Ishq-e-Junoon

2. Rishtay

-Dard sabko hain yaha,
Koi likh raha hain, toh koi padh raha hain

☾

The air in Izzah's room was heavy with dread as she half-heartedly combed her hair, each stroke weighed down by uncertainty. She had no idea which family was coming to see her, nor did she care. Her reflection in the mirror looked as lost as she felt.

Her delicate figure draped in a simple lilac salwar kameez. The soft fabric clung lightly to her, its pastel shade enhancing the innocence that radiated from her. The outfit was modest, with no intricate embroidery or heavy design, but it suited her natural grace perfectly.

Her face, untouched by makeup, still held an ethereal beauty. Her skin glowed with a soft radiance, her lips a pale rose, and her dark, almond-shaped eyes shone with depth, framed by long, fluttering lashes. The simplicity of her appearance only heightened her elegance, making her look even more captivating in her effortless charm.

A faint sadness lingered in her eyes, but even that couldn't diminish the quiet beauty she carried.

Dilara sat cross-legged on the bed, watching her sister with sad eyes. She twirled a lock of her hair, breaking the silence with her usual sharp tongue.

"Api bas seedha jawab de do aur keh do ke aap shaadi nahi karogi. Ya phir, jhoot bol do, keh do ke aap kisi aur se mohabbat karti ho!" she teased with a mischievous grin, trying to lighten the mood.

[Sister, just give a straight answer and say you won't get married. Or better yet, lie and say you're in love with someone else!]

Izzah stopped mid-comb, turning to glare at Dilara. "Ye mazaak ka waqt nahi hain, Dilara," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with unease.

[This isn't the time for jokes, Dilara.]

Before Dilara could respond, their mother Aina entered the room, her face pale and full of worry. Her tired eyes reflected a mix of fear and helplessness. Both daughters immediately noticed the tension and turned to face her.

"Kya hua, mumma?" Izzah asked, her heart beginning to race.

[What happened mumma?]

"Kaun aa raha hain, mumma?" Dilara's curiosity piqued.

[Who's coming mumma?]

Aina took a deep breath, glancing nervously between her daughters before she spoke, her voice barely a whisper, "Woh log jo aa rahe hain... Wahida bhabhi ki behen aur unka shohar aur beta, Ansar bhi."

[The ones coming... it's Wahida bhabhi's sister, her husband, and their son, Ansar.]

Izzah felt the blood drain from her face, her hands going cold. Ansar. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down her spine. She remembered every slimy look, every time he'd brushed against her, always watching her with greedy eyes at family gatherings. The thought of him made her stomach churn.

"Mumma... main yeh rishta kabhi nahi manzoor kar sakti," Izzah whispered, her voice shaky.

[Mumma I can never agree to this proposal.]

Aina quickly stepped forward, cupping her daughter's face, "Izzah, ghabrao mat. Tumhaare haan kehne ka sawaal hi paida nahi hota. Main yeh rishta zaroor thukraungi. Tum sirf apne aap ko sambhalo, bas."

[Izzah, don't worry. There's no question of you saying yes. I will definitely reject this proposal. Just keep your composure.]

Dilara, despite her usual brash nature, softened, "Haan api, aap fikar mat karo. Mumma samajhdari se ye rishta taal dengi. Aap bas relax ho jaye".