The living room was filled with lights Mustafa's voice broke with happiness as he hugged his wife, his eyes glistening.
"Alhamdulillah! Jahan souncha nahi tha wahan se raasta mil gaya. Allah ne sun li humari dua," he whispered, holding his wife's hand tightly.
Her mother's face lit up with tears of joy, smiling with relief after so long. Both of them turned towards Inaya, expecting the same happiness on her face.
But Inaya froze. Her chest tightened, her throat dried. The room felt too small, the voices too loud. Before anyone could stop her, she ran upstairs, slamming the door behind.
She collapsed on the floor, her trembling hands clutching her head.
"Allah… mere sath hi hamesha aisa kyun karte ho…??" she sobbed, her breaths breaking into shallow gasps. Panic clawed at her chest, making her feel she couldn't breathe.
"Main toh bas thoda sukoon chahti hoon… bas thoda sa… lekin aapko mujhse woh bhi manzoor nahi…"
Tears streamed uncontrollably as she curled into herself, whispering complaints and prayers in the same breath caught between loving Allah and questioning Him.
Ayaan stepped into the house quietly, his jaw tight, his mind heavy. The whole day he had been carrying the weight of the decision he had taken in the morning something he never wanted but still accepted, just to see the spark of relief in his ammi's eyes.
As he entered, he saw his ammi sitting in the living room, her face glowing with a rare, unshakable happiness. The moment she spotted him, her smile widened.
"Beta, tum aa gaye…" she said softly, her tone carrying pride and peace.
Ayaan forced a smile, his chest tightening. All this happiness on her face… and only because of the step I took today. A step that suffocates me, but heals her heart. How can I take that away from her?
He sat down near her, lowering his gaze. His ammi held his hand, patting it warmly.
"Allah tumhe hamesha khush rakhe, Ayaan… tumne meri duniya ki sabse badi dua puri kar di."
Ayaan nodded faintly, hiding the storm in his eyes. Inside, he was screaming. Khush? Main khush kaise rahun, Ammi, jab yeh faisla mere dil ke khilaf hai?
But he stayed silent, not wanting to let even a crack show in her joy.
The soft golden lights of the restaurant gave a warm glow. Waiters moved quietly, setting the table with crystal glasses and fresh flowers.
On one side, Mirza Ayaan's parents entered, dressed elegantly, carrying the aura of wealth and respect. On the other side, Inaya's parents arrived, simple yet graceful, their eyes reflecting both nervousness and hope.
After greetings and formalities, they sat down. The waiter poured water, then silently stepped away, leaving the families face-to-face.
Mr. Rasheed (Ayaan's father): "Toh khan sahab, humare liye izzat ki baat hogi agar rishta jald se jald tay ho jaaye. Aaj kal ke zamane mein der karna theek nahi hota."
Mr. Mustafa (Inaya's father): "Ji bilkul. Hamari bhi yahi khwahish hai ke dono bachche ek doosre ke saath apni nayi zindagi shuru karein. Bas Allah ki marzi ho."
Mrs. Rasheed (smiling softly): "Toh chaliye, tay karte hain dates. Engagement hum chahte hain next week rakhein."
Mrs. Mustafa (nodding): "Ji theek rahega. Aur shaadi…?"
Mr. Rasheed: "Shaadi engagement ke ek mahine baad. Aur phir ek grand reception. Guests humari taraf se zyada honge, but I'm sure aapki family bhi khush hogi iss faisle se."
The fathers exchanged a firm handshake while the mothers smiled, already discussing clothes, jewelry, and arrangements.
Somewhere in the background, the faint sound of soft music played but the real music was in the silent promise both families had sealed tonight: Ayaan and Inaya's fate was now officially tied.