Two months had passed since Inaya’s father and Zain’s family happily agreed to unite Inaya and Zain in marriage. Today, Zain’s father was visiting Inaya’s house to discuss the wedding arrangements.

“How are you, my brother?” Mr. Shah asked Mr. Rashid (Inaya’s father).

“I’m absolutely fine. What about you?” Rashid replied, embracing his friend.

“I’m well. You know why I’m here,” Shah said, narrowing his eyes playfully.

“Yes, I do. Please, have a seat,” Rashid invited, motioning toward the sofa.

As they settled in, the maid began serving tea and snacks. Shah glanced at Rashid and smiled.

“I spoke to Zain, and he’s on board. I think we should plan an engagement to solidify their relationship,” Shah suggested, taking a sip of tea.

“Absolutely, but let’s take our time. Inaya will need to shop for clothes and other preparations,” Rashid replied, causing Shah to chuckle.

“I’m glad we can fulfill my sister’s wish. If she was here, she’d be overjoyed to see Inaya and Zain getting married,” Shah said, his voice thick with emotion.

“I miss her too. She made me promise to ensure Inaya marries into our family because she loved her so much,” Rashid said, blinking back tears.

“I’m happy my sister’s legacy will continue through my daughter-in-law,” Shah smiled.

They chatted about various matters before Shah left for home.

Meanwhile, Malik and Inaya were shopping at the mall. Malik was speaking with a salesgirl about an item, and Inaya was glaring at him.

“What’s wrong? You look like an angry bird,” he teased, pinching her nose.

“Why were you asking her and about what?” she shot back, her tone annoyed, making him laugh at her possessiveness.

“I was inquiring about a dress I ordered for you,” he explained, making her eyes widen in surprise.

“Okay, but you could have asked a guy! I’m upset now; let’s leave......I don’t want to buy anything,” she pouted.

“Don’t make that cute face, or I’ll lose control,” he said in a husky voice, sending a shiver down her spine.

“Shut up! We’re in public!” she exclaimed, playfully hitting his chest.

“What’s wrong with loving you publicly? I could claim you right here infront of everyone, but I won’t because you’re a shy baby” he replied, making her blush as nearby shoppers giggled at their banter.

Inaya turned and walked out of the store, heading to the car. Malik sighed and followed her, trying to soothe her feelings. Once inside the car, he took her hand gently.

“Oh, my wildcat, what am I going to do with you?” he said, smiling.

“Just take me home,” she said, still looking out the window.

“Alright, but I won’t say it in front of anyone else,” he said, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles.

“Don’t touch me! You’re so bad. Why were you looking at that girl?” she said, her voice wavering.

“Oh! love, I wasn’t looking at her. I was just checking her hand—the one with the dress I ordered,” he explained, trying to reassure her.

“I trust you, but I don’t like the thought of anyone seeing you or you seeing someone else,” she confessed, tears brimming in her eyes.

“I would never think of that. By the way, weren’t you hungry?” he asked, shifting the conversation.

She nodded, and they headed to a restaurant where they enjoyed a light-hearted meal filled with teasing and laughter. Months passed quickly, and their love deepened, unaware that a significant challenge loomed ahead.

One evening, Inaya returned home and sensed something was off about her father. Her father Rashid was waiting for her in the living room, a serious expression on his face.

“I want to discuss your marriage. Shah has sent a proposal of Zain for you, and I accepted it. He wants to get you both engaged the day after tomorrow,” he said, leaving Inaya speechless.

“W-why did you agree?” she asked, her heart racing.

“I’m your father; I know what’s best for you. This is your mother’s wish, and Zain is a good guy,” he replied, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I don’t want to marry him! How can you decide without asking me?” she protested, struggling to keep her voice steady.

“I am your father, and I will choose what’s best for you,” Rashid insisted.

“But, Dad, I want to marry someone else!” she said, fear creeping into her voice.

Rashid’s expression hardened. “This is my final decision. You will marry Zain. No more discussion,” he said, storming off to his room.

Stunned, Inaya sat in silence, feeling numb. The pain in her heart grew unbearable at the thought of losing Malik, and tears streamed down her face.

She couldn’t bear the thought of a life without Malik, nor could she imagine herself by anyone else's side. The idea of loving someone else felt unimaginable, a betrayal of everything she held close to her heart.

Yet she knew her father was set in his ways—unyielding, traditional, and determined to see her wed to Zain. Now, a feeling of helplessness settled over her, a deep fear that soon, against her will, she would be bound to someone she could never truly love.

She sat there trying to understand what was happening with her. how in a minute her life changed, she was so happy with Malik in the morning, they laugh, eat and now she was seeing Malik getting away from him.

She sat there, struggling to make sense of what was happening. Just this morning, she had been so happy with Malik.....they had laughed together, shared lunch, and for a moment, everything had felt perfect.

But now, in the span of a single day, her world had shifted. She could feel him slipping away, a distance growing between them that she couldn’t control. It was as if her happiness had shattered in an instant, leaving her feeling lost and helpless.

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𝑽𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉💖