His Right

Chapter 12

Zara's Pov

Haider wasn't in bed when I woke the next morning. His side of the bed was cold as I pressed my palm against it. I lay on my back for a while, staring at the ceiling, wanting to cry and laugh at the same time and not ready to believe that I was in a sham marriage.

I slipped out of bed and headed into the bathroom and took my time making myself presentable. I chose a maroon shalwar kameez and adorned myself with light makeup and little diamond studs and two golden bangles on each hand, I brushed my long golden brown hair and looked at the mirror, I can do it even if Haider didn't care, I felt more comfortable if I put an effort into my appearance. I left the bedroom, hesitated and looked down the long corridor, wondering what hid behind the other doors. I'd have to explore at another time. Instead I headed down the staircase. I wasn't sure if I was expected downstairs for breakfast. I didn't know my new home, didn't know the people who worked here, and worst of all: didn't know the master of the house, my husband.

The double doors were ajar and I approached them, then lingered in front of them for a moment before I walked inside. I'd expected Haider to be gone already and was surprised when I found him sitting at the dining table in the vast living and dining room. As with the rest of the house, the floor was dark wood, the walls light beige, and the furniture dark and imposing.

The newspaper hid Haider's face but he lowered it when he heard me entering. My anklets jingled as I approached the table slowly, unsure of how to act around him. There was nothing between Haider and me. We were strangers.

The table was set for two people, but my plate wasn't next to Haider, instead it had been set at the other end of the table. I stared at the distance between Haider and me, considering to ignore the set-up and to sit beside Haider, but then I lost courage and took my seat at the end of the table.

"I hope you slept well?" Haider asked in his smooth voice. He hadn't put down the newspaper, still held onto it, and I had a feeling it would come up as a barrier between us again soon.

"y..es thank you where is the rest of your family?" Haider met my gaze, and there was something in them that made me lower my eyes and grab a Toast. I wasn't hungry, but it was better than doing nothing.

"Khala and my Cousins left last night." The rustling of paper drew my attention back to the other end of the table. As expected, Haider had disappeared behind his newspaper. Was this how he wanted our marriage to go?

"What about your parents do they also live here?" Haider lowered his newspaper again and folded it on the table.

"Both of them died when I was small." I had trouble masking my sadness and had trouble swallowing the last crumb.

"I am sorry I didnt knew.." before I could complete my sentence Haider silenced me with his cold green eyes.

"It was a long time ago and it would be better for both of us if we never discus this topic understand?"

"Yes..I ..am sorry." I looked down at my plate and tried to stop the shiver at his cold monotone voice.

"I still have to prepare for a meeting. Khala and Hiba will keep you company." I nodded and tried very hard not to cry, it was just a sham marriage for him nothing more nothing less.

"Will you give me a tour of the premises? because nobody is here.. and I." He cut my sentence with his hand.

Fear bubbled up in me but quickly dissipated at his next words. "Nasreen!"

A moment later a door half hidden behind a massive cupboard opened and a short teenage girl entered the room and headed toward Haider. "Yes, sir, how can I help you?"