ENOUIA

Humsafar 《4》

Nadaan hai wo kehte hain jo
Meray liye Tum ho Ghair
♡
نادان ہیں وہ کہتے ہیں جو
میرے لیے تم ہو غیر

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The sun was beginning to set, casting a dim golden glow through the windows of the Shah household. The once lively home was now quiet, its walls heavy with the echoes of memories and the weight of grief. Four months had passed since Sara's death, but the pain lingered like a shadow, refusing to dissipate. Today, the family gathered for a simple ceremony, one devoid of celebration or joy. Amara and Ghazan's nikah was not one anyone had envisioned, least of all the bride and groom themselves.

Amara sat on the sofa, dressed in a plain purple lawn suit, her hands trembling as they gripped the edge of her red dupatta. Her mother, Hafsa Begum, stood beside her, eyes filled with unshed tears, her hands clasped together in a silent prayer. Asma Begum, Ghazan's mother, watched from a distance, her face pale and drawn. Azeem Hashmani had his head bowed, struggling to maintain his composure. The atmosphere was sombre, filled with the quiet understanding of a sacrifice being made.

Ghazan stood near the window, his white shalwar kameez immaculate, but his eyes distant, staring out at nothing. He looked like a statue carved out of marble, unmoving and unyielding, but there was a softness in his eyes when he glanced at Amara. He couldn't believe this was happening, that he had just accepted her as his wife. The thought was surreal - Amara, his little cousin, now his partner for life. The decision felt like a betrayal to Sara, but he knew it was the right thing to do for the family, for Amara.

The maulvi recited the nikah quietly, the verses filling the room. Amara's heart raced as the moment approached when she would have to speak. When her turn came, she raised her eyes and looked directly at Ghazan. Her gaze was hard, filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.

"Qubool hai," she said, her voice steady but laced with bitterness.

Ghazan's face softened as he heard her words. He knew she was hurt, that she felt cornered into this marriage. He had expected her anger, her resentment. He couldn't blame her for it.

The maulvi turned to him, and Ghazan took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. "Qubool hai," he said firmly, his eyes never leaving Amara's face.

When the ceremony was over, there was no celebration, no clapping, or congratulations. Hafsa Begum stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears as she reached out to her daughter. "Amara, beta," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."

Amara pulled back from her mother's touch, her expression turning cold. "Sorry?" she said, her voice sharp. "You're sorry for what, Ammi? For pushing me into a marriage I never wanted? For making me marry the man who was married to my sister?"

Hafsa Begum flinched as if she had been slapped. "Beta, we just wanted what was best for you," she pleaded, her hands shaking.

Amara scoffed, turning her gaze away. "What's best for me? Or what's best for everyone else?"

Asma Begum stepped forward, her expression stern. "Amara, that's enough," she said sharply. "This is not the time or place for such talk. We all know what we've lost."

Ghazan's face darkened as he heard his mother's tone. He turned to her, his voice low and cold. "Ammi, please," he said, his eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't the time to lecture her. She's hurting. Let her speak."

Asma Begum's mouth opened in surprise, but she quickly closed it, stepping back. She had never seen Ghazan speak to her with such vehemence before, especially not in defence of someone else.