Mayi Ri

Chapter 7

Fakhir's restlessness keeps him awake as he watches Arsal sleeping peacefully beside him. A twinge of envy creeps into his thoughts. He can't help but feel that Arsal is lucky, spared from being forced into something he doesn't want. It's as if Arsal's family is untouched by the turmoil that surrounds Fakhir's own.

He paces to the balcony, his sleep completely abandoned. Fakhir finds himself trapped in a situation where neither he could leave nor he could stay. He likes Amna, but but he lacks the courage to confront his father about his feelings. The fear of his father's anger and the potential consequences paralyze him.

As for Ainy, Fakhir has always seen her as a cousin and a dear friend, nothing more. She's been a constant source of support, but the idea of marrying her never crossed his mind until now. He can't fathom marriage at his age, and the thought of Ainy as his wife seems surreal. Even with Amna, he hasn't seriously contemplated the idea of wedlock.

With a heavy heart, Fakhir gazes at the night sky, torn between his own desires and the weight of his family's expectations, feeling trapped in a situation that offers no easy solutions.

Ainy gazes at the moonless night sky through her window, feeling a profound sense of darkness looming over her life. The absence of the moon mirrors her current situation - a life plunged into uncertainty and shadow. The impending nikkah, the thought of an early marriage, terrifies her. She's witnessed her mother's hardships and sacrifices, and she's determined not to follow the same path.

As she contemplates her future, Ainy is resolute in her desire to pursue her dreams, gain an education, and achieve financial independence. She doesn't want to become another Aisha, trapped in a life she didn't choose. The darkness of the night serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, but it also fuels her determination to defy tradition and shape her own destiny.

Fakhir stands in front of Amna, his heart heavy with the burden of the truth he's about to reveal. He takes a deep breath, summoning the courage to share what's been weighing on his mind.

"Amna, I... I have something to tell you," he begins, his voice wavering with unease.

Amna looks at him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Fakhir? You seem tensed."

Fakhir hesitates for a moment, searching for the right words. "My father... he has... he has fixed my... and Ainy's..."

"Your and Ainy's what?" Amna inquires, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

Fakhir swallows hard before finally admitting, "Our marriage has been arranged."

Amna's eyes widen in shock and disbelief as Fakhir tells her about his impending marriage to Ainy. She can't hide the anger that wells up within her.

"What? Fakhir, are you serious?" Her voice trembles with a mixture of hurt and frustration. "You're going to marry your cousin? How could your family even expect that from you?"

Fakhir tries to explain, but Amna cuts him off, her emotions pouring out. "No, Fakhir. We had plans for our future together, and now you're telling me you're getting married to someone else?"

The argument escalates, emotions running high. Amna's anger and hurt are palpable, and Fakhir struggles to find the right words to calm her down, but his girlfriend's shock and disappointment are too overwhelming. Eventually, their argument reaches a point where Amna, overwhelmed by the situation, decides to leave, needing some time and space to process the news.

Ainy is lost in her thoughts as she walks home from school when Hamza joins her. He tries to engage her in conversation, asking about the upcoming exam.

"Have you prepared for the upcoming exam?" Hamza inquires.

Ainy, distracted by her own concerns, doesn't hear him at first. It takes a poke on her shoulder for her to snap out of her reverie.

"Huh?" she responds, finally acknowledging his presence.

Hamza repeats his question, "I asked, have you prepared for the upcoming exam?"

Ainy shakes her head and answers honestly, "No." Her mind is preoccupied with the impending marriage.

Hamza observes Ainy's troubled demeanor and genuinely expresses concern, asking her what's wrong.

"What happened, Ainy? You don't seem okay," he inquires, his tone filled with genuine care.

Ainy hesitates for a moment, conflicted about whether to share her concerns. Hamza's offer to listen prompts her to consider confiding in him, but the fear of potential consequences forces her to decline.

"Main bas..." Ainy starts but then decides against revealing her worries.

"Is there something bothering you? You can talk to me if you want," Hamza reassures her.

Ainy shakes her head, still unwilling to divulge the details. "Nahi, Hamza, kuch bhi nahi. Main chalti hun. If somebody sees us together, I am going to be in trouble," she says, feeling the weight of the situation and deciding to distance herself from Hamza to avoid any trouble. She walks away, leaving Hamza concerned and puzzled by her behavior.

Fakhir, still reeling from the heated argument with Amna, seeks out his cousin Arsal to talk about what transpired.

"Fakhir, you look really upset. What happened?" Arsal inquires, noticing the distress on Fakhir's face.

Fakhir sighs deeply, trying to find the right words. "I just talked to Amna about the whole situation with Ainy and the marriage."

Arsal listens attentively, realizing the gravity of the situation. "And how did she take it?"

Fakhir's expression darkens. "Not well, Arsal. She was shocked, furious even. She couldn't believe I hadn't discussed it with her earlier. We argued, and it got pretty intense. In the end, she walked out on me."

Arsal places a reassuring hand on Fakhir's shoulder. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Fakhir. This whole situation is causing so much chaos."

Fakhir nods, his thoughts in turmoil. "Yeah, it's a mess, and I never wanted to hurt Amna like this. But what can I do now?"

Arsal offers some words of comfort, "We'll figure this out, Fakhir. Right now, just give Amna some time to cool off. Maybe things will settle down once she has a chance to process everything."

Fakhir appreciates Arsal's support and knows that he needs to navigate this complicated situation carefully.

The gap between Fakhir and Ainy continues to widen, fueled by their own internal conflicts and the external pressure of the impending marriage. His reason to not marry Ainy is simple, he isn't ready for a life time commitment. Her reason to not marry Fakhir is, she doesn't want another Habib in her life.

Arsal sensing the tension between Ainy and Fakhir, decides to call her and Aiman to Fakhir's room to plan something to stop the wedding.

It has been days since Ainy set foot in Fakhir's room, and her presence now feels unfamiliar. Fakhir avoids making eye contact, while Aiman, sensing Ainy's discomfort, takes a seat beside him on the bed.

"Are you guys really going to get married?" Aiman finally breaks the silence with her curiosity.

Both Fakhir and Ainy respond in harmony, "No."

Aiman leans forward, intrigued, "Then what's your plan?"

Fakhir's expression turns serious as he reveals his daring plan, "I will run away."

Ainy reacts with a mixture of shock and disbelief, "Are you crazy? Where will you go?"

Fakhir looks at her, aware that even in their silence, Ainy won't allow him to do something reckless.

Fakhir remains resolute, "Anywhere. I'll escape this marriage and avoid Baba's scolding."

Ainy acknowledges Fakhir's tendency to act impulsively, even when he knows it might not be wise.

Arsal intervenes, attempting to reason with Fakhir, "Fakhir, running away isn't the solution."

Fakhir looks at Arsal with a heavy heart, "Arsal, I wanted to run away even before this marriage came into the picture. I'm tired of Baba's constant comparisons and pressure."

The room falls into contemplative silence as the weight of Fakhir's words sinks in.

"Are you sure about this, Fakhir? Tum kaha jaoge?" Ainy inquires, her concern palpable.

Fakhir nods, his determination shining through, "I'll go to my younger uncle's place."

Ainy remains skeptical, cautioning him, "Well, your Baba will eventually find out. He'll bring you back once he realizes you've gone to your uncle."

Fakhir exudes confidence, "Who's going to tell him? I'll talk to my uncle; he'll agree to keep me there. After all, he is only five years older than me."

"Think before you act, Fakhir," Arsal advises, his concern evident in his voice.

"Sochne ki time nahi hai. Shadi se pehle bhagna hai, baad mein nahi," Fakhir asserts.

Ainy stays silent, wrestling with her own thoughts.

"Tum chup kyun ho?" Fakhir inquires, searching for some sign of support from Ainy.

"Kuch nahi," Ainy shakes her head, dismissing her own thoughts for the moment.

Fakhir gets up from the bed and extends his hand toward Ainy, urging her, "Ainy, mere sath ao."

Ainy hesitates for a moment, torn between her doubts and the bond she shares with Fakhir. Aiman's nudge pushes her to take a step forward, and she finally places her hand in Fakhir's, a mix of emotions washing over her.

Fakhir and Ainy walk hand in hand to the balcony, their footsteps echoing in the quiet house. They take seats opposite each other, and Fakhir finally breaks the heavy silence that has settled between them.

"Ainy," he starts, his voice filled with a mix of regret and confusion, "I know I've been distant lately. I just... I don't even know how to react to all of this."

Ainy sighs, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within her. "Me neither. It feels like I'm heading down the same path as my mother."

Fakhir reaches out and gently places his hand on hers, a reassuring gesture. "Ainy, I want you to know that I'm not like your father," he assures her, his voice filled with sincerity.

A small smile tugs at the corners of Ainy's lips as Fakhir tries to lighten the mood. "Why are you always thinking of the worst, Ainy? We're going to stop the wedding, so cheer up, my girl," he says, pinching her nose. She rubs her nose, chuckling softly.

As Ainy listens to Fakhir's optimistic words and playful demeanor, a sense of doubt lingers within her. She's aware of the practical limitations they face as teenagers and suspects that Fakhir's plan to run away may not be as foolproof as he believes. Despite his confidence, she can't help but worry about the challenges and consequences they might encounter along the way, knowing that their world as kids has its limitations.

For Fakhir, this newfound plan offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of liberation. He's convinced that once he leaves home, he can put an end to the impending marriage and escape the pressures of his family. The idea of leaving home had always been a lingering thought, but he lacked the courage to take action until now.

As Fakhir's thoughts churn with the weight of his decision, he turns his gaze towards Ainy, who continues to sit in contemplative silence, her eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky. The stars twinkle above, each one a tiny glimmer of hope and uncertainty.

"What are you thinking?" Fakhir asks, breaking the silence.

Ainy finally speaks, her voice tinged with concern, "Fakhir, dont you think that the solution you found, will lead to more problems?"

Fakhir sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't know, Ainy. But at this point, it feels like we don't have any other options."

Ainy and fakhir look at each other uncertain about their future and Fakhir's plan.