Bound By A Promise
1070 Words
“Abba, what are you saying?” Ayat had just arrived, and the first thing she heard was shocking news. Rabia had also come, bringing her own agenda.
“How could you even think I’d accept a marriage proposal chosen by you two? Who are you even? The same people who disowned me years ago? I spent my entire life without a real relationship, even though I had living parents. You both were so absorbed in your new families, you forgot I even existed! Even animals show more care—they don't just abandon their young. But you did.”
She spoke until she could no longer speak, her voice tired and pained.
“Ayat darling, it’s not like that. I love you so much. Try to understand your mother,” Rabia tried to hug her, calm her down.
“Don’t touch me! I hate the word ‘mother’ now. Is this what mothers are? Selfish and power-hungry?”
“Ayat! Now you’re crossing the line!” Rabia shouted.
“Crossing the line? You two crossed every boundary long ago. Anyway, I will never accept this proposal you’re forcing on me.”
She delivered her verdict. Dadi, who had witnessed everything silently, finally stepped in.
“Fine,” Sheheryar snapped, “Don’t get married. But you’re staying here forever. Your phone and passport are with me now. Do what you want.”
“You…” Her voice choked. “How much lower can you fall, Abba?” She broke into tears, burying her face in Dadi’s lap.
“Sheheryar and Rabia,” Dadi said sharply, “I’ve tolerated enough from both of you. A child like you is a curse. Maybe I failed in raising you. But now that you’ve come here pretending to care, thank you. You can leave now—or stay to attend your daughter’s nikah.”
“Nikah?” Ayat stood stunned.
“What are you saying, Amma? With whom?” Sheheryar was just as shocked.
“Don’t call me Amma,” she snapped. “Ayat’s nikah is happening—with Wali.”
“Wali Bhai?” Ayat whispered, as if she’d been electrocuted.
“He’s like a brother, not your real brother. And there’s no one better for you,” Dadi said firmly.
“I don’t want to get married. I haven’t even finished my studies. I hate everything about marriage!” Ayat collapsed emotionally.
“But Amma, Wali is way older than her,” Sheheryar tried to reason.
“And the man your wife suggested is twenty years older. You think that’s better?” Dadi’s sarcasm hit hard.
The look Ayat gave her father could’ve killed him if he had any shame left. But he was blind—blinded by greed and love for his new wife.
“My nephew is well-settled, young, educated—he’s better than Wali,” Rabia added.
“Ayat’s nikah is after Asr prayer. Wali will be here soon. Stay if you like; otherwise, the door is open,” Dadi declared as she led Ayat away.
---
Wali didn’t know whether to be happy or stunned. The wish he had carried in his heart for years was finally coming true—but not like this.
“She’s not even willing, Dadi. What if she agrees today and leaves for Canada after marriage?”
“She won’t leave if you give her enough love, enough attention. She's been starved of it her whole life. Your love can melt her walls, Wali.”
“But she’s not used to relationships. She’s lived alone all her life. What if…” Wali stopped.
“What if what?” Dadi asked.
“What if she already likes someone else?”
They both fell into thoughtful silence.
“I want to talk to Ayat,” Wali said. Dadi nodded. They had no other option.
---
Ayat had been pacing the room, still unable to believe how easily she had been fooled by her father.
The closer Asr prayer approached, the more her anxiety grew.
“Wali Bhai? I never imagined this from him,” she murmured.
There was a knock.
“It’s me, Wali.”
She opened the door.
Wali was stunned. He had seen her in pictures online, but in person, she was even more beautiful—perhaps because his love made her glow in his eyes.
“Wali Bhai, did you hear what’s happening?” she asked, unaware of his expression. She kept talking; he just watched.
After twelve years, she was in front of him, more radiant than ever. His heart had forgotten how to beat.
“Yes, I heard. That’s why I’m here—to talk.”
“Please say no. Tell them you don’t want to marry me,” Ayat pleaded.
“Sure. I’ll say no. Then they’ll marry you off to the guy your dad suggested.”
“Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with marrying me off?” Ayat was frustrated.
“Because all of this has only one solution,” Wali said.
“What is it?”
“You marry me.”
Ayat stood in shock.
“Let me finish. Do you… like someone else?”
“What are you saying? I hate marriage. And boys. All of them are the same—flirts,” she snapped.
Her words soothed Wali’s soul.
“Then here’s what you do: tell Dadi you’ll only marry me after your father returns your phone and passport. Once you’re married, I’ll have the power to help you—and I will send you back to Canada.”
Ayat’s eyes lit up.
“Really? You’ll send me?”
“Yes. But not immediately. Stay a few months, continue your studies here. Then if you still want to go, I’ll help.”
“Wali Bhai… I always saw you like a brother. How can I marry you?”
“I understand. But no one will force you. This marriage will begin only when you accept it in your heart. Until then, we’ll remain good friends.”
Ayat looked at Wali. He wasn’t like her father. He was composed, mature, undeniably charming—and she could feel his sincerity surrounding her like a calm storm.
“Okay. I agree. But keep your word.”
Wali smiled. On the outside.
Inside, his heart was drowning.
After all these years, he was finally getting his love—
…but with the fear that she could leave at any moment.
- Writer
