HER POV

As the days passed, finally, the day of my downfall arrived. I stood frozen, surrounded by the vibrant decorations and cheerful chatter of our guests. The whole house was adorned with flowers, and the air was thick with the scent of perfume and food.

But amidst all the joy and celebration, I felt a heavy weight crushing my heart. Why was I being forced into this unwanted marriage?

My biological parents, who knew the struggles they had faced in their own arranged marriage, were now pushing me into the same fate. They were posing for photos, beaming with pride, but I knew they were only thinking of their own benefits. They didn’t care about my happiness or well-being.

As the arrived Maulvi, the Nikkah ceremony began.

He asked , Irfan Jamal my soon-to-be husband, “Irfaz Ahmed, do you accept this marriage to ?”

{REB: Goizzzz, I was struggling to figure out how to write it replacing a groom during the “nikkah” is practically impossible because the name is called out, even in reference to their father. So, I made the names almost the same IRFAZ and IRFAN. That way, you won’t get confused while reading and think I made a spelling mistake or something.}

Irfan’s voice echoed through the room, “Qubool hai, qubool hai, qubool hai” - I accept, I accept, I accept.

The Maulvi then turned to me, his eyes piercing through my soul.

“Izel Khan, do you accept this marriage to Irfaz Ahmed?”

I was stunned, my heart racing as I heard his name. I froze, unable to speak. Did he say Irfan or Irfaz? I was so confused at that moment. My mom rushed to my side, her voice urgent.

“Qubool hai, bolo jaldi - Say yes, quickly!”

She forced me to nod, and the Maulvi asked again,

“Izel Khan, do you accept this marriage to Irfaz Ahmed?”

With tears streaming down my face, I whispered,

“Qubool hai...” - I accept.

We both signed our , the contract of our marriage. I felt like I was signing away my freedom, my happiness, and my future.

-----

As the ceremony ended, we were ushered to the dinner table. The food was lavish, but I couldn’t eat. My heart was heavy, my mind racing with thoughts of escape, of rebellion. But I knew I was trapped. After dinner, it was time for the Ruksati, the farewell ceremony. I would be leaving my home, my family, and my life behind. I felt like I was walking towards a prison, not a new life.

As I looked around at the smiling faces, I felt a sense of despair wash over me.

Why was I being forced into this life?

Why couldn’t I choose my own path?

The tears I had been holding back began to fall, and I knew that this was just the beginning of my nightmare.

FLASHBACK (START)

Author’s POV

As Izel’s parents were preparing for her nikkah, Asma Kazimi, Izel’s mother, received a phone call.

“I’ll deposit 10 crore into your company fund, but in return, you must give me your daughter,” the caller demanded.

Without hesitation, Asma replied, “Of course, we can arrange that. We’ll give you Shahin, she’s still in college, so it might take some time.”

“No, I want the girl who’s getting married today. I don’t want to wait. If you delay, I’ll delay your funds or maybe even change my mind. Think carefully,” he warned before abruptly hanging up.

Asma stood frozen, the phone still pressed to her ear, her heart pounding. She glanced at her husband, her face pale with shock.

“What are we going to do?” she whispered.

Her husband, Zaid Khan frowned deeply. “Who was that? Why does he want our daughter?” His mind raced, trying to make sense of the demand.

Asma swallowed hard, trying to gather her thoughts.

“He’s one of our investors. If we don’t comply, we could lose everything,” she explained, her voice filled with dread.

Zaid clenched his fists. “I won’t let anyone take her. We need to protect Izel at any cost,” he said firmly, determination settling in his eyes.

“but It’s a good thing,” Asma thought, her greedy mind beginning to turn. “The Jamal Industries people weren’t offering anything, but this man is giving us 10 crore just for a wedding. Who knows what more he might give us later?”

Her thoughts spun as she considered the possibilities, tempted by the fortune that could follow. Asma’s mind raced, torn between greed and the reality of what was at stake. She glanced at Izel, who was blissfully unaware, getting ready for her nikkah.

Zaid, noticing Asma’s silence, asked, “You’re not actually considering this, are you? How could we even think about it?”

Asma hesitated, her thoughts still clouded by the promise of wealth.

“Zaid, do you realize what this could mean for us? Our business, our future? 10 crore isn’t a small amount. We could secure everything our name, our legacy. And who knows, maybe this man will offer us even more.”

Zaid’s face darkened with disbelief. “At what cost, Asma? Our daughter’s life? Her happiness?” He shook his head, his voice stern. “I won’t sell Izel for any amount of money. You need to snap out of this.”

“Oh please, shut up, Zaid!” Asma snapped. “You’re already arranging this marriage for your business with Jamal Industries, so what’s the big deal? We just need to change the groom, that’s all. And it’s not like Izel is happy with this wedding either,” she added, her tone cold and dismissive.

Zaid stared at her in disbelief, his fists clenching. “Asma, this isn’t just about business this is our daughter’s life! You’re talking about her like she’s some kind of deal to be made.”

Asma crossed her arms, unmoved. “That’s exactly what it is, Zaid. You think you’re doing her any favors by marrying her off to Jamal’s son? At least this way, we get something substantial in return.”

Zaid’s face hardened. “You’ve completely lost sight of what’s important. I won’t let you ruin Izel’s life for your greed.”

Before she could respond, the phone rang again, its sharp sound slicing through the tense atmosphere.

Zaid reached for it, his hand trembling slightly. “Who is this?” he demanded.

The voice on the other end was cold and calculated. “So, have you made your decision? The clock is ticking. You know the consequences if you refuse.”

Zaid’s jaw tightened as he listened, fury and fear battling within him. “We won’t be bullied into giving you our daughter,” he said through gritted teeth, his grip on the phone tightening.

“Very well,” the caller replied, his tone sinister. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’ll make sure you regret this.”

The line went dead, leaving Zaid and Asma in stunned silence. “Pagal ho kya? Kya bewakufi kar rahe ho!” Asma scolded Zaid, her frustration boiling over. Ignoring his protests, she grabbed the phone and quickly dialed the number again.

The man answered, his voice cold and impatient. “Speak. If you’re not ready, otherwise......”

“We’re ready,” Asma cut him off sharply, her decision firm.

There was a brief pause on the other end, and then the man’s tone shifted, pleased. “Well, good decision,” he said, his sinister satisfaction clear.

“Tum pagal ho gayi ho, Asma! Kya musibat la rahi ho tum? Tumhe pata bhi hai?” Zaid asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and concern.

Asma shot Zaid a defiant look, her eyes blazing with determination. “I know exactly what I’m doing, Zaid. This is our chance to secure our future. Don’t you see? The Jamal Industries deal is falling apart, and this man is offering us a way out.”

Zaid shook his head, frustration evident on his face. “You’re willing to gamble our daughter’s happiness for money? What if this man has ulterior motives? You’re only thinking about the money, Asma!”

Asma took a step closer, her voice steady. “I’m thinking about our family’s legacy. Izel deserves a life that we can provide for her. We can’t just let this opportunity slip away.”

Zaid sighed heavily, torn between his love for Izel and his wife’s ambition. “But at what cost, Asma? We can’t lose sight of what’s truly important. Izel’s happiness should come first.”

“Sometimes, happiness comes from security,” Asma replied, her tone softening slightly. “We’ll figure it out, Zaid. Just trust me this once.”

----------------

As the ceremony began, Asma glanced around anxiously. “Where is he?” she asked Zaid, her voice laced with frustration.

“You know. You’re the one who agreed to this, not me,” Zaid replied defensively, crossing his arms.

Just then, a waiter approached, handing Asma a letter with a subtle nod. She unfolded it, her heart racing as she read the contents:“Everything is ready. Make sure your daughter says yes, otherwise...”

Asma’s breath caught in her throat, the ominous warning sending chills down her spine. She glanced at Zaid, whose expression had shifted from irritation to alarm.

“What does it say?” he demanded, stepping closer.

Asma hesitated, the weight of the words heavy in the air. “It... it says we need to make sure Izel agrees to this. Or else.”

Zaid’s eyes narrowed, a mix of anger and concern flooding his features. “Or else what? We can’t let them threaten us like this!”

Asma’s hands trembled as she clutched the letter. “I know, but if we don’t go along with this, it could ruin everything for us. We need to keep Izel safe.”

Zaid ran a hand through his hair, frustration boiling over. “We need to protect our daughter, not trap her in a marriage she doesn’t want!”

But it was too late; the maulvi had already started the ceremony. Asma turned to Izel, desperation in her eyes.

FLASBACK (END)