White Roses Episode 02

 

White Roses as a symbol of love 

Hope__Desire__Love

 

Now that I've learned the art of shooting arrows, so what?

In our hands, only an empty bow remains

"Where is Aneesa? She must have gone to her sister's house again." When Omar entered the house alone, Farahana guessed.

"Yes, she is at Mahenoor's house."

"Alright, I'll prepare dinner. You go ahead and eat."

"No, Mom. I've already eaten."

"Alright then."

"Mom, I'm going to Islamabad tomorrow morning."

"For what reason?"

"I'm going to take Aneesa for a little outing. Zakariya uncle suggested it, and I also have some personal work there."

"Alright, take your sister with you. She'll enjoy the outing too."

"Mom, I'm going there for work."

"Then take Anum with you."

"Mom, please...I know why you're saying all this. ... I'm not a little child. How can I take Mashal or Anum with me everywhere?"

"You can take Aneesa with you, but not Anum and Mashal?"

"Mom, I'm going to rest, and I have to leave early in the morning for Islamabad. Please wake me up early." Ignoring his mother's questions, Omar went into his room.

☆☆☆☆☆

It was seven in the morning. Kabeer, Shayan, and Mahenoor were having breakfast. Kabeer asked Mahenoor about Aneesa; he remembered their conversation from last night.

"Has Aneesa woken up?"

"Yeah, she's awake. She sleeps again after Fajr prayer, it's her habit. She'll be here shortly, don't worry."

"I thought... maybe she was upset about our conversation last night."

"No... no."

"Okay. Doesn't she know that one should not sleep after the Fajr prayer because the brightness fades away from the face? You guys never stopped her?"

"We all used to advise her against it, but it's become a habit for her, and habits are hard to break." Mahenoor was spreading jam on bread for Shayan when Aneesa arrived.

"Good morning everyone."

"Good morning dear", Kabeer smiled. 

"Have breakfast quickly; Omar will come to pick you up." Mahenoor handed her some bread.

"Where is she going?" Kabeer asked.

"Aneesa is going to Islamabad. Omar will come to pick her up."

"Not Islamabad... I'm going to Murree..." Aneesa replied while spreading butter on her bread, and her response shocked Mahenoor.

"What... are you out of your mind?" She stood up.

"Do only out of mind people go to Murree? Can't I go?" She continued to eat her bread.

"Kabeer! Are you watching this? Is this a child? She's young? Are you seeing her behavior? Should you tell the family?

"If I had told the family, I might not have been sitting here in Lahore. What's the big deal?"

"Aneesa! Your sister is right; if you don't inform at home, you won't be allowed to go to Murree. If something happens to you there, who will be responsible?"

"Where am I going alone? Omar will be with me. Nothing will happen to me. And Mahenoor! Don't worry; I've talked to Omar; he won't tell Dad anything. Plus, when will I get such an opportunity again? Let it be, please. I'll meet Kashmala there as well. I promise I won't do anything mischievous.

"And should I trust you?"

"Okay, I'll come back soon." She signaled to convince Mahenoor through Kabeer.

"Fine, let her go." Kabeer took Aneesa's side. "Besides, we won't be at home, so what can she do alone?"

"Why are you going?" Aneesa asked, watching them.

"We're going somewhere outside to hang out. My break period is going on." Kabeer informed Aneesa.

"So, all three of you should come with us," Aneesa suggested.

"No, we want to spend some alone time. Thanks," Mahenoor replied, smiling at Kabeer. Now she was satisfied, having made many promises to her sister.

"Oh, Mahenoor, I told you something... my guitar and laptop? You said you would arrange them for me."

"Yes, you'll get them when the results come."

"What? I can't wait that long. Please get them for me soon."

"Okay... okay... I'll get them soon." They heard a car horn from outside.

"Looks like Omar has arrived," Aneesa said happily.

"He won't come inside?" Mahenoor asked.

"No, he won't come inside."

"Just ask him about breakfast."

"He must have had breakfast. Okay, bye."

"Take care of yourself." Mahenoor escorted her to the gate and came back.

"Did you see the happiness on your sister's face." Kabeer said to Mahenoor.

"Yes, what can I do? I can't let her lose her happiness, Her happiness means a lot to me.'" Mahenoor replied. And then they both laughed.

"Okay, listen, Noor, we'll have lunch and dinner outside today."

"Yes, that's fine. After how many days will we spend time together like this... the three of us." Mahenoor looked at her husband and son with loving eyes.

On a nameless hope, maybe still

Decorates the islands of their dreams

"Hey cousin. How are you? Don't you face any problem?" Aneesa asked while sitting in the car.

"What kind of problem?"

"Did you get permission from Farhana Aunty right away?"

"Yes. I told her that I am going to look for a job. At first she was not giving permission, but then she agreed." Omar refrained from telling the truth to Aneesa.

"And have you brought my stuff? Or have you forgotten?"

"How can I forget that. It's in the back of the car." Omar said pointing to the goods.

"Omar. Are you bringing money?"

"Why? Do you need money?"

"No. We will go shopping there, won't we?"

"You're shameless. Asking an unemployed person for money." Omar made fun of her.

"Means you came empty handed?" Aneesa's face turned angry.

"No. I have money. There are so many that you can easily move around there. anything else?" Omar comforted her and said.

"Omar... and is the car full of petrol?" Omar laughed at her question.

"Why? Why are you asking such questions?"

"No, I'm just saying it as a precaution. I wouldn't want any trouble on such a long journey." She thought it was better to hide her real concerns for now.

"Have you ever had a problem with me before?"

"Yes, this is 100% correct." Now she was looking at the road ahead. Omar stopped the car.

"You sit in the car, I will come with breakfast in just five minutes."

He had left the car after admonishing Aneesa. Aneesa was surprised to hear that he did not come from home after having breakfast, which must have meant that there must have been some problem at home. 

"Somehow Omar's family did not know that I had forced Omar to go to Islamabad. If they informed my father on the phone? So what will happen? Dad will beat me. And my dress from above."

She looked at herself. Looked at her clothes that she had adorned. Jeans and shirt and a dupatta was hanging around the neck. Bad thoughts were coming in her heart about Zakariya. About five minutes later Omar came and sat in the car. He also had food in his hand.

"Wasn't it too late?" Omar asked Aneesa smiling as he sat in the car.

"No. Omar, what did you say at home?" The worry was evident on her face.

"The same as you said that I was going from work and you stayed at Mahenoor's house."

"Did mom give you permission right away?"

"Yes. It was normal for them because I often go out. Don't worry, no one will suspect." Omar held her hand and said.

The car was on the ring road. Both of them had left Lahore at eight o'clock in the morning and now around twelve o'clock they entered the boundary of Islamabad. Omar stopped the car in front of a hotel.

"Omar...where are we?"

"Islamabad Marriott Hotel."

"The hotel? What? Shall we stay at the hotel?" Aneesa's reaction made Omar laugh.

"So where else will you live? My father has no umpires here. Get down."

"Omar... I am not coming."

"Don't be stubborn. This hotel has good service. I have done everything with care."

"Omar I am afraid of staying in hotels. There are cameras. I don't stay at the hotel."

"So where to stop? If we have come now, we will have to stop for a few days. Don't go back in one day?"

"Yes it is too."

"So come on."

They both got out of the car. Aneesa was walking behind him. He asked Aneesa to stop at one place.

"You sit here, I come to book a room."

"Listen Omar! do one thing. Book one room.

"Why? Are you crazy?"

"For you." 

"And where will you live?"

"I?... Omar... I..."

"What's I...I...? Or maybe an idea has come to your evil mind."

"It will be for your benefit Omar. She said sensing Omar's anger."

"Anyway, I am afraid of staying in hotels. So I am thinking that... I should stay in the hostel with Samira. You stay here. Your expenses will also be saved."

Omar was staring at her with his hands on his chest.

"You won't say anything? How did you like my idea?"

She saw Omar standing silently looking at him, so she wanted to ask him. Omar was looking at her as if trying to read something in her eyes.

"What are you looking at? speak up what will you do?"

"Tell me one thing." Omar, who had been listening to her nonsense for a long time, kept his anger aside and asked Aneesa.

"Since when was this going on in your mind?" Anisa felt as if Omar had revealed her lie.

"What do you mean? What was going on in my mind?"

Omar knew that no matter what happens now, she will not tell the truth. She will make a hundred lies upon another lie.

"Nothing. Forgive me. I made a mistake. Brought you here to the hotel." Omar had a tired smile on his face.

"See! Are you apologizing now? Don't waste this time. Come on, I accept you sorry."

"Dramatist, go sit in the car, I will book my room." Omar held the key to Aneesa. The key had fallen into the wrong hand.

"Omar, do one thing, now we are going around, you book a room when you come back."

"But what if the hotel booking is full? Now that I have come to the hotel, I book the room."

"Will not be full. Booking...of the hotel...so soon. Please don't go. Anyway, a lot of time has been lost."

"The time that has been lost is because of you." He was saying while leaving the hotel. Aneesa was following behind him.

"Bring it. Give me the key of the car." Omar held out his hand and asked for the key.

"May I drive in the car?" She asked holding the car lock. 

"Will you run? You're under 18. How will you run? The traffic police caught it, it will be a lot."

"Nothing happens, it's just a matter of time."

"Drive carefully... OK. It's Dad's car, don't hit the car, dad will kill me."

"OK OK, don't teach me."

Aneesa expertly brought the car to Jinnah Avenue. Omar was guiding her where to turn the car. She followed Omar's instructions for a while then thought she should stop now.

"Omar, give me the phone." She asked Omar.

"What? What do you want to do now?"

"Give me your phone, I have to find the way."

"I am telling you where to go. I know the way."

"Give me your phone, don't answer too many questions. Otherwise, you will say that I wasted my time." Aneesa bluntly told Omar and Omar gave her the phone.

She checked the location. The car was on Margalla Road. She quickly reversed the car and took it towards the Murree Expressway.

"What are you doing? where are you going?" Omar involuntarily addressed her on his action.

"Can you shut up. You will be known soon."

After a while Omar read Murree Expressway written on a board. And then slammed his head three times on the dashboard.

"Girl! I will not be responsible if anything happens to you there."

"Thank you Omar. I love you. I knew you couldn't say no to me."

"And if Zakariya uncle comes to know that you and I went to Murree, I will say that you took me away by deception."

"OK OK. They will not know. Because you keep your mouth shut and mine automatically shuts in front of them." She laughed.

"Hahahaha. Not so funny." Omar scoffed even though he was laughing himself. Aneesa looked at the wristwatch. It was four o'clock in the evening. The road looked completely deserted. Aneesa put one hand out in the air. Omar was looking at her with his arm on the window side. She was also looking at the mobile in front of her and was also handling the steering wheel.

"Do you know the way?" Omar asked her who was happily driving the car towards Murree.

"Map is there." After giving such a reply, she started humming.

"Omar! Well, I didn't expect you to agree to go to Murree so easily." 

"Even if I wasn't there, you would have dragged me away. So neither was an option. Yes, if the car was in my possession, I would have seen how you would have driven." The road was surrounded by bushes and trees on both sides. Adamzad had no name or sign for a long time. The mobile network suddenly stopped working. The mobile screen turned off by itself. Being a one-way street, it had no problem identifying the road. But after a while she stopped the car and looked at Omar, who was smiling.

"Omar! Which way to go now?"

Omar, who knew the roads very well, was sitting idly. It was evening. Aneesa's heart was pounding.

"What will happen now Omar? It will be night now. Will spend the night in the wilderness?"

"What do I know. It was your plan to come here, not mine. And I have heard that cannibals appear from these bushes at night." Aneesa widened her eyes in fear.

"And you know what? Witches dressed in white often roam the deserted streets. Bandits, robbers, ghouls, cannibals, wolves and a boy and a beautiful girl!!!"

"Does this boy and girl mean both of us?" She asked stutteringly.

"Do you see anyone else?"

"This is a lie. And we are inside the car and they will be outside." As she consoled herself.

"It is true. And what about jinn and witches, they can come from anywhere. Even from under the car." Omar said in a scary tone. Aneesa was afraid and raised her legs on the seat and sat down.

"Omar, don't say that. I will start crying." Tears filled her eyes.

"You do so, come to my seat. I try to find a way. Don't cry."

"I will not go down. you get off I will change the seat from here."

"Ahh! Crazy. Ok." Omar took over the driving seat. Omar saw Aneesa who was reading something with her eyes closed.

"What are you doing." Omar found her quite cute.

"I am reading Surah Al-Nas. It is known that it drives away jinn." She said like a child.

"Good! Carry on." Darkness grew. The road was visible only when the light fell on it. It was also dark in the car.

"Omar! Shall I turn on the dome light?"

"No. No way."

"Why? I am very afraid of the dark." She pleaded in a pleading tone.

"Do it...do it. Otherwise you will start crying."

Aneesa turns on the dome light. Omar was familiar with the roads. He did not tell this to Aneesa. There was complete silence in the car. While Aneesa was sitting with both legs on the seat, looking at the road, wondering if there would be ghosts? Aneesa was not one to stay silent for long. Otherwise, the dominance of sleep would have been revealed. She still wanted to speak.

"How old will we reach?"

"Just arriving. Why? Are you sleepy? So go to sleep. I will wake you up."

"I will say yes, if no, I will automatically go to sleep." The exhaustion was evident in her voice.

It was eight o'clock at night. Omer was driving the car a little slowly. She was sleeping. Due to the darkness, Omar found himself on the wrong path. He was not a child to be afraid. He stopped the car on one side. Finding Aneesa in deep sleep, he got down from the car. The temperature outside seemed quite low. It felt cold. He saw a small house in the distance with a dim light coming from it. He came to this house walking. Knocked. A middle-aged man came out from inside. After greeting this man, Omar asked the way.

"Uncle, I forgot the way. Need some help?"

"Where are you going, son?"

"Yes, Uncle. Where is Pindi Point from here?"

"You have left it far away. Do it spend the night with me. Leave in the morning."

"No. Uncle. I have friends with me. Please tell me how far it is from here."

The man told Omar the way. Omar came and sat in the car. Checked the phone. There was no network but Farhana's calls were received. He reversed the car and headed towards Pindi Point. Around ten o'clock they both barely reached Pindi Point.

"Get up. Aneesa, get up." Omar stopped the car in front of a magnificent cottage.

"What is it? Did the earthquake happen?"

"We have reached home. Get up. Get down. Why not walk in?"

"Yes, yes, let's go." She was asleep. Omar opened the car door. She staggered to her feet. It was quite cold outside. Omar held her hand. 

"Go right. What are you doing." Aneesa freed her hand and stood leaning against the wall. Omar rang the bell. Then knock on the door. Ayan opened the door. He brought them both inside. Anisa's eyes were searching for Kashmala.

"Kashmala is not at home. She has gone to Rawalpindi in connection with the case. Let me show you both the rooms." Ayan addressed them.

"So when will it come?" Aneesa asked.

"Will come by tomorrow. He has been there for two days. Will come tomorrow." Ayan confirmed.

"So Rania and Ashir? They did not resist?"

"No no. They are addicted."

Ayan showed them the room and went to bed himself. Aneesa also got lost in the valleys of sleep as soon as she came to her room.

Omar was just waking up. He saw the mobile. His mother had called him several times. He looked at the time.

"By now mom must be asleep. Does not disturb them. I will call them as soon as I wake up in the morning." Keeping the phone aside, he lay down. When he closed his eyes, Aneesa's smiling face came in front of him. He put both hands on his face. Then one after the other he thought about all his relationships. Sahira Mashal. Farhana. Anum. And then Farhana's words kept echoing in his ears.

"It is your mistake that I will accept Aneesa as your bride. Her brother has made my daughter's life miserable and you want me to spread happiness in her sister's cradle? Sacrifice my son for her? I will die but I will never let it happen."

Omar took a deep breath.

"Mom! I... I have desired her. I will not be able to get her even if I wanted to?" He was lost in Aneesa's thoughts for a long time and he did not even realize when he fell asleep. 

Oh, the priest of the church! 

This is a heartbreaking reality!

Jenny left university and went to Trevor's flat. A do not disturb paper was pasted on the door. Jenny angrily took off the paper and tossed it into the air. Tried to open the door but the door was locked from inside.

Trevor spanned the room. He was lying motionless on the bed in a drunken state. His eyes were red. For a long time there was a sound of knocking on the door. He angrily threw the glass in his hand on the wall. Glass shattered everywhere. He got up and walked towards the study table. He spread the white powder on the table and then frantically poured the powder inside. He sniffed the powder close to his nose. He was still restless. He dropped the pile of books on the study table and stood up. Running his hand through his hair, he pulled it. He started screaming as he lay face down on the bed.

"You! Bloody monster...you villain...I'll kill you...you bloody fool. You can't take my place. I'll defeat you. I'm number one. I'm the best. I'll ruin you. Trevor was the best, is, and will always be the best. Even if you win, you'll lose. Lose everything...I'll destroy you and ...yours."

Jenny was listening to all this. She stood there for a long time. But when she saw no hope Trevor opened the door, she went back. While Trevor's voice could be heard outside. He was screaming like a maniac.

At night, all the students were having fun in the marquee club. Alex was sitting on the couch constantly rubbing his temple. His head was pounding because of the loud music. His friends had brought him here by force. Today and tomorrow night were full of entertainment for them as they had to leave for the trip after that. It was Alex's responsibility to convince everyone for one country, which he found to be the most difficult task. Most of the students were traveling to Dubai and Turkey. But Alex had rejected both options. After talking to Peter Sir, he selected Dubai but on the condition that he would not be a part of it all.

Zohair and Wahab came and sat with him.

"So what do you think, where are you going?" Wahab asked, spreading his arm around his shoulder.

"Dubai. But I am not coming."

"Why man! Then there is no fun."

Alex smiled slightly.

"Where is everyone else?" He changed the subject.

"Will be here." Zohair said looking at his companions who were lost somewhere in the crowd.

"I have yet to make an announcement for the trip. Then I have to go home, I have a headache."

"I call, then let's go." After saying this, Zohair went to find them.

Suddenly a girl came and sat with him. It was the same ground girl Anna. Alex recognized her at first glance. As the girl sat down, she put her hand on Alex's arm, which Alex pulled away from him in one fell swoop.

"Wanna dance with me?"

Anna offers him a dance, he declines and leaves. He leaned against the wall and looked at the crowd of people who were swaying carelessly.

Trevor was lying drunk in a club room. Jenny entered the room looking for him. As soon as Trevor saw her, he got up and walked over to her and pulled her golden brown hair into his fists. A scream came out of Jenny's mouth.

"I didn't forbid you to come here, did I? Why? Why did you follow me here? And that day...you were the only one who came to my flat...that day too, didn't you?" Trevor was holding her hair tightly.

"You want to destroy Alex? Right?"

Trevor released her hair and pulled her away from him.

"Yes, I want to completely ruin him."

He said with a smile. A fire ignited within him. Jenny took out her phone and showed him a picture. A beautiful moment was captured in this photo of two boys and two girls. Trevor recognized both boys. One was Alex and the other was his brother. Trevor's eyes settled on the girls.

"Who are these?"

"She is Alex's sisters. She is in Pakistan, if you wish to..." Jenny pointed toward one of that girls. 

A diabolical idea came to Jenny's mind. She was smiling. Trevor didn't understand anything.

"Tell me the plan directly." Trevor said angrily.

"If you want to destroy Alex, take his soul. His sister is everything to him. You ruin everything for him through his sister. Suppress his main nerve."

Jenny was explaining to Trevor. Trevor stood quietly listening to her.

"What will I gain from all this?" Trevor asked, tilting his chin.

"You can take revenge on Alex for your lose." Trevor had it all figured out.

"But how do we find her?"

"It's quite easy... where Alex's family lives, that's where she will be too. You'll find her. Alex isn't going on a trip, neither are you. Pretend to be sick or do anything. Don't come with us."

"Okay...send me picture of this girl."

After some time both of them came out where all the students were present. Alex took the microphone and began the announcement. It seemed like a long time. His friends standing far away were laughing and signaling him to calm down.

"Attention please! This trip to Dubai will depart tomorrow night. I request you to submit your passports and confirm your visas. Don't delay in this matter, otherwise, you'll be responsible."

Shortly after the announcement, he was on his way out when someone pulled his jacket and he fell to the ground on his back. He was slumped down and could see the laughing faces of his friends. Waleed was dragging him to a room in the club. Then two hands helped to drag. Everyone was having a great time laughing.

"Man! I have to go home, I have to sleep, I'm sleepy." This was saying Moosa who was forcibly brought to the club with Alex. Waleed picked up a bottle on the table and shook it vigorously. The bottle began to flow.

"Let's celebrate!"

Today was Waleed's birthday. Zohair, Waleed and Moin face the bottle. While Alex and Musa were busy in eating cake.

"Musa! You bring them all. I'm going." He took a big slice of cake in his hand and went out fixing his shirt. He had come on a bike and was now going back alone.

Musa put the three of them in the car and proceeded towards the flat. On reaching the flat, he saw that the flat was closed. This meant that Alex had gone home.

"Who has the key?"

The three, who were swaying in a drunken state, tried to open their eyes.

"I... I have. the key."

Waleed took out the key from his pocket.

"Here it is."

They all entered the flat and collapsed on the bed as soon as they arrived.

Life is not easy. And not abroad at all. You have to be independent. The bitterness of life has to be eliminated by itself. Difficulties at the beginning of a new life become a source of ease for the life ahead of you. People, circumstances, fate, people's words, lack of resources, unconsciousness, your inner feelings, your own weaknesses are the obstacles in your paths that gradually disappear. Or the circumstances themselves make you better and destroy them. People's taunts, words, man's ignorance, mistakes, give awareness to man. Man's ignorance, mistakes, give consciousness to man. You become your own identity. Man begins to understand himself., and somewhere he sees many faults in himself.

If we are the one who lives, then there is the one who controls our life. In whose hand is the string of our breath. The one who is near. Closer than the aorta. But the majority knows all these later things, that's why it has been left behind and neglected.

As soon as he reached home, he went straight to the washroom. He saw himself in the mirror. The top three buttons of the shirt were open. He felt disgusted with his body for a moment. He feel started nauseous. Out in the open air. But there was still a feeling of emptiness somewhere. He returned to the bedroom. The head started throbbing badly. Taking the support of the couch in the room, he moved towards the bed. It was becoming difficult to manage himself. His eyes were closing again and again and he suddenly fell on the ground unevenly.

Now they have accepted the cage as their nest,

Where is the strength to fly in their wings?

Omar called Farhana as soon as he woke up.

"Mom, I had reached. We were late last night, so I thought it wouldn't be appropriate to call. You might have been disturbed."

"Well, that's me still. Alright... leave it. Have you had breakfast? Where are you staying?"

"We're staying at the hotel." Omar lied to Farhana smoothly.

"In the same room?"

"No, Mom... What are you talking about? I'm alone."

"Alright... fine. Take care of yourself, and there's no need to get too close to her." Farhana was busy preparing breakfast.

"Mom... don't you trust us anymore? And we're not kids anymore."

"I have complete trust in my son, but not in her."

"Mom, she's not like that. She's very good, very kind, innocent."

"Alright, alright. Just don't read too much into her cleanliness. And tell me, when will you come back?"

"I can't say anything. I'll come when the work is finished." Omar ran his hand through his hair.

"When will it be finished?"

"Soon." Omar looked at his phone. Zakariya's call was coming in.

"Okay, Mom, I'll hang up. An important call is coming."

"Alright, son. Take care of yourself."

"Bye, Mom." Omar hung up and called Zakariya as soon as the call ended.

"Hello, where are you? I've called Aneesa, but she's not picking up."

"We have reached Islamabad only last night. Aneesa is also well."

"But why is she not picking up the call?"

"I don't know uncle. Don't worry, I ask her." After that there was a small conversation between them and then Omar kept the phone. 

"I don't know what this girl is doing. She is not picking up the phone and I am telling lies one by one. Poor doesn't even know that uncle has sent her to Islamabad."

Omar came out. Ayan was having breakfast with the children. He also sat with them.

"Where is Aneesa?" Omar asked Ayan.

"She must be sleeping."

"So that means you've made breakfast?"

"Yes, obviously." Ayan replied in the affirmative.

"He would have gotten up. Let her make breakfast." Omar suggested it.

"No! No. I have no problem. And anyway, she must be tired from the journey, so thought I'd let her rest. Even if she wakes up, who comes to make her breakfast?"

"At least she would have made tea. Or she would get Asher ready for school. You were supposed to do something, after all." Omar was feeling uncomfortable staying at their house like this.

"Once Kashmala arrives, everything will be just like before, and I'm used to this routine."

Omar could only manage a smile. Asher stood up as soon as he finished breakfast.

"Shall we go?" Ayan stood up. He took Rania along. He allowed Omar to use the kitchen; they could use anything they needed without hesitation. After they left, Aneesa came out and sat down at the breakfast table. Omar was standing in the kitchen.

"Omar. Bring breakfast." As she ordered. Omar looked at her in shock.

"What? Come and get it yourself. I am not giving. And listen to me. Where is your phone?"

"Okay fine. Don't you...I am taking it myself now." She picked up the butter with a slice of bread.

"I have asked you something." Omar came and sat on the chair in front of her. She was busy in eating breakfast.

"What have you asked?"

"Where is your phone?"

"Has something happened?

"Yes. Uncle had called."

"What was saying?"

"He was asking about you."

"So what did you say?"

"You tell me. First tell me...where is your phone?"

"It's in the bag." She glanced around. "Tell me, what was dad saying?"

"Lies... tell the truth first, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" She looked at Omar angrily

"Otherwise, the next time they call, I will tell them that you are in Murree."

"I have left the phone in Lahore. By turning off the power. Next time my father calls, don't tell him that I am in Murree, but say I'm with Kashmala. With Kashmala." She said angrily. "You know what will happen. They will come to pick me up and by the day after tomorrow you will also come to Mianwali for me. To see my dead body at Jinnah Barrage." Omar was shocked. He kept listening to her.

"Good mate, sorry." Omar got up and sat on the chair next to Aneesa.

"Don't talk like that. I said it because uncle was worried about you."

She was sitting angry now, not even eating breakfast. Omar moved the chair a little closer to her. 

"Well, let's have breakfast and then go for a walk." She was still silent.

"What is your favorite place? Let's go there."

"No, first you call dad and tell him about me." Still angry.

"Well, I won't tell him now. I will never tell." Omar held her hand.

"Promise..."

Upon hearing Omar say "Promise," Aneesa looked at Omar. She smiled and picked up a slice of bread to eat. Omar smiled too.

"You look very bad when you sulk and cry." Omar commented. Aneesa playfully punched him on the arm. After breakfast, they both got ready to go outside. Ayan also returned in the meantime.

Ayan entered the room with Rania. Since Kashmala wasn't home, he had to take care of the children himself. However, she always made sure to call, but not today. Ayan initiated a video call, but Kashmala switched it to an audio call.

"Where are you? You didn't call today... Is everything alright? Or have you forgotten about me?" Ayan asked as soon as the call connected.

"I'm just leaving for home. I packed the stuff and had breakfast, that's all," Kashmala replied while driving.

"You should have just messaged me. I became distressed. Rania also missed mama." She stood by the dressing table for support.

"Did you pick Ashir up from school?" Kashmala asked barely.

"Yes... Rania and I went to pick him up together today." Ayan replied. On the other end, there was silence.

"Hello! Kashmala... Are you listening?" Ayan asked.

"Yes... yes... I'm listening," Kashmala replied.

"Your sister is here," Ayan informed her.

"Mahenoor?"

"No... Aneesa... She came with Omar. I thought you would know," Ayan said.

"No."

"Well... it seems she arrived without informing anyone at home," he said, slightly irritated by her brief responses.

"Is everything okay or not? Speak properly," he insisted.

"I'm driving. I'll talk when I get home. Goodbye," she said and hung up, putting the phone on silent mode, she put the phone in the glove compartment.

Omar parked the car on one side and was walking along. It was a rocky road. They both were walking together. They had come a long way. Talked a lot. Now both were turning back. Aneesa had a packet of popcorn in her hand. She would eat one popcorn kernel herself and give the other one to Omar's mouth.

"There is nothing good here." When something came to Omar's mind, he said it.

"Why? Why not good?"

"What's good? I didn't find anything good here. If you found something good, then let me know. I also want to know what's good," Omar replied.

"My sister's house is nice. The weather is good. The environment is good. And..." She stopped saying that.

"And what else is good?"

She wanted to say "you" to Omar but stopped herself.

"I. I am good." Omar laughed.

"Yes, but the environment is only good for vacations. There aren't that many great resources out there."

"Which resources?"

"For health and above all for education."

"Why? But the college here is good." Aneesa took the name of the college. 

"What good is this anyway? All useless work is done in college itself."

"How do you know? Have you ever studied here?"

"No. The man knows. The man keeps an eye on his surroundings. I will advise you not to take admission in such useless cities."

"Cities? Which cities?"

"This is... Murree, Islamabad etc." Omar tripped over a pebble in the path.

"Islamabad is good. Samaira is there."

"Yes, so? Islamabad is good. Samaira is good. But what about universities there... the students... the system... is that good?" Omar inquired.

"Why? What happened there?"

"What happened? Ask what didn't happen." Omar raised his eyebrows.

"What didn't happen?" Aneesa also repeated the question.

Omar stopped. Saw her face which was serious about her question.

"I thought you were joking but you are serious." He started walking. 

"I'm not kidding. Tell me why not all of them are good?"

"There are wrongdoings here," Omar replied.

"Wrongdoings? What kind of wrongdoings?" 

"Let it be. You won't believe it." 

"Why wouldn't I believe it? Tell me," Aneesa insisted. "I believe in everything you say.

"But you shouldn't share these things with others. Okay?"

"I don't do such things. Tell me."

"Well, there's deep friendship between boys and girls there. And they do every wrong thing... and girls leave the hostel at midnight to go out with boys. They do drugs. Boys do too," Omar closed his eyes and completed his statement.

"But hostels... there are guards outside them. How?" Aneesa questioned.

"You're innocent or pretending. Guards also take money. And they're involved in arranging all these things," Omar was showing Aneesa a world she had never seen or imagined.

"But my sister is not like that, Omar..."

"Yes. She can't be like that. You know her. And she doesn't even live in the hostel. She's lucky," Omer said.

"Do you know this?" Aneesa asked.

"Yes. I've known everything from the beginning," Omar said. They both remained silent for a while.

"But Omar... in all universities, it can't be like this, right?"

"Yes, you can say that... but..."

"But what?"

"Isn't it better that you study in Lahore? You'll be near Mahenoor there. You'll be completely secure there. Your sister will be there to take care of you. What do you think?" Omar suggested.

"Yes, that's fine," Aneesa agreed. And Omar? Omar will be there too. She will meet Omar. She will see him. She will be able to talk to him. Omar will be close to her in Lahore. Even the thought filled her with hope. Omar was grateful that she had agreed so easily. Now he didn't have to weave more lies.

They both reached the car. The popcorn packet in Aneesa's hand was about to empty.

"Omar! Get these new ones."

"Okay. Come on."

 Both of them started buying popcorn from a man standing on the side of the road. Aneesa was also standing with him. He looked at her with a smile.

"Do not share with anyone what I have told you." Omar handed the man money and then turned to address Aneesa.

"I won't tell anyone. But everyone already knows these things. So what difference does it make if I tell?" Aneesa replied.

"Yes... but I'm saying is that I've told you these things... this... don't tell anyone." 

"Okay, okay."

They both sat in the car. Omar reached for the popcorn when Aneesa stopped him.

"Don't eat it now. Will eat to pass the time later."

"Time pass?" He laughed. He brought the car to the road.

"Yes. Popcorn is like engagement. Pass the time from both."

"And who said this to you?"

"I myself."

"You said wrong to yourself. Engagement does not pass time."

"So what is right? You tell me."

"Engagement is a time pass for those who do not understand the sanctity of relationships. Who are not sincere about relationships. Once engaged, someone's name is associated with you, albeit temporarily. You started understanding each other. Know each other's likes and dislikes."

"And if likes and dislikes are different? If you do not understand?"

"So break off the engagement." Omar explained the solution.

"And this is called time pass!" Omar started looking at her. She was laughing.

"But life doesn't end, you choose your equal companion, who understands you. Take care of your likes and dislikes." Omar did not want to discuss the engagement.

"Now bring on the popcorn. If they finish, I'll get new ones."He started eating popcorn.

"Omar! Do engagements end?"

"Yes, if there is no understanding." Both became silent. Aneesa was lost in thoughts.

Omar and I have a lot of understanding. I will marry Omar. Omar will be mine. Will take care of me. Everything about Omar will be for me. Omar will be mine forever and ever. Life will be beautiful.

"What is the requirement for engagement?" She started again.

"Rings?" Omar thought and replied.

Aneesa looked at Omar's hands. There was a ring on the ring finger of his left hand. She felt suspicious.

"Have you got engaged, Omar?" Fear crept into her heart. Omar mar looked at the ring he was wearing on his finger.

"No... this is just for fashion." Omar took off the ring and put it in the glove compartment. But Anisa was still staring at his hands, which were busy driving. Omar drove silently for a long time. Aneesa kept looking at the ever empty road. Sometimes she would look at his hands and sometimes at her own hands.

Such a haunted city, neither seen nor heard,

Such terror that everyone's arms turned to stone.

She had reached Murree. Her head was exploding with pain. She was feeling tired due to continuous driving. The car was stopped in front of the house. In the mirror she saw her face, which was turning red. She patted her face with both hands and pushed her hair back. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out. Seeing Ayan's car in front, she realized that Ayan was at home. She entered the house. Her dupatta was hanging from both sides of her neck. She had a coat draped over her arm. Loose strands of hair swung on her waist. Mehwish, the housemaid also entered behind her.

"Hello Baji. Did you come?"

"Hmm." That was all Kashmala could answer.

As soon as Mehwish came, she got busy cleaning the house.

Kashmala entered her room. Ayan had already greeted Rania. And stuff was winding up. Seeing Kashmala coming, he got up and came to her. Kashmala turned her back to Ayan and started changing her shoes by leaning against the wall.

"Did you come!"

"Ye...Yes." Her voice was shaky. She tried to breathe but couldn't. She turned around helplessly and hugged Ayan and cried.

"Kashmala. What happened?" Ayan was surprised to see her cry like that. She kept crying. Ayan wrapped his arms around her. She was crying. She was Kashmala. Kashmala, evven when the whole world was against her, she could fight against everyone alone. She could have gone against her father in court.

Ayan sat her down on the couch and handed her a glass of water. She finished the water in one breath. She was silent. He rested his head on Ayan's shoulder and closed her eyes. There was a burning sensation in the eyes. She felt that if Ayan was with her, then everything would be with him. Ayan also put his head on hers and closed his eyes.

"Ayan, I will lose everything."

"Why are you saying that? Tell me what happened. I'm, I'll fix everything."

She sat silently resting her head on his shoulder. Tears were falling from her closed eyes.

"You know your sister is here. What will she think if she sees you in this state? And if he mentions it at home? So you know that everyone at home must be worried. Tell me. What's the problem? I'll sort it all out. Have a problem with the case?"

"Niaz Sikandar came. He has threatened me."

"Threat of what?"

"He said that if I don't withdraw the case against his son, he will kill one of you."

"How will he kill like that? Isn't it a bit of a joke? He will do nothing of the sort." Ayan knew how dangerous they all were. He did what he said. Niaz Sikandar, no small man, was the city's well-known bureaucrat. But still he was comforting Kashmala.

"What if he did something? He said that I do not love you and the children at all. I don't care about you guys. His son, Taimoor. He is your friend, isn't he? Tell him to stop his father. And punish his brother for all that he has done "

"It is not all that simple. And then how can I make a son against his father and brother?"

"Taimoor must also know that his brother is wrong. He has often been involved in such cases."

"So what has the court decided now?"

"After ten days, the final decision will be taken in the Lahore High Court."

"Who is the girl with whom all this happened?"

"The girl's name is Batool. She's the only daughter. And she has a brother too. Father is a government employee. She had told that Behram Sikandar used to harass him daily. And had also sent her a marriage proposal. But on her repeated refusal, Burhan kidnapped her on April 20 and raped her. The medical report is also a witness to this. While Burhan is now clearly denying that he has not even seen this girl. There is also a video. His car number is also clear in it."

Ayan was listening to her. But what could he do. 

"Did you eat food? No, you must not have eaten."

"Ayan!" She held his hand while speaking in a pleading tone. Her voice trembled.

"Will you talk to your friend?"

"You have the evidence. You will win."

"But if he does something to you or anyone else..." She stopped.

"What if I talk to Taimoor? He will do the same as you did. If he told me to take my wife away from all of them?"

Kashmala was silent, she had no answer. Ayan was right.

"I never stopped you from anything. And I will not stop now and never again. You know I never interfered in anyone's work. Those who have work to do, do it yourself. But you will always find me standing by your side." He stood up.

"I put food on. You must be tired. Go to sleep after eating. I will be back by evening. Then we will talk."

Ayan took her hand and led her into the kitchen. Now he was standing in the kitchen taking out food.

"Sir, I take out the food for Baji." Mehwish spoke.

"It's ok. I will do it. You go."And she left.

Ayan placed the curry plate in front of Kashmala and poured water into the glass and moved it towards her. He was about to leave when Kashmala stopped him.

"Stop a little longer. Eat with me."

"The meal? I have eaten food. But. But I sit."

He sat on the chair with Kashmala. She continued to eat and Ayan watched her. Kashmala's eyes were on her uniform. Ayan would push back the hair from Kashmala's face. His presence gave Kashmala a sense of completeness.

"Now eat and sleep. You need rest."

"Ok." Kashmala finished eating. Ayan went to put the dishes in the kitchen. Kashmala went towards her room. He was standing back outside the kitchen. Kashmala stood in front of him. She had something in her hand.

"What are you looking at?" Ayan asked with his eyes closed.

"Don't you think you're forgetting something?"

Ayan tried to remember. Then took Kashmala's hand in his hands.

"I'm here... You're here... In front of me... My breaths... (and then Ayan brought her hand close to his lips and kissed) And more than anything, we are both happy."

Kashmala freed her hand and then placed the name plate on her uniform.

"Ayan Ali. Now everything seems complete." Kashmala touched the nameplate with her index finger.

"I forgot?"

"Yes."

"Look again. You are there to take care of me."

"Forever...forever."  Kashmala was showing her right.

"At least don't say that. Not always." Ayan put his arms around Kashmala.

"You just started again." Kashmala's eyes were sad.

"One day, InshaAllah..."

Meanwhile, his phone rang and the words of his heart stopped coming and going on his tongue. Khizar's name flashed on the mobile screen. He attended the call.

"Waalaikum Salam Officer...OK...I am just coming...OK Officer."

After saying this, he put the phone in his pocket. Kashmala was watching his style, how he was talking.

"You'll jinx me."

She couldn't stop laughing at Ayan's words.

"I can jinx you, right? Never."

"Good. I'm going now. Take care of yourself. Don't take tension."

Kashmala came to her room. She glanced at her daughter, who was sleeping. Then she picked her up in her lap and closed her eyes and leaned against the crown.

Omar and Aneesa came home. Aneesa was still insisting on going out for a walk. Omar was quite tired. He promised Aneesa that they would go out in the evening. The house was empty. There was no sound. Mehwish was washing dishes. Omar went to his room. Aneesa went to Kashmala's room. She opened the door quietly. Seeing Kashmala and Rania sleeping, she returned to her room. She took out a picture from the cupboard and lay down on the bed with it. She started looking at the picture. In the picture, she and Omar were together. She touched Omar's picture with her fingers. A smile spread across her face. She looked out the window, thought for a while, and then smiled again. She placed the picture under the pillow and tried to sleep. Omar's thoughts kept coming to her mind again and again.

Just a few more days, my love, just a few more days,

We are forced to breathe in the shadow of oppression.

Tanveer and Shahzeb were present at Aneesa's house. Naheed placed water in front of them and went to the kitchen to prepare food, while Uzair sat with them. When Naheed returned, she got engaged in conversation with them.

"Aunty, you must get tired doing all the work alone," Shahzeb asked when he saw her working.

"Alone? Sahira is there. She helps," Naheed replied.

"Aneeesaaa...she doesn't do any work?" Tanveer pulled her name out in a derogatory manner, and Uzair glanced at her with a scowl.

"No, son. Where else would these household chores come from her? Zakaria even says she should learn to work. Besides, girls often have to face many difficulties," Naheed replied with a smile.

"Yes, yes, absolutely," Tanveer said, and Uzair was still staring at him.

"Auntie... you've never forcefully intervened in this matter either," Shahzeb remarked.

"No," Naheed replied with a smile. "It's her choice, what can we do? We've made every effort from our side."

Meanwhile, Sahira came out of her room.

"Why are you guys asking about her?" she asked them both as she approached.

"Just like that, her name came up, And so nothing." Shahzeb said, trying to deflect. 

"Liar. You mentioned her." Uzair pounced on him.

"No, son. Don't talk to adults like that...say sorry", Sahira scolded her son. While Uzair turned his eyes away.

"It's ok Bhabhi. Don't scold. He is a child. Your son is a complete copy of his aunt Aneesa." Shahzeb said with a faint smile.

"Rude bit." Tanveer spoke in Shahzaib's ear. Shahzeb elbows Tanveer and stands up.

Shahzeb teased Tanveer, and he stood up.

"Alright Auntie, let's go. The ones we came to meet aren't even at home," Shahzeb said, picking up a glass of water and taking a sip.

"What does that mean?" Naheed asked, puzzled.

"Auntie, he's actually talking about Uncle and Shehroz," Tanveer explained, trying to handle the situation.

"We will keep coming back. It's our home," Shahzeb said, smiling, as he reached out his hand towards Uzair. But Uzair didn't shake hand. Shahzeb withdrew his hand himself and clenched his fist tightly. He was furious at the two-inch-tall boy. Aneesa's reflection was visible. He felt like throttling the boy sitting in front of him. But they both went outside.

"Do you had seen his stubbornness," Shahzeb expressed his anger to Tanveer.

"What do we have to do with him? Leave him. First, let's solve Aneesa's issue, then we'll see about his too," Tanveer reassured him, patting his shoulder.

"Don't you get angry?" Shahzeb asked Tanveer.

"I do. I get angry a lot. I'll settle all scores in one day," Tanveer replied and they both laughed. 

"Definitely... definitely... we all will, even..." Shahzeb chuckled.

"Bro, just stop it. Whenever you go in front of her, your voice just doesn't come out." .

"It becomes necessary. I will deceive him by being his sympathizer. Everyone has their own way." Shahzeb clapped Tanveer while saying.

"You will go very far." They both laughed at this.

Uzair was sitting on his knees on the couch with his face saddened. Sahira was scolding him and cleaning the rice for dinner.

"Go, go and study. Always playing around. Sometimes you need to stop."

"No, no, no." He was still sitting upset. Call Aneesa. I will study then.

"I will tell your father. You have become very naughty." Sahira threatened him.

"Then why did father hit you?" He went to him and putting his arms around his neck asked.

"When? When did he hit me?"

"He hit you one day, at night." Remembering with quite innocence. He was a child. But he understood.

"He doesn't hit. He is very good."

"If they are good, then why do they hit you?" His question remained the same.

"You don't study, that's why." Sahira said lovingly and sat him down in front of her.

"I don't study?"

"Yes."

"So if I study, they won't hit you?"

"Yes. Will you study?"

"But Aneesa Auntie doesn't study either, and no one hits her."

"She does study, but she hides it from you, so she can go far away."

"Why?" He started to cry.

"Why are you crying now? You study too. You'll also go away with him."

"Get married?"

"Oh God! You have such a sharp mind! Ask your father."

"But they hit us. And you all were saying to get her married. Both Aunt Samaira and Uncle Junaid." He mentioned everyone. "Will everyone go away?" Uzair's question was perplexing Sahira.

"Yes, yes," carrying the rice pot, she headed towards the kitchen. Uzair was holding her dupatta and following her.

Naheed was preparing curry for the rice.

"Mom, you go, I'll do it." Sahira said, taking the knife from her hand. Uzair was standing behind her. Tears were in his eyes.

"What happened to him?" Naheed asked when she saw him.

"It's nothing. Just excuses for not studying."

Naheed called him to her, but he stubbornly stood beside his mother.

"Mom, you go. He's being stubborn for no reason. If you show him love, he'll become even more obstinate."

"I'll tell Auntie. She'll take me to Mamu's place. I'll tell her about you too." He said to Sahira.

"Yes... tell her, but for now, go and study."

"You come too. Otherwise, I'm not going."

"Bring the bag here." Upon Sahira's instruction, he hurriedly went and fetched the bag from the room. They both seemed preoccupied now.

Shahroz entered the kitchen. Sahira saw him.

"Come here, let's talk in the room," Shehroz said in a stern tone.

She started to leave, but Uzair grabbed her dupatta and followed her.

"Where is Uzair's birth certificate, bring it out," Shahroz said and left.

Now she was searching everywhere anxiously.

"Let's check in the cupboard," Uzair was following behind her,

"Yeah, " Sahira said and started looking into the cupboard. 

She knew if the papers weren't found, what Shahroz would do.

"Found them or not? I was told to search for papers, not to make them." Shahroz was standing over her head.

"Yes, yes, I'm looking. We'll find them." She had placed her head in the cupboard. Her hand went straight to the papers. Then she paused.

"Why do you need?"

"I'll enroll Uzair in a boarding school; he doesn't study here," Shahroz said.

Sahira's heart sank. She clutched the papers tightly. She felt dizzy. Then she took refuge in the cupboard to compose herself.

"What happened?" Shahroz caught her and made her sit on the bed.

"Nothing, just felt a bit dizzy."

"You go and get some water." Shahroz instructed Uzair.

"You lie down on the bed comfortably." Shahroz covered her with a blanket.

Uzair brought a glass of water. Shahroz placed the glass to Sahira's lips. Sahira was watching Uzair as she drank.

"You go. Take this," he said.

"Do you want to secure Uzair's future or not?" Shahroz was sitting beside her.

"He's still young; he needs us, Shahroz."

"Needs? Even when we're not here tomorrow, he'll have to learn to live."

"What about tomorrow, who has seen tomorrow, it's today, our today, our son."

"He is our tomorrow. A bright tomorrow."

"How will I live without him, Shehroz?"

"Oh Sahira, I'll make sure to talk to him every day," Shahroz suggested a solution to overcome the distance.

"So I can love him, sitting in front of him? If he cries, can I wipe his tears?"

"He'll go when he has to. That's it."

"He does study, Shahroz!"

"What does he study? Put emotions aside. We can't take him on the path of our struggles. And most importantly, those who know I are at that school. They'll take care of our Uzair."

"Nowadays, no one cares. It's all about a day or two."

"It's good, isn't it? He'll learn the bitterness of life."

"He's still young, isn't he?"

Uzair came in and lay down with Sahira.

"Why did you come back again?" He saw his mother after his father scolded him.

"Innocent child!" Sahira bent down and kissed his cheek.

"It's okay. If we don't find the birth certificate, we'll get a new one tomorrow."

"Shahroz!" Sahira's voice trembled.

"The second option was there, but you yourself chose to hit the mark."

"Will you leave your parents alone?"

"Okay now, you leave. Leave your son."

Sahira was holding Uzair's hand.

"Think again, will you go to Lahore or send him to boarding school?"

"Are you blackmailing me?"

"Understand what you need to."

Sahira's blood boiled, Shahroz walked out.

"Mama! What were Dad saying? Will they enroll me in a new school?"

"Yes."

"Why, isn't this one good enough?"

"It's good, but the one they're talking about has strict rules. They pay more attention to the students."

"Even here, teachers are strict. I study every day."

Sahira remained silent, lightly smiling as she ran her fingers through his hair. Uzair looked at Sahira. Her face was clear, devoid of any wrinkles. Truly, his mother was beautiful; every boy's first love is his own mother. He too had boundless love for his mother.

"Mama, are we going to uncle's house?"

"Who said that?"

"Dad was saying just now."

"It's something else, you go to sleep." Sahira draped the blanket over Uzair and stood up.

"I'll check the dinner, you sleep."

She has now come to the kitchen. Shahroz was sitting outside. Sahira could see him.

Perhaps they may never return to your gathering

And no other grief may bring you to tears in solitude

Aneesa woke up and saw that Kashmala was standing in the kitchen making breakfast. Aneesa sits on the chair, closes her eyes and rests her head on the table, as if she is still asleep. Mehwish was busy in cleaning.

"Give me breakfast." Aneesa calls out to Kashmala. At that time, Omar also came.

"Have you ever had breakfast yourself?" Omar taunted her as he dragged the chair. But Aneesa did not say anything in response. Kashmala served breakfast to both of them and went to the room to get Ashir ready for school. She came out with Ashir. Ayan and Khizar had left at the time of Fajr call.

"Ashir had breakfast quickly." Kashmala held him a sandwich.

"Omar, please drop him at school."

"Ok." Omar agreed. Aneesa pointed to Kashmala in her eyes. But Kushmala did not understand.

"Kashmala you also go with Omar. It is good. It will be good. Do you know if Omar forgets the way?"

"I'm not a child who would forget the way." Omar said.

Aneesa kicks Kashmala under the table. Kashmala remembered.

"I do this, I just walk with you. Ashir also has to get his school leaving certificate, as we have to shift to Kakul in some days." Kashmala said to Omar. 

"Ok. As you wish."

Everyone had breakfast. When Kashmala went to the room to get the bag, Aneesa followed her. And closed the door and came to her.

"Do you remember what to ask Omar?" Aneesa said in a low tone.

"Yes, yes, I remember. You take care of Rania. I'm going, running late. Omar is waiting."

"And then tell me everything Omar said."

"Yes, sure." Saying this, Kashmala left.

After dropping Ashir at school, they were both coming back. Omar was driving.

"How is Aunt Farhana?" Kashmala initiated the conversation.

"They're all fine." Omar ended the conversation with just saying "all."

"Oh, that's good... and... what will you do next... I mean, the future..."

"I'm thinking of opening a clinic. Hopefully, everything will be good and it will happen soon."

"Yes, InshaAllah," Kashmala replied.

"Yes," Omar responded. Kashmala would sometimes look at Omar, sometimes in front of her.

"Is there something?" Omar sensed that maybe Kashmala wanted to say something.

"No, nothing special," Kashmala replied, and Omar smiled lightly. They both reached home.

"Omar... can I ask something?" Finally, Kashmala gathered the courage to ask. Omar started to get out of the car but stopped.

"Of course, ask away."

"Have you thought about marriage?"

"Mom will think about that." He smiled, but just for a moment.

"Don't you like anyone? "

"When Mom makes the decision, what difference does it make to my liking someone or not?"

"Meaning, is there someone in your life?"

"Maybe... there could be someone... and... maybe not."

"Who is it? Won't you tell me?"

"What's the point of mentioning her name when it's known that she is not mine?" Omar's face showed a hint of sadness.

"Don't say that. Tell me who it is. I'll talk to her. Who knows, maybe I can help you in this matter."

Omar smiled at her remark.

"You can't do anything."

"Well, I know about that one?"

"Yes... very well."

"Who is she? Just tell me the name. I won't share it with anyone."

"Aneesa," Omar said her name, then closed his eyes and rested his head against the seat.

"I had a feeling," Kashmala said happily. "I had a feeling that you love Aneesa. So tell me... when are you going to marry her?"

"Marriage? Who told you that I'm going to marry her?" Omar's response made Kashmala pause.

"Omar... you..." Kashmala couldn't believe it.

"I can't marry her."

"But why, Omar?"

"Mom has already seen a girl for me. I will marry the girl she has chosen for me."

"What? Really? When?"

"I don't think it's necessary to tell you."

"When is the wedding?" Kashmala felt troubled by Aneesa's side.

"This year."

"Did you ever think about Aneesa, what will happen to her?"

"I did. I thought about her. That's why I'm getting married," Omar closed his eyes again.

"Omar..." Kashmala mentioned his name in a pleading tone.

"I can't do anything."

"Please refuse the marriage. Please."

"Why? Why should I do that? I can't do that."

"You know that Aneesa also loves you. How will she manage?"

"I didn't force her to love me," Omar said coldly and opened the car door, stepping outside. Kashmala followed behind him.

"You didn't force her, but you've made her aware of her love for you. Aneesa likes you. You like her. That's it, end of discussion. What's the problem then?"

"Please, Kashmala. I don't want to talk anymore. You'll be hurt."

"You've already hurt me. By involving my sister in your life like this, depriving her of happiness." Kashmala stood facing him. "Talk to me."

"Kashmala... at least I can't afford to displease my parents, go against their decisions, as you have." Omar reproached Kashmala with bitterness.

Kashmala took a deep breath and stepped back. Omar understood her point only when she stood aside, leaving him to ponder the path he had chosen.

"I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention, Kashmala." Omar's tone softened.

"It's okay. It's all right," Kashmala smiled, patting his shoulder, and entered the house. Omar followed behind, his head bowed.

Aneesa was playing with Rania. Kashmala and Omar entered their respective rooms together. Aneesa followed Kashmala into her room, holding Rania's hand.

"Did you talk to Omar?"

"Yes, I did."

"So, what did he say?" Aneesa asked eagerly.

"Take a breath, crazy girl! Let me catch my breath," Kashmala chuckled lightly. She was sitting on the sofa with her head resting on the back as if she were tired. Aneesa was sitting in front of her on the center table.

"Omarrr..." Kashmala stared at the ceiling.

"Yes... tell me... what did he say?" Aneesa asked.

"Omar is fine but..."

"But what?"

"Not for you." Kashmala placed her hand on her.

"Why are you saying that? Did something happen? What did he say? He's not bad, right?"

"Forget him. Let him go." Aneesa shrugged off her hand.

"Is it easy to forget?" Her eyes welled up.

"You were the one who always said you wanted a companion like Ayan. So, Aneesa... he's not Ayan. He can't be Ayan." Kashmala explained to her.

"Then I'll die."

"No one dies without someone. People compromise with circumstances. Everyone learns to live."

"If he marries me, everything will be fine."

"He won't marry you." This time Kashmala's voice was firm.

"But why?" She was also determined.

"That's it. You asked me to find out if he'll marry you or not... Now the answer is clear. He won't marry you. Isn't that right now? Remove this thought from your mind." Aneesa looked at her uncertainly.

"Let it be, Aneesah. It's difficult. I'm not asking you to end your relationship with Omar. Take your time... with Omar... with Mashal... but only as a cousin, understand?" She still wasn't sure.

"And he's a non-mahram. If he is, he is. What can be done? Don't forget your limits. Dreams aren't seen with non-mahram. Do you understand? I know you will understand," Kashmala held her face in both hands.

"Why did he deny it, Kashmala? Am I not good enough?" Aneesa's mind was focused on just one thing.

"I told you, didn't I, that he will prioritize love and relationships above all. He has indeed chosen relationships. But you don't believe it." Kashmala stood firm.

"Kashmala..." Aneesa tried to stop Kashmala.

"He's a man. If anything happens, he'll come out unscathed. All the mess will come upon you. They will save him, those relationships he has saved. And the rest, only you will remain. Your love. Your respect. If you have to choose between the two, choose respect. Hatred from others might be your fate, but what's love without respect? Life passes by without love, but respect? Without respect, a person is nothing. And yes, now pray that you find someone who brings both respect and love to you." Saying this, Kashmala left.

Aneesa got up and went to her room. She locked the door and stood silently for a while with her head bowed. She took off her hanging dupatta and placed it aside. Standing in front of the dressing table, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes and nose were turning red. She touched her face with her hands.

"What was lacking in me?

Ponytail confined, she let her long hair loose. She wanted to cry. 

"Will Omar really leave me? Why did he say that to Kashmala? My love, every moment spent with Omar... Am I not beautiful? Why? Why did Omar do this? He was my only hope. Will he also drift away from me like other relationships?"

Every beautiful moment spent with Omar began to flood back into memory. Those moments when they laughed together. Family gatherings they attended together. Everything changed so quickly. It occurred to her, 'It's just like yesterday'"

Beautiful moments pass, but beautiful memories remain. Why do we cry remembering our golden past? Why does our glorious yesterday force us to cry? She was crying... Omar had rejected her love. Her crying... It wasn't just crying. She sat silently shedding tears.

She turned her neck to the left, where an incomplete painting stood, in its final stages. Rubbing her face against the back of her hand, she moved towards the painting. Brush in hand, she saw the nearby colors that appeared faded. Beautiful colors and faded? She started painting. But she rubbed the brush so vigorously that the canvas got ruined entirely. Then she didn't stop.  Frustrated, she pulled the palette from the ground with force, causing it to scatter, yet it remained intact. Colors splattered everywhere. Sitting on her knees on the ground, she began to cry. Disheveled hair. Reddened face. Teary eyes.

One person, just one person, when he leave her, she felt like everything was over. Everything was lost. If someone tries to explain to her that life doesn't end with the departure of one person, she replies,  

"Come, see, mine has ended."

Throughout life, enmity persisted with storms,

We kept lighting lamps amidst the winds.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. He looked around frantically. Hospital, he was in a hospital. How did he get here, who brought him here? He tried to remember, a throbbing pain erupted in his head. He attempted to sit up but groaned in pain and lay back down. In the midst of this, a nurse entered the room.

"Oh! You're awake. Let me call the doctor."

A while later, the nurse entered the room with the doctor. The doctor checked his report and conducted a heart beat check.

"How are you young man? You seem to be recovering quite quickly."

He lay there quietly, watching the doctor.

"How did I get here?"

"You don't need to stress too much."

Due to the pain in his head, he was feeling nauseous. He began to recall what had happened to him. He remembered the last time, where, and with whom he was. There was a party at the club, he had made arrangements for the trip, he was with a girl before heading home from the club. Almost an hour. He had given the girl two hundred dollars and his ring as a tip. Then he came home. And then he went to his room. After entering the room, what happened next, his memory was blank, he couldn't remember anything further.

"Don't worry, you'll be discharged by this evening," the doctor said with a smile, adjusting his glasses.

He closed his eyes.

"What's the date today?"

"It's June 1st," the nurse replied.

"June 1st?" He was startled.

"Yes, handsome, it's June 1st today."

It meant that he had been in a state of unconsciousness for the past three days. How could this happen? How did the addiction overpower him so much? It had never happened before. He used to drink before, but not like this.

In the midst of his thoughts, a girl entered the room. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hands. The nurse left with the doctor.

"How are you, Romeo?" the girl extended the bouquet towards him, but he didn't take it.

"Who are you?"

"Me? I'm Peter's daughter," she said with a smile. Alex, misunderstanding, took the bouquet from her hand.

"He brought me here?"

"Well... your senses are very sharp. Yes. Get well soon, and then the doctor will discharge you."

"I'm fine... just a little headache."

"It's a hangover, Romeo!"

"Please don't call me Romeo again," Alex warned.

"I'm Juliet," the girl introduced herself.

"I asked you?"

"You're very beautiful."

"I know, don't tell me."

Juliet's smile disappeared at his this statement.

"And if I were to tell you that I love you?"

"This offer is old for me. I've rejected many such offers with grace."

The person lying in front of him was unlike anyone he had encountered before. Could someone really be of such bitter temperament? He was sweetening his words, lacing them with sweetness, as he spoke to the girl standing before him. The girl? Who was she? She was his teacher's daughter.

Your teacher said that until you get better, our housemaid can take care of you." Juliet changed the subject herself. Now she was packing his things. Alex lay with his eyes closed.

"There's no need for that. I'll manage," Alex said.

"It's okay. You need rest. If you have any problems with the maid, I can handle it... your work."

"Get out," he yelled angrily. 

Juliet looked at him in surprise.

"Did I say something wrong?" she thought.

"I said, get out," the nurse heard the noise and entered the room. Juliet was still standing there. Alex threw the bouquet of flowers on the ground.

"What's wrong?"

"Tell this woman to leave here." Alex gestured towards Juliet.

"You go outside. Let the patient rest," the nurse addressed Juliet. Juliet glanced at Alex once and then quickly left the room.

The nurse administered an injection to Alex.

"You rest. I'm here," she reassured him.

The nurse walked towards the fallen bouquet on the ground and collected the scattered flowers.

"By the way, you shouldn't have been angry at those beautiful flowers. Is that girl your friend?"

"No."

"Then who was she?"

"She's no one to me. She just came here uninvited."

The nurse smiled.

"No one has come from your home yet. You said you have no relation with that girl. But still, she came."

The nurse stood beside him, holding the bouquet in her hand.

"My family doesn't live here. If they did, this girl wouldn't have to go through the trouble for sure."

"It's okay. She has already gone through the trouble now. You should also make a little effort... thank her." 

On hearing the nurse's suggestion, Alex turned his head away. The nurse placed the bouquet back on the table.

"I'll be sitting outside. You rest. If you need anything, just give me a call," the nurse said before leaving the room. Outside on the bench, the same girl was seated, and the nurse joined her.

"Until when will he be discharged?" Juliet asked the nurse.

"By this evening," the nurse replied, Juliet smiled and nodded.

"I'll go get some water," Juliet said as she stood up and left. Perhaps she was crying.

It is here that my cowardly enemy has been defeated

Against me alone, your army turned out to be no match.

Ayan and Kashmala were busy packing. Ashir was helping them, taking out small items from the drawers. 

"Is something wrong?" Ayan examined her face for sadness. 

"No, nothing." 

"Then why do you seem off?" 

"There's just a lot of work, maybe that's why you thought so, otherwise there's nothing." She was folding clothes and putting them in the suitcase.

"Are you sure?"

There was a knock on the door. It was Omar. Omar requested permission to come in, and then he entered.

"Kashmala... I need to talk to you."

"Yes, I'm listening."

Omar glanced at Ayan. Kashmala looked at both Omar and Ayan.

"Can we talk alone?" Omar asked Kashmala.

"Okay, I'll come out." She stood outside the room with Omar.

"Kashmala... I want you not to tell Anisa about whatever I told you today."

"Okay," Kashmala replied without looking at him.

"And?"

"And there was nothing else to say."

Kashmala was about to leave when Umar called her.

"Are you still upset with me about that?"

"Why am I starting to be displeased with you?" Kashmala used to address him as "you" as informal and frankly manners but today, for the first time, he referred Omar in a formal tone. It didn't sit right with Omar.

"I'm not displeased with anyone," Umar said, trying to gauge her reaction. She remained silent.

"Are you displeased?" Omar again asked. 

"I've already answered that. I have a lot of work," she said, then walked into the room. Omar stood there, head bowed.

He went to Aneesa's room. He saw that the room was in disarray. Mehwish was cleaning it.

"Where is Aneesa?" Omar asked Mahwish, not finding Aneesa in the room.

"I don't know," Mehwish replied.

"Who did this?"

"Those who live in this room," Mehwish said curtly.

"Aneesa?"

"Yes, sir."

"But why?"

"I wouldn't know, sir. Perhaps they're upset about something. They might have had an argument with Baji."

Omar came out of the room and looked around the house, but Aneesa was not there. He stepped outside and saw her sitting on a large rock a short distance away from the house. Omar paused there. He was about to approach her when he saw someone else heading towards her. Omar stopped. It was Khizar. Omar stood there, watching them from a distance.

"The weather seems gloomy today," Aneesa noticed Khizar standing a short distance away from her.

"Khizar bhai, you?" She had a book in her hand as she sat there.

"You weren't feeling down?" he asked.

"No, not at all."

"Don't lie to me. Look at your face. Anyone can tell that someone's hand is behind making this beautiful face sad." Khizar's words brought a faint smile to her face.

"When was the last time you washed your face?" Khizar's question made her laugh even more.

"I just washed it," she replied.

"Do you know, Junaid used to wash his face once a week?" Khizar found amusement in teasing her. At least she seemed happy now.

"How many times do you wash your face?" Aneesa asked him.

"Well, I'm so handsome that even if I don't take care of myself, I'd still be the most handsome guy in the world."

"I like your humor. I'll tell your brother about this." Everyone knew that Khizar's antics often embarrassed his brother, Ayan.

"You're contributing to the injustice as well," Khizar mentioned Ayan.

"Let me add to your knowledge that it's not just me but also your brother, Junaid, who has been a victim of our brother's tyranny. He and I have both faced harassment together in PMA, and now, he is going back to Kalkul to continue harassing your brother. He chuckled.

"Really? If that's the case, then it's a good thing."

"You didn't care?"

"I can confidently say that because of you, Junaid must have suffered."

"Oh, come on! Your brother is way ahead of me."

"My brother is innocent."

"Wanna bet?"

"No."

"Why are you scared? Afraid of losing?"

"No. I'll ask Ayan myself."

"Put it in! Put it in! "Put it with enthusiasm into the lion's den.They'll give you a thorough beating in PMA too."

"That won't happen."

"We'll see."

"Yes, we'll see."

"You're just like Junaid. He's also stubborn and sharp-tongued. Thank God we found a good sister-in-law. Otherwise, such people in this world... Oh God!"

"I'll tell Kashmala to be strict with you."

"Hahaha!" He burst into laughter. "That could only happen in your dreams."

"Alright." She closed her eyes.

"What are you doing?" Khizar asked.

"I want to see how Ayan treats you, brother. How do you look when you're getting scolded?Oh! You look so handsome." 

"Open your eyes, ma'am... That's not possible with Kashmala around. She considers me her little brother, and what do you think, she'll let me bully her husband? Never." 

He was laughing. Aneesa was also laughing. Omar stood at a distance watching them. There was something going on between them that made them both laugh. Whatever it was, it looked pleasant.

Omar went back inside the house and sat in the lounge. Ashir went outside. Umair called him, "Where are you going alone outside?"

"I'm going to call Aneesa aunty and Khizar uncle. Mom has asked," Ashir said.

"Should I come along too?"

"It's up to you, uncle."

Omar decided to go with him. They both reached Aneesa and Khizar.

"Mom is calling both of you," Ashir informed Aneesa and Khizar.

"What were you both doing here?" Omar asked them.

"You left your beautiful cousin all alone. She was sitting there feeling sad, so I thought I'd keep her company," Khizar replied to Omar's question.

"If she had told me, I would have been with her," Omar said, looking at Aneesa. Aneesa also looked at Omar in response.

"Shall we go?" Ashir called out to the three of them. "Mom is waiting."

"Just a moment... Can we wait a little longer?" Aneesa asked, looking at Omar. Omar stood there silently, looking at her.

"It's okay, there's no problem. Bhabhi won't get angry. Let's stop Ashir too, otherwise she'll keep sending him back repeatedly to call us," Khizar expressed his opinion.

They lingered for a while and chatted. Ashir kept checking the time on his wristwatch repeatedly. Khizar took his wristwatch and put it in his pocket.

"If you weren't a military man's son!"

Khizar was telling them stories about Junaid and his military experiences, which were quite amusing and interesting.

"Junaid was more stubborn than me. Whenever we went to the mess to eat, he would quickly finish his food and then eat mine too. Often, he would get scolded for being late, and then I had to smuggle food for him." 

"So you was a thief." Aneesa supported her brother.

"The biggest thief was your brother. Perhaps you and Bhabhi know about the him that girl's heart..." Aneesa hinted to Khizar to keep quiet secretly.

He stopped.

"What happened next?" Omar asked, showing interest.

"What happened next...Your cousin will tell you. Tell us, ma'am, what happened next?" Aneesa was trying to keep her lips from trembling.

"If Omar found out that my brother was interested in a girl, what would he think about Junaid?"

"Tell us," Omar addressed Aneesa, who was lost in her thoughts.

"Yes... Junaid had read the boy's heart," Aneesa finally replied, not knowing what to say.

Omar was puzzled.

"He couldn't handle it at all. It was so dirty, how she handled it." Khizar was thinking to himself and struggling to control his laughter.

"Yes, exactly. That's what happened. The boy's heart was craving biryani... and my brother found out." 

"She lied so blatantly," Khizar replied, laughing even more. Aneesa was looking at him, also finding it amusing.

"Uncle!" Ashir grabbed Khizar's hand.

"Let's go home, it's getting late."

"Okay okay. Let's listen to the rest of the story at home. Your aunt will narrate it." Aneesa gave Khizar a gentle nudge.

They all reached home. Ayan and Rania were playing with building blocks. Khizar now looked completely serious.

"Now, smile," Aneesa said in a low voice.

"What are you saying to Khizar?" Kashmala's voice came from behind, louder now. Aneesa turned around to face her. Kashmala was addressing her. 

"Nothing, sister. Your sister is saying that we should play Ludo. Now that we have four players, we can form teams. I'll go get the Ludo board," Khizar explained.

"Oh no! It seems like your heart wants to play Ludo itself." Aneesa said as he left.

Khizar brought the Ludo board.

Aneesa teamed up with Omar, and Khizar teamed up with Kashmala.

"Don't cheat," Kashmala warned Aneesa before the game even started. Aneesa looked at Omar.

"Ayan, keep an eye on everyone. No cheating allowed," Kashmala instructed Ayan.

"Well, he is your husband, he'll take your side," Aneesa disagreed with Kashmala. Omar and Khizar laughed at her remark.

"No, no, I won't let anyone cheat," Ayan said firmly.

There was quite a commotion there now. It was lively.

☆☆☆☆☆

Omar and Aneesa had to return today. Omar and Khizar were on Mall Road. Kashmala, Ayan, and Aneesa were sitting in the lounge drinking tea. Ayan and Kashmala were engrossed in their conversation. Aneesa sat silently. Although she was physically present there, mentally she was lost in her thoughts. She could only feel by looking at Kashmala and Ayan, their moving lips, that they were talking.

"We'll stay at Mahenoor's house," Aneesa participated in the conversation when Mahenoor was mentioned.

"Why? Why are you going to Lahore?"

"For a case. Then we'll head to Kakul from there," she replied.

"Alright." Aneesa got lost in her thoughts again.

"Would you like some tea?" Ayan offered Aneesa a cup of tea.

"Are you going to Lahore today?" Aneesa asked Ayan.

"Yes. Hopefully. Why?"

"We're also going back today. Both Omar and I..." Aneesa glanced at Kashmala as she spoke.

"That's good... I suggest you return to Mianwali now."

"No... I'll stay with Mahenoor. I've stayed there before."

"Alright... everything's okay now, right?" Kashmala asked with a nod. Ayan headed towards the room.

"Yes... everything's fine," Anisa replied, looking at Ayan who had left.

"Now, let's have an open conversation with you." Kashmala sat beside Aneesa, patting her back.

"Everything's fine. I'll leave Omar now..." Aneesa expressed, unsure if Kashmala believed her words.

"Sure... absolutely sure," he reassured Kashmala, speaking confidently.

"Baji... what should we do with your sister's belongings?" Mehwish inquired Kashmala about Aneesa's belongings.

"Do something with them... put them in the car outside, the one with the black color," (Kashmala referred) she instructed.

"Alright, Baji." Mehwish left to execute the task.

"You should check if anything is left," Kashmala said to Aneesa, giving her a glance. She wanted to talk to Aneesa about many things.

"Kashmala!" Ayan's voice came, accompanied by Rania's crying. Kashmala rushed into the room to see Ayan holding Rania, who was crying heavily. Aneesa and Mahwish also entered the room.

"Mom, look, Rania fell down." Ashir told her.

"How did she fall?" Kashmala took Rania into her arms.

"She was lying on the bed... and fell down while crawling," Ayan explained.

"And I was in the washroom. Ayan knew Kashmala would ask, 'Where were you?'"

"Whoa... whoa... Ashir was trying to quieten his sister. Mehwish went back to work. Omar and Khizar also came in.

"Why is there so much noise?" Omar asked Khizar.

"Rania must have fallen," Khizar said calmly, but Omar's eyebrows raised in concern when he heard the news.

When Aneesa came out, she saw Khizar and Omar.

"Look Omar's beautiful cousin! We've brought a gift for you," Khizar called Aneesa.

Omar chuckled, "Omar's beautiful cousin!"

"Come, have a look." Khizar made seat for her, and she sat between them.

"Omar, you show her first what you got for your beautiful cousin," Khizar said.

"Yes, sure." Omar picked a bag on the table and motioned towards Aneesa.

"What is it?" Aneesa asked excitedly and opened the bag. Then she looked at Omar with her mouth wide open, and then at Khizar. Omar placed his hand under her chin and closed her mouth.

"Your mouth indeed remained wide open," Khizar chuckled.

"So beautiful khusaaa!" She slipped them onto her feet and stood up. And she started walking. They were undoubtedly khusa of beautiful colors.

"How beautiful they are! Thank you, Omar!" Aneesa put the khusa back in the box.

Omar smiled.

"Now it's my turn." Khizar picked up a dusty package from the table.

"Close your eyes and put your hands forward," he instructed.

Upon Khizar's instruction, she closed her eyes and extended her hands forward. Then she felt something soft on her wrist.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"No, not yet. Omar, put your hand over her eyes," Khizar instructed.

Omar placed his hand over Aneesa's eyes. Then she felt something soft on her other wrist.

Omar removed his hand from her eyes.

"Surprise!" Khizar exclaimed. Aneesa's eyes widened.

"Gajray!!! Wow!" She took in the scent of roses and then brought her bracelets close to Omar's nose. There was something special about that moment for Omar. He also smelled the fragrance.

"Thank you, Khizar bhai. You know, the first and last time I received Gujaray was from Junaid bhai. You are the second person who has given me Gujaray without saying anything." She kept sniffing the fragrance of the roses repeatedly.

Kashmala went outside to get Rania. Rania was still crying.

"Bhabhi, I've also brought Gujaray for you." Khizar brought the Gujaray and adorned Kashmala's wrist with them. But when Rania saw the vibrant colors of the flowers, she grabbed some Gujaray in her little fist. As a result, all the petals scattered and fell to the ground. But during this time, Rania fell silent.

"Oh! Aneesa chuckled.

"It's okay," Khizar said, seeing Kashmala's sad face.

"Your daughter seemed to find peace." Khizar affectionately pulled Rania's cheek.

"Baji, I've put all the luggage in the car," Mehwish was saying to Kashmala as she finished herr work. Aneesa got up and went to put the gifts given by Omar and Khizar in the car.

"Khizar, can you hold your niece for a moment?" Kashmala handed Rania to Khizar's arms. Then she took Mehwish with her to her room.

Kashmala took out some thousands and handed it to Mehwish.Mehwish counted the money.

"Baji, this is too much," Mahwish looked at Kashmala.

"Oh, keep it, Mehwish! I'm in a difficult situation myself, so I'm concerned about you too," Kashmala insisted. Mehwish accepted the money.

"Baji, make sure you don't leave anything behind. I've put everything in the car as you instructed," Mehwish said.

Kashmala checked once, and all the luggage was complete. She sent Mehwish back home.

"Shall we go, Ayan?" Kashmala asked Ayan.

"Yes, let's go."

"I've informed Mahenoor that we'll stay at her place for five to six days," she added.

"Okay."

Ayan locked the house. Aneesa and Omar also left with them. Khizar was with Aneesa and Omar.

Our bodies are imprisoned, our emotions are chained,

Our thoughts are confined, our speech is censored.

At evening, Peter and Juliet were present at the hospital. Juliet brought discharge papers and also had a bag of medicines in her hand. Peter supported Alex and helped him to stand up. The nurse stepped forward to put shoes on him, but Alex stopped her with a hand gesture.

"I'll do it," he said.

"Okay," the nurse stepped back.

Juliet entered the room and saw Alex, who was looking much better. She held the papers and medicines in her hands and kept looking at Alex. Alex also glanced at her but quickly averted his gaze from Juliet.

"Let's go," Peter addressed Juliet, who seemed lost in thought.

"Yes, Father," Juliet replied.

After leaving the hospital, they went straight home.

"Take these medicines and Alex inside. I'll be coming," Peter said as he stood at the door addressing his daughter.

Juliet entered Alex's house with him. She looked around anxiously. Observing the house, she asked, "Do you live alone?"

But she received no response. Now he had entered his bedroom. He lay down on the bed. Juliet entered along with him.

"The bedroom is giving quite a royal feeling. It must be enjoyable for him here," Juliet observed the room with longing eyes.

"Where should I put these?" Juliet asked about the medicines.

"Put them on my head," came the sarcastic reply.

"Where do you usually keep medicines? Don't you have any sense?" 

Juliet placed the medicines on the dressing table and then looked at Alex. The impact on his face. Perhaps she had placed the medicines in the wrong place. Juliet picked up the medicines again and stood with a frown. Juliet's mannerisms were further fueling Alex's excitement. Alex glanced to his right. He meant to place the medicines on the side table. But he still didn't understand. He swiftly placed the medicines on the ground and hurried out.

Alex kept watching his every move. Meanwhile, Peter arrived. He picked up the medicines and placed them on the side table next to the bed, then settled in beside Alex.

"Why?" Peter asked him.

Taking a deep breath, Alex drew it in. The door was open. Juliet stood outside, watching.

"Why do you inflict pain on yourself?" Peter questioned.

"I don't do anything. It all just happens, and when it happens, I understand why," Alex explained his condition to Peter.

"I don't understand. I don't find peace. It's a strange thing... a strange dilemma... that I can't find peace. Everything... I've tried everything. What haven't I tried!"

"If your parents find out, what will happen to them?"

"I want... I want them to find out. I want them to know what I'm going through," Alex expressed with determination.

"What's wrong with you?" Peter stared at him in astonishment.

"More than children need parents, and more than parents need children, there is no one else. Both relationships are filled with emotions for each other. Parents cannot see their children in pain, and neither can children see their parents in pain. Perhaps you'll understand this better when you become a parent yourself," Peter explained.

Alex chuckled at Peter's strong response and then bowed his head, tears streaming down his face.

"Your religion and mine may be different, but there is a bond of humanity between us. As a teacher of humanity and above all, as your mentor in humanity, I am telling you," Peter concluded.

"What should I do? What can I do to relieve this pain?" Alex questioned in distress.

Juliet saw him crying, wondering why he was in pain. Why do beautiful people experience ugly situations in life? Why does it happen? Beauty should be accompanied by beauty. So why?

"You said you've tried everything. Could it be that something is left undone? I know some, but not much, about your religion and beliefs. Maybe you've left something behind?" Peter speculated.

"I don't want to discuss it with anyone. Those I want to talk to say that I'll understand everything on my own someday," Alex responded.

"They say whatever they want, but why? She knows everything. Why doesn't she tell me?" Alex questioned in frustration.

"Is it because of some girl?" Juliet's ears perked up at the mention of a girl.

"She knows everything, she knows it all. She told me that one day things will start making sense to me on their own. Will I find peace in this pain? Can there be peace in pain?" Alex pondered.

"Peace in pain? Who is that? Who can bring peace in pain?" Juliet wondered. "Someone who can find peace in pain... Who can contain nerves to such an extent?"

Peter stood up.

"I'll leave." Maybe Peter knew where to find peace, Alex tried to stop him.

"Father, you go. I'm here," Juliet's voice halted Alex, but she ignored him.

"I'll care about it, Alex," she said without looking at him.

Peter left. Now, only the two of them were in the room.

"Romeo!" she addressed him as she sat down.

"Please..."

"I needed to tell you something."

"I need to rest now. You go from here."

"But... Romeo! It will be too late. Romeo!"

"Shut up, please! Will you please shut up?" he snapped.

Tears flowed from Juliet's eyes.

She got up and sat on the sofa in the room. Alex lay down. He wanted to sleep, and he did. Juliet wanted to cry, and she kept crying. She didn't know when she fell asleep.

When he woke up, he saw Juliet sleeping on the carpet. He ignored her and moved towards the washroom. But he closed the door so forcefully that Juliet woke up and realized where she was at that moment.

Juliet sat up and headed towards the kitchen. When she opened the fridge, she found nothing to eat. Glancing at the cupboard, she spotted a few cookies and slices of bread. There were also some eggs and tea bags along with other items.

She started making coffee.

Meanwhile, Alex also emerged fresh and went to the kitchen upon hearing the noise.

"I thought you would have gone back home by now. Isn't it humiliating enough that you slept downstairs last night?" he said as he approached the kitchen.

Juliet turned towards him.

"I am making coffee for you," she replied.

"Gratitude? Am I supposed to thank you for doing all this?" 

She stood with the mug of coffee in her hand.

"Get out of here," Alex gestured for her to move aside. She stepped aside, leaving the way.

"Father had said to take care of you."

He began to prepare toast for himself.

"I wanted to talk to you," Juliet insisted.

Ignoring her, he took the eggs and began frying them.

"I have something to tell you, Romeo," Juliet said.

Alex kept ignoring her, standing as if Juliet wasn't there, as if he was completely alone in that house.

"About your sister," Juliet's words made him pause. For a moment, he stopped what he was doing and turned towards Juliet. He turned and walked towards Juliet. One step, then another, then a third. Juliet stepped back, one step, then another, then a third. Egg burned. The smoke was rising from the pan.

"What?" He asked, looking into Juliet's eyes with disdain. Juliet lowered her gaze.

"Trevor... Trevor will kill your sister," she said. Hearing Juliet's words, he became even more furious.

"And more?"

"And he'll seek revenge through your sister. That's why he didn't go on the trip."

"Who told you?"

"I heard Jenny and Trevor discussing it at the party that night."

"Jenny?"

"Yes, Jenny. She was the one who suggested using your sister."

Alex burst into laughter. Juliet looked at him incredulously. He was laughing maniacally.

"Romeo... What will happen now?"

"Shhhhhhh." Alex gestured for him to keep quiet. "You go. And don't mention this to anyone."

"But..."

"Go." He roared. Juliet trembled and left.

Skipping breakfast, he went straight to his room and began rummaging through the items, rearranging them to search for something. He opened drawers, then went to the bedside table. Upon opening a drawer, he found what he was looking for: a passport. Then he grabbed a bag, threw it over his shoulder, and quickly hopped on his bike to reach Trevor's flat. With a smile on his face, he arrived, pulled out a chart, scribbled something on it, and pinned it to the door. Ringing the bell, he swiftly dashed away.

Trevor stepped outside, looked around, but found no one. As he turned back, he stopped abruptly.

"What's this?" He muttered.

"Izraeel is waiting for you. He's on his way, coming towards you," written on chart.

Trevor took down the chart and placed it on the table, then lay back down.

Meanwhile, he was now headed towards the airport.

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