Mahjabeen is naive but she is a great observer, listener and judge of character.

***

"Haya baji aap kaisi hain?" Mahjabeen asked on the call, she was nervous and felt extremely guilty for taking away her love. She was sure Haya would never call her after that day but she did.

"Mai acchi hu Maha, Murtasim ki honey waali dulhan kaisi hain?" She teased laughing, Mahjabeen felt joy as she heard her happy tone. Haya didn't held this against her, and she was glad that this marriage wouldn't destroy their friendship.

"Haya baji aapka dil bohot bada hai" , Mahjabeen said sighing, there was no response from the other side. There was an awkward silence for a moment, maybe Haya was offended by Mahjabeen's statement but couldn't react as she knew this wasn't what she meant.

Haya was heartbroken for days she went around like a zombie, it was painful. She was fine when he wasn't hers, because he belonged to no one. But she couldn't imagine him being with Mahjabeen.

"Murtasim ne haan kab kiya waise?" Haya asked curiously and Mahjabeen narrated her the entire overdeal that happened a few hours ago. She was exhausted and her nikkah was in two hours. Murtasim had asked her not to share the events of last night with anyone, when they arrived early morning Murtasim had made the excuse that she wanted to meet her parents before getting married. Maa Begum wasn't happy but she didn't make a scene as she saw Murtasim's reluctance to marry Mahjabeen has vanished. He seemed content with the decision and so did Mahjabeen.

"Matlab Murtasim ko tum par taras aagya", Haya concluded from the story, Mahjabeen frowned and shook her head.

"Nahi Murtasim ne kaha ki woh mujhe pasand karta hai", Mahjabeen denied she didn't like the word Haya used. Murtasim's sentence had made one of her dream come true, she wanted to marry a man who loved her. And yesterday it was almost a scene out of a movie, filmon ki tarah

"Maha mai Murtasim ko bachpan se jaanti hu, tum bhi socho chaar din mai kisko mohabbat hoti hai. Usko tum par taras aagya, meri jaan", She said in an empathetic tone, Mahjabeen felt her heartbreak she wanted to disconnect the call. But Haya's reasoning did made sense, how can a guy fall for her in just four days? He pitied her, her dreams crashed as she held in the tears from falling.

"Woh ye rishta mujhse hamdardi ki wajeh se jod rha?" Mahjabeen asked again wishing Haya could say no. Wishing she wouldn't tear down her confidence but her answer broke her.

"Maha maaf karna meri jaan, magar Murtasim Khan bohot bada aadmi hai aur tum abhi zyada se zyada uski dasvi fail biwi bansakti. Uske illawa tumhara koi makam ya koi pehchaan nahi", Haya said sweetly, Mahjabeen didn't detect the malice in her voice but her every word made her realise how unworthy she was of Murtasim.

" Mai kya karu Haya?" Mahjabeen asked exhausted both mentally and physically, it felt as if a haze has formed over her world. She could no longer differ what was the truth, the one she believed or the one Haya was telling her.

"Meri baat manogi? Murtasim ek padhi likhi biwi deserve karta hai. Maha apne nikkah ke baad school join kardo, mai tumhara form bharungi", Haya pleaded she did had bad intentions but not against Mahjabeen, but Maa Begum. She wanted to groom Mahjabeen into Maa Begum's worst nightmare, this would be her revenge.

Mahjabeen remembered Rohail's words, they were the same as Haya's. And maybe they were right, Murtasim pitied her and she didn't deserve him.

***

In a sprawling garden blooming with beautiful flowers, a melodious symphony danced around making the evening colourful. Fairylights and white flowers were incrinately woven into the pillars and the huge stage that shone. Women adorned in shiny jewelry, glittery shalwar kameez and silk sarees moved admist the crowd. Their laughter added to the melody of the music, the tinkling of their bangles and the delicate jingling of their anklets echoed through the air, leading to an ethereal scene.

Men dressed in traditional sherwanis exuded charm and elegance as they clinked their glasses and made the night lively by occasionally laughing around.

As the night grew deeper, the stars emerged like twinkling jewels, being the center of attention. The bride wore a white dress, a symbol of purity and innocence. Its ethereal fabric embraced her form, flowing gracefully with every step she took. The intricate lacework and delicate embellishments adorned her like whispers of love.

All eyes were on her, but she didn't lock eyes with anyone. She just stared at the ground like Maa Begum has asked her to, her sister in law who had arrived an hour ago helped her on the stage to sit behind the curtain. She could see a foot from the gap below, Mahjabeen wanted to steal a glance but Maryam covered her line of sight as she did so.

"Aap apne dulhe ko bas shaadi ke baad dekh sakti ab", Maryam teased as she adjusted the veil on Mahjabeen's face so her face was covered.

"Badi hi dheet ho tum Maryam", Mahjabeen complained as she blocked her view yet again.

"Bas do minute mai bhai aapke", Maryam whispered in her ear with a joyful smile, her brother was marrying an angel. Innocence and beauty made Mahjabeen the prettiest girl she had ever met.

The kaazi sahib started by prayer and soon read out their names. Mahjabeen couldn't hear the kaazi's voice neither Murtasim's but she knew his answer when the kaazi came over to her side.

"Mahjabeen Anwar Khan wald Anwar Khan aapko baewwal sharai haq mehar Murtasim Shahnawaz Khan wald Shahnawaz Khan ke nikkah mai diya jaata hai, kya aapko qubool hai?"

Mahjabeen still had Haya's words in her mind, it didn't make her reluctant to marry him because if that was true then Murtasim was definitely the greatest man she had ever met. Which man would sacrifice his life for a woman he pitied? He did and his position in her heart went higher than before. She promised herself to be the ideal wife, so that Murtasim would never regret his decision of marrying her.

"Qubool hai", These two words finalized their marriage, the curtain between the two of them dropped and flowers were showered on them as Mahjabeen glanced up to look at him and she was starstruck.

He was dressed impeccably, his suit tailored to perfection. The crisp lines and impeccable fit accentuated his masculine charm, while his choice of attire showcased his refined taste. Every detail, from his perfectly tied pagdi to the polished sheen of his shoes, spoke of his attention to detail and desire to present himself as the best version of himself.

His smile, warm and genuine, radiated a captivating warmth. It was a smile that could light up a room, melting away any tension and spreading a sense of ease and comfort. With a touch of pride and a hint of vulnerability, he wore his emotions openly, inviting all to share in his happiness.

As he turned his gaze towards his bride, a mixture of awe and adoration washed over his face. His eyes locked onto hers, reflecting a love that needed no words. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, united in their commitment to one another.

Maryam cleared her throat breaking away their eye contact, Murtasim turned his eyes to the guests as Mahjabeen exclaimed a little bit too loudly.

"Tumhara bhai hero jaisa hai, Maryam"

The crowd went silent and Maryam couldn't hold her laughter back. She was laughing as she caught Mahjabeen's hand and brought her to sit beside Murtasim. The curtains were rearranged and the flowers were still falling on them, Maryam had made her sit just beside him.

So when Mahjabeen turned towards him her face literally touched his shoulder. Murtasim glanced at her, and she was literally checking him out openly. Her boldness and blunt words made him flush, he had never thought he would be the shy one in the marriage but here he was clearly so.

"Tch tch", She tried to get his attention, he raised his brows at her.

"Biryani kab aayegi?" She asked the million dollar question, Murtasim couldn't help but laugh.

"Kabse aagyi hai", He replied and he noticed the excitement in her eyes as she tried to stand up but he pulled her down.

"Phir hum yaha kya karrhey?" Mahjabeen asked upset, she was hungry after the tedious day and now when Biryani has arrived she till had to curb her hunger.

"Mahjabeen mehman dekh rhey", Murtasim pointed out and indeed they were, not because of Mahjabeen but the two of them. The way they conversed made them look like a loving couple already, only if they were aware the topic of romance was Biryani between them.

"Woh to mujhe dekh rhey dekhye mai kitni pyaari dikh rahi hu", She boasted as she placed her hands below her chin in a pose while smiling. Murtasim shook his head and took out his phone. Mahjabeen posed while he clicked several pictures, but when he was done Mahjabeen grabbed the phone from his hand.

"Selfie toh lele ek do", She said and sat closer to him placing her arms around his. Murtasim paused, his entire body shut down as he stared at her.

"Dekhye mujhe malum hai mai bohot haseen lag rahi magar camerey ki taraf dekhye", She said while giggling, Murtasim flushed up and turned towards the camera. He wanted to clear the misunderstanding he wasn't staring at her because of that, he just got constantly shocked by her bold attitude.

"Ek aise lete", She suggested as she posed with the veil and asked him to hold the other hand. Murtasim glanced at the guests and found out they were nowhere to be seen, Biryani might have been served.

"Isko mai FB par dalungi, mere dost bohot khush hongey, aur us Rohail ke bacche ko bhi pata chaley ki Mahjabeen apni shaadi mai kitni haseen lagrahi thi, haina?" She asked Murtasim with a laugh, who gave her a fake smile and replied with a 'Ji'.

"Ye dhol waaley kab aayenge?" She asked excitedly, without the dhol how can she get married.

"Waha khadey haina", Murtasim pointed towards the end of hall, Mahjabeen stood up and called them towards the stage.

" Dhol toh bajaye, warna kaise pata chalega humari shaadi horahi", She requested with a serious look, Mahjabeen has watched many movies were the wedding began with the dhol. The man nodded and started playing the iconic wedding music with the dhol.

Mahjabeen was literally dancing on the seat, Murtasim cleared his throat and offered her his hand. She stared at it and quickly took it standing up with him. The dance floor now had some guests dancing, Mahjabeen was excited so she ran with Murtasim on the floor. He stood there not sure what to do, he had offered his hand so that they could go and dine but Mahjabeen took him to the dance floor. He could feel Maa Begum's glare so he did what would make the situation less worse. He started dancing with Mahjabeen twirling her around, and they were actually having fun. Laughing at their clumsiness as Mahjabeen tried to twirl him around, they tried the couple dance and the stage cleared for them as they dance around with smile on their faces.

After the wedding festivities ended, Mahjabeen was taken to his room by Maa Begum. She was angry at the two of them for making such a scene at their own wedding, she had never seen a bride and groom act so intimately.

"Tumhara idea tha na dance karne ka", Maa Begum said angrily, she had no doubt that it was Mahjabeen who had dragged Murtasim across the stage.

"Ji Maa Begum", She replied a little scared as Maa Begum came closer to her and grabbed her wrist to scare her.

"Aayinda aisi harkat ki toh mujhse bura koi na hoga", she threatened as she tightened her grip on her wrist, the bangle broke and pierced her skin. Mahjabeen was tearing up as she nodded, then Mahjabeen was told that from then on she had to follow Murtasim's and Maa Begum's every command.

Mahjabeen didn't like that but she couldn't say anything, so she nodded. Maa Begum soon left the room after putting up the veil on her head.

Mahjabeen wiped away her tears as the door opened, Murtasim stared at the still bride and frowned. He went towards her pulled up the veil and he was met by her crying face.

"Kya hua Mahjabeen? Kyu ro rahi tum?" He asked worried, a few minutes ago she was fine but now she was literally bawling her eyes out. Mahjabeen shook her head and lied.

"Ammi Abbu ki yaad aarhi hai", Murtasim would have believed the lie if he hadn't seen the cut on her wrist.

"Nahi tum jhoot bol rahi ho", He refused to believe that this was because she missed her parents. The cut wasn't deep but to do this to a woman on her wedding day was too much.

" Idhar aaye", she gestured him to sit beside her, Murtasim did so and then she brought her mouth near his ears and told him the truth. She couldn't speak about it as it would make her cry, she wasn't the only one who danced then why did Maa Begum punished her.

Murtasim was angry and disappointed by his mother's actions. He apologized to Mahjabeen and promised her that he would make sure that nobody hurt her again. As he wrapped her wound up, Murtasim pondered if he hadn't found the bruise her hand, he would have believed her lie.

"Mahjabeen mujhse waada kro ki tum aaj se jhoot nhi bolo gi", Murtasim said with a serious look on his face. He was genuinely concerned, his wife was innocent, naive and a liar. The worst combination ever and this could be used against her in so many ways.

"Aisa waada mai nhi karsakti", Mahjabeen quickly shook her head, lying was something that came naturally to her. Whenever she was being confronted she would lie her way out of the situation. How could she suddenly stop a habit of seven years?

"Mahjabeen sach bolna mushkil nahi", Murtasim persuaded as he held her palm.

"Aapko pata hai mai jab choti thi tab na maine ek baar Shahista teacher aur Azeem Sir ko haath pakadkar ghumte huey dekha tha jaise aap mera haath pakadte na waise, aur aapko pata hai Azeem Sir ki biwi thi. Maine ye baat Ammi ko batadiya, jab Ammi ne ye baat unki biwi ko bataya toh unhoney unki baat nhi maani kyuki Shahista teacher unki saheli thi. Phir jab mai school gayi toh Shahista maam ne mujhe puri class k saamne thappad maara. Aur unhoney fir mujhe board par sau baar likhne bola, Mahjabeen jhooti hai. Tabse mai jhoot bolne lagi...", She confessed tears dropped from her eyes, explaining why lying was easier for her.

"Aap kyu udas horhey mai theek hu dekhye?" She said with a smile but he hugged her close and tried to comfort the younger her feeling his sorrow built up.

"Tumhe sach bolney par koi nhi marega ye mera tumse waada hai", He said holding her hand to his heart.

"Aise karte haina mai aapke kaan mai sach bolungi jab bhi mujhe sacha bolna hoga", Mahjabeen suggested, it was easier to lie to face but when someone was ready to hear her, she could speak the truth.

"Kaise? " he asked confused, it felt like an excuse to him but he was fine with the bargain as long as she would feel comfortable enough to speak the truth.

"Aise", Mahjabeen said as she leaned over near to his face and whispered.

"Aapki aankhein bohot khoobsurat hai"

***