Written by: Ishrat Zahid
Chapter 4: At the Threshold of Happiness
The house of Hammad Sahib was buzzing with excitement. After the proposal was finalized, it was time to fix the wedding date. Shaanzay, the light of her father's eyes, began weaving dreams of a new life. She felt as if life had given her everything she ever desired. The sweet words of Arslan's sisters and Shamma Begum calling her "daughter" had created a deep place of respect and love in Shaanzay's heart.
When Arslan's family visited again to fix the date, they were welcomed more grandly than before. Jamila subtly remarked to Hammad Sahib, "Brother, we told Arslan we don't want anything, just the girl and your prayers." Yet, in the same breath, she skillfully praised the expensive library and furniture in the house. Hammad Sahib, ready to sacrifice everything for his only daughter, was so impressed by this facade of "simplicity" that he vowed to give his daughter a dowry that would leave everyone stunned.
Shopping began, and Shaanzay's joy was boundless. She visited the most expensive malls with her father and grandmother. More than the designer clothes and jewelry, she was happy that Arslan's sisters gave her the freedom to choose her own colors. She bought every set with the hope of winning everyone's heart in her new home, unaware of their true intentions.
Jannat Bibi (Amma Ji) watched her happily, but a part of her experienced heart still felt the prickle of doubt she had seen in Jamila's greedy eyes during the first meeting. One day, as Shaanzay showed off her heavy wedding lehenga, Amma Ji whispered, "Child, homes are built with character, not walls and clothes. I pray these people are as good as they appear." Shaanzay just laughed and hugged her, thinking her grandmother was simply overthinking.
On the other side, in Arslan's house, a display of cheapness was being masked as "frugality." Arifa and Shamma Begum were preparing clothes for Shaanzay by subtly altering Nousheen's old outfits. "Mom, just put some glittery lace on this; no one will know it's Nousheen's Walima dress," Arifa said with a cunning laugh. Arslan felt a pang of guilt at the sight, but he remained silent, hoping Shaanzay would be more patient than Nousheen and never complain.
The wedding festivities were lavish. At the Nikkah, gold rings were given to Arslan's two sisters, a heavy gold set for the mother-in-law, and expensive suits for every relative. Though Jamila, Arifa, and Shamma Begum smiled for the cameras, their hearts burned with envy at Shaanzay's beauty and her father's wealth.
After the Rukhsati, the scene at the in-laws' house was the opposite of what Shaanzay had imagined. There were no flowers, no rituals, only exhaustion. Jamila immediately approached Shaanzay and, acting concerned, began removing her gold jewelry. "Daughter, you won't be able to sleep in this heavy jewelry. Let me keep it safe for you; thefts are common these days." Innocent Shaanzay handed over everything, not knowing this was the first attempt to seize her property.
A little later, Arifa entered the room with a plain suit. "Change into this and sleep. Arslan is with friends and won't be back until Dawn. Don't ruin your health waiting." This was a shock for Shaanzay. She spent her wedding night alone, staring at the walls and the clock. As the Fajr Azaan echoed, she realized the "Fortress" she thought was a shelter of love was actually built on indifference and conspiracy. She bowed her head on the prayer mat in exhaustion, while Arslan remained outside, still obeying his sisters' commands.
To be Continued
Disclaimer: This novel is my original creation. All rights are reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced or copied without the author's permission. Copyright © 2026 Ishrat Zahid