The Arranged Marriage : Chapter 5 page 7 Updated 14th June - Page 2

Hi, hope that you are well.

Great seeing you here.

Congrats on the new story

thank you for posting.........

much appreciated.

love the arranged marriage concept

lovely banner

Prologue

well its Geet's nikah

her nervousness was justified

great that her mom was with her

Geet's thoughts were reasonable

of cos she found it difficult to give her consent

however she consented to the marriage

so did the groom

in a blink of an eye, she is a married woman

looking forward to the story

Congrats on new story

Promising start

Geet and Maan are married

Looking forward to how things unravel

Chapter 1

ha ha Samia teasing Maan

aww Maan and Geet were indeed embarrassed

Geet clearly did not expect Maan to ask her if she prays

his question regarding what she is looking for in a husband was reasonable

loved Geet's response

Geet's question was justified

well Maan does not have expectation

liked his reply to Geet

of cos its a yes from both Maan and Geet

as expected Geet was emotional leaving her family

at least Maan offered Geet tissues

admire his efforts to cheer her up

great that he comforted Geet

Geet is clearly tired

alas has to socialise

feeling for Geet

but Maan is there with her

instead of resting, she has to meet and greet family

glad seeing Maan's concern for Geet

pleased that he eventually intervened

nice that Geet's bhabhi and her sister came

can understand Geet's emotions

Samia had a point

she gave Geet good advice

good that Maan agreed to move out as soon as he could afford it

the awkwardness between Maan and Geet was anticipated

nice that Maan helped Geet

not surprised that Maan praised Geet's beauty

appreciate that he was direct with Geet

wonderful that they prayed together

interesting preview

update soon

prologue justtt wowwww

reminds me of nikah one of the bestest story from you

so really looking forward to this one

Congrats for new story...

Nice concept and great starting. ..

Waiting for more updates

Congratulations for new story

Loved the concept

Maan trying to make Geet comfortable with him and expressing his feelings slowly

Cont soon

Chapter 2: The wedding night and breakfast

“Why do our families make this so awkward?” Maan remarked as we sat together watching our families celebrate and chattering away with one another. It was the day of our engagement. A small ceremony we held in our house. It was only our close family and friends who had attended and watched as Maan’s family presented with the ring.

As we had not technically been married yet, both families did a little pass the ring. My mother was okay with Maan sliding the ring in my finger but my abba insisted my mother-in-law put it on my hand. With a few back and forth, Maan clasped my hand and slid it on refusing to let them continue discussing who was going to put the ring on my finger.

“Congratulations meri jaans” Samia approached us and bent down to hug me tightly.

“Thanks, bhabhi” I answered and smiled as my brother patted my head with a grin.

“Bhai, bhabhi go sit down properly. I’ll take a picture” Nadia called out gesturing with her phone. Maan shifted closer to make space for my brother beside him and I had to shift to give bhabhi space which had us so close together.

I turned my head to look at Maan and he did the same. Our eyes caught and we smiled at each other.

Nadia snapped our picture.

“This is for you” Maan said as he approached me with a box in his hand.

“Jazak’Allah” I thanked him taking the box and lifted the lid. Inside, there lay a beautiful necklace with the Arabic scripture and a bracelet which had an Arabic quote.

“Is this Ayat-ul-Kursi?” I asked squinting down at the necklace.

“Yes, I’d seen this and thought it would be a nice prompt to recite the Surah”.

“It is beautiful” I caressed the necklace and looked at the bracelet again. “What does this mean?” I questioned after I read the words to myself.

“What makes you different, makes you beautiful” he answered taking my hand and slipping on the bracelet.

“Thank you. I love both of them” I looked down at my bracelet and necklace appreciatively.

“You’re very welcome”.

Maan and I had shuffled onto the bed and laid down. It was awkward to say the least. My heart was pounding. Was he expecting us to consummate our marriage tonight? We hadn’t really known each other yet. I peeked a glance from the corner of my eyes and our eyes caught each others. He smirked and I chewed on my bottom lip.

“We’ve had a very long day, Geet. Sleep”.

I lifted my head and looked surprised.

“You can’t expect me to perform tonight” he joked.

“I… I wasn’t” I said quietly. “I wasn’t sure what to expect”.

He reached for my hand and clasped our fingers together. “We’ve only gotten to know each other in the recent months. Let’s get comfortable and we can take the next steps once we’ve become familiar with each other”.

I sighed feeling relieved and nodded. My heart warmed at his words. “Thank you”.

“No, thank you for agreeing to marry me” he whispered.

I closed my eyes as he leaned forward pressing a kiss to my forehead.

That night, we clasped hands and slept soon after.

I stirred awake when my phone started buzzing. I grabbed it quickly and answered.

“Hello”.

“Assalamu’alaikum meri jaan” Samia greeted.

“Wa’alaikum Assalaam, bhabhi”.

“How was your first night?”

“We communicated” I responded.

“Aww that’s great. I think your bhai was just horny”.

“Bhabhi, that is my brother”

Samia laughed. “Okay, sorry. I won’t make such crude jokes”.

“Thank you” I responded with a smile. I glanced over my shoulder, Maan was still asleep. I admired him silently, he curled his arm around his pillow and crossed one leg across the other.

“How is amma and abba?” I inquired and felt an ache in my chest recollecting my mother’s cries as she had to let me go. “Is she okay?”

“Amma is doing much better. She’s already up and talking about you”.

“And abba?”

“Abba is being strong and trying to hide that he is missing you”.

“He always hid his emotions as usual” I remarked. In our society, our culture, it seemed ridiculous of men to show their emotions, they always hid it so well and if any man did show emotions, they were considered to be weaklings.

I pondered whether my husband would be one to hide his feelings. I glanced over at him and curiously mulled over it. I hadn’t seen Maan display any emotions other than being happy and a little shy when we’d meet. Is that a layer I would witness as we both work our way and find a path in this marriage?

“Um, bhabhi…” I returned my attention to the phone recalling that I had to get ready, go downstairs and make something sweet. “What do I wear? My saree or can I wear my dress first for this then change into a saree for the other rasms?”

“Since it’s still early, wear your dress. I don’t think anyone would make such a fuss since its only close family members” she suggested. “Make sure you serve your mother in law and father in law first”.

I hummed and climbed out of bed quietly.

“Did you sleep okay?”

“I was exhausted, I think I fell asleep within a few minutes of falling into bed” I informed. “I’m going to get ready now. What time are you all coming for breakfast?”

“Abba spoke to Ayub uncle and we’ve been asked to come for 12pm”.

“It isn’t breakfast then” I pointed out.

“Oh well, whatever these guys want to call it. We’re coming in a couple of hours”.

“Okay, see you soon” I ended the call and searched for my dress that I had packed then headed to the bathroom.

When I had stepped out, the bed was empty and Maan was nowhere to be seen. I quickly offered my Fajr namaaz as I had missed them then hurried downstairs. It was only 9am and there was already a hustle and bustle in the household. Kids chatting and giggling echoed from the living room. I stopped by the stairs looking around and hoped I would see Maan. I couldn’t.

I walked down the hallway and paused when my father in law opened the kitchen door.

“Assalamu’alaikum, abbu” I greeted.

“Wa’alaikum Assalaam beta” he responded kindly. “Everyone is in the kitchen” he ushered me forward opening the door wider.

I offered my salaam to my mother-in-law and the aunties who surrounded her as they worked on making something.

“Ammi, um… I wanted to make the sweet dish”.

“Arey no, Geet. There’s nothing for you to do” Mahira responded shaking her head with a smile. “You go and rest”.

I stood awkwardly unsure of how to respond and felt a sense of relief wash over me when I felt a calm presence stood behind me.

“What are you doing down here?” Maan asked after he greeted his mother and relatives.

“I was going to make a sweet dish” I answered softly.

“Don’t worry about it. We’re not too fussed about this. Do you want coffee or tea?”

“I can make it” I offered.

“I can do it” he replied with a chuckle.

“Please, give me something to do. I don’t want to come across as rude if I don’t do something” I muttered. Even if my in laws had pushed me away, I knew some people within the community still talked about this person’s bahu or that person’s bahu. They had done this with Samia the first time and I felt so horrified. After Samia bhabhi had been ushered away by amma to rest and spend time with my bhai, one of the elderly aunty remarked that it was rude of her to just go and not insist on helping my amma. Thankfully, my amma had intervened telling them that I was there as was Nadia to help.

“Okay…” he drawled out confused and showed me to their tea and coffee corner.

After we’d made tea and two slices of toast, Maan picked our cups while I grabbed the plate and followed as he led the way into the secondary reception room. Thankfully the room was empty and the playful chaos surrounding us silenced once we closed the door.

“You’re very nervous” Maan commented as I shifted in my seat.

“Well, it’s all new to me” I responded and looked around the room. “And it feels awkward that we’re sitting here together. I haven’t been alone with a guy before”.

He seemed pleased with my remark and smiled. “I’m glad to hear that”.

I chuckled.

“Now let’s eat before everything goes cold. We will have to get ready as well” he gestured to the toast.

“This is rubbish” I muttered in exasperation as I tried to fix the saree pleats and failed each time. My family were soon going to arrive with the food they had prepared and there were more relatives attending today to see me. And I was nowhere close to being ready.

I heard a knock the door and Maan poked his head through the small gap. “You ready?”

I stared at him dejectedly and dipped my eyes down.

“I can see you aren’t” he commented entering into our room. “Do you need help?”

“You know how to drape sarees?” I asked.

“Not for the life of me. I can get ammi or one of my khalas to come upstairs and help?”

“Um, okay. Thanks”.

“Don’t stress over it. I’ll call my khala. Ammi might be busy” he informed cradling my cheek gently and caressed my cheek with his thumb before he left.

I nodded and waited patiently. Maan’s aunt arrived a few minutes later and assisted me with my saree.

Once she had left, I finished wearing my jewellery and wrapped my hijab on nicely.

“Finished?” Maan asked as he knocked and entered. He paused and I turned around with a smile.

“Yes” I answered and perused my husband. He looked really good. Our eyes locked and I smiled faintly as he closed the distance between us.

“Masha’Allah” he murmured.

“Maan, don’t look at me like that” I whispered.

“How do you expect me to look away when you look so beautiful?” he responded taking a few steps forward.

“Maan, please” I uttered shyly. I wasn’t a shy person by any means, but being with this handsome stranger who has now become my husband had butterflies skittering in my abdomen.

“Alright, only because I don’t want to scare you away” he replied leaning his head down. I lifted my chin, my gaze meeting his and he smiled warmly and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

I closed my eyes feeling warm and giddy.

Maan and I made our way downstairs, I paused for a moment when my mother and father were there, and I hurried to my mother hugging her tightly. I forced myself to not cry as I didn’t want to spoil the makeup that I had just done and embarrass myself in front of Maan’s family and relatives that were all around.

“How is my daughter?” Abba asked stroking a hand over my head.

“Alhamdullilah, abba” I answered lifting my head and giving me a tight hug as well.

Mahira and Ayub, my in laws both joined ushering into the garden where they had set up the breakfast, no brunch and lunch my parents brought along with them.

After we had all eaten together, I was in the kitchen washing my hand when my mother joined my side.

“How did they find your sweet dish today?” she asked as I stepped aside to let her wash her hands and grabbed the tissue to wipe my hands.

“They didn’t let me make it” I answered.

My mother tensed and cast me a disapproving look. “What?”

“Um… Amma, they all said no when I asked”.

“Geet…” she sighed exasperated and wiped her hands. “They all say it. Your dadima said it to me but I still did it otherwise my mother and I would’ve heard taunts all my life” she whispered even though there wasn’t anyone close to us.

“Amma, but…” I stopped when Maan appeared. He cast a puzzled glance between my mother and me but didn’t say anything.

“Amma, is everything okay?” he asked as he proceeded forward and washed his hands.

“Yes beta, everything is okay” she answered softly. “Beta…” she glanced around and said, “Geet hasn’t made her first dish yet. Can you show her the ingredients and she could make something?”

“Amma it really isn’t necessary. We don’t have much sweet in our family and…”

“No beta, it is a rasm. Please…”

“Ji, ji amma. Okay” he agreed taking the tissue I offered to him to wipe his hands. He looked at me and asked, “Do you know what you want to make?”

“I would make a quick halwa” I answered.

My mother smiled in agreement and left the kitchen as my mother-in-law called for her.

“What are you both lovebirds up to?” Samia said teasingly as she walked into the kitchen.

“Nothing to do with romancing, bhabhi” Maan wittily responded. “I am helping my wife find some ingredients to treat us”.

“Oh, that is unfair on Maan, Geet” Samia quipped.

“Bhabhi, I didn’t have much of a choice…” I looked up at Maan. “I did want to make it this morning, right?”

“Yes, Geet” he chuckled. “Amma seemed a little upset she hadn’t made anything” he said with confusion marring his forehead.

“Oh I know” Samia said with a nod. “Amma and Geet didn’t let me make anything as they had this whole dessert setting they were going to do after brunch when I first married into their family. My mother glared at me throughout the whole brunch and when I went home for one last time, she had given me an earful. I got her point when some nosy aunties started saying they hadn’t had anything sweet by the new bahu” she explained. “Mothers are always right in this matter”.

“Shouldn’t these customs be adapted now? It is 2024 and who does all of this?”

“Apparently all Asians, specifically south Asians really love their rasms” she said mockingly.

“Oh, halwa” Nadia looked excitedly at the pot of halwa I had made.

“No eating anything yet” I informed. “You too, Alina” I added as my nanad eyed it eagerly.

“Maan, where are the bowls?” I turned to my husband who seemed to already know and was digging through the cabinets and placed some mini bowls in front of me. I poured a spoonful each and placed them on the trays.

“Now you can help yourselves while I give these out” I told my sister and sister in laws.

Maan opened the kitchen door, holding it open as I walked past him and into the conservatory where everyone had gathered around.

“Oh Geet, what is all this beta?” Mahira said with a smile. “You shouldn’t have”.

“You’re very lucky aapa that you’ve got a beautiful and helpful bahu. Girls don’t like to help out much anymore in this generation” Someone commented. “This generation, they are all about social media and no one listens or respects elders anymore”. Her comment led to a chorus of women mumbling about this person’s bahu and that person’s bahu focusing on themselves, their career rather than focusing on their in laws.

I masked my frown that was close to appearing at the woman’s remark but kept silent as it wasn’t a place to challenge them. I didn’t appreciate it when elders made it seem like our generation are rude or unhelpful just because we don’t go through the challenges they faced. The judgement is uncalled for. But I silenced myself as I reminded myself, it isn’t the place.

“Your halwa is very nice, beta” Mahira said with a smile after her first spoon. I thanked her and continued to distribute the halwa. Only one remained and it was for my husband who had sat on the edge of the sofa near his father.

He smiled as I approached with the last bowl, our fingers touched briefly as he took it from me and I felt butterflies when he said thank you softly and his smile sent warmth through my body. I thanked Allah for such a blessing and having a wonderful husband and prayed he remained like this.

Thank you for the wonderful responses! So glad you're enjoying this.

Nice party

First day together as husband and wife, they are doing pretty much good with each other communicating nicely and not putting any pressure on Geet as a bahu which I really loved

I hope they remain like this only happy and content

Really ❤️ it

Nice family

Hope sb ase hi ho

Good part

Chapter 1

Beautiful and Realistic Chapter

Of course Geet would feel overwhelmed , this is the first time

she is with her in laws

but Maan he is so understanding towards Geet and this fact does make

a huge difference

I'm glad that Geet's Bhabhi give her last minute advice