It was Sunday. I have no college today and dad also home. Just few days has left for the engagement and dad and mom were very busy in the preparation. I couldn't sleep properly at night because of that incident happened in the cafe roaming in my mind. I didn't tell anything about that to anybody. Don't know why but, I felt like not telling.
Who was he? Did he mistaken me as someone else. But the way he behaved with me is confusing. His amber eyes which drilled to me say something else. There is something in that, the way he kept staring at me sent goosebumps. I don't want to meet him again.
Ignoring the thought of that anonymous man I decided to take Shahil to the nearby children park which he loves to play with his friends.
Sitting on one off the bench in the park I watched Shahil play. He was the happiest when I bring him here. Whenever I am free I bring him to the park as seeing him playing happily makes me happy too. So that I can forget unnecessary things that bother me.
It was almost 5.30 and it's been two hours since we came here and, seeing Shahil still playing I know he will throw a tantrum to go home.
Buying an ice cream convinced him as we walked to the home. There was a car parked in-front of my house. Realizing it was a black Tesla I got shocked. My favorite car which I can buy only in my dream stood before my eyes. Admiring its beauty I entered inside the house holding Shahil's hand. In the hall my dad and mom was seated in the sofa and there sat another man opposite to them. His face was not visible to me as I was facing his back.
Seeing my both parents expressions I sense something is wrong.
"Shafiyya go to your room with Shahil". My dad shouted at me angrily. Hearing his angry voice I began to walk towards my room which is in upstairs with Shahil's hand in mine.
Before I reach the stairs. " stop" came the voice, hearing that, abruptly my legs halted.
I know that voice. It's him. The man from the cafe, but what is he doing here in my house. I was shocked to see him here.
He got up from the sofa and made his way towards me that made me take a step back. He was wearing a black suit with grey tie. He was very tall and big. His appearance made everything so small around him. He stood before me shoving his one hand inside his pant pocket looking into my eyes. I couldn't stand on his gaze on me it was very strong that made me to look away.
"Don't you hear? We have already gave our response. So please leave my house" My dad said to him but he kept still staring at me.
"Shafiyya, I told you to go to the room" my dad yelled at me again and before I turn to leave he spoke.
"I want her" he said still looking at me. "Stop the engagement. I want to marry her. Tell me when you are ready so I can bring my mom to ask her hand for me" he spoke nonchalantly.
"I won't take no as an answer and you have no any other choice". Don't try to do anything stupid or else you will face the consequences. I am asking her in a good way so It will be good to behave the same" saying that to my dad he left the house leaving all of us in utter shock.
I still didn't understand. What is he talking about.
I saw the face of my dad who is very angry and my mom who is very upset.
"Mom, what's happening? Who is that and what is he talking about?" I asked them.
"I will give a police complaint on him". Saying this, dad left there to grab the landline.
I set beside my mom and held her hand. "Mom, just tell me what's happening. Why is he here. He is scaring me" I asked worriedly.
"We don't know beta, he just came and asked to stop your engagement saying he wants you. Asked your dad marry you to him. Do you know him? Have you ever meet him anywhere?"
I nodded in negative as a response. I have met him once but didn't tell that. What they will think of me if I say that. What would I say.
Dad hurried to me and pat on my head lovingly.
"Don't worry beta I will take care of him. We must hurry the nikah and no need an engagement so he can't do anything. I will talk to Asir's family about that. You be happy and prepare for the ceremony" I went num hearing him but I didn't say anything to him instead went to my room.
I want some time alone to process what's happening around me. Everything happens so sudden, it was very hard for me to accept. First Asir and now this man.
It was 1 in the morning. Sleeping is faraway for me. Letting all my sorrows and worries to my lord I felt little relief yet thinking of that alpha like man made me anxious. What is he wants to do with me. Whatever it is , it's not good for me.
............
My dad didn't let me go to college today as my sudden nikah date was fixed to tomorrow to the request of my dad. Asir's family was okay with this soon nikah as they planned grandly the reception which after that I will be staying with Asir'S family. Shahil was still sleeping. I did my fajr prayer and recited the Quran for a while. After that I went downstairs to help my mom who is busy in making breakfast.
I stirred the pancake batter while mom was doing the dishes. Hearing the calling bell sound I went to open the door. There stood a man wearing khaki uniform with a bouquet in his hand.
"Boss sent this to you" saying this he gave the bouquet which is very big with full of red roses. Before I ask him anything, he left there.
The roses were so fresh and beautiful. I held the bouquet in one hand and closed the door behind. Seeing the bouquet in my hand mom came to me.
"Was it from Asir to you?" She asked.
"I don't know mom someone gave this and left without a word" I replied to her and noticed a small card attached to the bouquet.
"Better to stop everything, my last warning" was written on the card. Reading this we know who sent them. Dad was not home as he didn't return from the masjid (mosque) after fajr prayer.
Mom's face was paled and I was little scared. How did he got to know about tomorrow's event.
Dad came right at that moment and saw the bouquet in my hand.
"Who sent them Mariyam?"He asked looking at mom.
"The man who came here, he sent this to warn us. I am afraid anything will happen. Seeing this, he will definitely do something to stop the nikah ."She spoke anxiously.
"I have given the police complain so no need to panic. Relax and do your work" saying this He went inside.
I dropped the bouquet in the bin and went to kitchen to continue what I was doing.
............
The next day came. It was 3 in the evening. I was getting ready for function. The nikah was happening at our home because its sudden change of the decision. Also we couldn't invite anyone as it was me and Asir's family only.
I don't know why I have a feeling like something bad is going to happen which scares me to the core. How I dreamed to get married. I couldn't invite my friends too. I don't want a grand marriage but a simple one with some elegent decoration. I had some idea of my out fit which I will be wearing on my wedding day. I want apply henna but nothing will going to happen. The sound of door opening interrupted my thoughts as I saw my mom steeping in.
"Barakallahu feekum ( May Allah's blessing be upon you ) my daughter look very beautiful today" said my mom as smiling at me softly.
"Thanks mom" I thanked her and didn't say anything much.
"Beta, don't worry everything will be alright, put your trust in Allah. He will never let you down."
I smiled at her in response.
"They are here" came my dad's voice from downstairs.
"Beta wait here till I call you down. Shahil don't disturb didi" warning Shahil she went downstairs.
"After 20 minutes my mom came to call me downstairs. As I descending down the stairs I saw Asir's family seated on the sofa. All of them looked very happy. Some of Asir's close relatives were there. He was wearing a sharwani which matches my dress color. His face was full of smiles. Knowing the reason behind his smile I got disgusted. I don't know why on earth my dad liked him so much. The imam was also present there to perform our nikah.
I sat beside my mom while Asir was sitting opposite to me.
The imam asked Asir, "do you a Asir Iqbal, son of Iqbal Mohamed accept Shafiyya Sulaiman, daughter of Sulaiman Ahmed as wife?"
"Qabool hai"
"Qabool hai"
"Qabool....
Before Asir finish his sentence the door to my house slammed open and there stood the beast in his all glory. The anger was visible in his face yet he tried to calm down him. He made his way and stood between everyone.
"This nikah will not happening now and never so please everyone leave." He spoke in a dangerous way.
To be continued •••