Over again

Chapter XXVII

The next morning when Zain woke up, he felt as he was being watched. But he quickly shook off the feeling and went down to dining room. He was glad when he saw only his nephews to sit at the table. The kids informed him that the rest of the family will soon come. He quickly grabbed a banana from the table and ran outside. Zain didn't want to sit with his family and eat. He didn't want to listen to their stories or to listen the questions. All he wanted was to go to a hotel and work. Nothing more.

In the lobby of hotel waited for him former Director of Finance and his new assistant. They took him to his new office and explained him what was his new job. Zain quickly went to work in order to forget the experience of the past few days. He knew he would never be able to move on. He lost the only person who was worthy of his attention and love.

And so that was how his days passed. He would woke up earlier than the rest of the family, eat his breakfast while running to work. He was avoiding all the commercial entertainment and all the parties that his mother or bhabis had in the house. He was returning home late from work and so avoided the family dinners. Zain gladly accepted all the business just to stay as far away from his family.

When it was the four months of that unfortunate accident, as he called it, his mother finally was able to lure him in one of the family dinner. That night when he returned to home, he hoped that no one would see him and that he will unnoticed walk into his room and fell asleep. But he was wrong.

In the reception salon were sitting man and woman that he somehow knew. On the sofa, sitting between them, was a young, pretty girl. Zain hasn't paid attention to it. He walked in and greeted them. He wanted as always only to go to his room, when Suraiya stopped him.

"Zain, come here. I want you to meet someone."
He wanted to say that he doesn't want to see anyone, but changed his mind. He walked over to his mother and she took him by the hand and presented to the man. His name was Mirza Qureshi and next to him sat his wife, Sarah. Then Suraiya with unusual twinkle in her eyes, presented to Zain a girl. Her name was Sanam. Girl shyly stood up and stared at Zain. Suraiya looked at Zain.

"Go with Sanam at the pool side, Zain."

Zain did it, without any questions, just as Aaliya would love it. The girl didn't say much, but he managed to pull some information from her. She was a lawyer and had her private office. She didn't like the rains, didn't like long walks. Sanam was one of those quite people who loved silence and to be closed in the room. He wondered how such a girl could become a lawyer.

They talked about an hour before he apologized and went to his room. He didn't want to eat. He said he wasn't hungry and was tired. But it was all I lie. He knew what would happen next. Zain didn't hear when the guests went home.

The next morning he was waiting at the table the whole family. It was the first time in four months that he decided to eat with them. All of them looked surprised when they came down to the dining room and took their seats. They ate in silence. Zain has decided to speak first. Without looking up from the plate, he began:

"I know you're all surprised that I'm here today. You were really surprised when you saw me, right? And frankly I surprised myself. But here I am. I just want to tell you that I know why you brought Sanam in this house last night. It's been four months since those events. Regardless of the fact that a woman is brought into my life, neither will nor can replace Aaliya. You didn't like her, none of you. But I am. And still I love her. I know you think it's time to move on. I agree to it. I agree to marry Sanam. But not for you nor for me. Once a beautiful woman said that 'When you understand your parents and what they want to tell you, even when silent, it's sign that you're a good son.' Because of this sentence I became what I am. I'll marry Sanam and move into the new married life. But don't expect a lot from me or this marriage."

When he finished, he pushed his chair and left the dining room. He was back to the life he lived last four months. Zain again didn't breakfasted or dined with his family.

Soon his mother informed him that the engagement date is known and she will inform him about the details. On the day of the engagement he was in the house all day. Usmaan and Suraiya asked him to stay at home and be fresh for the engagement. He obeyed them, without any questions.

Zain was there that night, completed the engagement with the woman he didn't love, smiled at her and guests. He was surprised how good actor he can be. Mother asked him to take Sanam for dinner, and he did it. Again without questions. His father-in-law was proud of him. Zain attended all the rituals before the wedding. He didn't want to leave out a single one.

The first time when he felt remorse and the need to say 'No' was on the wedding day. Nothing was as at his and Aaliya's wedding. Sanam wasn't in white nor was he in a black suit. She was in the Indian traditional wedding dress and he in a traditional Indian wedding suit.

Everybody laughed but him and Sanam. Even she wasn't happy. He was lucky that she couldn't see his face. But he saw her. And saw her, unhappy. With a lump in her throat she said that fateful 'Yes' before the river of tears began to be poured down her cheeks. Then he said 'Yes'.

No passion, no excitement. One dead, cold word. Yes.

That day finally passed. When he came home with his bride, accompanied by family, his father stopped him.

"Zain. I know you may not remember customs of our house, but you need to carry your bride across the threshold and to your room. I don't want to hear a 'No' nor to see you ashamed. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between you two."
"Don't worry, dad. I remember the customs of our family. From me you will never hear a 'No'. I promise you that."-said Zain and approached Sanam.

Without hesitation he picked her up in his arms and carried her to their room. He lowered her onto the bed decorated with rose petals. Everything smelled of roses and candles are seductively shining.

Zain moved away from Sanam and sat down on the couch across from the bed. She was staring at him. They didn't speak. Zain got up and walked over to the closet. He pulled his night clothing and went to the bathroom. Shortly after he returned and took a blanket and pillow and settled on the couch.

"Zain?"-Sanam softly called out. "You won't sleep next to me?"

He turned his head to look at her and said:
"Sleep, Sanam. You're tired. Tomorrow we'll talk about this. Now go to sleep."