Flashbacks are in bold*

Anticipation. It is something that can pull someone on the edge of their patience. Something that makes you swing between hope and hopelessness. Something that plays a thousand scenarios in your head but you are not sure about even one of them coming true.

If someone looked at Harram Zaviyar Ali at the moment, they'd know what anticipation visually looks like. Holding the table in front of her she was glancing between Colonel Bukhari and Major Waleed back and forth. The investigation file she'd gotten from her husband's closet few hours back was opened in front of Bukhari who was deeply immersed in it while Waleed's ever easy going persona was also on edge. She'd straight come to Colonel's house and seeing her serious expression Waleed was also called. The study door was opened and since then she was waiting for them to digest the information she had threw upon them.

"This makes things so much complicated and twisted."

Bukhari finally commented closing the file indicating he was done.

"A grandfather? To his own grandson? The one he'd always treated more like a son?"

Waleed was still finding it hard to believe but the facts in the file were screaming that Yahya Duraid was behind Zaviyar's going missing.

"This all makes sense, Waleed. Look back at all the happenings of past weeks. Only someone like Yahya could stage Zaviyar's death this realistically. Being his grandfather no one would even think of doubting his intentions and that came in handy for him."

"So what now?"

Harram came straight to the point.

"Now we plan."

"What plan? Do you really think any plan at this point will do us any good? We have the evidences. We should just give them to the court and rest will be taken care of."

"It's not this simple, Mrs. Zaviyar."

Waleed came forward. Harram scowled not getting what he was saying.

"Look at it this way. Faking someone's death that too an army officer's is quite a task. Yahya Duraid isn't alone in this. By the looks of it and the kind of large scale shit he pulled, this is a mafia God knows who else is a part of. We give these evidences to the court, Yahya comes in custody and the legal proceedings start. What then? What about the remaining of his oldie gang? What if they get cautious and try to burn everything that points towards them? Your husband will come on top of that list. They will first and foremost get rid of Zaviyar. At this point no matter how ridiculous it sounds, but Yahya Duraid is our key towards Zaviyar's safety as well as his whereabouts. He took a huge risk by staging Zaviyar's death and he wouldn't do it just like that. He wanted Zaviyar alive or else these big guns don't leave officers like Zaviyar Ali who get their hands on their dirty laundry. Being Yahya's grandson helped Zaviyar here."

Harram leaned into the seat with worry truly evident on her face.

"Our only task right now is knowing where is Zaviyar and how is he. Finding him and saving him comes first and then with his assistance we'll bring forth Yahya Duraid's downfall. Zaviyar was supposed to bring this file to me and telling me the progress in the case. Too bad I was out of the city when he came to meet me and the next day the hell broke loose. "

The moment she'd come to know about the truth she was on edge. All she wanted was to let the higher authorities know and let them find her husband. But now listening to both Colonel Bukhari and Waleed she knew it was easy said than being done. It was way more complicated than it looked from surface. So much was involved and risking Zaviyar's life wasn't even an option. She wasn't losing him when she hadn't even gotten him.

Waleed and she had come out of Bukhari house together. The file was with Colonel as per his request. Harram was skeptical but had no say. She clearly had no right to keep it with her.

"You should get some rest, Mrs. Zaviyar. You seem shaken up."

"Are you sure I can trust Colonel Bukhari?"

He stopped in his tracks and then looked over at her. She was not looking back. Her focus was somewhere there in the horizon where sun was setting.

"Can you trust me? You don't know if I'm on your side or not but still you are accepting my help and listening to me. Same goes with Colonel Bukhari. He's kind of a mentor for me and Zaviyar. We both have been part of missions under Bukhari's supervision. When Zaviyar's martyrdom's news came, he was the first person to sense something was off and he gave me the duty to find out what. That's what took me to you because you were the only anomaly in the otherwise normal scenario. And that did the trick. Now here we are and almost everything that happened was because you were brave and always quick in your senses. Your husband very cleverly hid clues and you got them all. You are an intelligent woman. You should know why you trust me and Colonel."

Harram nodded knowing where he was coming from. She was just being paranoid. After getting to know so much it was only natural to be skeptical about everything.

"Thank you for everything, Waleed."

"Don't. I'm doing this for the person who has been a brother away from home. You might not know but we were quite close."

"I actually don't know much. Zaviyar never let me get involved into the army related stuff. I wish he did though."

"That had always been his fear; you should know looking at your history."

"You know that much don't you?"

"Told you, we were good friends. We still are actually."

Harram smiled for the first time that evening.

"I should really get going now. My mother will be worried."

"Should I drop you off?"

"Don't fret. I'm a big girl. Allah hafiz, Mr. Waleed."

"Allah Hafiz, Mrs. Zaviyar."

He turned back to his car. The last thing on Waleed's mind was how his wife was waiting back home and how this normalcy was snatched away from Zaviyar by his own grandfather.

__________________

Moving the steering Harram rounded another corner and came on the clear road of Islamabad once she was out of Colonel's sector. Her eyes were focused ahead while her mind was busy analyzing the situation she was in. The revelation of Yahya Duraid being the mastermind of this game had tilted everything she'd known from its axis. She had hoped for anyone's photo to be fixed there on the last page of that file. Anyone but Yahya Duraid. The grandfather Zaviyar always respected and loved. The man who had somehow filled the void of a father in Zaviyar's life. How could he be this cruel? He always seemed to be a level headed person but may be all these people in power are just like this. Cunning and opportunistic. Cruel and without any emotion other than power and authority. She was thinking back to the time Zaviyar's death news came and now she could join the dots.

Yahya Duraid insisting she goes back with parents as she was definitely going to be a threat. Zaviyar hiding his car keys like that just so she would be the only one finding them. Now she knew had those been in Zaviyar's stuff, Yahya Duraid would've definitely gotten his hands on them. She remembered when Hamail and she had come back on Zaviyar's car how Yahya had immediately spotted it from his room window and how he had so enthusiastically asked about the keys which Hamail had immediately given him. If she hadn't hidden the marked key already she'd be doomed right now. The signs were so subtle but now when she looked back they were proving their existence.

Zaviyar proved to be the nuisance in Yahya Duraid's perfect kingdom and he did everything in his wake to make him disappear from the surface of this world. He succeeded to some extent but lies have no feet and no matter how clever some people think themselves to be, they often leave out few tiny details and that's where you need to look. Harram was ready now. She'd be looking in all possible details just like she had with the hints Zaviyar had left for her. How his mind worked even after knowing this life changing truth. He still used his skills and saved his hard work and probably the key of his freedom in her hands. And she'd be damned if she let it go all in vain.

Zaviyar had trusted her with his life. Even after keeping her away from his professional front she was the only person he trusted when it came to a death or life situation. Just like she'd trust him in any circumstances.

Stopping the car in front of the familiar picket fence, she didn't come out for some time. She still had to break it to her mother she was here for as long as she had to be. She had plan what she needed to do next and on top she had to etch this fact on her memory that Zaviyar was betrayed by his own family.

Yahya Duraid had snatched away their world and merged it into his hell. She'd remember it.

And she'd remember him. That man with a heart of gold. Who loved his kin more than he'd loved anything and got nothing in return other than pain. The battle ahead was long. Both were fighting from the same side but not side by side. She just hoped wherever he was, he was doing okay, he was not in that much pain and he was not on the verge of losing hope.

Dil na-umeed tou nahi na-kaam hi tou hai,

Lambi hai gham ki shaam magr shaam hi tou hai

(The heart is defeated but not hopeless

The night of sorrow is long but it's a night only)

_________________

Leaning against the headboard, Khadija intertwined her fingers and let her mind replay the goodbye Harram had bid to her awhile back. She didn't want her to go but had to as this was the only solution of the problem at the moment. Harram was being contained in this house and this was something Khadija would never want.

She'd been the witness of Zaviyar and Harram's relation and its progression over the period of them being married. And never had Zaviyar ever imposed anything on her. Their approach towards each other was different but their mutual understanding was always something Khadija had admired. Harram was not someone to be controlled by anyone other than her own will and this fact was out of Mrs. Aneesa's understanding. She was treating Harram like she'd always treated everyone around her but not all people are prone to the same ways. Some need more care and friendlier approach. Mrs. Aneesa's demands and her way of getting them were both unjustified.

So when Harram had come to Khadija to say goodbye, Khadija hadn't stopped her. The person her son had loved with all his heart was dear to Khadija. Harram was more like daughter to her than a daughter in law but right now letting her go was the best thing to do. She was better off without the constant meddling of Mrs. Aneesa in her life especially when she needed mental and physical rest the most. Zaviyar was gone and now his family too was slipping from Khadija's hands. She could do nothing but to reach out to the past and touching the confetti of love scattered here once.

"You know my answer still you are being stubborn."

Khadija huffed but the smile was still intact on her face.

"Why you can't change your answer? This also comes under stubbornness."

The man in question was her son only.

"What I'd do there with you two?"

"What do you mean? You'll stay with Harram and I. We'll be a proper family."

It was two days after Zaviyar and Harram's marriage and now that the after wedding fuss was over, Zaviyar had announced he was taking Harram to his Pindi residence and she'd stay there. Harram had no complaints whatsoever. She wasn't talking to him so there was no chance of complaining. But Khadija knew why her son was doing this. He was well aware of how things worked in this house and on the other hand he knew Harram's nature and how she was brought up as well. Keeping her here with the family was not going to end well. Both Yahya Duraid and Mrs. Aneesa were controlling to some extent and they all had never minded it thinking it was their way of expressing their love and care but Harram was someone coming here from outside and for her adjusting would be difficult. Moreover, she was Zaviyar's responsibility now that both were married so Zaviyar wanted to fulfill his duty by providing his wife with an accommodating atmosphere. But he wanted Khadija to go along as well and she wasn't ready.

"Zaviyar, you know your Dado don't you? She'll be hurt if I also go along with you two. You have convinced her for Harram but I know she won't be happy if I go as well."

"But Maa, technically you and Harram both are my responsibility. I want you both close and I'm also aware of how amazing bonding you two share. This will be a cakewalk. We can make our own home."

"This is my home, Zaviyar. The one your father left me in. When your Baba passed away Amma and Baba Jaan became the loving shade under the scorching heat for both of us. They never asked anything return, just our love and loyalty and that's I'm going to give them all my life the way they have given me all theirs. So no questions, Bacha. I can't come with you both."

Zaviyar sighed knowing how it was impossible to make his mother agree to something she'd already made her mind against. He was also aware his grandparents would never let his mother go still he wanted to try. This was his small family and he wanted it to stay close to him but guess he would have to do without having his mother in the picture.

"Okay, if you say so."

His face was giving out his dejection. Khadija ran her fingers in his hair and cupped his cheek.

"I just need one thing from you. Take care of Harram. Love her and cherish her. Don't make things more messed up than they already are between you two, instead try to resolve them."

"For that she have to talk to me you know."

"Can you blame her here?"

He grunted knowing he couldn't. Khadija shook her head just when Harram came there with a bag in her hand.

"Auntie, should I do your packing as well?"

"I'm not going with you, Harram. It's just you two."

She looked shocked and then dreadful.

"I'll live alone with him?"

Khadija laughed while Zaviyar rolled his eyes taking full offence at the question.

"Remind me again who got married just two days back?"

Khadija's teasing tone made it all clear that Harram indeed had to go alone and live with him. She folded her arms on her chest and giving a glare to him marched out of there.

"This is not going to be a cakewalk. I'm doomed."

His words had the helplessness of a world in them and Khadija could do nothing but laughing enjoying this to the fullest. He deserved it anyway.

And now only an echo of that laughter and easygoing vibe was ringing in her ears. Everything had been changed and would continue to be so for as long as she was alive.

_____________________

The curtain to the window was dancing to the tunes of the wind. The same rhythm she had once saw a person in love moving with. Free. Without any care. With a mind of its own. Harram kept on searching something already lost on the horizon. The stars and their focal point, the moon were all gliding together on a journey unknown. They were smiling and asking her the same question.

"Where is love?"

She no longer felt where it was. She no longer knew. Because there comes a point when love doesn't want to know when love will be here and if it will ever be. She had done her share of waiting and waiting with dedication. But love never came. If it did that was just to tell it wasn't for her and after crying, trashing and refusing she was finally able to believe that yes, this love wasn't for her.

But why it still felt that this love was coming for her. It was lost but not gone. It got distracted but never forgot the way. The way he had looked at her in the hotel hallway, she could feel an emotion rolling off him in waves she'd always found herself surrounded with. He was worried, he was agitated and more than that he was looking out for her.

As an army officer whose out most priority is always the safety of the people. She was among those people. Nothing more or less. For a long time she'd read into the lines and that fine night he had told her all her hopes and ideas were just a wishful thinking. Now she was no longer looking at any possibility when it came to him. It happened. She got scared. She called him. He was already coming. He saved her. She thanked him and that's it. Nothing else. Nothing else.

Looking straight into the fire outside of his base camp, he felt the silence around indicating his fellows were gone to their beds calling it a night. He wasn't that lucky. In the distorted image of the surrounding through the layer of fire he could see just those teary eyes filled with dread and tears. That face covered with remnants of her fear and the pain she had gone through.

He was going there as an army officer. But that phone call changed the equation in mere nanoseconds. Now his stance had gone all personal. He had reached there as Zaviyar. The major in him was there but the Zaviyar had come over the surface breaking through the persona of indifference. He had searched for her. He rescued her and his heart both. She was so scared and he needed to protect her right there. He was worried for her and wanted her to go back home as soon as possible but that's where she'd turned away from him.

Sahil had come to take her back and she didn't even look back.

He was standing there until the air of their vehicle was dissolved into nothingness but she didn't look back.

He was still there somewhere, standing in front of that chaos.

But she didn't look back.

And the night smiled seeing the two lovers knowing too well love was there but still denying. That too well.

Ye ehd e tark e mohabbat hai kis liye akhir

Sakoon e qalab idher bhi nahi udher bhi nahi

Why this promise of departing from love

When the peace of heart is nowhere to be found

______________________

"She did what?"

The glass of water had almost dropped from Harram's hand hearing what her mother had to say.

"You heard me, Harram."

Zara raised her eyebrow at her daughter. Harram finished the remaining water and got up from the chair.

"Let me get this straight. Sahil's sister came to you today to ask my hand in marriage for him?"

"Yeah, precisely."

Harram let the reality of this sink in. Sahil was a very good friend of hers who had never given her any chance of being wry of him. He was cool, calm, and had a knack of enduring shit and still smiling through it. In these months of her knowing him, she had never thought of him this way. But his sister's coming with this proposal was surprising. Did Sahil know?

"I know this came like a shocker but I really feel you should think about it. Everything looks good so far but I'll talk to your dad and Sahil's family only if you are ready. If not, we can forget any proposal ever came."

Zara put the chopped tomatoes in the bowl while Harram stirred the gravy on the stove. They were making dinner when Zara had broken this news to her.

"This is a shocker, not gonna lie but I think I should talk to Sahil first. We are really good friends and I wish to discuss it with him."

"Yeah sure, as you wish."

Zara smiled but Harram was in deep thoughts. There was no problem in Sahil's family sending a proposal. She was an educated and getting on her own woman and at this point of her life having proposals from known families wasn't absurd. But she never knew Sahil was thinking on these lines. She knew how he used to share every detail of his life with his sister. It was impossible he didn't know about this new development. So she had to talk to him to get things clear.

The next day was Sunday and she had texted Sahil to meet her somewhere calm. He had called her to his apartment. She found it fitting to have this conversation with him. At the set time she was there sitting in his living room while he was making both of them a fine coffee.

"What took you here on a Sunday?"

He asked extending the mug towards her.

"I needed to ask you something."

"About the proposal?"

She looked up raising an eye brow.

"You know?"

"Knowing my sister and my bonding you shouldn't ask this. She was behind me since the time she had met you in Kashmala Hussaini party. I was reluctant at first, you know we are such good friends and then I thought why not? So the moment I gave her the green signal she was there at your doorstep to meet your mother."

She liked this about Sahil. Always so up front and honest in whatever he does.

"Why did you think that we can marry each other?"

"Honestly, I don't really know. I care for you and you are my closest friend. There was no reason for me to say no and all the reasons to say yes."

Harram placed the mug at the table and turned to him.

"Sahil, have you ever loved someone?"

His immediate response was to take a step back.

"No, I've never."

The hollow whisper made Harram sigh.

"But I have. I have loved and that person didn't love me back. This is a baggage I'll keep on carrying with me all my life. I'm no longer pining for him. No. But have I completely gotten over him? No to that as well. I've tried moving on and somehow I learnt living with the fact that he's never gonna love me and we are never going to be a thing. It still hurts sometimes but mostly I've made my peace. I'm not one of those people who'll put their whole life and happiness at stake because they couldn't get their love. I want to live a full life and doing everything normal people do. Getting married to someone is also one of those things. But I don't want to put someone in dark. This is why I'm telling you this. I don't know if we'll get married or not but telling you this is important because this is my truth. I'm not trying to use you as a rebound. No. I've taken care of my baggage and I'll keep on doing that all my life. May be I'll never get out of love with him, maybe I will. It all is in the theory and I don't want to discuss it right now but if you are looking for a relation with me then this is how it is going to be. You knowing my low point of life."

Sahil hadn't gotten angry or looked disappointed. A small smile was playing on his lips.

"And you call me an honest person?"

Harram just shrugged in return.

"I don't think I'm someone to comment or feel bad about your past. That's pretty low in my opinion. So I'll just talk about the present and the future. We vibe and I think we should take this seriously. How cool we are around each other. Sometimes more than love, the vibe is important. Not all the time those butterflies are there. Sometimes the calm inside you with someone's company can do the trick."

Harram's lips curled into a sweet smile.

"Are you giving me those cookies your mum baked you yesterday?"

"They are finished. I'm sorry."

"They are not. I'll look for them."

She got up walking towards the kitchen while Sahil just regretted telling her about the cookies in first place.

________________________

Sahil was right about the vibe. The coming few weeks told Harram that much. Her and Sahil's bonding had strengthened over the time some more. Both were really good friends and after telling him about her past Harram was more at ease. It was true that neither of them was in that fairy tale love but it was also true that they fitted well together. The families had also met each other and with both of their approval the proposal was accepted and the marriage date was fixed.

Harram couldn't say with conviction if she was happy. But content? That she was. She was satisfied with where her life was going. The needle of what ifs and the picture of a certain someone on her mind used to pierce through her heart sometimes but she had made her peace with this reality. Not everything was for everyone. But some things were for someone and she was getting those some things from her life. She had learnt to smile without getting the sadness inside get to her and she was sure one day this smile would surround her whole being. It would take time and effort. Effort she was making and time she was giving.

_______________

Sohaira picked up the card and put it back in its envelope. Her eyes were all the while looking for something on the face that was sitting in front of her but as usual it was devoid of any hint of unease. But she was no fool. The red eyes were whispering of his steel patience.

"You know what this means?"

"Everyone knows what a wedding card means, Soha."

"Then Bhai you should also know this means the last nail in the coffin of your and her story is also not far from being pushed."

"We never had a story."

"Yeah, I forgot. You two have history."

Zaviyar looked away not saying anything.

"You know she's trying to move on from you. And this relation isn't a rebound for her. She's giving it her 100 percent. She's so sincere. Imagine if you hadn't parted ways with her even before walking two steps together. How sincere and honest she'd be with you. She was in love after all. It pains my heart to use the past sentence for her love. It's still not late but you are late, Bhai. Wished you had listened to your heart instead of your mind. Instead of your what ifs."

Soha turned away from him but he couldn't even do that. How'd you turn away from your own self? His lingering gaze went towards the card once again.

Jo tu mil jaye taqdeer nigun ho jaye

Yun na tha, maine faqt chaha tha yun ho jaye

If only I get you my fate will surrender before me

It wasn't like this, I just wished it happen this way

__________________

"You are Mayun's bride. Stay put in your room."

Zara scolded her daughter who had her wedding celebration beginning from tomorrow and right now she was insisting on going for ice cream with her best friends.

"She's Sahil's bride auntie and I can assure you he won't mind her getting out for ice cream."

Sohaira commented hugging Harram sideways. She was not entirely happy at this union which was going to take place in two days but Harram was all smiles and that smile was not just for show. For her best friend Sohaira had to put a front of laughs and joy.

The moment the news of Harram's marriage had reached Duraid house the air had turned tensed. Khadija was dejected but not for Harram and her happiness but for her son's stubbornness. Mrs. Aneesa refused to attend the wedding as she had always thought of Harram as their daughter in law. Zaviyar was kept in dark but his unannounced arrival just days before Harram's marriage was the last blow. Khadija was angry with him but she wasn't showing her displeasure but that wasn't true with Mrs. Aneesa. She was full fledged showing her anger. Zaviyar hadn't said a word. Khadija wanted Harram to have all the blessings before starting this phase of her life. She was attending all the ceremonies along with Sohaira and Hamail.

"Call me old fashioned but she's sitting in Mayun and before her marriage she's not allowed to go out of the house."

Zara said in a nonsense way making Sohaira chuckle seeing Harram's face.

There weren't many people gathered in the house. The guests were reaching tomorrow and right now only few of friends were around. The whole atmosphere of the house was giving the typical feeling of happiness, anticipation and the joy that's about to arrive.

Khadija was waiting for Zaviyar who was coming to pick her up. Hamail was gone to get Meeral who was going to spent the night with Sohaira and Harram all the time talking and just having the friends night out. Harram was sent to her room but before that she had hugged Khadija auntie wishing her a good night. Khadija had looked at her with teary eyes. If only... but sigh.

 Harram stood in her room window with the feeling that her life was going to change entirely in just two days. She was prepared and almost looking forward to it but as if on cue the past came rushing to her mind. She didn't try to block it. It was good to reminisce the old days before embarking on to a new journey ahead. She thought of everything. From that first glance to that last teary goodbye. From that first feeling of love to that last feeling of heartbreak. From him to her, from her to him.

Love knows when love here.

Her eyes spotted the familiar car and leaning on it, Him. His arms folded on his chest and eyes looking right at her.

She immediately turned around. And composing herself drew the curtains.

Like she tried to draw the curtains of her heart where he was still occupying the place that was rightfully his since the beginning. She could fill her heart with everything but that place would always be his. Without even asking. Without even demanding.

Zaviyar left his car and taking slow defeated steps covered the picket fence.

Harram had been seen by Zaviyar. The bride of mayun had been seen by her groom.

But neither the bride nor the groom knew.

_____________________

Harram knew Zara would be livid when she'd know about Mrs. Aneesa and Yahya Duraid's decision about her and Hamail which prompted her to leave that house. Zara was angry. She hadn't expected those people to stoop this low. She had informed Obaid as well. He was currently out of country but his one phone call to Haveli and in next few hour a car had stopped in front of Zara's house. Crossing the telling picket fence the three people stood outside of the front door and rang the bell.

Harram who had just been finished with her breakfast and medicine scowled wondering who'd be there this early. Looking through the door hole Harram felt a range of emotions hitting her. She slowly opened the door. Aalee, Hassan and Saad found their sister standing there with nothing happy about her. Aalee was the first one to come forward and embrace her in a hug. Harram let the warmth get to her and held him from his arms. She had missed this.

"How are you?"

"Surviving."

She mumbled. Her brothers were here and it was going to take some time to her to get her bearings. Aalee patted her head when Hassan broke their hug and holding her sideways reached inside the house. Once settled, Saad had taken the seat right next to her and was now asking her in whispers about her. Aalee and Hassan were silent. They didn't know what to tell or ask her.

"I'm so sorry we couldn't visit earlier, Aapi."

Saad apologized. Harram shook her head.

"I know what was holding you guys. Don't fret. For how long you are here though?"

She asked hopefully. She needed all her support system around. The biggest one was gone and she didn't want to lose the remaining as well.

"We are not going soon."

Aalee assured her. He was feeling awful knowing they weren't here when Harram needed them. But that had happened. Now that they were here, they weren't leaving their sister alone again. The sister they had gotten after spending a big chunk of their lives without. She would have her brother's support. That much they all knew. They weren't always like this. There was a time when there was a visibly stretched line between them which neither Harram tried to cross nor them. But Zaviyar had become the catalyst and today here they were.

Harram placed the last plate on the trolley and deepened her scowl. She was waiting for the tea to brew. The guests were in the living room and from the voices she could tell they had made themselves at home.

"Need a hand?"

She glanced at his profile and shook her head.

"Okay. But I came here just to help you so you..."

"Why did you invite them over?"

She cut him keeping her voice down.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't try to be sneaky here, Major. You invited them to my house and I didn't even know?"

"For last many weeks you are chanting day and night that this isn't your house and the moment I invite someone who isn't liked by you and this becomes your house? You know what? Hypocrite."

"Don't try to skip the question!"

"They are your brothers, Harram."

"And this is the first time I'm having a full-fledged meet with them. This is so awkward all because of you."

"The guy across the street, his bulldog gets sick that too is my fault in your opinion."

"His bulldog is cute!"

"We can have this argument some other time. The tea is almost ready."

He started taking the tea out in cups while she waiting for him to finish. Once they both were back in the lounge Harram stopped in her tracks hearing the argument.

"I'm not saying this is from both of us."

"Saad, please man! How will I tell her I spent my whole pocket money on giving my friends treat on not failing the test? That's embarrassing."

"Your whole existence is embarrassing, Bhai."

Saad replied pulling his gift from Hassan'sgrip. Aalee was looking at his brothers with an Are-You-Both-Seriously-Doing-This face. Harram felt a smile reaching her lips.Her brothers were as messed up when nervous as she was. Zaviyar had joined them. Harram had starting serving the tea. The conversation flew in quickly which was mostly Zaviyar and Aalee talking with each other. Hassan and Saad were looking ready for a hurdle but Saad beat him to it and sat next to Harram.

"I got this for you, Aapi."

He extended the gift towards her with a shy smile. Harram was genuinely excited to see what he had gotten for her. Saying a thank you she opened the package. All of them were attentive towards her and Saad now.

"This is...beautiful, Saad."

It was her sketch as a bride. Saad must've been inspired by her wedding look he had seen in her in. She had never gotten such a precious gift. Her smile was telling she had loved it.

Saad threw a triumphant grin Hassan's way who just grunted.

"You have interest in sketching?"

"Yes, it is my hobby. I sketch in my spare time."

"That's such a nice way to spend your time. Do you have more of your sketches?"

"I have but my sketchbook is in my room right now. But I'll send you the pictures."

"I'll love to see them. Do send me okay?"

There comes a point when the relations get covered with the years of dirt. When you don't touch them and let them stay in the back of the suitcase of life. But the relation of siblings doesn't come under that category. One crack in the ice, one brush on the dirt and everything is clear. That was the crack in the ice, the brush on the dirt.

"Don't worry; I used to suck in accounting as well. Meh subject."

Harram was giving surety to Hassan who was ranting on how he was so bad at accounting. The conversation which had started from Aalee and and Zaviyar was now between Harram, Alee, Hassan and Saad. She was talking animatedly with her brothers who also loved this catching session. There were no questions asked. They had fallen into this like they'd known it all their life.

Zaviyar leaned into the sofa and glanced at his wife's beaming face.

He'd always do whatever it took to see her this happy.

Surrounded by all three of them with their concern filled questions and worry laden glances, Harram was transported back to that particular day. So much had changed between this and that. And not everything was pleasant. The tale was painful.

______________________

The routine was back once Yahya Duraid had gone back to his normal life making sure the representation of abnormality was secured and couldn't attempt an escape again.

Zaviyar could feel the pain in his forearms with continuous tying of ropes. They weren't giving him any relief after what he had pulled out the last time. Their approach towards him was strict this time in which even Yahya Duraid had no say. His other business partners must've wanted this arrangement. That's why he couldn't do anything.

The same woman was coming every day to take care of his food. She hadn't tried anything after that day. Zaviyar didn't try himself. This was not easy and he had to be patient.

It was one normal day but it turned unusual when the woman came to untie him to let him have his bath but the guard was not behind the door this time around. Zaviyar made sure he was looking right and his mind wasn't playing with him but it was the truth only.

"Where's the guard?"

He asked immediately to which the woman stayed mum.

"Listen, if you help me, we can escape from here. We just need some sound planning."

Again silence. She was just doing her work.

"I can tell you are not one of them. You are just a hostage like me. We can get away from this hell. You just have to cooperate with me."

"You can't escape from here. It's impossible."

It was the first time she was talking to him.

"He is gone to attend a call. Soon he'll be back. Do not let your hopes high."

"You tried helping me last time."

He reminded her. She was almost his mother's age. She was here for long that's why the fight within her had left.

"That day I wanted to tell you how all attempts at getting away from here are going to go in vain. Didn't you see? He understood what I was trying to do in seconds. That's what this place is filled with. Their best warriors and guards. Only few very unlucky people are brought in this jail of Yahya Duraid. We are among of those. And this time around he didn't even care for his own blood. Should give you an idea where you are stuck. Stop making plans. They all are going to waste. This is your fate now."

She threw the ropes to the side and stood there waiting for him to get in the washroom.

"What's your name?"

"Hostage no 1."

So she was the first one who was brought here years back.

"That's you status. I've asked your name. The one your parents gave you. The one which is your own. The one which gives you the sense of independence, sense of belonging, Sense of your old life, the old self. That name."

She just looked at him.

"I don't know how am I going to do this. I'm aware of all the odds that are not in my favour. Every obstacle that lie out there I have an idea of because this is what my training taught me. I'm going to get out of here sooner or later. Because I only believe in the destiny Allah had made for me. I refuse to follow the destiny carved by a man. A man like you, like me. Like all the others out there. He's trying to be my god I'll not let him stay even a human. That's what I'm going to do. You can't help me? Okay. But I'll find another way."

He nodded in her direction and started taking slow steps towards the washroom.

"Palwisha Sultan."

He stopped in his tracks.

"My name is Palwisha Sultan."

Saying that she was out of there and the same guard immediately came back to his place behind the door. He was trying to get any idea what was happening there but everything looked normal. Zaviyar opened the door of the washroom. He needed a bath to plan his next moves. He needed to get out from here as soon as possible.

_____________________

"Are you sure about this?"

Waleed muttered looking out the car at the vast building they were parked outside. Duraid industries head office was in the heart of Islamabad. Harram had called him in the morning telling him her plan.

"Mr. Waleed, not this again."

She was getting irritated now.

"I have to make sure we are doing this right. Colonel warned us about doing anything irrational."

"I remember. It's just this is where we can find information about Zaviyar. My professor used to say to know a businessman and what kind of person he is, make sure to have a tour of his cabin. This is where his most important personality traits will show. Yahya Duraid must've kept some information about Zaviyar in his cabin. He's out of the country at this moment. This is our chance. And my being his grand daughter in law is going to come in handy. No one will get suspicious."

Her plan was not that thought off but she wasn't wrong either. Here family vs family thingy was going on. Yahya trapped Zaviyar thinking no one will suspect him and now Harram was playing the same card.

"I go inside. You just stay here."

"Good luck."

He saw her taking confident steps towards the building and closed his eyes. This was tricky. He just wished she'd be able to get what she was going there for.

Harram stopped outside of the gate. Yahya Duraid had given a list to his security personnel which contained the names and pictures of family members. They were spared them the long procedure of identification and getting inside the office. She knew her name and picture was on the list. In these matters Yahya Duraid was very particular. A perfect family in the eye of his million followers who used to send him in the parliament every election session. The election season was also coming. May be the reason behind Zaviyar's abduction was this only. Yahya didn't want any nuisance between him and his one true love, power.

Harram entered the office premises with her head held high. She stopped at the reception asking for Yahya Duraid's cabin floor. It was as expected the top one. Harram had just double checked her information. As she gotten into the elevator the truth of what she was going to do was making itself known. But she had to be brave. By sitting idly nothing would happen. She needed to find her husband. Come what may.

The elevator took her to the said floor. Upon placing her first step there she became aware of how silent it was. No doubt it was the power floor. Her spirit faltered a little but she gathered up enough courage to actually do what she had come here to do.

The floor had a turn after which the cabins of higher ups would show. Harram was taking that turn when her eyes fell on Ismail who was talking to two men standing close to the pillar. She couldn't let him see her. It would make things difficult.

Turning around she leaned against the wall when she felt the footsteps coming towards her side only. Ismail was just few steps away from her and that was the do or die situation. She couldn't get caught this early. Her eyes found the only open door at the end of the hallway and without thinking further, she ran towards it.

The cabin was pretty spacious. The files and laptop was on which was an indication whoever owned this room was coming back shortly. Harram looked around. The door at the back of the cabin was ajar and few coats were peeking from there.

A walk in closet inside the cabin. She thanked the rich privilege for existing and got inside it. There were few shirts and coats hanging around her. She stood among them trying to even out her breathing. Closing door enough so that she was not visible, she kept an eye outside.

Ismail Yahya and his two employees were standing outside of this cabin only. Harram bit her tongue. In running from Ismail she'd gotten herself in his cabin only. After finishing his talk with the men he had gotten inside, took up his laptop, switched off the cabin lights and walked out locking the door behind.

Dread had started getting to Harram. She was stuck here and it was no way possible to come out without anyone coming to know this.

She bit her lip and ran her eyes in the small space. The light was off making it hard to see anything clearly. She found the button and switched the light on. She had started feeling suffocated but now there was no option other than to sit there are wait. She had to call Waleed and tell him what had happened. As she took her phone out, her eyes fell on a packet sticking out of a coat pocket. Scowling with confusion, Harram took it out. By the way the packet was wrapped it was surely giving the feel of photographs. Something clicked inside her. Not caring for her racing heart she removed the packet and one look at the picture she felt her heart sinking.

Zaviyar's hostage pictures. His tied to a chair, him knocked out, him all worn out.

The photos slipped through her hand and at the same time she felt pain shooting through her midriff.

________________________