"Ok that explains why you ran away from your house. But where were you last night?" Kamran asked.

"Yesterday I was coming back home when I saw my father and Cousin in the market."

"What did they do then?"  Jahan asked.

"Nothing. Soon they left and I came back home but then I saw them near our building."

"Then?" Izaan asked.

"I decided to ask them what they want from me? I was about to open my mouth when I heard them talk. They were not here for me. They had some work with someone in our building. I also heard them say that they will leave today morning. It was risky to stay here. So I went to my friend's house. Sunanda's house. You can call and ask her." Zeenat said looking at Jahan.

"They didn't see you?" Kamran asked.

"We were standing really close in the store but I was wearing a niqab so my cousin didn't recognise me and before my father could recognise me I moved in one corner."

"What will happen if they find you? They will kill you?" Jahan asked with tears in her eyes.

"What do you think about my family? It's not a movie and my father is not a gangster! They will take me back to that hell that's it. Yeah I will be slapped many times but he won't kill me!"

"Sorry." Jahan said looking down.

"Are you sure they were here for some other purpose and not for you?" Izaan asked.

"For the first time in my life I would like to trust them."

"What if they come back? They will take you away?" Jahan asked.

"Probably."

"Your are an adult and no one can force you to do anything. You are an adult right?" Kamran asked.

"What's your age?" Izaan asked.

"Almost twenty."

"What the hell! You took such a big step at the age of 19? Woah I'm impressed." Kamran said.

"You are very young to take such a big step zeenat. Anything could have Happened! That was a risky and stupid step! Do you have any idea what kind of human beings​ live in this world!? Even if it was difficult to live there but at least you were safe!" Izaan scolded.

"That was my only chance! My mom was the only thing that was holding me back. That place is a hell! So many restrictions! When I told everyone I want to study further my aunt said I want to meet boys that's why I'm making that excuse! Yes I was talking to my male servant but I was teaching him trigonometry! Even our servants are more qualified than us! Just because my family cannot trust girls. They don't trust their own upbringing! That means they are wrong somewhere."

"They were trying to protect you Zeenat. Yeah I agree their way is wrong but they care for you."

"No Jahan no one there cares for me."

"Let's just forget everything!" Jahan said before standing up. She went and sat next to Zeenat." Alhumdulillah you are safe. I'm so sorry for my behaviour."

"It's ok. I know you care."

"She cares a lot and that tured out to be harmful for me." Kamran said to himself.

"Then why were you not answering our calls?" Izaan asked.

"At first I was too busy to look at my phone and when I was about to call Jahan my phone died. My friend didn't have the changer for my phone."

"Zeenat next time if something like that happens call me first! We will do whatever we can to keep you safe but don't vanish like that again." Jahan said.

Zeenat kept staring Jahan for some time, trying to understand what kind of human being she was,"Why do you care? We are not even related and ​you are wasting your time, energy,money and what not on me. You are impossible to understand."

"I need sleep." Jahan said before standing up and leaving the room.

"I'm leaving now Izaan. Don't call me for next 3 days. Even if you call I'm not answering!" Kamran said.

"Now leave. I cannot tolerate you any more." Izaan said

Kamran narrowed his eyes before standing up,"You cannot go a day without me. Try it!"

"Go!"

Kamran shook his head before wearing his shoes. He rolled his eyes at Izaan before leaving. After some time Izaan stood up.

"Go and rest. Don't worry everything is fine now." Izaan said and started walking towards his room.

"Thank you." Zeenat said.

Izaan did not reply to that and went to his room. Zeenat wiped her tears and closed her eyes with a hope of forgetting everything.

***

"Zeenat." Jahan said coming in the room with two cups.

"What is this?" Zeenat asked taking one cup from her.

"Poison."

Zeenat rolled her eyes,"Jahan you cannot even kill a mosquito. You are scary cat!"

Jahan narrowed her eyes,"Don't challenge me."

"You know what Jahan I challenge you! Kill one mosquito and I will do whatever you want."

"Ewww. Mosquito's blood on my hand? No way!"

"See!"

"I'm not scared of it! It's just ewww!"

"I know,I know."

"Zeenat!" Jahan cried and Zeenat started laughing.

It has been one week since the drama ended. They all are now back to normal. Jahan made it a rule for Zeenat to call or message her every hour when they are not together. Once Zeenat forgot to update her and then she saw a totally different Jahan. Now she can forget to eat but updating Jahan is something she cannot forget. 

Today being Sunday they decided to sit and relax. Izaan had some work so girls are alone at home.

"Jahan you remember few days back you asked me why I don't trust Allah?"

"Yeah." Jahan said taking one sip from her coffee.

"Nothing good ever happened to me that's why. Where was Allah when my mom was suffering? Where was Allah when my mom was crying?"

"Why do you still wear Hijab in the house and Niqab outside?"

Zeenat frowned,"where did that come from?"

"Just answer."

"Because my mom loved it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"You are wrong. You cover yourself because you feel safe. Be honest. Yes or no?"

Zeenat thought for some time before looking at Jahan,"Maybe. But mostly because my mom wanted me to practice that."

"Your mom was a religious women?"

"Yes."

"Even though she went through so much?"

"Yes."

"You trust your mom?"

"More than anyone in this world."

"Then trust her believe."

"What do you mean?"

"Even after suffering so much your mom still believed in Allah. Zeenat,I agree what happened with you and your mom was wrong. But that does not mean Allah hates you or Allah forgot you."

"Then why did we suffer for so many years?"

"Tell me your best memory."

"What has that to do with this topic."

"Do as I say."

"Let me think."

"Ok. Take your time."

Zeenat thought of all the things that happened in her life to find an answer to Jahan's question. After few seconds she looked at her and Jahan smiled.

"When I was ten years old. I was first in the class. My teacher and everyone clapped for me. And when I came home and told my mom that smile on her face made me realise how beautiful she is."

Jahan smiled again,"any more?"

"Few more incidence like when we went to my mom's cousin's wedding! Five days of paradise. We enjoyed a lot."

"What happens when someone is punished?" Jahan asked.

"Hai?"

"Answer."

"They are not allowed to do things of their choice. They are not allowed to enjoy. Basically you are only allowed to be sad."

"We do so many things that displeases Allah. He has so many reasons to punish us but he is merciful. And when we do get the fruit of what we do or did in the past even that has something good in it. We learn to become a better human being. It forces us to be good to others which ultimately brings good to us. Even the punishment is full of love and goodness." 

Zeenat kept staring her for a long time. She did not agree totally but something felt right. Her thoughts only revolved around how much Allah hates her. She never saw or though Islam or Allah in a good light. Or from a positive angle  She only saw the bad or maybe she was only shown the bad.