TRIGGER WARNINGS: SEXUAL ASSAULT/NON-CONSENSUAL CONTACT/VIOLENCE/EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION/COERCION.
*CONTAINS SMUT*
The scorching sun hung high in the bright blue sky, casting waves of heat that engulfed the earth below. Wisps of smoky clouds drifted lazily, offering little respite from its relentless blaze. The sharp, rhythmic calls of crows and sparrows echoed through the air, blending into the distant hum of a typical summer morning.
Suddenly, the tranquility shattered as three sleek SUVs roared into the Khan haveli's driveway, their tires screeching against the gravel before coming to a smooth halt.
A hushed tension settled over the household staff, which had hurriedly assembled at the entrance, their hands folded, their heads slightly bowed in anticipation. The atmosphere brimmed with a silent reverence, the kind reserved for only the most commanding of presences.
The back door of the second SUV swung open, and from within emerged none other than Salma Begum. She moved with an effortless grace, her posture straight, her steps measured. As always, dressed in an exquisitely embroidered ensemble, every detail of her appearance was a testament to her meticulous nature—her neatly draped dupatta, the soft clink of her gold bangles, the faint but lingering scent of ittar that followed her. Without needing to utter a word, she commanded attention, her mere presence exuding an aura of quiet authority.
"Salaam, Khaanum," Mai greeted first. Beside her, Bakhtu followed suit, dressed in his usual white shalwar kameez and black waistcoat. He kept his hands respectfully folded, his gaze lowered as was customary in the presence of anyone from the family.
Salma Begum inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the greeting, though her sharp eyes were already scanning the haveli's premises, assessing every detail with practiced precision.
Just then, the door on the other side opened with a soft click, and Maryam stepped out. She moved with a quiet elegance, carefully adjusting her soft pink dupatta over her head, the delicate fabric complementing the intricate floral patterns of her anarkali. There was a gentleness in her movements, a youthful grace that contrasted with the imposing presence of her mother.
As she came to stand beside Maa Begum, she too received the same respectful greeting as her mother. But as she cast a subtle glance towards Maa Begum, she couldn't ignore the slight tension in her stance, the way her mother's fingers tightened slightly around the edge of her dupatta. She had no idea why her mother had suddenly dragged her out of bed at 7 am to come to the village, but judging by her body language, it seemed as though something big was about to happen.
"Murtasim Khan kahan hain?" Salma Begum inquired without delay, cocking an eyebrow, her sharp gaze fixated on Bakhtu, pinning the old man in his place.
"Khan aur Meerab bibi kal raat ko purani haveli gaye thei, tab se wahin hain" Bakhtu informed, his voice steady yet tinged with caution.
Salma Begum lifted her brow once more, her expression unreadable. Beside her, Maryam swallowed nervously, stealing a glance at her mother's face, trying to gauge her mood.
"Jaa ke le kar aao unhe, abhi" She commanded firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Maryam's eyes widened and brows shot up. She immediately pressed her lips together in order to stifle the laugh that wanted to escape her at the idea of their mother disrupting what she assumed was a very romantic morning for her brother and his wife.
Murtasim had already, very excitedly, told her of the surprise he had planned for Meerab, and she had been the one to suggest the red saree in place of another red dress that her brother had initially decided on.
YOU ARE READING
Chess & Checkers
FanfictionLIFE IS CHESS, NOT CHECKERS What happens when lifelong friends and business partners, Meerab Ahmed and Murtasim Khan, are forced into marriage by their families, for reasons unknown to both of them. How will this forced union affect their lives? Wil...
