Ali's POV
I couldn't sleep. Sara's words from last night echoed in my head like a curse.
"You forced me into this marriage."
"It was all a contract."
My fists clenched as I stared at the ceiling. No. I had to know the truth.
The next morning, I found Ammi and Abbu in the sitting room, sipping tea as if nothing had happened. I stood there, chest tight with anger.
"Ammi. Abbu. I need answers. Now."
They looked up, startled. My father, Zarun Khan, frowned. "Answers? About what, beta?"
"Don't play games with me," I snapped. "Sara told me everything. About the ninety million... about the marriage being a contract. Was it true?"
Ammi, Zaina Zarun, sighed heavily. She exchanged a nervous glance with Abbu.
Ali: "Tell me. I deserve to know. Did you... sell my marriage for money?"
For a moment, silence. Then Abbu put down his cup slowly.
"Beta... this story is not as simple as you think."
"Then make it simple," I growled.
Zarun Khan's voice grew heavy as he began narrating:
"Eighteen years ago, when Sara's father, Ibrahim, came to me... he was drowning. He had big dreams of starting a textile business. He didn't have collateral, banks wouldn't trust him. He begged me for help. I gave him ninety million. No documents, no guarantee. Just trust.
But Ibrahim... failed. The business collapsed within three years. And instead of repaying me, he offered... his daughter."
Ali's blood ran cold.
Abbu continued, "Yes, he said it. 'As soon as she turns eighteen, I will give Sara to your son. That will make us equal.' I was furious. I refused. She was just a child then. Ammi and I decided Sara should study, grow, and live her life first. So we pushed the matter forward. But Ibrahim... he never stopped reminding us. He wanted to free himself of that guilt, of that debt, by marrying her off to you."
Zaina Ammi added softly, tears welling in her eyes, "Beta, believe me... we tried to delay it. We wanted Sara to finish her education. But Ibrahim and his wife grew impatient. They saw her marriage as a burden they wanted to throw off their shoulders. And then... they came with the contract."
Ali's voice cracked, "And you signed it?"
Abbu looked down. "We had no choice, Ali. We thought... we thought it was destiny. That maybe you and Sara were meant to be."
Ali's chest burned. "Meant to be? You didn't even ask me! You didn't ask Sara! You trapped us both into this... this deal. Do you even realise what she thinks of me now? She hates me!"
Ammi reached out, placing a trembling hand on his. "Ali, beta... we only wanted your happiness."
"Happiness?" Ali laughed bitterly. "You've destroyed it. You betrayed me. You betrayed Sara. And now... now I'll spend the rest of my life proving to her that this wasn't my idea. That my love is real."
His parents stayed silent, guilt written all over their faces.
Later that afternoon...
Sara's POV
I was sitting in the garden, scrolling through my phone, when Ayesha plopped down beside me with her usual grin.
"Bhabhi!" she chirped.
I raised an eyebrow. "Don't call me that."
"But you are my bhabhi. Officially. Even if you glare at my brother like you want to strangle him." She giggled.
I smirked despite myself. "Your brother is impossible."
Ayesha leaned closer, whispering dramatically, "Honestly? I agree. He's too bossy. Always acting like some mafia don."
I burst out laughing. "Finally, someone in this house who sees sense."
She grinned wider. "Don't worry, I'll be your partner-in-crime. If Ali bhai ever annoys you, just come to me. I'll teach you secret ways to irritate him back."
I shook my head, smiling for the first time in days. "You're dangerous, Ayesha."
She winked. "Dangerous, but adorable."
Ali's voice suddenly cut in from behind us. "What are you both plotting?"
Ayesha quickly stood up. "Nothing, bhai. Just girl talk." She whispered in my ear before running off, "Don't let him win too easily."
I rolled my eyes, but my smile faded when Ali sat beside me. His face looked different today—serious, almost broken.
He spoke quietly. "Sara... I know the truth now. I confronted my parents. The contract... the deal... it wasn't mine. It was theirs."
My heart skipped a beat. "So you admit it exists."
"Yes. But I had no part in it. I swear on Allah, Sara, I never wanted our love to begin like this. My parents betrayed me too."
For the first time, I saw raw pain in his eyes. No arrogance, no pride. Just pain.
I looked away, confused. "Even if that's true... nothing changes, Ali. You're still my... captor."
"No." His voice turned firm. "I'm not your captor. I'll prove it. From today, Sara, I won't force anything on you. I'll wait... until the day you see my love yourself."
I didn't reply. My heart wanted to believe him, but my mind screamed at me to stay guarded.
But deep down, a small crack had formed in my wall of hate.
And I knew Ali had noticed it too.
Write a comment ...