's home as they invited us for dinner. I chose his elder daughter for Faizan", he stated and I almost fell from my chair. This was not what I was expecting.. No.. No.. No. Dad scold me instead, I was a very bad boy today. What the hell?

"Which family, if I may ask, Dad?", like the obedient ideal son my elder brother asked, his voice evident with respect.
"The Pathans, we can collaborate and launch our shipping company that we had planned", he added.

Why am I not surprised at that? They wanted a business deal not a spouse for me. Anyway, I did not give a damn about anything other than finding a way out of it somehow.

"Hmm! The family is new money but the alliance sounds good", Bhai put forward his useless opinion and I didn't expect him to say otherwise.

"Faizan, be prepared", Dad's voice was directed at me, all I could do was mutter a "Okay, Dad",

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Sitting in between at least 23 people in a majestic living room of the pathans, all I could feel was pure restlessness. I felt like someone had wrapped a wire around my neck and left me to die in a dark cage.

I wasn't supposed to be here let alone to meet the potential wife. Wallahi! Why did it sound nauseating? I wanted to run away without looking back or thinking about the consequences. But my coward self didn't utter a single word, not like anyone would listen to me, anyway.

"Faizan..my son", I heard Mom who was standing in front of me with a woman beside her. Wait when did she come here?

Munawar bhai elbowed me, that was a clue for me to stand up which I did in the most awkward way possible, my gaze fixed on the polished floor. Wallahi! I was never such uncomfortable in my life.

"Nice to meet you", was all I could say. Wait, I was supposed to greet with a Salaam, the urge to face palm myself was really high but, I managed.
"Likewise", she didn't either.

I had finally forced my gaze to meet her. Wait what? Why was my neck craned backward? She was taller than me. What the actual f*?

I was 6 ft, I had never encountered a woman that tall. And even if I tried my hardest, I couldn't stop the urge to blurt out,
"How tall are you?", I slapped my mouth with my palm when the murmuring of family members stopped, followed by a suffocating silence that surrounded us.