𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔

6. WHO IS SHE?

IMRAN

As I checked the time, my eyes widened in surprise and I murmured- it was already 7:00 PM! I was running late, and Mom must be waiting for me.

I hastily packed my belongings and headed out, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of yesterday's encounter.

Flashback;

"Imran, I know you're lying. There's no one in your life, so let me do what I want to," Mom said, her tone firm.

"But Mom, I'm not ready for marriage yet! I have so much to achieve, so much to catch up on," I protested.

"You can do all that after marriage," she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Besides, I've already spoken to Areeb, and he agrees that there's no one special in your life. So, be prepared to meet a potential bride soon! I won't listen to any more excuses."

Mom's words left me feeling cornered, but I knew she only wanted the best for me. Little did I know, my life was about to take a dramatic turn...

"Dad, please say something" I pleaded, hoping my father would intervene, but he remained silent, cowed by mom's stern gaze. I was taken aback - I had never seen my mother like this before!

Mom's eyes flashed with determination. "We have a wedding to attend, Imran - our friend's daughter is getting married, and we will go together as a family.

If you try to escape or resist, I swear you'll face my wrath" Her words sent a shiver down my spine. What had gotten into her?!

Feeling trapped and helpless, I reluctantly agreed to her demands. "Okay, okay, I'll go..." I muttered, wondering what I had gotten myself into...

Flashback ends..

~~~

I have no idea what's going on in her mind, but something's definitely off. I'm reluctant to attend the wedding, but mom's threat still echoes in my mind - "Allah Allah"! And to think Areeb betrayed me by spilling the beans... I'm still fuming about it.

I stomped into the house, heading straight to my room to freshen up. After a quick wash, I came downstairs to find mom setting the dinner table. I forced a cheerful tone,

"Good evening, Mom, how are you?" She smiled warmly,

"Good evening, my boy. So, how was your day?"

I shrugged, "As always, busy, Mom." She noticed my exhaustion and suggested,

"Take some rest if you're tired, don't go to the office tomorrow, okay?"

"No, it's fine mom, let's eat, I'm hungry," I said, trying to sound cheerful. We all sat down at the table, dad and Mehreen joining us.

As we began to eat, Dad asked, "So, how's work going, Imran?" I replied, "Good, dad. There's been a lot of progress compared to the last few months."

He nodded, taking a bite of his food, before asking, "I heard you're working with SA Enterprises? And isn't the CEO Shanaya Armani?"

I confirmed, "Yes, dad. The company is impressive, and it's a great opportunity for my upcoming project."

Just as dad and I were getting into a discussion about Shanaya's business acumen, mom intervened, "Can you two stop talking about business for God's sake? We're eating, let us eat in peace!"

Dad chuckled and said, "Okay, okay, let's eat."

"Imran, be ready tomorrow at 9 pm sharp. We're attending the wedding, and I better not see you backing out," mom said, her eyes narrowing in a stern warning.