Prologue

Yashfeen

@Bhatakti_atma

Enthusiasm seemed to have embraced each one present in the banquet hall, decorated in the classiest possible manner. The wedding had been a much awaited event and a talk of the town. After all, it was the wedding of the most eligible bachelor, Zaroon Junaid. However, what interested the majority in the crowd was the choice of the bride.No one had seen the bride yet,namely,because all other ceremonies of the marriage had been a private affair.It was just her name and a few twisted tales created by one amongst them,that they had heard of.

The only fact they were aware of was that she was an employee of the Junaid Industries. Yes, that's what surprised a large section of them.She wasn't the one the world had expected. The Juniads had the biggest hold in the market and hence the decision of getting their son married to a girl from a middle class family made absolutely no sense to the guests and left them extremely curious.

---

The guests had already arrived, eagerly waiting to see the bride.Some seemed excited while some cribbed for choosing a worker over their daughter. But the Junaids were hardly affected by the speculations doing rounds because they were confident of their choice.

"Zaroon you are still not ready?"

Barged Sara,his younger sister, inside the room.

"I don't believe it. What are you pondering on? "

She inquired.

"Uh huh.. Nothing I was just about to get ready. "

He replied coming out of his trance.

"Make it fast we don't have all day. "

She said with a smile.

"Sure. "

Taking his white sherwani he moved towards the dressing area to get ready.

On the other hand, Kashaf, dressed in a light pink lahenga with diamond studded jewelries, was already ready, feeling extremely awkward with the whole lot of attention she was receiving.

"Kashaf you look beautiful. "

said Ghazala looking at her through the giant mirror in front.

"Yes, she does look beautiful but only one thing is missing. "

Complained Sara.

"What? "

Asked Ghazala in a bit of a confusion.

Stepping forward and sitting next to her Sara said

"The thing that adds to a bride's beauty. "

Kashaf looked at herself through the mirror trying to figure what was missing.

"Your smile, stupid. "

Sara laughed.

Kashaf bit her lips lightly lowering her gaze immediately. She liked Sara, she certainly did but such demands din't amuse her at the moment.

Before Kashaf could say anything or even pretend to smile, Sidra entered and announced

"It's time for the nikah."

---

People had seen Kashaf finally. Some liked her simplicity but a majority of them found her too commonplace. Surely, it was going to be a topic of discussion for a considerable period of time.

The marriage was soon concluded with the consent of the couple. After the dinner and a bit of a program organised by the family members, Kashaf was directed towards their room.She entered the room with a bit of nervousness. She looked around. The room was too over the top for her liking. She was indeed a simple person, fond of the simplest things on earth. She sighed thinking about her fate and moved towards the window.

She looked at the sky. The night was cool and the breeze was blowing calmly. She closed her eyes to feel the softness of the breeze. This is what gave her immense pleasure. In the midst of all the weird things happening, only the gifts of nature could sooth and make her feel relaxed.

The click of the door brought her to senses. Her heart skipped a beat thinking of the consequences of this impulsive decision on her part. She stood there, again drifting to her thoughts when she felt the cold air being blocked and a sudden rush of warmth running down her skin. She turned immediately only to find him standing extremely close to her.

"I didn't notice you coming in."

She blurted.

"Are you alright?"

He asked without much of expression on his face.

"Yeah."

"You must be tired. Please make yourself comfortable."

He said moving towards the wardrobe.

"Zaroon."

She called out and continued after a pause.

"Is it a wrong decision?"

He smiled and turned around.

"Even if it is we can hardly do anything about it. The decision has been made."