Bound by Tradition

Sana had always known her relationship with Amaan was something special. They had met in college, and though their worlds seemed different—Amaan from Blackburn, of Indian descent, and Sana from a traditional family in North Manchester—their bond was undeniable. They clicked instantly, first as friends, then as something more. The two of them had a shared passion for medicine, and after college, they found themselves working together at a busy NHS hospital.

Their relationship had always been discreet, an unspoken understanding that they couldn’t share their love openly. Sana’s parents, deeply rooted in tradition, expected her to marry someone of their choosing. Despite this, Sana and Amaan found moments of quiet connection in the hustle and bustle of their professional lives.

Years passed, and though their love had grown, it remained hidden, like a secret tucked between hospital shifts and stolen moments. But when Sana’s parents made the decision to send her to Pakistan for a "holiday," everything changed. It was supposed to be a chance for Sana to reconnect with her heritage, to learn more about the culture that had shaped her family. But as the plane landed in Lahore, the truth became clear—this wasn’t a holiday. It was an arranged marriage.

Her heart sank as her parents introduced her to the man they had chosen for her, a quiet, serious man named Zain. Her mind raced, but she smiled and nodded, understanding the weight of tradition that rested on her shoulders. It wasn’t until she returned to Manchester, her engagement ring glinting on her finger, that she faced the hardest conversation of all.

Sana had to break the news to Amaan.

“I’m engaged,” she whispered, her voice breaking as she sat across from him at their favorite café. “My parents… they arranged it. I’m supposed to marry him.”

Amaan’s face fell, his usually warm and steady demeanor cracking. He had always known that Sana’s family would never approve of their relationship, but he hadn’t expected this—an engagement, a marriage, a life that would leave him behind.

“We can’t see each other anymore,” Sana continued, tears welling up in her eyes. “My parents… they’re strict. They’ll disown me if they find out we’ve been together.”

Amaan’s hand clenched around his coffee cup, his gaze hardening. He had always been patient, always been supportive of Sana, but this… this felt like a betrayal. He didn’t say anything at first, but weeks passed, and the silence between them grew unbearable.

Then one evening, as Sana was leaving work, Amaan appeared at the hospital doors, his eyes dark with frustration. He was no longer the calm, understanding man she once knew.

“You’re really going to throw it all away for them?” Amaan’s voice was low, dangerous. “You think I’m just going to walk away quietly?”

Sana froze, panic rising in her chest. “Amaan, please—”

“If you don’t see me,” he interrupted, stepping closer, “I’ll tell your brother everything. All of it.”

The threat hung in the air like a storm cloud, and Sana knew that Amaan was serious. He was hurt, angry, and the love they had shared was now tangled in a web of lies and secrecy.

Over the next few weeks, their secret meetings became more frequent, more desperate. Sana knew she was walking a dangerous line, but she couldn’t stop herself. Every time she saw Amaan, the bond they shared reignited, and for a few stolen hours, the world outside didn’t matter.

One evening, as they were sitting in Amaan’s car parked by a quiet lake, he reached for her hand, his touch gentle yet urgent. The weight of their situation pressed heavily on both of them, but in that moment, nothing else mattered. Their passion was undeniable, and despite all the risks, they couldn’t resist each other. The consequences of their actions felt far away as they lost themselves in each other.

It wasn’t long before Sana found out she was pregnant.

The news hit her like a freight train. She couldn’t even think about how to tell her parents, let alone Amaan. Her mother, upon finding out, was livid. “You have to get an abortion,” she ordered, her voice sharp and unwavering. “Do you want to disgrace this family? If your father finds out…”

But Sana knew that she couldn’t go through with it. She had already sacrificed so much for her family’s expectations, but this—this was something that was hers, something she couldn’t let go of.

Finally, Sana made the decision to confront her family head-on. She invited Amaan to her house, ready to tell her parents the truth. It was a risk, but she was prepared to stand her ground.

The confrontation that followed was nothing short of explosive. Sana’s brother, furious and protective, erupted in rage, yelling at Amaan, threatening him with violence. But Amaan stood his ground, refusing to back down. His love for Sana was too strong, and he wasn’t going to let her go without a fight.

In the chaos of the moment, Sana made a bold decision—she would leave. She couldn’t stay in this suffocating life, caught between her love for Amaan and the expectations of her family. So, she packed a bag and left, determined to find a new path, one where she could live her life on her own terms.

With Amaan by her side, she left North Manchester, heading for a quieter life where they could build something together—far from the prying eyes of her family, far from the stifling traditions that had held her back for so long.

Sana knew the road ahead would be difficult, but for the first time, she felt free. And with Amaan beside her, she knew they could face anything the world threw their way.