Married Without Love novel Chapter 1

||Mishal's POV||

I looked at my reflection in the mirror but didn't look into my own eyes. How could I look into my own eyes when I felt disgust from myself. The dress which I wore was beautiful but I wanted someone who was worthy to wear it but I guessed fate didn't like it.

I knew I was ruining someone else's life but what could I do when he himself wanted to marry me. When he was only one, a stranger, who opened the door for me when all the doors were closed. The dress was so heavy for me to carry but I had no say in all this because I didn't feel qualified to question anyone.

This all felt so real but in reality it was all fake. This marriage was like a verbal contract or a compromise. It was not a real wedding but for the whole world it was real.

I sighed and looked down at the bangles which my mother in law made me wear. She was such a beautiful person by heart and was really happy about her son's wedding. I didn't have any heart to ruin her happiness after all this was all happening for her.

“Ma shaa Allah! Look at you! You look like an angel. Surely, my son will not take his eyes away from you today,” My mother in law said with a smile, standing in front of me.

I tried to smile and looked away. She grabbed my hand and slowly took me out of the room.

"I, Danial and amma bi always thought that it would take ages for Zayaan to get married. I was losing the desire of my only son's wedding. But thank God you manage to stir his heart," She said with a soft smile.

Amma bi? I heard about her from Zayaan. He told me that she was his paternal grandma who wanted to attend our marriage but unfortunately she was sick right now and was in the village for the recuperation.

“Finally we are going to see him getting married to a beautiful woman. I just want to plead one thing from you, dear. And that is the happiness of my son. Please always try to make him happy. I hope you bring his smile back,” She added and pleaded in the end.

“I promise you aunty. I always put Zayaan’s happiness first,” I said to her because I had to keep him happy after what he did for me.

I was under his debt after all. Aunty stopped and hugged me which made me tense but I quickly relaxed in her motherly hug. She rubbed my back and kissed my forehead.

“Thank you, dear. And one more request, call me mom.”

I gave her a small smile and watched her walk out of the room because someone was calling her. Few minutes later, some girls also came and helped me carry my heavy dress as they were taking me out of the room.

“Wow! You are looking so beautiful!” One of them complimented me and everyone agreed.

“After all she is Zayaan choice,” Mom said, proudly and smilingly.

They took me in the beautifully decorated hall where few people were gathered. I looked down at my hands which were on my lap and tried to control my heavy breaths and tensed nerves. I was getting nervous second by second because I didn't know anyone properly.

I was feeling alone and missed my family but I couldn't call them and here in everyone's eyes I was an orphan who had no relative.

Suddenly, everyone became silent and footsteps of someone was the only noise which echoed in the hall and someone sat beside me which made me more tense.

Imam asked me,

“In the presence of everyone I ask you Mishal Shah,

Do you accept Zayaan Khan as your husband?”

That was it, now there was no go back. My breath struck and I tried to exhale.

He asked again,

“Do you Mishal Shah accept Zayaan Khan as your husband?”