The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 42

Amina's POV

Today was Layla's Manjha ceremony, and the entire palace was abuzz, radiating with color and light. I had chosen a mustard abaya and niqab with a crisp white hijab, adding just a touch of delicate accessories. "Simran, I'm going to Layla's room," I called out.

"Okay, I'll join you soon!" she replied from the washroom.

"Okay," I said, and walked out, heading down the corridor. Suddenly, I felt a sharp tug on my wrist, pulling me back. A jolt of familiar fear shot through me. Without thinking, I quickly twisted the person's hand. "Who the hell are you?!" I whispered, my voice laced with a frantic edge.

"Oh my God, calm down, tigress!" I heard his voice, and my heart instantly stilled. My hand, still holding his wrist, immediately went limp, dropping away from him. He turned to face me. "I didn't know you were this strong," he said, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest.

Oh. How incredibly handsome he looked in that mustard kurti and white shalwar, almost as if we were twinning. His perfectly styled hair... My goodness. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

"Like what you see?" he teased, leaning forward slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I took a sharp step back, my cheeks flushing. "I was not looking at you," I lied, trying to sound cool, trying to avoid the intense pull of his gaze.

"Oh, I see," he said, the corner of his lips twitching.

"Why did you stop me?" I managed to ask, my voice a little breathless.

"Kyun nahi rok sakta?" he retorted.The question, simple as it was, ignited another thought that had been nagging me since yesterday: Did he really know Hindi?

[Why can't I stop you?]

"You know Hindi?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.

"Yes, I learned it for you," he said, his voice softer now, and my heart skipped a beat, a frantic flutter against my ribs.

"Why?" I asked, confused, my brows furrowing.

"Because I wanted to," he said, his eyes softening, a profound depth in their gaze.

"We shouldn't talk," I stated, the words sounding calm, even bitter, despite the chaos in my mind. "As you have already moved on and I am happy for you."

"Who said I moved on?" he asked, a confused frown creasing his forehead as he took a step forward. I instinctively motioned with my eyes for him to look back, towards the distant end of the corridor. He confusedly glanced over his shoulder. The same beautiful woman from the elevator was standing far off, waving at him, signaling him to come. He nodded to her, then looked back at me.

"She is beautiful," I said, a faint sadness in my voice.

"Yes, she is," he confirmed, a genuine smile on his face. "My elder sister."

I looked at him in utter confusion, a single word escaping my lips. "Sister?"

"Don't use your little brain too much," he said, a playful spark in his eyes, as he slightly patted my veiled forehead. "I'll see you soon, but now I have to go." He began walking backward, still facing me, that beautiful smile never leaving his face. "And you are looking gorgeous," he added, before finally turning and walking away.

I stood there, staring after him, my cheeks burning, a deep flush spreading across my face. Ya Allah.

"Amina, you're still here?" Simran's voice startled me, and I turned to see her walking towards me, a curious eyebrow raised. "And what was he doing with you?" she pressed.