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Ezad's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe on the words he heard from his best friend.

"What are you saying Adil.." He murmured, in shock.

"Marry my sister!" Adil saw him with hope in his eyes.

"Do you know what are you saying. You want me to marry an underage girl. A girl 14 years younger than me" Ezad gulped his saliva.

He wasn't in good position.

"I know what I am saying Ezad! I clearly know. I am dying. I know things better now!" He muttered helplessly.

"She is too young for me" Ezad was also helpless.

"Yes, she is young that's why she can't survive without guidance. She needs a guardian. Someone who could take care of her like I use to do, who could cherish her, who could make her life beautiful.

Who could be better than you Ezad? For me, you are the best one. I can't trust anyone else for Lina. No one but you can handle her. She doesn't have any family, you know better how some people treat those women who have no one at their back. I can't think of something bad happening to my sister.

I can guarantee that you will make her happy. I can't guarantee for anyone else. I want best for her and you Ezad, you are best for her!" Adil explained his feelings to him.

A dying man was fearing of his beloved sister.

Ezad wiped his tears. His heart was beating fast. He had to make an important decision of his life.

"I know I am being selfish but what else I can do. I am helpless. It's unfair to you but.." Adil couldn't say anymore.

The hospital room was filled with meaningful silence. Ezad was lost in his thoughts. He looked up at his best friend's face and smiled lightly.

"I can do anything for you Adil. I am ready to marry her"

"I am proud of this friendship Ezad! You are best person in my life" Adil said moving his body forward. He just wanted to hug his friend.

"You are the best one Adil! I will never forget our bond" Ezad engulfed him in his warm embrace.

"Thank you for making it easy for me" Adik whispered.

"Anything for you Adil!" Ezad patted his back lightly.

The decision was made. He couldn't say no to Adil. He just couldn't. He wanted to take care of the beloved person of his best friend after his death. How could he not?

If marriage was the only way to do it. He was ready.

What if he wouldn't get desires qualities in his wife. He could sacrifice his life for his best friend, leaving his desires was nothing in front of Adil's love.

...

"Come here my dear!" Adil made her sit beside him on the hospital bed.

"How much do you trust me beta?" He asked his sister politely.

"More than anyone bhai" She murmured with sadness in her eyes. Her beloved brother was going soon, it was unbearable to even think.

"I made a decision for you Lina" He told.

"What decision bhai?"

"I want you to get married"

Liyana looked at his fragile face. He was the only relation she had.

"I agree with whatever decision you make for me bhai. I know the circumstances aren't in our favor" A tear sliped on her cheek.

"I can't change the reality Lina. I will die. It's Allah's will. I just want to secure your future before going" Hearing his words, she started crying loudly.

He wrapped his arms around her. Both were crying in the warm embrace. Moment passed and the tears rolled down on the cheeks.

"I don't want you to die" She whispered.

"But I have to go. Don't cry please!" He kissed her forehead lovingly.

He wiped her tears.

"I fixed your Nikkah with Ezad" He broke the news.

Liyana saw him in shock.

"Maybe today you don't understand my decision, but I will be gone, you will understand my reasons. Ezad is a gentleman. He will take of you. After giving your hand in his, I will die peacefully" Adil carresed her hair.

She nodded looking at his face. Ezad was just like a brother to him but she couldn't doubt her brother decision.

If Adil decided something for her, it couldn't be bad, she was fine by that.

The last few weeks had made her a little mature. She understood the reality. Life wasn't a fairy tale anymore.

Her fantsy world vanished.

Marriage was the reality now.

Ezad was the reality now.

And she had accepted her fate whole heartly.

Adil didn't want to delay the Nikkah. The next day, in the presence of their friends and family, nikkah was done. Ezad and Liyana tied in a pure bond.

She was simply dressed in a red suit. She was wearing gajray on both wrists. She was looking beautiful in it.

The innocence on her face enhanced her beauty.

After Nikkah, Adil with a bright smile on his face, gave Liyana's hand into Ezad's. She shivered when her hand touched his.

It was the first time, when a man touched her. She was shy to look up at Ezad's face.

As the relationship changed, feelings changed the very moment.

"Meri behan ka khayal rakhna Ezad!" Adil asked him seriously.

(Take care of my sister)

"Apni jan sy barh kar khayal rakhoo ga" He increased his hold on her delicate hand.

(I will take care of her more than my own life)

Ezad looked at his bride.

Her gaze was lowered. Her hand was shivering. The young girl, he always considered as his sister, was suddenly made his bride.

Though it was his own decision but it wasn't easy for him to accept this big change in his life.

All that mattered at the moment was that she was his responsibility and he prayed to make her happy always.

After Nikkah, Liyana moved into his apartment. She walked inside of the apartment with him. She looked around till he locked the door.

"Come" They walked inside the master bedroom. He made her sit on the bed and sat in front of her.

Her gaze was fixed on her hands resting in her lap. She was tensed. Anyone could tell that by looking at her.

Every girl worries at this stage of her life, but for Liyana, things were more difficult. She got married at such a tender age that too a man she always considered as a brother.

She was alone with him for the first time.

She was afraid of this relationship.

It wasn't easy for her to be in this situation.

Watching her restless, Ezad felt a pang in his heart. It was also difficult for him to see her as his wife.

He released a long sigh.

That's what life was from now.

"Ghabrao nahi" He broke the silence between them.

(Don't be stressed)

"Liyana! I know this is awkward for you but don't be stressed out. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me. Look at me, I am the same person you have known for years.

I am your husband but you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't do anything to hurt you" He tried to make her feel comfortable.

She nodded meekly.

Yes, he was the same man who never hurt her before. Could he hurt her now in any way?

Bhai's decision couldn't be wrong, she thought of her brother's words.

She was relieved a bit but still stressed out as it was natural.

He took out a small jewelry case from the bed side table and gave it to her. She opened the case with raised heart beat.

"Thank you" She muttered looking at the beautiful silver pendant.

"You're welcome" He nodded at her.

"Be comfortable Liyana! This is also your room now. We have to live here together. Everything that is mine is also yours now" He asked before lying down on the bed.

Dressed in a baby pink silk shirt and trousers, she was shy to sleep at the same bed as his.

"Which side do you want?" He asked standing next to her.

"Right side" She answered looking at the bed.

"As you wish, right is yours. Go to sleep now. Goodnight!" He turned off the lights and laid down at his side.

He left a noticeable distance between them. He wanted to give her comfort as much as he could provide.

Consummating this marriage at this stage wasn't easy for him. She was so young, naive and innocent. Surrounded by the sadness of her brother's illness.

Moreover, he himself wasn't comfortable to be with a girl more than a decade younger than him. Not just her he also wanted to give time to himself to accept this relationship.

Also, he didn't know how much knowledge she had of marital relationship. At this tender age, living in a little bubble of her own, she might be unaware of the details.

He didn't want to take her innocence.

.........................................................

That's how they got married.

Ezad's thinking is great but what did you do to her man. She is so mad at you🤦‍♀️

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