Chapter 3 

Noor's POV

As I stepped into the Khan mansion, I was completely taken aback by it's sheer grandeur. The palace loomed before me, a stunning blend of intricate architecture and lavish décor that left me in awe. Ornate Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow on the marble floors, while the walls were adorned with breath-taking artwork that told stories of elegance and history. yet, even in this breath-taking setting, a wave of anxiety washed over me, reminding me of the whirlwind of emotions that had brought me here. I had made a promise to my mom to give my all to this marriage, I know that it was not my dream to marry someone but now that I am a married women I will give my 100% in this marriage, and I knew I had to focus on the positive, even if it felt daunting. 

As I prepared to step out of the car, the reality of my new life as a bride sank in, and I realized I was doing it without my husband by my ide. Just then, Ayan appeared his presence a comforting relief. He opened the car door for me with a warm smile, and I felt a flicker of hope admits my nerves. He helped me navigate the heavy lehenga, his gentle-touch making the moment feel less overwhelming. When we reached the grand entrance, he paused returning with a plate of vibrant red colour. "I haven't seen my real mother," he said sincerely, "but from now on, my Bhabhi maa is my mother, and I want you to leave your handprints on my kurta." His heartfelt gesture melted my anxiety, reminding me that I was stepping into a new family, and perhaps, a new beginning. It filled me with warmth, making me believe that despite the uncertainty, I could find my palace and happiness in this new chapter of my life. 

As I stepped into the hall, a wave of warmth washed over me as papa gently patted my head, showering me with blessings that felt like a comforting embrace. but as I moved to grandma, her expression was a stark contrast- she seemed distant, nodding silently as she glanced at Airah. "Airah, take her to her room. we can't do any rituals since Zaviyar isn't here," she said, her voice heavy with unspoken disappointment. In that moment I felt a wave of sadness wash over me, a sense of being unwanted and out of place in a family gathering that should have felt welcoming. 

Airah, sensing the tension, quickly assured, "okey, dado (grandma), I'll take Bhabhi to her room." As we walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in a place that should have felt like home.

 Entering Zaviyar's room for the first time was like stepping into another world; the size of the room was astonishing, with deep black walls that seemed to envelop me in mystery. The centrepiece was a massive bed, but was truly stole my breath away was the small figure nestled upon it. 

As I approached, my heart raced with a mix of curiosity and awe. There, sleeping peacefully, was a tiny baby, his cherubic face radiating innocence and purity. Shock coursed through me; how could no one have mentioned that Zaviyar had a son? It wasn't that I dislike children- in fact, I had adored them since I was seven. But this revelation was overwhelming, a beautiful surprise that filled me with emotions I hadn't anticipated. I gently kissed the baby's forehead, feeling an unexpected surge of affection that melted away the earlier tension. 

Afterward, I changed into the night suit Airah had given me, as my own clothes hadn't arrived yet. Freshened up and filled with questions, I settled onto the bed, anticipations bubbling within me as I awaited Zaviyar's return. I had so much to ask, so much to understand about this new chapter in our lives. As I sat there, gazing at the sleeping baby, I felt a connection forming, a bond that transcended the chaos of the day. the gentle rhythm of my hand patting his head lulled me into a peaceful slumber, where dreams dreams blended with hopes of a future filled with laughter, love, and the joy of family. In that moment, I realized that perhaps I wasn't as much of an outsider as had thought; maybe this little one was the bridge that would bring us all closer together. 

Zaviyar's POV

I had never interest in marriage, but when my grandma pleaded with me, i  reluctantly said yes. it felt like I was trapped in a whirlwind of family expectations, and there was no way out. As the ceremony progressed, I felt n overwhelming urge to just get it over with. the guests were smiling, the music was playing, but all I could think was how i didn't belong there. when one of the guests prompted me to lift the veil, I stood up, eager to end this nonsense as quickly as possible. I had seen the bride only briefly the day before, and I was marrying her out of obligations to my family, not out of any real connection. 

But when I finally lifted the veil, my heart sank like a stone. there she was Noor, the girl I despise more than anyone else, sitting there with her innocent red eyes cast down to her lap. it was as if the universe had played a cruel joke on me. I had agreed to marry Mehr, who seemed like a decent girl, but Noor? I hated her with every fibre of my being. the memories of past came in front of my eyes remembering what she did to my best friend, I was disgusted. 

The sight of her in that moment was like a punch to the gut. I felt betrayed, trapped in a situation I never wanted, forced to confront the reality that my life was to change in a way I never imagined. the weight of the moment pressed down on me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into a nightmare instead of new chapter in my life. my heart raced as I realized that I was now tied to the one person I wanted to avoid at all costs. how could I possibly move forward knowing that my future was now intertwined with someone I loathed? the thought of spending the rest of my life with her was unbearable, and I knew I had to find a way to escape this fate.