Chapter 123. A Mirage of Hopes

"Nikkah?" His grandmother asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"When did it happen?" His father questioned, his brows furrowing.

"A month back," Irtaza answered coolly, as if this was just another regular conversation.

"Why didn’t you both inform us?" Haroon Uncle asked, a deep frown settling between his brows.

"I had refrained Zahra from doing so," Irtaza replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "I was waiting for the right time."

Zahra kept her gaze down, afraid of the looks she might receive.

"Hmm... but it's not settling well with me that you married Zahra without the involvement of family," his grandfather said, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

"The nikkah was to be done in every case," Shehryaar interjected smoothly, cutting off further debate. "It doesn’t matter whether the family was involved or not. Also, it’s Irtaza’s life, and if he wanted his nikkah a month back, then we’re no one to question it. And we still hav