Minal's POV:

I don't believe it, I was in utter shock listening to aunt Anila, she told me dad's decision about my wedding, no idea what he was up to this time, but surely he have his own benefit behind it,

I am not going to allow him to destroy my life, he already ruined my mother's but not me this time,

Mom suffered just because of me, for my better future now I can't let him ruin my life,

"I am not going to marry anyone by his choice," I said angrily trying to hold back these traitor tears, looking straight into her eyes, she sighed,

"Minal, you don't have any option, you have to do this either by your consent or not you know your father very well,"

"No aunt Anila, I am not going to do this, I will rather die before complying to his evil deeds," I said, feeling my anger rising, but I know it's useless to talk to her, she won't be helping me in this situation, I have to talk to dad myself.

"Minal, I can understand your feelings, but child there is no other option for you to accept his decision, you know he can kill you and no one will ever know it," she hold my hand and wipe a lone tear slide my cheek,

She is right

But

I can't risk my life

I look at the mark on my wrist, it reminds of that horrible night, I might have died that night, it was a miracle I am alive today, aunt Anila follow my gaze and patted my shoulder, pity visible from her eyes.

I look away and turn to face the window, feeling of helplessness sitting inside me, I don't want to cry but tears started flow from my eyes, I aggressively wipe them and close my eyes.

Ya Allah, please help me, silent prayer escape from my lips, barely audible

"Do you remember Mr. Malik?" aunt Anila ask, I try to think, but can't remember who he is,

"No," I replied, still trying to recall him it seems I have heard this name before,

"He was very close to your grandfather, he was like a son to him," she told me,

"Oh, yes, I remember him," Uncle Malik was a great guy, grandpa was very fond of him he helped grandpa in his business, Grandpa trusted him with his business more than his own son.

I met him when I use to go office with grandpa he was such a nice and loving man, but I never heard from him since grandpa died.

"How do you know him?" I ask Aunt Anila, frowning my brows, she ignore my question

"Shahwaiz and Shahzain are his sons" she replied, I gave her a questioning look, no idea what she is talking about,

"Your father wants you to marry Shahwaiz," she told me, I watched her with wide eyes in total shock,

"You are kidding right?" I asked in disbelieve, she shook her head, "No, I am serious, I think this might turn out in your favour, he is after all your grandfather's relative.

"I don't know, I don't feel good with this situation," I said, sitting on the nearby sofa, rubbing my forehead as it started to ache.

Uncle Malik never come back to grandpa after he establish his business in Singapore, he didn't even keep any contact with us, then how come I can trust him, I don't know him well and they want me to marry his son? It's impossible to marry someone you never met, it will be a biggest risk to take in life.

I started pacing around, Aunt Anila left taping my shoulder,

Either I ran away from here or I shall marry this guy, there are only two options for me,

But, leaving this house might be more dangerous, it will be easier for them to find me and marrying uncle Malik's son will be unfolding a new chapter in life, either it will be in my favour or the opposite,

I cover my face with my hands and drop myself on the couch, Oh My Allah, what should I do? I am lost, I cried out in frustration watching dark sky through the open windows

"Whenever you feel you are stuck somewhere and there is no way out ask Allah SWT for help and guidance, surely Allah SWT will show you the right way," mom's words echoed in my mind, I look up at the sky and wipe my tears and got myself prepare for Salah.

"And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent" [Quran 65:3]

"So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief" [Quran 94:5-6]

"O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient." (Q. 2:153)

"Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you." (Q. 2:185)

"When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near..." (Q. 2:186)

"Allah does not charge a soul except (with that within) its capacity." (Q. 2:286)

All verses started to repeat in my mind as I offer my prayers, my heart was beating loudly and tears running down my face like a stream, I gave it all, I prayed to Allah SWT like I never before I prayed all night asking for his help and guidance, I close Quran and put it back on shelf, I look outside the window, the rays of sun started to tint the black sky, sunbeams illuminating the darkness.

I stood up from my place and look at the sun rising from the horizon,

After every darkness there is a light, I said to myself, the anxiety, terror, distress and pain vanished inside me, I was feeling myself light hearted, like something lifted off my heavy heart.

My lips stretch into a sly smile, I have made my decision.

******

"Minal!" I heard Zehrish calling me from downstairs, I zipped her bags and make my way to the lounge where she was sitting with her friends taking a body massage, she has practically change the whole room into some spa.

Skin care and different kind of cosmetic products and oil jars scattered everywhere, scented candles were lit mixing with the heavenly smell of white roses and lily in the room was filled with,

"Yes," I look at Zehrish as she tried to sit up from the massage table,

"Have you packed my bags?" she asks while sipping some kind of green shake, I nodded watching her friend lying on the next table and different kind of stones were placed on her back, I tilted my face watching different colour and size of stones in a basket and some were on the steamer as well, what kind of theory is behind these stones? Do they use them for body massage?

"Ouch!" I shriek as a crystal ball made contact with my arm, I look up to find angry Zehrish staring me, "What?" I asked, knitting my brows,

"You are not listening to me!" she shouted, "I am listening, okay, I know what you are saying," I said rubbing my arm,

"Tell me what I told you?" she asks mockingly.

I supress myself to roll my eyes at her, "You want me to polish and pack all your shoes in separate boxes and arrange them according to the colour card in your drawer" I reply, "Yes, now go!" she says and lay back closing her eyes and a woman started to apply some weird kind of gel on her face,

After getting done with all my work I come back to my room and lay on my bed, I am exhausted with all the packing and cleaning, I haven't started to pack my things yet and I only have few hours left, but I am too tired to do anything right now.

I look up to the door and saw Aunt Anila entering with a mug in her hand which she pass to me with a small smile,

"Here, I got you a cup of hot chocolate, I am sure it will help in this cold weather," she says and sit beside me, I smile and took it from her with a thank you,

"Have you done your preparation?" she asks looking around, I shook my head,

"We will leave early in the morning tomorrow Minal, you don't have much time, come let me help you," she says getting up from my bed but I didn't say anything just took a sip from my hot chocolate,

"Where are we going?" I ask,

"Mr Malik has organized this wedding in one of his estate, he has invited us to stay there till the wedding, all our guests will be staying there too," she told me,

"Well, that place must be huge," I said watching her taking my clothes out of my wardrobe,

"He has planned a destination wedding, it was Shahzain's idea,"

"What's destination wedding?" I asks, mentally palming myself not to know much about these things

She laughs and pinch my cheek, "destination wedding is usually at high-end resort or in foreign country, and it's kind of a wedding party where guests stay for about a week and wedding activities take place,"

'OHH..." was my only reply, I don't know whether I should ask her anything else or not, I make fun of myself,

"You should take rest Minal, you look tired after all you are also a bride," She said folding my clothes and place them in a suitcase, I smile, hearing the word bride seems foreign to my ears, I know it's our wedding, but Zehrish wants me to do all her work, I don't know why.

She has been busy in shopping and going out since the date has been finalized, only three days and all things will change, a shiver ran down my spine at that thought.

I met Shahzain today when he came to meet Zehrish, he is such a nice guy, he is friendly and such a kind man, he talk to me about my studies and my hobbies, even though I don't have much to tell about myself but I like talking to him, he gave me that brotherly feeling, I felt happy talking to him, but what about his brother?

I don't know anything about him, nothing..... Just his name...

"Minal, you should sleep dear, it's getting late, I have packed all your stuff, don't worry about it and there are your clothes for tomorrow so be a nice girl and get dress nicely," Aunt Anila said zipping suitcase and stands from her place,

"It's strange you got all your belongings in a single bag and Zehrish has nine bags filled with her things," she says, I shrug my shoulder, I don't like gathering things for myself and you know well about Dad, he treats both of us differently," I said looking at my hands, feeling of uneasiness settling inside me,

"Don't worry Minal, I am sure this marriage will wash away all your worries and pain, it will be best for both of you," she says holding my hand in her,

"I hope," I take my hand from her and give her a weak smile,

"Good night," she says getting up and close the door behind her, I sigh and walk to the bathroom and change into my pyjamas, I got into my bed after offering my prayers.

****

I look at the view through the window of our car and lazily open the book and resume reading, Aunt Anila was sitting beside me and Zehrish was sleeping and dad was in passenger seat giving direction to the driver.

"We are almost there," Dad said to Zehrish as he shakes her shoulder to wake her up, she groggily opens her eyes, "Dad, we are not there yet, why did you wake me up?" she asks and lay back on her seat closing her eyes again

After thirty minutes' drive we stopped in front of huge metal gates, with huge M written in the middle like a symbol or something, but it was beautiful, I wonder how it will be from inside, I got excited by thinking of it.

Dad hold out something to a middle age man wearing dark blue suit with a pin of MALIK'S on his jacket he seems to be security guard, he watched us and started talking to someone from his ear piece and nodded after pushing a button from his cabin and signalled other men to lower the weapon which I didn't see earlier, there were guards in every corner of this place, a very high security measures were taken already, they were checking each and every car coming but they let us go after a quick inspection, Dad motion driver to drive in.

As we go inside the place, my eyes grew bigger as I saw how stunning this place is, now I understand why the security was high alert, the whole road was covered with gigantic trees, giving a beautiful view and peaceful shadow from the scorching sunlight after few minutes' drive we enter the open area, I look around with amusement beautiful landscapes of this property was really amazing, big trees, beautifully trimmed bushes, gazebos and fish ponds were there enhancing the beauty of this property, I spotted a flower maze from afar as we proceeded in, as we drive further I saw a huge swimming pool, some people standing beside it, holding trays in their hands.

Driver stop the car near a massive fountain, I look up and saw a magnificent palace, I swear this was the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life, it was literally a palace in front of us, it screamed power and wealth, everything was so enchanting and beautiful.

"Close your mouth Minal," Aunt Whisper from my side and I instantly shut my mouth but I didn't know someone has already seen me watching it with my mouth wide open,

"I am sure you will like it in here all your things will be shifted to your rooms," Shahzain says after the greetings, he still holds Dad's hand as he watch me with a smile on his lips,

"I presume you like this place," he says as we started to go inside, Zehrish was busy clicking pictures of every corner of this place, I look up to him,

"Yes, Masha Allah this place is beautiful, beyond my imagination, Thank you for inviting us," I reply admiring this place, he chuckle and let me through the gigantic oak doors,

"Well, it's not my doing, this place belongs to my brother, Shahwaiz, he is the owner, I only suggested to have wedding ceremony here," I stay quiet this time, just give him a smile, I don't know why but just listening to his name make my heart flip.

We entered the enormous living room dominating white and brown colour, there were high marble pillars and wooden floorings giving strong look to the interior of room, the furnishing was so elegant and extremely expensive, well-crafted tables, porcelain and crystal figures, outstanding paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henry Matisse, look extremely expensive, everything there seems luxurious.

We were greeted by a team of staff wearing well-tailored crispy uniform, as we enter the living room saw some people sitting and enjoying refreshments, Shahzain move forward and introduce us to those guests, which happens to be his uncle with his family from Spain.

I stood silently beside Aunt Anila, while Zehrish introduced herself to Shahzain's relatives cheerfully, I only shake hand and smile in return who ever come to me, it was overwhelming, it was after such a long time I was meeting so many people, but I felt a bit uncomfortable as I saw Shahzain taking Zehrish to all his relatives like he was proud to show her to them, while I stood there alone after Aunt Anila excused herself and went with Dad but it's okay, it won't bother me anymore, I will get use to it.

I was wondering where was Uncle Malik and Shahwaiz, I haven't meet any of them since we arrive, Shahzain told me Uncle Malik was busy in a meeting he will join us shortly but he didn't mention anything about his brother,

After a while a middle age woman come to me and with a small smile, ask me to follow her as Uncle Malik has called for me,

Hesitantly I got up from the armchair and smooth out my dress with my hands and walk behind her but she waited for me to join her.

She didn't say anything to me while she took me to uncle's study room, she only motions me to enter as I stood blankly in front of a dark brown oak door, I slightly knock and waited for an answer,

There was no answer but the door opens and I saw a man looking at me while he talks something into his earpiece,

"Miss Minal?" he asked,

I nodded, he took a step back and let me in, hiding my shaky hands at my back I entered, but stopped after taking couple of steps, this room was enormous millions of books were neatly placed in the rows of shelves on my right, I look around and saw a small lounge area where a dark brown leather sofa set was placed with small coffee table, beneath that table was white and grey rug finishing the look, near to the lounge was a glass wall full of trophies and certificates, I admire the colour theme of this room as I look around in awe this was such a beautiful library I ever seen in my life everything here was so posh and classy, I started to doubt myself, I am I capable to live according to their standard?

"Miss this way please," a man standing behind me spoke and lead me into adjacent room which seems to be office, this was in the combination of beige and dark chocolate brown a huge desk table was occupying the middle area, on top was a 20-inch-high tech mac and phone on the other side, I look at my side where 90-inch black plasma was covering the whole wall, I look back at the table and found a middle age man watching me with a welcoming smile,

"Assalam O Alikum," I said with a shaky voice, he turns and got up from his leather padded high raise chair and walked to me,

"Walikum as salam Beta, how are you?" he asked, placing his hand on my head,

"I am good thank you Sir," I replied, he laugh, and make me sit on the cough next to his office table,

"I am your father in law dear, you should call me dad or baba Jan like Shahwaiz and Shahzain," he took a seat beside me and pour tea into a cup,

"Here," he says placing it in front of me,

"No uncle, you should have it first," I said, placing the tea cup in front of him, this was so embarrassing for me, my father in law pouring tea for me? I mean I should be the one to serve it to him, isn't it?

"It's okay beta, relax," he said and take a sip of his tea,

"I am really happy to meet you again," he says after a while, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat,

"Don't mind uncle but I only have some glimpse of past of you, I don't remember much about your or your family" I said softly lowering my head,

He patted my head with affection, "I know my dear child, you don't remember me but I never forget the promise I made to your grandfather, he was like a father figure to me, he practically made me what I am today and I am so grateful to him otherwise I would have been living in some kind of orphanage or something," he told me with a sadness in his voice, I looked up to him,

"But uncle your family is one of the wealthiest and powerful family in this country," I tell him what aunt Anila has told me before,

"It's a long story dear, time is not the same for everyone, it changes and heal all the wound and take away the pain, but the scars on your soul remains which reminds you of those dark time of your life, He said after taking a long breath,

"Well, we are not going to talk about the past today I am happy to finally meet you," he says with a small smile, I smiled back and took a cup from the table, he seems friendly and I like talking to him, he was a father everyone could ever imagine to have we talked about random things he asked me about my studies, my interest and in the end I told him about my mother.

"May Allah grant her a highest place in Jannah," he says as I wiped a lone tear from my cheek,

"don't cry dear, she is in much better place," he says as he sees my tear, I took a long breath and calm myself,

"Can I ask you something Baba Jan?" I ask

"yes, sure" he replies

"Do you know about my father?" I ask him again, he chuckled and let out an audible breath,

"I know him very well dear I know everything he has done to you, don't worry I will make him pay what he did to you and to your mother," he says with anger,

I blankly look at him; how did he know all this??

"You must be wondering how I know?" he asks, I nodded,

"I have my ways dear, I offered him this proposal for your betterment, I am sure you and Shahwaiz will live a happy life, he is a bit different but I am sure you are a perfect match for him,"

I smile in response,

"I think you haven't meet him yet? Did you?" he asks, I shook my head,

"No, I met Shahzain," I reply, "I like him, he such a nice guy," he patted my head again,

"okay, wait here I will call for Shahwaiz, you two should meet, it's only two days left in your wedding," he says and push a button from a controller in his hand, after few seconds the same man enters and stood in front of us,

"Ask Shahwaiz to come here," Baba Jan says and that man walks away with a nod,

Okay now this getting highly uncomfortable now, I wipe my sweaty palms and took a deep breath in to calm my nerves, I don't know why but I the feeling of uneasiness starting to settle inside me.

There was a knock after few minutes which made me jump from my seat,

"Calm down dear, he is not going to eat you? Why are you so scared?" uncle joked and make me sit on the couch again,

I don't understand my feelings either why I am feeling uneasiness meeting this man who is going to share the rest of my life?

I hold my breath as I saw Baba Jan pressing the button to open the lock on the door.

******

Okay my lovelies, I know I took too long to update, I am extremely sorry for that, my mother in law is hospitalized and I had to be with her all the time and I didn't have enough time to think about writing but in last few weeks you guys have PM me and commented when I am going to update, so here it is only for your guys, I hope you will enjoy reading it

Do let me know how you guys want Minal to meet Shahwaiz?

How their meeting will end up?? Good or bad??

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Until next time

Allah Hafiz

Stay safe

Stay blessed

Iraj