The night deepened, and the crescent moon shone in the sky. The tall pine trees among the stars in the distance stood in the mountains with veneration.
The docile animals tucked themselves, and wild ones roamed the mountains. Some howling, some hunting.
Not a single light could be seen in the distance, the village people had also returned homes after a long day of work.
In the third floor of mansion, the silence was deafening.
What about your fiance ?
Ayla's words hung heavy in the air. Aghan truly didn't expect her to know about this. This misunderstanding has gone too far. But who told her.
Dilawar.
He took a deep look at her and said :
" It's just a misunderstanding. Don't worry about this."
Ayla's eyes turned sharp and she faced him again.
" Aghan I have tolerated everything. But I will not be a second wife, even if it is a contract marriage. I'll rather kill myself."
"Ayla listen…"
" No. I know I was clueless and powerless when you brought me here. I have learned the things here, your culture, your customs. But I have principles."
" Yes, I want to get rid of these voices and sounds but I will never be your mistress for this that you hide in a room. I will not be disrespected."
She turned and walked up to him so close that he could smell her scent. Her intoxicating scent. Her eyelashes still had tear on them but now her eyes blazed with fire.
She was blatantly seducing him.
But the nuance of her words was so ridiculous, even he never thought of it. How can someone think he can share his own heart. His soul. It all belonged to her.
" Only you will be my sole and rightful wife. No one else. There is no fiance to begin with ."
Ayla looked skeptical. The serious look on his face made anyone want to believe whatever he would say. He had that effect on people.
"My family prepared an arranged proposal but I never consented to any of it. I am a single man." Seeing her silent, he clarified some more.
" I don't believe you. I need proof !"
Aghan inwardly smiled. This amazing temper. He was getting the first taste of married life. Her wish was his command.
" What do you want me to do ?"
Ayla shrugged. How could she know but the stubborn soul in her still looked at him defiantly. He sighed.
He took out his phone and called someone. The bell rang for a few times then it was picked up.
" Salam u alikum Agha" a middle age female voice rang out.
It was in native language, but she could pick bits and pieces.
Aghan mixed some English words while talking to her as well. His voice was calm and polite unlike when he is talking to his subordinates with authority.
" How's your health, Moray. Did you reject that proposal as I asked?" He said in English first and then in Pakhtun.
The female voice instantly souned soured with native dialect that was hard for her to understand.
"Of course I did. But you should listen to me and get married . How long do you plan to remain like this. It was a nice match.'
"You did?" Aghan asked.
"Yes" she said in broken english.
" Good"
Aghan looked at her, raising his eyebrow to ask:
' Any more concerns ?'
Ayla reluctantly turned her face aside somewhat acquiesced while Aghan talked for a while then hung up.
" Did you understand anything?" He rested his body against the wall as he asked.
Her expression told him that she somewhat did. But he was curious. She learned their language ?
" What did you understand ?"
" Hmm. You asked about some proposal and she said …"
She hesistated but under his scorching gaze said:
" Yes and something about marriage."
He smiled. A small non existent one. How can a person be so fiery and cute at the same time.
" Any more concerns?"
" You should go now." She said irritated.
He held up his hands in surrender and walked out, not wanting to aggravate her temper any more.
"Rest now. Goodnight." My wife.
Ayla exhausted and sat on the floor with her head in her hands. This was not supposed to happen. This play has now gotten out of hand, she didn't endured all these days and acted obedient to get married in the end.
He even knows something about my condition.
Where I am trapped? What is this now?
Shaman ?
Marriage ?
He's now revealing his true colours. That beast of man. Everytime she saw him towering over her, his aura, his scent, his deep voice, calm grey eyes.
It wad hard to breathe. She took deep breaths and stood up determined.
I have to leave.
I can't just acquiesce to every single bullshit he come up with. Everyday there is a new tale to tell.
She rushed to the wardrobe, and rummaged to find her passport and cards. She took a small bag and stuffed some essentials into it.
She took a look at herself in the mirror. She was wearing her night pajamas. Her clothing might be a problem.
'They will attract attention. I have to think rationally.'
She went in and found the simplest culture dress in there. A long blue frock with red embroidered pattern, paired with trousers.
She took the shawl and imitated Rakhshee as she wore it.
Completely covered head to toe, she covered her face slightly and switched off all the lights. No one could differentiate her from other folk women now.
And waited for midnight.
*******************
Aghan left and his face returned to its cold and indifferent but anyone who knew him could tell that he was in an extremely good mood.
He walked passed the verandas and stairs and reached the gardens in Mardana.
Some of his subordinates sat in a circle around the lit fire and listened to the pipa music being played by one of them. The melody resonated in the dark night. The boy sang the melody :
Madness in love is nothing but
It is the restlessness of emotions
And that deepens with every cure
Love is that incurable disease
Aghan listened the melody with his eyes rested.
Countless memories passing his mind. Memory of beautiful little girl with a red bow in her brown hair. Running in the mountains and trees. Her laughter addicting. The flutter of a dress when she played on the swings.
You have worn flowers in your hair
Darling your eyes resemble
The beauty of the blooming flower
He walked ahead among those people. Suddenly seeing their Agha in their humble abode they stood up and stopped the music.
He sat among them and gestured them to continue playing. The fire cackled as they resumed their music and singing.
I have seen many eyes
I have seen many eyes
But the eyes of my beloved seep in my dreams.
One of the man stood up and started dancing around the fire, everyone joined him as they danced and enjoyed the night.
The circle grew larger and larger as the night grew, their cheerful singing ringing in the night. Aghan enjoyed himself after so many years. His heart was happy.
Among the festive atmosphere where everyone was laughing and enjoying, a shadow guard came unnoticed and whispered to Aghan.
" Young madam is trying to escape through the back door."
O beloved ! Why did you parted your ways
O beloved ! Why did you parted your ways
You said you'll keep me in your heart
Till death do us part