Veils of Destiny: A Union Unseen

Chapter 6: Reception

AOA people here is new chap enjoy 😊

The continuous ringing of my alarm jolted me out of my slumber. Groggy from sleep, it took a moment for my surroundings to come into focus. I reached over to my right, fumbling to silence the alarm. Turning back to the left, I noticed Aryan's side of the bed—untouched, as if he hadn't even slept there, it hurts. My eyes darted to the clock; it was Fajr time. Forcing myself out of bed, I sleepwalked to the bathroom.

After completing the wadu, I performed a Shukrana prayer for the blessings of our new marriage, followed by Fajr. As I raised my hands in Dua, seeking Allah's guidance, a tear slid down my cheek, catching me off guard. A deep ache settled in my heart, and I whispered, "Oh Allah, forgive me for my past mistakes, make me capable of making the right choices. Always be there for me. Please, make this relationship work. I beg you."

After my prayers, I had the urge to return to bed. When I woke again, it was 9 a.m. My eyes instinctively searched for Aryan, but once again, he was nowhere in sight. I got up and dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress with pink embroidery, draping an organza dupatta over my shoulder. I applied some light makeup, added minimal jewelry—earrings and rings—and stood before the mirror. I thought dressing up might lift my spirits, but there was a hollow feeling inside me that I couldn't shake.

Lost in my thoughts, my gaze fell on the box sitting on the nightstand—his gift. I approached it, picking it up, and returned to the mirror. As I opened the box, a soft gasp escaped my lips. Inside was a stunning white gold pendant with a teardrop diamond delicately set in the center.

I've always loved minimal, understated jewelry, and this was perfect—more than I could have asked for. Carefully, I took the necklace and fastened it around my neck. As I looked at my reflection, the pendant glistening against my dress, a soft blush crept across my cheeks. For the first time in a while, I felt the warmth of his attention.

"Maybe we can make this work," I whispered to my reflection. "Even if love isn't there yet, we can build on respect, appreciation, and responsibility for each other." The hope in my voice surprised me.

Just then, Aryan's voice startled me, causing me to jump slightly. I spun around, my heart pounding, but the sight of him took my breath away. He stood there, his hair neatly slicked back, his deep chocolate eyes fixed on me, wearing an off-white kurta that fit him perfectly, highlighting every muscle. His golden juttis completed the look, making him seem almost regal. I couldn't help but let my eyes trail over him, admiring him from head to toe.

Aryan, too, was taking her in—his gaze sweeping over her white dress, her open hair falling over her shoulders. But his eyes lingered on the pendant around her neck. The one he had gifted her. He didn't expected her to wear it so soon, and the simple act of her doing, clearly touched him. Which spread warmth  across his face, softening his usually stern features.

The tender moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Aryan shut his eyes briefly in frustration before responding in a slightly harsher tone, "Yes?"

"Everyone's waiting downstairs. Bahbi's family is here with breakfast," came Dua's voice from the other side of the door. Aryan replied with same tone "We'll be right there."

He turned to me, opening the door with a gentle motion. "Come on, let's go. They're waiting for us," he said softly.

I blinked, surprised at the sudden change in his tone, but what shocked me more was the fact that my family was here. Why? They never cared before, so why bother with the breakfast ritual now? Then it hit me. Of course, it was all for show—making a spectacle of their daughter married into wealth. They were here to impress my rich husband.