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The next day arrived with a quiet stillness. Kaif, along with Zobariya and Anaya, departed for his village early in the morning, leaving behind Bibi Gul and Aryan at the house.

Aryan was dressed for work, laptop bag and files in hand, when a sleek red car rolled into the porch. He stopped in his tracks, brows furrowing as he tried to recognize the unexpected visitor. The car came to a halt, and a moment later Alena Bakhshi stepped out, bringing with her a wave of surprise.

“Alena…” Aryan breathed, her name slipping from his lips in astonishment.

Bibi Gul, standing nearby with his files, turned her gaze toward the young woman approaching them. Alena looked effortlessly striking in black pants and a blue top, the morning light catching in her hair as she removed her sunglasses. Stopping in front of Aryan, she smiled warmly.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” she said, extending her hand.

“Not at all. I was just leaving for the office,” Aryan replied with a broad grin as they shook hands.

“That’s perfect then. I actually came so we could go together. WS Corporations called me early this morning—Mr. Wahaj wants to see us today before he leaves town tomorrow.”

Aryan nodded without hesitation. “I’ve no problem with that. Let’s go.” His tone was light, almost cheerful.

They walked toward Aryan’s car side by side. Placing his files and laptop back inside, Aryan slipped into the driver’s seat, while Alena settled gracefully beside him. With that, the car pulled out of the porch, leaving Bibi Gul watching quietly from behind.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Elsewhere, Rubab slid into the passenger seat beside Malik as he handed her a file before starting the car. She flipped through the papers quickly, her eyes narrowing in concentration.

“Asfandyar isn’t in town, sir,” she confirmed, scanning the pages.

“I know,” Malik muttered, his jaw set. “But Wahaj is still here. He’s the one we need to corner. If we can get to him, we’ll find out his plan—and maybe even the whereabouts of these children.”

Rubab’s eyes lingered on the photographs of the missing kids tucked inside the file. Her heart ached. “I just hope they haven’t harmed them already.” Her voice was low, laced with worry.

Malik’s grip on the wheel tightened. “May Allah protect them from these devils,” he said through clenched teeth, pressing harder on the accelerator. The car surged forward, carrying them swiftly toward their destination.

--------

“Boys, are you ready?” Roney asked as he fixed a Bluetooth device to his ear and made a quick call.

“Ready, sir,” came the firm reply from the other side.

“Good. Keep your eyes open and wait for my order. Report immediately if you notice anything suspicious,” he instructed.

“Yes, sir,” the officers responded in unison.

“May Allah be our Helper. Allah Hafiz.” Roney disconnected the call, then began preparing for the day he had been waiting for. Just as he checked his gear and weapons, his phone rang again. He answered swiftly.

“Assalam-u-Alaikum, Malik sir,” he greeted, fastening his wristwatch.

“Roney, are you ready?” Malik’s deep voice came from the other end.

“Yes, sir. I’ve received word they’re planning to pick up the girl today. This is the day we catch Asfandyar.” Sliding on his dark glasses, Roney pulled on his black leather jacket with determination.

Malik went silent for a moment, his throat tightening. “Roney, you must handle everything today. Nothing can happen to her. You know who she is…” His voice broke with unshed tears.

“I’ll do anything to protect her, sir. I know who she is to you—and I promise I’ll protect her while bringing Asfandyar down,” Roney said with firm conviction.

“May Allah ease our way,” Malik whispered.

“Ameen.”

“Roney,” Malik called before ending the call.

“Yes, sir?”

“Believe me, I won’t let anything happen to your would-be Mrs. Malik,” Roney assured.

A faint smile touched Malik’s lips as his eyes shifted to the picture glowing on his laptop screen. “I know, Roney. But be careful. There are many girls out there—you must protect them all. That’s our duty.”

“I understand, sir. I’ll do my best. But tell me, what can I do about the one who is so stubborn?” Roney muttered, a fleeting image of her flashing across his mind.

Malik chuckled. “Did you talk to her?”

“I can’t figure her out. Let me finish this case first, then I’ll talk to her,” Roney replied while adjusting his jacket in front of the mirror.

Malik laughed softly. “As you wish. But don’t look at her again—I know how you forget everything when she’s in front of you.”

“Don’t make fun of me, sir. It’s my heart—it betrays me again and again.” Roney smiled faintly.

“Take care, Roney. Allah Hafiz.”

“Allah Hafiz, sir.” Disconnecting the call, Roney pocketed the Bluetooth, then glanced once more at her picture on his phone. His chest tightened as he locked the screen, slipped the device into his pocket, and stepped out of the room.

Meanwhile, Malik leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the photograph set as his laptop wallpaper. With a tender smile, he traced her face on the screen with his fingertip.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered softly. “My Soha.” Closing his eyes, he leaned back again, lost in thoughts of her.

---

Soha’s POV (shifted to 3rd person)

Soha glanced at her friend. “Khirad…” she called again, her voice laced with concern. Khirad sat motionless, her eyes swollen with traces of tears.

“You okay?” Soha asked gently.

Khirad didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on nothing, her silence heavier than words. She had been like this since last night.

“You girls coming?” Sabreena asked from the doorway.

“You go ahead, we’ll join you soon,” Soha replied. Nodding, Sabreena and Sana left, leaving her alone with Khirad.

Soha sat down beside her. “Tell me what happened?” she urged, resting a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“He… broke… our relation.” The words came in a broken whisper as fresh tears spilled down Khirad’s cheeks.

“What? Who? What relation?” Soha asked, stunned.

“The one who lives here,” Khirad said, pointing toward her heart.

Soha’s eyes widened in shock. Her best friend had been in love—and she hadn’t even known.

“I don’t know when or how I fell for him. But he’s been here… for years. I don’t even remember when he won my heart. But I know one thing—it’s been long. He’s my breath. But I offended him… and now he’s broken everything between us.” Khirad’s voice cracked as she collapsed into sobs.

Soha hugged her tightly. “Shh… everything will be okay. Don’t cry. If he loves you, he won’t go anywhere. He can’t stay upset with you forever.”

Pulling back, she wiped Khirad’s tears and smiled softly. “At least tell me his name. Who’s the lucky boy that has your heart?”

“I can’t. He doesn’t like it,” Khirad said, lowering her gaze.

“That’s fine. But I’ll meet him someday, okay?” Soha teased gently. Khirad managed a small smile and nodded.

“He’ll come back to you, I promise. Now get up—it’s going to be a fun-filled day.” Soha helped her stand.

“Freshen up and get ready. The teachers must be waiting for us at breakfast.”

Khirad nodded and went to wash up, while Soha hurried to change. As she buttoned her shirt, her phone buzzed.

“Aryan,” she said, answering quickly, her voice filled with joy.

“Hey, pretty girl. What’s happening?” Aryan’s voice sent her heart into a frenzy.

What’s happening to me? she thought, shaking the feeling away.

“We’re heading to breakfast, then to the waterfalls and lakes in Swat valley. And the mountains too!” she replied excitedly.

“Good. But cover yourself properly—it’ll be cold. Wear woolens,” he instructed warmly.

Soha smiled at his concern. Before she could answer, she heard him speak to someone else.

“Alena, I’m coming!”

Her brows furrowed. “Is she with you?”

“Oh yes. Alena and I have a meeting to attend. I’ll call you later.” Aryan ended the call, leaving her seething.

“Who is this Alena Bakhshi… coming between me and my Aryan?” she thought angrily.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Khirad stepped out. Both girls froze. They were wearing identical outfits—blue jeans and sky-blue shirts.

“We look like twins!” Soha giggled, standing beside her to admire their reflection. They tied their hair in ponytails, wrapped matching stoles around their necks, and slipped on their leather jackets.

“You’ll hear from him soon, don’t worry,” Soha assured, squeezing Khirad’s hand as they headed toward the restaurant.

“You both look like twins!” Sabreena exclaimed when they arrived.

Before Soha could reply, a familiar voice startled her. “Hey, my brother’s Rapunzel!”

She and Sabreena froze. Khirad’s face turned pale as Arhaan wrapped an arm around her, mistaking her for Soha. When he saw the real Soha behind her, he pulled back instantly.

“I… I’m sorry. I thought—” he stammered.

“It’s okay,” Khirad muttered and stormed off, leaving him exhaling in relief.

“You scared her, idiot,” Soha scolded, punching his stomach.

“I really thought it was you! But… why does she glare at me like that? Every time she sees me, she looks as though I’ve done something wrong. Why doesn’t she like talking to me?” Arhaan asked, still staring at Khirad.

Soha crossed her arms. “First of all, I don’t know. Second, are you noticing every girl, or is she special? And third…” She tapped his shoulder with a playful smirk. “My brother looks good in black.”

Arhaan grinned, tugging at his leather jacket. “I know. That’s why I wore it—for her to notice me.” He winked, making Soha laugh.

“You’re such a flirt,” she teased, walking away.

Arhaan made an exaggerated pout, and Soha smiled at his antics before joining Khirad, who still looked lost in thought.

“Let’s eat something,” Soha urged.

As they reached the table, a man’s voice interrupted.

“Mind if…?”

Soha turned—and froze.

A tall man stood before her, rugged stubble across his jaw, a mole on his cheek, a brown muffler wrapped neatly around his neck. Pulling out a chair, he smiled faintly.

“Sit, lady.”

Her heart skipped.

“Who are you?” she asked sharply.

“I’m your admirer,” he said simply.

Soha’s eyes widened at his audacity. His ocean-blue eyes locked on hers—beautiful, but unsettling, carrying both allure and menace. Something in them sent a shiver down her spine.

“Stay in your limits. I don’t talk to strangers.” Her voice was firm, almost trembling with anger. She turned away, heading for another table, her pulse still racing.

Hey, don’t mind. I was just trying to talk to you. I’m your senior, by the way,” he called from behind.
She didn’t turn, choosing instead to ignore him as she walked ahead with her friends toward another table to get some food. But even as laughter and chatter filled the room, she could still feel the heavy, dangerous weight of his eyes fixed on her.

“Come girls, I’m starving,” Sabreena said cheerfully as she pulled out a chair. Sana and Soha followed, settling beside her with eager smiles.

But Khirad remained frozen, lost in thoughts that refused to leave her alone. Thoughts of him. Thoughts that weighed on her chest until she felt as though her very breaths depended on him.

“What are you waiting for? Come, sit,” Soha urged gently. Swallowing back her tears, Khirad nodded and reached for her chair—only for a hand to land on it before she could pull it out.

“Pleasure would be mine if you…” the boy said, pulling the chair back gallantly for her. A frown instantly clouded Khirad’s face.

This guy again! she thought bitterly, her gaze flicking toward Soha, who only hid a smile. With a playful nudge, Soha tapped the boy’s shoulder, trying to pull him away, but he remained rooted to the spot.

“Not until Miss Khirad takes her seat,” he insisted, his tone light but stubborn.

“Whatever,” Khirad muttered under her breath before reluctantly sitting down. She expected him to leave, but instead—

“Miss Khirad,” his voice startled her again. He had slipped into the empty chair at her left side.

“Excuse me?” she snapped, incredulous at his audacity.

“Oh, don’t excuse me,” he said with a grin. “Actually, I wanted to introduce myself properly.” Without hesitation, he picked up the cup of tea that sat before her, took a sip, and placed it back as if it were his own.

Khirad stared at him, utterly shocked. She glanced at Soha for support, but her friend only lowered her gaze and busied herself with breakfast, clearly enjoying the scene.

“I’m Arhaan Kaif Hashim,” he continued easily. “Your neighbor, actually. Strange though, isn’t it? I wonder how I never noticed you before—Uncle Ubaid-ul-Allah’s daughter. Guess I’ve been an idiot all this time. Though…” he lowered his voice, “…your father is a bit terrifying.”

“I beg your pardon?” Khirad’s eyes flared with indignation. “Why are you saying all this to me? I never even knew Uncle Kaif had such a son.” Her words were sharp, almost loud enough to draw attention.

“Hey, calm down,” Arhaan chuckled. “I’m not that bad. In fact, I’m pretty good with girls.” His grin widened.

Khirad felt her irritation boil over. She rose abruptly, glaring at him once before walking away. Breakfast suddenly felt impossible. Her mind and heart were consumed elsewhere—toward the one she truly longed for, the one whose silence tortured her.

Almost desperately, she checked her WhatsApp, secretly hoping for a message. As though the universe had listened, her phone buzzed with two notifications. Her heart leapt. One was from her brother Azan. The other—him.

Her trembling fingers hovered over the screen. She tried opening Azan’s message first, but the words blurred before her eyes. Her heart and mind betrayed her, drawn only to his. With a rushed breath, she opened it.

How are you? Did you eat?

Her lips curved into a smile even as her eyes filled with tears.

You’re not angry? she typed quickly.

Have the tea first.

Her head jerked up, searching for him instinctively. And there he was. Dressed in black, looking impossibly handsome, he lifted his eyes to hers. Slowly, deliberately, he took a sip from his cup, holding her gaze, before walking away.

Without thinking, she ran to the table, seized the cup he had left behind, and took a trembling sip. A tear escaped her eye, falling into the tea.

“Khirad, are you okay?” Soha’s voice broke through her haze.

“I’m… fine,” she whispered, though her hands shook around the cup.

“The teachers called us. We’re departing.” Soha touched her arm gently. Khirad nodded, setting the cup aside and walking out with her friend, a fragile smile tugging at her lips.

Soon, they were all seated in buses, beginning their journey toward the mountains and waterfalls. Khirad sat by the window, watching the scenery blur past, her thoughts drifting only to him. The cold wind toyed with her hair, but her mind was far away—wrapped in his presence.

Her phone buzzed again. With hurried hands, she opened the message.

I’m thinking something.

What? she typed, heart pounding.

What’s bothering you? came his reply within seconds.

Nothing.

Sure?

She hesitated, then confessed: I thought you’d never talk to me again after what happened.

I’m amazed at myself too. My heart has grown too soft for you… because you live here, it forgets everything. But your behavior worries me.

Tears blurred her vision. I think we should stop talking to each other, she wrote with trembling fingers.

Why?

Maybe… like this we can forget each other. Because I know there’s no future for us. We should end this. Her sobs caught in her throat as she pressed send.

His reply made her heart freeze. Only my death can end this relation.

Her breath hitched. How can you say such words so easily?

You care?

I do.

Then tell me what’s wrong. Your silence, your pale face—it only adds to my anxiety.

She squeezed her eyes shut. That’s why I’m saying we should end it. I’m not normal. I’ll only make you suffer too. Her thumb lingered over the screen before finally pressing send.

Seconds turned into minutes. No reply. Her chest tightened in panic. What if he really leaves me? Every passing second felt like a blade slicing through her heart.

Finally, the phone buzzed. With trembling hands, she opened it.

You’re not as brave as you pretend, my love. Let me finish this case—then I’ll take away every tension of yours. I’ll fix you. I’ll fix your fears. Till then, take care… my mysterious girl.

A kiss emoji followed.

Khirad blinked, stunned. Heat rose to her cheeks, her heart thundering in her chest. Never had he sent something like this before.

“Maybe by mistake,” she whispered, clinging to denial, though her racing heartbeat betrayed her.

---

🌧️ Meanwhile, in Baharan 🌧️

“It’s been so long since we sat here like this,” Anaya said softly, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders as she joined Kaif on the old wooden swing.

The village lived up to its name—Baharan, spring. Verdant fields stretched to the horizon, trees swayed in the crisp breeze, and wildflowers bloomed despite the chill. Rain had fallen since morning, leaving the air cool and fresh.

“Yes, my love,” Kaif replied, slipping his arm around her shoulders. Removing his glasses, he leaned back and watched the drizzle fall steadily before them.

“What do you think our kids are doing now?” Anaya asked with a small smile.

Kaif chuckled, placing his book aside. “Sorry,” he laughed again at her raised brows. “But really, how should I know? I’m with their mother, not them. They’re probably enjoying their trip. And Aryan—well, maybe he’s at the office… or with Alena Bakhshi.” He winked mischievously.

“Alena Bakhshi? Who’s she? And why would she be with my son?” Anaya demanded, narrowing her eyes.

“Relax, Rapunzel,” Kaif teased. “She’s our new partner. Who knows? Maybe she’s our future daughter-in-law.”

“What nonsense, Kaif! Is Aryan interested in her?” Anaya’s tone was sharp, her brows knitting.

Kaif’s playful smile faded. His eyes lingered on the rain-soaked grass ahead. “It seems so.”

Anaya’s heart clenched. “No. It can’t be. You know him. He can’t love anyone else. You know about him and Soha…” She trailed off, her face etched with worry.

Kaif pulled her close, whispering, “Calm yourself. Everything will be fine.” But Anaya’s unease remained.

“Kaif… do you think they remember?” she asked hesitantly.

He turned his gaze toward her, his face suddenly serious.

“Do they remember their Nikah?”

A/N:: Assalam-u-Alikum readers.

How are you all doing? 🤍

How’s life treating you? And most importantly—how’s the story going for you so far? Are you enjoying it? I know the suspense must be killing you, but that’s what makes it interesting, right?

Malik seems a little too suspicious, doesn’t he? Let’s see what’s waiting ahead. Honestly, I never planned this story to turn out this way—it just happened all of a sudden, and I kept writing whatever came to my mind.

So do leave me a bunch of comments—I really need to know if all this writing was worth it. 💌
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Till the next update, Allah Hafiz.
Keep reading, keep smiling, and stay connected. 🌸