19

Mr. and Mrs. Jahangir welcomed the Sheraazi family, they were shocked to see Hazik with them.

After settling down, Aamir Sheraazi went straight to the point. “We have come to ask for Zarmeenay’s hand in marriage for Hazik.”

Mr. and Mrs. Jahangir were shocked hearing him. After he got out of the initial shock, he spoke. “I don’t think it will be possible..” 

“Why?” Haziq asked, in an emotionless voice. He was hiding his anger, but Aamir Sheraazi was able to see right through him.

“What he means to ask is, what’s the problem? If it is her age, we understand and are willing to wait for a few years. We just want to make it official for now.” Aamir said.

“She doesn’t know anything about your family, she is innocent. We don’t think she will be able to understand this life.” Mrs. Jahangir hesitantly said.

“She is like our own daughter, we will always protect her. And we have decided that she will be Hazik’s wife. It will do you good to accept the same.” Aamir Sheraazi said, with a concealed threat in his words. They sure considered the Jahangirs to be family friends, but won’t tolerate being disrespected like that.

They ruled over the entire country, people were honoured to be connected to them in any way. Accepting no as an answer was not an option, especially when Hazik’s love was in question.

The atmosphere was tense when Zarmeenay entered the house.

Rikza hugged her and made her sit beside herself. “So, you’ve started going to university.” She started, with a smile. Zarmeenay liked the sweet lady, she was very loving to her.

“Yes.” Zarmeenay said, looking around. All eyes were on her. She stood up and excused herself to freshen up, but she didn’t come back down. Haziq shook his head, noticing her skittish behaviour.

Mr. Jahangir relaxed a little after seeing their loving behaviour towards Zarmeenay. “Ok, we will talk to her about it.” He conceded and the Sheraazi family left happily.

Hazik was thinking about Zarmeenay, he knew she had led a very sheltered life.

“She will adapt according to my needs.” He thought to himself.

That night at dinner, Mrs. Jahangir spoke to Zarmeenay about the visit. “They want to make you Hazik’s wife.”

Zarmeenay went red with embarrassment and shyness. She hadn’t expected them to talk about it.

“What is your decision?” She asked her grandparents.

“We don’t have a problem; we want you to take the decision.” Her grandmother told her softly.

Zarmeenay liked Rikza Sheraazi, but they made her feel uncomfortable. An air of danger surrounded them. “I want some time to think about it.” Zarmeenay said.

The next day, Zarmeenay was a bit lost. She hadn’t been able to sleep properly. She was concerned about how she didn’t know anything about the family. Razia noticed her behaviour, and decided to ask what was wrong.

“Do you know the Sheraazi family?” Zarmeenay asked hesitantly.

Razia stilled, “Are you kidding me, Zar? Who doesn’t know about the big bad mafia family? They run the show around this country. The police are in their hands, the ministers are selected with their support. No one can question their actions.” She took a deep breath, “ A few years ago, the Devil took over. He is more ruthless than his father was. People fear breathing the wrong way in front of him.”

“Devil?” Zarmeenay asked, shocked.

“Hazik Sheraazi. I have heard that he enjoys inflicting pain on his victims, people beg for death being under his investigation. Even though he is really handsome, I’d never wish to see him.” Razia shivered.