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“Aamiya, calm down. What he’s saying is true.” Her father spoke, hesitantly.

Aamiya couldn’t control herself anymore and stood up, “This isn’t funny, Dad.”

“You are in his Nikah. Your Nikah was done when you were 3 years old.” Her mother declared softly. Asfand sat there, quietly listening and staring at her. He had always known about the Nikah. This was decided by his parents, as if they knew they wouldn’t live much longer.

His parents had always been open with him, he had even seen pictures of their Nikah.

It was his decision to refrain from telling Aamiya about their Nikah, he wanted her to lead a normal life, without the pressure of their Nikah.

Aamiya didn’t understand what was happening around her, “I don’t believe there was a Nikah. I’m not married to anyone.” She shouted and ran away to her room.

She refused to talk to anyone, locking herself in her room all day. When she didn’t come to dinner the following night, Dad started to get worried.

“Give her space. She needs to realize that the way she behaved earlier isn’t acceptable.” Mama spoke. Asfand was uneasy as he heard her, he was well aware that she was hungry since this morning.

“I will go and talk to her.” He said and got up to fill a plate for Aamiya. When he entered her room, he noticed that she was fast asleep. There were faint tear tracks on her cheeks.

He placed her dinner on the side table and sat next to her on the bed. He pushed her hair away from her face and whispered, “Baby, you’re hurting me doing this. Jaan ho aap meri.” (You are my life).

Aamiya felt someone’s touch and woke up slowly, her head heavy from crying. She smiled when her eyes fell on him, but that smile quickly dropped when she remembered all.

“Don’t touch me.” She moved back and away from him. Asfand was hurt by what she said. Aamiya wasn’t too happy either, moving away from him. She’d always seeked comfort in his touch.

“Eat your dinner. You may be angry with me, but not with your food.” He spoke stoically and left her room.

When Aamiya returned to college, her friend asked what was wrong with her. Aamiya didn’t bother to answer, but her friend insisted.

“He said he loves me..” Aamiya said slowly, looking away.

“I knew it! I knew something was up. You were the only one who didn’t notice anything amiss. He was always touching you as if it wasn’t a big deal. Are you not feeling weird about it now? Maybe his touches weren’t so innocent. He is your cousin, he should’ve at least taken that into consideration.” Her friend went on and on.

Aamiya went still with her words. “ I am also in his Nikah. So even if they weren’t innocent, it wouldn't matter, but they were!” She shouted and got up, leaving her friend sitting there with her mouth agape. Aamiya hated anyone saying anything immoral about him. She knew that he never touched her with anything other than pure intentions. His touch was relaxing and loving to her.

A few days later,

The environment at home remained tense. Aamiya spoke to her parents, but didn't say a word to Asfand. No one brought up the Nikah yet. Aamiya was very moody, she cried over minute things. She spent all her time in her room. Asfand was no better, he was always serious, ready to strike out at any point.

Aamiya’s parents weren’t happy with their condition and were starting to worry. It was the first time the both of them weren’t talking to each other and the effect was clear to everyone.

Asfand was in his room when Mama entered. He sat up as soon as she did, with his back against the headboard.

Mama came and sat near him. “What happened?” She asked, noting his bloodshot eyes.

“Nothing, Mama. Just a headache.” He told her with a small smile.

Mama dragged his head on her lap and started massaging it softly. He was laying at an odd angle on the bed.

“When is she going to talk to me again?” He asked with his eyes closed.

Her hand halted for a moment, but she continued massaging.

“Don’t worry, she can’t cope without you for long.”

A while later, Mama decided to ask something that had been bothering her, “Do you really love her? Not as your cousin, but as your wife?”

He opened his eyes and gave her a small sad smile, “Mama, you need to ask me that? I love her more than life itself.”

She knew just how much he loved her daughter; she had seen him go to great extents to fulfill her silly wishes.

“Don’t you worry, my child. She’ll be just like before soon.” Her mother loved him just as she would her own son. This kind, sweet man who loved her daughter unconditionally.

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