The day arrived for the families to discuss the marriage.
Noor was told to dress well and present herself respectfully.
She put on a elegant anarkali suit, her hair styled neatly.
Her sister, Anne and her aunt, Fatima helped her with final touches.
Downstairs, Noor's family was gathered in the living room.
Noor's father welcomed Arsal's family warmly.
Arsal was dressed in a pathani suit.
They sat and discussed about marriage.
They discussed about dowry, financial arrangements, and weeding dates.
Arsal refused to take dowry because he thought it was unnecessary.
Noor's uncle protested, it's a tradition.
Noor's family forced him for dowry but he refused.
Even Arsal's family also refused to take dowry.
Arsal's father asked for Noor.
Anne rushed upstairs to fetch Noor.
"Noor neeche aa jao, sab tumhara intezar kar rhe hai."said Anne.
(Noor come downstairs, everyone is waiting for you.)
Noor took a deep breath, smoothing her anarkali suit.
She took small steps and descended the stairs.
Arsal's eyes met Noor's, he passed a warm smile which eased her nerves.
As Noor entered, the room felt silent.
She greeted everyone, "assalamu alaykum!"
(Greetings)
Everyone smiled.
Arsal's mother asked Noor to sit with her.
Noor sat beside Arsal, her hands clasped together.
Everyone discussed wedding dates while eating nankhatai and noon chai.
Noor's thoughts whirled, her future unfolding.
Arsal noticed her discomfort and intervened.
"Kya mai Noor se kuch puch sakta hun?"
(Can I ask something from Noor?)
His father nodded.
"Noor, kya ap is nikah se khush hai?"
(Noor, are you happy with this decision of marriage?)
The room fell silent.
Noor's heart skipped a beat.
Arsal's father said, "ye nikah hum sabka decision hai aur Noor khush hai."
(This wedding is decided by both the families and noor is also happy to marry you.)
Arsal stood firm, "Mujhe Noor ka jawab sunna hai"
(I want to listen answer from Noor.)
Everyone's eyes on Noor.
Noor looked towards her father.
Her father stared her, she had to say she was happy.
She said, "hanji mai khush hun."
(Yes I am happy.)
But she was not actually happy, she was just pretending to be.
Thank you for reading!
YOU ARE READING
«Fated To Lose»
Romansa"A poignant love story of Noor and Arsal, forced into a child marriage in Lahore. Despite initial reluctance, they fall deeply in love. Tragedy unfolds when Noor dies after giving birth to their daughter at 19, leaving Arsal to navigate grief and si...
