Zaira couldn't believe what she saw.

It was utterly ridiculous. No, this could not be happening to her.

She seriously wanted someone to wake her up from this nightmare.

Agreeing to this, was one thing. But what she saw now was beyond comprehensible. To say that it was unintelligible would be an understatement. This could not get any worse.

What sort of a trial was this?

She had agreed, placing all trust in her Rabb. But now, she didn't really know what her Lord had planned for her.

The one who was stalking towards her, was a man, alright.

It was Zubair.

The last person on earth, who she wanted to tie herself with.

Wait.

Why did he even agree to this? Was he in his sound mind when he consented to this?

As soon as Zubair's eyes caught her's across the hall, a bewildered look took over his calm features. He faltered a little in his steps. Then looked at me from top to bottom, like he was assuring himself what he saw. Like he was making sure, I was the bride of the ceremony.

But soon after, he schooled his features into a blank slate and walked steadily.

Good. Atleast I am not the only one who feels lost at the turn of the events.

The thing is, their parents had hurried on with the proceedings soon after they had given their consent. The Nikah and Reception took place on the same day with only hours apart. It didn't even make sense. But, she was fine with the arrangements. Because, she wanted to be done with all the festivities as soon as possible.

Frankly, both the bride and groom, hadn't got any chance to even look at each other.

They had agreed on this marriage due to few reasons. The primary one being, to please their Lord. Appearance wasn't a matter they both had considered vital. They both hadn't taken the liberty to see their spouses.

While, Zubair shot the idea down, as soon as it was brought up.

Zaira hadn't even got the chance. That's right. She lived in a peculiar family.

When they had signed the papers, earlier in the Masjid, there had been a screen in between. But now at the venue, they faced each other, honestly, it was not going to be pleasant.

The initial shock had worn off and now both were lost in their own worlds accepting their Qadr.

Because both knew, that now only their Lord would be able to help them.

After the array of photos they had to pose to, and eating dinner, in which it was very clear to anyone's eye that both the bride and groom had no appetite or interest in food whatsoever, both of them bid farewell to everyone.

Zaira quite reluctantly said her goodbyes to her rather distant family.

A few tears were expected from the side of the bride, but nobody noticed them. Zaira was really depressed. Because she knew, once she kept foot out of there, and stayed her new journey, her family would probably distant themselves from her. She knew of the consequences all too well.

It had always been her in the family, who kept everyone involved. Be it Eid, a Holiday, Vacation, or even a family affair, it had always been her who had always initiated them.

The one who had cared.

She wasn't complaining. Never.

She was blessed with a complete family. A father who could provide her. A mother who cared for their well being. A little sister and a brother.

But it ran in their gene. Their distant nature, discomfort with intimacy, displaying affection and voicing their love.

Amidst all that, only Zaira had taken the liberty to fix it. But it all would go down the drain, once she left.

She could see the doom from a mile away.

She wasn't worried for herself. She just hoped, once her siblings reached the age of maturity, they'd be understanding of their parents. Like she had come in terms to.

Insha Allah.

She hugged her mother, father, Zainab and Zain for the last time, and alighted the car.

The ride was silent.

Why?

Because Mr.Khan was in the passenger seat. So obviously they couldn't talk. Or else words would have been thrown at each other in lightning speed. Once they reached the house, Zubair got out, and he was pulled aside by some boys his age. Zaira assumed them to be his cousins.

And she secretly hoped that they would prank him, on her behalf too. When she got off the car, her father in law guided her inside, and her mother in-law , sisters in law and cousins in law were all inside. They welcomed her warmly.  

At that point Zaira knew, however much she questioned marrying him, and however much she hated the new adjustment, she had people who she could trust and who would care for her.

At last, after all came to an end, nearing midnight, with Zubair's sister , Ayra's help,  Zaira reached her room. Bidding a good night, she closed the door and went into the washroom, changed into her comfortable night clothes and refreshened herself.

When she came out, she almost jumped out of her skin. For Zubair was staring at her.

For a whole minute both just looked at each other, silently.

Zaira broke the silence, "Why?".

They both knew what she was talking about. But hearing her voice only intensified his frustration, further. Looking away, he replied "Don't ask me. I should be asking that from you."

"I guess it would be pointless for both of us to continue this conversation then."  Zaira told.

She offered her night prayers and sat on the bed.

"Wait."

Zubair's cold tone pierced the air. He proceeded to stalk towards the bed .

Then he placed few extra pillows in the middle forming a barrier.

"Don't cross this". Zaira couldn't believe this.

Was he insane? Why is he so childish!?

She decided if he could play the childish card, she could play it too.

"Hey. Don't tell me we are sharing the bed. Let's not force ourselves?"

He walked toward her. His face was mere inches apart from hers.

"This is my room. If you want, you can sleep on the floor. I'll do what I want."

and he left.

Begrudgingly Zaira lay on the bed.

Zubair offered his Salah, and then retired to his bed. 

But both were well aware of each other's movements. They didn't sleep at all.
Because their minds were disarrayed.

It might seems like nothing big, but this reunion brought in a much more serious game to the stage.

Little did they know that their Lord had lots of  plans for them.

***