chapter 11:

[ ] Tra le brume della fragilità, lei sussurra,

[ ] Con ogni passo incerto, il cuore si spezza.

[ ] Ma un giorno, nell'ombra, la sua forza fiorisce,

[ ] Come un fiore selvaggio, la sua anima sorprende.

[ ]

[ ] Con coraggio antico, sfida il destino,

[ ] Tra le lacrime di ieri, trova il suo cammino.

[ ] Nelle sue mani tremanti, il potere risiede,

[ ] E con ogni battito, la sua forza cresce.

[ ]

[ ] Non più una vittima della debolezza,

[ ] Ma una guerriera coraggiosa, piena di promesse.

[ ] Con ogni lotta e ogni sfida, si rialza,

[ ] E nel suo risveglio, il mondo la abbraccia.

[ ]

[ ] Come una stella brillante, che mai si spegne.

[ ] Nell'arco di una vita, il suo spirito risplende,

[ ] E così, nella sua storia di crescita e coraggio,

[ ] Una ragazza diventa una leggenda, nel suo viaggio.

([ ] Among the mists of fragility, she whispers,

[ ] With every faltering step, the heart breaks.

[ ] But one day, in the shadows, his strength flourishes,

[ ] Like a wild flower, its soul surprises.

[ ]

[ ] With ancient courage, challenge destiny,

[ ] Among yesterday's tears, he finds his path.

[ ] In his trembling hands, power lies,

[ ] And with each beat, its strength grows.

[ ]

[ ] No longer a victim of weakness,

[ ] But a courageous warrior, full of promise.

[ ] With every struggle and every challenge, he gets back up,

[ ] And in her awakening, the world embraces her.

[ ]

[ ] Like a bright star, which never goes out.

[ ] In the span of a lifetime, his spirit shines,

[ ] And so, in his story of growth and courage,

[ ] A girl becomes a legend on her journey.)

Nazia sat in her room, surrounded by the opulent decorations and luxurious furnishings that had once brought her so much joy. But now, they seemed dull and meaningless. Her heart was heavy with grief, her mind consumed by the tragic events that had unfolded.

She thought about her brother, Giovanni, and the pain of his loss was like a fresh wound. She couldn't help but wonder why this had happened to him, why he had been taken from her so suddenly.

As she sat there, lost in thought, a name crept into her mind. Salina. She had always suspected that Salina was involved in the sinister forces that had been at work in the kingdom. But she had never imagined that her rival's reach was so far and so deadly.

Nazia's thoughts raced as she pieced together the events of the past few days. She realized that Salina's hand was behind it all, but she knew that Salina was too cunning to reveal herself directly. She would use others, manipulate them to do her bidding.

Nazia's eyes narrowed as she vowed to uncover the truth. "She may think she's won," Nazia whispered to herself, "but I will expose her. I will make sure she pays for what she's done."

"Karma, the ancient force of balance and justice, weaves a subtle web of consequence across the fabric of life. Every action, every thought, every intention sets into motion a chain of events that reverberates through the universe. As the cosmos seeks equilibrium, karma brings forth the fruits of our deeds, rewarding kindness and punishing malice. Its gentle touch can bring solace to the afflicted, while its fierce wrath can humble the proud. Karma reminds us that our choices shape our destiny, and that the universe always seeks to restore harmony to the scales of life."

Nazia strode through the crumbling halls of the ancient ruin, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She had tracked Salina to this forsaken place, determined to confront her about the murders. As she turned a corner, she spotted Salina standing in the center of a dimly lit chamber, her eyes gleaming with malevolence.

Salina's long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her porcelain skin seemed to glow in the faint light. Her full lips curled into a cruel smile as she beheld Nazia, and her emerald eyes sparkled with a sinister intensity. She wore a flowing black gown that billowed around her like a dark cloud, and her slender fingers were adorned with razor-sharp claws.

"Welcome, Nazia," Salina purred, her voice like a velvet-wrapped dagger. "I've been expecting you."

Nazia's eyes narrowed as she approached Salina, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? You're reveling in the pain and suffering you've caused."

Salina's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with malice. "I'm just enjoying the justice of it all," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You reap what you sow, Nazia. And you've sown a harvest of pain and betrayal."

Nazia's face twisted in rage. "You're a monster, Salina. A heartless, soulless monster."

Salina's laughter was like a cold wind, sending shivers down Nazia's spine. "And you're a fool, Nazia," she spat. "A fool who thought she could outsmart me. But karma is back, and it's not my fault.Nazia's eyes narrowed. "You were a weak girl, Salina. How could you do this?"

Salina's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with malice. "Weak?" she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, no. I was never weak. I was just... waiting."

She paused, her gaze piercing through Nazia.

"Waiting for the right moment to strike. And now, that moment has come."

Nazia's voice was laced with disbelief. "You're not alone in this, are you? You have someone backing you up."

Salina's laughter was like a cold breeze. "Of course, I'm not alone. I have... allies. And if I were weak, I would have died in childhood. But I was strong. I survived. And now, it's your turn to face... my storm."

She paused again, her eyes gleaming with malevolence.

"A storm that will destroy everything you hold dear. A storm that will leave you shattered and broken."

Nazia's heart raced with fear, but she refused to back down. "I'm not afraid of you, Salina. I'll stop you, no matter what it takes."

Salina's smile grew wider. "We'll see about that, Nazia. We'll see about that."Salina's intention was not to kill Nazia outright, but to toy with her, to savor the fear and suffering she inflicted. She wanted to slowly and deliberately drain the life from Nazia's body, to watch as her strength and hope faded away. It was a cruel and calculated game, one that Salina played with precision and delight. With each passing moment, Nazia's life force ebbed away, and Salina's power grew, fueling her twisted desire for revenge. The gunshot was just the beginning, a mere teaser of the agony to come, and Salina reveled in the knowledge that Nazia's fate was hers to decide.Once, she was a beautiful and innocent soul, with a heart full of love and a smile that could light up the darkness. But the world had a way of corrupting even the purest of hearts, and slowly but surely, it chipped away at her innocence, leaving behind a trail of scars and tears. The cruelty of others, the harsh realities of life, and the constant struggle to survive in a world that seemed determined to crush her, all took their toll on her delicate spirit. She began to harden, to adapt, to survive, and with each passing day, a little more of her beauty and innocence was lost, replaced by a growing sense of anger, bitterness, and resentment. The world had made her a beast, a shadow of her former self, with eyes that had seen too much, a heart that had been broken too many times, and a soul that had been battered and bruised beyond recognition. And yet, despite it all, a glimmer of her former beauty still lingered, a reminder of what she once was, and what she could have been, if only the world had been a kinder, gentler place.Shazad's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as he rushed to Nazia's side, his face pale with fear. "Nazia, no, no, no... not again," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. He had found her in the old ruin, bleeding and unconscious, a gun still clutched in her hand. He had thought the worst, that she had tried to take her own life, but now, as he gazed at her fragile form on the hospital bed, he realized that she had been a victim once more. His mind raced with questions and fears, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He had promised to protect her, to keep her safe, but once again, she had been hurt, and he felt like he had failed her. He took her hand in his, his eyes scanning her face, searching for any sign of life, any glimmer of hope. "Nazia, please, don't leave me," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't lose you, not again."Shazad's gaze shifted to the secretary, a mixture of anger and accusation in his eyes. "You," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You were supposed to protect her, to keep her safe. But instead, she's lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life. What happened? How did this fail?" He took a step closer to the secretary, his fists clenched at his sides. "You promised me she would be secure, that nothing would happen to her. But I find her in an old ruin, bleeding and unconscious. What kind of security did you provide?" His voice rose in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "Tell me, what happened?"The secretary, a middle-aged man with a nervous expression, shook his head. "I-I don't know, Shazad. She insisted on going alone. We warned her, we told her it was too dangerous, but she wouldn't listen. She snuck out of the house, without any protection. We didn't even know she was gone until it was too late." He threw up his hands in a helpless gesture. "I'm sorry, Shazad. I know we failed, but she was determined to do this on her own. We couldn't stop her." His eyes darted to Nazia's pale face, his voice filled with regret. "If only she had listened to us, this might not have happened."She stepped through the rusty gates, the creaking sound echoing through the stillness. The graveyard unfolded before her like a canvas of memories, each headstone a brushstroke of love and loss. The sun cast a warm glow, illuminating the weathered stones, their inscriptions whispering stories of lives lived and loved.

As she walked along the winding path, the soft grass beneath her feet seemed to muffle her footsteps, as if nature itself was respecting the silence of the sacred place. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, their colors vibrant against the muted tones of the gravestones.

She approached her mother's grave, the marble glistening with dew, like tears shed by the heavens themselves. The headstone, adorned with delicate carvings of angels and vines, seemed to whisper secrets to the wind. She knelt down, her fingers tracing the inscription: "Beloved Mother, Rest in Peace".

The surrounding trees, like sentinels of the past, stood watch over the grave, their branches tangled in a gentle embrace. The leaves rustled softly, their whispers echoing through the stillness. A gentle breeze carried the whispers of the past, the memories of loved ones, and the promise of eternal peace.

In this serene and sacred space, she felt her mother's presence, her love and wisdom enveloping her like a warm embrace. Tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "You were right, Mother. I am innocent. But this world doesn't understand my kindness." The grave seemed to whisper back, "Keep shining, dear one. Your light will pierce the darkness."She knelt before her mother's grave, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mother, this world doesn't understand my kindness. They think I'm weak, but they don't know that I'm a storm waiting to unleash its fury."

Tears streaming down her face, she clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Second by second, they torture me with their cruel words and deeds. But they don't realize that I'm a disaster waiting to happen, a force of nature that will leave them reeling."

She paused, her chest heaving with emotion. "They think they can break me, but they don't know that I'm a tempest, gathering strength with every passing moment. And when I finally unleash my wrath, they'll be the ones who will be left shattered and weak."

The wind seemed to pick up, rustling the leaves and whispering secrets in her ear. The headstone seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, as if her mother's spirit was stirring, urging her to rise up and claim her power.

With a fierce cry, she rose to her feet, her eyes flashing with a fierce determination. "I am the storm, and I will not be silenced. I am the disaster, and I will not be defeated." The graveyard seemed to tremble with her words, as if the very earth itself was awakening to her power.Shazad's anger seemed to simmer just below the surface, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at Nazia. "What do you mean, the old reckoning had to be fulfilled?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Nazia's eyes dropped, her lashes casting shadows on her pale cheeks. "I mean, Shazad, that the past couldn't be left unsettled," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "The debts had to be paid, the scores had to be settled."

Shazad's face darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration. "What debts? What scores?" he pressed, his voice rising in urgency.

Nazia's eyes flashed up to meet his, a fleeting glimpse of defiance in their depths. "You know, Shazad. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

The air was heavy with tension, the silence that followed thick with unspoken secrets and unresolved conflicts. Shazad's eyes never left Nazia's face, his gaze piercing and intense.

Suddenly, he reached out, his hand grasping her arm like a vice. "Tell me, Nazia," he hissed, his voice low and deadly. "Tell me what you've done."

Nazia's eyes widened, her face paling further, but she remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. Shazad's grip tightened, his fingers digging into her flesh like talons.Nazia's smile was like a ray of sunshine, illuminating the tense atmosphere. "Nothing, Shazad," she said, her voice light and airy. "I just met an old friend, that's all. But I think he's angry with me." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "But please, don't ask me who it was. This time, I promise, no more tension. Next time, I'll be more careful."

Shazad's grip on her arm relaxed, his face softening ever so slightly. "Okay," he said finally, his voice gruff. "But promise me one thing, Nazia."

"Anything, Shazad," she replied, her eyes wide with sincerity.

"Promise me you'll never put yourself in danger again," he said, his eyes burning with intensity. "Promise me you'll always come to me first, no matter what."

Nazia's smile faltered for a moment, before she nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I promise, Shazad. I promise."

Shazad's face seemed to relax, his shoulders sagging in relief. "Good," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Good."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Nazia alone with her thoughts. The door creaked open, and a faint rustling sound echoed through the hallway, like the whisper of secrets kept and promises made.As Shazad walked out of the hospital room, his mind wandered back to the mysterious eyes that had haunted him earlier. "What is wrong with me?" he thought, his conscience pricking him with guilt. "I love Nazia, so why am I thinking about another woman's eyes?"

But the memory of those eyes lingered, refusing to be dismissed. They were like two glittering jewels, shining bright with a light that seemed almost otherworldly. He couldn't help but wonder who they belonged to - a goddess, perhaps, or a celestial being sent to earth to tantalize him with their beauty.

Shazad's thoughts were a jumbled mix of guilt, curiosity, and fascination as he made his way to his office. He couldn't concentrate on his work, his mind constantly drifting back to those eyes. Who was their owner? What was her name? And what was it about her eyes that drew him in like a moth to a flame?

The questions swirled in his mind like a vortex, pulling him deeper into a whirlpool of confusion and desire. He knew he had to shake off the spell, but for now, he was trapped in the thrall of those deepest, most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.Secretary Danial burst into the office, his face flushed with excitement. "Sir, we have news!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with urgency.

Shazad looked up from his work, his brow furrowed in inquiry. "What is it, Danial?"

Danial's words tumbled out in a rush. "Someone was seen near Asifa's grave, sir. And there are fresh flowers on her grave. I think she's back."

Shazad's eyes widened, his heart racing with a mix of emotions. "Where is she?" he demanded, his voice low and intense.

Danial's face fell, his apology evident. "I'm sorry, sir. We don't know yet. But we're close to finding her. If she's come to her mother's grave, it means she's in the city."

Shazad's mind raced with possibilities, his thoughts whirling with the implications."Find her, Danial," Shazad ordered, his voice firm and commanding. "I need to know what's going on."

Danial nodded, his face set in determination. "I will, sir. I'll find her."

The grand dining hall was resplendent in its finery, the royal family and their guests gathered around the majestic table. Crystal chandeliers cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls, while velvet drapes whispered secrets to the night. The table itself was a masterpiece of elegance, set with fine china, silverware, and glasses that sparkled like diamonds.

King Riaz, resplendent in his black tie attire, sat at the head of the table, his eyes shining with warmth as he gazed at his family. To his right, Queen Sofia's graceful presence radiated beauty, her tiara glinting with subtle majesty. Beside her, Princess Shazia's laughter tinkled like crystal as she chatted with her sister, Princess Nazia, whose recovery was the reason for this grand celebration.

On the opposite side, Mr. and Mrs. Mansabdar beamed with pride, their eyes fixed on Nazia with affection. Shazad, dashing in his tailored suit, sat beside them, his eyes never straying far from Nazia's face. The royal guests, a veritable who's who of nobility and aristocracy, filled the remaining seats, their conversations and laughter weaving a tapestry of joy and celebration.

As the dinner conversation flowed like a river, the room was filled with the savory aromas of roasted meats and steaming vegetables, the royal chef's culinary masterpiece waiting to be devoured. The atmosphere was alive with warmth and gratitude, the royal family's love and support for Nazia palpable in every glance and every smile. Three months had passed since the last incident, and tonight, they gathered to celebrate Nazia's recovery and her return to the warm embrace of her family and friends.

As the manager departed, Shazad sank into his chair, lost in thought. The silence was palpable, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner. Suddenly, a face materialized in the doorway, making Shazad's heart leap into his throat. "Yoooo!" he exclaimed, his hand flying to his chest.

Secretary Danial's expression was a mix of surprise and trepidation, his eyes wide and apologetic. "S-sir, I-I knocked, but you didn't respond," he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shazad's face darkened, his brow furrowed in annoyance. "What are you doing here, Danial? And why didn't you knock?" he demanded, his voice low and even.

Danial's eyes darted nervously around the room before settling on Shazad's face. "I-I did knock, sir, but you were lost in thought. I didn't mean to intrude," he explained, his words tumbling out in a rush.

Shazad's expression softened slightly, his curiosity piqued. "What do you want, Danial?" he asked, his voice a shade gentler.

Danial's face lit up with a hesitant smile. "I have good news, sir. We've finally traced Doctor Annie's whereabouts."

Shazad's eyes locked onto Danial's, his gaze piercing. "Where is she?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

Danial's eyes darted nervously around the room before settling on Shazad's face. "I was at the hospital, sir, and I overheard Doctor Kim on the phone. He mentioned that Doctor Annie's address is on Via Lata, and her house number is 267."

Shazad's face was a mask of intensity, his mind racing with the information. He leaned forward, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Danial nodded, his eyes wide with conviction. "Yes, sir. I'm positive. I remember it clearly."

Shazad's eyes narrowed, his thoughts whirling with the implications. He could feel the pieces of the puzzle falling into place, the mystery slowly unraveling. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Danial's face. "Good work, Danial. You've done well."

Danial's face flushed with pride, his eyes shining with a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, sir. I'm glad I could help."Via Lata, a street of whispers and secrets, where the ancient buildings seemed to lean in, as if sharing tales of the past. The pavement, worn smooth by the footsteps of generations, glimmered like a serpent's scales in the flickering light of the streetlamps. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming jasmine, its sweetness masking the whispers of the city's hidden truths.

As Shazad stepped onto Via Lata, the narrow street seemed to envelop him, its shadows wrapping around him like a shroud. The houses, with their faded facades and intricate balconies, appeared to watch him, their windows like empty eyes staring back. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the stillness, a solitary heartbeat in the silence of the night.

Number 267, a building like any other, yet different, its door hidden behind a tangle of vines and secrets. Shazad's heart raced as he approached, his hand reaching out to grasp the door handle, the cool metal a tangible connection to the mysteries within. With a deep breath, he pushed open the door, and stepped into the unknown.

As Danial's finger pressed the doorbell, the chime resonated through the stillness, a harbinger of the unexpected. The silence that followed was palpable, a heavy blanket that suffocated the air.

Then, a voice, like a gentle breeze on a summer's day, whispered from the other side of the door. "Who's there?" The soft cadence sent a shiver down Danial's spine, a premonition of the surprise that was to come.

Danial's response was firm, a declaration of the prince's arrival. "Prince Shazad is here to see Doctor Anni." The words hung in the air like a royal proclamation, commanding attention and respect.

The pause that ensued was an eternity, a span of time that stretched and compressed, leaving Danial's heart racing with anticipation. And then, the door creaked open, its hinges groaning in protest, like the rusty gates of fate.

A girl, with eyes like the morning dew and hair like the golden sun, stood before him, her beauty a stark contrast to the disappointment that was to come. "I'm so sorry, Prince Shazad," her voice trembled, a leaf rustled by the autumn wind. "Doctor Anni is not here. She left a few days ago."

Danial's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling from the unexpected turn. The prince's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. The girl's words hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown, daring them to uncover the truth behind Doctor Anni's sudden departure.

As Shazad's gaze fell upon his secretary, Danial, his eyes narrowed, a hint of disappointment etched on his face. "Danial, why didn't you have full information?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and reproach.

Danial's face contorted, a mask of regret and apology. His eyes dropped, avoiding the prince's piercing gaze, as if the weight of his failure was too much to bear. "I...I'm sorry, Your Highness," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "I'll be more careful next time, I promise."

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with the weight of unmet expectations. Shazad's eyes lingered on Danial, his expression a blend of disappointment and understanding. He knew that his secretary was capable, but even the most diligent of servants can falter.

With a gentle nod, Shazad acknowledged Danial's apology, his expression softening. "Very well, Danial. We'll discuss this further later. For now, let us focus on finding Doctor Anni."

Danial's face lifted, a glimmer of hope illuminating his features. "Yes, Your Highness. I'll see to it immediately." His words were laced with determination, a promise to redeem himself in the eyes of his prince.

In the sleepy town of Italy, whispers circulated about an elusive figure known only as "anni." Her true identity remained a mystery, shrouded in secrecy. Some claimed to have caught glimpses of her, but their descriptions varied like the winds.

Rumors swirled that She was a muse, inspiring creativity in those who crossed her path. Others believed She was a guardian, watching over the town with an unseen presence.

One person consumed by curiosity was Shazad, a young artist with a passion for uncovering hidden truths. His mind became obsessed with unraveling the enigma of She. Who was this phantom that haunted his thoughts?

As Shazad delved deeper into the mystery, he discovered fragments of clues. A whispered name in a forgotten diary, a glimpse of a figure in a faded photograph, a hint of a scent on a moonlit night.

With each new discovery, Shazad's fascination grew. But the more he learned, the more questions arose.

Who was She, really? A person, a spirit, or a mere illusion? And who knew her true identity? The search for answers became an all-consuming quest for Shazad, driving him to the edge of reality.

In the end, the truth remained elusive, leaving Shazad with only the haunting question: "Who was she??? Who was known that who is she? Who was on Mind of Shazad?"