Body Shamed

By Nid Younus

She never expected him to approach her with a marriage alliance after facing humiliation and body shaming. Will she agree to this marriage?

Zuberiya had distanced herself but she couldn't forget her past where she was body-shamed and humiliated by Ameen Khan, the one person whom she loved dearly and believed that he accepted her completely. He broke her heart and shattered her soul snatching away her dignity and self-esteem as she suffered in silence. Things become complicated when a marriage proposal is sent at her door and it's none other than her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Furqan Shafeeq. Why did he choose her and what is he hiding from her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nid Younus
• Release date: Mar 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393589846

Nid Younus

I am an Indian author, raised in the captivating Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has deeply influenced my passion for writing about Muslim cultures and crafting love stories with unique and captivating flavors that break away from the ordinary. Writing has been my lifelong passion, and from a very young age, I discovered the power of storytelling and the magic of the written word. My diverse upbringing and rich cultural background have ignited my imagination, inspiring me to embark on a literary journey that resonates with readers from all walks of life. With an innate ability to weave intricate tales, I delve deep into the intricacies of love, romance, and human emotions. My narratives are a celebration of diversity, offering fresh perspectives on love stories that transcend cultural boundaries. Self-publishing numerous books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), I take immense pride in sharing my stories with the world. Through my writing, I aspire to spark conversations about love, culture, and the shared human experience. As readers turn the pages of my books, I hope to leave an indelible mark on their hearts, reminding them that love knows no bounds and that the beauty of diverse cultures lies in our shared humanity.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Zuberiya couldn't help breaking into a fit of laughter as she has no other way to reveal her bewilderment but the person sitting in front of her didn't break a smile and he continues to stare at her intently making her believe how serious he is.

Is this some sort of a joke? You want to get married to me?! Zuberiya snaps at him trying to pretend that she isn't surprised but deep inside she is shocked.

Yes, and you know that this is no joke. He replies finally with a curt nod and commanding tone which makes Zuberiya weak in the knees.

I just don't understand.... She tries to share her confusion when he interrupts smoothly.

My parents and your parents have no trouble with this alliance. It's between us and, I have made up my mind but I need your answer too, He speaks as Zuberiya stares at him with uncertainty.

Why me? She asks crossing her arms trying to hide her agitation and this makes him amused.

Why not? He asks her with a challenge in his voice as she glares at him. Why was he pretending? He knew every reason why she would never agree for this alliance and yet, he wants her to answer.

You know why....I mean how this is even possible?! She snaps at him but he sits calmly enjoying the moment and that irks her.

Speak out your doubts, Zubi. Whatever is bothering you....just let it out, He insists unaffected as she doesn't know how to put it in words.

Do we have to go through this, Furqan? She questions him as he sits composed in front of her revealing nothing.

Yes, because if you ask your questions only then you will have your answers, Furqan replies confidently as she hesitates. Furqan Shafeeq, knew every detail of her past and yet, he is here at her home with a marriage proposal. Their parents have met already and everything was approved until Zuberiya insisted on meeting the groom and seeing Furqan, gave her a huge mental blow. She didn't expect him to approach her with a marriage proposal. How could he do that to her?

You know everything that I had with Ameen....we were in a relationship and we loved each other! Zuberiya struggles to speak about her past feeling embarrassed.

You loved Ameen..... Furqan corrects her making Zuberiya's throat go dry. He was right! She was the one who loved Ameen whereas; he was just playing with her feelings.

Exactly, She manages to squeak refusing to look in his eyes. And you know how he left me..... humiliated ....and I am no good for him. Maybe, I am no good for anyone.

Tears sting the corner of her eyes when his words ring in her ears. The humiliation and hurt she feels every time she remembers them.

What do you think, Zubi? Furqan questions her, bringing her out of the painful memory. Do you believe all that he said to you?

I don't know, Zuberiya answers shaking her head and fighting the urge to cry. Maybe, he is right.

You want to believe that? Furqan repeats his question as Zuberiya stares at him puzzled for a long time. Her whole life flashes in her mind as she remembers being a couch potato in her childhood and it continued in her teen years too. Later, she was diagnosed with hormonal issues which were the main contributor to excessive flab around her body as no amount of diet or exercise helped her.

She was bullied and humiliated by her relatives as her parents worried about finding a suitable alliance. Zuberiya met Ameen Khan in her college and they became friends even though, Ameen was three years senior to her. He worked as a volunteer in her college and soon they developed a rapport making her connect with Ameen's best friend Furqan.

After a month, Zuberiya realized that she was harbouring feelings for Ameen and he surprised her by confessing his love and promised to make things work between them. Zuberiya was at the top of the world as they became inseparable and even though, Ameen had expectations with Zuberiya to be more intimate, she never allowed him to cross the line. She loved him but made some firm choices in her life which pissed Ameen. Zuberiya knew that having such illicit relationships meant destroying her own character and even though, she shouldn’t encourage this sort of relationship, she allowed herself to cross this line.

Her family found out about Zuberiya's relationship and pressurized her to make things permanent as it was forbidden in the community to encourage such relationships. Ameen refused to show up at her door with a marriage proposal because he didn't have a career and instructed Zuberiya to keep things under wrap until he finds a well-paying job and she obeyed only to be disappointed by him two years later. What was she expecting after disobeying her Lord?

What makes you think I will agree to this alliance? Zuberiya asks frankly and Furqan smirks at her.

Why would you refuse?He asks her as she feels her heart skip. What did he mean by that?

What do you mean? She retorts. I have a right to approve or refuse an alliance and I would never agree to marry you.

I know you haven't revealed anything to your parents about breaking-up with Ameen, Furqan speaks up in a nonchalant tone. I used that to my advantage and approached in his place instead.

Excuse me? Zuberiya's jaws drop opens at this revelation as she remembers her mother's comments when she insisted on meeting the groom.

Don't pretend as if you don't know the groom....why do you want to meet him? She questioned her as Zuberiya rolled her eyes before replying.

I want to be sure...that you chose the right person for me.

You don't trust your parents? Her Mom snapped at her as she shook her head and walked away giving her an answer.

Just arrange our meeting....okay? Or else I won't sign the nikah contract.

Things begin to fall in place as she didn't consider them before and her stomach knots.

I know you are confused right now but you will soon find your answers so have faith and approve this alliance... He says calmly and Zuberiya eyes him suspiciously.

What are you up to, Furqan?

For now focus on getting married to me... By Allah, You will not regret it, He answers knowingly as Zuberiya freezes slightly realizing the fact of the situation that he just mentioned.

Zuberiya knew Furqan through Ameen but she had a personal friendship with Furqan as he was the biggest mentor in their relationship. Furqan was a year or two older than Ameen but they were very close to each other. Zuberiya respected Furqan as her own elder brother because of his personality that intimidates anyone who meets him. He was mature, sober and decent unlike Ameen, who was confident, funny and outgoing. Ameen invited troubles in his life and Furqan dealt with them patiently trying to make things easier for Ameen and assisted him in many ways which made Zuberiya admire him. Many times she had turned to Furqan for advice and help, but a year back he left for San Francisco and Zuberiya faced break-up with Ameen.

It hit her instantly as he starts to leave but she couldn't keep the question to herself.

Are you trying to make amends on behalf of Ameen again?

Don't jump to conclusions, Zubi. Plus, I and Ameen are no more friends. He states in a firm voice making her cringe inside. She wants to find out more as to what lead to this separation but she didn't as she didn't want to make Furqan realize that she cared for Ameen still. Did she?

What if I refuse to carry this forward? Zuberiya asks in a hesitant voice.

"There