Alizey's P.O.V.

My swollen eyes stared blankly out the window as the voices I heard over the course of the last three days blared in my head.

"Uss tarah ki nafarman beti ki koi zaroorat nahin hai mujhe! Jo karna chahti hai, karne do. Keh dena ussey ke zindagi bhar mera shakal nahin dekhegi woh. Main samajh loonga ke meri sirf do betiyaan hai," Papa yelled.
(I do not need such a disobedient daughter! Let her do whatever she wants. Tell her that she won't see my face for the rest of her life. I will consider that I only have two daughters.)

"Baap-beti ki beech main hi kyun hamesha phas jaati hoon?!" Mama cried.
(Why do I always get stuck between father and daughter?)

"Tumhara tarbiyat ki wajah se hai yeh sab! Khud ko koso ke tumne aisi beti paida ki hai jo waldein ko izzat hi nahin karti hai."
(This is all because of your upbringing! Curse yourself for giving birth to such a daughter that doesn't respect her parents)

"Alizey, I'm tired of hearing Papa yell," Jia Api complained, "I think you should agree. Tahir's financially stable and I'm sure he'll fall in love with you. It's not like you have a boyfriend or someone who is interested in you."

"Ehsaan faramoshi, beimaani, yeh sab toh uske ragon mein daurta hai. Umeed bhi kaise kar liya ke woh meri baat maanegi. Keh dena ussey, Afreen, ke samjhe uska baap mar gaya hai. Aanewale kal mein agar kisi cheez ki zaroorat ho, toh woh mere paas hi na aaye."
(Ungratefulness, betrayal, all these run through her veins. How did I even hope that she would obey me? Tell her, Afreen, to consider that her father is dead. If she ever needs anything in the future, she shouldn't come to me.)

"Maybe it won't be so bad, Alizey," Amaira Api tried to reason, "Perhaps its meant to be."

"Itne azaadi dene ke wajah se yeh sab ho raha hai. Bohat chhoot di gaye hai, hai na tumhe?!" the way I hid behind Mama flashed in my head as he lifted his hand. I'd expected something else, but he pointed his finger at me, glaring at me over my mother's shoulder, "Kachre mein jaa ke raho ya sarkon pe phiro, apne manmaani karo, jo bhi marzi karo, mujhe koi farak nahin padta! Koi sahara nahin milega mujhse. You're going to be on your own. You'll live in this house like a guest and will be treated like one from now on. Samajh lena main tumhare liye marr gaya hoon aur main soch loonga ke tum bhi marr gayi ho."
(It's because of giving her so much freedom. You've been shown too much leniency, isn't it? Go live in the trash or roam the streets, do want you want, do whatever you choose, I don't care! You won't receive any support from me... Consider me dead and I'll also consider that you've died.)

There was a knock on my door before it cracked open, "You're not going to eat anything, beta?"

"Bhook nahin hai, Mama," I murmured. My voice was hoarse from crying all night.
(I'm not hungry)

"Kuch pack kar deti hoon. Office mein jaa ke khaana."
(I'll pack something for you. Eat it at the office.)

"Aap taqleef na karein."
(Don't take the trouble.)

She came over to me and cupped my cheeks, tears filling her eyes, "Mujhe tumhe aise halaat mein dekha nahin ja raha."
(I can't bear seeing you in this condition.)

My eyes immediately began flooding.

"Maaf kardena mujhe, Lizu. Main kuch nahin kar saki. Bebaas hoon main, meri bachchi. Bohat koshish ki thi maine, lekin nakaam hui."
(Forgive me, Lizu. I wasn't able to do anything. I am helpless, my child. I tried a lot, but I was unsuccessful.)

"Aap ka koi qasoor nahin hai. Aur ab kuch nahin so sakta. Jo hona tha, woh ho gaya," the glint of my engagement ring caught our eyes as I lowered her hands from my face slowly.
(It's not your fault. Nothing can happen now. Whatever was to happen, it already happened.)

It was over. I couldn't handle all the pressure and the harsh words. To restore the family peace, to preserve my bond with my father, to save everyone's mental health, I sacrificed myself.

Tahir and his family came over last night with rings, gifts, and sweets after I told my father that I accept the proposal. The date for our nikkah at the mosque was set for next week, Saturday. There were 8 days left. Living arrangements and the reception were to be determined slowly afterwards.

"Main jaanta tha ke tum meri beti ho ke itna khudgarz nahin ho sakti ho," my father had hugged me, "Dekh na, bohat khush rahogi tum."
(I knew that being my daughter, you couldn't be so selfish. You will see, you will be very happy.)

Shehroze Mamu, Dilnaaz Mami, and Harris were called over last minute as well, all boring looks of disappointment and disapproval while Tahir and I exchanged rings.

"How about you and I go out to dinner tonight, beta? Just you and I? You'll be out of the house, so you will feel better?" my mother suggested.

"Dilnaaz Mami had invited me over to dinner earlier this week. I have to go."

She nodded understandingly.

Susie saw my diamond ring, and I know she was waiting for the opportunity to comment on it, but I didn't give it to her. I kept my headset on the entire day and skipped lunch at our usual time, saying I had a meeting. I clocked out for lunch, but continued working and pretended like I was still in a call even when she was going home. After the never-ending work day, I went over to my uncle and aunt's house. I didn't want to go.

I didn't want to go anywhere.

I didn't want to be anywhere.

I sat on their sofa silently, curled up into a ball. Harris had class and would be coming home soon. Shehroze Mamu was helping out another client but was also supposed to be arriving in the next hour.

"Here," Dilnaaz Mami sat down and extended a cold glass of borhani, a spiced cilantro and mint yogurt drink. "I went to a Bangladeshi store and found a mix to make for you. I knew you liked it after you tried it at that one restaurant."

"Thank you," I murmured, taking it. I took a small sip then set it down on the coffee table.

"Beta, you shouldn't have agreed."

"I had no choice," I answered in a voice devoid of emotion.

I was emotionally exhausted.

"Your father would have gotten angry, yes, but he would have gotten over it. He had a similar reaction when you didn't want to go into the medical field, but he eventually accepted your decision to study accounting."

"He'd only came to terms with it because he thinks I'm going to become a CPA... It was different this time, Mami. He's never said the things he's said before. He's never been this angry before." I then whispered, the scary memories flashing before my eyes, "I'd gotten scared."

"Oh, beta," she caressed my head sympathetically. "He wouldn't have hit you, if that's what you're thinking," she added carefully.

I kept silent, remembering how my heart raced when I'd thought otherwise. He'd never done it before, but he'd also never been so upset at me before.

"There's still time, Alizey. Your Shehroze Mamu and I will talk to Jalal Bhai."

"There's no use."

"There's no harm in trying."

"It'll only make him angrier. He'll resent you all for trying to end the marriage."

"Those are allegations your Mamu and I are willing to take. We would do anything for you, Alizey. Tum hamare hi beti ho. Tumhare saath aise hote hue nahin dekh sakte, aise chup toh bilqul bhi nahin reh sakte." She pulled me into her arms, and I rested my head on her shoulder, tears escaping my eyes.
(... You are our daughter. We can't watch this happen to you, most importantly, we can't stay silent like this.)

She continued stroking my head, and I hadn't realized I'd dozed off for a few minutes until I heard the front door unlocking. I sat up as Mami stood up to hold the door open.

"Dekho, Fawad bhi aa gaya, Dilnaaz."
(Look, Fawad's also arrived, Dilnaaz.)

Fawad? Had I heard correctly?

"Fawad, you're here!" Mami smiled.

"Assalamwalaikum." My heart skipped a beat hearing his baritone voice.

I didn't know he was invited too.

She stepped aside, "Walaikumsalam. Come in. Look, Alizey's also here."

When he came into view, our eyes met immediately. And I didn't know what it was that I'd felt.

Fawad had become that one person who, with one glance, could tell what I was feeling. I wanted to confide in him and hear his wise words because every time we meet, he seems to know just what to say. And as our gazes spoke a million silent words, I knew he could sense the turmoil inside me and I was able to sense the turmoil inside him. There was something troubling him.

But we kept silent, neither of us acknowledging the other's inner distress threatening to spill over. 

Fawad gave me a curt nod, and I returned it.

"It's so nice to see you in our house after so long, Fawad. We wish you came over more," Mamu patted his shoulder.

"He's a busy man," Mami chuckled. "Always working. Take a seat, Fawad. Harris will be here soon. Meanwhile, Shehroze will go freshen up and I'll go finish up in the kitchen."

He nodded then sat at the other end of the sofa after everyone dispersed.

He was wearing a dark grey sweater and black jeans. His silky jet black hair, slightly longer than when I'd first met him, appeared damp and freshly combed. I could also smell a nice bodywash on him.

My eyes fell to my drink resting on the table.

I cleared my throat, speaking softly, "Would you like me to get you some?"

"What is it?" he eyed the beverage.

"Borhani. A Bangladeshi drink Mami made for me. It has mint, cilantro, and spices."

"Can I have a sip of yours? Rather not waste a whole cup if I don't like it."

I nodded, reaching for the drink to hand to him when I noticed his eyes travel to my engagement ring.

I held the drink in front of him, searching his beautiful light brown orbs while he stared at the shackle around my finger. He eventually took the glass, his fingers brushing over mine in the process.

I looked down at my hand, the ghost of his touch lingering on my skin as he took a sip.

"It's good," he inspected the beverage.

"You can have the rest of it. I'm not hungry," I said despite it being the only thing I'd consumed all day.

"Here, try this, Fawad. It's called bor-" Mami entered with a glass then stopped short seeing mine in Fawad's hands. "Oh... What happened, Alizey? You didn't like it? Was it too spicy?"

"No no. It was nice. I just didn't want anymore."

She nodded, her eyes studying Fawad and I. Her head tilted slightly, but I couldn't read her thoughts. Her eyes continued bouncing from my face to Fawad's then back to mine every few seconds.

"Do you need help in the kitchen, Aunty?" Fawad's voice captured my attention.

Mami shook her head, as if snapping out of her thoughts. "No no. Thank you so much, beta. You two talk."

I grabbed the remote after Mami left and turned on the TV for us to watch idly.

I wanted to talk to him, to forget my worries and situation, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. He too did not seem in the mood to converse.

Mami stepped back into the living room after a few minutes, "Alizey, would you be able to go grab a few lemons from the tree in the backyard? I'll use them for the salad. Take Fawad with you and show him my garden!"

I nodded and stood up, as did Fawad. He followed me into the backyard.

"It's different from how I remembered it," he commented.

"Yeah. Mamu got this stone pathway made and that table over there about two years ago."

He crouched, feeling a blooming plant with his fingers, "Thai chilis."

"Those are habanero peppers next to them. There are tomatoes over here, and then that's spinach," I pointed.

He stood up, "Are you sure it's not weed?"

I turned my head to look up at him. He had the slightest smirk on his face.

"It is legal in California," he shrugged.

"Are you implying my aunt and uncle are drug dealers?" I squinted.

"Your words, not mine," he wet his lips, stifling a smile.

I couldn't help but admire him. He possessed the capability to make me smile even when I wanted to do nothing but disappear. I hope I too make him feel better by providing him the space to joke around.

I walked over to the lemon tree, pulling up my sleeves, "Do you smoke weed?"

"Not anymore."

I stepped onto the brick border surrounding the bottom of the tree and lifted my arm to grab one of the citrus fruits. They were far out of reach. "How long has it been?"

"Almost a year," he watched as I continued to nearly dislocate my shoulder in attempt to touch at least one lemon.

"So, Raza only smokes Marlboro cigarettes?"

"I think you're the actual ghost," he folded his arms, slightly amused. "You show up out of nowhere, don't eat, and you somehow know the brand of cigarettes I smoke. Seems like the only logical explanation."

"Perhaps I've become one after meeting you, or you just happen to be smoking almost every time we meet. Smoking is bad for your lungs."

"We all come here with our allotted times," he stated. I felt the warmth of his body as he stepped onto the bricks next to me.

I gazed at him with solemn eyes, my heart sinking at the way he had said that as though it were no big deal.

He easily picked off a lemon, glancing at me, "What would you have done without me, Alizey?"

I searched his twinkling light brown eyes as he looked at me.

I would have missed you, Fawad. That's what I would have done.

I began taking a step back, only for me to realize I had been standing on the bricks, so the ground behind me was not level. I lost balance and fell on my side, my face cringing in pain.

Fawad dropped the lemon and kneeled beside me immediately, "Sh*t. Are you okay?"

I nodded, though I could feel the stinging on my forearm.

He helped me sit up, his eyebrows tugged together with concern. He held my hand gently, lifting up my arm. "You're bleeding, Alizey." There were traces of anger laced in his voice, as though he were upset at my state of hurt.

"Yo yo yo! Long time no see, Fa- What happened?!" Harris's voice grew closer and filled with concern as he approached.

"I fell. I'm oka-"

"She's not. She's bleeding. Harris, bring a first-aid kit," Fawad ordered, still gripping my hand.

He nodded and quickly went to retrieve the small box.

"I'm fine, Fawad. It's-"

"Clearly," he glanced at me angrily before inspecting my arm. "It's hurting, isn't it?"

"Just a little," I answered softly, staring at his concerned face.

My gaze shifted to my engagement ring against his palm, tears starting to prick at my eyes. I began retreating my hand when his fingers curled around my wrist, his free hand extending towards the first-aid kit as Harris rushed back and handed it to him.

"Can always count on you for hurting yourself, Zey," Harris frowned, his eyes bouncing from my ring to my injury.

"I don't do it on purpose," I murmured sadly.

Fawad readied three bandages and then ripped open an antiseptic wipe packet. "It's going to burn, Alizey."

I nodded. He held my hand again gently then wiped my wound. I squeezed his hand unknowingly at the sizzling sensation. He blew on the injury to soothe the burning feeling then quickly sealed the cuts with the beige bandages. The attention and concentration—it was as though this was so critical to him.

As I stared at Fawad with wonderment and admiration, I could feel Harris observing the both of us. My head turned to look at my cousin.

Harris cleared his throat then began collecting the wrappers and the first-aid kit.

Fawad pulled me up carefully.

"You okay now, Zey?"

I nodded. "Thank you."

"I'll throw these wrappers out. Dinner's also ready." After giving us another glance, Harris went inside without waiting.

"You go ahead," Fawad told me, "I'll get a few more lemons."

I nodded then took a few steps towards the door when I turned around again. "It's true we all come with our allotted times, but you shouldn't do things that decrease the time. There are people out there who want you around and it would break their hearts if you left them."

I could feel his intense gaze on me as I turned back around and continued inside.

Perhaps I shouldn't have said that to him because we ended up not speaking for the rest of the night. I don't think he was offended, but I felt tension between him and I, as though he were trying to distance himself from me. Maybe I'd gotten too personal. But I didn't regret it. The way he carries himself, the way he keeps to himself, I wasn't sure if he knew he was wanted and that there are people who care for him. But he deserved to know.

Fawad's P.O.V.

It was now Monday

"I'm trying to arrange for the money, Mr. Cooper," I sighed, "Is there any way you can ask for more time?... I know. I know it's there, but fulfilling the clause in order to get the money from my dad's will is the hard part. It's the last thing I ever wanted to do." My eyes pressed shut tightly.   

It's something I never considered nor could consider, and because of it, I'd given up on the idea of ever acquiring the money.

But now it seemed like I had no choice. It was the only option remaining.

With the heaviest heart, I've decided to resort to it, but now fulfilling the clause was the challenge itself.

I opened my eyes, letting out a deep breath. "Okay... I'll see what I can do. But please, please see if you can request them for some more time... Thanks. I appreciate it, Mr. Cooper... Bye."

"Fawad?" I heard my boss call.

I turned around.

"Are you still on your break? Once you're done, there's a car on Wilshire Blvd. that needs towing and repairs. I need you to go get it. Both drivers called out sick today."

I nodded.

After I pulled the tow truck over upon reaching the location, I got out of the vehicle. As I began approaching the stranded client, my eyes fell on a familiar girl walking towards a tall building several feet ahead. Alizey.

It then occurred to me that I was near her office.

She was holding a box of food when a man gripped her forearm to stop her. My forehead creased as I realized it was the same arm she'd injured at Dilnaaz Aunty's house. The way she glanced down at her sleeve and her eyebrows twitched, I knew she felt pain.

The man wrapped her in a hug, and my hands balled into fists.

Alizey stood there uncomfortable, not reciprocating the embrace.

The diamond ring I saw on her finger was no average ring. It was an engagement ring. He was her fiancé.

He pulled back and gripped the same wounded arm again, and I found myself storming in their direction. He was f*cking hurting her.

But when he dropped his hand, I stopped.

What was I doing?

After that night at Dilnaaz Aunty's, I told myself I was going to put up a boundary between Alizey and I. I found myself thinking about her too often, being too open with her, being too vulnerable.

It made me angry at myself.

It was wrong.

Alizey's P.O.V.

"Safeena Bhabi bought this for you and Shehroze. It's for you all to wear to the nikkah," Mama handed Dilnaaz Mami a bag.

It was late into the evening after I had come home from work. The rest of my family were still out.

Safeena Aunty had taken me shopping over the weekend to buy me a bridal outfit. She had also gotten clothes for everyone too.

But I could care less about the expensive jewelry and clothes strewn across the living room coffee table. I wanted someone to wake me up from this nightmare. I felt suffocated by the thought that in five days, I would be signing my life away to darkness and hopelessness. I would become Mrs. Alizey Tahir Ataullah.

"I'll bring you some tea," my mother told her sister-in-law as the latter began opening the gift.

Dilnaaz Mami then sighed, suddenly setting the bag down with despondency. "I'm going to talk to your father when he comes home tonight. I can't see this happening."

The tears automatically came to my eyes. I felt desperate now. I grabbed her hands, sobbing, "Please kuch karein. Main yeh shaadi nahin karna chahti."
(Please do something. I don't want this marriage.)

She held my cheek, her orbs flooding slowly at my state, "Meri jaan."
(My life.)

"Meri baat koi kyun nahin sunta?" I whimpered.
(Why doesn't anyone listen to me?)

"Main sun rahi hoon, beta. Main keh rahi hoon ke baat karungi main tumhare baba se." She took me into her arms and pecked my head. "I'm going to call Harris. Go hang outside with him. It'll make you feel better."
(I'm listening to you, dear. I'm telling you that I'm going to talk to your father...)

Fawad's P.O.V.

I dropped the stick then stared at my work.

The sound of the waves in front me matched the sound of the chaos inside because of the decision to fulfill the clause to Baba's will. I've already decided to, but it was hard to come to terms with. It was something I had written off subconsciously because it was never a consideration. I didn't want to, but now I had to.

My eyes lifted from the sand to the dark currents, the moon casting its white reflection on the black abyss.

But since I've taken the decision, guilt has been consuming me to no end. I can't look myself in the eyes. It's like there's a burden on my chest making it hard to breathe.

A slow breath left my lips as my head tilted back, staring up at the star-lit sky. "It's not fair. Why did you do this to me, Baba?"

Alizey's P.O.V.

Harris and I slowly made our way to the shore of Malibu Beach. There was no one here given how late and cold it was.

My arms wrapped around myself, I followed a set of footsteps. The trail ended at a stick laying to the side of initials engraved in the sand, 'S♡M.'

"What are you thinking about?" Harris appeared beside me, gazing at the letters as well.

"There's so many people in the world. Each with their own situations and problems. Some are happy and in love. Some people have loved and lost. Some people... some people have never even gotten a chance at love." I sighed then proceeded to the shore.

"Zey," my cousin called dejectedly.

Goosebumps formed on my skin as the icy cold waters washed over my feet.

"Don't marry him."

My vision slowly grew out of focus as I felt a deep connection to the sea, a calling if you will.

The longer I stared at the black ocean, it felt like I was looking at my future. An unknown, endless pool of darkness and desolation.

A loveless marriage.

Compromise.

Sacrifice.

For the rest of my entire life.

My wet eyes grew blank, and the pull towards the magnetizing sea grew stronger, nearly dragging me into the unsettled waters.

"Zey?!" Harris called incredulously as though he could read my mind, studying my face with concern. "Alizey!" he placed his hand on my shoulder, giving me a shake.

My head snapped towards him. As I stared at him, it occurred to me that had Harris not been there, I wasn't sure if there would have been anything to stop me from letting the strong currents take me under.

"What other option do I have, Harris?" my lips trembled. "I'd woven so many dreams about how my life would turn out, about my marriage-" my hand lifted to my forehead as I shook my head while I cried, "There's no solution. There's no way out. Why doesn't my opinion matter?" I lowered to my knees as did Harris, hugging me to him.

"Alizey..." his voice trailed helplessly.

"Why doesn't my decision matter?" I sobbed, "Zyaada kuch nahin chahti thi main, sirf thodi si khushiyaan aur narmi."
(... I never wanted much, just some happiness and gentleness.)

Harris's loud ringtone echoed across the barren place. Mami was requesting that we come home.

When we opened the front doors of my house, Mami was already standing there. She had opened her mouth when we suddenly heard my father speak from inside, "Aur ek baat, Dilnaaz. Tum aur Shehroze agar labon pe muskurahat leke aaoge nikkah par, toh phir thik hai. Varna koi zaroorat nahin hain aane ke liye."
(One more thing, Dilnaaz. If you and Shehroze come to the nikkah with smiles on your lips, then fine. Otherwise, there is no need to come.)

And it was obvious she was unsuccessful in convincing my father to stop the wedding. I had not expected otherwise.

Mami then looked at me. Her eyes, windows to her mind, bore deep contemplation as she stared at me, a hesitancy, an inner battle brewing inside.

As though making up her mind, she gave a nod in response to my father then spoke softly to me. "Meet your Mamu and I for dinner tomorrow after work." She then whispered so only I would hear. "Kuch baat karni hai."
(There's something I want to say.)

The urgent tone of voice left no room for objection.

I nodded then bid her and my cousin adieu.

My hand pushed open the heavy door to the newest burger joint, Rocketz, the following evening. The interior was futuristic and lit up with neon lights.

I immediately spotted my uncle who'd arrived straight from work, evident from his attire, and my aunt at a table. Harris was still at his lecture.

The couple spoke in a serious, hushed manner. Mami stood up when she saw me, ushering me towards them, "Alizey!"

She took my hands before I could even greet her with a hug. "Kya hua, Mami? Mamu?"
(What happened, Mami? Mamu?)

"Sit down, Alizey," my uncle said.

I nodded and sat across from them, studying their faces anxiously.

"Your Mami spoke to your father, and I also went to go visit him during my lunch break, but you know how he is... Alizey, it's against who I am to allow this to happen to you, beta. There is also always a solution, and we're willing to take such a step for you." He then looked at his wife to continue.

"We've thought about it a lot," Mami expressed, "and discussed it..."

I leaned closer in curiosity and anticipation. What was she possibly going to suggest to help me? I was desperately eager yet afraid of planting seeds of hope in my heart again.

She continued, "We're not sure if we should be even saying this, but... but there's someone... we have in mind... who is in need of marrying quickly... I think you both will get along very well. We think you should marry him."

My jaw fell open.

"It'll save you from marrying Tahir," she followed up quickly.

They were suggesting me to marry someone else?!

"Mami," I breathed in shock.

"She's right, Alizey. And we will support you every step of the way," my uncle reassured. "Don't worry about Jalal Bhai."

"Mamu-"

"If you both agree, then we will get you two married on Friday. I'll take care of it."

What was he saying?!

A smile erupted on Mami's face as she glanced over my shoulder, "Oh, look! He's here!"

What?! They invited the man here?!

I immediately turned my head and froze, my eyes widening when I spotted the familiar, approaching figure.

Fawad stopped in his tracks when his eyes met mine.