chapter 2

The crowd at Nuhash's house is growing. Along with work, the house's eldest daughter-in-law, Ayesha, has to attend to the guests. Ayesha is Nuhash's sister-in-law. She is quite skilled in managing these tasks. Her mother-in-law, Rahela Begum, has ordered that there should be no mistakes, especially since it's her younger son's wedding. Rahela Begum walks around the house, supervising everyone's work. She pointed to a vase on the table and said, "Why is this vase placed like this?"

Ayesha replied, "I'll fix it right away, mother." She moved the vase to the coffee table. "Mother, would you like some tea?" she asked.

"Tea? If you're offering, then bring it," Rahela Begum replied with a dry tone. Ayesha went to the kitchen, set one stove for tea, and started stirring some rice pudding on another.

Iman returned home from the market, feeling very tired. He had gone shopping right after coming back from the office because his mother had called, saying they needed some things. He called out, "Ayesha! Ayesha!"

Ayesha came to the door, wiping her face with her saree's pallu. "Do you need anything?" she asked.

Iman sat down on the bed and said, "Just some water, please."

Ayesha went to the dining room, poured water into a glass, and handed it to Iman. "Here, take this."

"Thanks," Iman said, drinking the water. "Where is Nuhash?"

Ayesha replied, "Brother Nuhash went out with Mother this morning, I think."

"Hmm," Iman said, pulling Ayesha close and sitting her on his lap. He rubbed his nose against her neck and said, "Can I have a little time with you?"

"No, Iman, not now. There are guests in the house," Ayesha said, pulling away. "Please, let me go."

Iman released her, saying, "Why do you always do this? It's not nice," and headed to the bathroom.

Ayesha replied, "Freshen up; I'm warming the food," and left. As soon as she stepped out, Rahela Begum blocked her path. "What, daughter-in-law? You know there are guests in the house. Is it appropriate to sit in the room for so long?"

Ayesha felt downcast. "Sorry, Mother, I was just warming the food," she said and went back to the kitchen to heat up the dishes for the guests as well.

Avanti and Ruhi were lying next to each other. Avanti was asking about how people treated her at the orphanage. Suddenly, Avanti noticed a red mark on Ruhi's hand. It looked like she had been hit with something hard. "What's this mark on your hand?" Avanti asked.

"Nothing," Ruhi tried to hide it.

"Don't hide it from me, Ruhi. Show me."

"Well, I fell in the bathroom. It's nothing serious; it'll heal," Ruhi said, pulling her scarf over the mark. The mark was actually from the harsh treatment by Miss Jennifer, who often hit the children.

Avanti hugged Ruhi and said, "You've been through so much hardship, Ruhi. If Mother didn't dislike you, you could've stayed here with us."

"No, Avanti sister, I'm fine where I am," Ruhi replied.

"Yeah, I can see how fine you are," Avanti said, tears forming in her eyes. "Why are you crying, sister? Don't worry. One day happiness will come into my life too, and that day isn't far away."

Avanti stroked Ruhi's head and said, "Okay."

At Shahjalal Airport, flight S3334 from London had just landed. As passengers were about to disembark, the police stopped them. "No one can leave yet because renowned businessman Arman Ahmed's son, Rowen Ahmed, will disembark first. Even the police fear him as he is the boss of a mafia group."

Rowen, wearing a black suit and sunglasses, got off the plane with several bodyguards following him. Other passengers moved aside as he walked through. He approached the terminal where a bodyguard handed him a phone. Rowen took the call and, after listening for a moment, said, "Just kill him," before hanging up. A black car arrived to pick him up. The driver got out and opened the door for Rowen, who got in.

Today was Avanti's engagement. Anila Begum was making Ruhi do various tasks: grinding spices, chopping vegetables, sweeping the house. Ruhi quietly did all the work. Avanti wore a pink lehenga given by Nuhash's family. She had just returned from the parlor, beautifully dressed. Peeking into the kitchen, she saw Ruhi still working. "Are you still working, Ruhi? They'll be here soon. Why aren't you ready yet? Come with me," Avanti said.

"Sister, just a little more work left. Let me finish," Ruhi replied.

"No, Ruhi, leave it. The maid is here," Avanti insisted.

"Auntie let the maid go," Ruhi explained.

"What? Mother!" Avanti called out, running to Anila Begum. "Why did you let the maid go?"

"Why not? She asked for leave, so I gave it," Anila replied.

"You never gave her leave before, why now?" Avanti asked angrily.

"Ruhi is here, why do we need the maid? She can do the work," Anila said.

"She's here for a few days. Why are you being so hard on her?" Avanti argued.

"So what? She's here; she can work. What's wrong with that?" Anila countered.

Avanti couldn't bear it any longer and dragged Ruhi to her room. She pulled out a red lehenga and handed it to Ruhi. "Put this on and come to me; I'll help you get ready," Avanti said. Ruhi took the dress and went to the bathroom. A few minutes later, she came out wearing the lehenga, looking like a fairy in red.

"You look so beautiful, Ruhi. I think I'm falling in love with you," Avanti teased.

"Oh, sister, don't say that," Ruhi blushed and looked down.

"Come, sit," Avanti said, pointing to the chair in front of the dressing table. Ruhi sat down, and Avanti carefully did her makeup.

Nuhash and his family arrived shortly. They were seated in the living room. Avanti brought Ruhi and made her sit in front of everyone. Anila Begum, trying to seem kind, asked Ruhi to bring the snacks. "Yes, Auntie," Ruhi replied and went to the kitchen.

Rahela Begum, Nuhash's mother, asked, "Who is this girl?"

"She's my niece," Anila Begum replied with a forced smile.

"Oh, she's very beautiful," Rahela Begum commented. Anila Begum felt a pang of jealousy. "Yes, she is," she replied grudgingly.

Ruhi brought the snacks and placed them on the table. Raayan, Anila Begum's nephew, had his eyes on Ruhi. He was staring at her in a very disturbing way. Noticing his gaze, Ruhi frowned and moved away.

The ring ceremony took place, and Nuhash's family left. Anila Begum asked Raayan to stay, and he agreed. At night, Raayan sat beside his uncle. "How are you, Uncle?"

Afzal Hossain, who disliked Raayan, responded politely, "I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm good. Uncle, has Ruhi's marriage been arranged yet?"

Afzal Hossain frowned and asked, "Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just curious," Raayan replied.

"Listen, Raayan, don't even think about my niece," Afzal Hossain warned.

Raayan didn't reply and walked away, determined to get Ruhi at any cost.

To be continued...