Out Of Wreckage?

Chapter Ten

My life had turn upside down. It's unbelievable.

When Chachi told me that my Nikah had to be arranged tomorrow, I felt a rush of adrenaline in my veins.

I was not ready for this to happen soon. I didn't anticipate it at all. I wanted time to prepare myself.

I could hear faint voices of Abba and Chacha but it wasn't that clear that I could understand anything. The guests which included my relatives, neighbours and few of Abba's friends were whispering amongst themselves.

I was quiet while Chachi had held my hand in her grip.

She knew what I was going through.

Rumana peeped out of the door so that she could hear the conversation entirely.

Every passing minute was dreadful. I was anxious, nervous and very curious.
I wanted to know too but I couldn't go out like this nor could I stick my ears to the door to eavesdrop.

"Do you want some water?" Chachi asked me.

I nodded without speaking out a word.

"Chacha and Abba suddenly left the room." Rumana turned around.

Chachi rose up, "I should check with the guests." And she too stormed out to serve.

Rumana eyed me with empathy.

"What did you hear?" I asked her in a low voice.

Her face was grim.

"I heard them argue about the haste to get the Nikah arranged tomorrow. He told Chacha that he can't delay because he got a transfer letter recently and his posting is from Monday."

He! She was obviously refering to Aslam.

Her words started sinking in. That meant I had to leave my city too.

Rumana still continued,"He said that he can't apply for a holiday again once he gets back to work so he has to get married to you tomorrow because he has got only two days with him. Abba tried to intervene but Chacha got angry and... they..." she trailed off and I knew exactly why she did.

I closed my eyes. Tears started cascading down my cheeks.

"Oh Rabia!" Rumana wrapped her arms around me to provide me some comfort but I couldn't find one. My heart was in turmoil.

I had no idea what would happen next.

Before we could say anything, we heard knocks on the door.

Rumana turned around to see Rehmaan Chacha.

His eyes were watery as well.

"Rumana, Your mother is alone out there serving. Please help her out." He ordered her and she left before passing me a sensitive look.

I lowered my eyes to stop myself from crying.

"Rabia!" His voice was soft.

"Yeah."

"Rabia, Are you really sure about him? I don't want you to compromise, child." He stated frankly without wasting any time.

I looked up to meet his eyes.

"I tried talking to bhai but he sees nothing wrong in this match. According to him, Aslam is a matured man who has a good job, big house and would provide you the best of things. Rabia, I'm already ashamed of whatever happened with Fahad but I don't want you to pay the price.
Bhai might not listen to me but he would surely hear what you're going to tell him." He said and placed his hand on my head.