One week passed and Haider recovered to much extent. His arm was still in the sling, but the bruises were healed. That night, Jahangir had made sure he scared Farhana and her family into running away. Alina got Sarita to do extra work other than cooking. Also, she took care of Haider and kept in touch with him and maid whilst she was at work. Though Haider could come to the office, he purposefully doesn't. He kept Banerjee and a few other staff as a spy over her. Also, he kept checking the CCTV.

Mikael and Alina patched up after three to four days. Meera acted as the middleman in their patch up. But she supported Alina here and explained to him, - 'If she doesn't want to be with him anymore then we shouldn't guilt-trip or force her.'

Mikael reluctantly agreed.

'Haider!' Alina called entering his room whilst tying the strap of her watch. She looked up and found him standing by the portrait of her. She looked at the portrait and then at him. He turned and smiled at her.

'Hey, love. When you are out, this painting makes me feel like you are with me.' He confessed, approaching her. He held her hand with his free hand. She lowered her head briefly and then looked at him.

'I am off to work. Take care of yourself, okay?' She kept looking at him and slowly slipped her hand from his grip. But he clenched her fingers tightly.

'Why do you have to work so much, Miss. Alina? Can't you stay with me?' He requested. Alina shook her head pulling her hand from his hold.

'I am sorry.' – She touched his cheek gently, - 'I have to work, I got this new project and the deadline is coming up. Dinesh Mathur, our head, won't be pleased if I am late.' She explained.

Haider smiled amusedly, - 'But I am the main boss.' He smirked. Alina forced a smile and insisted she must leave. He felt anger rise inside him, but before he could react, she had walked out of the room.

Later as Haider sat in his room lounging on the leather recliner chair, watching a movie while munching on popcorn. Since his right hand was injured, it was a little struggle. He clicked his tongue in agitation as his phone rang. Quickly, he turned down the volume and answered the call.

'Yes, Banerjee.' – He listened carefully and his clenched his jaw, - 'Where did they go?' He enquired sitting up straight. He scolded his assistant for giving half information, then he angrily disconnected the call. He recollected Alina insisting that she must complete her assignment and then, he gets the news that she has gone out with Mikael. He leaned in the chair and brought his knuckles to his lips. He kept wondering where the two could have gone to. On a date?

Alina and Mikael climbed down the auto and Mikael paid for the ride. They were stopped at the security. Alina spoke to him and they let them in. She glanced at her friend and flashed a smile. He smiled a little.

'Are you sure about this?' – Alina said worriedly as they climbed fleet of stairs to get to the main door. She clenched Mikael's sleeve, - 'That man is dangerous.' She warned him in a hushed tone. Mikael blinked slowly at her.

'I have found out; he is not home.' He assured her. Alina nodded nervously.

'Who are you two?' A middle-aged woman came to them in the living room. She was elegantly dressed in Red silk saree with silver Zari work on it, her hair neatly tied in a low bun.

Mikael and Alina stood up from the sofa. He elbowed her lightly and she nodded, glancing at him. She gulped softly.

'Ma'am, I am—Alina Hooda your—I mean, Haider's fiancé.' She informed. She noticed the woman's expressions change. She eyed Alina as though recollecting something. Then, realization dawned upon her. She raised her chin and crossed her arms.

'So, you are the commoner who has trapped my son.' She said with arrogance. Alina was reminded of Roma. She couldn't help but think how Haider's mother deserved Roma as her daughter-in-law.

'Mrs. Zaidi, your son Haider isn't well. He was gravely injured by your husband.' – Uzma's gaze darted to Mikael, her expressions soften, - 'He is alright now, but his arm is broken and—'

'I know.' She said lowering her gaze for a moment and then looked up at the two of them. Mikael and Alina passed a confused look at each other. Uzma sighed, walked towards the sofa, and sat comfortably.

'Jahangir told me everything. He told me how you,' – she looked at Alina, - 'have trapped my son. You took advantage of his loneliness. You seduced him and made him go crazy for you. That is why he was showering you with so many expensive gifts, also got a house for you. He was wasting the company and his hard-earned money on you. You have brainwashed him so much that he became estranged to us.' – Uzma paused and exhaled deeply, - 'Jahangir met him that night and they got into a tussle and in self-defense, Jahangir had to hit him and Haider got injured.' – She let out breath looking at her fingers, then looked back at them- 'He said he had gotten Haider to the hospital. He had his men to watch over him. I knew he was safe.' – She explained.

Alina and Mikael's mouth hung open as they gaped at her in disbelief. Uzma shrugged at them, then she placed one leg over the other.

'Haider had become so madly in love with you that he walked out of our life without telling us where he was. Luckily, Hania told us the address.' She stood up and huffed. She turned her head to the side and called a butler. She looked at them again, - 'Please escort them out.' She looked away haughtily and sat down casually on the sofa.

Alina scoffed, - 'Have you ever wondered why, Mrs. Zaidi, your son depends upon other women for love? And why doesn't he love you or your husband.' She said. Uzma remained light lipped with a neutral look on her face and she avoided sparing a glance at them. Alina looked at Mikael who tugged on her hand and then led them out of the Villa.

'Oh my God, Mikael. Haider's mother is such a b****h and his father is such a Kamina.' Alina stamped her feet in irritation. Mikael sighed, nodding. He placed his palms on his hips.

'No wonder, Haider doesn't want to do anything with them.'

'And why does this oldie care about company money or Haider's money. It is his money and why doesn't that fool, Haider, start his own business. Zaidi will be finished.' Alina gestured with her hand in a swift movement. Mikael agreed with her once again.

'I guess Haider has taken up this company like his. But what bothers me why isn't Haider doing anything? He had a perfect opportunity to file a police complaint. They would have done their investigation and the truth would have been out.' – he pointed at Alina, - 'you could have been a witness too.'

Alina bit her lip, - 'I guess Haider knows how dangerous this man can be.' She reasoned.

On the way, she kept thinking about her interaction with Uzma and wondered what type of mother she was. Haider must have had a terrible childhood, that is why the night terrors. She held her forehead and inwardly thanked God for blessing her with a loving and caring family. Now, she was more positive about not letting them go. But she also wants to help Haider. He needs someone in his life. He deserves love, he does.

Uzma *Poker Face* Bechara Haider, he needs love...

So, guys! How was the Chapter? Drop your thoughts in the comments *smiles* And Stay tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*