echoes of defiance (Rewriting)

chapter 20

After a long shower, I changed into my pajamas, ready for sleep. I considered making some tea before bed, but the constant buzzing of my phone distracted me. Notifications flooded in from Falmata’s wedding group, as well as messages from our mutual friends, all asking the same thing: *Is what Lubna said true? Are you really married to that man?*

I sighed and typed a simple "Yes," offering no further explanation. The messages continued to pour in, but my thoughts were elsewhere—on Zain. My hand drifted to my lips, replaying the moment when he kissed me so fiercely, like his very life depended on it. A flush of warmth spread through my cheeks, and I caught myself blushing.

Quickly, I shook off the thoughts and glanced at the digital clock on my nightstand. It was already 2 a.m. I whispered a prayer, reciting *Surah Mulk*, and then closed my eyes, hoping for sleep to take me.

---

The next morning, I followed my usual routine, though my mind felt heavier than usual. I was getting ready for the **walima** when the realization hit me—Zain hadn't called since yesterday. My chest tightened with sadness. *Is he still mad at me?* I wondered. Unable to suppress the urge any longer, I picked up my phone and dialed his number. The call rang once, but he didn’t answer. I tried again, but this time it went straight to voicemail.

Frustration welled up inside me. *What did I do wrong?* I wondered. With a heavy sigh, I decided to send him a message, letting him know I planned to attend the **walima**. (There was no way I was going to miss it just because he was upset about something I didn't even do. )

As I finished sending the message, my mom walked into my room, her face calm yet curious. She sat down on the edge of my bed.

“Your husband called,” she began, her tone even. “He asked when you plan to move into your house before leaving for Seoul.”

Absentmindedly, I replied, “I have no say in that. Whatever you decide.”

Mom’s brow furrowed in concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I answered, trying to sound as normal as possible. “Are you leaving already?”

“Yes,” she said, standing up. “I’ll see you at the **walima** then.”

---

I headed to the parking space, only to remember that my car wasn’t with me. After much persuading, Amma convinced **Saddee** to let me borrow his car for the day. With a grin, he handed me the keys, but not before teasing me for making him go through all that trouble. I thanked him and got into his car, deciding to switch off my phone and put it in my handbag for peace of mind.

The **walima** was lively, held at the groom’s family home. Friends and relatives congratulated me on my marriage, their curiosity satisfied now that the rumors were confirmed. The attention was overwhelming, but my thoughts remained on Zain. *Why is he ignoring me?*

By 6 p.m., I was exhausted and decided to head home. After a long, relaxing shower, I contemplated going to Amma’s for some advice. I needed her wisdom—this silence from Zain was eating me alive. But when I got there, I found that Amma still wasn’t back yet. Feeling a little defeated, I turned to leave and think through everything on my own.

Just as I was about to reach my gate, Zain’s car pulled up beside me. My heart skipped a beat. Our eyes met briefly before I quickly looked away. He stepped out of the car and strode over to me, his presence commanding.

“Where’s your phone?” he asked, his voice low but intense.

“Why do you care?” I shot back, quickening my pace towards the gate.