Bound by Threat!

I accept!

"Leeanah Ahmed do you give your consent to marry Hanzala Patel and accept £500 pounds as your mehr?"

My heart was beating ferociously and I shakily picked up the pen in front of me.

Am I ready? Is this really what I want? I questioned myself for what felt like the millionth time in the last few days.

But I knew it was pointless really. I have to do this.

The words on the document in front of me were blurred by the tears threatening to escape.

My sister is more important than my fears. I can't let them get to her.

I gather my composure and prepare to sign my life away. It is time to make my sacrifice.

I close my eyes zoning out the excited voices around me as the imam finished the last talk. Ya Allah only you can protect me and give me the strength to bear this monster.

I lift my head slowly as I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder and meet the eyes of my beloved uncle. His hazel eyes resembled the eyes of my late grandad and I felt the emotions overwhelm me.

"Speak up Leeanah" he said. The sympathy and regret on his face was clear as day but we both knew there was nothing he could do.

He averted his gaze from the pain that was evident in my eyes. I attempted a last look of desperation in his direction, praying for a miracle, praying for him to suddenly take me back home.

I am absolutely terrified for my future. I can't be married!

What happened to what I wanted? My dreams. My Future? My Freedom? Was it not important anymore?

Mum is probably at home weeping and dad gambling away his money. What could they have done anyway? I'm screwed and we all know it.

I've met him a few times and those few times have been enough to convince me that he is one of the most intimidating men I have ever met. He sure as hell doesn't even try to be gentle.

Let me just get through today then I will figure out an escape plan. I am not going to spend my life being a trophy wife tending to his needs and playing doll house. My heart lightens as I think of all the mischief I am going to create. I will make him regret everything he did... including marrying me.

I could feel his intent stare on me but I refused to look in his direction. Eventually I looked up to see my future husband.

He was breathtaking. His green eyes pierced through my soul and noticed his tense stature. The anger in his eyes daring me to disobey him.

I stare down at my mehndi stained hands and swallow nervously. Grudgingly I reply "I do"

Hanzala shoots a smug look in my direction looking more relaxed. One of his guy friends punch him on the arm and the other gives him a fistbump grinning in his direction. The men begin congratulating and giving their duas.

My Uncle Kabir who was representing me as per Islamic custom soon finished signing the Niqaah papers.

I fought back the tears in anger. I am officially Mrs Leeanah Hanzala Patel. Another collection to the possessions of Hanzala Patel. Ugh

The khutba started which mainly highlighted the importance of marriage. After it ended my sister, aunts and cousins rushed to hug me. I hugged my sister tightly. I blame her. Her pathetic in-laws that made this happen yet she refuses to hear a word against them or even try to listen to anything I say!

As I draw back I start to feel whoozy. The room was suddenly too hot and I start to feel dizzy. The familiar migraine making it impossible to think. I hadn't taken my pills in the stress of the last week, I need to get it checked out once all this is over.

My vision began to get blurry and my legs felt like they were about to collapse on the little strength I had. I sway to the side nearly falling over before something or shall I say someone caught me by my waist and let me fall onto him. I could her voices of my aunt and sister after which I succumbed to darkness.

6 hours later

I woke up in a luxurious bed. The silk soft against my skin. As I stretched my arms and yawned. Was it all a dream! I didn't go to London and I didn't marry Hanzala.

As I looked around at my expensive surroundings I realise I was in My Uncle's home.

Suddenly the door swung open and an angry Hanzala walked in annoyed. Does this guy only have two facial expressions: Smugness and annoyance?

He came to my bedside. My eyes followed his tall, towering physique.

"What do you think you are playing at?" He spoke angrily in my face. "If you think by playing sleeping beauty your situation will change then baby you're mistaken."

He smirked with an evil glint in his eyes. " If you're looking for attention then you should go to a strip club and get all the attention you want"

"Get the hell out, you monster" I felt disgusted by him. My blood was boiling at his words. How dare he.

He laughed and forced my face to look at him. The humour was gone from his face. The coldness in his eyes scared me. Such beautiful eyes and such an ugly soul. I take in his dark hair and strong jawbone. The perfect stubble on his face. But it all repulsed me. He repulsed me.

"You don't tell me what to do darling and don't you forget that or you will pay the consequences" he spits in my face

What the actual fudge? I was shocked. I opened my mouth twice to speak but the words were stuck in my throat.

His rough hand left my cheek, with a final smirk he whistled and left the room. No care in the world ! ... As though he hasn't just threatened me. I sat there staring at the door. My heart was pounding in my chest.

Why didn't my family do anything to stop this? They know I don't want this but they still let it happen ! How selfish? I hate them all. It's because of them this happened, especially my sister! She has no idea how evil her in-laws are. Only If she stopped being so stubborn and thick- headed she would see truth.

I scream into the luxurious pillow in an anger and punch the headboard, groaning in pain and collapsing back into bed. "Well done Leeanah ! Very clever"
I allow myself to be engulfed in self pity as I think of how I have to live with this psychopath who will torture me and do whatever he wills. As tough as I like to come across I can't handle this! I sigh as I think of the days I used to play hard to get with the cutest boys in college, flirting innocently and falling shamelessly. I miss Emma, my best friend from back home.
Most of all I miss home! I want to go back to New York.

My melancholy thoughts are interrupted as I hear a banging on the door and my sister's whiny voice. "Lee Lee open the door !"

How I hated that nickname, it seemed the more I remind her the more I hear it.

I ignore her nasally voice and run to the bathroom to sort myself out. I look at my reflection in the mirror with disgust. I literally looked like I rolled out of a garbage truck. My make up was smudged, my clothes, my eyes red and don't even get me started on my hair ! It resembled a birds nest.