❥Sobia❥

There are millions of people in the world yet I feel so alone. Everyone have atleast one of their favourite person. That could be their friend, siblings, cousin, lover or family. With whom they share their difficulties, their trauma, their happiness and everything.

But I don't have such favourite person, with whom I could share the storm that was taking place inside my heart, in my life.

Home was supposed to be a place where you seek peace. Home is supposed to be a place where you run whenever you face any problem knowing very well that there are people who will support you blindly always. Home isn't a house where you stay but the people that love and cherishes you.

But for me, home is totally opposite. Home was supposed to be heaven, but it was hell for me. Home was a prison for me, where my wings, my freedom were brutally snatched away. Home has become the source of my anxiety and depression.

People usually have daddy issues. But for me, it is totally a different matter. I had family issues. I always had a constant urge to run away from this so called family and live a life far away from them. But there ain't any safe place in the world for a girl or woman with such twisted and devilish people in the world. And that alone thought vanishes the thought of running away.

I was brought out of my thoughts, my gaze lost at the dark yet beautiful sky, my grip tightens at the glass of mango juice that I was helding.

I could feel a presence behind me, before the person could say anything, I turned around. I almost rolled my eyes as I take in the girl standing in front of me, the perfect specimen of a daughter that my mother always wished.

Falaq Rehmaan was a beauty with brain, that almost every mother wish to have her, either as a daughter or daughter-in-law. And unfortunately my mother was one of those people who wanted her as a daughter in law. But she couldn't succeed, as Falaq was already engaged to a well established and successful lawyer, Shahzain Shah.

At the age of twenty three, she was a successful and respected teacher. Beside her professional life, she was a good daughter that everyone adores, doing all the households chores, respecting elders, speaking in a soft honey voice. Never once fighting with anyone.

Slightly towering my 5'3 height, her fair skin glowed with slight makeup. Her long black healthy hair was tied in a high ponytail. Wearing a Pakistani suit, she look dazzling.

We both were quite opposite. She was as sweet as Gulab Jamun, whereas I was as bitter as vinegar.

Like me she was holding a glass too, but a watermelon juice, her engagement ring shines under the moonlight.

"When are you getting married? It's about time you get married. After all, all our friends are getting married too."

There was the same question that I had been listening since I turned twenty. People my age were either getting married and having a child or was either successful in their professional life or some were blessed with both.

At the age of twenty three, everyone made me feel like I am in my late thirties, desperately in need to get married. After my graduation, I planned to do job and be independent. Which I did, but only for a couple of months, after which I was forced to leave my job. Why?? The simple reason from my family that it's not like from my money the house was functioning. They told me to focus on other things like cooking, washing clothes and everything that makes me a good wife and daughter-in-law, so that my in-laws would be happy. Afterall, it wasn't my family fault at all, they were brain washed by their own siblings, friends and society.

And in the midst of these, I lost my old self, the one that used to had good humour, the one who was soft hearted, who used to joke around, make everyone laugh and smile.

And a new me was born. The one who don't give a damn about anything. The one that doesn't have control over my anger issues. The one who likes to show people their places. The one that was called rude and egoistic by everyone.

I rarely remember the last time I laughed or smiled. And it's not like anyone care. No one asked if I am alright. Why I had changed? No one bothered. They simply assumed.

"Just because you are getting married that doesn't mean that everyone of our age should get married, Falaq." My reply came out a little bit rude, not that I care.

"That's not what I mean, Sobia. I----" Her voice softened and there was the pity I had been waiting for. It was there all along.

But before she could complete her sentence, I walked past her. Not wanting to say something more rude, which might hurt her.

This is one of the reasons, why I hate coming to the wedding or other occasions. I am not a people person. Sensing everyone looking at me, I ignored their gazes and walked out of the hall.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, once I was alone outside the hall, under the moonlight. Distant voice from the hall could be heard, which I ignored. And tired to focus on my breathing and the anger that was about to rise started slowly fading away.

Once feeling myself calm, I opened my eyes and automatically it went on the mirror that was used as a decoration at the entrance of the hall. And I couldn't help but observe myself.

Standing at a height of 5'3 wearing a maroon velvet suit, paired with a long jhumka. My dark black eyes stared back at me with a hint of eyeliner and eye shade on it. My eyes blink, as dark and long eyelashes rest on my cheeks for a second. My soft lips painted with red lipstick was formed in a straight line. My shoulder length dark wavy hair was tied in a bun.

I wasn't insecure about myself, because I knew I was gorgeous. The only fact that made me insecure is that I couldn't achieve the things that I once dreamed.

Just then a couple with a small girl exit the hall. They were engrossed in a conversation, all of them had a smile on their faces.

The little girl pouted saying something and a second later, her father took her in his arms and threw her in the air making her giggle and her parents smile.

My heart clenches, as jealousy creep inside me. As if feeling my eyes on them their gaze snapped up to mine. They passed me a smile and I averted my eyes.

Only if I was that lucky.

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Wearing a long black embroidery kurti paired with white leggings and dupatta. I put on the jhumka on my ear, slightly putting makeup on my face, to highlight my features.

Placing the dupatta on my head, I was ready to go and sell myself to a family who was looking for a maid, who can do both household duties as well as their sons duties in the form of daughter in law.

A second later, someone knock before entering my room. It was Falaq who came saying that everyone is asking about me.

We went to the living room, in the mean time she brief me about how good the proposal is. How good looking the man was! But I didn't bother saying anything.

I said my Salam (Hello) entering the hall, my eyes roam around seeing my parents seating on one sofa and my brother seating on a separate one beside my parents. While the guest who came to see me was seating on the sofa opposite my parents with the man seating in the middle of them.

I sat on the single sofa that was either side of my parents, gracefully as I can. My eyes downcast, behaving the typical way that a girl usually do in the movies. I could feel everyone's gaze on me, especially the man.

"Bacche toh Masha'Allah bohot pyaare hai." (The girl is very lovely, Masha'Allah.) His mother praises, as she check me out from top to bottom.

To which I fake a smile.

"How much have you studied, Sobia?"

"I am a graduate."

"Do you plan to do job after marriage?"

I open my mouth to answer, but was cut off by her. As she answers her own question. "Woh Kya Hai Hum Nahi Chahte Ki Hamare Bahu Naukri Kare." (The thing is, we don't want our daughter-in-law to work.) Her hands towards her son, as she continued proudly. "He earns enough that she won't need to do a job."

My feminist inside me was burning in anger, but still I kept my cool.

"Betha Khaana Bana Leti Ho?" (Dear, do you know how to cook?)

"Ha." (Yes.)

"Hamara Sobia Hi Roz Khaana Banate Hain. Zaika hai uske Haath Ke Khaane Mai." (It's our Sobia who cooks every day — her cooking has a special taste.) My mother said trying to sell me out.

The man with his mother and father started discussing within themselves.

Later, his father states.

"Hame Ladki Pasand Hai. Hum Baat Pakki Karne Chahte Hai Agar Aap Sab Sehmat Ho Toh." (We really like the girl, and if you all are in agreement, we'd like to move forward with the engagement.)

Smile breaks out on my family members and from the corner of my eye, I see the Man was staring at me intensely.

"Yrr JiJu Ki Toh Nazar Hi Nahi Hatre Tum Pe Se." (Dude, brother-in-law just can't take his eyes off you.) Falaq who was sitting beside me teases me in a low voice.

At Falaq's words, I glanced up briefly, my eyes meeting his. Called it my sixth sense, but I wasn't getting goob vibes from him. It was the way he was looking at me. Feeling uncomfortable I quickly looked away.

My father cleared his throat and smiled warmly. "Hum bhi razi hain. Humare taraf se bhi baat pakki samjho." (We are also agreeable. You can consider the proposal confirmed from our side as well.)

The room filled with murmurs of approval and excitement from both families. My mother clasped her hands together, her eyes glistening with happy tears. "Bahut khushi ki baat hai," (This is wonderful news.) she said, her voice thick with emotion.

I could barely concentrate on the ensuing conversation, still reeling from the realization that this was really happening. My thoughts were interrupted by Falaq nudging me with her elbow, a mischievous grin on her face. "Ab kya soch rahi ho? Nazar toh tumhari bhi un pe thi. "(What are you thinking now? Your eyes were on him too.)

"Bas karo, Falaq," (Stop it, Falaq.) I muttered annoyed.

"I want to talk with Sobia." The man raspy voice greeted me. "Alone."

Silence followed after his statement and soon my mother states, "Ji Zaroor. Sobia Jao Isai Apna Kamra Dikhao." (Yes, of course. Sobia, go and show him your room.)

I slightly raised my eyebrow at her, as if asking if she really meant it.

Sensing the glare that she sent towards me, "Of course," I said, standing up. The room fell silent as everyone watched us. I could feel the weight of their gazes as he followed me towards my room. The door closed behind us, muffling the sounds of the lively conversation outside.

We walked a few steps before he turned to me, his expression serious. "Sobia, I wanted to speak to you privately because I have something important to discuss."

My heart raced, a thousand scenarios running through my mind. "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He took a deep breath. "I know this is all happening quickly, and it can be overwhelming. But I want you to know that my intentions are sincere. I see a future with you, and I hope you feel the same way."

His words took me by surprise. I had expected something else, something uncomfortable, but his openness disarmed me. "I... I appreciate your honesty," I replied, my voice softening. "This is a lot to take in, but I do see potential in our future together."

He smiled, a look of relief washing over his face. "Thank you, Sobia. That's all I needed to hear."

And then we drifted to a conversation, just when I thought he was a good man. With whom that I can spend the rest of my life with, he does something which gives me a second thought.

He grabs my face and starts leaning in. His gaze stayed on my lips.

And in defense, I pushed him hard.

"What's your problem?" he whisper-yelled, his face contorted with anger.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I took a step back, putting distance between us. "Don't you dare," I said, my voice trembling but firm. "You have no right to touch me like that."

His eyes narrowed, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I thought you liked me," he muttered, his tone accusatory.

"I thought you were respectful," I shot back, trying to keep my composure. "Clearly, I was wrong."

He clenched his jaw, and for a moment, I feared he might do something rash.

"Come on, it's just a kiss. I need to know if you are worth marrying me."

He couldn't continue further, because I slapped him hard.

The sound of the slap echoed throughout the house, and for a moment, everything seemed to stand still. His hand went to his cheek, shock and fury flashing across his face.

"You...!" he started, but I cut him off.

"No," I said, my voice firm and steady despite my shaking hands due to rage. "You don't get to treat me like this. This is not how you prove anything. This is not respect."

The door to the room opened, and Falaq stepped in, with everyone right behind her.

Her eyes wide with concern. "Sobia, is everything okay?"

I took a deep breath, I turned back to the man, who was still glaring at me, and added, "I think we're done here."

I pointed towards me and him, and continued further, anger evident in my voice. "This isn't going to happen. Because I reject him. And there won't be a wedding to take place."

He opened his mouth to argue, but Falaq stepped between us. "I suggest you leave," she said firmly, her protective stance making it clear that she wouldn't back down.

He shot me one last venomous look before turning on his heel and walking away. As soon as he was out of sight, I felt my knees go weak, and Falaq caught me, guiding me towards my bed.