Chapter 1

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Chapter No 1

The cloak of night has prevailed engulfing everything under its black cloud. From chirping birds to the tired human selves, everyone was resting to get themselves ready again for the upcoming day

Khan Villa was no exception. Everyone has retired to sleep except for the two souls. The muffled sobs can be distinctly heard if we go straight to the upstairs and then the third room in the corridor. Though the door was being bolted but the quietness of night wasn't helping

"You have to be strong, please don't cry. For the sake of Mamu Jaan please" Her own eyes were leaking unstoppable tears but she was still trying to pacify her for the past two hours. Their eyes were now swollen because of continuous crying. The news itself was so big that they were still in shock

"I-I can't tell this to Abu (father)" Sibgha finally managed to utter these words but her voice again cracked towards the end

"He is so happy with this marriage. How can I take away this happiness by letting him know that ...." She was unable to complete her sentence but Maha did understood her hidden meaning and feeling her pain as her own she embraced her

They were like this. Everyone rightly called them the soul sisters, not ever leaving each other's side. They can feel each other's pain by their heart. That was the reason Hashir Ali found such a match for them which can always keep them together. He was getting them married in a same house with two brothers

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The dark clouds were looming in the sky. The wind howling in the background as rain poured down hiding all the voices and absorbing every secret in it. Yet, there was one deathly howl that was unheard. The pain, the tears were never ending no matter how mercilessly she was rubbing her eyes

She could not believe her life could take such an unexpected turn. The events were uncertain and uncalled for but she has to submit because she doesn't have any other choice. For she can't put her Mamu Jaan (Maternal uncle from mother's side) to shame in front of whole world. She would do anything for his honor but her heart was crying for her Sibi Aapi. She must be going through the same pain as hers and in a moment she reached the decision

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In the morning, first thing she did was to inform Hashir Ali about her decision. Making breakfast for herself and for Nana she came to his room who instantly was delighted to see her and welcomed her with open arms

"Mera Bacha (My child)" she tried returning back the smile but her eyes welled up again, putting the tray on the table she ran into his open arms

"Ujala" Affectionately he stroked her head, "Talk to me" he urged her to speak and in this whole world if Ujala could open her heart to anyone then it was him and she did share whatever was bothering her

"I am scared Nana" Pulling back she tucked her hairs behind her ears and sniffled. When she looked up at him she became angry seeing his hidden smile through his thick beard

"You are laughing, Here I am feeling afraid thinking about my unexpected future and you are laughing" She turned her face to other side, "I am not talking to you"

Zaman Ali became serious. He knew the situation in which his granddaughter has been put into, and he knew she can only open her heart to him and he asked her to do the same in this moment

"Mera bacha, tell me why are you afraid?"

"I-I am not ready for this marriage. I have dreams Nana; my education, my career ... but I also don't want to let Mamu Jaan down" She held her head in her hands, rubbing the temples

"What else?" In disbelief she looked at him but he was not mocking or sarcastic. He was asking genuinely concerned

"Age gap. You told me he was four years elder than Sibi Aapi so almost eight year difference" Another thing that was bothering her

"It's not a big deal. Your Nani was ten years younger than me but you know we had a successful married life. Age difference won't guarantee your happiness or success in marriage" Gently stroking her head while embracing her, he was now making her understand and clearing her doubts and fears

"About your education, well Hashir talked to your in-laws and they don't have any problem with it. Your groom's job is also in Lahore so there won't be any problem" He said in a teasing manner and her face turned red with embarrassment at his mention of in laws and groom

"Nana" Her eyes welled up again at the thought of leaving her Nana and her dear relations for new place and new people

"Yes my child"

"Will you pray for me?" His heart swelled and tears streamed down his wrinkled cheeks. Patting her head he couldn't form any word and just hummed in answer

"Hmm"

She closed her eyes and felt the warmth of her Nana's love. With lots of fears circling in her head she prayed to Allah for the contentment and peace of her heart

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He has just arrived and the news he got was enough to shock him

Sibgha refused to marry him

It's true he was not in love with her but they were engaged for almost six months. He has naturally developed a soft corner for her. Unlike Usama and Maha they never talked to each other on call. Neither of them tried to take initiative. The thing that was bothering him was his father's stubbornness, who put the condition that in exchange of Sibgha they want Maha's younger sister to marry him otherwise Usama and Maha's relation would also end. Just a day before Nikah his world turned upside down. The only person with whom he could share his problems was away for a business trip

"Saim"

Yes, he could talk to him and he acted instantly dialing his number

"Assalam O Alaikum Umer Bhai" he sighed hearing Ramsha's voice

"Wa Alaikum uss Salam Bhabhi, where is Saim?"

"He is driving, we are on our way to your home" Of Course they were coming to attend his wedding. He decided to talk Saim when he gets here

"Ok Bhabhi have a safe journey" he put down the call

If he thinks rationally about all this situation then to get married according to his father's condition is the best option. Many of their relatives have arrived and some has yet to come. He cannot think of backing out of this marriage and he cannot afford it either. His refusal will only worsen the situation and tarnish their family's name and reputation. With a deep sigh, he left everything on Alllah's will. He was not in love with Sibgha, if it would be any random girl, he had no problem in marrying her

In a few minutes he went to his parent's room giving them his agreement for this marriage

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The night was cold. He has just come back to the hotel room after an exhausting conference session. He lay down on the bed letting out a sigh of relief and closed his eyes. The face of the person who is the centre of his thoughts came as a flash. A smile automatically crept on his lips

He had seen her for the first time five years ago in an art exhibition. She was so busy admiring the artistic work that she even forgot about her surroundings. He, on the other hand, was mesmerized to see the perfect combination of beauty and innocence. She giggled at something her friend said to her and he has lost his heart to her one smile. He secretly gathered every information about her. Her name was Ujala and she aspires to be a lecturer, Physics was her passion. She was much younger to him but still he felt for her. His parents were pressuring him to settle in his life but he was waiting for her to complete her studies. Now just one and a half year and he would ask her hand, she would be his forever

"Ujala"

Dreaming about his future with her, he embraced sleep

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Assalam O Alaikum

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