The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 38

Amina's POV

How could they be so shameless? Teasing me in front of my father and brother? And he—he was laughing along with them.

Ya Allah, I know my face was red by now. I just wanted the earth to swallow me whole.

I quickly finished my food, stealing moments to feed my little princess in between. She was busy playing with my dupatta, fascinated by the little beads on it.

I stood up. I couldn't say a word. What could I even say? I just picked up Noor and quietly walked to my room.

Was it rude to walk away like that? When everyone else was still sitting, talking, teasing...?

My heart was pounding as I left.
"Amina, finish your breakfast," Bhabhi called out.

"I'm full, Bhabhi," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

I rushed to my room. I could still hear their teasing voices echoing behind me.

Does he not feel shy? I wondered.
And me—someone says a single word and I turn red!

I climbed onto my bed and laid Noor beside me. She laughed sweetly.

"Arey, mera bacha... mera sona," I cooed, smiling as I hovered over her.
"Meri gudiya," I added in a baby voice, tickling her lightly.

"Phupho ko miss kiya tha?" I asked softly.

[You missed me?]

She responded with an excited sound, waving her tiny hands and kicking her legs.

"I missed you too, baby. I'll never leave you again," I whispered, placing a kiss on her chubby cheek.

Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind.

"MashaAllah," he said.

My heart skipped a beat.

I quickly straightened my back. He walked over and sat beside me on the bed. Gently, he took Noor into his arms.

"She's so cute... and beautiful. Just like you," he said.

I looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Whose niece is she, then?" I said with a little smirk, as if it was the most obvious thing.

"Yes, yes, of course," he replied with a light laugh.

I wished—oh, how I wished—we had a normal marriage. One built on choice, on mutual acceptance. Then maybe... maybe it would be our daughter in his arms.

I smiled, but it was a bitter one.

His eyes held something—something warm. Something tender.

Noor giggled in his arms.

"Aw, my dear," he murmured affectionately.

I couldn't help but smile. It was such a precious sight.

And just for a moment, my mind drifted to a world that wasn't ours. A world where we had a child of our own. I'd always dreamed of that—my own little one, held in love.

But I quickly shook the thought away. It wasn't right.

Suddenly, Noor pinched his nose and clung to him like a mischievous kitten. A tiny scratch appeared on his nose from her nails.

"Ow!" he said, pretending to be hurt. Noor giggled in delight.

I couldn't help but laugh too—it was impossible not to. Gently, I removed her little hand from his nose.