Rayan Mirza

There is this guy, Rayan Mirza. He's respectful, composed, and responsible—the kind everyone trusts. He's always been protective of his younger sister. Then there is Ayla Rahman. She's quiet and keeps to herself. She often wraps a shawl around herself outside. Ayla has been best friends with Rayan's younger sister, Mina, for years. Their families were close. When Ayla was younger, a man in the village tried to take advantage of her. Rayan found her before things could become worse. He intervened, got her away, and stayed there until she was safe. He never treated her differently afterward. He never asked her to explain. He simply made sure she knew she wasn't alone. Years passed. Rayan became the dependable man of his family. Ayla grew older and quieter. In their village, young women were often married off to men twice their age, Ayla feared that fate. Then her parents told her they had found her a husband. She expected a stranger. Instead, they said one name. Rayan Mirza. He knew her. She knew him. Most importantly she trusted him. When Rayan heard about the arrangement, he went to speak with Ayla. "If you don't want this, I'll refuse." Ayla looked down. "You would?" "Of course." She paused. Then she whispered, "I'd rather marry someone I know." Rayan understood. Their wedding was simple. Just family, friends, and a quiet ceremony. That night, Rayan noticed Ayla sitting nervously by the window, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders. He kept his distance. "You don't have to be afraid of me." She looked at him. "I know." She smiled. Rayan realized something. He had spent years protecting the girl next door. Now... She was his wife.