On the fifth day, Halima returned home with Lajjo after their exams. Lajjo went to the room Halima had arranged for her, a temporary refuge from her troubles. Her mother had neither asked her to come back nor come to see her, and Lajjo trembled, fearing what would happen once they discovered she wasn't at home.
As Halima closed the door to her own room, the evening had begun to settle in. Tonight, he was coming. She needed to prepare herself,For him.
She walked over to her almirah, taking out the red dress, jhumkis, and other jewelry. She wanted to adorn herself-for him.
After a bath, she slipped into that very same red dress she had taken from the haveli. She adorned herself with jhumkis, a delicate chain, and filled her wrists with red, green, and golden bangles that jingled softly with each movement.
A dab of cream, a touch of powder, a stroke of surma around her eyes, and a hint of lipstick completed her look. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a flutter of excitement and nerves in her chest.
Perfect-she looked just like Rafia now. Ahmed bhai adored Rafia, especially when she dressed beautifully like this.
Last night, she had asked Bakhto for mehndi, and now her hands were adorned with its intricate, dark designs.
She walked into the kitchen, where all the maids paused, surprised at the sight of her.
"Bibi... aap bohut acchi lag rahi ho," Shanno said with a warm smile. Halima smiled back and sat down beside her as Shanno handed her a plate of food and a glass of water.
In the living room, she settled on the couch to eat, and as her mother entered, her gaze fell on Halima's adorned appearance.
Halima's mother now understood that nothing had happened between Halima and Raza on their wedding night. She also realized that the reason Halima wasn't staying there was because there was no relationship between her and Raza,He didn't wanted that untill she turns Eighteen.
"Itni saj-dhaj kar kyu baithi hai?" her mother asked, raising an eyebrow in question.
(Why are you all dressed up like this?)
Halima hesitated briefly, watching as her mother sat across from her, then quietly replied, "Wo aaj aarahe hai."
(He is coming today.)
"What trust can you place in a man? The moment a woman presents herself before him, he melts," her mother thought, deciding to make Halima do things that would eventually compel him to take her to her in-laws' house.
Her mother's eyes narrowed as she asked pointedly, "Accha... hambistari hui abhi tak ya nahi?"
(Oh... have you two been intimate yet?)
Halima choked on her food, caught off guard by the question. She knew exactly what her mother meant, but the words hit her unexpectedly. Lowering her gaze, she remained silent, her thoughts drifting back to Raza's words.
He told her not to share their personal life with anyone else.
Halima's lowered gaze as shyness and smiled. "Listen, whenever intimacy happens between you both, be mindful that you're not with a child, because you're here, and then people will talk. Everyone knows that you came back the next day and nothing happened between you two.No one knows that He comes here to meet you,For husband and wife, this is an act of virtue. Never refuse Raza."
Halima stared at her plate, her eyes widening at her mother's words. She blurted out, "It's an act of virtue?"
Her mother nodded, her smile unwavering. "The bond between husband and wife becomes strong for this reason. No one can give a man the satisfaction that his wife can."
Confusion washed over Halima's face. How could this be a source of peace for a man? "Mother, Satisfaction??"
Her mother regarded her doubtfully before responding. "When a man seeks peace and Satisfaction from a woman's body, he finds happiness. And if a wife cannot fulfill this need, then a man seeks it with another woman outside."
Halima's heart sank at the thought of Raza with another woman, and she swallowed hard. "No, he can never do that," she insisted, her eyes locking onto her mother's, fear palpable in her gaze.
Her mother smiled at Halima for the first time in a long while. "Wo jo kahe aur karna chahe, karne dena. Aur mujhe yakeen hai, Raza tujhe kabhi dhokha nahi dega. Bohut bhola hai wo baccha."
(Let him say and do what he wants. And I am sure Raza will never deceive you. He is a very innocent child.)
Halima blinked, resolving to do anything and discuss this topic with him once he arrived today.
After finishing her meal, she made her way back to her room; the night had already fallen. The day after tomorrow marked her last exam, and then she would finally be free from school. She exhaled, gathered her books, and sat on the bed.
After studying for two hours, she visited Lajjo's room. They chatted for a while before Halima returned to her own room. Suddenly, her steps halted as she heard a voice.
"Koi aurat aai hai Raza ke saath," his father spoke, and Halima's heart raced in her chest. Her body trembled as she recalled her mother's earlier words.
(A woman has come with Raza.)
She took a deep breath and entered her room, closing the door behind her as she began to pace.
Raza and a woman?
How is that even possible?
Tears streamed down her cheeks as her mind spiraled into the worst scenarios. She sank on the mattress of bed, crying and waiting for him, but with each passing moment, her heart felt heavier.
Her head throbbed, and her eyelids grew heavy. Leaning against the headboard, she drifted off into a restless sleep.
After an hour, someone entered her room and sat beside her. He studied her face and her sitting position before gently caressing her cheek. His gaze lingered on how she had adorned herself with jewelry, making her look ethereal in red.
Suddenly, the electricity in the entire house went out. He glanced around, trying to see anything in the darkness. He cautiously stepped out, calling for Shanno, who rushed in with a lantern. He asked for another lantern, and she returned with it.
Locking the door behind him, he slowly walked toward the bed and placed the lantern on the bedside table. His eyes fell on her again; the warm glow of the lantern illuminated half of her body and face.
After nearly five weeks apart, he couldn't take his eyes off her. He longed to wake her, but his heart hesitated, knowing she was exhausted from her studies and exams.
He settled beside her and gently removed her dupatta, placing it aside. His gaze traced her form, and he shook his head as thoughts swirled in his mind. His eyes moved to her necklace and jhumki, then settled on her arms adorned with bangles.
Doesn't it feel too heavy? he mused, looking at her bangles. His gaze shifted to the golden ones, and a smile tugged at his lips. He raised an eyebrow and slowly reached for her jhumka, but as he attempted to remove it, she suddenly flinched, feeling the sharp tug on her ear. Instinctively, she pushed him away without opening her eyes.
When she finally opened her eyes, shock washed over her as she found him on the floor. She was about to scream when she caught his gaze illuminated by the dim lantern light.
Her heart raced, and her body trembled as their eyes locked. He didn't utter a word; he just continued to gaze into her eyes.
Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she then felt his hand caressing her cheek. Opening her eyes, she was met with his intense stare.
"Kaisi ho?" he asked, tucking her hair behind her ear before his hand reached for her jhumki again.
(How are you?)
She didn't respond, simply captivated by his presence, finding him even more handsome in the soft light.
As his fingers brushed against her ear, goosebumps erupted across her skin. He successfully removed her jhumka, a challenging task, and with a sigh of relief, placed both jhumkis on the side table.
The gold sparkled even brighter in the warm glow of the lantern. Halima swallowed hard, tears brimming in her eyes, feeling as though she were bound by invisible chains. She was unable to speak or move, longing to embrace him but feeling paralyzed.
Her lips trembled as she sensed him reaching for her necklace too. Every gentle touch ignited a fire within her, both body and mind.
"Itne din mein goongi ho gayi ho?" he teased, taking her hand as his eyes locked onto hers.
(Have you gone mute all this time?)
His smile faded as he brushed his thumb across her cheek, collecting the tears that had fallen. He shook his head slowly, gesturing for her not to cry. Suddenly, she found the strength to leap into his arms.
She hugged him tightly, and he stumbled back, landing on the mattress. He wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, savoring the moment they had longed for.
He caressed her back slowly, his fingers trailing up to her hair, savoring every delicate curve of her. Her soft, warm body pressed firmly against his chest, filling the air with an intoxicating closeness.
Soft cries escaped her lips, echoing gently in the room as he continued stroking her back, feeling her face nestled into the crook of his neck and shoulder.
Carefully, he shifted, lowering her onto the bed so that she lay beneath him. His hands braced on either side of her, holding his weight, careful not to overwhelm her.
Her hands lifted to his cheeks, her gaze searching his face, filled with a longing that seemed to reach his soul.
"Mujhe pata chal gaya hai, aapko meri bilkul bhi fikar nahi hai..." she murmured, her voice a gentle accusation that pierced him.
(I've realized... you don't care about me at all...)
"Aap mujhse mohabbat nahi karte hai?" she asked, her tone wavering with vulnerability, but he stayed silent, his intense gaze fixed on her lips.
(You don't love me, do you?)
"Aap mujhe chor denge..." she whispered, her voice trembling, each word stirring a profound ache within him.
(You will leave me...)
His gaze softened, and he spoke, his voice a low murmur. "Tum bohot khoobsurat lag rahi ho meri dulhan, meri mohabbat, meri zindagi ho tum. Zindagi ko kabhi hum chhod sakte hai kya?" His lips brushed her cheek, sending a gentle warmth through her.
(You look so beautiful, my bride, my love, my life. Can anyone ever leave their life?)
She closed her eyes as his lips touched her cheek, surrendering to the moment, her head sinking deeper into the mattress.
He gazed into her eyes, then pressed soft, reverent kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, and finally the bridge of her nose. His touch soothed her, easing the tension in her nerves, filling her with peace.
"Mai kuch maangun aaj toh dogi?" he asked, his gaze holding hers with a quiet intensity.
(If I ask for something tonight, will you give it to me?)
She swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Pichli baar diya tha maangne par toh aap itne hafte mujhse door ho gaye. Ab dungi toh kitne mahino ke liye jayenge?"
(Last time I gave in to your request, you stayed away for weeks. If I give it now, for how many months will you leave?)
A helpless smile tugged at his lips. "Tumhe kyun lagta hai ki mai tumse door jaana chahta hoon?" he asked, his hand tenderly grazing her cheek.
(Why do you think I want to be away from you?)
"Wo kaun hai?" she murmured, the question slipping out as memories of her father's words surfaced.
(Who is she?)
"Kaun wo?" he replied, his brows knitting in confusion.
(Who?)
"Koi ladki aai hai aapke saath..." she began hesitantly, watching as the warmth drained from his eyes.
(Some girl came with you...)
He pulled away slowly, resuming his previous position on the bed. Her heartbeat quickened as she sat up behind him, feeling the chill of distance between them.
"Aap na bataien, koi baat nahi," she said, trying to calm the tension in the air. "Gussa mat kijiyega. Wo maine abba se suna tha, bas iss liye poocha." She reached out, gently clasping his arm, drawing herself closer to him.
(It's okay if you don't want to say anything. --Don't be upset, please. I only asked because I heard it from my father.)
"Dange me uske gharwale mar gaye... akeli sadak par thi toh... mujhse bardaasht nahi hua jab usne madad maangi," he explained, his voice softening as he closed his eyes. "Socha ki haveli mein kaam karegi aur khaane ko mil jaayega usse teen waqt ka."
("Her family was killed in the riots... she was alone on the streets. I couldn't turn her away when she asked for help. I thought she could work at the haveli and get three meals a day.")
A wave of relief washed over her, and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Aap jo maangenge, mai dene ke liye tayyar hun."
(Whatever you ask for, I'm ready to give.)
A sad smile crossed his face as he took her hand from his chest, guiding her to sit beside him. He shifted slightly, looking into her eyes with a trace of pain.
"Tumne soch kaise liya, Halima? Tumhare dil mein ye shaq paida kaise ho sakta hai?" he asked, his tone carrying both hurt and Anger.
(How could you even think this, Halima? How could such doubt enter your heart?)
She lowered her eyes, guilt shadowing her features. "Nahi... maine toh bas yaad aane par pooch liya tha," she whispered, unable to meet his gaze. She knew, deep down, he was right.
(No... I only asked because it came to mind.)
"Tum mujhe nahi samajh paaogi... par mujhe tumhari aankhein padhni aati hain," he said, standing up, his gaze piercing as if seeing straight into her soul.
(You might never understand me... but I know how to read your eyes.)
Without thinking, she grabbed his hand, a desperate attempt to keep him close. He paused, looking down at their joined hands, then back up into her eyes, his expression unreadable yet filled with a quiet, unspoken promise.
"Jab yakeen aajaye, tab aise laal joda pehn kar baithna aur..." he murmured, his gaze locked onto hers as he leaned closer.
(When you finally have faith, wear a red dress like this and sit here waiting...)
Slowly, he lifted his hand to her lips, brushing his thumb across them and smudging her lipstick. "Ye lagana tab hi... kyunki ye yakeen ka safar hai. Be yakeeni logon ki zindagiya barbaad kar deti hai."
(Only wear this then... because this is a journey of trust. Doubt can destroy lives.)
The red lipstick now blurred around her chin, leaving a faint stain on her cheeks, as she sat in silence, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, not daring to blink.
Without another word, he stood up, crossed to the door, opened it, and walked out, leaving her there-silent, shaken, and alone.
This was not she expected after waiting so long....
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