CHAPTER 6

                                    

                                          
As the night progressed, the time for rukhsati arrived. The atmosphere grew emotional as Zayna's family gathered around her. Her mother held her hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, and whispered, "My little girl, you’re so brave. May Allah bless you with all the happiness in the world." Zayna hugged her mother, her own tears falling freely now.
Her father stood beside her, his voice trembling as he said, "Zayna, always remember your faith and values. You’ve made us proud, and we know you’ll continue to do so." He placed a kiss on her forehead, and Zayna felt her heart ache as she clung to him for a moment longer.
The women from Eliyas’s family helped Zayna into the car, draping her beautifully embroidered dupatta gracefully over her head. As the car door closed, she looked back at her family, trying to memorize every detail of their faces. She saw her little cousin brother waving at her, tears in his eyes but smiling bravely.
The car began to move, and Zayna whispered a dua under her breath, "Ya Allah, guide me, protect me, and make this journey one of peace and happiness. Ameen." Her heart felt heavy, but she also held onto the hope of this new chapter in her life.
As the car moved forward, Zayna’s gaze shifted to Eliyas, who was sitting silently in the front seat beside the driver. His eyes were closed, his breathing measured, as if he was trying to steady himself. The tension in his posture was unmistakable, but he made no effort to look back at her or acknowledge her presence.
Zayna adjusted her dupatta and looked out of the window, feeling a mix of emotions. This was her new beginning, yet she felt like a stranger in her own story. She clutched her hands tightly in her lap, her heart heavy with uncertainty.
Eliyas, lost in his thoughts, leaned back in his seat. "Should I talk to her?" he wondered, his jaw tightening. "But I was against this from the start! Eliyas, she’s just a child!" He let out a frustrated sigh, his mind swirling with resentment. "I’ll definitely find a way to flee from this marriage soon," he muttered to himself, "or I’ll make her life a living hell. She’ll regret this just as much as I do."
After reaching the grand EFS mansion, the driver quickly opened the car door for Zayna. Before she could step out, she noticed Eliyas had already walked away without even looking back or offering to help her.
In no time, cars carrying Eliyas’s cousins arrived, one after another. A cheerful cousin leaned out of a car window and called out, "Please, Bhabhi Jaan, join us!"
Zayna stepped out and looked up at the mansion. It was massive and elegant, with tall pillars and beautifully carved arches. The large entrance was decorated with glowing fairy lights, and the garden was filled with colorful flowers neatly arranged along the pathways. The air carried a light scent of roses, adding to the grandeur of the place. Zayna felt a mix of nervousness and awe as she stood there, taking it all in.
As the cousins surrounded her, chatting and laughing, one of the elder cousins, Noor, gently took Zayna’s hand and said, "Come with me, Bhabhi Jaan. You must be tired after everything."
Zayna hesitated for a moment but followed Noor inside the mansion. The interior was as grand as the outside, with a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling and marble flooring that gleamed under the soft golden lights. The hallways were lined with elegant paintings and ornate furniture, each piece adding to the grandeur of the home.
Eliyas’s mother, Mrs. Fardeen, smiled warmly at Zayna from across the hall. “Don't worry, beta," she said in a soft, reassuring tone. "You're part of this family now, and we will take good care of you.”
Zayna gave her a small, grateful smile as she followed Noor up the staircase. The two walked down a long corridor, and Noor opened the door to a room at the far end. She smiled warmly at Zayna. "This is Eliyas Bhai's room. You can rest here. If you need anything, just let us know, okay?"