A Glimpse into the Past

The Power of Betrayal and Love: Echoes of Retribution

CHAPTER THREE:

mohid pov 

Mohid stepped into his house, welcomed by the shroud of darkness. The hallway, dimly lit, whispered secrets in the shadows. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of solace wash over him. Retrieving his phone from his coat pocket, he stole a glance at the time. It displayed 1:45 in the dead of night. Placing his phone and glasses on the coffee table in the middle of the TV lounge, he turned his attention towards the bedroom.

The closed door of the adjacent room beckoned to him, the room belong to his brother, Hamad. Whenever Hamad spent a weekend at Mohid's place, that room became his sanctuary. Mohid stood there, momentarily contemplating, before curiosity got the better of him. With a surge of anticipation, he reached out and turned the doorknob, revealing a dimly lit chamber. Hamad sat on the bed, engrossed in a movie, his headphones enveloping him in a world of sound, and a laptop resting on his lap.

The room came to life as Mohid flicked on the light switch, piercing the darkness with a sudden burst of illumination. Hamad's attention shifted from the laptop, his gaze meeting Mohid's. Sensing Mohid's presence, he removed his headphones and settled back on the bed, ready to greet him. Mohid approached Hamad, affectionately patting his head with a tender smile.

"When did you arrive?" he asked, his tone brimming with brotherly love and warmth, their conversations always carrying a softness.

"I got here around 10 o'clock at night. I was planning to come earlier, but I had a feeling you wouldn't be here, so I delayed my arrival," Hamad replied, a smile mirroring Mohid's affection.

"No worries. I'll freshen up, and then we can share a meal together," Mohid suggested, his words extending a familiar invitation.

"I've already eaten," Hamad responded, his eyes fixed on Mohid as he started to leave the room.

"Yes, I know, but you can still keep me company," Mohid added, casting a lingering gaze at Hamad. His words elicited a smile from Hamad, who promptly rose from the bed.

"Let me warm up the food. You can take a shower in the meantime. The servants won't be available at this hour," Hamad suggested, leading the way out. Mohid followed Hamad's suggestion and made his way to his room. He opened his wardrobe, selecting a comfortable set of casual clothes before stepping into the bathroom for a much-needed shower. The warm water cascaded over his tired body, washing away the weariness and revitalizing his senses. After a refreshing shower, Mohid emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a pristine white kurta, his sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows. The transformation was complete, 

On the dining table, adorned with a delectable spread of food just waiting to be devoured, Hamad sat, sipping tea and scrolling through his phone. As Mohid also took his seat and started eating his dinner, he silently finished his meal. Mohid couldn't help but break the silence and inquire about Hamad's break .

"How's the break going?" Mohid asked, his curiosity piqued. The air hung with anticipation, uncertain where the conversation would lead.

"They're going fine," Hamad replied, his voice filled with an air of nonchalance. A brief pause lingered between the two brothers, leaving the next topic of discussion up in the air.

"If the semester break are still ongoing, why did you suddenly come back from the village?" Mohid asked, his gaze shifting from his plate to hamad's face .

Hamad's smile appeared, but there was a hint of worry in his tone as he responded, "Why didn't you just ask me directly if I'm the one who did that to Safeer?" Mohid's surprise was evident on his face.

"I never thought you would do something like that, but your sudden return raises suspicions," Mohid's concerned tone echoed through the room. Hamad's expression remained unchanged, unaffected by Mohid's words.

"I assumed Professor had already informed you about everything," Hamad's words fueled Mohid's anger. 

He couldn't help but voice his dissatisfaction, "So, you told Dilawar before me about this whole issue? Why am I finding out about it now? And why was it hidden from me that Saad Chaudhry is also in your class?"

"I don't consider that important, bhaii. My purpose of coming here wasn't to commit a crime, but to ensure Hamid's well-being. He also needed some financial help," Hamad confessed in a hushed tone, his voice filled with a mix of guilt and concern.

"If that was the case, why didn't you mention this reason back in the village? Why didn't you tell me about Saad Chaudhry? Why didn't you inform me about your arrival here?" Mohid questioned, his tone filled with genuine curiosity and confusion.

"The reason for that is your reaction," Hamad explained, shaking his head in disappointment. Mohid silently looked at Hamad's face, taking a deep breath before speaking again.

"Alright, let's settle this here and now. Listen to me carefully. Go back to the village with Dada Jaan, who is coming on Friday. You'll return on Sunday because your university starts on Monday. And one more thing, stay away from Saad Chaudhry until you complete your study," Mohid instructed, rising from his chair. However, before he could leave, Hamad's voice halted him.

"Are you telling me to become a coward?" Hamad's words caught Mohid off guard. Despite their differences in appearance, he couldn't deny the resemblance between Hamad and their father. Their shared characteristic of acting on emotions and disregarding the consequences made Mohid apprehensive about Hamad's reaction to the situation.

"Listen, Hamad! There is one thing common between Hamid and that boy, and that is the looming catastrophe that will befall their families. I understand this well from my own experiences. Bravery shown unnecessarily and without reason is nothing but foolishness. It doesn't just affect the individual acting foolishly but also those associated with it. Take a moment to calmly think about what I'm saying. You have no idea how worried the elders are due to your silence, and I have been worried all day as well. I'm not asking you, I'm telling you that Dada Jaan is coming on Friday, and you are going with him. I will keep you informed about Hamid's well-being. Also, why didn't you tell me about the fight two months ago? Forget it, I will handle the situation here," Mohid said, his voice softening with a gentle smile. However, there was an underlying tone that made Hamad refrain from further arguments.

"Dada Jaan," Hamad muttered, lowering his head with a tinge of frustration evident in his voice.

"They are just concerned about you. Going with them on Friday is just for two days, no big deal, right? I am just trying to protect you, Hamad," Mohid reassured, gently patting Hamad's head. "Come on, go to sleep now," he added, taking the dishes from the table and making his way to the kitchen. Hamad assisted him, and together they tidied up before retiring to their respective rooms. As Mohid entered his room, he glanced toward the clock. Checking the time, it read 3:15.

Lying on his bed, Mohid's mind was in turmoil. He had complete trust in his brother and firmly believed that Hamad wouldn't make a mistake that could jeopardize someone's life. However, the fear surrounding Saad Chaudhry and his family remained. Mohid was determined to navigate the situations involving Safeer and Hamid, ensuring their well-being without causing any further harm to Hamad. But above all, his priority was to shield his family from any potential danger.

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

sabtain pov 

On the quaint village road, the jogger found himself deep in contemplation, pondering the events that transpired the day before. He was a fool not to notice Mehr-un-Nisa harboring such a negative perception. He had remained silent, not expressing his true feelings about their impending marriage. However, an unspoken anticipation lingered within him. The reason behind his refusal may cause more harm than good, but he had to admit he did cause Mehr-un-Nisa emotional damage. Was it okay to act like this in front of her due to his ego or guilt? When his mother had arrived last night, a strong facade masked his inner turmoil. But the news she brought surprised him. Mehr-un-Nisa was willing to accompany them on a shopping trip for the wedding. She even wanted him to join them. He observed his mother's radiant face, speechless and bewildered. Unable to summon the courage to voice his concerns, he simply agreed. He had resigned himself to his fate.

Mehr-un-Nisa's behavior remained puzzling, leaving him with a vague understanding. Even if he wanted to speak his mind, he couldn't because he was being selfish. He was happy yet scared. He was happy because Mehr was going to be his life partner, yet he was scared of what might happen if she left him after marriage. He was selfish enough to not let her go, but he wanted to be brave enough to follow Mehr-un-Nisa's decision for their marriage. Now, he had surrendered his destiny to the hands of fate. Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, his mind racing like an untamed stallion, his cell phone abruptly interrupted his reverie. Hastily, he retrieved the device from his pocket, his steps involuntarily halting as he glanced at the caller ID on the screen.

"Hello," exclaimed the caller, rushing to grab the incoming call with urgency.

"Mr. Lawyer, at last, you've answered my call," responded the man on the other end, chuckling mischievously.

"Why'd you call so early in the morning, Mr. Adnan?" he asked nonchalantly, disregarding the man's previous remark.

"I've called you countless times, but you never pick up," the response came, accompanied by laughter.

"I'm quite occupied. Can you please let me know the reason for your call?" he stated casually, concealing his true sense of helplessness.

"It's nothing extraordinary. I just wanted to compliment you. Your name has gained immense recognition in the realm of law, and in such a short span of time," came the reply from the other side.

"I appreciate the compliment," he responded, turning his gaze towards the grand mansion.

"No need to thank me. However, let me tell you something. No matter how many cases you win, the more enemies you'll inevitably make. Why do you fight for those who only offer you a few thousand rupees and empty words in return for your hard work and success? Your efforts are being squandered," came the serious retort.

"Everyone functions according to their own calculations and in their own unique way, Mr Adnan . Why do you find it so challenging to comprehend?" he replied with a smile. He had already deduced the purpose of the call.

"I am well aware of who I'm conversing with. Initially, I was eager to speak to you, now I yearn to meet you," both sides conveyed seriousness.

"Whether you are eager or not, the meeting shall transpire. Don't you recall the hearing in court?" he said with a mischievous undertone.

"Yes, it shall occur, but a meeting must transpire beforehand," stated the other side with unwavering assurance.

"As you wish. Well, I did mention earlier that I am occupied. Now, may I bid you farewell?" he said, placing the phone near the entrance gate of the mansion.

"Absolutely! It's invigorating to converse with you. Engaging in a discussion with someone who possesses such passion is always a delightful experience. However, remember that excessive passion can take a toll on one's well-being. Take care of yourself, and we shall reconnect soon. Farewell." Following these words, the phone call abruptly ended.

Sabtain didn't immediately tuck the phone back into his pocket. Instead, he entered the opulent mansion and found himself immersed in contemplation about Adnan Alam, the individual he had to face in the upcoming legal battle. Adnan, a powerful and wealthy figure in the country, had his hands in numerous projects and wielded control over a significant amount of illicit funds. Aware of his reputation, Sabtain easily deduced that Adnan was not only affluent but also a dangerous individual. People held him in high regard, treating him as if he were invincible. Safiya wasn't the only one suffering because of him; there were numerous others. Adnan Alam exploited his influence to engage in various unlawful activities and was involved in illicit trades as well. To maintain a semblance of virtue, he strategically carried out acts of charity, claiming to run orphanages and partake in social service for the vulnerable. The media often portrayed him as virtuous, leading many to believe in his facade. However, beneath the surface, it was all a charade, a mask donned to conceal his hideous reality.

Sabtain, lost in his thoughts, remained unaware of his surroundings. With a lot on his mind, he made his way across the lounge, heading towards the staircase. However, his attention was caught by the voice of Muqadas Chaudhry.

"Sabtain! Look, I have taken out some of my jewelry for the mehndi ceremony as mehr and noor," she informed him, seated alongside Mehr-un-nisa on the sofa in the lounge.

"Amma, I'll check it out later. I currently have a headache and need some rest," he responded to Muqadas Chaudhry, sharing his intention as he continued towards the stairs. Without even glancing back, unbeknownst to anyone, Mehr-un-Nisa, seated on the other sofa, observed his departure. She also witnessed Muqadas Chaudhry instructing her to take the jewelry to Muqadas Chaudhry's room and follow him. Mehr-un-Nisa silently shifted her focus towards the items placed in front of her.

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

mohid pov(bit of dilawar pov aswell )

Dilawar had been sitting in his office for a while, patiently waiting. He had called Mohid before coming, but Mohid had to leave for an emergency meeting. Along with Mohid, there were other high-ranking officers from the ASP and police departments attending the meeting. Mohid and the other officers were deeply involved in a human trafficking case that had spanned over a year. This case was particularly heinous as the trafficking ring was not only involved in trafficking people of all genders and ages but also smuggling human organs, especially those of children. Mohid had made it his mission to dismantle this ring.

Restlessly, Dilawar checked the clock on the wall and then stood up to pace around the room. After what seemed like an eternity, he settled back into his chair. With a deliberate motion, he rotated the photo frame on Mohid's desk, aligning it with his gaze. Within the frame was a picture of Mohid, Hamad, and their father, Dawar Wajahat Chaudhary. Mohid bore a striking resemblance to his father, while Hamad inherited his mother's distinct features. They both looked young and full of promise in the picture. Dilawar delicately adjusted the photo once more, and shortly thereafter, he heard the sound of the office door swinging open. It was Mohid who had entered the room. Upon Mohid's entrance, Dilawar instantly noticed an air of concern etched upon his countenance.

"Did I keep Professor Dilawar waiting for an extended period?" Mohid questioned, settling himself comfortably in a chair positioned opposite Dilawar.

"Indeed, Mohid, you made me wait for what felt like an eternity," Dilawar replied, his voice tinged with a touch of exasperation.

"And how did Professor Dilawar manage to navigate his way here?" Mohid inquired, disregarding Dilawar's complaint.

"I arrived with an ardent desire to recite poems in honor of this 'admirable' police officer," Dilawar responded, his voice steeped in sarcasm and a hint of amusement.

"It seems you are displeased," Mohid observed, taking off his cap and placing it solemnly on the table, his tone brimming with seriousness, all the while concealing his concealed smile.

"Take a guess," Dilawar angrily smiled, but Mohid remained silent. Dilawar began counting his grievances, "I have been waiting for one and a half hours! In the meantime, you could have informed me of your availability. When I called you, you playfully said, 'Come today.'" Before he could utter a word, Dilawar interrupted him once again, "Don't claim now that you had no idea about the meeting. It's not held on your terms. Why did you waste my time?" After expressing his frustration, Dilawar fell silent.

"The meeting was supposed to be held tomorrow, but they changed it due to an official reason, and I had to attend it," Mohid concluded his remarks in one sentence, accompanied by a long and wide reaction. Dilawar looked at Mohid's face, which was filled with a glare. dilawar then responded, "It's foolish to argue with you. Anyways, I came here to inquire about Hamad." Dilawar's words wiped away his smile.

"Yes! He came two days ago, and since this morning, Dada Jaan, Dadi, and Amma Jaan are also here. He will go to the village along with them. I will find way to dealt this matter ," Mohid said, removing his optical glasses and massaging his eyes with his hands, providing some relief to his tired eyes.

"And did you find out anything about Safeer and Hamid?" Mohid's attention shifted back after Dilawar's statement.

"Not much. It's just a street crime case. Safeer Ahmed is out of danger now. He is connected to a middle-class family. Such people tend to keep themselves away from the cops. The case doesn't have any connection to Hamad yet, except for what happened two months ago and Hamad's statement," Mohid finished his sentence, and they both fell silent.

"It wasn't just a statement or sentence, Mohid. Hamad clearly threatened Saad and his friends," Dilawar said, but the look on Mohid's face halted him from saying anything more against Hamad. So he changed the topic, "Okay, so tell me, does your grandfather know anything about them?" Dilawar's voice resonated in the room for a while.

"No! I can't comprehend it. You know my brother, why do you doubt him too? Nevermind. And no, I haven't informed Dada Jaan yet. What is there to say? Like 'Dada Jaan, Usman Chaudhry's family is once again attempting to tarnish our family with false accusations?' He stared directly into Dilawar's eyes, "Hmm?" Dilawar felt a shiver run down his spine.

"Alright, fine. I will set aside these matters for now. Tell me, how long will your family members be in town? I would like to meet them," Dilawar swiftly changed the subject, and the struggle Mohid was going through was evident from his expression

"I'm afraid you won't be able to meet them, they'll leave tomorrow morning," Mohid informed his best friend, Dilawar. There was a brief conversation between them, and then Dilawar stood up to leave. After Dilawar departed, Mohid found himself caught up in office matters, losing track of time. It was already past seven when he finally left the office.

Upon reaching his house, the guard opened the door for him. The porch was filled with two cars parked there. Mohid parked his car among them and, as he stepped out, he glanced at the other cars. The silence in his house was shattered by the voices of the news on the TV in the lounge. Mohid quietly passed through the lobby, making his way to the lounge. There, he noticed wajahat Chaudhry sitting on the sofa, fully engrossed in the news. Mohid's stepmother, Qudsia Begum, and his grandmother, Noor Bano, were nowhere to be seen. He knew that Hammad had visited Hamid.

"Hello Dada Jaan," Mohid greeted, and upon hearing his voice, wajahat Chaudhry became attentive, his eyes focusing on Mohid. Softly, he replied with a greeting, his voice filled with warmth. After standing for a minute, Mohid proceeded towards the two closed doors that led to the rooms on the ground floor. One room belonged to wajahat and Noor Bano, his Dada Jaan and Dadi Jaan, while the other was occupied by Qudsia Begum, his stepmother. Knowing that Qudsia didn't allow him to enter her room, Mohid refrained from stepping inside to greet her, but instead, he gently knocked on the door,

Mohid anxiously waited outside for what felt like an eternity, his mind swirling with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The anticipation grew as the seconds ticked by, until finally, the door creaked open, revealing the enigmatic figure of Qudsia Begum. Mohid's voice, filled with genuine affection, softly greeted her, his words hanging in the air, yearning for a warm response.

However, to Mohid's dismay, Qudsia stood there with her head held high, emanating an air of indifference that cut through his hopes like a sharp blade. She chose not to acknowledge him, leaving Mohid with a heavy heart and a sense of resignation. Their strained relationship had become a bitter reality, and he silently accepted it.

With a sigh, Mohid retreated to his room, shedding his suit jacket and heading for a much-needed shower. The water cascaded over him, momentarily soothing his troubled soul. Emerging refreshed, he ventured out of his room and stepped into the common area, only to find that he wasn't alone. wajahat Chaudhry, along with his wife, sat on one side of the room, seemingly engrossed in their own conversation . Mohid approached them with a glimmer of hope, ready to greet his grandmother. However, Noor Bano's reaction shattered his expectations. She completely ignored his greeting, as if he didn't even exist .Silenced by the rejection, Mohid quietly retreated to a single sofa on the opposite side. The once-vibrant lounge now echoed with the empty sounds of the television,

As the clock struck ten, Hamad burst into the house, his hunger demanding attention with a chorus of demands for food. Mohid keenly observed, noting the subtle shifts in the household dynamics. The radiant glow on his grandmother's and stepmother's faces as they prepared the dining table spoke volumes.

Wajahat Chaudhry, a man of few words, engaged in conversation with Hamad, barely acknowledging Mohid. Yet, Mohid's heart brimmed with admiration instead of jealousy. It was like a beggar watching others feast in a restaurant, yearning for a taste of food to fill their empty stomachs. These beggars of love hope and plead, their empty plates of empathy craving to be filled with gratitude.

In the intricate dance of relationships, some find themselves in the shoes of these beggars, desperately longing for a morsel of affection from their loved ones. Their unspoken desires and silent pleas hold equal significance, deserving to be met with gratitude and understanding.

"Hamad, the food is ready, come!" Qudsia Begum's voice echoed through the house, prompting wajahat Chaudhry to rise from his seat. He called out to Hamad, urging him to hurry and eat, without even acknowledging Mohid's presence. Hamad stood before him, waiting patiently.

"Brother! If you're interested in news, you can also find it at the dining table. You haven't had breakfast this morning either, so let's go," Hamad suggested. "By the way, I asked Amma to cook your favorite dish, so make sure you eat until your stomach can't handle it." Hamad whispered, as he often claimed to love the same dishes as Mohid, resulting in a shared preference for many of their favorite foods. Mohid followed Hamad to the dining table, and they sat down together, engaging in casual conversation between bites.

In the midst of the meal, wajahat Chaudhry turned his attention to Hamad's studies. "When will your studies be completed, Hammad?" he inquired. Hammad looked at his grandfather and calmly responded, "The second last semester is about to begin, Dada Jaan."

"Alright, once your studies are completed, the responsibility of managing the village lands and businesses will fall upon your shoulders. For now, I want to relax," wajahat Chaudhry stated, eliciting a peculiar sense of joy among those seated at the table.

"Mohid bhai completed his education five years ago. Why didn't you ask him?" Hammad muttered under his breath. The words didn't escape the ears of wajahat Chaudhry and everyone present at the dining area.

"Did you say something?" Noor Bano Chaudhry questioned, noticing Hamad's reaction, but he chose to remain silent.

"Hamad!" This time, it was Mohid who called out to him.

"Mohid bhai has been taking care of the business for years, in addition to his job. The business is thriving, and I don't think Dada Jaan is handling everything alone," Hamad announced, shocking everyone, particularly Mohid. Mohid had been secretly managing the family business, planning to pass it on to Hamad once he completed his studies. How long had Hammad been aware of this?

"I will pretend I didn't hear that," Hammad glanced at everyone after hearing wajahat Chaudhry's words. The room fell silent, with all eyes focused on Hammad.

"Fine then, two can play this game. I'll pretend I'm not interested in the village lands and businesses right now," Hammad's single sentence caught everyone's attention. Tension filled the air as they awaited his explanation.

"What are you talking about? Is Mohid the one telling you that? I was telling your dada jaan not to let Hamad get involved in this filth," Noor Bano Chaudhry said, her gaze filled with hatred as she stared at Mohid. "You are the son and the heir of the house, Hamad," she emphasized.

"So, is Mohid bhai, are you forgetting that we have two sons in this family, Dadi? And I have no intention of staying in the village in the future. That's that," Hammad's troubled tone filled his words with restlessness, unsettling those around him.

"Hamad, enough! Keep your voice down and do as the elders want you to do," Mohid intervened, trying to diffuse the tension. Hamad remained silent, not uttering another word, and simply resumed eating.

"Listen to me carefully. I have been taking care of all this since your father's death, so that you can handle it later. It was your father's business, and now you're telling me you have no interest. Should I just set fire to everything then?" wajahat Chaudhry vented his frustration.

"You should be ashamed, Hamad, for disappointing your dada jaan," Qudsia Chaudhry scolded him. Hammad looked at them, then got up and walked away. After his departure, Qudsia Chaudhry, and Noor Bano Chaudhry were left at the table. Qudsia Begum noticed his gaze before leaving.

"Don't let any misunderstandings cloud your judgment. Don't expect more than what your father has given you. Hamad is still young, he doesn't know the truth. And stop manipulating him for your own gain," Qudsia Begum advised, causing him to stand up but Noor Bano's voice halted his movement.

"Don't worry, soon or later, everything will be handled by Hammad. He will understand. He has a sensitive nature like his father, and he will think calmly. If he doesn't, then let's reveal the secret of this filthy mother and son," Noor Bano declared before leaving. Mohid remained silent, not realizing everyone had left until the servant began clearing the dishes. He rose silently and left the dining area, heading to his room.

When he entered his room, Hamad was already there. "Oh, bhai, I was ordering pizza. Let's eat. Because of that discussion, we didn't finish our meal," Hamad said, dialing a number on his phone.

"Why did you do that at the dining area?" Mohid asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Let's eat and not discuss this," Hammad avoided answering, his tense expression revealing the weight of the conversation still on his mind.

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

 Mehr-un-nisa pov

In the vibrant city, the nights were teeming with energy and excitement. It had been a couple of days since Mehr-un-Nissa , Muqadas Chaudhry, and Mahnoor had arrived, ready to immerse themselves in the urban charm. They eagerly ventured out, hopping from one boutique to another, satisfying their desire for some much-needed retail therapy. However, Saad had a different approach. He had returned a couple of days earlier but chose not to join them in their shopping extravaganza. Opting to spend his evenings indoors, Saad would only venture out at night, returning in the early hours of the morning.

Muqadas Chaudhry had briefly mentioned his friend, Safeer Ahmed, being in the hospital, but that was the extent of the information he shared. On the other hand, Subtain seemed to be merely going along for the ride, displaying no particular enthusiasm or reaction. It was clear from his gestures that he was only accompanying them to please the ladies and had no genuine interest in anything else.Amidst all this, Muqadas Chaudhry and Mahnoor appeared to be the happiest. Mehr-un-Nissa , in her own way, expressed her happiness, although an underlying restlessness remained unexplained. She tried to deny it, but deep down, she missed her parents. It was odd that she missed her mother, even though her mother had passed away during childbirth. Nonetheless, it was Muqadas Chaudhry who had introduced her to the concept of a mother's love, wiping away her tears with her own hands. She couldn't forget this and didn't want to be ungrateful. After the murder of Wajdan Chaudhry, when Mehr-un-Nissa was only thirteen years old, she lost both of her parents. Usman and Muqadas Chaudhry had shielded her and Azlan from the harshness of the world, protecting them from the scorching sun.

Sometimes, happiness is elusive, and we can't attain it on our own, no matter how hard we try. Even on this day, Mehr-un-Nissa had come to the boutique to select her wedding attire. Assuming it would take only an hour or two, she ended up being exhausted after a four-hour shopping journey. Muqadas Chaudhry and Mahnoor were not entirely satisfied with the situation as they hadn't found the "perfect dress" for her. Finally, after four long hours, they stumbled upon a full-length, blood-red dress with red embroidery that captured their attention. The shopkeeper was impressed when Mehr-un-Nissa showed genuine interest in the dress. Fatigue had overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help but feel grateful . She longed to prostrate right there in the shop .After returning from the long day of shopping, Mehr-un-Nissa found it difficult to fall asleep. As she lay in bed, seeking solace, sleep eluded her. In the dimly lit room, she sat up, her hand reaching out for the water jug, only to realize the glass was nowhere to be found. Eventually, she made her way towards the kitchen when she noticed a light emanating from the study room, catching her attention.

As Mehr-un-Nissa made her way towards the drawing room, she couldn't help but wonder if someone had forgotten to turn off the lights. The door to the room was left slightly ajar, allowing a glimpse of the interior from the outside. In that moment, the distinct voices of Subtain and Saad reached her ears, indicating that the two brothers were engaged in a heated argument. Intrigued, she hesitated and turned back, but a particular name mentioned in their conversation piqued her curiosity. It instantly redirected her focus towards the intense discussion happening between the two individuals inside the room.

As Mehr-un-Nissa stood behind the door, unable to witness the conversation or see Subtain and Saad, their voices conveyed a deep sense of emotion and tension.

"What if all of this was really a street crime? Have you ever thought about it? What would happen if this goes out of hand? You had a fight with Hammad Chaudhry months ago, and I warned you even back then, but you didn't want to listen," Subtain's voice resonated with anger and frustration.

Saad's response held a determined undertone, "Yes, I have thought about it! Both of us know who's responsible for this 'street crime."then if he's innocent why his elder brother intervein and took hamad name out of suspect list? let the investigation continue and if he's innocent he can relax "

Subtain's worry became apparent as he asked, "Why are you doing this? I already know the answer, but I want to hear it from you."

Saad's tone grew more aggressive, "What do you mean, brother? Do you think I'm making a mistake? Safeer's leg is broken, and he can no longer walk normally like an ordinary person. He needs support, and the doctor has warned that he is not fully recovered. We can't let the person responsible for ruining someone's life go unpunished."

Subtain's voice softened, "I understand your intention, Saad. I would have been even happier if all of this was solely about seeking justice for your friend. But you used Baba Jan's name and his position to initiate an investigation against HIM."

Saad defended himself, "Yes, I sought Baba's help. He was the one who assisted me in pushing forward with the investigation of this case. Otherwise, it would have ended up like the other cases, with just a slap on the wrist. He also took his brother ASP's help; I need the upper hand." The room fell silent after Saad's statement.

Subtain continued, "Alright, fine. Did you tell Baba Jan the whole truth before seeking his help? Did you tell him that if they asked you to make a list of those who you think are guilty, you would only put the name 'Dawar wajahat Chaudhry 's son" That's a name Mehr-un-Nissa never wanted to hear again - 'Dawar Wajahat Chaudhry.'"

Saad's voice grew faint, "You mentioned his name in the beginning, and you're still mentioning it now, even though I've already told you it's not true."

Subtain accused, "Because you keep lying constantly! Why do you want to see your dream come true at the expense of your friend? If you're so truthful, then fine, do whatever you can. But now, it's my heartfelt desire that Hammad Chaudhry proves his innocence. Then I'll see how happy my truth and justice-loving brother is when Safeer receives justice." Chaos and turmoil resonated in Sabtain's voice. "Be a man, Saad, and look directly into my eyes. Admit it, you want to take revenge against that family," Subtain challenged Saad

"You are favoring those people who were responsible for the murder of Wajdan uncle. And it's because of these very people that the killed him and famous because of their cruilty throughout the village," a 12-year-old memory resurfaced, and with hands on her face, she listened to the conversation of both brothers.

"Saad,why are you so sure that it was dawar Chaudhry who committed the murder of Wajdan uncle?, there was no evidence for it, and yet you ..." Sabtain's voice grew even softer.

"You keep telling me that I'm lying. But what about the lie that has been spoken for the past 12 years? The entire family knows that it was Dawar Chaudhry who committed the murder, and also that no one dared to come forward because of him. That's why the jirga decided that he is innocent. And you also know that if Baba Jan didn't kill him, he would have killed Baba Jan. They only saw that his blood was spilled in our house. Everyone knew what kind of person he was, yet in the eyes of those people, he was innocent. Yes, I hate Hamad Chaudhry, not just him but his entire family. I want to see them in prison as much as YOU do, and I know YOU want to see them suffer. now sabtain bhai be a man and look into my eyes and tell me if i am lying?" there was silence in the room louder then a ear piecing scream theb nehr-un-nisa heard saad voice as he continue 

"In that fight in university, Hamad, that son of a bitch, called me the son of a murderer, and everyone believed him and was looking at me like the way people in that jirga was looking at baba jaan . If my father is a killer, then so is his. The only difference between us is that when my father killed Dawar, his people saw it, and when dawar killed Wajdan uncle, everyone closed their eyes. Every time he said to me that we should be grateful that in the jirga, his dada jaan forgave the murder of his son, neither seeking justice from the law nor from the jirga. And do you also think that he did us a favor, which is why you want to save that murderer's son so that the favor can be repaid? Isn't that right?" Saad's breath was heavy, and after speaking, he fell silent. Everyone was silent; there was nothing more to say. They could only feel the pain of their memories in the silence.

"Saad, whatever you are trying to do, even if you succeed, what will we gain in return? Then again do you remember wajahat Chaudhry condition for not demanding khoon baha..." Saad interrupted Sabtain 's words once more.

"What will happen next? Will blood be spilled again? It's not a new thing for us, or is it that our homes have never witnessed such scenes before. Let's refresh everyone's memory," Saad exclaimed as he hurriedly left the room and headed towards the stairs. Though startled, Saad did not see Mehr-un-Nisa, who had not witnessed the anger with which he had left. He walked away so easily, as if saying those words would instantly refresh everyone's memory

as she entered the study , she caught sight of Sabtain, who was sitting on the sofa, his hands gripping it tightly. In that moment, a sudden wave of fear washed over her, causing her steps to falter. She paused, her mind racing with thoughts, before ultimately deciding to turn back towards the outside. Providing comfort to Sabtain seemed impossible at that moment; she herself couldn't comprehend what was unfolding. It felt as if the haunting past was resurfacing, breathing life into the nightmares once again. With heavy steps, she retraced her path towards her room, feeling an overwhelming sense of exhaustion weighing her down. Her feet dragged wearily as she finally entered the room.

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