Ishq-e-Junoon

26. Humraah

-Ujaalon mein mil hi jayega koi na koi,
Talaash uski karo jo andhero mein saath de

☾

Wahaj stepped into his room, his heart heavy after the chaotic confrontation in the living room. As his eyes fell on Aina and Dilara seated quietly on the couch, the tension in the air was palpable. Dilara looked drained, while Aina, though composed, had concern etched in her eyes.

Both women turned toward him as he entered, their gazes expectant yet soft. Guilt washed over him, and he lowered his head, unable to meet their eyes. His steps felt heavy as he walked toward Aina. He knelt before her, his voice thick with remorse.

"Mujhe maaf kar dein, chachi," Wahaj began, his eyes cast downward. "Maine aapse ijazat liye bina Dilara se nikkah kiya, lekin mera yaqeen maane, mera iraada galat nahi tha. Koi aur rasta nahi tha."

[Forgive me, chachi. I married Dilara without asking you, but trust me, my intentions were not wrong. There was no other way.]

For a moment, silence hung in the room. Then, Aina's gentle smile broke through the tension. She placed her hand softly on Wahaj's head, her touch filled with warmth and reassurance.

"Main jaanti hoon, Wahaj. Tum kabhi koi galat faisla le hi nahi sakte," she said, her voice calm and comforting. "Meri beti ke liye tumse accha humsafar koi ho hi nahi sakta."

[I know, Wahaj. You would never make a wrong decision. There's no better companion for my daughter than you.]

Wahaj finally looked up, relief spreading through him at her words. Aina's trust in him, her belief that he would care for Dilara, gave him the strength he needed. She had always been kind to him, and now, knowing that she saw him as a protector for her daughter filled him with resolve.

Aina, feeling a sense of peace, glanced toward Dilara. Though she still seemed shaken, Aina knew her daughter was in good hands. Wahaj had stepped up to protect Dilara when no one else had, and Aina was confident he would continue to keep her safe, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As soon as Aina left the room, the silence seemed heavier. Wahaj watched her walk away, the door closing softly behind her, and then his gaze slowly shifted back to Dilara. She was still sitting on the edge of the couch, her hands resting limply in her lap. Her once fiery spirit seemed subdued, her usual boldness dimmed.

Wahaj frowned, noticing the paleness in her face, the way her shoulders were slightly slumped. This wasn't the Dilara he knew—the one who would argue back fearlessly, whose laughter could fill a room. No, this Dilara looked... defeated.

He walked toward her, sitting down beside her carefully, not wanting to startle her. "Tum theek ho?" he asked gently.

[Are you okay?]

Dilara nodded without meeting his eyes, but Wahaj could see the gloominess on her face.

"I'm sorry, Ammi ne tumhare saath jo kiya woh theek nahi tha, main unse baat karunga", he said feeling guilty for how his mother treated her.

[I'm sorry for what Ammi did. It wasn't right, and I'll talk to her.]

"Aap kyu maafi maang rahe hain?" Dilara said softly.

[Why are you apologizing?]

"Kyun ki tum meri biwi ho", Wahaj said firmly. He hated seeing Dilara like this, she looked sad and defeated, her fiery personality dulled.

[Because you are my wife.]

He stayed quiet for a moment, choosing his words. He didn't want to push her, but he couldn't bear to see her like this.