Hey!
I just found out that some of you are unable to access chap 25 and 26...

If you have read them, ignore this update (:

And I have no clue when chap 27 will come up :/

<> CHAPTER 25: Mine <>

~~~JESSICA's POV~~~

I confusingly glared at Adeel as he blubbered something to a chic. I couldn't quite understand but, With what I picked up, it was definitely not english. Knowing him, I could just tell that he was, for sure, flirting with her like he does all the time!

That word that Preet used for Hussain- something that meant monkey- suits Adeel better. Jumping from one girl to another and that too- shamelessly.

"And people call me Adeel but, you can call me tonight!" I heard him conclude as a rose appeared in his hand out of nowhere. I blinked and shook my head. What an ass!

"I'd rather dump my mobile," the girl commented and walked off. I chocked on her response while Adeel watched her walking away from him.

"Well, you will still have your landline!" He said after a few seconds but, I doubt she heard him.

I laughed and Adeel looked at me. "What are you laughing at?" He asked as he kept the Rose back in his coat's pocket.

You.

"Where is Asmaara?" Preet voice brought my attention back to the table. She made her way towards us and Hussain stood up. He pulled out a chair for her but, she completely ignored him.

"I don't know- last time I saw her was when she was with you, Shehry" she added while sitting down on the other chair. To save Hussain from some embarrassment, Adeel came and took the seat that Hussain had pulled out. I shifted my chair slightly away from him and I bet that he noticed.

My phone buzzed and I looked down at it. Sean. Ugh not again. Some guys just can't handle rejection what so ever. I am so over that dude- actually no- that stalker.

"Soha and I saw her with that guy over there before she walked out and I don't know the rest," I said and pointed towards a well dressed man. He wore blue-ish grey formals and had short, gelled hair.

"Let's go ask him?" Shehry suggested and Preet was back on her feet. They both walked off and Hussain followed after.

"Beautiful," I heard a mere whisper coming from my right and I rolled my eyes. When he can't find anyone else, he comes to me. Silly miss Jessica Waters- always there for her so called friends.

"You know what? Save it!" I snapped at Adeel and got up before he could pull that rose out of his pocket again. "But I just wanted to ask if I could have it back!" He stood up and defended himself.

"Have what back?" I frowned at him. Thinking back to all of our meetings, I couldn't work out what exactly I had taken from him.

Smirking, Adeel stepped forward and I bent back a little, "My breath.... you just took it away."

Ugh.

"Just great!" I groaned before my phone buzzed again. Paige the boss.

"I get a night off," I answered the call once I was away from Adeel. "But, your cell doesn't," she replied in her ever so bossy tone, "why haven't you been answering Sean's calls?"

Seriously, who cares?

"Because I didn't feel like it," I replied, lamely.

She groaned before replying, "you know, mother would love it if you give it a try. None of your other relationships have worked and she really wants you to settle down- if not have a career."

Mother. Eww. Where is she? 70's?

And no- those didn't fail because of me. I can't help it if the guys I have ever laid my eye on, turned out as complete jerks. In fact, I can see one right in front of me.

"And you know what? I don't even feel like sticking to this call for long," I sang, twirling around in my gown. I leaned against the wall and watched all the figures swiftly moving around.

"What? Jess- don't!" Paige's voice caught me just when my eyes fell on a particular figure again.

"You know what? I'll meet him at dinner tomorrow. One last try."

~~~WAQAS' POV~~~

"You need to calm down!" I told Malvika while she kept blabbering God knows what. "Calm down? You are telling me to calm down? It may not be a big deal for you but, for me it is!"

"I know, ok?" I snapped, unwillingly, "but I had to sign the papers for Manik's sakes! His life is more important for me than your ego!"

"Ego?" She frowned at me and looked away, "since the day I conceived him, he has been my responsibility and no one had the right to come along and question me about his father."

"Mal-" I tried but she didn't stop yelling.

"And no one has the right to take that spot!" She finished and I exhaled a loud enough sigh. Not even if someone really willing to?

She ran a hand through her hair and leaned against the concrete wall, "Manik sirf mera beta hai and this world needs to understand that!"

I chose not to say anything and kept a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently, reassuring her that I am here.

For her. With her.

Forever.

~~~SHEHRY's POV~~~

She is no where to be found. No one knows where she is. Kahaan gayi Ye? With every passing second, my heart was getting heavier and heavier- thinking about the possible scenarios. I really want to focus on all the positive things that could be the reason behind her disappearance but, it's impossible to ignore the negatives.

"Asmaara dikhi?" Apparently the guy, Jess had pointed at, was Dr Bilal. Some old family friend of Khan's.

"Nahi," I sighed. Woh dikhti toh main kya Yahaan aise khara hota?

"Last time I saw her was when she was going towards the rest room," Bilal informed me. Bari jaldi yaad aaya mention karna?

I looked over at the long corridor and ran my way towards the restroom. I furiously knocked on the door, trying to get an answer but, no one replied. I punched the Door in frustration.

"Dude look!" Adeel called out from the far end of the corridor and pointed towards the floor.

My eyes traced down to a silver mask. I picked it up and ran my fingers on the fine glass sequins. It was very familiar- it was A feminine version of mine. It was Asmaara's. I looked up at Adeel, who was now beside me, and frowned. He ran his hands through his hair before resting them on his hips.

"Guys, over there," Bilal whispered as he moved forward and picked up a diamond earring. I recognised that too. I had seen Asmaara wearing this earlier.

"This is Asmaara's," I announced, taking it from Bilal.

"Any news?" Shortly after, Hussain made his way towards us. That means that Preet finally agreed to stay seated with Jessica while we looked for Asmaara.

"There is another one!" Adeel exclaimed as he moved forward, towards the back entrance, and pick up another earring.

"What's going on?" I heard Hussain mumbled behind me but I didn't have an answer to that.

"Adeel- go tell Asmaara's dad to call the cops and we will go look for her," I told Adeel and he left.

Tum jahaan kahi bhi ho Asmaara, please be safe. I'll find you soon.

~~~AISHA's POV~~~

I looked down at the tiny body that slept peacefully in my lap. It took me quite a while to win this little one's trust and now he slept, cuddling me. I smiled at him with tears eyes. So much pain he is going through at this age.

It's not fair.

"Blanket," Atif's voice caught my attention, "t-shirts, sweat pants and toys," he listed all the things I had asked him to buy.

"I wasn't sure about the size so which ever one fits," he added, reluctantly and I gently rubbed his arm.

I know he doesn't like the idea of me looking after someone else's child because he thinks that I might get too attached to this boy. Now, how do I make him believe that I know this boy is not mine? In fact, I am strongly hoping for his father to be fine soon so he can go back to him.

Atif sat beside me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. Leaning closer and he kissed my hair. "You will make a great mom one day!"

Huh, one day. Par mera Woh day kab aayega?

~~~ASMAARA's POV~~~

"Where are you taking me?!" I cried as I slipped another bangle out of my hand. I hope someone finds them soon and follows the trail.

"Leave me!" I yelled, punching his back. He groaned and his grip, around my legs, grew tighter. His touch was suffocating me.

The he that I was referring to, was someone way too familiar yet, I didn't know him. There was a fabric covering my face and I had absolutely no clue where he was taking me.

"Leave me!" I tried again and tugged onto his shirt. He grunted as I dug my fingers in his skin and scratched his back with my long nails. Probably making him bleed.

"Quite trying, you bitch!" His voice was hoarse and deep. I sensed nothing but, filth and anger.

"What do you want?" I screamed as I felt myself slipping off his shoulder. He threw me on something cold and pushed me backwards. I couldn't see anything but, I could feel him moving closer to me with every passing mili second.

"I want you, baby," his breath fanned my jawline and I flinched back.

Imraan!

I panicked. I had to get me out of here. This man is my worst nightmare. I raised my hands to punch him but, he caught them both with his one hand. I felt his warm, smelly breath fanning my face and I moved my face away from him.

"Tumhaare baba ko tumhaari shaadi Ka bohot shaunk hai na? It's sad he doesn't see me as a potential match anymore," I could sense an evil grin on his face. That disgusted me.

His presence was making it harder for me to breath. I wanted to cry but, I just couldn't cry in front of him. I wanted to run away but, his grip around me was too tight. I wanted to scream but, my throat felt too dry and sore for it. I closed my eyes before opening them again to try my luck.

Imraan suddenly pushed my hands above my head and my breathing almost stopped. "And baby, you know- what's mine- always stays mine!" He yelled into my face and I felt his fingers touching my neck, "I don't believe in charity!"

He held my hands too tightly that it felt like my nerves would pop any second. I was vulnerable and the feeling, itself, killed me inside. Oh God! It was happening all over again!

"Tum pagal ho gaye ho!" I spat and pushed him away with all my strength. I pulled the fabric off my face and saw him stumbling backwards. He looked weak- was he drunk? I couldn't tell.

Imraan gained his balance in no time and marched towards me. I stepped back in fear and with in a blink, his thick fingers wrapped around my arms again. I flinched at his touch and looked at either side of me.

"Pagal main nahi- tera baap hai!" Imraan stared right through me with his eyes, boiling in anger. He pulled me up to his eye level so, I was forced to go on my toes.

"Kya naam hai uss larke Ka? .... Ahh! Yaad nahi but, if your father thinks that he can take you away from me- then I'll show him how wrong he is!" He yelled in my face while I glared at him in utter shock.

Obsessive and controlling psychopath! I am more ashamed of myself than him. Maine kabhi iss jahil insaan se pyaar kiya tha.

"Aisa... aisa kya karne wale ho tum?" I blurted out of fear and confusion. It was happening all over again. And like last time, I was all alone, helpless and vulnerable.

Imraan pushed me back and I fell, twisting my ankle. A throbbing pain shot through my leg but, I had no time to pay any attention to that. He leaped forward and grabbed my arms again. With one sudden pull, he made me stand up again. A sly smirk played across his lips as he inched closer.

I moved my head away from him- as far as possible but, he still managed to murmur right against my ear lobe.

"Tonight, I am going to mark you as mine!"

<> CHAPTER 26:: Nightmare And A Drop Of Love<>

~~~ASMAARA's POV~~~

I felt numb. Brain dead. Sick. Sick of all this. Where am I? What's happening? Baba said he was in Pakistan so, what is he doing here? Did baba lie to me? Did he throw me into this well again? Oh God! Please, No!

"Tum pagal ho Gaye ho! You have lost it, Imraan! You have lost it!" I finally found my lost voice again and pushed Imraan as far as I could. This time he didn't lose his balance. Instead, he quickly covered the distance between us.

"No baby, you are the one losing it," he gave me a crooked chuckle before his hand reached for my hair. He pulled a bunch of them while I tried not to tear up in front of him. Mercilessly pulling me closer, he whispered, "you know what makes me want to have you even more than before?"

Our faces inches apart, He glared at me devilishly, "your parents told me to stay away from you- they dared to stand against my father- against me! Bohot bari galati ho gayi, nahi?"

I finally gave up and reached for his hand that was pulling my hair. His grip was too tight that it felt like he would rip my hair off any moment. It pained my scalp. My heart. My soul. I am related to this guy- the thought itself disgusted me.

I didn't get much time to process anything as he suddenly threw me backwards- as harshly as he could. I tripped, banging my head against a car's tail light and landed on the pavement. My hand instantly reached for my forehead as everything almost blacked out.

He stood there while I struggled to gain my vision back. Sweat trickled down the side of my forehead, mixing with blood, which was now oozing out of my torn skin. While It traced its way down to my chin, Imraan just stood there, on the grass now, and smirked at me with his head tilted to his left.

"Come with me Asmaara and save your parents from all the shame. You know how ugly things can get, right?" he gave me a toothy grin and threw his head back before breaking into fits of laughter. I don't find anything funny right now.

He held his head in his hands and then looked at me with nothing but a glint lust in his eyes. It was stronger than last time- the smell of filth that covered his body.

I rested my hands on the car's trunk and helped myself up on my feet again. Everything spun slowly as I took a few steps toward him. I dropped inches away from his feet, unable balance myself anymore.

"Kyun kar rahe ho tum yeh sab? Please mujhe jaane do," I cried, helplessly. Imraan bent next to me and rested his hand on my shoulder. I flinched at his cold touch but, failed to move away.

"Sunai nahi diya? I think I heard you cry?" he smirked, raising an eyebrow. He was having fun. As I found my fingers resting a small, lumpy rock, he continued, "baby, you know that's not an option, right?"

"I know," I nodded, blinking away the hot tears, "but, this definitely is."

Imraan frowned at me and with one quick swing; I aimed the sharp edge of the rock at his head. I was a little reluctant about it but, his gaze made me more and more ignorant towards the fact that he was a human.

Imraan fell backwards, whining, and I threw another rock at him- a little harder this time. The thick red liquid somewhat relieved me. He held his bleeding head in his hands and laid there while I struggled to get up again.

I wanted to run as far as possible before he came after me but, how? My sore ankle, which was now swollen, didn't let me move even two steps with ease. A cry left my lips when I tried to run but, before I could fall, an arm came around and wrapped around my waist.

The smell was far too strong to let me know that the nightmare was not over yet.

~~~SHEHRY's POV~~~

"Imraan. It must be him," Bilal mumbled to himself, "that means he must have found out."

"Found out about what?" I asked, frowning, and he blinked at me. "No- nahi, kuch nahi."

I dropped the topic.

We moved towards the back garden and I found Asmaara's stilettos near the bush. She was there. I looked up to notice the beautifully decorated garden. This is where we were.......

Kahaan ho tum Asmaara? Please don't do this to me, yaar.

"Shehry- there," Hussain pointed at a far corner, near a narrow path, and there laid Asmaara's silver hand cuff. I frowned at it from distance before running a hand through my hair.

"Guys, this way," I picked up the hand cuff and ran down the path. There were a few bangles to guide me too. Whoever it was, they must have taken Asmaara in this direction. It must lead to somewhere and hopefully, they are still close.

"Asmaara!" my voice pierced through the cold night as I ran towards the open area. The main parking lot it was.

"Asmaara!" I yelled again, hoping for a reply. My heart almost stopped when her painful cry reached my ears. No, that was not a reply to me; instead, she was yelling at someone. "Imraan, Choro mujhe!"

Imraan! So, Bilal was right.

I ran after the voice and the rest of them followed after me. My heart was pounding, threatening to just out of my mouth.

"I said, leave me!" I heard her screaming again and I stopped in my tracks. I saw them at the far end of the parking lot. Imraan lifted Asmaara off the ground while she punched and kicked him.

"Like I said, quite trying, baby!" And that's when I had had enough.

I marched towards the two with blood boiling in my head. The way he touched her- I could just beat the hell out of him right now. However, I stopped a couple meters away from them when Asmaara elbowed his chest and he dropped her instantly. I was about to step in when Imraan reached for her elbow and spun her around.

"You are one hell of a bitch!" he grunted, raising his hand. Asmaara covered her face in fear and I leaped forward to push him away, making him kiss the pavement.

"You bastard- how dare you touch her?!" I spat on his face, fisting his collar, and then shifted my attention to Asmaara. She mattered more to me right now than Imraan.

She blinked at me with teary eyes and I felt my own eyes glistening. My heart ached to see her like this- blood oozing out of her forehead, messy hair, rubbed of makeup and bruises. She lowered her gaze as a drop of tear escaped from her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her. My eyes lowered, to the bruise on her left arm, and then fell on her abdomen- her dress was torn from the side. She was trying to hide that.

I blinked away the moist in my eyes and ran a hand through my hair before taking off my blazer. I wrapped it around her shoulders and she thankfully didn't look up. I didn't have the guts to look her into the eyes. I just awkwardly stood there and gulped the undefined knot in my throat as her tiny frame crashed against me.

Asmaara shivered against my chest, sobbing and craving for comfort like a baby. I heaved a sigh of relief and wrapped my arms around her. Relief because she was safe- maybe broken but, I can always fix that with my love. At least she is here before things went too far.

I ran my hand through her hair and after a long thought, kissed the top of her head. Her arms slowly raised to wrap around my waist and I pulled her closer. As close as I could. Securing her in my arms.

I clenched my jaw. Seeing her in pain broke my heart. I cursed myself for not being there for her when she needs me the most- for always being late.

Why am I always late?

~~~HUSSAIN'S POV~~~

I ran a hand through my hair and turned away, only to give the two some private time. Plus, I didn't even know what to say. I don't think anything that I would say will comfort Asmaara. I rubbed the back of my neck when I spotted three figures approaching us. I rolled my eyes and narrowed them at Adeel. Saale ko police bulane ko bola tha- Preet ko yahaan lane ke liye nahi.

I looked at Preet and she blinked at me. Her eyes shimmered under the moonlight. She walked toward me but, before I had a chance to say anything, with her jaw dropped, she looked behind me. I turned around, only to see Imraan standing up again. He cleaned the blood off from his forehead with his shirt's sleeve and marched towards Shehry.

Ek number ka kameena hai yeh banda bhi.

Before he could even touch Shehry, I held his hand and pushed him away in a very dramatic way, "mere bhai ko haath lagane se pehle yeh jaan le ki iske aage main khara hoon."

I wanted throw a punch at him but, just then the police cars arrived. Eleven men stepped out and I glanced at Adeel. Pehle aaye hote toh itne officers Kaam bhi aate. Ab search party Ka achaar dale?

"Hi, inspector Kareem," one of them stepped forward and introduced himself, "we received an emergency call from here?"

"Yes, I was the one to call," Adeel stepped forward, "this man right here was trying to kidnap our friend and-"

"And who is this friend that we are referring to?" Inspector Kareem interrupted and everyone's eyes travelled to Asmaara, who was still hid under Shehry's embrace.

After a lot of mumbling, Shehry finally made her face the inspector. Asmaara's parents and few other people gathered around us too.

"I would need her statement," inspector Kareem said and stepped towards Asmaara, "only if she promises to not withdraw her complaint again."

Again? What?!

~~~ASMAARA's POV~~~

Everyone's eyes were on me, seeing right through my skin- asking all sort of questions. I looked over at baba and he glared at me with soft eyes. Is that guilt or a request to not throw Imraan behind the bars? No way I am stepping back this time.

"Asmaara," he stepped closer and I stumbled backwards, crashing into Shehry. "Don't!" I almost yelled, pushing baba away, and he stopped instantly.

"It's ok. I understand," Inspector's voice caught my attention again, "aksar aisa hota hai- under family pressure larkiyon ki awaz daba di jati hai. New Zealand main aise bohot cases aate hein aur bohot daba diye jaate hein. I couldn't do much help last time but, this time I would advise you to please show some courage Miss Khan."

He remembered me. He knew who I was even after three years.

I glanced at Shehry and found his staring at me already. His gaze made me nervous. He looked confused but I couldn't blame him. Baba stepped closer again and I moved away from him, raising my hand against his chest to stop him. I didn't want him to emotionally black mail me again.

"Aapke jaise kayi cases aate hein hamare paas aur woh bhi sirf un larkiyon ke jo iss sab se bach kar nikal paati hein," inspector Kareem's voice echoed in the air, "you are lucky that you are getting a second chance- please don't waste it."

My throat was dry and my mind was blank. I couldn't process anything that was happening. I just wanted to sleep... Maybe with him by my side.

"I need to file a complaint," a very unexpected voice grabbed my attention. I looked up at Preet as she stepped forward, "for mental harassment."

I noticed how Hussain's jaw dropped. In fact, everyone's did.

"And I even have witnesses," she glanced at me and then at Hussain, "Adeel, Jessica and the cafe's staff."

Preet nodded, looking at me, and I inhaled a deep breath.

"Stalking, sexual harassment, blackmailing, metal torture, physical abuse, attempt to kidnap, cyber bullying," I listed all of Imraan's torturous actions towards me, "and attempt to...... To r-rape."

Suddenly Shehry's hand slipped away from my shoulder and it felt like someone snatched away my breath. I looked at him but, not in his eyes, as he stepped away from me. I pressed my lips together- is this what I was dreading the most?

Is he going to leave me now because of what Imraan did to me? Or what he almost did...

Of course he will.

~~~PREET's POV~~~

Two of the officers stepped forward and handcuffed Imraan while another four
interrogated Asmaara and Shehry. Dr Bilal had a few things to add here and there too. But, my focus stayed on Imraan. How he was dragged up to the police car and slammed against it's bonnet because he refused to corporate.

I stepped forward and did what I really wanted to. "Bhai mana tha maine tumhe. Yaad hai?" I asked him in a low whisper. Yet, his eyes refused to show any sign of regret.

He disgusted me. I wanted to throw up right there. But, I managed just fine with a loud high five on Imraan's face. As I watched it jerk sideways, everyone gasped. It relieved me to see my fingers printed on his cheeks.

"Excuse me ma'am, you need to step away," one of the lady officers stepped forward but, I didn't feel like moving away. I wanted to slap him again- even though it's against the law here.

But Hussain stopped me. "Preet- this is not the time. Yeah?" he rubbed my shoulders, gently, and I felt my eyes glistening again. I shook my head and stepped away.

After Imraan was arrested and gone, Asmaara was taken to the medical emergency Center. From there, she came home with me as she didn't want to stay anywhere near her parents. I didn't ask her why.

Once she was settled in, I headed for the back garden. I couldn't bear to sit next to her any longer because I felt guilty. It's pathetic how she is always there for me and I am never there for her. Aaj bhi itna sab kuch ho jaane ke baad main wahaan pohochi .... I am a horrible friend!

The cold gust of wind made me shiver as I entered the backyard and headed for my favourite swing. But, someone was already sitting there. I sighed and went over anyway.

"Hey," I whispered softly and Shehry startled. He quickly wiped his eyes and looked up at me, "h-hi. Sit."

"Tum na bhi bolte to main bethne hi wali Thi," I shrugged, taking a seat and he allowed a small chuckle to escape from his lips.

"Kya Hua? Tum Asmaara ke paas nahi ho?" I asked after a while.

"Wahaan jaa kar kya karu? I don't think I deserve to be with her right now or ever," he mumbled and I frowned. "What? Why would you say that?"

Shehry stood up from the swing and walked a few steps, "aur nahi toh kya? She went through so much and what was I doing all this while? Writing bloody scripts!" He was yelling. He was frustrated.

"Last time, I reached there late and why? Because I was too busy judging her. Aur Aaj bhi- I was late," he ran a hand through his hair and kicked the bird water bath. It wobbled but, thankfully didn't fall.

"For past three years she was going through hell and if not as anyone else, I should have been there for her as a friend. But, no I wasn't there. Ever!" His voice broke at the end. He came back and sat on the swing, "in Christchurch, she used to get scared by little things. She was a changed person and even then I did nothing about it."

Shehry paused and gulped. A drop of tear escaped from his left eye and he quickly wiped it off. He sat there, covering his face with his hands and I took the opportunity to talk.

"Shehry please don't say like this," I whispered, "you have waited for her for three years- I don't think anyone else deserves her more than you do. Besides, it was her decision to push everyone away- if I knew anything about Imraan, then I would have told you and then you could have been there for her. But, she never told anyone anything."

My words didn't seem to work on him.

Still, I continued, "Shehry, believe it or not- she loves you. And she needs you right now. It's not the time to analyse who deserves who- it's time for you to be with her."

He looked up at me with tears and pain evident in his eyes. He loves her so much. I can just tell.

"But-"

"No buts, yaar," I sighed, cutting him off, "you know Asmaara aur mere beech main common kya hai? What makes us best buddies? That we don't like it when anyone feels sorry for us."

Shehry blinked and I smiled before continuing, "when I met Hussain- he became the only person I could openly cry in front of after mum and daarji. I confessed so much in front of him that I had never dared to in front of anyone before- he gave me the strength I needed to move on."

Bandar hi sahi- but, he is my bandar.

"Asmaara Ne woh spot tumhein diya hai- warna woh tumse aise gale lag kar nahi roti," I kept my hand on his. He blinked at me and then looked away.

"I guess right now she needs some time alone," he said. Uh! Why is he being so stubborn about this?

"No Shehry, she has been through a lot alone. Now is the time to tell her that she is not all by herself in this," I told him, "it's time to tell her that there is someone who loves her, cares for her and is with her forever."

Shehry took a deep breath and looked up at the darkly lit sky, "But, why would she want to be with me? I have failed her many times."

"No you didn't," came a voice and our heads snapped to look at our left.

I blinked as Hussain approached us, "that was not your real test- this is. Go tell her that you are with her in this. Go help her out by healing her wounds with your love. Help her by taping her broken pieces together with your love. I know you can do it!"

"Guys, but-"

"Shehry!" Hussain groaned and I almost chuckled, "have faith in your love and everything will settle down. Bhai Wala Promise, yaar!"

Shehry stood there for a few moments, as if deep in thoughts, before looking up, "I think you are right. Thank you guys! I love you two so much!"

He hugged Hussain as I stood up front the swing. Hussain pushed him away, "saale ab yeh jaa kar usse Bol jisse bolna chahiye!"

Shehry left, leaving Hussain and I alone under the cold sheet of a winter night. I rubbed the goosebumps on my arm and headed towards the door.

"Ab baat bhi nahi karogi?" He called out and I closed my eyes. Hussain came around and stood in front of me.

I stepped away, ignoring his eyes, "about that.... I.. I- I don't know why I cr- created a scene when... When I knew it was-"

"Preet, at least look at me," Hussain's voice cut me off but, I didn't look up.

He tugged on my arm and forced me to look up to meet his soft brown eyes, "I am sorry- I didn't mean to make you feel insecure about your appearance or anything. You don't look like a pumpkin and you never will."

It's not about looking like a pumpkin. It was about you indirectly calling me fat. Man, Am I being cranky again?

"And even if you gain a hundred pounds one day, my feelings won't change for you," He told me, looking right into my eyes, "love is far beyond our physical being. I love you for who you are and not for the way you look."

"I am sorry," was all I could come up with but, he didn't stop.

Hussain covered the distance between us and took my hands in his, "you are going to bring our daughter into this world and for that I respect you more and more with every passing day. She will be the only one, after you, whom I'll love as dearly as I love you. Or maybe a little more. So, please don't ever let any Kavya come between us."

I blinked at Hussain, holding back my tears. He loves me so much that it scares me. I was failing at forming correct words. The situation was getting too intense for me. I regretted hurting him during the ball.

"The day I'll stop loving you- will be the day when apples will grow on mango tree on... On 30th of feb!" He smiled at me.

Phir kisi aur ka dialogue!

"Kuch kao gi nahi?" He asked.

There was one thing that I really wanted to clear up with him.

"It's going be a boy," I sheepishly mumbled and he raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "No, I want a daughter first! I know it's a girl!"

"Arey! Baby Ko nine months main dekhne wali hoon- my instinct is stronger!" I complained and he stepped closer, making me move back a little. "Main baap hoon iska- and I can already tell that my daughter is going to be as beautiful as her mum! Yes, it's a girl!"

"Kya girl-" I paused, rolling my eyes, "waise acha hi hai- do do Hussain jhele bhi nahi jaate mujhse."

Hussain gasped, stepping back, "tum jhelti ho mujhe?"

I nodded, innocently teasing him, and he narrowed his eyes, "Mrs Hussain, I hope you know that aapki saari harkatein note ki jaa rahi hein. Sabka hisaab karna parega!"

"Kya harkatein- kya hisaab?" I asked, teasingly, "jo hai issi moment main hai- na iske pehle kuch aur na baad main."

"Acha Ji?" He raised an eyebrow and I sensed nothing but mischief. Hussain brought his hands forward and I flinched back, before he even touched me.

"No! Don't you dare tickle me! I'll fall, Hussain please no!" I begged, laughing uncontrollably, while his hands just teased me from a distance.

"No chance, madam!" He laughed before bending down and scooping me up in to his arms.

I gasped as he began walking inside, "what are you doing? Hum gir jayeinge."

"Mere hote hue- no chance!" He boasted.

"Hussain koi aa jayega- please put me down," I tried again and he shook his head. "Raat ke do baje sab so rahe hein. And even if anyone comes- main kaunsa bank loot raha hoon? Apni biwi aur bache ke saath hoon!"

I love it when he addresses our unborn child with much love.

I shyly punched his chest. Smiling, I hid my face in the crook of his neck, "Hussain please-"

"Itna chillao gi toh zaroor koi na koi aa jayega. Ab chup!" He warned me and I gave up.

We finally entered our room and Hussain lowered me on the bed. After turning off the lights, he snuggled closer to me, putting his arm over my waist. I smiled and kissed him goodnight before burying my face in his firm chest.

It was an eventful night but, a bright morning is calling.

~~~ASMAARA's POV~~~

I laid there, silently staring the ceiling, with one thing replaying in my mind. The way he pulled his hand away. Does he not want to be with me anymore? I wanted him to know everything but, not like this. Did I just lose him before I even had a chance to call him mine?

I heard the door opening so, I quickly closed my eyes. I didn't want to talk to anyone right now. The person walked upto me and a familiar fragrance filled in my nostrils. The bed dipped near my feet and a warm hand touched my plastered foot. I could feel him drawing circles under my injured foot- such a gentle and caring touch.

"You are a very strong and a beautiful soul," Shehry's voice filled the air and I felt like tearing up again.

The dip next to my feet was gone and I felt like my heart would stop beating any second. But, just then, the warm quilt slid upto my neck. I smiled internally and I waited for him to leave the room when suddenly his cold lips touched my forehead. I squeezed my eyelids together when his hands cupped my cheeks and he pulled his lips away.

"I love you," he murmured, his breath fanning my forehead, and my heart pounded against my rib cage.

Caressing my hair, Shehry sat down next to me again. I tried not to wince when he traced his fingers over the bruise on my left arm, "sorry for not being there for you- for failing you."

No, you didn't.

"But I love you and will always be there for you- with you," he finished before getting up again.

His hands slipped away from me and my heart ached. I wanted to stop him when he was leaving the room but, I couldn't. Right now I didn't have the strength to talk to anyone or explain to anyone about anything.

But, there was one thing that I was sure about....

I love you too, Shehry. I love you too.

><
Hey!

How was it?

How are you guys doing?

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

This book isn't going to end like I had first thought... I changed the plot slightly and now I have gained my interest in the story again. So, yay!

I can't wait for all the drama HAHA..

LOVE ALWAYS<3