A journey through memories

The Power of Betrayal and Love: Echoes of Retribution

CHAPTER TWO:

12 YEARS LATER 

mohid pov

"Words possess a perilous power, capable of inflicting pain or causing agony. Kind words are said to heal wounds, but without kindness, one remains perpetually wounded. This is the path I tread, engulfed in emptiness, devoid of emotional connections. I overhear intimate conversations, witnessing the brightness brought by family members, while I struggle to respond. Darkness and solitude await me in my hometown, with disdain and animosity from my stepmother, measured compassion from my grandfather, and coldness from my grandmother. Even my late father seemed to ignore my existence, tarnishing his own happiness". mohid find his self gazing at the words etched upon the pages of his diary, contemplating their weight, only to be interrupted by a resounding knock on the door.

Mohid granted permission to enter and closed his diary, sighing as he rested his head on the back of the chair.

"If you hadn't given permission, I would have come anyway," exclaimed Hammad as he confidently entered the room. Mohid's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly stood up from the chair, embracing Hammad with genuine excitement.

"Oh, so were your angels the ones knocking on my bedroom door?" Mohid asked, his tone both amused and curious as he pulled away from the embrace.

"I consider myself an angel, and entering a refined person's room should be done with a touch of elegance," Hammad replied with a charming smile, swiftly adjusting his hair with one hand.

"Yes, yes, you may be an angel in our eyes, but I have my doubts," Mohid retorted playfully, causing Hammad to make a silly face in response. As Mohid stepped back, Hammad started walking towards Mohid's bed.

"By the way, bhai, when did you arrive? You should have informed me; I would have gladly accompanied you. And how many days have you been here?" Hammad inquired, casually reclining on the bed. Mohid walked over, positioning himself near the balcony door that opened up to the breathtaking view of the mansion's lush garden. It was a spot he often cherished during his visits, spending tranquil evenings on the balcony.

"I arrived just yesterday and will be leaving tomorrow evening. You should consider spending your holidays here," Mohid replied, gently wiping his glasses clean with a cloth, while Hammad, lying on the bed, was engrossed with his phone. Upon hearing Mohid's response, Hammad set his phone aside and focused his attention on his brother .

"What do you mean? You only have three days to spare for us?" Hammad's voice conveyed his disappointment with Mohid's statement.

"It's not as simple as that. Who wants to be away from home? Unfortunately, the nature of my job doesn't allow me much personal time," Mohid explained, turning his gaze away from the window and looking directly at Hammad.

"The demands of your profession leave you with little time to truly live! How often do you get to spend in our village? It's because our beloved grandfather insists. Sometimes, I can't help but feel as though you no longer consider us your family ," Hammad expressed, his words flowing forth with mixed emotions. He looked at Mohid, a blend of disappointment and frustration in his gaze, waiting eagerly for a response.

Mohid listened intently, his gaze fixed on Hammad, absorbing every syllable with unwavering attention. As Hammad concluded his outpouring, Mohid's face softened into a gentle smile before he spoke, his voice calm and reassuring, "How can you even think that I don't value you? Only God knows the profound importance you hold in my heart. Though time may be scarce for me, it doesn't diminish the love and regard I have for each one of you." Mohid's words carried undeniable sincerity, with a hint of concealed fear he dared not reveal.

"It feels like you're the one distancing yourself from the warmth of our collective embrace. We spend only a fraction of the year in our ancestral village. Perhaps you long for news or tidings that beckon your return to the village, sealing your fate there forever," Hammad's voice quivered momentarily, his heartfelt words echoing through the air.

"Hammad! Before you speak, consider your words carefully. And if you find them lacking, perhaps silence may serve you better. Not everything is meant to be uttered in jest or frivolity," Mohid's once-smiling countenance transformed into a resolute expression.

"MOHID BHAI! I was merely speaking about your upcoming wedding," Hammad stood before Mohid, trying to ease the heaviness that had settled upon them.

"Forget about such matters for now. Tell me, what gift have you brought for me? Do you realize the significance of tomorrow's date?" Mohid's tone carried a glimmer of hope, a ray of light amidst the prevailing darkness.

"Nothing," Hammad replied curtly, his words hanging in the air like a thick fog. He retreated to his bed, silently withdrawing from the potential conflict.

"Why?" Mohid inquired, surprise evident in his voice. It was a departure from the usual tradition for Hammad to arrive empty-handed on Mohid's birthday. Even in their younger days, Hammad would always present a small token of affection, be it a toffee or a cherished toy.

"Because you're not even ashamed to have turned twenty-eight," Hammad's response lacked satisfaction, the words escaping his lips with a hint of unspoken disappointment.

"When did such a milestone become a source of shame?" Mohid's words carried a gentle amusement, his smile unwavering.

"Not even worthy of pride, that at twenty-eight, you celebrate only the passing of time," Hammad retorted sharply, his words tinged with a touch of resentment.

"Fine!" Mohid's response reverberated through the room, the word lingering in the air like a haunting melody. Pushing his glasses away from his eyes, he delicately placed them on the nearby table. With measured steps, he made his way toward the washroom.

"Mohid Bhai!" Hammad protested, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and urgency as he called out to his brother.

"Look, Hammad, you've taken this conversation to a whole different level. I can sense it. Instead, it would be better if I finish my prayers and prepare for Asr time," he replied, pausing briefly to gather his thoughts.

"Whether you listen or not, principles are principles. Now, you should celebrate your special days twice a year. One for your birthday and another for your wedding anniversary," Hammad mischievously remarked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"What principles book did you get your hands on, that has this golden rule on top?" Mohid retorted, running his fingers through his disheveled hair.

"The Wajah Nawaz Choudhry's family principles," Hammad answered with enthusiasm, his voice filled with excitement.

"Alright, now go to sleep and let go of your tiredness. Then, think about adding three or four more principles to your name along with Dada Jan's principles in the book," Mohid emphasized, trying to suppress his smile. From the redness in Hammad's eyes, the signs of exhaustion were evident.

"Whether you listen or not, remember that I will always bring up the topic to you. In the future, thanks to me, you will get married. Otherwise, you would have remained a bachelor, and that innocent girl would have also remained unmarried, who is destined to be your future 'wife'," he continued, his voice resonating through the room. The sound reverberated, reaching Mohid's ears, but he chose to dismiss the words, focusing instead on his ablution.

As Mohid returned, his attention shifted towards Hammad, who had succumbed to slumber, a serene smile adorning his lips.

Mohid laid out his prayer mat and commenced his devotions. Upon concluding the prayers and exchanging greetings, his gaze wandered towards the adjoining chamber, where he caught sight of Qudsiyah Begum. Amidst his prayers, an inexplicable sensation arose, as if someone had entered his room. Uncertain yet intrigued, Mohid couldn't recall the last time his step-mother had paid him a visit.

However, this time, her purpose was not to see him, but rather to set eyes upon Hammad, peacefully nestled on the bed, basking in the radiance of affection and concern gleaming in her eyes.

"Amma Jaan, please have a seat," Mohid had said to her. Hearing his voice, she glanced away from Hammad to look at him. In just a moment, all the emotions in her eyes turned cold.

"No, I came here to see Hammad. I have been waiting for a long time," she replied.

"He was tired, so he fell asleep here," Mohid responded simply. She shook her head in disbelief, started walking towards the door, but then turned back to look at him.

"Tomorrow is your mother's death anniversary. Have you made any arrangements for it?" she asked a question that Mohid didn't expect.

"Yes, I have," Mohid replied, bowing his head slightly as if confessing to some unspoken guilt.

"By the way," she said, her gaze fixed upon him, "this is advice for you. Never allow yourself to become so weak that you tread the same path as your mother and my late husband. Such a course would only bring upon you a tarnished reputation that not even death can cleanse." Her assessment of the situation was sharp and accurate, serving as a stark reminder of his position.

Summoning the courage within him, Mohid mustered the strength to speak up. "Please, don't say anything about my mother anymore," he pleaded. In his childhood, such words would have invited a resounding slap across his face, leaving his mouth stinging and his spirit quivering. He had always lived in fear, never daring to meet her gaze or engage in conversation.

"I haven't said anything; it's your mere existence that speaks volumes," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm, before walking away. As was customary, she delivered her trademark slap, not physically, but it stung just the same.

Rising from his spot, he abstained from uttering a dua, something he had forsaken since his childhood. With a heavy heart, he made his way towards his writing table, where his neglected diary lay. Throughout the year, the pages of that diary shed tears of disappointment, their silent pleas for attention answered only on two occasions: his mother and his father's death anniversary. Within those pages, he would pour out his fears, his sense of deprivation, and his growing indifference, alleviating the burden of anxiety that gnawed at his soul.

In his childhood, tears had flowed freely from his eyes, but now, they seemed frozen, leaving him numb to his own pain. With a heavy sigh, he placed the diary back into the drawer of the table, retrieving a cigarette and a lighter instead. As he made his way towards the balcony, his gaze fell upon Hammad, peacefully asleep, unaware of the turmoil that consumed his elder brother. Taking a deep breath, Mohid stepped onto the balcony, seeking solace in the darkness that surrounded him

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sabtain pov , bit of mehr-un-nisa pov aswell 

As the night slowly drew to a close, the majority of people were immersed in the embrace of slumber. However, Sabtain usman Choudhry remained engrossed in his work. Renowned and highly respected in legal circles, he had garnered a reputation for his exceptional expertise as a lawyer. His track record boasted numerous victories, each seen as a noteworthy achievement within his illustrious career. Over time, he had become one of the most sought-after legal minds, with a clientele comprised mainly of those who yearned for justice but lacked the means to voice their grievances or secure influential representation.

Sabtain is a true advocate of justice who refuses to serve the interests of the mighty, often taking on cases to help the oppressed. He recently found himself entangled in a case where the home of a widow was deceitfully transferred to a crafty builder. The widow, who had worked as a maid in Sabtain's family mansion, had relocated to the city with her husband for a better life. After her husband's death, she was left alone to care for their three children and father-in-law. Despite her lack of formal education, she was determined to provide for her family, living paycheck to paycheck. Her late husband's efforts had allowed her to acquire a modest two-room house, but now, the security of her sanctuary was jeopardized by the unscrupulous builder. Sabtain took on the case despite the challenges posed by the builder's influential standing and the widow's financial limitations.

He tirelessly typed away on his laptop, his hand instinctively reaching for the cup of tea placed beside him. Much to his dismay, he discovered that the tea had grown cold, a clear indication of his displeasure. He longed for a fresh cup of tea, glancing at his laptop screen as he tried to estimate the time.

Rising from his chair, he spoke to himself, saying, "Come on, Mr. Lawyer, let's get going!" With a cup in hand, he quietly made his way through the dimly lit room and glanced at the neighboring rooms before heading downstairs to the kitchen. After heating up his tea, he carefully carried the cup back toward his room.

As he approached his room, he suddenly froze, tightly gripping the cup to prevent any spills. A piercing scream echoed through the air, causing him to lose his grip on the hot tea. The cup shattered into pieces upon hitting the ground, and scalding tea splashed onto his foot. Ignoring the pain, he swiftly rushed towards the room where the scream had originated, without bothering to knock.

"What happened?" he exclaimed as he burst into the room, flipping the light switch. The room instantly brightened, revealing a scene that left him puzzled. Maah Noor sat on the bed, her face buried in her hands. The bed-sheets were in disarray, partially on the bed and partially on the floor. Next to her, Mehr-un-Nissa crouched down, hands covering her ears, her eyes locked onto him. Sabtain's confusion deepened as he heard laughter coming from the TV behind him. Taking a deep breath, he immediately turned off the TV and refocused his attention on the two individuals before him. They sat on the bed, heads bowed, waiting for him to acknowledge them and restore their sense of dignity.

"Have you seen the time? People have already completed half of their sleep, and here you both are having a shouting match," Sabtain's tone was low but intense, with a hint of frustration.

"Fear gripped us," Mahnoor's voice quivered,

"Unbelievable! Who came up with the brilliant idea of watching a horror movie at this hour?" Sabtain interrupted, his voice tinged with frustration and annoyance. He paused, scanning the room as if searching for someone. "Where is the troublemaker?" he asked, addressing his companions, his gaze fixed on the wardrobe. Turning around, he approached it and swung the door open.

"So, bhai done scolding you guys? It's a good thing you didn't mention my name. Otherwise, Baba Jan would have found out how much you've highlighted his name in the university in your final, Noor," Saad quipped, immersed in his mobile games while wearing headphones. He didn't even bother to look up as Sabtain entered the room. Sabtain remained silent.

"Anyway, this time Bhai didn't scold you guys too harshly, and he didn't even suspect my presence here," Saad remarked, breaking the heavy silence. He shifted his gaze from the mobile to the door, momentarily forgetting what he was about to say.

"Your brother has known you longer than anyone else, and he's well aware of your antics. Come out now, you idiot," Sabtain said. Saad complied with Sabtain's command, lowering his head and walking out of the room.

"Mahnoor, go with Saad. There was a spilled cup of tea outside my room, clean it up. It's late at night already. We'll talk tomorrow, the three of you," Sabtain instructed. Mahnoor and Saad both bowed their heads and left the room. Just as they were about to exit, Sabtain called them back,

"Before you leave, Mahnoor, care to enlighten me about your escapades in the university?" Sabtain interrogated, his gaze shifting from Mahnoor to Saad, his eyes piercing through them.

"Speak up," sabtain interjected once more, while Mehr-un-nisa sat on the bed, struggling to contain her smile, observing both of them being interrogated simultaneously by Sabtain.

"Alright, you both can go now," Mahnoor and Saad suddenly received permission, exchanging a quick glance before hastily exiting the room.

"Well, Mehr Bibi, it's up to you to unveil the truth," her eyes fixed on the door, but upon hearing Sabtain's voice, she was caught off guard.

"Yes?" she responded absentmindedly.

"Tell me what transpired at Mahnoor's university?" he inquired without any preamble.

"Everything is fine, and Mahnoor is diligently immersed in her studies," she replied in a measured tone.

"Tell me straight, what happened there?" Sabteen asked once again, catching Mehrunisa off guard. Sabtain stood there with his arms crossed, studying her intently. She started avoiding eye contact.

"Look at me and respond," he firmly asserted, sensing her hesitation.

"She had cheated in this semester's final, and Saad was aware of it," as Sabtain heard this, he took a deep breath and began walking towards the exit, with Mahnoor hurriedly trailing behind him.

"I'm sorry," Mehrunisa's voice halted Sabtain in his tracks as he was making his way outside.

"Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault what Mahnoor did in university, Mehr. Now, it's time to sleep, as the night has already grown late," Sabtain said softly, noticing Mehr's bowed head. She was staring at her feet.

"I apologize... for your feet," Mehr's words caught Sabtain off guard, and he looked at her feet in surprise. They had turned a rosy pink due to the burning sensation.

"No, a little pain is necessary to make a person brave. Otherwise, horror movies and masks will be enough to make them scream," he teased, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips, before leaving the room. Mehr returned to her bed, sat there for a few minutes, and then stood up, determined to leave the room. As she opened the door, Mahnoor stood right in front of her, on the verge of entering.

"Let me tell you the truth, one day I will kill Saad bhai," Mahnoor blurted out, channeling her anger as she stepped inside.

"We'll deal with that later. Did you clean the tea stain in front of Sabtain's room?" Mehrunisa's words only fueled Mahnoor's anger, making her fume even more.

"Don't say anything. You betrayed me in front of bhai as well. Did the cat catch your tongue? You always have something to say, leaving others speechless.but infront of bhai you didn;t say anything And Saad bhai was scaring me outside with those strange, creepy voices. And where are you going now?" Mahnoor demanded, her eyes fixed on Mehr as she watched her heading outside.

"Follow me to the kitchen for a brief moment," she suggested, pausing briefly to retrieve a notepad on her way out.

"Why did you take that? Are you planning to delve into the intricacies of the tea cup murder?" noorv inquired, a smile playing on her lips.

"No, the lawyer requires the collected evidence for your university cheating case. Let's go quickly," she responded, glancing at Mahnoor. "I'll allow you to stay, but be prepared for a fright," Mahnoor didn't appreciate her comment.

"And won't you be scared? Just a while ago, your voice was louder than mine," Mahnoor countered.

"Oh, then you can stay in the room. I'll be back in ten minutes," she said, leaving Mahnoor behind. As she walked down the corridor, she stole a glance at a closed door before making her way to the kitchen. Inside, she located the tea ingredients in one cabinet and began searching for the burnol cream in another. Once she found what she needed, she proceeded to jot something down on the notepad. After preparing the tea, she arranged the tray with the tea, burnol cream, and paper, and headed towards Sabtain's room. It was common knowledge that he never locked his door. Mahrunisa lightly tapped on the door, but received no response. She tapped again, and this time, she entered the empty room. However, the sound of running water emanated from the bathroom. She placed the tray a small distance away from the laptop on the table. The laptop was still powered on. After leaving the tray, she turned around, exited the room,

a few minutes later, Sabtain emerged with a towel, making his way towards the table to shut off the laptop. However, he was taken aback to find the tray. The tea, burnol cream, and the papers underneath grabbed his attention. He picked up the paper and began reading.

"You mentioned that enduring minor pains makes a person courageous, but if someone has the means to avoid pain and yet chooses to endure it, then that person is not brave but rather foolish. So, should I consider the country's top lawyer a fool?" Sabtain smiled as he perused the scribbles on the paper. With the burnol cream in one hand and the paper in the other, he settled into a chair and reached for the tea cup. After taking a sip, he closed the laptop, held onto the tea, and strolled towards the window, gazing at the radiant moon in the sky. He took another sip of tea.

"Even in life, obtaining wounds can bring happiness," Sabtain murmured softly, averting his gaze from the sky to the full-size picture of him and Mahrunisa , taken during their Nikha ceremony. Countless silent promises were made in that moment.

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The grand mansion exuded an unusual liveliness today, breaking away from its usual air of silence. Typically, the children of the house dedicated most of their lives to studying and working in the city. But whenever they found moments of respite from their busy schedules, they embraced the serene ambiance of the countryside, and during these times, the mansion would come alive, resonating with energy in every corner.

Amidst the bustling preparations for breakfast, Usman's gaze naturally gravitated towards his eldest son, sabtain, who sat directly across from him at the table. On Usman's left side, sat Mehr-un-nisa, the daughter of his late adopted cousin, who held a special place in his heart. Despite not being related by blood, Usman had lovingly embraced Mehr-un-nisa as his own daughter. The bond they shared was truly remarkable.

Both Sabtain and Mehr-un-nisa had been engaged since their childhood, a testament to the deep connection formed between them over the years. It was a joyous occasion when they had solemnized their nikah ceremony three years ago

Usman's wife, Muqadas Chaudhry, noticed her husband's lack of interest in breakfast and asked, "Why aren't you having breakfast?" Her voice caught everyone's attention.

"Oh, it's nothing! Just contemplating what you mentioned yesterday," Usman replied, glancing at his wife and flashing a smile. Muqadas' face lit up with joy, while the others exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what thoughts were occupying Usman's mind.

"Really, you're not joking, right?" she asked, her gaze filled with uncertainty as she looked at her husband. Usman Chaudhry, with a reassuring smile and nod, affirmed her suspicions, indicating that the matter at hand was indeed serious.

Seizing the opportunity to shed light on the situation, Sabtain, who had been sitting silently, interjected into their conversation. "Tell us a little truth as well," he said, his voice calm yet inquisitive.

Sensing the growing anticipation, Usman Chaudhry finished his breakfast and stood up from the dining table, suggesting, ", Muqadas, talk to the children and let me know. I'll take a walk around the grounds." With that, he headed outside, giving Muqadas the space to share their news.

Eager with curiosity, Saad couldn't contain his impatience any longer. "Now tell me," he urged, his excitement palpable.

Muqadas Chaudhry paused for a moment, her sentence unfinished as she observed the expressions on everyone's faces. Finally, she spoke, her words laced with anticipation, "Well, your father and I have been thinking that..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the room filled with an air of suspense.

"Amma Jan!!" Maah Noor's impatience was met with a playful response, eliciting laughter from those gathered. The tension dissolved, replaced by a sense of joy.

Once the laughter subsided, Muqadas continued, "Your father and I have been thinking, why not have the wedding at our house next month?" Her words brought a surge of happiness to those present. Mah Noor and Saad exchanged glances filled with elation, while Sabtain, though a little perplexed, absorbed the news.

However, Sabtain's momentary joy was dampened by the realization of the upcoming hearing for Safiya's case. His face reflected a hint of disappointment, and he fell silent, fixating his gaze on his plate.

"Amma Jan!! It might be a little difficult for me to come next month. Safiya's first hearing is scheduled then, and if I postpone it, the dates will keep getting pushed back," Sabtain explained, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment. He exchanged a glance with Mehr-un-Nisa , who shared his sentiment and also appeared slightly disheartened. Their silence spoke volumes as they both kept their gaze fixed on their plates.

"You won't come until -you win her case ?" Muqadas Chaudhry asked

"Amma Jan! It takes years for a verdict, especially when the powerful are against the weak. But fear not, I will fortify our case," Saibtain asserted, raising his tea cup to meet Muqadas Chaudhry's gaze. "Safiya is not just an orphan and a widow, but her father-in-law was Baba Jaan's right-hand man he also need our help . Their financial situation is precarious, and now their home faces the threat of being snatched away by that builder. Please, try to comprehend the gravity of the situation."

Muqadas Chaudhry's voice turned stern as she responded, "So, you want me to postpone the wedding? Think about Mehr. It's been three years since your nikah, and what about Azlan, your sister Mah Noor, and Saad? I want both of you to start a family so I can focus on them."

Saad, feeling slighted, interjected, "Why was my name mentioned last? I'm older than Mah Noor, and according to the golden rule, I should get married before her."

Mehr-un-nisa, with a quivering voice, stood up and held her tea cup, silencing Saad. "Correct your behavior, or next time, your name won't be on this list," she declared. Saad was taken aback by her assertiveness as she left the room without responding. sabtain was looking Mehr-un-Nisa back as she leave the room

"Sabtain!" Muqadas Chaudhry's voice cut through the air, bringing his attention back to her.

"Yes, Amma Jan!" he replied, turning towards her.

"Look! When you refused to marriage for the first time, your father supported you because you were also stepping into the world of law, and mehr also completing her mphil degree . Now that you have established a good reputation and her education is complete I don't see any reason to delay your marriage, but if you still don't want to proceed with marriage , it's entirely your decision. There comes a time in parents lives when they can only offer advice to their children and cannot make decisions on their behalf. Just consider my advice - your hesitation regarding wedding is sowing seeds of doubt in Mehr's heart and straining the relationship."

Sabtain wrapped up his conversation, he shifted his attention to the others at the table, studying their reactions intently. His gaze settled on his untouched plate, an indication of his inner turmoil. Time ticked by slowly, and just as the atmosphere grew heavy, a sudden ring from a nearby mobile phone shattered the silence.

Saad, seated beside Subtain, swiftly reached for his phone and answered the call. Sabtain's curiosity heightened as he noticed a peculiar shift in Saad's expression. There was an air of unease, as if something extraordinary had occurred during the conversation. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Saad rose from his seat, his face now marked with seriousness.

With a determined stride, Saad made his way to the other end of the room, issuing instructions to an unknown recipient. The sight was undeniably unusual, leaving Sabtain perplexed and intrigued by the unfolding events.

In that very moment, Sabtain found himself finishing his meal and wiping his hands with a napkin. The need for fresh air and a break from the mounting tension led him to step outside onto the lush green lawn. As he strolled through the tranquil surroundings, Sabtain's eyes fell upon Mehr-un-nisa who stood nearby. Despite the pleasant weather, her distant gaze revealed a mind lost in deep contemplation. Sabtain couldn't help but surmise that her thoughts were entangled in a web of complexity, much like his own.

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mohid pov

As the day unfolded, Mohid followed his usual routine, beginning with his morning prayers and a visit to the gym. It was a monotonous cycle that had defined his life for far too long, a cycle that revolved around his house, the mosque, the police station, and the gym. Mohid had inadvertently trapped himself within these boundaries, never venturing beyond them.

On this particular day, as Mohid prepared to head back to the police station, his familiar routine was abruptly interrupted by the loud ringing of his phone. Startled, he paused in his tracks, his hand frozen in mid-air as if it were a clock about to strike an hour. With curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the bedside table where his mobile incessantly rang.

To his surprise, the caller ID displayed his stepmother's name. This was highly unexpected, as any communication with his family was usually conducted through the landline number of their mansion the length of conversation is only last eight minutes long and only important topic otherwise they don't even ask for his well being. Mohid rarely had any direct contact with the residents of that imposing residence.

Mohid answered the phone and greeted her with a warm "Hello!"

"Hello, Mohid Beta! It's Wajahat here, how are you, my child?" Wajahat Chaudhry's voice resonated from the other side, but Mohid knew it wasn't his step-mother, Qudisa Chaudhry. He wondered why she would even bother to call him when she didn't want to hear his voice.

"Everything is fine, Dada Ji! How about everyone at home? How are Amma Jaan, Dadi Jaan, and Hammad spending their holidays?" Mohid's voice carried a tinge of disappointment.

"Everything is fine here! Your mother and grandmother are doing well. As for Hammad, he left the village a few days after you did," the revelation surprised Mohid.

"Really? His holidays haven't ended yet," Mohid's question hung in the air, met with a brief moment of silence from the other side.

"Yes, but he didn't even mentioned anything just left . His mother and grandmother are very concerned. I tried reaching him on the phone, but couldn't get through. Has Hammad contacted you in the past two days?" Now, it was Mohid's turn to remain silent. "Mohid?" Wajahat called out again.

"Yes! He hasn't called me either, which is strange. He usually calls me every other day and spends his weekends at my house. Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Maybe he got caught up with something, there's nothing to worry about," Mohid reassured Wajahat.

"Alright, if possible, call and ask Hammad to visit your house this week. I will also be in the city Friday , and we can all meet," Wajahat said, surprising himself with his final words. He usually only visited the city for business meetings or engagements, and when he did, he stayed at his other house

"Are you going to stay at my house?" Mohid's tone carried uncertainty.

"It's not that surprising. Can't I meet my grandsons at their house?" came the somewhat discontented response from the other side.

"No, no! When will you come this week? I will inform Hammad, and he will come too," Mohid replied with a smile.

"I'll be at your house on Friday. Let's meet then. You also have work to attend to, so don't be late. Goodbye," Wajahat said, glancing at his wristwatch, which showed that it was already eight o'clock.

"Yes, absolutely, we'll meet on Friday. Goodbye," the call was disconnected from the other side, and Mohid dialed Hammad's number on his mobile. However, he changed his mind after checking the time and headed out to the police station instead. Meanwhile, his servant was preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

"Just give me tea, it's getting late. I'll have something for lunch," Mohid softly ordered, glancing at the newspaper as he sat at the dining table. The tea was placed right in front of him, and within a few moments, he finished it. With only one servant to take care of all the household chores, Mohid left for the station after finishing his tea. His work as a ASP kept him occupied. He had secured the fourth position in the CSS (Central Superior Services) exam, although he hadn't originally intended to become a CS (Civil Service) officer. It was the insistence of a close friend that made him take the exam. Transferred to a local police station in the city a few months ago, Mohid had become engrossed in his work, often losing track of time. Before having lunch, he called Hammad. On the other end, a third call was answered.

"Hello!" Hammad's voice rang clearly through the phone as he dozed off in his bed.

"Good morning, bro!" Mohid teased, his voice filled with amusement, as he woke up in the afternoon.

"Hey, bhai! How are you?" Mohid's voice on the other end was instantly recognizable to Hammad.

"I'm good . When did you come back to the city?" Mohid asked promptly, a brief pause following his question.

"Hammad?" Mohid called out again, seeking confirmation of his brother's presence.

"Yeah, I returned few days ago. Had some work to take care of," Hammad replied, his voice low and hesitant.

"Wait, it's been a few days and you haven't reached out to me? What kind of work is so important that you couldn't even wait for your semester break to end?" Mohid queried, sounding slightly concerned.

"Yes, it was just some work. The semester break is only 12 days long, and I decided to come back 5 days early," Hammad replied, his response brief and tinged with hesitation.

"Fine! But you should have informed me or at least told our family. Everyone is worried about you," Mohid said, trying to strike a balance between concern and brotherly advice.

"Yeah, I think I made a mistake. I should've contacted you or explained my side of the story before leaving the village," Hammad confessed, his voice filled with remorse.

"It's okay You're 23 years old, and you have your own life. But just a heads up, informing our family would have sufficed. By the way, Dada ji will in the city too, are you free you can spend days of semester break in my house ," Mohid informed, emphasizing the presence of their grandfather for a potential family gathering.

"Yeah, I'll come over to your place, but..." Hammad's sentence was abruptly interrupted by Mohid, who eagerly cut in.

"No buts! Just come over, and we'll sort everything out.," Mohid exclaimed, exuding warmth Engrossed in his conversation with Hammad, Mohid's clerk had already brought his lunch and set it on the coffee table in his office. Mohid was accustomed to enjoying his lunch on the sofa in his workspace. Just as he was about to end the call, a knock on his office door caught his attention. "Come in," he granted permission to enter. To his surprise, it was his best friend, dillawar. Mohid gestured for Dilawar to take a seat in front of his desk.

"Let's continue this conversation at home. It's lunchtime, and I'll have my meal," Mohid suggested to Hammad, his gaze fixed on Dilawar, who blatantly disregarded Mohid's instruction and made his way to the sofa, ready to indulge in his lunch.

"Alright then, goodbye," Hammad's voice sounded slightly different before the line was abruptly cut. Mohid found himself lingering on the phone for a few moments, sensing a subtle change in Hammad's demeanor. Hammad's behavior was out of character, arriving in the city unannounced, without informing anyone, and subsequently leaving without further communication. It had been 2 days since Hammad's arrival, and the absence of any subsequent calls left Mohid with a nagging feeling that something was being concealed from him and their family.

"Why are you scrutinizing the phone as if it's a criminal?" Dilawar's voice broke Mohid's focus, diverting his attention away from the device.

"Well, have a seat. How did you plan on arranging our meeting?" Mohid inquired, glancing at Dilawar once again, rising from his chair, and making his way towards the sofa.

"No recollection of inviting you to lunch, I'm afraid," Mohid remarked, observing Dalawar effortlessly enjoying his meal.

"And I don't recall needing your permission to savor your lunch," Dilawar retorted, settling comfortably on the sofa. Mohid smiled, acknowledging his shamelessly audacious best friend, and grabbed another plate to serve himself a portion of rice and curry.

"How are your students progressing in their studies?" Mohid initiated the conversation, taking a bite of his meal.

"Everything is going well, making good progress. And how about you?" Dilawar responded, using his spoon to move the rice closer to his mouth, continuing their exchange as they both savored their respective lunches.

"I still can't believe that you, who were once frustrated with our professors, are now a part of the faculty," Mohid said, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at Dilawar, his attention momentarily diverted by the tantalizing food spread before them.

Dilawar chuckled lightly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Wherever fate takes me, I go."

"Well, fate is shaped by our own decisions. I remember telling you to give the CSS exams one more try, but you gave up after one unsuccessful attempt," Mohid said, his gaze shifting from his plate to his best friend

"Whether it's CSS or a Ph.D., the ultimate goal remains the same - a successful life," Dilawar remarked, his gaze shifting towards Mohid. There was a sense of contemplation in his eyes as he continued, "But you know, some decisions are simply beyond our control." He paused for a moment, his attention unwaveringly fixed on Mohid

. "Now, tell me, what is it that's been worrying you about Hammad?" Dilawar's words fell with a mix of curiosity and concern, his eyes locked on his friend's face. Mohid, caught off guard, took a deep breath, his gaze momentarily drifting towards the water in his glass before refocusing on Dilawar.

"Well, it's nothing out of the ordinary," Mohid began, his voice a blend of reassurance and unease. "It's just that ever since Baba Jaan's passing, Dada Jan has been deeply concerned about hammad. He's become increasingly sensitive when it comes to anything related to him," Mohid explained, briefly outlining the details. As he finished his statement, the mention of Hammad's name caused Dilawar's face to lose color, a visible sign of distress crossing his features.

"Mohid!" Dilawar called out, his voice filled with urgency, capturing Mohid's attention. There was a sense of apprehension in Dilawar's tone that took Mohid by surprise.

"What's the matter?" Mohid questioned, his brows furrowing in concern. "What's wrong, Dilawar?" he pressed further, his voice now tinged with worry.

"Listen, Mohid, you need to remain calm and listen to what I'm about to say. People at Hammad's age... they can be highly emotional," Dilawar's words only added to Mohid's distress, his anxiety growing with each passing moment.

"Speak up, Dilawar," Mohid impatiently interrupted, a sense of urgency evident in his voice. "Just say what you need to say without beating around the bush," he urged Dilawar, his tone filled with anticipation.

"Two months ago, a brawl erupted between two groups of students. One group consisted of Hammad and his friend, while the other group comprised three boys. Hammad suffered minor injuries, but his friend received a severe blow to the head, resulting in his hospitalization. The university administration took action by expelling the student for six months except for hammad and one more student. Their decision was influenced by their desire to avoid parental complaints that could involve the police. As a gesture of responsibility, the university took responsibility for covering all the expenses related to the injured child's treatment."

Mohid, who was listening to the story of Dilawar, became perplexed and asked about the connection to Hammad. He wondered why Hammad hadn't informed him about the incident. Nevertheless, he recalled that Hammad had mentioned being involved in an accident. Mohid felt compelled to confront Hammad and pressure him to reveal the truth, suspecting that the accident was more than it seemed.

Dilawar turned towards Mohid and responded, "Just three days ago, we received news that the boy who instigated the fight and attacked Hammad and his friend, causing the head injury, was shot in a snatching incident. The assailant also physically assaulted the boy before firing the shot. It was initially perceived as a simple case of snatching. However, one of the three friends who was not expeal along with hammad now suspects Hammad's involvement and claims it was a deliberate act."

Mohid's face displayed signs of deep concern and worry upon hearing this revelation. He couldn't fathom the absurdity of the situation and exclaimed, "What nonsense is this? How can they merely suspect him? This matter revolves around my brother's life, and you expect me to remain calm? Moreover, Hammad wasn't even involved in all of this. Why didn't you and Hammad inform me about the fight? Apart from this, what other concerns are there? Speak up!"

Dilawar, noticing Mohid's anger, attempted to pacify him and said, "Mohid, please listen to me calmly. They are just suspicions. The university has already closed the case since the incident occurred outside their premises, and it is also linked to a road snatching. However, I do have another worry."

Mohid's restlessness and anxiety manifested in his gestures and expressions, revealing his inner turmoil. He seethed with anger, feeling betrayed by Dilawar and Hammad for concealing the entire situation from him. Dilawar, with a hint of remorse, offered his apologies, "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier. I believed it would fade away with time. But please, hear me out. Hammad did threat those three friends who had engaged in the altercation with them while his friend was in the ICU. And, by the way, does Saad Usman Chaudhry ring a bell?"

Just the mention of that name intensified Mohid's agitation and anxiety even further. He clenched his fists and almost shouted, "How can I not recognize those people? Is Saad Usman Chaudhry in the hospital?" Those were the individuals he had hoped to erase from his memory.

"No, no! He's fine, but yes, Saad was one of the three boys who had a fight with Hammad and his friend. In fact,along with Saad, there were four other boys who were a group even before they came to university, just like Hammad and his friends. There is often a conflict between Hammad and Saad, which is perceived as a common fight. But both Hammad and Saad are disciplined and good students in my class. Yet, when they confront each other, their personalities seem completely different. At first, I doubted that their fight was like the fights of ordinary students. However, I became sure when I discovered Saad's father's name," Dilawar interrupted the conversation and glanced towards Mohid, who seemed lost in his thoughts. He continued, "I thought you were aware of it, but perhaps Hammad has kept this matter hidden from you that Usman Ahmed Chaudhary's son is in his class. I am aware of the tornado that struck your family years ago, and I fear that history may repeat itself twelve years later."

Dilawar could easily anticipate Mohid's reaction. "You must understand my words, Mohid. Saad is not in the city right now, but he must have heard the news, and he won't remain silent. And Saad is the one who accused Hammad, and Hammad will undoubtedly react as well. It's not a mystery," Dilawar finished his words and turned towards Mohid, who stood there lost in his thoughts.

"I just wanted to inform you about the current situation so that you can calmly think about what to do next. We must prevent any further conflicts between families. If you need my help, just ask, okay?" Dilawar said. Lunchtime was almost over, and Dilawar knew Mohid needed some alone time to contemplate the future steps. He bid farewell to his friend Mohid and was about to leave his office when he heard Mohid.

"Alright, you're right. I need to do something before the situation worsens," Mohid replied, completely ignoring Dilawar's offer for help. Dilawar knew that now Mohid wouldn't say anything or share his worries with anyone. It was perhaps a part of his personality to keep all his sorrows and worries limited to himself. Dilawar had known this since their first year of college. However, Mohid couldn't escape the confines of his own self even now. In the beginning, it had been difficult for Dilawar to befriend him. Mohid was reserved, only engaging in interactions necessary for his work. And he still is. Most people used to perceive him as arrogant, but no one could call him arrogant after getting to know him.

"Mohid Dawar Chaudhary, I'm saying this to you before I leave. Don't you dare ignore my help and bear this burden alone. You may think you're alone, but you're not. You're really important to me, and so is Hammad, your younger brother. If you need help, just ask, okay? Let me help you," Dilawar said before leaving. He heard Mohid's simple one-word reply, "Okay." Dilawar knew Mohid wouldn't ask for help because he believed it would burden Dilawar. He left the office, leaving Mohid behind with his past memories, future doubts, and present steps.

****************************************************

 Mehr-un-nisa pov

plagued Mehar-un-nsa, leaving her feeling helpless and uncertain. Sabtain, being reserved and introverted, had always stood apart from his carefree younger siblings. Their conversations were often filled with hesitation, lacking the ease and openness that Mehr-un-nisa longed for. One day, while in the courtyard, she stumbled upon a revelation from the old housekeeper - her engagement to Sabtain. Strangely, this news ignited a spark within sixteen-year-old Mehr-un-nisa , and she found herself falling for Sabtain, her heart entangled in a whirlwind of emotions. However, her dreams soon transformed into nightmares as Sabtain rejected the idea of marriage, leaving their interactions cold and distant. It seemed as though everyone around them was consumed by their own lives, their own desires.

Growing up in a village with only one school, Mehr-un-nisa had to leave her home behind and stay in a hostel in the city for her education. It was during her fourth year of college that the proposal of marriage resurfaced. How could she even consider it this time, especially after enduring Sabtain's rejection four years ago? It wasn't just about getting married; she also had aspirations to pursue her studies further, to obtain her MPhil degree in Education, and to become Sabtain's wife. But was this ambition a sign of greed? Was this the reason Sabtain did not want her as his wife? These thoughts swirled within her, intertwining with her very being, as she tried to make sense of her conflicting desires.

Amidst the turmoil, a sliver of pleasant news emerged - she was granted permission to continue her education. The surprise and relief that flooded her heart were immeasurable. She had only hoped for permission to attend college, but to be allowed to pursue her studies to her heart's content was beyond her wildest dreams. However, Mehr-un-nisa couldn't help but question why her desires were silently fulfilled. It was unexpected, and the most bewildering revelation was that Sabtain had played a significant role in securing her educational pursuits. But that wasn't all - before she could even begin her MPhil studies, she and Sabtain were nikkahfied. How could her dreams be coming true? Was she allowed to have such ambitious desires?

The unexpected revelation that her education was granted due to Sabtain's influence added another layer of complexity to their relationship. Mehr-un-nisa came from a family of education and accomplishment, with her father and grandfather being doctors, and her uncle, Usman Chaudhry, attaining success as an SSP and after clearing the CSS exam. They were highly respected in the community. Meanwhile, Sabtain, a renowned lawyer, took care of all the arrangements for her university and hostel, despite his busy schedule. Yet, he remained meticulous and involved in her affairs. While Mehr-un-nisa had seen the city before, it was different this time as Sabtain accompanied her. He pursued his own education abroad and worked as an assistant to a famous lawyer. She couldn't help but notice that their dynamics were shifting - Sabtain engaged in more conversations with her whenever he had free time, and he even introduced himself as her husband to her hostel friend, surprising her with the tranquility that settled on his face during their nikah ceremony. His words began to distance her from her doubts, allowing her to weave dreams once again. However, the recent denial had left her feeling not only ashamed but also questioning her own self-worth. Why did each rejection chip away at her esteem, diminishing her sense of self?

****************************************************

Exhausted and overwhelmed by her thoughts, Mehr-un-nisa placed her hand on her forehead, seeking a moment of respite. As she closed her eyes, attempting to find solace in the brief darkness, her tranquility was abruptly shattered by the sound of laughter. Startled, she opened her eyes and found herself gazing ahead, where the maid's daughter and another girl stood, their hands grasping something as they made their way towards the lawn. It was unusual to see a young girl within the mansion's premises, as girls of her age were not allowed there. Intrigued by this unexpected presence, Mehr-un-nisa curiosity compelled her to follow them to the lawn, where her surprise only grew.

To her amazement, she discovered three or four more girls of the same age in the yard, each clutching a handkerchief tightly in their hands. The sight left Mehr-un-nisa bewildered and intrigued, unsure of the purpose behind this gathering of young girls. Determined to understand, she called out to Nemat, the girl who seemed to be at the center of attention, drawing the gazes and whispers of everyone around.

"Nemat! Come here!" Mehr-un-nisa called out, her voice cutting through the air, capturing the girl's attention as she made her way towards the group of girls. Mehr-un-nisa couldn't help but notice the blush on Nemat's cheeks, as well as the similar rosy hue adorning the faces of the other girls. Their whispered conversations and exchanged glances added to the air of secrecy and anticipation. Ignoring the surrounding chatter, Mehr-un-nisa focused her attention on Nemat.

"What brings you here?" Mehr-un-nisa inquired, her tone laced with surprise as she approached the young girl.

"Well, Chaudhrani Sahiba instructed us to come and work at the grand mansion for a few days," Nemat replied, her blush deepening. The presence of the other girls only served to confirm the significance of their gathering. Mehr-un-nisa couldn't help but wonder at the purpose behind this unexpected influx of young servants into the mansion.

"But why?" Mehr-un-nisa asked, her bewilderment evident in her voice.

"Don't you know, Baji? I've come here because my mother told me to, and she instructed the others to come as well," Nemat answered, gesturing towards the other girls.

"That's what I'm asking, is there a need for more servants in the mansion?" Mehr-un-nisa"s question hung in the air, catching the girls off guard. They exchanged surprised glances, their eyes fixed upon Mehr-un-nisa , as if they had not anticipated such a query from her.

"Just tell me, why are you here?" Mehr-un-nisa question carried an air of authority, demanding a straightforward response. The two girls exchanged uncertain glances before mustering the courage to speak.

"Well, we were just discussing that we were going to..." their conversation trailed off when Nemat's mother interrupted them with her call.

"Oh, Nemat, why are you wasting time chatting..." Nemat's mother's voice rang out, causing the girls to turn their attention towards her, their voices falling silent in response.

"Rashida Masi! Don't you realize that underage girls are not permitted to work here? Yet, you brought her to the mansion for work," Mehr-un-nisa spoke up, addressing Nemat's mother with a mix of concern and authority. Upon hearing Mehr-un-nisa words, Nemat's mother fell silent, her expression betraying a sense of guilt.

"Well, they instructed us to bring them here for a few days of work," Nemat's mother responded, echoing the same explanation that Nemat had shared earlier.

"But why?" Mehr-un-nisa inquired once more, her curiosity unabated.

"We are simply following orders, baji. We brought them here as instructed, even though we are not aware of the reasons behind it," Nemat's mother replied, her voice tinged with obedience. As her words hung in the air, Mehr-un-nisa fell into a contemplative silence, contemplating the mysterious circumstances surrounding the unexpected presence of these young girls in the mansion.

"Go ahead, Tai Amma must have summoned these people for some work. Focus on your own tasks," she dismissed, concluding the conversation and making her way back indoors. Once inside lounge , she turned towards the kitchen, feeling thirsty and in need of water. Upon returning from a quick drink, she noticed two girls accompanying Naemat as they approached the kitchen. As she passed by them and entered the kitchen, their soft laughter and whispers failed to go unnoticed. Surprised but unfazed, she chose to ignore them after she drink water headed back to the lounge to retrieve her cellphone, as for her surprise her cellphone was turn off she found the two girls holding a jug and glasses in their hands. It was the same scene she had witnessed just five minutes ago - Nevertheless, she decided to leave them be and proceeded towards her room. Inside, mahnoor was already present, standing in front of the dressing table, engrossed in her own preparations. Ignoring her own tasks, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"Is there something on my face?" she questioned herself, examining her own image. Beside her, mahnoor , who had been absorbed in her own preparations, looked at her with surprise and inquired.

"What's the matter with you?" Mahnoor asked, combing her hair.

"Nothing, just that Rashida's daughter ,came along with those girls . When I asked her about their visit, she seemed blushed and strangely avoided telling me the reason. And now, they keep staring at me and whispering to each other," she concluded, looking at mahnoor , who couldn't help but smile.

"Where are you off to?" she inquired, observing her preparations.

"I'm going to the city with Amma for some shopping," mahnoor replied, busy with her tasks.

"Oh, really? How did this sudden shopping plan come about?" mehr said and turned around and walked towards the window, settling herself on the chair that held her novel. She picked it up and opened it.

"I'm all set. Oh, by the way, I'm taking your red scarf," mahnoor mentioned, pointing towards the wardrobe.

"Well, you should do your own shopping since you always mess up my clothes," she teased, noticing Mahnoor wearing the her outfit .

"We're going for your shopping," she said softly.

"Wait, what?" Mehr was taken aback, struggling to comprehend Mahnoor's words.

"Ah, never mind! I'm in a hurry. Goodbye!" Mahnoor hastily exclaimed, rushing out of the room. Mehar sat there, still in a state of confusion. Her eyes then fell upon the novel lying on the table. It had only been a few minutes since she had heard a knock on the door. She tore her gaze away from the book, turning it towards the source of the sound. It was Sabtain, holding a cellphone in his hand as he walked towards her, extending the phone.

****************************************************

"It's Azlan on the phone," he said, and Mehar took the phone from Sabtain. On the other end was Azlan.

"Hello bhai!! How are you? Why haven't you called in so many days?" she started speaking, more like scolding, without even giving the other person a chance to respond.

"Hey hey, calm down. I'll give you a chance to answer all those questions," Azlan chuckled as he responded.

"Okay, okay, sorry! Now answer calmly," she replied, laughing along. Sabtain, who was still in her room, watched as her face lit up with a vibrant display of happiness.

"I'm doing well, was caught up with work at the hospital. Couldn't find a moment to call you. And how's everything going with you?" he responded with a smile.

"Not much, just keeping busy with the kids' school in the village. I have some free time now due to the winter holidays," she replied simply.

"Ah, so that means there's a lot of activity in the village these days, with everyone being present," the other person remarked.

"Yes, The village is abuzz with activity right now. Everyone is here. Why don't you join us? It's been over a year since your last visit," she complained, her tone filled with resentment.

"It was just an attempt, but I'll definitely come next week," she interrupted his words.

"What!!! You're coming next week?" she exclaimed, unable to contain his joy. The person who was still in the room noticed his excitement and turned towards him, momentarily distracted from the face of Mahr-un-nisa.

"Yeah, take it easy. , I called to ask if you need anything?" he informed her.

"No, no, just hurry up," she replied with a smile.

"Alright, I'll bring something of my choice. By the way, I'm at the hospital now. I'll call you again later tonight. I haven't talked to tayiAmma yet, I'll have a conversation with her too," he requested permission.

"Yes, yes, that's fine. We'll talk tonight," she said, turning to find Sabtain standing in the middle of her room.

"Take care of yourselves. Goodbye," Azlan hung up.

"Goodbye," she said, removing the phone from her ear and looking towards Sabtain. He also took out his mobile, completely ignoring Sabtain's presence, who had been in his room for quite some time.

"Mehr!" he raised his head to look at her upon hearing Sabtain's voice.

"Yes," she replied in a subdued tone.

"The weather is nice today, isn't it?" he swayed his head upon hearing his words. Both of them had noticed the pleasant weather, so why did this thought occur to him just now?

"Yes," she nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's go and explore the village today," Sabtain said, intrigued by his own statement.

"Really?" his surprise was evident in his tone.

"Now, was this 'really' out of surprise or agreement?" Sabtain chuckled at his response.

"Did you ask for Taya Jan's permission?" she asked.

"I have their permission," he replied.

"But?" she still seemed hesitant.

"Look, if you want to go, it's a good thing. If not, I won't mind," Sabtain said, turning around after saying this.

"Please wait downstairs, I'll come after wearing the veil," her voice interrupted the approaching footsteps towards Sabtain's door. He turned and looked at Mehr-un-nisa.

"Alright," he said as he went outside. After he left, Mehr-un-nisa made her way towards the dressing room to put on the veil. It wasn't that she had never gone outside with Sabtain before, but there was a certain allure to the moonlight, even when alone. After the conversation they had during breakfast, Sabtain had finally opened up to her, and the first topic was about their upcoming journey. She couldn't help but wonder how many times she had thought about seeing the village again. As she wrapped the veil around herself, she grabbed her bag and stepped out of the room.

Coming downstairs, she saw Sabtain sitting on the sofa in the lounge. She caught him looking at her as she entered. He stood up, and she approached him.

"Shall we?" Sabtain asked, raising his head.

Nodding in agreement, both of them proceeded towards the jeep parked near the porch. However, Sabtain suddenly realized that he had left his cellphone in the lounge. He requested Mehr-un-nisa to wait for him while he went back to retrieve it. As Mehr-un-nisaglanced at the front lawn of the mansion, she noticed Saad engrossed in a phone conversation while pacing back and forth. Though she couldn't hear his voice, the distress on his face revealed his deep turmoil. Restlessness had consumed Saad for the past few days, and he had confined himself to his room since yesterday. Witnessing his anger now, she couldn't help but wonder what had upset him.Lost in her thoughts, Mehr-un-nisa tranquility was broken by Sabtain's return. "Sorry for the delay. Shall we go?" Sabtain asked, prompting her to nod in acknowledgment as she settled into the front seat of the jeep. As she glanced towards the balcony, Saad was making his way back to his room."Why are you so quiet?" Sabtain's voice pulled her attention away from the outside view, redirecting her gaze towards him, still fixated on where Saad had stood. Now, her focus was on Sabtain."I have a tendency to stay silent during journeys," she replied, and Sabtain couldn't help but smile at her response.

"It will be a newfound habit for you, considering you never had this habit since childhood," he playfully teased, catching her attention for a moment.

"You won't be able to grasp my habits," she responded, and Sabtain smirked mischievously.

"Well, maybe not before, but ever since I realized that these habits are an integral part of my life, I've started paying attention," Sabtain replied, glancing back at her. She had shifted her gaze to the window, observing their surroundings.

"Alright, fine. I won't burden you with my habits," Mehr-un-nisa responded with a hint of annoyance.

"Will you change your habits for me as well?" Sabtain questioned, with no visible reaction, before turning her face away once again. Sabtain fell silent as well. After fifteen minutes, the jeep came to a halt in a part of the village that she had always adored since childhood. It was a garden brimming with fruit trees, their tall and lush forms a sight to behold. She would often visit this place, and Sabtain would accompany her whenever they came to the village. Something intrigued her in this spot, something she would always point out. Remaining seated in the jeep, she watched as Sabtain stepped out and leaned against the vehicle with his arms crossed. It didn't take long for her to follow suit, getting out of the jeep and standing at a distance from Sabtain, her gaze fixated on a tree.

"Mehr-un-Nisa!! Do you have any grievances against me?" a question shattered the silence.

"No, I have no grievances," she replied, unable to comprehend the meaning behind his inquiry.

"Really, no grievances at all?" another question, Sabtain's gaze still locked on the tree.

"Yes," she responded and averted her gaze from Sabtain, focusing on the trees.

"Well, alright then! But there must be a reason for your anger," he took a deep breath, perhaps attempting to calm the turmoil within.

"Look, no matter how many times you ask the question, my answer remains the same. So, I'll give you the same response I gave before. There are no complaints, and I am not angry. Is that enough?" Her voice was soft, but there was an undertone that compelled Sabtain to look at her.

"Okay, fine! I won't ask any more questions," he said, falling into silence. The silence lingered between them for a few moments before Sabtain resumed the conversation.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," his words caught Mehr-un-Nisa's attention in the quiet atmosphere.

"Yes, go ahead," she replied with indifference in her tone.

"Do you know that preparations for our wedding are underway at home?" Sabtain said, fixing his gaze solely on her.

"Surprising! After your initial denial, one would expect things to calm down," there was no trace of happiness or surprise in her voice, only bitterness.

"Yes, exactly! But ever since I agreed, everything has been set in motion," Sabtain's statement caught Mehr-un-Nisa off guard this time.

"Meaning?" she questioned, her confusion evident.

"Meaning that our wedding is next week," Sabtain said with a smile. However, his smile failed to elicit a reciprocal expression from Mehr-un-Nisa, who couldn't fathom how her anger could dissipate with just one sentence. "What's wrong, Mehr? Aren't you happy?" Sabtain asked, noticing the perplexity on her face.

"Should I be happy? I'm just surprised that after your initial denial, why did you say yes again?" She couldn't decipher the tone of her voice, but it compelled her to look at him. "Yes, I know the reason for yesterday's denial, but there were denials before that too. What was the reason behind them? Whatever the reasons may be, they have caused damage. It troubles me that every time Tai Jaan or Taya Jaan ask you, you deny it. Your thoughtless denials have tarnished someone's reputation. I can understand your reasoning for yesterday, but what about the reasons before that or the reasons from five years ago? Tell me," her voice carried a hint of anger and a touch of pain.

Sabtain was taken aback by her words. Unbeknownst to him, there were people in the family and the village who speculated that Sabtain was being forced to marry Mehr-un-nisa . She had even heard from Sabtain's maternal aunt that if Sabtain didn't like her, why was Mehr-un-nisa so shameless to intrude into someone's life, especially because her father was the adopted son of Usman Chaudhry's paternal uncle.

"You?" Sabtain was aware of what happened two years ago, but he had no clue about the conversation from five years ago.

"Yes, I knew about the denials from before. You cannot fathom what I have gone through. The only explanation for the repeated denials is that you do not consider me worthy or that I have become a burden to you. And now that pressure is being exerted on my family, are you satisfied?" Her tone grew sharper with each word.

"Any explanation I give will never seem true to you, Mehr. But I still want to explain my..." Sabtain's words were abruptly cut off.

"Absolutely! If there's any truth in your explanation, then I'll believe it. But why does every decision have to be made according to your will? I don't understand why I have to follow without uttering a word. When you say yes, it's assumed that I'm on board as well, even though I didn't make the decision. Well, now it's my turn. The decision of my life, the decision of this marriage, everything will be according to my will," she exclaimed, her voice filled with tears. It was a gloomy day, and she let out all her emotions at once.

Sabtian's face turned red with anger as he stared at the transformed girl in front of him, no longer MeharunNisa. How could suspicion change someone so drastically? After a moment of silence, he looked at her face, illuminated by the setting sun's rays, a tear shimmering like a pearl. Finally, Sabtian spoke, "You're right, Mehar! Why should my decisions always govern our lives? This time, it's your turn to decide. Whatever decision you make, I'll support it. The evening is growing darker, and we can't afford to waste any more time. Let's go back."

With a completely different demeanor, Sabtian got back into the jeep, and they both embarked on the journey in silence. When they arrived back at the haveli, they noticed that only their jeep occupied the porch, with Saad's car missing. Silently, they stepped out of the jeep and began to enter. Sabtian followed them in silence. In the lounge, they encountered Usman Chaudhry, who was engrossed in dialing someone's number on the phone. He stopped and became attentive upon seeing them.

"What's the matter, Baba Jan? Who are you calling?" Sabtian asked, taking a seat on the sofa.

"Saad," came the response in two words, also in silence, as Usman Chaudhry sat on the other sofa.

"What do you mean? He was just at home," Sabtian asked, surprised.

"No, he left a few minutes ago. The guard told me he left in anger and isn't answering now," his father responded thoughtfully while still busy on the phone.

"Please don't worry. I'll find out what happened. There must be nothing serious," reassured Sabtain, attempting to provide comfort. However, he couldn't hide his own worries, which only added to Saad's growing concerns. As he contemplated, Usman Chaudhry's phone rang, and he checked it with restlessness. Sabtain couldn't help but be curious.

"Whose message is it, Baba?" he asked, looking towards him.

"It's from Saad. He says he's going to the city for some work and will be back as soon as he's dealt with his affair," Usman Chaudhry replied, his face showing surprise.

Saad's sudden departure bewildered everyone. He hadn't indicated any intention of leaving, and now he was going without informing anyone...

Chapter End: See You Soon

The story continues, awaiting your return. Until then, farewell.