— Z A H I R —When I came downstairs to eat after taking a bath, I saw that as soon as I entered the dining hall, everyone’s eyes gathered on me as if I was an alien. But when I looked intently into everyone’s eyes, I could see a lot of hope and curiosity. I can probably understand this curiosity. But saying nothing, I sat down on my chair. Ryan was sitting next to me, looking at me as if I had a treasure hidden inside me. I passed him a forced smile before turning my plate and filling it with food. Once it was done, I held the spoon and filled it with rice before putting it in my mouth. I started chewing silently when I heard Rayma Bhabhi’s voice as she asked me, “How was your date, Zahir?” But instead of answering her, I choked on my food and hurriedly held the glass of water. “Are you alright?” All of them asked me once I put the glass back on the table. I looked at them and nodded, “Yeah.” Hell, when do you let me sit peacefully? I wanted to shout but I suppressed the urge.
— H O O R —In the morning Parul and I got ready and came out of the room. But not before saying goodbye to my dad. He was happy to hear that the Matthews family was putting in effort and it showed how much excited they were.Though Dad did not speak his heart out, I knew he was once again guilty for not being able to participate in all this. The wedding preparations, of course. But I assured him that everything was okay and was going to be okay, too. Why would I want to burden him mentally? Zahir’s car was waiting for us outside. Parul quickly descended the stairs and went down because she was very excited. The color she wore, yellow, was adding to her excitement. Light yellow suited her. But what irked me was her excitement. Marriage is mine and excited is my friend! Not like I did not like her seeing grinning and hopping around like a kid, but why could she not see I did not want to get married to this jerk? Well, I was the only one who was hiding everything from everyone. Wow
— Z A H I R — After buying the rings, Rayma Bhabhi brought us to a mall for clothes. Well, I do not know much about this mall, but when I asked the guard outside, he told me that only women’s clothes are available there. Okay, I do not have any problem with it. But now they will have to go to another mall for me! Could not my aunt choose a mall where men’s and women’s clothes could be found together? Actually, I do not like shopping at all, so I want this day to end as soon as possible. Especially this shopping. It is turning into a pain in my ass. But somehow, the corner of my mind says the ladies are going to take the entire day shopping. Fuck! I am stuck here. But I am thankful that I extended my hand to buy the rings, otherwise if I had handed over the work to these women, the evening would have passed. I trust them more than anything here. I huff, walking behind them. A worker in this mall is taking my Bhabhi to some section while I am following the ladies. She speaks to m
I was getting so angry that if I wanted, I would have choked this man right then and there by strangling his throat. He made my blood boil. I could hardly stop myself. After all, how dare he insult me in front of everyone? I kept glaring at him, narrowing my eyes. He gulped hard as if he was scared of me. Oh, Mr. Mathews, I know very well that you are kind of a certified actor. I ground my teeth, realizing he is acting as if literally scared of me. Do not worry, now you are just acting. Now you are taking me lightly, but I swear Mr. Mathews, just let me marry you and come to your house, I will show you the real woman power. Taking my eyes off his stupidly handsome face, I turned to Rayma who was smiling at me, scanning my gown. “Did you like it?” She asks me. Her voice is sweet, unlike Zahir, who has only bitterness saved on his stupid tongue which moves unnecessarily. “Yeah, it’s good.” I nod, smiling at her. “Okay then,” she replies and turns to answer the lady. Sparing som
— H O O R —And I was like…what? Honeymoon? I am not even married and they are planning for my honeymoon? Gosh, this is so terrible! “Great idea! You should choose black then. Zahir likes black.” Rayma chirped, telling me he likes black. Not bad. But that does not mean I am going to buy a black lingerie set. I do not aspire to impress him. Not even by mistake. “Cool! Then, what are you waiting for?” Parul also chirped, earning an urgent nod from me. Do I really have to buy it? But I cannot even question them. For everyone, our marriage is real. My one awkward question will ruin it for both of us. Zahir and me. It is okay, Hoor. Just buy them. Anyway, nothing is going to happen between you two. It is just a contract. He would not even look at you. Wait! What did my subconscious just say? “Sissy, actually you know more than me. Why don’t you select them for me?” I requested Rayma with a cute smile and twinkling eyes. She has allowed me to call her by her name and of course, she i
— Z A H I R —The ride to Hoor's place was silent. None of them spoke of anything. The day was also ending. Yeah, it was evening. Around dinnertime. The sky was orange and birds were heading back to their homes. Home.What a great feeling it is. I also miss my home where I can see my dad. No matter if he keeps taunting me. I can have it wholeheartedly but I enjoyed not even a bit with these ladies. Of course, which man would enjoy it? Especially when the girl I was about to get married to was not my lover. Do not get me wrong but in my childhood, when my teacher used to read us fairytale stories, I used to think maybe I will also marry the love of my life. Childish, right? Of course, because I was a child at that time. I do not remember the princess's name but I surely thought I would marry a calm girl who will love me unconditionally. In my childish world, there was only love. Because the situation in my ‘home’ was not as good as others, I used to dream of peace and love. But a
— H O O R —I smile as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My pink-stained lips do not stretch much because the smile is not heartfelt. Wish I was marrying the prince of my life. Wish Zahir knew it could ruin things between us. Even if we fight a lot, I believe we could become good friends because I might glare at him all the time. I cannot forget how he ignored his allergy to dust when I asked him to go to some dhaba. We could show care towards each other and start a better relationship but Zahir needed to bring this stupid contract between us. I do not regret that I called for his help at the right time for Parul and accepted this demand for her sake, but definitely, I regret that a man like Zahir came into my life. Had there been someone else, he would not have made fun of a bond like marriage by offering a contract. I cannot hold a meeting to explain to him because he does not see anyone wiser than himself. Arrogant man! But why should I spoil my mood by thinking about hi
— H O O R —“Zahir,” I murmur, taking a halt to give some rest to my twisted ankle. I do not want to walk. Not anymore. I am sure it will turn blue by the time I reach home. And trust me, I do not want to have an argument with Zahir because it happened only because of him. Only if that Arrogant Ass would not have pulled me with a jerk to him! He stops, listening to me. He gives me a stink eye while I purse my lips at his hostile nature. He is giving me an irritated look like I did something very horrible to his reputation. What? I am trying. Now what does he want? Want me to staple my cheeks up enough to never let the smile go? “What?” He muttered in annoyance. I grit my teeth. “My ankle has twisted,” I answered him in a low voice so only he could hear me. We are still being watched by others. I do not want a drama here. “So?” He rolls his eyes, now caressing up my waist for an unknown reason. “So? Lemme tell you, Mr. Arrogant Billionaire, it's only because of you.” I set him wi