Glimpses of Understanding

The Power of Betrayal and Love: Echoes of Retribution

CHAPTER SIX:

sabtain pov 

Sabtain found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions as desires and dreams intertwined with bittersweet reality. Upon Mehr's arrival, a strange sense of happiness washed over him momentarily, causing him to forget, for a moment, the misunderstandings that had strained their relationship. However, that fleeting joy was quickly overshadowed as memories of their past encounters flooded back, each gesture of Mehr's serving as a painful reminder.

After the ceremonies and formalities, he went to his room. To his surprise, when Sabtain reached his room, he was taken aback to find Elizabeth, Mah Noor, and Saad waiting outside. Confusion washed over him, and he couldn't help but inquire about the reason for their unexpected presence. Seeking answers, he turned to Saad, who, for the first time since their return from the city, spoke candidly.

With a hint of bewilderment, Sabtain asked, "What happened?" but received no immediate response. Only Saad remained, and he finally broke the silence, saying, "Nothing." This straightforwardness from Saad caught Sabtain off guard.

"So why are all of you standing here?" Sabtain asked, puzzled by the unusual gathering.

"We were just wondering the same thing, especially considering that such traditions are usually reserved for the girls," Mah Noor gestured towards the group of boys, expressing her curiosity.

"Oh! Are these traditions only for girls to rob the groom? And why does the groom get robbed for marriage? Why can't the groom's brother and male cousin participate in this robbery?" one of his cheeky cousins responded, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

Sabtain paused for a moment, contemplating their question before responding, "Well, you guys can decide whether these traditions are only for boys or also for girls," with a hint of amusement in his voice. As he made his way towards the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise that no one protested his departure.

However, his surprise quickly turned to shock when he reached for the doorknob, only to find the door locked. He attempted a few unsuccessful tries to open it before turning around to see everyone watching him, their faces suppressing laughter that couldn't be concealed.

"A key?" Sabtain asked, his gaze shifting from one person to another, seeking an explanation. In response, a key was presented to him, adorned with elegance and a tag bearing the word "Price."

Perplexed, Sabtain questioned, "What is this?"

Azlan, who had just arrived and stood beside him, perhaps understanding the situation, chuckled and said, "Entrance fee." However, his reaction mirrored Sabtain's anger upon seeing the key.

Sabtain's eyes narrowed as he directed his gaze towards Azlan, his frustration evident. "Did you guys lock Mehr inside the room?" he asked, his tone laced with annoyance, while Azlan couldn't help but laugh, adding fuel to the fire.

"Alone! What kind of rudeness is this? Give me the keys," Sabtain said, his anger palpable, causing Mah Noor to become terrified. Azlan, sensing something from Mah Noor's expression, had already pieced together a part of the situation, while Saad remained silent, not yet taking part in the unfolding events.

"Hey! What prohibition have they declared? Just give them the money and take the keys," Azlan suggested, trying to diffuse the tension. In response, Sabtain reached into his pocket, slowly pulling out the money. Before he could hand it over, Azlan swiftly snatched it from his hand and passed it to Mah Noor.

"Thank you!" the entire commotion chimed in unison, causing Sabtain to raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"Listen! This money is for the girls, why are you saying thank you?" he asked with a mischievous smile, causing all the boys to look at him in surprise. "Yes! You guys were so eager to perform the traditions, BUT not for the money, right?" he continued, a smile playing on his lips. This lighthearted remark elicited laughter from all the girls. Without giving Mah Noor a chance to react, Saad swiftly snatched the money from her hand and dashed off, with all the boys following suit. It took a moment for the girls, including Mah Noor, to process what had happened, and then they all ran after Saad. Azlan and Elizabeth watched this spectacle unfold with astonishment.

"Where are Tai Amma and Taya Jaan?" Azlan asked, unable to locate them.

"Baba Jaan was praying Isha, and he's still occupied. Amma might be in her room," Sabtain replied as he opened the door. However, as he peered inside, he was momentarily rendered speechless. Azlan found himself in a similar state, while Elizabeth, who was unaware of the situation, observed with confusion. It was then that she noticed Muqadas Chaudhry and a couple of other women from the family emerging from the room upon Sabtain opening the door.

"AMMA JAAN?" Muqadas Chaudhry was about to speak when one of the women retorted angrily,

"What kind of bizarre tradition is this? Shameless people! We come to give our blessings, and these shameless kids lock the door behind us." Hearing the woman's words, Azlan struggled to stifle his laughter and glanced at Elizabeth, who was visibly perplexed. Trying to grasp the situation, Elizabeth managed a smile.

"Where is Saad? We specifically asked him to open the door, and now he says the groom will do it. Please be patient and keep the bride company, you shameless lot!" Muqadas Chaudhry attempted to diffuse their anger.

"Oh! What can I say? Even our own children are among them. They trapped us inside, whispering and laughing," another woman chimed in.

"Where did these people disappear to?" Now fully attentive, Muqadas gestured towards the staircase, where loud voices could be heard from below.

"I'm really going to scold them," all the women muttered as they exited the room and made their way downstairs. Muqadas Chaudhry, observing the women depart helplessly, then turned her gaze towards him.

"Go inside, it's getting late at night," she said as she stepped out of the room. Azlan, who was standing near Elizabeth, engaged in conversation. Muqadas Chaudhry knew that Azlan's "joke" was merely a bluff. She sighed and looked at her son.

"My blessings are with you both. May you always find happiness, may no bitterness taint your relationship, and may any minor disagreements be resolved effortlessly," she said softly, her tone filled with warmth. With that, she left, leaving him with a smile and rendered speechless. Elizabeth and Azlan remained standing there, continuing their conversation. Following Azlan's suggestion, the two women proceeded downstairs, where the atmosphere was vibrant. Once the three of them had departed, he entered the room, closed the door, and turned his attention to the bed, where Meher-un-Nisa sat patiently.

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

mohid pov

Dilawar and Hamad found themselves in Mohid's house at that moment. Hameed was on the brink of being released on bail. Mohid had retired to his bedroom for prayers. It was an unwritten rule that Mohid never missed his prayers, but dilawar never see him raising his hand for dua . Dilawar attempted to inquire, but Mohid remained silent, and thereafter, Dilawar refrained from pressing the matter. Mohid emerged from his room after completing his prayers. The faint murmur of the television emanated from the lounge, drawing their attention, yet each man was preoccupied with his own thoughts. Mohid settled onto the sofa in solitude, stealing occasional glances at Hamad before returning his gaze to the television. During lunch, a wave of nostalgia washed over Mohid as memories of the old, carefree Hamad flooded his mind. However, the realization dawned upon him that the brewing conflict between Saad and Hamad could spell trouble for the latter. Both were determined to emerge victorious, unwilling to yield an inch. Though nothing had transpired yet...

Suddenly, Hamad rose to his feet, catching Dilawar and Mohid off guard.

"Where are you off to?" Mohid inquired, perplexed, as Hamad made his way to the door.

"Back home," Hamad replied tersely, casting a glance at the clock which read 11:00 PM. Dilawar observed silently as Hamad departed without further explanation. As the door closed behind him, Mohid sighed heavily, running a hand over his forehead.

"It's quite late. Stay here," Mohid implored, but Hamad didn't look back; he simply continued on his path towards his room. As Hamad left, Mohid took a deep breath and placed his hand on his forehead.

"Hamad is too quiet. It's surprising. As far as I know, he should have a different attitude at this time. He has taken a different tone than usual," Dilawar's words forced Mohid to raise his head and look at him.

"I know that he is very quiet now. It's surprising to me too. As far as I know, he was so silent at the time of Baba's death, and now..." Mohid said, 

"Do you not think that this matter is no longer between Hameed and Safeer; it is now between Hamad and Saad? What I mean is, okay if Hameed has done something like that, he should be punished. But this is now becoming an internal issue between these two," Dilawar remarked, his statement holding a weight of understanding about the situation.

"I know, and this matter is not of today; it's the burden of many years ago that has been smoldering inside. Now it has erupted into a conflict between these two. First things first, I want to know if Hameed is the real culprit," Mohid said, his gaze shifting to the television where the news continued to scroll.

"What do you think?" Dilawar glanced at him with incomprehension.

"About what?" Mohid asked, prompting Dilawar to continue after taking a deep breath.

"Will Saad's family be aware of this?" Dilawar replied without really pondering the question.

"Why wouldn't they be aware? Saad Usman Chaudhry cannot make such a move without gaining their trust. He has used his father's influence, and even now, you doubt that only one person from that family would do this?" Dilawar began to smile in response.

"If that's the case, then what about Hamid playing with someone's life without asking for anyone's help... I mean, his family is white-collar people, so you must have known at the police station..." Mohid understood his point, the hint he gave was revealed by the inspector that the incident was staged, for which an FIR was also filed, and a few days after the snatching incident, the bike was found in another area. Also, there was a complaint about that bike being stolen, and then the testimony of some university students suggested that Hamid had threatened Safeer. Suspicion was also cast on Hamad because he had arrived in the city from the village the day before the incident.

"Mohid! If Hammad was also involved in all of this, then what would you do?" Dilawar's question startled him. It was a question he had been avoiding, one that had haunted him countless times, filling him with fear. Now, facing it head-on, he saw himself standing before Dilawar like a frightened child. It was evident that neither he nor his brother could bear the weight of such accusations. But if it were true, what would he do? Dilawar awaited his answer with bated breath.

"If that's the case, I'd be seen as either the villain, or a brother who failed to protect his own. If Hammad turns out to be wrong, then I'll be gladly painted as the villain, rather then a failed brother who couldn't save his own kin."His voice trembled so much that Dilawar struggled to hear him. Their conversation unfolded against the backdrop of the television, where Adnan Alam's exclusive news was being aired. Allegations against him were being discussed, with Adnan Alam vehemently denying all accusations and offering flimsy excuses. The TV host was covering Adnan Alam's ongoing case regarding an illegal building, and the lawyer claimed to have many proofs. Mohid couldn't help but smile at the display.

"This man won't be caught easily; he sees the law as his personal servant," Dilawar remarked, tearing his gaze away from the TV to look at Mohid.

"You should be careful saying such things in front of a police officer," Mohid chuckled in response.

"It's the police who should be careful," came the swift retort.

"Once again, our hands are tied. But one day, we will uncover his crimes. For now, let's hope this lawyer succeeds. I'll personally go to arrest him... and..." Mohid trailed off, rising from his seat to switch off the TV. "Let's wait and see what becomes of this case. It's late; you should stay over. You can head to university from here in the morning."

"No, I need to go home. Perhaps another time. By the way, I heard he's venturing into politics. Is that true?" Dilawar's focus remained on Adnan Alam, disregarding Mohid's words.

"Yes, that's true," Mohid confirmed. "He's using his wealth and influence to make a political move. With his resources, any party would gladly make him a member. But his shady dealings might come back to haunt him if he's not careful. He's desperate to win this case to secure his political ticket. No matter how corrupt the ruling party is, they won't accept a new member with a criminal record. That's why Adnan Alam will do anything to win this case. He's been involved in illegal activities for a while now, but his lawyer isn't being silenced by hush money. Adnan Alam must be having nightmares about him," Mohid explained, his tone serious as he stood up. Dilawar followed suit.

"How do you know all this?" Dilawar inquired.

"I'm a police officer, remember?" Mohid smiled before dropping the bombshell. "You know, the lawyer is Sabtain Usman Chaudhry, Saad's older brother."

"What?!" Dilawar's voice rose slightly before he composed himself. "You know the implications of cases like this, right?" he asked, his disappointment evident in his eyes.

"Who knows what the future holds," Mohid replied with a shrug. "What?" he asked as Dilawar shook his head and left Mohid's house a few minutes later.

After Dilawar's departure, Mohid turned off the lights. Then, he went to Hammad's room to check on him, only to find him fast asleep. They hadn't exchanged a word since arriving at the home. While he was at the police station, he called Dilawar and insisted that he return to the house, not wanting to leave Hammad alone. It was likely that Dilawar had learned about the events at the station from Hammad. Upon his return, he discovered that bail would only be possible the following day. This news didn't come as a surprise to him. He had placed his hopes on Hammad taking charge of securing bail, and Hammad was shouldering the expenses involved, driven by his unwavering determination not to be defeated by Saad under any circumstances. He had no intention of impeding Hammad's efforts in any way. He firmly believed that he could manipulate all the circumstances, but...

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

mehr-un-nisa pov 

The dawn had long passed, yet sleep remained elusive. She sat on the edge of the bed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. What had she been thinking? What had transpired between them? Her own musings seemed to mock her. Glancing at the figure beside her, Sabtain lay in deep slumber, his face serene. After a moment of contemplation, she rose from the bed. The faint jingle of her bangles and anklets filled the silent room as she made her way to the wardrobe, each step a whisper on the floorboards. Retrieving her clothes, she caught sight of her reflection in the wardrobe mirror. Clad in bridal attire, she studied the intricate patterns of henna on her palms before turning to face her reflection in the main mirror. Her countenance revealed neither the joy of a new bride nor the pain inflicted by Sabtain's words the previous night. What had transpired within her, she couldn't fathom. Why this unease? What was she yearning for? And if there was unrest, why did it not manifest on her face? Pushing aside these thoughts, she removed her jewelry, each piece a reminder of the events of the night before.

"It's strange to see you like this, Mehr. I was waiting for some news," Sabtain's voice broke the silence, as he approached her side of the bed. She kept her gaze lowered, refusing to meet his eyes.

"You claimed our relationship was imposed upon you, but it's not as simple as that. Any words I speak now may seem disingenuous to you," sabtain continued , her eyes fixed on the her hand .

"You mentioned that the fate of our relationship now rests with you, as I've always been the one making decisions." These were her own words echoing now, spoken by Sabtain. She recalled the evening when she had uttered those very words.

"Until all doubts are dispelled, I won't impose any physical expectations on our relationship, any obligations typical of a husband and wife, if you catch my drift," Sabtain explained, his voice tinged with a hint of concern. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that their relationship remained free of any hint of coercion or pressure, particularly in matters as intimate as physical intimacy.

"But," she looked towards him at this statement, "as a husband, I still have a bit of a wish for... umm... a kiss on your hand." Sabtain wasn't looking at her. His gaze remained fixed on the ground, his expression unreadable, but she could see a hint of redness on his ear. With all this dullness in the room, she smiled and offered her hand to Sabtain. It was unexpected, so Sabtain was a bit shocked. After a prolonged silence, he held her hand and sat on the bed. With a few minutes, he was staring at her palm and with a warm smile, he placed his lips on her palm.

Mehr felt Sabtain's lips linger on her palm, and she tried to gently pull her hand away, but his grip was firm. His lips then moved to her forehead, surprising her. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock, as he returned to his previous position.

"Can I kiss your forehead and hand every day when you're with me?" Sabtain asked, a warm smile on his face.

Mehr didn't hesitate. "Yes,," she replied softly.

Sabtain smiled and kissed the back of her hand before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small jewelry box. He held it out to her, his eyes full of warmth and sincerity.

"This is for you," he said gently.

Mehr took the box, her heart fluttering with a mixture of emotions. She watched as Sabtain got up and went to the wardrobe, disappearing into the bathroom. She remained standing, clutching the box in her hand, lost in thought.

After what felt like an eternity, Sabtain returned and settled back onto his side of the bed. "You may go and change into something comfortable," he suggested softly before lying down.

Mehr didn't meet his gaze, her mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. She slowly made her way to the wardrobe, her fingers tracing over the bridal attire. There was little trace of happiness on her face; instead, she was consumed by fear of what the future held.

With a heavy sigh, Mehr removed all her jewelry and changed into a lighter, more comfortable dress. As she glanced back at Sabtain, still lost in slumber, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Instead of leaving, she decided to stay in their shared space, seeking solace in the familiarity of their room.

Mehr's fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the lid of the box, revealing a delicate locket and chain inside. The locket was engraved with their names, a touching and thoughtful gesture that brought a soft smile to her lips. Without hesitation, she clasped the locket around her neck, feeling its weight against her chest like a comforting anchor.

Turning her gaze, she noticed Sabtain's hand still holding her dupatta in his sleep. Instead of trying to free it, she let it be, a silent acknowledgment of their tangled emotions. With a sigh, she settled onto her side of the bed, her eyes lingering on Sabtain's peaceful face. He had been her first dream, her first love, and despite everything, he still held a special place in her heart.

Regret washed over her as she thought of the unintentional trouble she had caused him. She despised the idea of being a source of anguish for him and wished she could shield him from any hardship. Lost in the serenity of the moment, she eventually drifted into the embrace of sleep, unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon.

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

sabtain pov

Sabtain woke with a start at the soft knock on the door, his heart pounding in his chest as he scanned the room. The emptiness of the space only amplified the echo of the sound, leaving him yearning for a presence that wasn't there. His gaze lingered on Mehr-un-nisa, her form bathed in the gentle light filtering through the curtains, her back turned to him. In that moment, the weight of their unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

The memories of their tense conversation from the previous night flooded his mind like a torrential downpour, each word exchanged etched into his memory. He had longed for Mehr-un-nisa to shatter the silence that had settled between them, to bridge the growing chasm with a single word or gesture. Yet, she remained as silent as the night itself, her silence a barrier he couldn't breach, a distance he couldn't traverse.

Despite the ache in his heart, he couldn't help but hope for a resolution, a glimmer of understanding that would dissolve the walls separating them. But as the silence persisted, enveloping them in its embrace, the soft smile danced on his lips at the thought of her being his wife, a hope that no one could change that. As Mehr-un-nisa stirred and turned to face him in her sleep, he couldn't help but gaze at her, his heart torn between longing and uncertainty.

In the stillness of the room, amidst the flickering shadows and the soft rustle of the curtains, Sabtain wrestled with his emotions. For in that moment, as he watched Mehr-un-nisa slumbering peacefully before him, he couldn't shake the feeling that their love hung delicately in the balance, teetering on the edge of uncertainty. Despite his lingering anticipation, her silence persisted, eventually lulling him back into a restless sleep.

Another knock jolted him awake once more, prompting him to rise from the bed and answer the door. MahNoor and Elizabeth stood before him, and he ushered them inside before excusing himself to freshen up in the washroom. Upon his return, he found Mehr-un-nisa awake and engaging in conversation with their guests. As he prepared to leave, MahNoor's voice halted him in his tracks.

"Sabtain bhai, we're bringing your breakfast here," MahNoor announced, her gaze shifting between him and Mehr-un-nisa, who had now risen from the bed and was making her way to the washroom she was avoiding his gaze he probably know the reason why.

"It's better to have breakfast together than alone," Sabtain responded, his embarrassment evident as he glanced at the clock, realizing it was already noon.

"The guests have already eaten, Amma and Baba Jaan as well. Both of you haven't had breakfast yet,or rather then lunch" MahNoor added, her words striking a chord with Sabtain. He watched as Mehr-un-nisa disappeared into the washroom, his heart heavy with the weight of their unspoken tension.

"You've already had breakfast," he addressed Elizabeth in English, attempting to mask his discomfort.

 "Sabtain bhai, Saad and Azlan bhai have also eaten," MahNoor's response served as a silent reproach, leaving Sabtain momentarily silenced, his thoughts swirling with the complexity of their situation.

"Alright, bring me a cup of tea please," he requested, watching MahNoor and Elizabeth leave the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Mehr emerged from the washroom, her hair flowing down her back in soft waves, a vision in her maroon dress. Sabtain couldn't help but admire her beauty as she stood before the dressing table, delicately adorning herself with bangles. His eyes caught the glint of the locket around her neck, a small but comforting reminder of their bond, and a hint of happiness flickered in his eyes.

"Mehr, I wanted to ask you something," Sabtain started, his voice soft but filled with the weight of unspoken emotions. He watched as she turned to face him, her gaze meeting his, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.

"Yes?" Mehr replied, her voice equally soft, her eyes searching his face for any sign of what he was about to say.

"You know I'm going back to the city tomorrow," Sabtain continued, noting the confusion in Mehr's expression. "I wanted to ask if you want to accompany me to the city or stay here in the village?"

Mehr regarded him with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, contemplating his offer. "Whatever you decide will be fine," she replied softly.

"No, I want your input. Until now, I've been the one making decisions, and look where it's gotten us," Sabtain couldn't help but express his frustration.

"So now you're afraid of taking responsibility?" Mehr's words carried a hint of amusement.

"It's not about that, Mehr. No matter what decision I make, the blame always seems to fall on me," Sabtain sighed, the weight of their situation heavy upon him. "So, what do you think?"

"But... There's Taya Jaan and Tai Jaan, they'll be alone. Who will take care of their medicine and school without any notice? How can I suddenly leave?" Mehr-un-nisa's voice wavered slightly as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Your concerns are valid, Mehr," Sabtain replied with a hint of resignation, recognizing her reluctance to accompany him to the city. Lifting his head to meet her gaze, he was taken aback by the plaintive expression in her eyes.

"Your situation is understandable, Mehr," Sabtain said with a tone of resignation, his gaze locking with hers. Deep down, he knew her reluctance to accompany him to the city was merely a pretext, a veil for her true feelings. As he lifted his head to meet her eyes, he was surprised by the intensity of her stare. There was an undeniable tension in the air, a silent exchange of unspoken desires and suppressed emotions.

Mehr remained silent, her eyes fixed on his, but there was an unmistakable undercurrent of longing in her gaze. Sabtain felt a surge of desire, a primal urge that pulsed between them, unspoken yet palpable. In that charged moment, their unspoken desires hung heavy in the air, creating a tension that crackled with electricity.

"Mehr, you should go..." His words were interrupted by a knock on the door. Giving permission for entry, a servant entered the room, setting the breakfast table before departing. As Muqadas Chaudhry and Usman Chaudhry entered the room, Sabtain rose from his seat to greet them. They embraced Mehr-un-nisa warmly, setting a pleasant atmosphere as they gathered for breakfast.

Usman Chaudhry directed his attention to Sabtain. "Are you leaving for the city tomorrow evening?" he inquired, to which Sabtain nodded in affirmation. "So Mehr has decided to accompany you, correct?" he continued, turning his gaze to Mehr-un-nisa, who remained silent, focusing on making tea.

"Mehr wanted to join me, but I dissuaded her. Saad and Mahnoor will be leaving with me so you'll be alone and what about school ? I was also concerned about the shortage of teachers at the school here. If Mehr had also gone..." Sabtain explained, his voice trailing off as he voiced his apprehensions.

"Well, that shouldn't be a problem. I'll arrange for a substitute teacher until a permanent replacement is found. As for us, we have plenty of servants here to take care of our needs. Mehr-un-nisa is your wife, not a hired servant or nurse," Usman Chaudhry interjected calmly, addressing the concerns with a practical solution. His words prompted everyone in the room to look at him, their expressions reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude.

"But Baba, you should rest now," Sabtain attempted to interject, concern evident in his voice.

"Do as I say, Sabtain," Usman Chaudhry insisted firmly, placing a comforting hand on Mehr-un-nisa's head. "Since the wedding began, I've found myself missing Wajdan. Despite our frequent arguments over trivial matters, I realize now that I often let my ego get the best of me. In my youth, I prioritized my ego over relationships, but looking back, I see the value in Wajdan's gentleness and humility. Perhaps, if I had been more like him, we would have shared more happy memories," he reflected, his words casting a somber tone over the room. "It's strange how humans only learn to appreciate something once it's gone. Take it as advice, Sabtain and Mehr," he added with a gentle smile.

"But Tayya Jan, your health isn't good. How were you able to manage so much work? And you still need to oversee the lands," Mehr-un-nisa voiced her concerns.

"If even after the wedding, you had to stay here while Sabtain is in the city, we wouldn't have arranged all this celebration and whatnot," Usman Chaudhry chuckled lightly, though the laughter quickly faded, leaving a solemn silence in its wake. After breakfast, everyone busied themselves with their tasks, preparing for the upcoming reception ceremony. Saad, Azlan, and the cousins worked diligently, and when Sabtain offered his assistance, Azlan kindly declined.

"If you're so eager to work, save it for my wedding. For now, let us honor you," Azlan's words prompted Sabtain to glance at Elizabeth, seated beside Mehr-un-nisa.

"I suppose I'll have to fight for your life sentence, Doctor," sabtain teased, catching Sabtain's silent cue as azlan looked towards Elizabeth.

"Maybe you should tone down the nonsense, Mr. Lawyer," azlan retorted with a smirk before walking away. Ten minutes later, a servant approached Sabtain with two boxes in hand, gifts from a well-wisher for his wedding.

"Sir, someone arrived in a big car and left these with the guard, saying they're for you—a wedding gift from a benefactor," the servant explained.

"Did they mention their name?" Sabtain asked, surprised. Spotting a card attached to the box, he reached for it, but as he read the name inscribed on it, his blood ran cold. He hastily grabbed the boxes and made his way to his room upstairs, his hands trembling as he dialed Adan Alam's number on his mobile phone.

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