Levirate [Haniaal/Zarry]

Chapter 11

May 2023

Before the court proceedings

Harry went to bed very late. He was up all night calling all the Malik's that he could reach and all his friends who had attended the wedding to be witness for him at the case. Waliyha managed to steal the folder with all of his and Daniaal's important documents that he had left on top of the table in the study when he came back from registering Daniaal's passing as well closing his accounts.

Anne and Gemma were furious to learn that Harry and Daniaal never registered their marriage, of which Harry responded "I had said to Daniaal we don't need no piece of paper from the city hall as a joke while we were on our way to the honeymoon. When we came back I guess it just slipped my mind. Life took over and when we did consider it again, we both agreed that Harry Styles is a brand and it would not be beneficial to change to Harry Malik as that would confuse the market". Gemma is of the opinion that the marriage could be registered in any case then he remain Harry Styles in the fashion world but nonetheless she decides to not engage in the topic further because Harry is stubborn and still maintains that a surname change complicate his copyrights and trademarks.

***

Yaser is confident while eating dinner with his family. Waliyha has received praise for her hard work ever since they left Daniaal's home. It is so funny to Yaser how Harry was adamant that he is a "Malik"while his marriage was not registered at all. Yaser has not maintained a relationship with his siblings because of their intense criticism of the treatment of Daniaal. He has however called them to invite them to the proceedings and a celebratory dinner after court and they all indicated that they would be there. Zayn and Safaa are sulking in their rooms and Yaser has decided to leave them at home.

During court proceedings

Harry, his family and his lawyers are sitting on the right side of the court while Yaser and his lawyers are on the left. Patricia and her daughters are sitting dutifully next to Yaser with the absence of Zayn and Safaa noticeable by Harry. That somehow gives him comfort, at least he could have some sort of support in Yaser's immediate family. Maybe what he thought he saw that day was really sympathy.

Tariq, Afrad, Sarwat, Maryum and Zileh Malik walk in together just as the proceedings are about to begin. Doniya is the first one to see them and nudges her parents to notify them of their presence. Yaser smiles as his siblings walk to the front and stands, ready to shake their hands. The siblings however turn to the right as soon as they get to the front and hug the Styles family. If looks could kill, Yaser's eyes would have murdered all of the "traitors" already.

Yaser is shocked to learn that Daniaal and Harry were married at the Maliks family home on the day that he had taken his wife and kids on a holiday to America. He knows that his siblings had arranged for it that way because how else would they be married on the day that they were not around. There are coincidences in life and then there are occurrences that are planned to deceive. His siblings have betrayed him. Harry and Daniaal have betrayed him and he needs to avenge this betrayal.

After the court proceedings

Yaser walks out, furious to have lost to the Styles and his siblings. Patricia and the girls are running behind him as he walks out the courthouse. Harry remains inside, hugging his lawyer and the Maliks , thankful for their support. Once Mr. Tomlinson and his associate leave, the Malik siblings ask Harry to have a meeting at his home to finalise the burial plans and also celebrate the win and Harry agrees. He sents a quick text to Fahima who remained behind to accept gifts and guests while they went to court. 

When Harry and the Styles get home, Fahima has already finished with lunch as requested by Harry. They all go to their rooms for a quick shower and change of formal clothes. The Malik siblings arrive shortly however they are not alone. Yaser and his immediate family are standing behind them with disgusted looks on their face. Zayn and Safaa shot a quick smile to Harry but frown as soon as Doniya turns towards them.

"Harry, I have invited Yaser over here so that we can discuss this issue. I apologise for my brother's idiocy for taking a family matter so far without consulting with us and for disregarding your grief despite him grieving as well" says Tariq. Harry is about to respond when Anne puts a hand on his shoulder and gently rubs it "Please come in. I do not appreciate the disrespect that my son has been put through but I will welcome Yaser and his family for the sake of Daniaal's spirit resting in peace. Please make your way to the living room and we will join you shortly" Anne says.

Harry is still angry with Yaser's behavior and Anne and Fahima feel that he needs to be excused from the meeting if they hope to resolve the issue. Fahima mentions that culturally, adults normally have meetings without the involvement of the "bride" and therefore Yaser might mention that seeing how petty he is. Harry feels exhausted and expresses that he does not mind not being in the meeting because he is exhausted and cannot deal with Yaser's tricks and dirty looks anymore. Gemma dishes up for the Maliks and Styles adults as well as the younger Maliks who are not part of the meeting. Fahima is tasked with guarding the younger Maliks from wandering around. She then joins Harry in his room and they eat their lunch in silence.

A little while later, Anne walks into the bedroom with Sarwat and they pull chairs and sit. Sarwat apologises for Yaser's behavior again and shares a look with Anne. Anne fidgets a bit then says "Harry, baby, I have talked to the Maliks and they have asked that you let them bury Daniaal in Bradford where his grandparents were buried. What do you think about that?"

Harry had previously discussed the possibility with Sarwat and Fahima and they both had explained the significance of Daniaal being buried with his ancestors. But he also has to consider the implication for him and his child. Would he be buried with his husband when he passes? Will he be allowed free access to Daniaal's grave? Harry asks for a few minutes to think about all of this and discuss it with Anne and Gemma. Gemma is against the idea but Anne understands it because she would want the same if Harry or Gemma were ever to pass away, she wouldn't want her children buried somewhere else. 

Harry eventually agrees to moving the burial to Bradford because try as he may, he cannot forget how Daniaal craved for acceptance of the Maliks while alive and if he can give him that in death then he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort. Additionally, in London the only people that would visit his grave would be him and Fahima only seeing that they had no friends but in Bradford there are numerous cousins and uncles. Harry announces his decision once he joins the meeting in the living room and all the uncles and aunts hug him and express their gratitude for his selflessness. Yaser and his family also stand and shake hands with him as acceptance of him as a part of the family.

Harry does not miss the smug look on Yaser once the funeral details are finalised and everyone accepts him as a Malik.