It was an election-related news conference, and Javed wanted all four of his sons by his side for this event. That’s why he had called Mikaal.
With a heavy heart and a tangled mind, Mikaal arrived at the hotel. Everything was going smoothly; the questions were the typical ones asked to every politician. But suddenly, a journalist brought up a certain girl who had been seen with Mikaal a few days ago, the one who had travelled to India with him (according to sources).
“I’ve already stated in the media that she’s my future daughter-in-law,” Javed Khan calmly responded.
“So, when’s the wedding?” The journalist seemed eager to get more details.
Javed took a deep breath and looked at Mikaal, who was seated with a professional demeanour. No one could tell what he was really feeling by looking at his face.
“My son Mikaal’s nikkah will take place this coming Friday.” This was an entirely unexpected statement. All four of his sons were surprised. Faizal and Farhan knew how to hide their emotions and didn’t react, but Mikaal and Shehzaad were visibly taken aback, though they quickly composed themselves.
At the haveli, Shaheen was watching the live news. Javed Khan’s announcement shocked her too. Until that morning, Javed hadn’t mentioned anything like this to her, and he usually shared everything with her—big or small, whether it concerned the house or external matters, he always discussed it with her before making a decision. The fact that he hadn’t told her this time made her feel uneasy, as if he was hiding something important.
•••
“Abbu, woh...” Mikaal and Javed were in Javed’s office now. Mikaal wanted to know why his father made such a big announcement when he already considered them married. So, why the nikkah?
(Abbu, about that...)
“Haan, bolo,” Javed said with a calm expression.
(Yes, go on,)
“Meri shadi toh ho chuki hai phir yeh nikkah wali baat?” Mikaal asked, confused. He thought his father might plan a grand function for the wedding, but Mikaal had only considered a walima after the elections, thinking they’d have enough time to deal with this issue by then.
(I'm already married, so what’s this about a nikkah?)
“Issey yaad aya, tumne court marriage ki haina?” Javed asked casually, without even looking up from his file.
(That reminds me—you did a court marriage, right?)
Mikaal quickly nodded, hoping this would prevent Javed Khan from pushing for a second wedding ceremony.
“Aaj ghar chalenge toh tum mujhe apna marriage certificate dikhana.” Another bombshell dropped on Mikaal.
(When we go home today, show me your marriage certificate.)
“Marriage certificate?” Mikaal asked as if he had no idea what that even was. This time, Javed looked up at him.
“Haan, marriage certificate.”
(Yes, the marriage certificate.)
“Lekin, abbu aap kya karenge usko dekhke? Woh dekhne wali cheez thori.” Mikaal tried to keep his tone casual.
(But Abbu, why do you need to see it? It’s not something that’s meant to be looked at,)
“Kyu? Tumhara marriage certificate dekhne se gunah milta hai?” Javed’s tone remained just as casual.
(Why? Is it forbidden for me to see your marriage certificate?)
This time, Mikaal looked away. What could he say now? How could he produce something that didn’t even exist?
YOU ARE READING
A Little Tangled Up
Romance𝘈 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘴. When Mikaal returns home, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Humayrah, a runaway bride. Their first meeting qui...
