beyond the vows

chapter 12

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city as Zaviyar stood by the window of his study, his fingers tapping against the glass. He had made his decision. Now, it was time to act on it.

Taking a deep breath, he picked up his phone and dialed Ahmad Ali’s number. The call connected within seconds.

"Ahmad Sahib, I’d like to invite you and Musfira to my house today." His voice was steady, leaving no room for hesitation.

Ahmad Ali sounded pleased. "That’s wonderful, beta. I’ll tell Musfira and we’ll be there soon."

Zaviyar nodded. "I’ll be expecting you."

But things didn’t go as smoothly on the other end.

At Ahmad Ali’s House

Ahmad Ali turned to Musfira, who was seated on the couch, sketching absentmindedly.

"Musfira, we’ve been invited to Zaviyar’s house. Let’s get ready," he said, a soft smile on his face.

Musfira’s fingers stilled over the paper. Her heartbeat quickened.

"I don’t want to go, Abbu." Her voice was firm.

Ahmad Ali frowned slightly. "Musfira, beta, this is important. Zaviyar himself called to invite us."

She shook her head, standing up. "I don’t see why I need to be there."

"Because he is considering the proposal, and it would be respectful for us to go."

Musfira sighed, frustration flickering in her dark eyes. "Abbu, please. I don't want to discuss this right now."

Ahmad Ali tried reasoning with her for several minutes, explaining, convincing—almost pleading. But she remained unmoved.

With a disappointed sigh, he finally said, "Fine. But I’m going. I won’t disrespect his invitation."

Musfira watched as he picked up his coat and left. The door closed behind him with a soft click, and for the first time that evening, she felt her chest tighten.

At Zaviyar’s House

Ahmad Ali arrived at Zaviyar’s mansion, where Maha, Haroon, Javad, and Zaroon were already gathered in the living room.

Zaviyar greeted him respectfully, guiding him to a seat.

Maha smiled warmly. "It’s good to see you, Uncle."

Ahmad Ali nodded, glancing around. "I thought Musfira would come, but she refused." His voice carried a tinge of disappointment.

Javad leaned forward. "That’s okay. Zaviyar will bring her around eventually."

Haroon smirked. "Of course. He’s already decided, hasn’t he?" His gaze flickered toward Zaviyar, waiting for confirmation.

Zaviyar took a deep breath and met Ahmad Ali’s eyes. "I will marry Musfira." His words were simple yet powerful.

Ahmad Ali’s eyes softened with relief, and without a second thought, he stood up and pulled Zaviyar into a fatherly hug. "You’ve made me the happiest man today, beta."

Zaroon grinned. "Looks like we’re about to have a wedding soon."

Laughter and light conversation filled the room, but Zaviyar’s mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the thought that Musfira hadn’t come.

At Musfira’s House

Meanwhile, Musfira sat alone in her room, staring at her laptop screen. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before she finally started typing.

"Resignation Letter"

Each word she wrote felt like a step toward severing a connection she wasn’t ready for.

Once she was done, she printed the letter, folded it neatly, and placed it in her bag.

A sigh left her lips as she whispered to herself, "This is for the best."