Yusra: Don't hurt me in the way I cannot even recover.
Shazal: Do you not realize, there's no one but you for me?
Daniyal: She let the tears fall, but it weren't for me.
Zumar: You fall in love and then, fall out of it.
It's not that big of a deal.
...
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๑ 🥀 ๑
As the week drew close, Zumar's anxiety reached an unbearable peak. Amaan's parents had taken her shopping for bridal dresses-a task she dreaded. What surprised her most, though, was that Amaan himself had tagged along.
Since their heated argument over the phone, Zumar hadn't attempted to speak to him, nor had he made any effort to reach out. Instead, he seemed fully engrossed in the wedding preparations, even going as far as picking out her dress to match the theme of his own.
Her feelings toward him had soured completely. She hated him now.
She had given up on Amaan, realizing he wasn't willing to fight for her or even acknowledge the tension between them.
That left Rashed. He was her only hope. But even that hope had evaporated, leaving no trace.
The day of her Nikah had arrived. On her bed lay a pristine ivory gown, intricately embroidered with golden thread, carefully laid out under Farzana's strict orders. The maid, after finishing her task, informed Zumar that Farzana would be visiting her shortly, then left.
Sweat dotted Zumar's brow, and the sleepless nights showed in the red lines that webbed her eyes. She was desperate. With trembling hands, she locked the door and dialled her best friend, praying for some kind of lifeline.
"Hey, Zumar!" Yusra's voice was cheerful, with the noise of a lively crowd in the background.
"Are you busy?" She asked in a small voice.
"Uh, yeah, kind of. Do you remember Daniyal?" Yusra rambled.
"Yes."
"It's his sister's wedding, we're all here," Yusra explained casually.
She sighed, feeling utterly defeated. "Alright."
"Is something wrong?" Yusra asked, sensing something was off.
She hesitated. It's my Nikah today, and I don't think I can go through with it. But instead, she said, "No, it's fine. I'll call you later."
"Okay, take care, babes!" Yusra's voice chimed on the other end before the line went dead, as did Zumar's last flicker of hope.
"Rashed..." Zumar whispered as she sank to the floor, her hand gripping the end of the gown. "Where are you? I can't do this, please." Her fingers trembled as she realized there was no escape. Yusra wasn't even home, and even if she was, what could she do?
Perhaps Yusra could have spoken to Amaan, but she doubted it would make any difference. He wouldn't listen to anyone. She couldn't understand why he was so insistent on going through with this marriage.
The doorknob rattled, and in a panic, Zumar shoved her phone under the bed and rushed to unlock the door.
Farzana swept into the room and her posture was too rigid, her gaze sharp, forcing Zumar to instinctively retreat a few steps.
