eight

"Ammi... You promised me." Natasha whined at her mother, who glared at her.

"I know what I promised. We are sorry that we took a harsh decision and were ready to spoil your life once. But this guy is from a good family and he is not that old." Fathima Rehman explained to her daughter.

"You do remember that I was just seventeen and half or something years old. And you guys were ready to marry me off to some thirty five years old man. What parents does that?" Natasha yelled in frustration. She still remember the day she eloped, it was the biggest decision she ever made on her own but it was worth it. The struggle after that was horrible, living alone with her aunt and with neighbors gossiping about her, it was not easy... but everything was worth it at the end, she's now a graduate and is also studying her masters degree; everything on scholarship basis.

"We are trying to rectify our mistake, beta." her mother's voice was suddenly very vulnerable.

They've always considered her as a burden since she was a girl and there was no son to look after their family business in future. She was always the less loved child. And as the years passed, it stopped hurting Natasha for she didn't care much.

And that's why they didn't care much about who she's getting married with and arranged it with the first guy who sent proposal, making Natasha to finally elope.

"Three years of your absence has taught us a lot, Natasha. We realized our mistakes and now we want only the best for you. Your father is counting his last few days and before he dies he wishes to see you in some good hands." Fathima eventually bursts out crying and she immediately engulfs her mother into a hug.

Her father was the only reason why Natasha came back to her home... He was suffering from lung cancer and it has neared its last stage by the time they found out. After hearing that news, she couldn't sit at her flat anymore and took the next cab here. It was like her whole family was waiting for her to come, they all welcomed her warmly. She couldn't believe her eyes but it felt good to be loved by all of her family so openly like that.

"But marriage?" She trailed off skeptically once they broke the hug. Marriage. That's such a big step of her life. She's not even sure if she was over Farhan, yet. She should be over him by now. That was for the best. Even if Haya was married to someone else, he still loved her. She could see that in his eyes.

Natasha could never live with a guy who'd love another woman so crazily like that, even if that person happens to be the love of her life. She'd rather marry someone else than marry him and see him loving someone else. She was crazy and possessive like that.

"Alright, I'll marry this guy." she felt herself whispering those words and immediately loud cheers were erupted from outside and all her cousins came in to congratulate her.

"Get ready soon. You've your engagement tonight." Fathima kissed her daughter's forehead and rushed to her bedroom to inform the good news to her husband, Azar Rehman.

The next two hours Natasha felt herself being dolled up by her cousins. She looked pretty no doubts. Maybe just maybe it was her cue to move on in her life too.

Screw you, Farhan. She mumbled under her breath.

It's been a while since she talked to him anyway. She couldn't believe this but she, Haya and him were not the same anymore. Maybe Haya was still in touch with him because they were business partners now but the three have drifted apart, slowly.

Life happened.

Natasha did not complain either.

"They are calling you down." Minal, her younger cousin announced excitedly bringing her out of her thoughts and suddenly Natasha was all nervous and jittery.

Calm down, Nats. She motivated herself as they walked downstairs. The Rehman Villa was a classy and cozy house, it was filled with lots of different people today, who were gathered for her so-called engagement.

Natasha was not even one bit happy. But she was ready to do this. Her eyes didn't raise up to see who that guy was or how he looked like. She couldn't care less for that moment. But the chills she felt when he held her left hand has left her gasping.

She knew this touch. She'd recognize it from anywhere. How the hell would that be possible? She thought with a slight frown.

It can't be true. She frantically looked up, only to find out Farhan Sheikh slipping the beautiful diamond ring on her finger. The youngsters hooted in joy. But Natasha was still not over the shock. She felt numb as they kept the ring on her palm.

Still in shock, she slips the ring on his finger. They all hooted yet again.

What the hell was happening here? Her green eyes screamed in confusion. Farhan looked anywhere but at her.

Just when she thought that she'd finally move on from her stupid first love, the same guy comes to her home as her to-be husband. That has got be some sick joke, but only it wasn't.