TOGETHER WE'RE PERFECT

Chapter 2- Meet the Jerk

"Some days, she has no idea how she'll do it. But every single day, it still gets done."

The groom had come and now it was Zara who had to make her entry. Afifa, three of Zara's cousins- Mahira, Maryam and Husna held a beautiful embroidered cheddar under which Zara walked up to the stage which had now been partitioned. The women were at one side and the men on the other. As Zara was seated she caught hold of Afifa's hand who reassuringly squeezed hers back.

The wedding songs which were being played stopped when the Qazi arrived for doing the nikkah ceremony. A short dua was recited followed by the sentence of approval of both. This was followed by another dua and the Qazi declared that the nikkah had been done. Chorus of Allah hu Akbar went through the air.

Zara was finding it difficult to digest the fact that she was now married, to an Aahil she knew nothing about. It was now time that both the husband and wife would be seated at the large loveseat at the centre of the stage. She glanced at Afifa who gave her a reassuring look and moved to the seat along with the other relatives that followed.

When both were seated family, friends and acquaintances came and gave their gifts and wished them a good future. Zara hadn't got the guts to look at him yet, but she loved his husky voice when he thanked people and exchanged greetings.

Time flew by like this and Zara didn't even realise now it was the time for rukhsati. She saw Hajira and her dad walking beside her but she knew it was just for formality.

"I'm so glad that you're finally leaving. Now I can breathe in peace." She heard Hajira whisper to her as neared the car. Not fazed by her attitude because this wasn't new, Zara turned to look for Afifa who hugged her tightly and told her to be strong.

Aahil opened the door for Zara to get into the decorated car and when he too was seated the car finally made it through the crowd and onto the road.

Zara could see the array of trees and houses sprinting backwards through the window. She was highly uncertain of what was to be done now. She was out of the clutches of her father for now, but she was with a stranger or so called husband, who made no effort to converse with her.

The car slowed down as they reached two large doors that were opened and went towards the parking area. Aahil opened the door and went out not even acknowledging her. She started to follow him as she did not know the place. As they walked the large lavish looking house came in her sight and she literally shivered fearing that she just left one vile house to come to another. With all this, she felt like she was Rapunzel trapped with people like the evil witch in huge houses.

They went past the large fountain and on the gravelled pathway that led to the doorsteps of the house. Zara carefully observed that despite being large it wasn't at all like her father's. Should that be a relief for her? No definitely not, it depended on the guy walking ahead of her.

He unlocked the large chocolate brown door and entered flicking on the lights. He turned around to lock the door and almost crashed with Zara but both were fast enough to back off. Zara stared into blue depths with silver specks cutting through it in a spherical array.

He had a firm look on his perfectly chiselled faced. Silky reddish brown locks fell on one side of his forehead. His pale face had a pink shade on the cheeks due to the cold outside.

He looked at her analysing and said "Now, now do you expect me to have a room full of your belongings here?"

Unable to get the hint Zara just answered with a "No".

"Well then go on and get your suitcase and other stuff from the car." He said

"oh now I'll have to go all the way back and bring the heavy baggage!" she groaned