Finally, the day had arrived when he was going to officially take her back to his house as his wife. Haider remained true to his promise and on exact Friday, he had arranged a formal ceremony to announce their marriage. It was more for Ishmal's relatives than his own who were mostly present at their actual wedding. Yet, some of his colleagues, subordinates, and head were also present which were absent earlier as Haider didn't want his own circle to know that he got married.

Ishmal was wearing a grey-blue tissue dress with beads and sequins work. There was embroidery from pure hand embellishment on the neckline, front, sleeves, and borders. Even though it wasn't a bridal dress in the true sense, but she had delicately wrapped its blue dupatta over her head while letting her hair fall free on her back. Haider wouldn't deny that she was looking stunning tonight. But more than any accessories, it was the way of her carrying herself so modestly by covering her head and chest which was making her more attractive and respectful in his eyes.

He had always thought about the crazy plans of tempting her innocent mind and claiming her as his own but right now, he loved the innocent vibes she was giving. He himself was wearing a crisp blue suit, looking handsome as usual.

Haider had put his hand over the small of her back as he was introducing her to his friends and colleagues. When they back on the stage, Ishmal was confused finding him staring at her without saying a word.

"What's wrong?" She asked, as her cheeks turned pink due to embarrassment and here Haider groaned.

He tightened his grip on her soft skin. "I am thinking of ending this party now, throw you on my shoulder, and take you to our bedroom. It is enough of my patience now."

Very soon the pink turned red and Ishmal looked down in shyness. "What are you saying?"

Haider smirked. "Damn this blush. I can't wait to see more of it."

He relished the changing colors popping on her face. He really couldn't wait to show her that how much he loved her.

Aqia somehow agreed to their reunion after seeing Haider's instances. However, she hadn't fully accepted Ishmal yet. Seeing her face, she was already on the verge of losing everything. Ishmal remembered the time when she came to their house a few days ago and discussed everything with her family. Aqia was so distant and stern at that moment too. But Ishmal gave it to the fact that she might be a bit frantic at her. If they had accepted her back, that meant they had resolved every skepticism regarding her.

To be honest, Ishmal was more scared about how to appear in front of Haider's family again. She had left their house without saying a word to them. They knew she was also involved in the lie of this marriage. She didn't know how to face them again. Even though, a while ago, Unaiza had come to meet her when the dinner had settled on every table with a heartwarming smile.

"Ishmal Bhabi, I am so glad to see you back," she commented excitedly, holding her hands.

"How are you, Unaiza?" Last time, Ishmal recalled this girl was the first one who had welcomed her with open arms and there was no any difference now.

"I am good. You are looking very pretty by the way," Unaiza said with a smile.

"Thank you," Ishmal whispered.

Unaiza shook her head. "No need." Then she looked at her and Haider back and forth. "May Allah keep both of you happy."

"Ameen. Gurya, thank you too for always being so nice and sweet," Haider gently replied and put a hand over her head.

"You guys enjoy your meal. If you need anything, give me a call. I'll be here," she informed them before leaving.

Ishmal suddenly started hearing her heartbeat in her ear. All those nerves became higher with each passing moment. How would she again make a space in the hearts of everyone? As the whole world, they also knew she had left her house and the talks she had heard about her weren't anything good. The mere idea of being known to Haider's family as a girl who fled in the darkness of the night was so bothersome for her. Her palm started getting sweaty.

"Ishmal, why aren't you eating?" Haider questioned her in confusion.

"I am full," she lied.

Haider placed his hand over her. "Are you anxious? There's no need to be worried. I am with you. I won't let anyone disrespect you. You are my honor now."

Ishmal smiled as her crystal brown eyes became wet. Maybe she needed to hear something like this right now.

Haider smiled back. "Now eat peacefully. Do you need anything else?"

"No, it's fine," Ishmal murmured before picking up the spoon again. On top of everything, she didn't want to get Haider worried.

"Haider Bhai, the manager of Marquee is looking out for you." It was Huzaifa who came towards them.

He momentarily glanced at Ishmal before settling his attention back on his brother.

"Why don't you handle it?" Haider raised a brow.

Huzaifa shrugged his shoulders. "You booked this hall so I don't know the deeper things. I think so you should see him."

Haider nodded. "I guess so." He then gazed at Ishmal. "I'll come in a while."

Ishmal nodded quickly. Huzaifa had again tried to glance at her but there was a strangeness in his eyes which made her apprehensive.

"Hi Bhabi," he eventually greeted her, with his signature twisted smug.

Ishmal smiled. "Hello Huzaifa. How are you doing?"

"Fit and handsome as usual. You enjoy some alone time here. Your husband gonna come in a while," he told her. 

When Huzaifa was gone, she realized how much weird all of this was. She never felt this much unfamiliarity with Haider's family even when she was living a life of a contract wife. Not everyone was like Unaiza who could make you feel at home by her behavior. She might had to work hard to make a space for herself in their hearts.

She picked up the glass of water and gulped it. She was still drinking when she sensed someone's presence beside her. Ishmal lifted her head to find Aqia standing there. She quickly stood up.

"AssalamoAlaikum Ammi," she greeted respectfully.

"Don't call me this. Only my kids call me a mother. So drop this act and show your true face. Sit," Aqia ordered.

Ishmal who first was listening to her with a dropped jaw shuddered at her sudden demanding voice. "What?"

"I said sit," Aqia muttered, sternly.

Ishmal again occupied her seat nevertheless. Aqia sat opposite her on the sofa.

"I don't have any time to waste on you to give any preface. So tell me straightaway; what's your motive?" Aqia inquired, crossing her legs over one another.

"What are you saying? I don't understand." Ishmal was seriously stunned.

Aqia smirked. "Stop this useless drama of innocence. You know what I am saying. Why do you need it from my son? Why aren't you leaving his side? Tell me without any fear and believe me, I won't tell anyone and give you what you want as much as you like."

Ishmal gasped with the effect of humiliation. "What do you mean? I am Haider's wife and we want this marriage. What else do I need other than his companionship?"

"Money. Property. Or anything else." Aqia moved her hand in the air.

Tears brimmed in Ishmal's eyes. "I don't know what you are saying."

"I know girls like you very well. You have kept men on your fingers. With what are you blackmailing Haider? Because he hates women. He married you only to get rid of the idea of women in his life altogether. So with which thing are you making him a fool that he actually wants to bring you into his life?" Aqia snarled in anger but she made sure to lower her voice.

Ishmal looked around. There were so many people here. She tried hard to withhold her tears. "I am not like this. I love him."

"Oh I know how you are," Aqia laughed. "The girls like you are a stain on the name of a woman. Don't know what you had been doing that according to you, your stepfather was crazy for you. I don't know even if it's true or not. Maybe you had a boyfriend who asked you to flee. And now you have gotten my son to make a fool."

Ishmal's vision became hazy as she looked at the woman who she thought of as a mother. "Don't say things like that, for God's sake."

Aqia glared at her. "Listen, girl. I never wanted you to again step inside my house. But sadly, it is happening. Because Haider is adamant about it. I have accepted you somehow but beware. Don't hurt my son. He cares for you so if you dare to betray him, I swear I will be the worst you would have ever seen. Keep this in your mind."

Ishmal took a deep breath inside to swallow back the tears. When she succeeded, she nodded sharply.

"Mom, you here?" Haider came back and looked at the scene curiously.

                    _________________

AssalamoAlaikum/ Hi guys!

How are you?

Here's a new chapter.

I hope you like it. ❤

Do you think Aqia was too harsh?

Or did you relate to her reaction?

What do you think will happen next?

If you like this chapter, don't forget to vote and comment. ❤

Allah Hafiz/ Bye. ❤❤