Chapter 21:
In the suffocating silence of her closed room, Tania stood before the mirror, examining her reflection. It felt as though a different girl was standing on the other side of the glass. The features were the same, the eyes familiar, but the haunting fear that once lived in them had transformed into a resolute determination. Her light pink formal attire, adorned with intricate star-like embroidery, enhanced her grace, but the true radiance came from the inner peace she had found after bowing before her Creator. Her mother's words from the dream echoed in her mind: "Tania, my life! You are not weak." Those words had woven a protective shield around her soul.
Adjusting her hair one last time, she took a deep breath and whispered to her reflection, "Almeer! Did you think you could break me with your power, your ego, and your threats? You targeted my father—my only sanctuary—but I am no longer the Tania who would tremble at a single message from you. I will fulfill my mother's unfinished dreams, I will take charge of her business, and I will never negotiate my self-respect again." Picking up her clutch, she stepped out of the room with a dignified gait. In the lounge, Shahab Sahib sat on the sofa, his fingers moving over prayer beads. As his eyes fell upon his daughter, a smile of immense pride spread across his face. Seeing her this confident healed half of his sorrow. They both walked silently toward the garage, and on their way, Tania stopped the car to buy a sophisticated, fragrant bouquet for Romaisa—a symbol of a fresh start in their friendship.
On the other hand, the wedding hall was a sight to behold. Shimmering lights and the intoxicating scent of flowers had cast a magical spell over the venue. Sherroz, who had been busy since morning—dropping Romaisa at the parlor, managing arrangements, and checking the guest list—looked utterly exhausted. He had just reached the hall and hadn't even had a chance to get ready. As he entered, his father's brow furrowed at the sight of him. "Sherroz! You're arriving now? More than half the guests are here, and the bride's brother is just showing up?" he expressed his anger in a hushed tone. "Baba! I apologize. My original suit was sent for pressing, but when I went to pick it up, the market was closed due to a short circuit. I had to get this second suit pressed elsewhere in a rush. That's what caused the delay," Sherroz explained breathlessly, quickly taking the flower baskets to stand at the entrance. His eyes kept darting toward the gate, as if waiting for a specific face.
When Tania arrived at the hall, she felt a strange sense of belonging. She went straight to the dressing room to meet Romaisa. Romaisa, looking slightly nervous on the biggest day of her life, stood up immediately upon seeing Tania. "Stay seated, Romaisa! You truly look like a fairy," Tania said affectionately, handing her the bouquet. "Thank you, Tania! I'm so glad you're here; my heart was racing," Romaisa said, clutching her hand. Just then, a girl rushed in, "Tania! Romaisa's mother is calling you outside. The wedding procession has reached the gate. Come quickly!" Tania rushed to the main entrance. A young girl handed her a plate of flowers. The photographer's voice boomed, "Everyone look here, please! Ready!" and in the bright flash of the camera, Tania's smiling face was captured. Tania welcomed the guests with grace, draping floral garlands over the ladies.
After the simple yet dignified Nikah ceremony, Tania was asked to bring the bride out. Her own heart began to pound. As she held Romaisa's hand, leading her toward the stage, all lights and cameras were fixed on them. Tania felt a newfound steadiness in her steps. Suddenly, as they neared the stage, the corner of her heavy net dupatta got snagged in the stand of the decorative stage lights. Tania stopped abruptly and looked back in panic. Sherroz, standing near the stage, moved forward without a second's delay and delicately untangled her dupatta from the hot lights. In that brief pause, their eyes met. There was a sense of admiration and protection in Sherroz's gaze that knocked on a hidden corner of Tania's heart. Once freed, the photographer urged, "Now, look forward and walk slowly!" Tania settled Romaisa on the stage and handed her hand to her husband.
The 'Doodh Pilai' (Milk Offering) ritual began, and the hall erupted in cheer. Romaisa's mother called out, "Tania! Come here. Romaisa has no biological sister; from today, you are her elder sister. Come and hold this glass!" It was an emotional moment for Tania. She had never received such belonging and importance in her life. Encouraged by her cousins, Tania demanded five hundred thousand rupees, sparking a playful debate with the groom's side. The hall echoed with laughter, and finally, the deal was struck at one hundred thousand. When Romaisa's mother tried to give the money to Tania, she hesitated, but the elder woman insisted with motherly love, handing her fifty thousand rupees. "This is your right, child. Consider it a gift from your sister."
The moment of 'Rukhsati' (Departure) was heart-wrenching. As Romaisa clung to her father, her sobs could be heard throughout the hall. Sherroz supported his sister and kissed her forehead. Romaisa called Tania close and whispered through her tears, "Tania! Promise me you won't let my mother feel lonely. She will be so alone; please keep visiting her." With tearful eyes, Tania reassured her, "I promise, Romaisa. I will take care of her like my own mother." Sherroz watched this emotional side of Tania in silence, and a new wave of respect for her rose in his heart.
The next morning, despite the exhaustion, Tania and Sherroz decided to go out for breakfast and pick up some fruit and sweets for Romaisa's in-laws. They arrived at a well-known bakery where Sherroz was cheerfully selecting fruit baskets. Tania was standing with him, laughing and talking, when she suddenly felt a cold, familiar gaze on her back. She turned around to find Almeer standing there, his face flushed with anger and jealousy.
"So, is this your new refuge?" Almeer's voice, dripping with sarcasm, felt like poison in Tania's ears. "The girl who was shedding tears for me yesterday is setting breakfast tables with someone else today?" He cast a contemptuous look at Sherroz and repeated his threat of filing a case against her father to pull her back into his grip.
Tania took a deep breath, composed her nerves, and firmly held Sherroz's arm. She looked Almeer directly in the eye and said in a flat, cold tone, "Almeer! Your threats are old news. You have always weighed love on the scales of power and fear, just like your father. But remember this: Sherroz has given me the respect and protection you couldn't even imagine. My love is no longer for you, but for the man who stands as the guardian of my dignity."
Almeer's anger bordered on madness. He lunged toward Tania to say something, but Sherroz stepped in his way with immense dignity and strength. "Mr. Almeer! Tania is not alone anymore. Do not try to cross your limits." Sherroz calmly took Tania's hand and led her toward the car, leaving Almeer there with his regret and rage. As she sat in the car, Tania felt the last bit of sympathy for Almeer turn into ashes. She was now certain that the path to her destination lay only in the companionship of Sherroz.
(To be continued...)
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