She didn't knew that loving him will be so painful for her.
She tried her best to stay with him but everyone took him away from her.
Will they be able to live together?
Will they get to live a life they imagine about?
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She woke up with a pounding headache, her body aching as if weighed down by unseen chains. Her hand groped around for her buzzing phone, squinting as the screen lit up with an overwhelming flood of missed calls and messages from Malik.
Her heart twisted with guilt as she scrolled through each worried message, a soft pang echoing in her chest.
---
Love, are you alright?
Where are you?
You're not replying since yesterday evening.
Did I do something wrong?
Just talk to me…tell me what happened?
If you’re upset, that’s okay…please don’t ignore me.
Are you feeling well?
It’s been more than 15 hours, love. If you need anything, just let me know.
Don’t leave the bed, just rest.
Are you on your monthly cycle?
Just reply please. I'm so worried about you.
A tear escaped as she read his last message, so simple yet filled with so much tenderness. She hadn’t realized how much Malik worried about her, how deeply he cared. She wanted to reply right away, to reassure him, but before she could, a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” she called softly, quickly wiping her tears as her father stepped in.
“Zain’s sister is here,” he said without preamble. “She has come to take you shopping for tomorrow’s engagement.” His words weighed down on her, bringing her crashing back to the reality she’d been trying to ignore.
As she stared blankly, he added, “Get ready and come downstairs right away.” And with that, he left.
Her gaze dropped to her phone. The sadness she’d been suppressing washed over her like a tidal wave, and with trembling fingers, she typed out a quick reply:
“I’m fine… I was just sleeping. I’m going out now. I’ll talk to you later, don’t worry.”
With a heavy sigh, she forced herself to get ready. She moved through her morning routine, her mind a whirlwind of worry and confusion.
She thought of Malik, of the beautiful dreams they’d woven together - the life they wanted, the love they had, a love her father refused to accept.
As she finished dressing, a single tear slipped down her cheek at the thought of Malik slipping away from her life.
Downstairs, she met Zain’s sister, Aliya, who greeted her with cheerful energy that felt so out of place against her own sinking heart.
The car ride to the mall was a silent one for Inaya. She stared out the window, her mind replaying moments with Malik - the way he’d talk excitedly about their future, about how they’d grow old together, raise children who would embody the love they shared.
