ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sᴏɴɢ ᴅᴇᴅɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: ᴏ ʀᴇ ᴘɪʏᴀ

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The horizon of the golden hue reflected upon the Turkish blue sea. The briny air carried a different fragrance all around. Each tide washed onto the shore, kissing the grainy sand, an aura of peace and tranquility engulfing the calming territory.

Walking alongside the shores, lacy waves, Ruhbal reflected over everything that had happened over the past few years. Many thoughts were running through her mind, and all she wanted to know was what truly happened to her brother.

It seemed as if she was trapped in a web of lies; on one side was her father, whom she made a hasty promise to just for her mother's sake, and on the other side was the love of her life, who was accused of killing her only brother.

Ruhbal did not know whom she should believe or question; questioning Asfandyar meant losing the only hope in her heart, claiming his innocence, and believing her father's words meant trusting him blindly.

And despite her many attempts in the past few months, trying to find out what truly happened, Ruhbal was always met with a dead-end. It seemed as if everything was conspiring against Asfandyar and his innocence. But, now, no matter what, she had to find out what really happened to her brother because a lot more was at stake.

Ruhbal averted back from her daze, while her eyes simultaneously drifted to the horizon, watching the sky turn pink and golden descending into the late evening clouds. The cool breeze kissed her skin while her long thick wavy hair danced lusciously with the calming wind.

She didn't realize how much time had already passed; it was already close to sundown, and so Ruhbal felt that it was appropriate to head back home.

The journey from the beach to her home wasn't that long; it took her about twenty-five minutes to reach back home. As Ruhbal opened the heavy wooden door, the only thing she could see in sight was complete darkness.

Removing her shoes by the entryway, her soft bare feet touched the polished wooden floor, but instead of feeling the cold urban brown flooring, she felt something soft yet delicate on her soles.

Out of nowhere, fairy lights illuminated every inch of their two-story home; rose petals were aligned from the foot of the front door to the entrance of their patio. Dusty blue turquoise chiffon drapes wrapped all around the premises depicting a fairytale scenery.

Ruhbal was astonished to see such a breathtaking sight; everything was so beautiful and perfect. Her lips stretched into a dazzling smile while her heart was filled with immense love. After a day filled with so much heartache and pain, coming home to such a wonderful surprise felt good.

Ruhbal knew Asfandyar had planned such a beautiful evening just to bring a smile unto her face. Because ever since they had gotten married, he had always done little things just to make sure she finds joy and happiness even while she dwells in her grief. But today's setup was a bit more romantic; it felt more intimate to be for an ordinary day.

Before Ruhbal could ponder over her thoughts any longer, she felt a pair of strong arms circling her waist from behind; his dimpled chin dipped on her shoulder while his thick stubble gently tickled her supple rosy cheeks.

Asfandyar was the first one to break their calming silence. 

"Happy twenty-sixth Birthday Ruh"

How could she forget? Today was her twenty-sixth birthday; But ever since Ruhbal lost Razaan, she stopped celebrating her special day. Razaan always used to plan the best surprises for her, and when he was gone forever, her special day wasn't so special anymore.

"You remembered"

Ruhbal voiced out with a grateful smile and moistened tears.

"I never forgot"

Asfandyar said with so much love and glee.

Slowly turning her around, the two souls were standing closer than ever, tucking the loose strand of hair behind her ear Asfandyar kept admiring his wife.

His gaze was transfixed on Ruhbal, drinking her every feature; the way her golden-bronze skin bathed in the sun casting a golden glow, or the way her mahogany brown orbs intoxicated him, or the way her thick long lashes kissed her supple cheeks every time she glanced down.

Her every feature screamed perfection; Ruhbal was perfect to him in every sense; even her flaws held perfection.

Breaking from his reverence, Asfandyar gently grabbed Ruhbal's hand and interlaced his fingers within her dainty ones. He then told her to head up to their bedroom as he has another surprise waiting for her.

Upon reaching their bedroom, Ruhbal was welcomed with yet another beautiful fairytale scenery. She then noticed a medium midnight black gift box placed effortlessly on her vanity. Slowly opening the delicate satin bow from the gift box,

She was mesmerized by the breathtaking Saree in front of her. It was a cinderella blue Saree embroidered with gold and bronze zari work. Along with such an elegant outfit was a beautiful pair of golden Jhumkas attached with ear chains on both sides.

After about thirty minutes, she was finally ready. Gracefully walking down the staircase, Ruhbal's face was glowing with noor.

While on the other side of the stairs, Asfandyar was impatiently waiting for Ruhbal to come down. Feeling her presence, he slowly turned around, and as soon as he laid his eyes upon her, his breath hitched.

Ruhbal was looking utterly breathtaking; the elegant Saree was doing nothing but complimenting her beautiful curves. Her pushtaini jewelry glitzed under the fluorescent lights, while her long golden-brown hair was curled to perfection.

Asfandyar was absolutely speechless witnessing the woman in front of him; she never failed to take his breath away. As Ruhbal reached the end of the staircase, he instantly intertwined his fingers within her's, leading them directly to the beautifully decked patio.

Throughout the beautiful night, Ruhbal forgot about the ultimatum she gave her father. But for once, all she wanted to do was steal these precious moments from her fate, which were wrongfully taken.

After a lovely dinner, Ruhbal and Asfandyar were snuggled into each other embrace, seeking warmth from the wooden outdoor fireplace. The two talked more than they ever had in the past six months that night.

Asfandyar was the first one to break the peaceful silence.

"Ruh, I know how much you miss Razaan, but the other day Maa was telling me that you haven't visited his grave yet? Why?"

Ruhbal didn't know what to say; how could she tell him that she made a promise to herself, vowing only to meet her brother once his wrongdoers were rightfully punished.

But she was done keeping Asfandyar in the dark, so she truthfully said what was in her heart. 

"I promised myself that I would only visit Bhai's grave once I know who was behind his accident"

Taking a deep sigh, Asfandyar knew it was time to tell Ruhbal the truth.

"Ruh, I don't know who was responsible for Razaan's accident, but just like the promises, I made to him before he left this world. I promise you today; we will find out who took a part of our family away; I promise we will bring him justice"

"And how could you be so sure that we will bring him justice? I have been trying to find out the truth for the past six years"

Gosh, Ruhbal didn't know how such a beautiful night was slowly turning so bitter, but all she knew was their lives were at stake, and she would do anything to protect them, even if that meant questioning the love of her life.

But then Asfandyar told her the biggest truth of their lives.

"Because Razaan was not the only one who got into the car accident, it was me too; someone had planned to kill us both"

Ruhbal never knew the honest truth about her brother's murder would be this brutal, but now she was done playing games; she was done with her Baba's lies because now all she was going to do was prove her Asfandyar's innocence.

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