Introduction 

“I don’t want to get married right now…”

Those were Naheed’s golden words, but she found herself being forced to marry a guy of her parents’ choice.

~

“Arranged Marriages are so old fashioned…”

Those were Feroz’s golden words, but he found himself agreeing to an arranged marriage.

~

Unwilling to be bound by traditional expectations, Naheed and Feroz never imagined themselves in arranged marriages. But as fate would have it, they find themselves facing a daunting new reality as they meet each other for the first time on their wedding day.

With tensions running high and uncertainty swirling around them, can they find a way to make this unconventional union work?

Follow Naheed and Feroz as they navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, discovering the true meaning of love and commitment along the way.

This is a heartwarming tale of two souls brought together by circumstance, determined to carve out their path in life.

Characters

Naheed

The reluctant bride

Feroz

The reluctant groom

Farzana Begum

Feroz’s mother

Tara

Feroz’s sister

Nuzhat

Naheed’s mother

Nadeem

Naheed’s brother

Chapter 1 – The “Arranged Marriage” Proposal

 

(Feroz’s room)

Feroz Irani sat in his room, staring at the wall with a look of disgust on his face. Feroz sat at his desk, staring at the wall in front of him with a look of disgust on his face. He couldn’t believe what his parents had just told him. They had arranged a marriage for him, and he was expected to go through with it.

Feroz’s heart sank as he thought about all of the plans he had made for his future. He had always imagined that he would meet someone on his own terms, fall in love, and get married when he was ready. But now, all of that was out the window. He was being forced to marry someone he had never even met before.

Tears welled up in Feroz’s eyes as he thought about the injustice of it all. He had always been a good son, following his parents’ rules and expectations without question. But this was too much. He couldn’t bring himself to marry someone he didn’t love, no matter what his parents said.

Feroz stood up from his desk and walked over to the window, staring out at the city skyline with a heavy heart. He knew that he had a difficult decision to make, and he wasn’t sure what the right choice was. All he knew was that he couldn’t go through with an arranged marriage. It went against everything he believed in.

Devastated, he decided to make a quick call to the one person who understood him the most.

~  

(Naheed’s room)

Naheed sat on her bed, tears streaming down her face. She had always dreamed of falling in love and getting married to someone who truly loved and respected her. But now, all of that was taken away from her. She was being forced to marry someone she had never even met before.

Naheed’s room was a cosy and inviting space that reflected her personality and interests. The walls were painted a warm, sunny yellow and adorned with framed photographs and posters of her favourite books and travel destinations. The bed was covered in a soft, cotton quilt, with fluffy pillows in a variety of colours and patterns. A bookshelf overflowed with novels, textbooks, and trinkets from her travels, and a comfortable armchair sat in the corner, inviting her to curl up with a good book. A large window let in streams of natural light, illuminating the room and highlighting the small touches that made it uniquely hers. Naheed’s room was like a sanctuary, a peaceful haven where she could escape from the world and be surrounded by the things she loved.

Naheed slumped on her bed, her hands shaking as she clutched a tissue in her hand. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to come to terms with the news that her parents had just delivered to her. They had arranged a marriage for her, and she was expected to go through with it.

Naheed couldn’t believe what was happening. She had always dreamed of falling in love and getting married to someone who truly loved and respected her. She had imagined a life full of romance and happiness, but now, all of that was taken away from her. She was being forced to marry someone she had never even met before.

Naheed’s heart ached as she thought about the injustice of it all. She had always been a good daughter, following her parents’ rules and expectations without question. But this was too much. She couldn’t bring herself to marry someone she didn’t love, no matter what her parents said.

Naheed let out a sob as she buried her face in her hands. She knew that she had a difficult decision to make, and she wasn’t sure what the right choice was. All she knew was that she couldn’t go through with an arranged marriage. It went against everything she believed in.

Devastated, she decided to make a quick call to the one person who understood her the most.

~  

(Feroz’s room)

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Feroz said, pacing back and forth. “Arranged Marriages are so old fashioned…”

Feroz looked at his older sister Tara on the mobile’s screen. Tara rolled her eyes making Feroz grimace a little. His sister did not understand the gravity of the situation.

“Okay?” Tara asked as if Feroz’s words meant nothing as if Feroz’s worries meant nothing.

“I don’t want to get married to some stranger. I want to find someone on my own terms,” Feroz said, repeating himself. He needed moral support from Tara, but he was getting none.

“This isn’t a big deal, Feroz,” Tara said.

“Of course, it is!” Feroz almost squealed. How could Tara dismiss his concerns just like that?

“Feroz, please…” Tara said. “It will be a big deal if you let it be a big deal. I also had apprehensions about marrying Javed… Look at me… How happy I am now? But let go of your inhibitions and trust your parents’ judgement…” Tara said.

“I know, Tara, but it’s just hard for me to imagine spending the rest of my life with someone I barely know,” Feroz replied, his voice filled with uncertainty. “What about my happily ever after?”

Tara wished she could reach out and squeezed her brother’s hand.

“I understand how you feel,” she said with an affectionate smile, “but arranged marriages have been a tradition in our culture for generations. Our parents always have only your best interests at heart, and they have chosen someone who they believe will make you happy… Besides, happily ever after is just a myth.”

Feroz sighed.

“I just don’t know if I’m ready for this. I’ve always imagined finding someone on my own, falling in love organically.”

Tara smiled.

“That’s a romantic idea, but love can grow in many ways. Just give it a chance. You never know, you may end up falling head over heels for your future spouse.”

Feroz shook his head, still unconvinced.

“I just hope they understand and respect my interests and dreams.”

Tara’s eyes sparkled with understanding.

“I’m sure they will. And if they don’t, you’ll make it work. You’re a strong and confident person, Feroz. You’ll find a way to make it work.”

Feroz smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He was lucky to have a sister like Tara, who always believed in him and encouraged him to take risks. With her support, he felt ready to take the leap and see where this journey would take him.

Feroz was unhappy with the idea of an arranged marriage, but he reluctantly agree to go through with it.

~  

(Naheed’s room)

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Naheed said, pacing back and forth. “I don’t want to get married right now… I don’t want an arranged marriage.”

“First, sit down and then talk,” Nadeem said.

Naheed sat in front of her laptop, looking at her older brother Nadeem on the laptop screen, fidgeting with her hands as she poured out her concerns about her upcoming arranged marriage.

“I just don’t know what to do, bhai. I don’t even know the man I’m supposed to marry,” she said, her voice filled with worry.

“Tell that to Ammi and Abbu,” Nadeem joked.

Naheed stopped pacing and glared at her younger brother. Nadeem looked innocently as if he had said nothing wrong.

“Why did I seek help from the most annoying brother ever?” Naheed wondered.

“Is that how you think of me?” Nadeem asked with mock hurt.

“Yes, that’s exactly how I think of you. Don’t you know that already?” Naheed asked. If Nadeem was in the mood to be a joker, she had to put a stop to it.

“Nadeem, this isn’t a joke,” she said sternly. “I’m feeling overwhelmed and I don’t know what to do.”

Nadeem’s expression softened.

Naheed sank down onto the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing.

“I’m sorry, Naheed. I shouldn’t have made light of the situation. You know I’m here to support you, no matter what.”

“I’m sorry, too,” Naheed said.

Nadeem chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“It’s okay, I know I can be a bit annoying sometimes. But hey, you still came to me for help. That must mean I’m doing something right.”

Naheed smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her brother. No matter how annoying he could be, he was always there for her.

“You’re right, bhai. I couldn’t think of anyone else to turn to. I trust you completely,” Naheed smiled at her brother’s face on the screen.

Nadeem beamed, his eyes shining with pride.

“I won’t let you down, little sister. You can always count on me.” He leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “Now, let’s talk about this arranged marriage. I’ve got some great advice that’ll have you walking down the aisle with confidence.”

Naheed laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. With Nadeem by her side, she knew everything would work out just fine.

“I don’t think I’m looking for advice. I just want you to talk to our parents and talk them out of this marriage idea,” Naheed said.

Nadeem leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Oh, come on Naheed, you should get married to this guy…”

“I don’t want to get married,” Naheed whined… “I don’t want to marry a guy I don’t know…”

“So what?” Nadeem shrugged, his eyes dancing with amusement. “You know I always have your back. If he turns out to be a total dud, I’ll come to rescue you,” he said, playfully flexing his biceps.

Naheed rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

“Thanks, but I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I just need some advice, you know? I don’t want to make a mistake.”

Nadeem sobered, his expression turning serious.

“Naheed, you’re the smartest person I know. You’ll make the right decision. And besides, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll always have each other. We’re siblings for life, no matter what.”

Naheed smiled, warmth spreading through her chest at Nadeem’s words. She knew he was right – they had each other’s backs, no matter what. The siblings continued their banter, exchanging jabs and jokes, but at the end of the day, they both knew they had an unbreakable bond. Their love for each other was as strong as steel, and they were always there to support each other through thick and thin.

“But what can we do about this proposal? Our parents are set on this marriage. We don’t have a choice.” Naheed asked.

“What is your problem with the proposal, by the way?” Nadeem asked.

“I just don’t understand why this is happening so soon. I haven’t even finished college yet.”

Nadeem wished he could sit down next to Naheed and place a comforting hand on her shoulder but he was in a different city.

“I know it’s a lot to handle,” he spoke softly, “but remember, arranged marriages are common in our culture. And you’ll have a partner for life, someone who will support you and be there for you.”

Naheed nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

“I guess you’re right. It’s just hard to think about giving up my independence and settling down so soon.”

Nadeem chuckled.

“Hey, who said anything about giving up your independence? You’re a strong, capable woman. You’ll make it work and still have your own identity.”

Naheed smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. She was lucky to have a brother like Nadeem, who always believed in her and had her back. With his encouragement, she felt ready to face the challenges ahead and make the best of this situation.

Naheed was unhappy with the idea of an arranged marriage, but she reluctantly agree to go through with it.

~~~

You can read the complete story here. 

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Shabana Mukhtar