They all turned around to look at her. She felt as if she were the show and they were the audience.
The Councillor cleared his throat. "What happened was... certainly not the plan, but luckily we were able to find a solution to it. Be happy for your sister, and don't blow this out of proportion."
Qurnat stared at him incredulously. "Out of proportion? I am blowing this out of proportion?"
Bakhtawar Begum rolled her eyes, as if her being hurt over this was a huge inconvenience. "For Lord's sake Qurbat. Don't make this about yourself."
Her eyes flew open with rage. "This is about me you shameless cunt!"
Her mother's jaw dropped open from shock. Her father shot up. "Qurbat!" He yelled before charging towards. Yahmir attempted to step in and intervene but the Councillor had already reached Qurbat to hit her.
But Qurbat caught his wrist midway. "Touch me and it will be the last time you have a hand," she spat at him before pushing him away. The Councillor looked back in shock. Laia scurried behind her mother while Yahmir looked on in shock. "You have revealed your disgusting true face before me. Curse all the moments I treated a pimp like you with any dignity."
Bakhtawar Begum's face was red with humiliation. The Concillor gritted his teeth. "Qurbat, don't test me..."
"And what will you do if I do?" She dared before looking at everyone in the room. "Jahannum InshaAllah, both of you. ALL OF YOU!" She screamed before storming out.
"Qurbat!" Yahmir called, following her. They walked into the corridors with the garden on both sides where the sun shone it's last few rays.
"Qurbat listen to me!" His footsteps sounded closer.
"Qurbat please..."
She finally stopped. Yahmir sighed. "Qurbat, how could you talk to your parents like that? They brought you up when you were little. Do you know how many favors they have done upon us? You need to go back and apologise now."
She didn't respond, her back still turned towards him. Yahmir swallowed, touching the back if his head. "I know this isn't an easy situation, but please you need to understand. People fall in love. That doesn't mean I betrayed you. I do care about you, Qurbat. I really do. I never intended to hurt you. But you need to understand and acceot that I want someone else and..."
She didn't let him finish, turning around and spitting on his face instead. "Lord perish you Yahmir," she growled. "MAY YOU AND THAT CUNT NOT EVEN GET SPACE IN JAHANNUM!"
Yahmir looked back incredulously as phlegm dripped down his face. Certainly he had not expected bubbly old Qurbat to ever do such a thing.
But the rage and hatred in her eyes froze him and he just could not respond. Qurbat looked at him for another moment before spinning around and leaving.
It had been five days since the unfortunate confrontation, yet Qurbat's heart knew no relief.
Her parents had been avoiding her like the plague, which was good. Just seeing their faces would make her stomach churn. The wedding preparations proceeded like nothing happened, just without her.
Two days back, her mother's maids had quitely came in without her permission and taken away all the clothes and jewels she had bought for the wedding right in front of her.
Emaan and Huma hadn't left her side. They would come daily, ignoring the stares from Madam Bakhtawar. Now the three sat beside the pond in the gardens. Qurbat lay on her front on top of a mat in a light blue dress, her wavy hair spilling around her. her chin resting against thd back if her right hand. With her other hand, she made twirls in the water with her finger.
"I always wondered how women tolerate heart break," she began slowly. "I always wondered how they don't just die from it. Who knew I would be one of those women?"
Huma sighed, placing a hand on her back. "Don't be like this, beloved." She sat with her legs to her side in a peach dress and veil underneath which her hair was in a braid.
Emaan, who sat higging her knees in a grey dress and veil, her hair open underneath it, nodded. "Yes, be greatful that he showed his true colors before the wedding. It would have been so much worse had he betrayed you after the wedding."
"Yes. Praise the Lord, Qurbat," Huma agreed.
Qurbat inhaled sharply. "Is this what it feels like? When your life is ending?"
"Your life is not ending, Qurbat," Huma replied firmly. "You are young, beautiful and healthy. You will find a much better man than him."
Qurbat snorted, shaking her head. "I dare say my parents would let me marry a good man after everything I said to them."
Huma scoffed. "Should they do that, just get a new wali. But for now little bug, focus on healing."
"Milady," spoke a voice behind them.
"Yes, Madam Kausar?" Replied Qurbat, turning her head to look at her.
Madam Kausar curtsied. "I am sorry to disturb you, but Madam Bakhtawar has called you."
Qurbat bit the inside of her lip. Then she spoke, "If it is to take part in Laia's wedding preparations, tell her to..."
"No, Milady. It is a command from the Emperor. He has called upon the families of all members of his court to come see him in court."
Huma blinked in confusion. "With families?"
Qurbat frowned. "Whatever for?
"I am not certain, Milady, but I have heard it has something to do with..." She traiked off without completing, heditation obvious in her voice.
Qurbat looked at her carefully. "Nuhaadazym?" Huma and Emaan exchanged terrified glances.
"Yes, Milady," Madam Kausar replied.
Qurbat paused for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll be there. It's not like I have a choice anyways." Madam Kausar curtsied before leaving.
"Nuhaadazym? Your brother in law?" Whispered Emaan.
"Former brother in law," Qurbat corrected, going back to twirling her fingers in the water.
Huma had a thoughtful expression on her face. "How long has it been since..."
"Two years," Qurbat replied.
"But what could it possibly be?" Eman questioned.
Qurbat sighed. "We'll have to go to find out."
"I thought we would be hearing news of his death soon," Huma began. "But that's not what it seems like
Qurbat turned her head to look at Huma. "What? His death?"
"Well... yes."
Qurbat raised a brow. "I don't understand."
"My father was up North a few months ago. The man was extremely sick. He didn't even accompany his troops far into battle this time while previously he used to fight beside them," Huma explained.
Qurbat turned her head to look at the water. "Well he's a warlord. Obviously he isn't going to die because he caught a cold."
"Hmm, you are right," Huma agreed.
Qurbat groaned as she sat up. "I should get ready."
"Alrigt, let us know what happens hmm?" Said Emaan, rubbing Qurbat's shoulder before she got up and walked towards her chambers.