The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 33

Amina's POV

I woke up to a sharp pain in my lower back, my discomfort pulling me out of a restless sleep. Something heavy weighed on me. Turning slightly, I saw him beside me, sleeping like a child. His arm was draped over me, and his leg rested on mine, pinning me down. It felt as though he was hugging a pillow. Despite the pain, a small, unbidden smile crept onto my lips. Which I quickly shrugged it off.

The room was dim, bathed in the faint light of the moon spilling through the curtains. Outside, it was still dark, silent except for the faint rustle of leaves. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was only 6 a.m.

Carefully, I tried to move him off me, but he didn't stir. He was huge and heavy, his weight pressing into me like an immovable object. My pain worsened with every failed attempt. Finally, out of sheer frustration, I gave him a hard shove.

He woke with a start, his eyes heavy with sleep. I felt a brief twinge of guilt for waking him, but it was quickly overshadowed by my discomfort. Sliding out of bed, I tried to ignore his presence.

"Amina, what happened?" he asked, his voice groggy yet laced with concern.

The huskiness in his tone sent an involuntary shiver down my spine, but I kept my gaze averted, refusing to answer.

"Amina," he called again, this time more insistently, but I continued walking toward the bathroom without sparing him a glance.

Under the shower, I let the hot water stream over my back, hoping to ease the ache. But the pain refused to relent, gnawing at me no matter how long I stood there. Resigned, I dried myself, dressed, and draped my dupatta over my head before stepping out.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me. As soon as he saw me, he stood, his expression etched with concern.

"Amina, are you okay?" he asked gently.

"Yes," I replied curtly, unwilling to engage in conversation.

"But you don't look fine to me," he pressed, his persistence beginning to grate on my nerves.

"Aap do minute ke liye shant nahi ho sakte? Ek toh aap ki bak bak aur upar se yeh dard!" I snapped, my frustration spilling over.

[Can't you stay quiet for two minutes? First, your constant chatter, and on top of that, this pain!]

He looked taken aback, his brow furrowing. "What?" he asked, his confusion evident.

"Nothing. Just leave me alone," I said sharply, turning my back to him and walking toward the balcony.

The cool pre-dawn breeze greeted me, and I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me, hoping it would soothe the storm brewing inside.

I took out my yoga mat and started doing some stretches, hoping it would ease the pain in my lower back. But instead of relief, the discomfort only intensified. Frustrated and disheartened, I rolled up the mat and returned to the bedroom, where I found the room empty. The sound of running water from the bathroom let me know he was inside.

I sat on the bed, gently massaging my abdomen in a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain. But it wasn't working. A wave of helplessness washed over me, and before I could stop myself, tears began slipping down my cheeks.

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and he stepped out, dressed in casual clothes, his hair damp. His eyes fell on me immediately, and I quickly tried to wipe away my tears. But it was too late; the concern in his gaze deepened as he walked toward me and sat in front of me. His closeness made my heart race, and a nervous tension settled over me.

"Amina, why are you crying? What happened?" he asked, his voice soft and filled with concern.

His gentle tone confused me even more. Why was he showing care, as if he genuinely meant it? I knew he was here because of his mother, and the thought stung, making my tears flow again.