Nikaah

Haider, an aspiring poet, falls in love with Nilofar during their time as students at Osmania University. Nilofar is unaware of his growing affection and is already engaged to Wasim, a Nawab. This early attraction plants the emotional tension that drives the drama of the story.

Nilofar becomes engaged to Wasim and eventually marries him, while Haider rises to become a successful poet and editor of a magazine. The contrast sets up parallel paths for both couples and Haider's ongoing unrequited love. The stage is set for conflicting loyalties and social expectations.

After their marriage, Wasim is a workaholic who spends long hours away from home. He tends to fight over small issues, leaving Nilofar feeling neglected and lonely in their relationship. The husband-wife dynamic starts to deteriorate as promises go unkept.

On their first wedding anniversary, the couple hosts a party but Wasim fails to appear, leaving Nilofar humiliated in front of their guests. The guests depart in awkward silence as Nilofar retreats to her bedroom in tears. A heated argument escalates, and Wasim pronounces Talaq three times.

Nilofar, now a divorcee, is offered a position at Haider's magazine, and she begins to work there. During this period, she realizes Haider is still in love with her, complicating her feelings about remarriage. The professional environment rekindles emotional connections.

Wasim longs to reconcile and remarry Nilofar, despite the divorce. He approaches the Imam to understand the complexities of Sharia law surrounding remarriage after divorce, seeking guidance on possible paths forward.

The Imam explains that remarriage to Nilofar after divorce may require Nikah halala, a process where Nilofar must marry someone else, consummate the union, and obtain a divorce before Wasim can remarry her. The explanation highlights the legal and moral hurdles involved.

Haider openly declares his love and marries Nilofar with the consent of their families. This union marks a turning point as Nilofar embraces a new life with Haider rather than returning to Wasim. The social norms and family approval solidify the new arrangement.

Wasim writes to Nilofar asking her to divorce Haider so he can remarry her. Haider reads the letter and forms the impression that Nilofar and Wasim are still in love, which influences his actions and decisions about their future.

Haider brings Wasim to Nilofar and offers his own consent to divorce her so that Wasim can remarry. Nilofar questions both men about treating her as property rather than a person, then asserts her desire to remain with Haider.

Nilofar rejects the arrangement and insists on continuing her life with Haider. She makes her stance clear that she will not be treated as a bargaining chip, affirming her autonomy and agency.

Wasim finally gives his blessing to the couple and leaves, signaling acceptance of Nilofar's choice. The story closes with Nilofar remaining with Haider and moving forward in their life together.