I glanced at the itinerary card lying in front of me. A sense of relief washed over since the program for the night was over and dinner was about to end; I could finally retire to my room.

Despite our security concerns, we sure knew how to throw a soiree. Tonight was, but a taste of what was to come over the course of the next week. Dada Jaan took immense pride in the family's hospitality and generosity, and such ritzy gatherings had been a testament to that.

I scour the hall one last time, trying to spot a familiar pair of azure eyes in the crowd. Disappointment etched through me, there was no sign of Yaar. The hall had started emptying, the guests saying their good byes made their way out. It was pointless hoping Yaar would still make an appearance.

I felt agitated at Yaar's absence from the event, he was never one to disregard invitations. Despite my disappointment, my mind was abuzz with a surging perplexity. Something was amiss. My unexpected encounter with Aliyaar only added to my misgivings. Certainly the Chaudhry family had visited the Haveli earlier in the day, but why hadn't they stayed over for the dinner. Even Mother had confirmed their attendance earlier at lunch.

Chugging the last sip of my remaining coffee, I decided it was time to call it a night. The bitter taste of the drink mimicked my own emotions. I wasn't sure if it was anger, disappointment or plain sadness that I felt, but in that moment whatever remaining hope I had for the upcoming week was thwarted. I slowly walked up to Mother to announce my departure.

"The dinner was wonderful, Mum. I think I'll retire for the night now."

"But we still have a few guests remaining," her brows furrowed in disapproval. "It is highly improper to depart before the guests. Where are your manners?"  Her voice was laced with dismay.

"I barely know anyone here. It's been a long day. I'm tired," I countered, my shoulders drooped in silent fatigue.

Mother passed me a look of sympathy, but shook her head in nay. "It wouldn't reflect well on the family if the hosts left before the guests. Besides, your Dada Jaan and father wish to speak to you." I took cognisance of a cursory stiffness on mother's face, but like always, it was quickly replaced with a weak smile. The same pretentious smile that has long veiled any real emotions she felt. 

I stared at her trying to catch any fleeting hint regarding the looming conversation, but there were none. Despite the worrisome feeling settling in the pit of my stomach, I tried to put forward an impassive front. My brain, behind my collected facade, whizzed through the various predicaments.

"Now? It's almost midnight." I couldn't help but notice my shallowing tone.

Mother sighed, "The guests will be out soon. Take some rest in Abba Jaan's study if you're tired. We'll join you shortly."

"What is it about? Can't it wait till tomorrow?" I knew it was a futile attempt, but I had to try my luck.

"There are pressing issues that need to be addressed. I advise you take some rest in Abba Jaan's study. We will be there shortly," she said patting my cheek. "Don't stress. There is nothing to worry about."

But I knew better than to believe her.

➰➰➰

The walk back to Dada Jaan's study was thankfully uneventful, however despite the short distance the trip back felt unusually laborious as haunting thoughts weighed upon my mind. I slowly trudged along the unwinding hallways, up the never-ending flight of stairs to finally reach my destination. Pushing the heavy teak wood doors open, I stepped inside the dimly lit room. The sharp scent of burnt tobacco waft through the room, lingering as strongly as incense sticks. I lit the corner lamp and collapsed in the cozy armchair, rubbing my temples to in an attempt to calm my overzealous mind.

A deafening thunder cracked through the air, as if giving me a fair warning of the perils that were to come.

The next few hours would either pass as a blip in my day or could alter the trajectory of my life. I took a deep breathe, failing miserably to calm my fraying nerves. Unease blossomed from within and I realised how suddenly cold my hands felt, my mind a heavy bag of nerves. 

Time began to dissolve, slowly trickling away as I lay in the silent room hoping for time to stop. The occasional roaring thunders broke the monotony of the silence that shroud the room in an eerie shallowness. I drank in the silence that gazed my skin and soothed my soul, praying the storm would ebb into nothingness. I wasn't sure if my prayers were for the storm budding outside, promising to destroy everything in its wake, or the one squalling inside me, pledging to consume my being. I shuddered at the thought.

Soon enough the door creaked open announcing the arrival of the family. Dada Jaan, despite his age and frail health, possessed an impressively dominating personality, one demanding attention. His wrinkled forehead and heavily lidded eyes recounted the stories of his glorious past. Slowly he came and sat in the chair opposite me. I stood up to greet him as a mark of silent respect. He nodded for us to take a seat.

My parents along with my Taya and Tayi Ammi walked in, silently taking their seats around me. I was surprised when I saw Zaroon Bhai close the door behind him and walk in to sit next to me, patting my back soothingly. The tension in the room was palpable.

"How are you feeling, Shanzae? Is your research project over?" Dada Jaan finally spoke with a certain gentleness in voice.

"Tired, but I am well," I answered with a smile. "The project is nearing its end. We still have the final presentation remaining."

"I was not keen on sending our daughter away, but you have done me proud," I nodded graciously. This was perhaps the first time Dada Jaan's tone was laced with appreciation for me. My early apprehensions slowly began to diffuse. "It was never appreciated in our family for women to live alone, away from family in foreign land, so I am sure you can understand my earlier reservations. We are tied down by the chains of traditions and culture, beta; it is what makes us who we are. But your resolve and determination to get what you wanted proved to me you have the Malik blood coursing through those veins." Dada Jaan chuckled while Taya Abu and Dad offered me a proud smile, but mum's face was wreaked with a solemn expression.

"Umm, thank you..." I smiled awkwardly, unsure of how I should react.

Dada Jaan nodded, his expressions grim, "Last time we all gathered here, you had expressed your desire to work at the University, and we had respected your choice." I wanted to scoff at his choice of words, but remained silent. I needed to handle this tactfully, without letting emotions override any rational thought. However, anxiety and fear once again churned within me.

"And I am forever grateful for that." I said, chewing the inside of my cheek.

"Hmm. I hope in your time away from family, you have kept yourself well acquainted with the changing political climate of the country." I shake my head in silent agreement, willing for him to continue.

"Things are not how they used to be. They say change is the only constant. Indeed it is, but when the winds of change blow you can either build walls or windmills. The choice is ours. And I hope as the daughter of our family, you will stand by our choice, just like we stood by yours."

Dada Jaan's stiff posture loosened, but the knot in my stomach tightened. "I am not sure I'm following you here, Dada Jaan."

"You are aware how delicate these political issues are, especially when elections are near. Loyalties are hard to decipher, trust is easy to lose." He looked at Taya Abu, asking him to continue.

"The Election Commission has rejected 27 of our nominations for the upcoming elections." Taya Abu explained, the lines on his forehead deepening.

I gasped at the information. "Did we lose 27 seats without even contesting? How is that possible? Surely we can file a petition with the Election Commission."

"The Election Commission has rejected our petition. The case has been referred to the High Court. But you know how these things work." Zaroon Bhai interrupted, rubbing his temples. "The exit poll results don't seem too promising either. Maybe 95-100 seats. Given the current circumstances, a simple majority seems difficult."

"Why did the Election Commission reject 27 nominations?"

"We were betrayed. Nominations were filed incorrectly. Opposition has been gaining momentum. They've been gaslighting the people against us. Didn't you hear about Asif Yazdani resigning from the party. The dog was bought off." Zaroon Bhai snarled. The anger evident on his face.

"Dogs are loyal Zaroon, the man didn't know the meaning of the word. But he'll pay when the time is right." Dada Jaan said, his voice cold as ice, promising sweet revenge. A shiver ran down my spine. I was fully aware how unforgiving Dada Jaan was, Yazdani would pay with his life and there was nothing I could do to change that.

"Why are you tell me all this? You have never liked the girls getting involved with party politics."

"This isn't about party politics, my child, this is family." Mum interjected.

I sighed, bracing myself for what was to come. "The Supreme Court has set an inquiry to investigate our involvement with the price fixing of petrol. All our accounts from the refinery have been frozen. The funds are running tight." Dad finally spoke. "We have had to launder a lot of money abroad. I'm sure you know about the on going cases."

I tried to stay calm, but my form slumped against the chair. My breathe haggard, my limbs cold and unmoving, I felt numb. "How does any of this concern me?" I felt disgusted at the slight shiver in my voice.

"Chaudhry Sahab has offered help."

I narrowed my eyes at Taya Abu's word. "A collision government is what we're hoping for. They have a strong presence in South Punjab. We anticipate they'd win 80-85 seats. If we're able to form a block, we can easily skew the election results. Chaudhry has agreed to finance the election campaign as well. That is obviously till we free up our resources. We've had an in-depth discussion with them this afternoon."

Dada Jaan looked at me, a pensive expression riding his face. "Beta, Ahmed has asked for your hand in marriage for his son. Marriage is the only solution we can insure both parties stay true to their words. We are not in a position to trust anyone, we're surrounded by wolves. I..."

"STOP IT." I growled, anger palpitating through me. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms of my hands but my mind was numb to feel any pain. Flames of anger, frustration and hurt threaten to engulf my being, hot tears clouded my eyes waiting to spill out at the blink of my eyelids. What had I ever done to deserve such cold deception at the hands of my own family. A family that considered me no more than a pawn, which when well placed is more powerful than the king.

"Shanzae." Zaroon Bhai moved forward, taking my hands in a soothing embrace. "We have no other option. We can't let this ruin us, ruin the party, ruin our family. This fire will consume us all, we won't survive."

My eyes burnt with rage. "So you decided to pimp your sister out?" My voice came out cold and distant. Gasps sounded behind me, but I was too far gone to care. I would not let them dictate my life. "Am I no more than a business proposal for you? A means to an end? How could you sell yo.."

"You're overreacting, Shanzae." Dada Jaan cut in, his face and voice devoid of any emotion. "Think about it rationally. I'm sure the boy will keep you happy. He is your equal in every sense."

I took a deep breathe, the air around me seemed to suffocate me. My thoughts waft through my mind like a haze of smoke. I closed my eyes with a heavy sigh, trying piece together my thoughts and emotions. Yes, I liked Yaar. But did I want to marry him, especially with this outrageous arrangement looming over my head? Did I not have the right to take my own decision?

I look up to meet the stony gaze of my grandfather. "Why me?"

"Ahmed Chaudhry doesn't have a daughter. Otherwise, we would have preferred Zayan or Zaroon to get married." Taya Abu sighed.

The thought of Layla crossed my mind, but did I really want to see Layla and Yaar together? But before I could give it enough thought the words frumbled from my mouth, "What about Layla? I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

Dada Jaan looked at Zaroon Bhai, before returning his gaze at me, "Zaroon has expressed his wish to marry Layla. I can not deny my grandson."

Everyone in the room turned their look at Zaroon Bhai, who looked away flustered at the sudden attention. It was certain no one apart from Dada Jaan and Zaroon Bhai knew of this.

Another thunder cracked in the air and I felt myself drowning in the storm.

"I need some time. To think." I said getting up, readying to leave the room. I left without waiting for a reply.

➰➰➰

I stepped outside into the courtyard only to be welcomed by the torrent of rain. Lightening illuminated a brilliant shock of white, shrouding the stormy dark sky with its blinding incandescence. Jagged bolts continued to light up the graphite sky. The sound of emptiness disrupted by the thunderous booms of explosions. The winds howled in agony, icing me with its cold. Bursts of water washed over me, drenching me in my sorrow. I looked up into the sky, staring into nothingness as my mind turned into a disorientated chaos.

Dread crept up my spine in an icy chill, numbing my mind and freezing my steps. I stood rooted, as the events of the day finally sank in.

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Thoughts guys?
Also, not a fan of cousin marriages, but needed a strong justification why Layla wasn't considered instead of Shanzae. And my poor brain couldn't cook up anything thing else at the moment.

Hope you enjoyed the update. As usual looking forward to your votes & comments. ♥️