Mine to Cherish

5

As the day of the wedding arrived, nervousness and fear of what was going to come ahead was enveloping Maheen. After seeing Shahzar's behavior on that day Maheen knew something bad was coming up but her heart was surprisingly calm. The wedding was a grand reception where only all Shahzar's colleague and Asif's family was invited. Asif wanted it as he wanted to see his daughter's happy day as beautiful as possible.

The hall was decorated with white lillies and fairy lights were adorned everywhere on the walls of the hall. The stage was decorated beautifully where Shahzar was sitting clad in his Armani suit waiting for all this ceremony to end as the accusations of  Maheen were still running in his mind. He was confused but angry at the same time. Just as he was waiting, he saw Maheen coming towards the stage with Asif Baig and Asiya on her sides. She was looking breathtaking in her all red dress. For a minute, Shahzar was mesmerized by her beauty but got hold of himself. He went forward and took Maheen's hand in his and made her sit with him.

Maheen was nervous as she felt Shahzar sitting beside her. She was determined to clear everything at night and prove that she was not wrong. But he had never talked like that to any one especially boys and now Shahzar was her husband who had every right on her.

Soon the time of rukhsati arrived and Maheen sobbed on the shoulder of her father. Sofia and Asiya Baig also shed tears as their beloved daughter and sister was finally leaving. Asif then hugged her daughter one last time and gestured his wife to make Maheen sit in the car. Meanwhile, he went towards Shahzar who was standing behind them.

"Beta Maheen is the flower of my house. She is stubborn at times but I know who can handle her. I don't know the reason why she rejected you but she was happy before that. After rejecting you she hasn't been happy for a single day. Please treat her with care. I trust you with her. Don't disappoint me, my son."

Asif said.

"Baba, I have always considered you my father and I will never do anything to make you ashamed. Maheen is my wife and I am answerable to Allah for everything since my day of nikah. She is my responsibility now and I will try my best to make her happy."

Shahzar bowed his head and kissed Asif's hands. Asif patted his shoulder and smiled.

Shahzar then said his salams to Asiya and Sofia and sat in the car. He was driving himself and Maheen sat beside him clad in a big shawl. The journey was a silent affair as both were engrossed in their own thoughts.

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

As they entered their house, Shahzar opened the door of passenger seat and helped Maheen out of the car. Maheen took his hand in hers and came out while struggling with her dress. Shahzar saw her struggling and picked her up in his arms in a sudden swish. Maheen was dumbstruck for a moment. As Shahzar moved towards the room, Maheen clutched onto his shoulders for support. Shahzar acted all indifferent in front of her. He didn't want to show his emotions in front of her. Maheen was hurt on seeing his oblivious behavior. She thought that Shahzar didn't mean anything for her but deep down in her heart the leftovers of her first love were still there. No matter how much you negate your mind, heart always finds a way.

Shahzar placed her on the bed and left the room. As Shahzar's parents were also the only children so not much relatives of Shahzar were present. Shahzar only had a maid, a cook and a watchman at his house. The maid and the cook left in the evening, so practically Shahzar was a loner at his house. But now his wife was there for him. Shahzar couldn't help but felt happy to get Maheen as his wife. His first love. All he knew was that he had to confront Maheen and save the relationship he had made.

**********

Shahzar entered his room and saw Maheen still sitting on the bed. He came forward and said,

"Go change your clothes. Your dress must be uncomfortable. All your clothes are set in the wardrobe."

Shahzar maintained a cold demeanor and turned around. Maheen caught his wrist in time as she stood up from the bed. Shahzar was surprised but he didn't turn back. Maheen was now annoyed at his behavior. She left his wrist and came in front of him.

"Why are you behaving like this Shahzar? All the fault is yours then you are still showing your attitude."

Maheen huffed in annoyance.

Shahzar crossed his arms on his chest and said,

"Oh is that so? Then tell me what did I do to make me such a bad man in your eyes?"

"You know Shahzar I liked you. I was so happy when you sent the proposal. I came to visit you in your office before saying Yes so that I could talk to you and tell you my feelings but no you had to ruin it all. What were you doing with that girl? I didn't expect this from you out of all people. The girl was literally all over you and you ------ "

Maheen couldn't say anything more as she burst into tears.

Shahzar was shocked as realization dawned upon him. He didn't know that one mistake could ruin his happiness. He sighed and stepped forward. He put his arms around Maheen as he shushed her and rubbed her back. When Maheen stopped crying, he made her sit on the bed and sat on his knees in front of her.

"You know Maheen I was never a bad person. It was just a misunderstanding. You know I am a lawyer and sometimes I have to bear with some dangerous people. It was one of them. I had the case of Hamdani industry as it was known that they didn't give salaries to their employees and fired them as soon as they completed their tasks. So I took the case of one of those employees but Hamdani couldn't tolerate it as his reputation was at stake. So he started finding my faults. He kept an eye at my house and at my professional profile but couldn't find anything. He sent a girl to my office who drugged me and tried to take pictures which were bad for my public image but I had a secret camera in my office. I disclosed the camera's video and all the proofs of his heinous crime as soon as he tried to blackmail me. You remember it, don't you?"

Shahzar said.

Maheen knew about the case and was stuck for a minute. She remembered how difficult that time was for Shahzar. She knew that it was her fault for misunderstanding him. She looked down and tears rolled out of her eyes. Shahzar put a finger under het chin and came face to face with her.

"It's not your fault Maheen. After all we are humans. We can do mistakes. But I want you to promise me that in the future if something like this happens you will come to me first. You know I loved you since I saw you first. Your fierce attitude, your beautiful smile, everything was mesmerizing for me."

Maheen blushed profusely and smilingly looked towards him.

"I am sorry Shahzar for not believing in you. I promise I'll not do it again and try hard to be a better life partner for you."

Shahzar grinned and hugged her tightly. After some time, he pulled back and looked at her asking for permission. Maheen blinked at looked down. Shahzar didn't waste a minute and took her lips in a searing kiss. He bit on her lips and Maheen kissed him back. Both of them were engrossed in themselves. Shahzar left her lips and left butterfly kisses on her jaw. Maheen moaned. Shahzar took her from her waist and laid her on the bed. He came on top of her. He kissed her forehead and smiled at her. Maheen returned the smile as Shahzar kissed her again and left marks on her shoulder. He lowered her blouse zip and kissed her everywhere. He asked Maheen for permission. Maheen was a moaning mess by then. Maheen hugged Shahzar as she gave the permission. Shahzar was ecstatic and he took her slowly and passionately as he thrusted inside her. Maheen moaned and cried as Shahzar consoled her with his kisses. All of the night was spent in each other's arms as two lovers were united after a long painful journey.