Mine to Cherish

4

Maheen was working in her office when she got the call of his father's illness. She was shocked to her core and het mind was so hazy to process what was even going on there. When she came to grasp the situation, she hurriedly picked her bag and ran out of her office. Shahzar, who was coming out of his office to give the legal conditions file to his boss, saw her running. He was worried so he gave the file to his boss's PA and ran behind Maheen.

Maheen had already boarded her car and went in full speed outside the office. Shahzar sped up and chased Maheen in his own car. Maheen parked the car outside the hospital and came to the reception asking about Asif Baig. Meanwhile, Shahzar understood the situation as he saw the hospital. He knew Asif Baig was ill. He ran behind Maheen. Both of them came to halt as they saw Asiya Baig sitting outside the ICU and Sofiya hugging her as both of them were shedding tears.

Maheen came forward and sat on her knees in front of her mother.

"How did this happen ammi? (mother) Abbu (father) was alright when I left this morning."

She asked.

"I don't know. He just collapsed on the floor after taking his tea. I don't know Maheen what is happening ? Please pray to Allah to save him. He is my everything."

Asiya Baig replied while crying.

Maheen was crying but she had to strengthen her heart for the sake of her mother and sister. She soothed her mother as she picked her hands and rubbed them. After a while she sat beside them and hugged both of them.

Shahzar was standing in the corner seeing the heart wrenching scene. He couldn't believe that his friend like uncle was in such condition. He leaned against the wall as he waited for the doctors to come.

Minutes passed away but they felt as heavy as hours for the Baig family waited, for only the loved ones know the pain of it when the fate of your own flesh and blood is just a game of several breaths.

After a long wait, doctors came out. Maheen rushed towards him while Shahzar also stepped forward.

"How is he now? Is he out of danger?"

Maheen asked frantically.

"He had a heart attack but now he is fine. Try not to stress him and put strain on his heart. He is weak for a person of his age. You can meet him once we shift him to private room."

The doctor answered professionally.

Meanwhile, Asiya and Sofia had acknowledged Shahzar's presence. Sofiya hugged him as Shahzar calmed her. Shahzar patted her head while squeezed Asiya Baig's hand assuring her that everything will be fine.

After listening to doctor's statement, all of them relaxed. Maheen moved back to hug her mother but was stunned to see Shahzar there. She covered her expression and ignored him while hugging her mother.

************

"Maheen come here."

After waking up, Asif Baig saw his family. After assuring them that he was fine, he called out for Maheen.

"If I ask you something will you do it for me?"

Asif Baig said.

"I'll do anything for you Abbu. You only order me don't request like that."

Maheen said while kissing her father's hand.

"Then marry Shahzar for me."

To say that Maheen was devastated was an understatement. She didn't know what to say.

"Will you do it Maheen?"

Asif asked again.

Maheen composed herself and said,

"Anything for you Abbu."

"Please call the everyone I want the nikah to be done now."

Asif said to Shahzar.

Shahzar was also not ready for such a sudden decision but nonetheless he wanted it. He glanced at Maheen who was sitting face down. He knew she wasn't ready but what he could do when it was Asif's order. Sofiya was happy as she imagined Shahzar as her brother in law. Asiya was satisfied at Asif's decision. She knew that Maheen liked Shahzar but due to unknown circumstances she wasn't accepting it.

It was better that both of them resolved their issues while being in a pure relation.

Shahzar went out and within an hour, Maheen's fate was tied to Shahzar Shahzaib.

Everyone congratulated each other and the marraige was decided to be done in a week.

*************

Asif was discharged from hospital after two days. Shahzar came to visit him. He sat with him for some time and talked about his health and other matters but all of his concentration was on Maheen.

Maheen had taken leave from office for taking care of her father. Her father had told her not to do so but she insisted on it. Shahzar hadn't seen her after the nikah(marriage contract). His heart fluttered as he thought about their relation. He wanted to talk to her and ask her about her feelings.

Asif Baig knew what Shahzar was thinking and he smiled as he asked Shahzar to go in the living room as he wanted to sleep.

Shahzar after bidding good bye, went to Maheen's room instead of living room.

He knocked the door but no response came. He thought of going in there himself.

As he entered the room, he saw Maheen standing near the window looking outside. He tiptoed and silently stood behind her. Maheen was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice. Shahzar snaked his arm around her waist which startled Maheen. Maheen was surprised but as she saw Shahzar she calmed for a minute but then anger came over her. She jerked his arm off and pushed him. Shahzar was taken aback.

"How dare you come near me."

Shahzar was stunned. He knew Maheen was not ready but he was taken aback on such harsh response.

"What do you mean? You are in my nikah. I can touch you whenever I want."

Shahzar said.

"I won't let a characterless man like you touch me. You should go for your needs to other woman as I can't satisfy you like them."

Maheen said sarcastically.

Shahzar became infuriated on hearing her words. The character of a person is the only thing which represents him and for Shahzar a question on his character was a question on him. He pulled her to his chest by her arm and said angrily,

"Don't you dare say another word or I'll show you how characterless I am. I am tolerating your behavior for a long time. I will not tolerate anymore. Prepare yourself for our wedding. Either you tell me everything on our wedding night or regret it for the rest of your life."

Just after saying this, Shahzar gripped her jaw and kissed her harshly. Maheen couldn't understand what was happening as she saw Shahzar angry for the first time. She tried to push him back but Shahzar was very dominating. He kissed her even harder and eventually Maheen gave in. When Shahzar felt the need for air, he stopped kissing and pulled back breathless. Shahzar saw Maheen as her eyes were closed. He pushed Maheen back and left the room. Maheen fell on her knees and she cried thinking about her fate.