Behind The Nikkah

23.

Author's POV.

Guilt engulfed Eman like fire when she saw him sitting there speechless. Maybe she crossed the line? Or maybe he was caught in his lie?

"Tum mere bare mein aisa sochti ho?" Saad's expression transformed from pain to amusement, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Eman looked at him with that same indifferent gaze.

"Har mard aisa hi hota hai. Ap koi alag to nahi hain." She blurted out.

He scoffed and shot her a piercing glance.

"You know what? You're right. Tum mujhe itna kahan janti ho ke tumhe mujh mein or doosre mardon mein farq nazar Aaye ga." He said, his voice laced with incredulity.

He was beyond hurt. She really ruined whatever was blooming between them. How could she misinterpret his intentions so drastically? Did she truly believe his concern for her well-being was driven by a desire for physical intimacy?

His actions, he thought, had spoken louder than words. He had been gentle, patient, and supportive. Wasn't it clear that he cared for her beyond physical attraction?

Or was this her skewed perception of marriage - that softness and care necessarily implied a desire for physical relations?

Saad's gaze locked onto Eman's as he got up from the bed.

She kept mum.  Her silence after that outburst made him feel frustrated at her behaviour, "I expected better from you."

Saad turned and walked out of the room, leaving Eman's venomous words hanging in the air.

The door creaked shut behind him, a stark reminder of the chasm between them.

Eman's chest heaved, her breaths shallow and rapid. She felt a mix of emotions: anger, hurt, and regret.

She slumped onto the couch, her eyes welling up with tears.

How could she doubt his sincerity when he had always been there for her, since childhood? His care and concern had been a constant in their relationship, long before marriage.

The absurdity of her accusation struck her. Was she implying that the three-year-old Saad who had shared his toys and smiles with her had ulterior motives? That the boy who had held her hand through scrapes and laughter had already been plotting physical intimacy?

The thought was laughable, yet it stung. Had she truly forgotten the innocence and purity of their childhood bond?

Memories flooded Eman's mind, reminders of the countless times Saad had stood up for her, shielded her from criticism, and taken the fall for her pranks during their teenage years.

How could she forget those moments? The times he'd shouldered the blame for her mischiefs, protecting her from their parents' wrath? The instances he'd boldly defended her against their friends' teasing?

His teenage self had done all that without expectation of reward or reciprocation. It was pure, unconditional loyalty.

And now, she questioned his motives? Implying that his care was driven by base desires? The pain of her doubt cut deep.

Her body shook with uncontrollable sobs. Memories of Saad's unwavering loyalty flooded her mind.

She remembered how he'd protected her, taken blame for her mistakes, and loved her without condition. Her heart ached, overwhelmed by grief.

Tears streamed down her face, mixing with anguish. She felt lost and alone, tormented by doubts about Saad's intentions.

Her sobbing intensified, echoing through the empty room.