Chapter-26 You Are Safe
Zuby's POV
It's been four days to my marriage and I don't remember being so content and happy since my parents passed away. I am so happy to be a part of this family; everyone has been so nice to me from the next day itself. I have noticed that dad is a man of few words, so is Bhai (Arhan) and even Ayaan. Well I guess it runs in the family...all three men don't talk much. But Ayaan and dad usually have that stern look on their face except when they talk to me or mom but Bhai seems more easy going. Yes I have started calling them the same names as Ayaan does...mom, dad and Bhai.
Mom has been nothing like the typical daily soap mother in law, and I realized quite soon that Ayaan was right when he said she will love me. I don't know if it's too early to say this but I see my mom in her. But then again she has given me no reason to doubt her emotions. I still remember the next morning after my wedding...mom came to me...
Flashback
I woke up for my morning prayer and offered my prayer. Adila Appi had already left to check on Bilal Bhai and I was still on my prayer mat when someone knocked at the door. I hummed a little loudly since I was still reciting Quran and did not want to speak in between. The door opened and entered a lady who seemed to be in her late forties. I didn't recognize her as the only people I have seen since yesterday are Ayaan and Adila Appi. So basically I don't know anyone here by face or even name for that matter. Anyway I smiled at her and she returned my smile with a smile and a nod and walked in making herself comfortable on the bed. Once I was done I folded my prayer mat and kept my Quran and prayer mat on place, then I said my salaam (greetings) to her. She answered me and held her hand forward to call me near her. I walked towards her and she held my hand and made me sit beside her.
I did not take off my prayer stole and just sat beside her wondering who she is? Just then she said...
"I am Ayaan's mom..." I felt my heart stopped for a second as I was scared and nervous at the same time. She was so angry last evening and now she has come here to talk to me about what I wonder? What if she says that I should go back to my house and she does not accept this marriage...the mere thought of going back to those people made me become week once again and silent tears started flowing out of my eyes. I heard a gasp and then the next moment I was been hugged tightly...yes Ayaan's mom hugged me and now I was more shocked than a while before...
"Shh...my dear...don't cry...please...everything is fine...don't worry...calm down..." her voice today was so soothing, she talked to me with so much love and affection in her voice that it made me sob even more. But she didn't let me go, in fact started rubbing her hand on my back and head in order to comfort me. Once she was sure I had stopped crying she pulled out of the hug and held me at arm's length then wiped my tears...
"I am so sorry for yesterday Zuby..." my eyes went wide, Why is she saying sorry to me?? I think she noticed the confusion in my eyes hence cleared it...
"I was angry with Ayaan, and in that anger I blamed you too. I realized that I should not have accused you without inquiring about the whole thing. I felt so helpless at that time...I wanted you to be married to my elder son, but I guess fate had decided something else. I just took time in understanding this truth that pairs are made in heaven. It seems you were meant to marry Ayaan and not Arhan." I kept listening to her quietly; frankly I didn't even know what to say right now. She took a deep breath and held my hand and continued...
"I will never again blame you for what my boys have done...I came to know about your uncle and his family...I mean to say about their true colors..." I was shocked to hear that...what is with this morning? I am getting to hear shocking stuff one after the other...
"It was really difficult for me to believe that they could be such cruel people. Adila also told me the truth behind that wild cat story..." I lowered my eyes as a new set of tears were ready to flow. She held my chin and wiped my tears while saying...
"You are safe here, now this is your home and we are your family. Nobody can hurt even the air you breathe, and I will make sure of it." She embraces me once again and I said...
"Thank you so much Aunty, this really means a lot to..." She suddenly pulled away from the hug and glared at me... I was not sure what went wrong...
"I am Ayaan's mother and he calls me 'mom' and you young lady will also call me mom and no 'Aunty'. Am I clear??" I smiled and this time I hugged her tightly and thanked her again and again. After my mom passed away I never thought I could say this word to anyone ever again and I am glad I was wrong. Mom patted my head lovingly...
"Ok now we will have our mother daughter time later, I will ask Adila to get you a dress to wear for today. I bought just a few readymade suits for you but we can go and shop for more later. Get ready then I will call you down to formally introduce you to everybody present at home right now." I nodded my head smiling like a fool while mom got up and walked to the door, as she opened the door Ayaan was standing there, I think he was about to knock. Mom looked at him and turned to me saying...
"And Zuby, you and me patching up does not mean I have forgiven your husband. And don't hesitate to tell me if he bothers you AT ALL" I didn't know how to react so I just kept on looking at her while she went out of the room.
End of flashback...
Till today I have noticed that mom has not started talking to Ayaan, though she has been spending a lot of time with me. She loves the fact that I am an independent woman. In fact she has made it clear to me that I should not lose focus on my work just because I am married now. Sagarika and Aunt Sulekha also came to meet me the next day. They were happy to see mom's behavior with me, Sagu stayed with me in my room while Sulekha aunty sat with mom. My darling friend has not stopped telling me as to how happy she is for me and that I have got a really handsome guy for a husband. I can't help but smile at her words, and deep in my heart I know it's the truth.
Even Adila Appi has been really nice to me; Bilal Bhai left the next morning and will be coming back with his family on the reception day. I have come to know that Adila Appi and Ayaan are very close to each other, I have to admit that she is a very sweet person. And Ayaan...he has been good to me too. He started sleeping in his room or should I say our room from the next day, I didn't mind it though. He has not made any attempt to invade my personal space yet and not even made any move on taking our relationship to the next level. Ayaan is being extremely patient with me, I know he is letting me have my time and I am really grateful for that. He treats me like some delicate China ware...as if I have a tag which reads 'handle with care'. I am not complaining though. I smile thinking about him as right now I am sitting in the living room with dad while Adila Appi and mom are in the kitchen. I have not been allowed in the kitchen yet, both the ladies told me that till my reception I should only relax and enjoy myself.
Well I have not yet had the courage to tell mom that I actually don't know much cooking as Aunt Sara never allowed me in the kitchen due to the fear that I might poison them all. I shake my head to stop thinking of her absurd views. Just then Ayaan walks in the living room, it was 11 in the morning and he was about to leave for work. I have not yet re opened my boutique. Mom had actually requested me to take off for a couple of days till our reception. I didn't mind and obliged to her request. In fact yesterday both Neetu and Shifa came to congratulate me; I also invited them to my reception.
Ayaan came and sat beside me, he has made this a routine before going to work he just comes and sits beside me, asks me if I need anything then tells me to call him if anything comes to my mind. He also assures me that he will be back soon. I really like it; he is always so concerned about me. Since the last three days my answer has been 'no, I don't need anything and thank you for asking' but today I actually have some work so I ask him...
"Actually I wanted to get my car and some of my things from my house, so can I go after lunch today?" Ayaan furiously shook his head no...
"No way are you going there alone, I will take you. I can't leave you alone with those people for even a minute." It was heartwarming to see his concern for me but I didn't want him to leave all his work just to take me there so I tried to assure him that I will be fine but he didn't buy it and told me with finality...
"I have to meet a client and will come back early. You be ready I will take you" On the second day of our wedding Ayaan called a doctor home and she checked on my bruises. I was given anti septic lotion and some pain killers, every night Ayaan reminds Adila appi to apply the lotion on my bruises. Whenever Ayaan gets a glimpse of the marks on my hands he gets really angry. Anyhow presently I want to try and convince him once more but dad interrupted...
"Zuby you will go with him." That was it now I knew there was no room left for any other argument. It was not like I don't want to go with him but I just don't like bothering people because of me...he is your husband you fool...mocked my inner voice. Taking a deep breath I just said OK then Ayaan walked out, just before stepping out of the house everyday he turns back and looks at me. I get a feeling that he wants to say something, or may be wants to hear something? I really don't know. When Ayaan left dad asked me if I have invited all my friends to our reception party. I tell him that I don't have many people to invite. Dad apologizes to me because he has invited my uncle and his family as well; he tells me that he is not willing to create a scene in front of so many people. Of course people will ask about the bride's family, I definitely understand the situation and tell dad that there is no need for him to say sorry.
Around 1 in the afternoon Ayaan calls and tells me to be ready so that we can go to fetch my stuff. I told him that I was ready and about to have lunch, he would be here in the next ten minutes so I thought of waiting for him. Adila Appi didn't miss the chance to tease me, I don't know why but I blushed at her teasing. I mean c'mon can't a girl wait for her husband so that they have food together. I didn't say anything and just sat at the table with everyone else. As Ayaan entered the house and Adila Appi saw him she screamed…
"Oh my little brother come quickly and have lunch with us, someone is starving and not ready to take even a bite without her husband" My jaw dropped at her teasing words and I couldn't stop the blush on my cheeks. Mom playfully scolded Adila Appi and asked her to stop teasing me just then Ayaan came in view. I couldn't look into his eyes….What's happening to me? Why am I so shy in front of him?
He comes and takes the chair next to me and from the corner of my eyes I notice him picking two plates and hands one to me. I mumble a meek thank you, I am glad Ayaan doesn't question me as to why I didn't eat because honestly I don't know the answer to that question myself. Throughout lunch Adila Appi kept on winking at me whenever I looked at her. Once everyone is done I try to help clear the table but a glare from mom makes it clear that I better back off. Ayaan and I say bye to everyone and head out to go to my house. It's the first time I am in Ayaan's car and like a gentleman he opens the door for me. As he takes the driver seat he turns to me and says…
"You are looking very pretty in this color." I smiled and thanked him then quickly turned my face towards the window so that he can't see the blush on my face. Arghhh….Why am I blushing so much today? I was wearing a maroon color shalwar suit. The rest of the drive was in silence, but it was a comfortable silence. We reached at my house in almost an hour; the traffic was pretty heavy at this time of the day. The moment Ayaan parked his car I instantly felt a fear rush through my body. Ayaan placed his hand on top of my hands and I turned to look at him…
"You are not alone, and by the grace of Almighty I am enough to keep my wife safe."