beyond the vows

chapter 11

Zaviyar’s POV

The soft hum of the air conditioner filled Haroon’s apartment as Zaviyar leaned back on the couch, rubbing his temples. Across from him, Javad stretched his legs lazily, sipping his black coffee, while Haroon sat beside Maha, scrolling through his phone.

Zaviyar cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I met Musfira’s father,” he began, his voice calm yet uncertain.

Haroon lifted his gaze. “Ahmad Ali?”

Zaviyar nodded. “He invited me over, and I went with Zaroon. We talked... about my father, about old times.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Then, he brought up something unexpected. He asked me to marry Musfira.”

Maha’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Javad smirked, leaning forward. “And? What did you say?”

Zaviyar exhaled, shaking his head. “I didn’t say yes or no. I told him I’d think about it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to do.”

Haroon placed his phone down. “What’s stopping you?”

Zaviyar looked away. “Marriage isn’t something I ever planned. But now… I keep thinking about it. About her.”

Javad grinned. “That’s a good sign. You already like her, don’t you?”

Zaviyar didn’t answer, but the slight clench of his jaw was enough of a response.

Maha, who had been silent until now, leaned in. “Do you think she wants this marriage?”

That question hit differently. Zaviyar hadn’t even considered it.

Haroon patted his shoulder. “You need to make sure she’s okay with it too. Don’t rush. Just do what feels right.”

Zaviyar nodded slowly, the weight of the decision pressing on him.

Musfira’s POV

The night was quiet, yet Musfira’s mind was anything but. She sat by the window of her bedroom, staring at the city lights, deep in thought.

Her father’s words echoed in her head. “Zaviyar is a good man, Musfira. Think about it.”

And she had. Over and over.

Zaviyar Shah. A man of few words but undeniable presence. She recalled his sharp gaze, his composed demeanor, the way he carried himself with authority. He was respected, powerful… but was he the kind of man she could marry?

She tried to imagine a future with him. Would he understand her? Would he ever truly open up?

Her heart wavered, but her mind whispered logic. This wasn’t a love story. This was an arrangement—one she wasn’t sure she wanted to be part of.

Taking a deep breath, she made her decision.

No. I can’t marry him.

Even if her father wanted it, even if Zaviyar agreed… her heart wasn’t ready.

And she wasn’t sure it ever would be.