I know....I sometimes..... overreact to everything.......🤧
You might think I’m mentally unstable one moment saying, "I won’t write anymore," and the next, "I’ll delete my book."

I understand it’s not easy for you all to handle my mood swings, and I truly apologize for my behavior.🥺😔
I promise I won’t say such things again.
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HER POV

As we entered the hall, the darkness enveloped us. For a moment, it felt like stepping into another world quiet, still, almost ethereal. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could feel Irfaz's presence beside me, his steady hand never leaving mine.

Then, as if by magic, the first step we took caused the candles along the path to flicker to life. One by one, they illuminated in soft golden hues, casting gentle shadows that danced across the room. The glow seemed to follow our every move, as if the very room was acknowledging our arrival.

Each step we took, another candle flared to life, lighting our way through the darkened hall. It was like something out of a dream, the soft flickering lights creating a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic atmosphere.

I glanced at Irfaz, and for a brief moment, the weight of the world seemed to disappear. The pain in my foot lessened, replaced by the wonder of the moment. It was just us, moving together in perfect harmony, surrounded by the soft glow of the candles.

The world outside this space didn't matter.

I took another step, my heart beating faster as the candles continued to light, the hall transforming before our eyes. It felt like an omen.....something beautiful and powerful, like we were stepping into a new chapter.

As we moved further into the center of the hall, the atmosphere shifted. The soft glow of the candles that had been guiding our steps suddenly expanded, flooding the entire room with light. The once-muted space came alive, the chandeliers overhead shimmering with brilliance, their lights reflecting off the polished floors.

And then, as if on cue, a wave of sound swept over us. The silence that had filled the room moments before was replaced by loud cheers, applause, and the excited chatter of our guests. Their voices echoed off the walls, a powerful, collective welcome that made my heart skip a beat.

The warmth of their greetings enveloped us, pulling me deeper into the moment, where I almost forgot about the pain in my foot.

I felt Irfaz's hand tighten around mine as he turned to look at me, his face a mask of controlled calm, but I could see the glint of pride in his eyes.

We had arrived.

And somehow, despite everything that had happened, despite the uncertainty still lingering between us, the moment felt... right.

We made our way to the stage, the applause still ringing in my ears as we ascended the few steps leading to the raised platform. The grandeur of the room was overwhelming, but Irfaz's presence beside me kept me grounded, his hand warm around mine as we moved together.

The stage was beautifully decorated, with floral arrangements framing the seats we were about to occupy. As we reached the center, I felt the weight of everyone's gaze on us, but it wasn't uncomfortable rather, it felt ceremonial, like we were taking our place in a story that was just beginning.

I could see the guests seated in the audience, their faces lit up with smiles, whispering excitedly to one another as we sat down. The moment was filled with an odd mix of relief and anticipation, the kind that comes with the completion of a long journey.

I sat down beside Irfaz, adjusting my gown carefully to avoid putting pressure on my injured foot. The gentle pain from earlier was still there, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the warmth of the stage lights and the atmosphere around us.

Irfaz leaned slightly closer to me, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"You okay?" he asked, his concern still evident in his eyes.

I nodded, offering a small smile despite everything.

"I'm fine, just... a little overwhelmed," I admitted, the weight of the moment settling in.

As we settled on the stage, the warmth and excitement of the guests filled the air. One by one, they came up to greet us, their smiles wide, voices full of joy. Many offered gifts, their best wishes showering us like confetti. Each gesture was genuine, but there was something about the way they approached us that made everything feel real this was truly our moment.

And then, amidst the crowd, I saw familiar faces. My friends Sana, Seher, and a few of my colleagues from the office were making their way toward us, their expressions filled with excitement.

Before I could fully react, they broke into a spontaneous dance, their bodies moving in rhythm with the music that began to play. The song filled the hall with energy, and I recognized it instantly.

O, lukk-chipp na javo ji, manney deed karavo ji

Rae kyun tarsave ho, manney sakal dikhavo ji

Sana and Seher danced gracefully on the stage, and I was completely caught up in the moment when something unexpected happened the guy from the accident joined the girls' dance, along with Dewan, Zayn, and another guy I didn't recognize.

"Thaari saraarat sab jaanu main, chaudhari
Mahaarey se levo na panga ji main kehan lagi"

The whole atmosphere shifted as the unexpected energy swirled around me.

"Yeh black wala koun hai?" I asked Irfaz. He looked at me as if I'd betrayed him by checking out other guys.

"Biwi, sharam karo, hamari walima hai aur aap dusre paraye mard ko dekh rahi ho. Upar se pooch bhi rahi ho ki yeh ladka koun hai?" he said, his face full of mock sadness. "I am hurt, biwi."

Then, I couldn't help but laugh at his dramatic expression.

"Oh please, Irfaz, it's just a question! I was just curious" I replied, trying to hide my grin.

But his pout didn't go unnoticed, and I could see a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Acha? Tumhare liye to sab 'just a question' hota hai," he teased, leaning in closer as if to check if I was really paying attention to him.

Then, I quickly realized he wasn't letting me off that easily. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his pout deepened.

"Yeh aapka jawab nahi tha biwi," he said, his tone playful yet possessive.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," I said, reaching out to touch his arm. "No more checking out other guys."

"By the way, he's a school friend, and the others are too, from school," Irfaz explained.

"Ek secret btau?" I asked, grinning mischievously.

"NOO... BIWI... you can't say you've got a crush on him" he responded, wide-eyed.

"Just shut up, Irfaz Ahmed," I snapped, unable to hold back a laugh."

"Sorry" he said, placing his finger on his lips, trying to hold back his grin.
I quickly removed his finger from his lip.

"Aapki lips pe meri lips sajhti hain" I replied, teasing him with a mischievous smile under my veil.

His eyes widened for a second before a smirk crept onto his lips.

"Biwi, yeh kya sikh rahi ho aajkal?" he teased, pulling me a little closer.

I rolled my eyes, trying to act unaffected. "Bas, jo sikha h sirf Books se sikha h"

He chuckled, tilting his head. "Toh unko recreate karne ka kya iraada hai?"

My breath hitched for a moment, but before I could respond, the loud cheer of the crowd brought me back to reality. I quickly stepped back, my cheeks heating up.

"Walima pe tameez se raho, Mr. Irfaz Ahmed" I whispered.

He smirked. "Shaadi ke baad tameez ka kya kaam, Mrs. Irfaz Ahmed?"

Just then, the song switched, and the atmosphere in the hall transformed. The beats intensified, and the crowd erupted into cheers, completely immersed in the music. Laughter and excitement rippled through the air as people danced freely, lost in the moment.

Irfaz chuckled, shaking his head. "Bach gayi aap, Mrs. Ahmed. Warna main sachai prove karne wala tha."

I was vibing to the rhythm, swaying in my seat as everyone danced around us.

With a playful grin, I smacked his arm.

As the dance came to an end, Sana and Seher walked up to us, their faces glowing with excitement.

"Walima Mubarak!" they chimed in unison, handing me a beautifully wrapped gift. They stayed with me for about an hour, chatting and laughing, making me feel at ease.

Just then, I noticed my parents approaching us. A hint of nervousness crept in, and I shot a pleading look at Sana and Seher.

"Don't worry, Irfaz is here," they reassured me, patting my back before moving to stand beside me.

As my parents reached us, my mother, Shahin, smiled and asked, "Cake cut toh nahi kiya na?"

I shaked my head denying it.

They wished me warmly and clicked pictures with me, their smiles radiant under the soft lights.

"Aaj ke din toh niqab hata leti, Izel," Mom remarked, her tone light but expectant.

Before I could even open my mouth, Irfaz's voice sliced through the air, cold and unwavering. "Begarirati mujhe pasand nahi... aur unse zyada nafrat hai mujhe jo doosron ke faisle un par thopne ki koshish karte hain."

Mom fell silent, her lips pressing into a thin line as Irfaz's words settled in the air like an unshakable truth. The tension was palpable, but he didn't waver, his presence standing like a shield between me and the expectations weighing me down.

As we continued talking, Mom leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with a venom that sent a chill down my spine.

"Dekhte hain kab tak tumhari support karta hai tumhara shohar... Jab usse aur uske gharwalon ko pata chalega ki tumne apno ki khushi dafan kar di hai, tabhi dekhna kitne din tak tumhare liye pyaar rehta hai inki aankhon mein."

With that, she straightened up, casting me one last unreadable glance before turning on her heel and walking off the stage, leaving behind a storm that only I could feel brewing inside me.

I stood there, frozen for a moment, the weight of her words lingering in the air like smoke. Irfaz, sensing the shift in my mood, turned towards me, his expression softening as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

But all I could think about was my mother's whispered threat. Her words echoed in my mind, and a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Was she right? How long would his support last? Would the love between us really stand the test of time when the truth came to light?

I felt a lump form in my throat, but I swallowed it down, determined not to let the fear show. I couldn't let anyone see the cracks forming beneath the surface.

"Sab thik hai, Izel?" he asked, his voice gentle yet concerned.

I nodded, forcing a small smile, trying to reassure him.

"Pair mein zyada dard ho rahi hai kya? Baith jao," he said, his tone soft but firm as he guided me toward a seat.

I hesitated for a moment, the exhaustion from the night catching up to me, but his care and concern made it hard to resist. Slowly, I lowered myself into the chair, grateful for the brief moment of peace.

An hour later, the moment arrived. The lights dimmed slightly as the cake was brought forward, its rich aroma filling the air.

With a soft smile, Irfaz stood beside me, holding the knife. The crowd around us cheered in anticipation, their eyes on the two of us.

Together, we cut the cake, the sharp blade slicing through the sweet layers, marking the start of something new, something shared.

I watched as Irfaz took a piece of the cake, his eyes never leaving mine. With a small smile, he gently lifted my veil just enough to slide his hand underneath, his fingers brushing my skin as he fed me the sweet bite.

The gesture was intimate, tender, and for a moment, the world around us blurred. It felt like a quiet promise, a connection that spoke louder than words could ever express. The crowd around us cheered, but all I could focus on was him, the warmth of his hand, and the shared moment between us.

I took the piece of cake from his hand, my fingers brushing his lightly as I lifted it toward his lips. With a small, playful smile, I returned the gesture, feeding him the cake.

His eyes locked with mine, the exchange feeling almost sacred in the middle of the celebration. A quiet understanding passed between us, and I could feel the weight of his gaze, holding me steady in that moment. The crowd continued to cheer, but it was as if everything around us had faded, leaving just the two of us, sharing a moment that was ours alone.

After that, we made our way to the dinner table. Irfaz, ever the gentleman, helped me with my gown and veil, making sure I was comfortably seated before he went off to get me some food.

As I waited, my mind still swirling with the events of the evening, I suddenly heard a familiar voice. My heart skipped a beat, and I turned toward the sound, not sure what to expect.

Her words hit me like a slap, each one more cutting than the last. "Irfaz ne Izel se shaadi sirf ek samjhota hai, lekin uska dil kahin aur hi hai," she continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "Agar nana ka faisla nahi hota, aaj Irfaz ke saath main hoti." She paused, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Well, my chance is still there. Soon enough, Irfaz will leave Izel. Who likes a behenji these days, anyway?"

Her words hit like a punch to the gut, each one more hurtful than the last. I could feel my chest tighten, the sting of her jealousy and bitterness burning in my veins.

I clenched my fists, my heartbeat quickening as her words echoed in my mind. Without thinking twice, I stood up, my gown rustling as I moved. My footsteps were steady, determined, each step fueled by the anger boiling inside me.

The laughter in her voice only added to my resolve. I walked straight toward her, my eyes locked on hers, my presence cutting through her conversation like a blade. The moment she noticed me, her smirk faltered for a split second, but she quickly masked it with fake confidence.

I stopped right in front of her, my gaze unwavering. The air around us grew tense, and for the first time that night, it wasn't just my silence that spoke it was the storm brewing inside me.

I crossed my arms, tilting my head slightly as I looked straight into her eyes. My voice was calm, but every word carried an unmistakable edge.

"Let me hear too. Why don't you speak now?"

The color drained from Kinzal's face for a brief moment before she quickly composed herself, forcing a smirk. But I could see it the flicker of unease in her eyes.

The people around us fell silent, sensing the tension crackling in the air. I waited, daring her to repeat the words she had so confidently spoken just moments ago.

Kinzal scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she tried to regain her composure. "Oh please, Izel. You act so high and mighty, but deep down, you know the truth."

I raised a brow, unfazed. "And what truth is that, Kinzal? Enlighten me."

She crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with arrogance. "That Irfaz doesn't love you. This marriage? It's just a compromise. If Nana hadn't interfered, it would've been me by his side, not you."

I let out a small, humorless chuckle. "Oh really? And yet, here you are, standing on the sidelines, watching me wear his name while you can do nothing but talk behind my back."

Her jaw tightened, but she forced a smirk. "For now. But tell me, Izel, how long do you think this will last? How long before Irfaz realizes he's stuck with someone like you? A simple, boring behenji "

I stepped closer, cutting her off, my voice dangerously calm. "You seem very confident about my marriage breaking, Kinzal. Why? Do you plan on ruining it yourself?"

Her smirk wavered, but she held her ground. "I don't need to. A man like Irfaz won't stay bound by a forced relationship for long. The moment he realizes what he's missing.... "

"What he's missing?" I let out a slow breath, shaking my head with a smirk of my own. "Kinzal, the only thing he's missing is the peace he would've lost if he had ended up with someone as bitter as you."

Her eyes flared with anger, but before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted us.

"Kya ho raha hai yahan?"

I turned to see Irfaz standing there, his gaze shifting between us, his expression unreadable.

Kinzal immediately straightened, her smug expression faltering as Irfaz's sharp gaze landed on her. I, however, didn't move an inch, my confidence unwavering.

"Kuch nahi, bas Kinzal apni so-called sacchai suna rahi thi," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

Irfaz's brows furrowed as he looked at Kinzal, waiting for an explanation. She forced a sweet smile, trying to act innocent.

"Oh, Irfaz, I was just talking to Izel... she seems a little sensitive tonight."

I let out a dry chuckle. "Sensitive? Or just unwilling to tolerate nonsense?"

Irfaz's gaze darkened, sensing the tension. "Kinzal, agar tumhari baatein Izel ko disturb kar rahi hain, toh shayad tumhe ab yahan se jana chahiye," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Kinzal's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting him to side with me so easily. "Irfaz, you don't even know what she..."

"I don't need to know," he interrupted, his expression turning cold. "Mujhe bas yeh pata hai ki meri biwi uncomfortable feel kar rahi hai, aur mujhe uska farq padta hai."

His words were absolute, shutting down any possibility of argument. Kinzal's face flushed with humiliation, but she forced a bitter smile.

"Fine. But remember, Irfaz, some truths take time to reveal themselves." She tilted her head, her voice dripping with spite. "How long are you going to tolerate her? She has nothing that you ever wanted in a life partner."

Irfaz's jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin. He took a step closer to Kinzal, his eyes dark and unyielding.

"Bas Kinzal. Tumhari bakwaas ab aur nahi sunni mujhe." His voice was dangerously low, but the power in his words sent a clear message. "Tum kya samajhti ho? Main apni pasand nahi jaanta? Izel meri zindagi ka hissa hai, aur tum jitni bhi zeher uglo, yeh sach nahi badalne wala."

Kinzal scoffed, but I could see the flicker of unease in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but Irfaz cut her off sharply.

"Agar tumhari akal ab tak thikane nahi aayi, toh ek baat yaad rakhna" Irfaz's expression darkened as he took a step closer to Kinzal, his presence radiating an unshakable authority. His voice was dangerously calm, but every word carried a sharp edge.

"Izel meri biwi hai, aur yeh rishta kisi samjhote par nahi, meri marzi par bana hai." His eyes bore into hers, leaving no room for doubt.

"Agar tumhe ab bhi koi bharam hai, toh abhi tod do. Kyunki jo bhi is rishte ke beech aane ki koshish karega, uska anjaam main khud likhunga."

Kinzal's smirk wavered, her confidence cracking under the weight of his words. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but the sheer intensity in his gaze made her rethink it.

Irfaz took another step forward, lowering his voice but making sure every word struck deep. "Tumhari jagah meri zindagi mein na kabhi thi, na hai, na hogi. Samajh gayi ya aur izzat bech ke samjhoge?"

The silence that followed was deafening. Kinzal's face burned with humiliation, but she had no comeback, no more bitter words to throw. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed away.

Irfaz exhaled sharply before turning to me, his expression softening. "Tumhe kisi se bhi darne ki zaroorat nahi, Izel. Main hoon na."

I nodded, feeling reassured by his presence.

We turned back to the table. "Khana thanda ho gaya hai, garam leke aata hoon," he said.

"Rehne do, Irfaz. Itna garam kaafi hai, aur mujhe itna garam khana pasand nahi," I replied.

Before he could insist, Dewan appeared between us, placing fresh naan on our plates. 

"Lo bhabhi, garam garam naan!"

Ayesha plopped down beside us with an ice cream cup in hand. 

"Wahan garam garam gulab jamun aur badam ka halwa bhi hai! Jaldi yeh khao, phir saath milke khaate hain," she said excitedly.

A warm smile tugged at my lips. Their kindness made me feel at home something I had craved my whole life.

Dewan leaned in, mischief in his eyes.  "Waise bhabhi, woh naagin ki beti anaconda kya bol rahi thi aapse?"

"Apni politics shuru kar rahi thi, as always,"Irfaz said, feeding me a bite as I briefly lifted my veil, making sure only the four of us were around.

Ayesha huffed. "Bhabhi, main toh kehti hoon, suna diya karo uss Kinzal ko! Bachpan se peeche padi hai Irfaz bhai ke. Bhai kabhi bhaav nahi dete, phir bhi har jagah apna kenchuri chhodti rehti hai!"

I burst into laughter. "Kenchuri? Seriously, Ayesha?! Hahaha... yaar yeh mast dialogues tumhe milte kahaan se hain?"

Dewan grinned. "Dialogue nahi, reality hai! Bua apna zeher chhodti hai har jagah, aur Kinzal apni kenchuri!"

We all laughed together.

-----

After dinner, we got up to leave, Irfaz took my hand. "Ab chalo ghar. No arguments. Mere pair pe lagi hai, aur main aur koi risk nahi lena chahta."

I agreed without protest.

"Sana nahi dikh rahi... kahaan gayi woh chudail?" I asked playfully.

"Ahaan bhai ke saath dekha tha last mein," Dewan quipped.

Ayesha gasped dramatically. "Lagta hai Sana di humari next bhabhi banne waali hai!"

We all erupted into laughter again. Irfaz suddenly scooped me into his arms, carrying me bridal style to the car.

-----

When we reached home, he picked me up again and carried me straight to our room. 

Gently, he removed my hijab, taking his time to avoid pricking me with the pins. Once done, I lay down on the bed, too tired to even change.

"Begum, dress... aap utarengi ya main madad karoon?" He smirked, his tone laced with flirtation.

Despite my fatigue, I matched his mood. Leaning in, I whispered, "Agar aap kahen toh hum aapka bhi utaar dein...?"

He immediately sat up, crossing his arms over his chest as if shielding his honor. 

"Astagfirullah, biwi! Khuda ka khauf karo! Aise masoom shohar ki izzat nahi utarti!"

I stared at him in disbelief. "Isko kya ho gaya?"

"Mujhe pata hai tumhari niyat achi nahi hai, begum! Tum toh itni ashleel kitaabein bhi padhti ho..." he accused, grabbing the blanket and hiding under it. "Mujhe darr lag raha hai tumse!"

I smirked, playfully pulling the blanket away. "Han Halke Halke Aha Dheeme Dheeme, Oho Bikhri Meri Zulfein Sulja Na..." I trailed my fingers along his forehead, down his jawline, stopping at his lips. "Main Na Doori O Yes Seh Paungi, Aha Aisi.... "

Before I could tease him further, he flipped me under him in one swift motion. 

"Aise bhooke sher ke saamne shikaar nahi rakhte," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. "Jaan."

A shiver ran down my spine. I blushed profusely and quickly pushed him away. 

"Mujhe change karne do, Irfaz! Bohot ho gaya aaj ke liye. Ek toh nikah, phir walima ek hi din mein... ab suhagraat bhi ek hi din manaoge?"

"Ye toh tumhari saza hai, mujhe itna thaka diya aaj." i said Rolling my eyes, I struggled with my dress's zipper and finally sighed in frustration. 

"Unzip my dress. Now," I commanded before dashing into the dressing room.

I quickly changed into an oversized t-shirt and pajamas, removed my makeup, and did my skincare routine.

When I returned, I saw him stepping out of the bathroom, his damp hair tousled. He tossed the towel aside and walked straight to me, lifting me into his arms again.

Gently, he placed me on the bed before kneeling down and checking my injured foot something I had completely forgotten about.

Without a word, he applied antiseptic cream, then pulled the blanket over both of us.

I giggled. "It tickles."

His voice dropped to a husky whisper.

"Mat hilo, Izel. Warna jo hoga, uske zimmedar tum khud hogi... main apni hadh khone mein hoon."

A nervous thrill ran through me. I had no energy left... but it wasn't like I didn't want him too.

We drifted off to sleep in each other's arms wrapped in warmth, laughter, and a promise of something more.