Do or die

Amaan couldn’t help yelling, “I don't want to get married.”

he was in the penthouse reminiscing his time with Raina there when the doorbell rang. At first, he thought it was housekeeping, but the intruder persistently rang the bell as if they knew he was inside. Irked at being disturbed, he opened the door only to freeze in his place, seeing his parents.

His father spoke first, scrunching his nose as his son reeked of alcohol, “Thirty minutes, and I want to see you in the house.”

Before Amaan could grasp it, his parents slid into the elevator with its door closed.

Since the day he decided to leave his mansion and live in his penthouse with Raina’s memory, he didn't bother to visit his family or receive their call. A ruthless businessman, Salar Hashmi was known of, failed to talk to his son. He knew his younger son was stubborn to his core; however, he never expected him to stop living. Although he had many ways to speak to him, as a father, he never wanted to make it more difficult for Amaan. In business, no one could beat Salar Hashmi as a father; he was helpless.

His son was living in denial. Still, he couldn't make his son return to reality and start living again. Regarding business, Hashmi's were brutal since they never failed to accomplish anything they set their eyes on. Here they were straining to convince their youngest son helplessly. Salar Hashmi was not considered lenient, even if it came to his family. He believed in honor and prestige the most and would never let anything hamper his family's honor, even if it meant renouncing his own son.

When Amaan freshened up and came to the Hashmi mansion, he noticed the entire family was present. His two brothers, who would generally be in office during this time, were sitting beside Salar. What surprised him was the presence of his co-sisters, Hania and Ishaal. Something told him it was not a good sign, and he had been baited. Daughters-in-law in the Hashmi household were never taken as trophies set only to be kept at home, and if they were involved, it only meant the family gathered to make a decision.

“We want you to get married.” Salar’s words hit Amaan like cold water was splashed over him.

“What about Raina?” Amaan gritted his teeth.

Salar Hashmi always respected liberal women, and that's how he fell in love with his wife, Fariya, who started her NGO at a young age. Because of this reason, he was always fond of Raina as his own daughter. Someone who holds her individuality and doesn’t spend her life in luxury or lavishly spending her husband’s money. Being from the middle class, she created her own small business, which includes three coffee shops. A girl full of life and hardworking to the core. 

'Raina will never come back. He has to move on; I am not letting my son's stubbornness ruin his life,' Salar thought.

While Amaan was breathing heavily, trying to suppress his anger, his parents were all the more calm and composed. 

His mother spoke, seeing his stubbornness. "How are you planning to spend the rest of your life? Hmm? In that stinky penthouse? Or immersing yourself in alcohol?" 

She was trying hard to gather her own emotions. The more she acts cold to her son, the quicker she will convince him. She knew if Amaan was not cornered from every side, he would never agree to get married, even if his life was at stake.

“Even if I am forced to get married, there is no way I am going to marry her, even if she is the last person on earth,” Amaan said, smashing a nearby vase in a fury.

He could not understand why out of all, his parents chose her. Whatever the reason is, he would rather die than get married to her.

Angered at his son’s behavior, Salar abruptly stood up and said, “If that is your decision, then I, too, have made my decision. Either you get married to her, or you are no longer a part of our family. It won't take much for me to announce that you are no longer a Hashmi. I won’t let a drunkard ruin the family name. You can take your stubbornness somewhere else and leave.”

Hurt at his father’s words, Amaan swallowed the lump but couldn’t utter another word. He knew well that when his father decided something, he meant it. Getting disowned from his business was not bothersome, but he can’t lose other loved ones. He still needs his family.

Amaan looked to his elder brother, Jamshed, for help. 

He shook his head and said, “Dad is right, Amaan. Don’t make your ego bigger than your family. What you are doing is only ruining your life, and we can’t turn a blind eye to it. We are not your enemy.” 

Frustrated, Amaan raked his hair, gathering his agitation. He can’t lose his rationality in this situation and have to think with a calm mind. His anger weakened his position; the best he could do to convince his family was to act calmly to clarify his point.

“I understand you want me to be happy and move on. You want me to settle down with a woman and live blissfully. But how can you be sure I will be happy with her? If your concern is my happiness, then shouldn't you be thinking about someone other than her. ”

Salar was dumbfounded. He never expected his otherwise unhinged son to retort smartly. He looked at his wife and shook his head once in helplessness. What more can he do when his son accepts to get married and is not afraid of getting disowned too.

“Amaan, do you remember the promise you made to Raina?” fariya asked.

She didn't want to go low and use the promise, but her son didn’t leave another option for her. She was ready to do anything if it meant her son’s life would be spared.

Amaan froze at her mother’s words. How could he not remember everything he told, what he promised? He shook his head and said, "Ma! Please don't do this to me."

"Do you remember or not?" Fariya asked assertively. 

He couldn’t believe his otherwise compassionate mother to become so inconsiderate towards him.

He just nodded.

“What was the promise?”

“I promised her I would do the one thing you requested of me,” he said while looking at his mother. She could see his glassy eyes, but it was necessary. 

Amaan could recognize where this conversation was heading, which was definitely not in his favor. He regretted the day he made such a lame promise to her had he known what it would make him do in the future. That day all he wanted was to make her happy, even if that meant promising her something he was unaware of.

He was thinking rapidly about a way to get out of the mess without breaking his promise. Suddenly it occurred to him. He knew he had to take the risk; he had to take the bait.

He kneeled in front of his mother, looking straight into her eyes, “If this is what you want me to do, I will do it.”

He could see hope twirling in her eyes, “but I have one condition.”

“I don’t want someone else being forced into a marriage with me. If only she is willing to marry me, then only you should consider this proposal.” he lied. 

It doesn't matter what happens with her; she can burn in hell for all he cares, but he knows manipulating the situation is the only solution for him without breaking the promise. 

He didn’t realize that his arrogance blinded him, and he assumed things would work in his favor. Why would he not be sure that woman would not marry him when he already knew how much she hated him. not when he already knew her answer.

As if on cue, a memory flashed in his mind.

"Trust me, baby, she would never talk to you, forget about meeting you," Raina told, getting irritated with his constant pestering.

“But why? What have I done to her?” Amaan asked, confused as he could not understand why anyone would ignore him.

“Because…” Raina stopped in between feeling sad and not knowing how to answer him.

”Oh, come on, what happened?” while holding her in his arms and consoling her.

Raina raised her head, looked into his eyes, and said, “Because of me, she hates you. She wished you never existed in this world.”

'Why?' he thought

Amaan wanted to ask her, but he stopped seeing her disturbed. He knew why she was upset, but he could not help her. He felt helpless.

Amaan was still in the flashback when his mother agreed.

“Okay.”

Inwardly he sighs in relief. However, unknown to him, destiny had already played its game, and he was bound to lose.