"I assume that you don't know the password of your dad's security locker."

"Password," I repeated, more to myself than to the detective as I was filled with sudden, blinding panic.

"I did not hear you," Detective Hamilton grumbled.

"I would check my tone if I were you, Mr hamilton," Aahil said with driven emphasis, "I expect that you speak to my wife in a better tone."

Detective Hamilton gave an uneasy expression to Aahil and then returned his questioning gaze towards me.

I opened my mouth but no sound escaped. If I thought that all the bitter things which I had faced in the initial days of my marriage had shaken me, then I was mistaken.

This was ultimatum!

Could my father, my role model, have had a secret life which l knew nothing about?

Secrets, I was unaware of, and most probably even mom wouldn't have any idea that dad was rich enough to leave behind so much money and property.

"I'm waiting for your reply, Mrs Hussain?' I swallowed hard and licked my dry lips.

What was I supposed to reply? I was short of words to express anything.

"What are we supposed to make out of your silence?" Dilshad prompted.

"We are forced to view this case in a different perspective," Detective Hamilton said grimly and shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe your father sold the information of his research to someone for a very high price."

"That's a lie," I shrieked, "He would never stoop so low."

I wished Aahil would speak on my behalf. He knew my dad right from his childhood days. Shouldn't he stand up for a loyal employee? And that too when my dad had spent the bigger half of his life serving them.

"My dad got himself killed working for the country and he would never involve himself in an immoral act. He had too much of a conscience to ever do that," I practically shouted at him as my heart began to pound and blood rushed to my ears.

Detective Hamilton's voice was sympathetic, but at the same time determined. "I'm sorry to put you through this, but I fully intend to go to the bottom of what happened to the research papers and solve the mystery."

I sat there feeling as miserable as ever. How I wished Aahil was beside me to provide comforting words, I yearned for his touch.

His eyes shone concern but his actions told otherwise. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying, as I did not wish to disgrace myself in front of an audience.

Detective Hamilton was watching me, "I won't keep you, Mrs Hussain. I can see how upset you are. We'll talk again in the near future. Perhaps there's something you remember. If you think of anything that might be helpful, I would appreciate it if you would call me," He reached into his wallet and pulled out an embossed business card, "This is my private cell phone number. You can reach me day or night."

I took the card, all that was on it was Detective Hamilton's name and number. I nodded and rose from my place, trying my best to act steadily.

"I apologize once again, Mrs Hussain. In the meantime, if there is anything you come across don't hesitate to call me."

I nodded my head for the second time.

"And if there's anything I can do for you or if you need my help then please feel free to ask for it."

I was barely able to speak and before I could summon up a gentle reply, I heard Aahil replying to him, "Thank you for your concern Mr Hamilton, but if my wife needs anything then it would be my concern and not yours."

Detective Hamilton raised his eyebrows but said nothing.

I threw myself on the bed, hugging the pillow close to my chest. Fresh tears began flowing on their own accord and I didn't make an effort to wipe them.

When I realised that I had no more tears to shed, I got up and went to the washroom to perform ablution.

The only prayer had the power to calm my inner turmoil. I offered my evening namaz and sat there supplicating to the Almighty to show me a way that would lead me to the truth.

Until now I had taken things lightly as I believed in the law of our country and was at ease that justice would soon be established. But now things were different, they had put my dad on the spot of a criminal. I would not sit around and see my dad's honour getting humiliated.

It would leave a permanent dark spot in his perfect record and I wouldn't allow it to take place. I took a firm resolution to try to solve things on my own. Get a few questions answered from the required sources.

I went on supplicating continuously and the hot liquid started pouring again from my eyes, wetting my cheeks and dripping onto my lap. My headache had returned with vengeance, I closed my eyes and rested my head on the wall behind me.

A small sound roused me from my uneasy doze. I sat up abruptly as the lamp went on and I realized that I had fallen asleep on the prayer night.

It had already turned dark outside. I tried to get up as my stomach heaved in protest and my head began to swim.

Aahil looking devastating in his white dinner jacket surveyed me from where he was standing. A slight frown pleated his ebony brows, a look of spurious concern in his searching gaze, "Are you ill," He enquired.

Swallowing hard on my nausea, I stared back at him with loathing. Obviously, my system did not take stress smoothly, and not eating much in recent days hadn't helped.

"I'll call a doctor," Aahil straightened with the decision.

With a look of smouldering resentment, still angry with him for not defending my father, "I don't need a doctor! I just don't want anything to do with you," I replied with not so gentle tone.

He observed me for few terrifying moments, "Dinner is in half an hour then," he drawled succinctly.

"I'm not getting up," I muttered, and rubbed my hot brow, "I'm so warm."

"You can hardly expect anything else with the windows closed, the curtains drawn and the air condition switched off," Aahil responded flatly and strode into the bathroom.

I heard the rumbling of running water as I got up from my prayer mat and slept on the mattress.

Aahil returned holding something in his hand, but I was not going to ask what it was. He went to the other end of the room and switched on the air conditioning and a gush of cool air filled the room.

From the doorway, Aahil tossed the wet cloth he was holding in his hand, and I wiped my face with it blissfully.

Sliding upright, I smoothed my creased abaya, wishing I had the sense to undress before I dozed off.

'You are making this a fight every step of the way," Aahil muttered bitterly.

"What else do you expect from me? When every single day my life is turning more complex than it already is."

"I understand your pain and confusion and I'm here if you need me," He's said pointing towards himself, "You have to accept that you aren't alone anymore."

"Then why didn't you defend my father?"

"It wasn't my place to say anything at that moment. I do not believe that your father was a criminal but it's important we prove it to the world with clear proof,  rather than argue with every single person who might suspect him."

I was taken aback by his reply. Unlike me, Aahil was so cool and collected. He always thought a step ahead and his every move was so calculated. No wonder he considered me childish.

"I'm sorry," I apologised with a meek voice. Aahil was surprisingly silent for some reason.

"I'll be down soon," I sighed.

As I got up and went towards him, he held up his hand in an act of surrender, "Please... don't."

"Don't what?"

"Do not touch me. You need time to sort out your feelings and I'm ready to give you all the time in the world. Just don't make it more difficult for me by showing small gesture's of affection as I might get carried away."

"What about you Aahil? Have you sorted out your feelings?"

He gave a look of complete surprise as if he had never expected that question to be coming.

"If your answer is a 'Yes' then I would love to know what exactly you feel for me. Your answer might help me sort out my feelings sooner," I replied firmly, but with a hint of sarcasm.

He just strode out of the room without replying.

_________________

I did not know how long I stood under the shower allowing the warm water to caress me, the soft knock on the door bringing me back to present.

I heard Ms Mariam's muffled voice, "Sorry to interrupt you, Mrs Hussain. Sir Aahil expects you to join him for dinner exactly in fifteen minutes."

I gave no reply.

"Ma'am."

"I'll be there," I groaned.

I hurriedly completed my shower and changed into simple bottle-green coloured kurta with navy blue embroidery, matching shawl to go along with it.

Consequently, I was about to step out of my room and close the door when I heard my phone ringing. Therefore, I returned to my bedroom and after searching for a few annoying seconds, I found it in the thin space between the couch pillows.

I instantly received the call and put it on my ears.

"Salaam sissy, How are you?" The familiar tone filled me with warmth and comfort.

"Walaikum salam, Ayath. I'm fine Alhamdulillah. How are you?"

"I'm fine too. So how is married life suiting you?"

"It is suiting me wonderfully," I faked a happy tone.

"So how is Aah-----?"

"I'm sure you are missing me," I quickly jumped to the next question to avoid answering further questions related to Aahil or my marriage.

"I was missing you terribly until Rushda decided to stay with us," She replied cheerfully.

"What? Why is Rushda staying with you?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry that we forgot to inform. Uncle Haroon and his family have been staying in with us from the past two weeks as their house is under renovation."

"Is there enough space for all of them?"

"I and Rushda sleep in my room. Isaac is sharing Ali's bedroom."

My mind was spinning, "What about Uncle Haroon and Aunt Haazra?"

"I don't think you will be pleased to know."

"Please tell me."

"Mom gave them your bedroom as you aren't here at the moment."

I did not reply.

"Hey, do you remember the volumes of books present in your room, which was gifted to you by dad every time he came across a new discovery."

"Of course I remember," Memories were the only thing that had the power to make me feel alive.

"From the past few days, uncle Haroon has immersed himself in those books. He says it's a great pleasure to read those discoveries!"

________________

Today I have nothing to say in Author's note.

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Dedicated to Witeewat

Fee amanillah <3