Chapter - 03
989 Words
Piya turned away, disheartened, ready to leave. A mist of tears clouded her eyes.
Days were passing, but her situation remained unchanged. She couldn’t understand why God was testing her so harshly. When her father was well and earning decently, he had so many friends and well-wishers. But now, when difficult times have come, everyone has abandoned them. No one wanted to help.
She had placed one last hope in Nawab Sahab — thinking that a man of his stature and kindness might help her — but that hope too had shattered. And maybe rightly so… why would such a powerful man lend such a huge amount of money to a stranger?
“Piya!”
Just as she had walked a little distance, she heard Nawab Sahab call out behind her.
Hearing his voice, Piya stopped. Nawab Sahab walked up to her, and as his eyes scanned her from head to toe, Piya felt a little uncomfortable.
She looked away, avoiding his gaze.
Nawab Sahab carefully observed the girl standing in front of him — five feet one inch tall, undeniably beautiful, with a healthy build.
There was an innocence on her face that could melt even the harshest heart. Her features were sharp, making her look even more striking.
Looking at her, Nawab Sahab asked, “How old are you?”
Piya found the question odd.
“Twenty-two,” she said softly.
Nawab Sahab smiled upon hearing her answer, which made Piya even more uneasy. She was about to excuse herself and walk away when he suddenly said,
“I will give you five lakh rupees — but on one condition.”
Piya immediately responded, “No, sir! I’m not that kind of girl! And I don’t want the money!”
She had misunderstood him.
Nawab Sahab smiled at her reaction and said, "I know very well how badly you need the money — and I'm ready to help. But in return, I need your help.”
“And don’t for a moment think I'm going to ask anything inappropriate from you. No, no!”
“All I want is for you to become my son Kabir's bride. Accept marriage with him. In return, I will take care of your father’s treatment — and look after him very well.”
Piya tried to make sense of Nawab Sahab’s words. Once she understood, she looked at him in shock and asked, “But… why? Why would someone like you want your son to marry a simple girl like me? And how is this even possible? I’m Hindu… and you and your son…”
She trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished. Nawab Sahab calmly replied, “Don’t worry about that. Look, my child — this is a good opportunity for you, and I have my own reasons to get my son married as soon as possible.”
Continuing, he said, “And as for you being an ordinary girl — you’re not. You’re a very sweet and special girl. I like you very much… for my Kabir.”
Piya’s eyes welled up again. She didn’t know what to think or say in this moment. Still, trying to stay calm, she asked softly, “And how long would I have to stay married to your son?”
Nawab Sahab, smiling, replied, “For a lifetime.”
Piya looked at him in stunned silence.
She still couldn’t understand — why would he want his son to marry a stranger… and from a different religion? Was there no one suitable in their own community? And who was this son of his, anyway? Was there something wrong with him? Was he handicapped — is that why they were trying to arrange his marriage like this?
Here is the English translation of your scene:
After a moment of thought Piya said in a broken voice, “You too are taking advantage of my helplessness, sir…”
After saying that, Piya stood up and began to leave.
How could she marry a boy from another religion?
And even if she did, what would she tell her father?
Seeing Piya walk away, Nawab Sahib called out to stop her, “Then tell me — do you have any other way to save your father?”
Piya paused at his words, then turned back and said, “Sir, this is not possible… we don’t even belong to the same religion… how can this marriage happen?”
Nawab Sahib calmly replied, “You don’t need to worry about that.”
Piya stood silently… and after a moment...
Forced by circumstances, fighting a battle inside her mind, Pia finally made her decision —
If marrying someone was the only way to save her father’s life, then so be it…
Let the world say what it wants.
Piya raised her head and looked at Nawab Sahib and said, “Okay sir… I’m ready. But… is your son ready for this marriage?”
Nawab Sahib smiled at her acceptance and said, “Don’t worry about him. He is ready too.”
Piya fell silent after saying her words and looked a bit sad.
After a moment of hesitation, Nawab Sahib asked, “You still seem lost in thought… is there something else bothering you? A boyfriend? Or any other reason? Tell me now if there’s anything.”
Piya shook her head and said, “No sir, there’s nothing like that.”
Nawab Sahib smiled and said, “Alright then. Your nikaah will take place on Monday. I will inform you about the time. Give me your number and address.”
Piya gave her number and address and quietly left from there.
As soon as Piya left, Nawab Sahib dialed Farhan’s number on his phone.
When the call connected, Nawab Sahib said,
“Hello! No need to look for a bride anymore… I’ve found one for Kabir!
You just prepare for the wedding.”
To be continued ✍️ ✍️ ✍️
- Writer
