Kashish

Chapter 1

Ayesha's POV

Today is my nikkah. After years of being in love with Ayan, I can hardly believe that the day has finally arrived. It feels surreal, almost like a dream come true. I've imagined this moment so many times, but now that it's here, my heart is racing with anticipation.

The house is buzzing with excitement, and I can hear the faint sounds of guests arriving, but all I can focus on is the thought of Ayan. My Ayan, the one I've loved for so long, is about to become my husband. It feels like everything we've been through has led us to this moment.

I glance at the clock, counting down the minutes until he arrives. My hands tremble slightly, a mix of nerves and joy swirling inside me. Soon, I'll see him, and we'll say our vows, sealing our love in a way that feels sacred and eternal.

I can't wait to walk this path of life with him, to share in the moments, both big and small. In just a little while, I'll be his wife, and we'll begin a new chapter together. The thought fills me with so much happiness, I feel like I might burst.

"Ayeshaaaa" my mother entered my room while I sat decked up in my room.

"Ma!" Saying, I bent down to touch her feet to seek blessings.

"Arey, arey per mat parho beta. Idhar aao, apne ma ko gale lagane doh." My mother said pulling me in a hug.

This was the last day of me being Ayesha Khan.

"Bohot khubsurat lag rahi hai, kisi k Nazar Lage mere bachcha ko." She said putting a kala tika behind my earlobe.

"Ma, Ayan kab ayga? Muhrat toh ho chuka hai." I said eagerly.

"Arey raste mein hoga, thoda toh sabar kar bachcha." My mother giggled.

Only if she knew how perplexed I have been since morning. My gut feeling shouts that something is wrong but I don't know what and until and unless Ayan arrives relief won't flood over me. My mother left to attend the guest while I sat in my room looking at the clock waiting for him to arrive.

Minutes turn into hours, and still, there's no sign of Ayan. My excitement and anticipation slowly dissolve into a deep, sinking feeling of dread. I keep glancing at the door, waiting, hoping—where is he? One by one, his family arrives, looking just as confused as I feel.

"Have you spoken to him?" I ask Ayan's brother, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.

He shakes his head, his brow furrowed. "No network. We can't reach him."

I force myself to smile, convincing myself it's just a delay, something out of his control. But as time passes, I hear the whispers around me grow louder.

"Maybe he's abandoned her," someone murmurs from the crowd.

The words pierce through me like ice. My breath catches in my throat as the room begins to spin. Abandoned? No. Not Ayan. He wouldn't... he couldn't.

Just then, my father's voice booms through the room. "Enough!" His face is twisted with anger, frustration bubbling to the surface. He stands tall, his gaze sweeping over the guests who dared to question our family's honor. "If that's the case, then I'll get her married right here and now."

My heart stops. "Dad, no!" I plead, stepping toward him. "We don't know what's happened yet. Please, let's just wait a little longer." My voice is shaking, desperate.

He looks at me, his eyes softening for a moment before they turn steely again. "I won't let them say these things about you, about us." His voice is unwavering. "I won't have them thinking my daughter has been left like this." He grabs my hand and holds it tightly. "You have my kasam."