𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

28| Abortion or miscarriage

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Zahra sat nervously on the sofa, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. Zaniyah's voice, warm and comforting, filled the hall as she greeted Zahra with the greeting.

"Assalamualaikum," Zaniyah's voice echoed, breaking the tension in the room.Zahra's eyes lit up as she embraced Zaniyah tightly, whispering softly,

"I can see that little bump of yours," causing Zaniyah to shoot her a playful glare.

"How are you, my child?" Zahra's mother inquired, Zaniyah nodded in response.

As they settled onto the plush sofa in the living room, Zahra couldn't help but inquire "Where's Arzel?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

"He's coming, with Kabir," Zaniyah replied, nudging Zahra gently,

"You called us in the emergency, beta, what's the matter? Tell us,"
Zahra's father inquired, his brow furrowed with concern. Zaniyah shot Zahra a knowing look, silently urging her to wait until Arzel arrived.

Meanwhile, Zahra's mother bustled around in the kitchen, preparing a snack for their guests. Zaniyah, sensing Zahra's apprehension, sat beside her and began to sing a familiar song.

"Raja ki aaygi baraat," Zaniyah sang while laughing. Zahra's glare at her as she understood the underlying message in Zaniyah's song choice.

As the gate swung open, Arzel and Kabir stepped into the scene, taking in the sight before them. Arzel couldn't help but chuckle at Zaniyah's antics, his messy hair and casual demeanor contrasting with Kabir's formal attire and perfectly groomed appearance.

Zaniyah, catching a glimpse of Arzel in the mirror, turned to see him standing there, causing her to giggle at the sight of both men.

"Zaniyah, come here," Arzel called out softly, his tone gentle as she rose and approached him, responding with a respectful 'ji.'

"When did you arrive here?" he inquired, his fingers deftly fixing her hair strands.

"About 20 minutes ago, with the driver," Zaniyah replied, but Arzel's expression soured slightly as he realized she hadn't informed him or sought his permission before coming. Kabir intervened, informing Arzel of Zaniyah's arrival.

"Without my permission?" Arzel's tone turned stern,
"I'm so.rry" Zaniyah apologize.

"Shhh, let's talk about this at home, mi vida," he whispered huskily, noticing her fear and quickly pulling her into a comforting hug, tracing circles on her back to calm her nerves.

until Zahra's mother's voice rang out from the kitchen, signaling their attention. Zaniyah gently pushed away from Arzel, who grinned at her actions, before she made her way toward the kitchen, while Arzel joined Kabir and Zahra's father on the balcony, ready to discuss matters further.
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As they all sat in the living room, until Arzel broke the silence with a decisive statement.

"I know an elder is needed here, but dadi isn't well, so as Kabir's brother, I came here to ask for Zahra's hand for Kabir," Arzel's words dropped like a bomb, catching everyone off guard. Zaniyah, nervously watching their reactions, felt Arzel squeeze her hand reassuringly, offering silent support.

"But itni jaldi?" Zahra's mother expressed her hesitation, her voice trembling with concern.

Zahra was lost in her own thoughts, contemplating what she hadn't expressed to Kabir-her frustration and anger boiling inside her.

"ye to besharam ki tarah rishta maangne aagaya," Zahra mused inwardly, biting her lip as she glanced sideways at Kabir, who sat beside Arzel. Their eyes met, neither willing to break the intense gaze.