(IT'S GONNA HAVE A LOT OF COUPLES)
In a village, where justice is scarce, a girl of 11 is married off due to a tragic misunderstanding.
Her 17-year-old husband, torn apart by his brother's murder, burdened by duty, becomes her unexpected protector...
(Will y'all kill me if I tell you that i have forgotten the storyline and i am not as excited as I used to be to write this story before?)
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TWO YEARS LATER. (16 AND 22)
Two long years had passed in the Khan Haveli. While the core of the family and its traditions remained steadfast, subtle changes had crept in, promising to bring storms to their doorstep. Dilawer Khan and Khanum had retired from their roles, opting to let their children take over the responsibilities they once bore with such pride and resilience. Zoya, with her maturity and steady hand, now held the reins of the entire haveli, while Aynoor, still too young, watched and learned from the sidelines.
"Zimedaari sar pe aayegi toh seekh jaayegi," Dilawer Khan had said to Almeer a year ago, his voice a blend of hope and wisdom. The conversation had been about Aynoor eventually stepping into Khanum’s shoes.
"Choti hai abhi. Aap Zoya bhabhi ko de dein," Almeer had responded, protecting Aynoor from the heavy mantle of responsibility. He believed Zoya was better suited at that moment and wanted her to have a prominent position in the family hierarchy.
"Jaisa tum kaho," Khanum had agreed, respecting Almeer’s decision and trusting his judgment.
Zoya, in the meantime, had slowly shed the grudges she once held against Aynoor. It was impossible to remain indifferent to Aynoor’s infectious warmth and innocence. Zoya displayed her growing affection through simple gestures, like cooking Aynoor’s favorite dishes, filling the haveli with the aroma of love and acceptance.
Mustakeem, now four-year-old, had the entire household wrapped around his little fingers. His laughter echoed through the corridors, bringing life to every corner of the haveli. He had also found a new friend in Rumi, whose presence added another layer of joy and mischief to the family dynamics.
Remember when Guley was pregnant? She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Rumi. Tragically, God had different plans for Guley, and she left this world without even getting a chance to hold her daughter. But there was someone else who did it for her: Yazdaan. Yazdaan cradled Rumi in his arms and vowed to take care of her. Guley’s in-laws, however, refused to acknowledge any relation with the newborn baby girl. This rejection left Dilawer Khan with a critical decision, one he entrusted to Almeer.
"Almeer, is bachi ki zindagi ka faisla ab tum lo gay," Dilawer Khan had said, placing the infant’s fate in Almeer’s hands. Almeer, understanding the harsh realities Rumi would face as an orphan abandoned by her family, made a decisive announcement.
"Aaj se Rumi Rehmaan, Mustakeem Khan se mansuub hai."
By associating Rumi with Mustakeem, he ensured their bond was recognized by society, shielding Rumi from societal scorn. Though both children were unaware of the connection, their association was now beyond reproach.
Yazdaan, who had refused to marry Kiswa, was struggling with his place in the family. His heart ached with the loss of Guley, and despite his initial resolve to stay for Rumi, he now yearned to escape the painful memories. He had decided to go abroad, hoping to start anew, but he lingered just a bit longer for Rumi’s sake.
