Flashbacks are in bold*

The weather forecast hadn't announced it but from the north dark clouds gathered above the capital and started whispering about the upcoming drops of God's blessing. The initial days of summer were starting to get suffocating but this pleasant surprise from the nature had filled everyone with joy. The clouds opened up all they had and the tumbling drops of rain fell on the ground which opened its arms to welcome each one of them, to hold them in its grip and let them fill it to the brink.

Duraid house stood tall amidst the stormy rain. The lawn grass was covering with the downpour but the inside had no inkling of the raging outside. But for how long? A window opened scattering the droplets inside. The glass clattered and the curtain flew under the effect of the wind which had a mind a madness of its own. Safina came rushing in the hallway and forced the window pane on its place but they didn't budge. Rain kept rushing inside and the echo of dark clouds kept on booming in the hallway.

Down the stairs, to the left, the dining hall was filled with the clatter of crockery and the smell of food. But the people sitting around were silent. Each morsel was being eaten as if you eat your own words so that no one would know what's on your mind.

Yahya Duraid glanced around his family. They were unusually quiet but he didn't mind. Silence is always preferred. It tells the urge for the resistance has died or isn't even strong enough to raise its head.

"Harram is unwell, Baba Jaan."

Khadija whispered directing this information towards him. His response was a frown.

"Did you go to meet her?"

"I was with her all day. So were Hamail and Sohaira. The doctor has asked to keep her stress free. It's messing with her health."

There should've been remorse, the fleeting regret or even just tiny question mark rising in his heart. He had destroyed a family before it could even turn into a family properly, snatched two people away from each other and announced the full stop to their story together. But Yahya Duraid had long ditched these feelings. Not an ounce of anything of that sort could be found in him.

"Take care of her, Khadija. Yes, her grief is massive but she needs to take care of both herself and her child."

Khadija nodded but she knew it won't happen overnight. Telling Harram to get back to her normal life, her normal self won't be easy.

No one said anything but all of them were attentive towards this conversation, even Mrs. Aneesa. She wouldn't accept it in front of her kids but she had felt the remorse palpitating within her when she got to know about Harram's falling health and that had stopped her from going to see her. She didn't have in her to face Harram after what had happened. But she was covering it well with her indifference. Dominating the lives of everyone in this house all her life, apologies and regrets didn't come easily to Mrs. Aneesa so she was finding it hard to process her own emotions.

The dinner ended and everyone got up to leave. Hamail stood outside of his room not having the heart to open it and get inside. The prospect of spending this night in this house under this roof was not settled well with him.

This house was suffocating him. The air from the outside was coming short. The windows were shut and locked. He had never felt it before but now he was. The outside contact was as much as nothing. And he wanted nothing more than outside air to fill him. He left the doorknob with a start and took a step back. He just wanted to disappear and come back only when he was ready to face what this house and its tall arrogant walls had seen.

But he couldn't leave.

"You have the best chance to unveil what you grandfather is hiding, Hamail. This can be the lead to where your brother is. You are going to keep an eye on everything Yahya Duraid is doing without coming in his notice. We need to know his contacts, where he is going, with whom he is meeting. Any of them could be the part of the chain containing your brother. Knowing where is Zaviyar and who else is in this with Yahya Duraid is our out most priority at this point and you are going to do this with the iron courage your brother has always shown. Your information will give Waleed the hints where to look and find the proofs."

The voice of Colonel Bukhari from their meeting few hours back had rung in his ears. He immediately got control over his crumbling composure and ran a hand through his ears. Now wasn't the time to fall weak. It was time to do something. But the shock was still wearing off and he was still finding it hard to believe the walls of this house were jail bars.

"Hamail?"

And here was that voice from some deep pitch of hell. The voice boiling his blood whenever he heard it.

"Yes, Dada?"

He swallowed the lava and turned towards him.

"Do not think I've forgotten what you pulled off that night. There is so much to take care of so I'm stalling the much needed explanation from you but it is going to happen soon. Be prepared to tell me everything you did going against me and marrying that girl."

Hamail looked him right into the eye. At that moment Yahya Duraid felt an emotion he was quite pro at picking.

Defiance.

But from Hamail? Not possible. Shaking his head, Yahya took a step forward when Hamail opened his mouth.

"I'll accept whatever your verdict will be, Dada. But I can't leave Meeral. She's my wife now but you all are my family. I can't choose between these both extremes in my life. Don't make me, Please."

Yes, he was right. Defiance and Hamail were polar opposites. Not everyone is Zaviyar Ali and not everyone would have a fate like him.

"We'll see."

Yahya patted his grandson's shoulder and walked towards his room. Hamail stood there feeling the imprint of his hand still on his shoulder. It felt like a burden.

Ye zabta hai kay batil ko mat kahun batil

Ye zabta hai kay gardab ko kahun sahil

Ye zabta hai kay banun dast o bazu e katil

Ye zabta hai kay dharakna bhi chorr de ye dil

Ye zabta hai kay gham ko gham na kaha jaye

Ye zabta hai kay sitam ko karam kaha jaye

(The rule is that the lie shouldn't be called lie

The rule is the whirlpool should be called the shore

The rule is I must become the companion of the killer

The rule is my heart should stop beating

The rule is sorrow shouldn't be called sorrow

The rule is offence should be called blessing

Habib Jalib

____________________________

Sitting on the sofa which faced the window Harram traced the streaks of water the rain was making. The first rain of summer which promise a respite in the heat and suffocation but what to do when the constant weather is just a dark blanket of night and the burning pathways you have to cross barefooted?

The lane outside was flooding with the water. The picket fence was washing in the pouring shower from heavens. Can anything wash away the inner scars like this? She leaned into the sofa thinking back to the happenings of the few hours that had passed by.

Hamail coming to know the truth, her getting ill and now being confined to her room, Hamail meeting with Colonel Bukhari and Waleed here in her house when Zara had gone out to get her medicines. Them thinking through their chances and announcing she needed to rest.

Rest? What was that? In her dictionary this word had lost its meaning the moment she had gotten the news of her husband's martyrdom. Something any normal army man wife would accept like a medal but that was the first blow in the series of unexpected blows in Harram's life and now here she was, knowing fully well her husband was alive, in costudy of his own grandfather in which his uncle was also involved, kept God knows where and was now a deceased person for everything alive.

She had told Colonel about Zaviyar calling her father the last time and now Waleed was working on getting the call record to know the location. Colonel Bukhari was trying to reach the higher ups he knew would help him but his approach was cautious. At this point he didn't know which person was at Yahya Duraid's side. Digging a bit deep had told him Yahya Duraid's hands were longer than they had assumed. He had contacts everywhere and this meant each step should be taken with extreme care. He needed to think and plan and that he was doing. He was also hinting at involving the intelligence into this matter but that was something he'd do as a last resort.

Waleed and Hamail were also given their tasks but Harram was disappointed when she was asked to step back and take care of herself. The old her would definitely fight the decision but this her had kept silent. All this time looking for clued leading to Zaviyar she had neglected the fact that she was carrying a part of them inside of her. This bout of weakness had reminded her of this baby who didn't have the attention of its mother. She was being unjust towards her own baby and that had made her erupt into a deep worry. She couldn't lose her baby. She had already lost Zaviyar, not entirely but she had and now she couldn't just lose this thread binding them together. She had taken a step back nodding at what Hamail, Waleed and Colonel were asking out of her but the stone she had put on her heart was still bleeding.

As she watched the rain slowing down, a memory knocked at the door of her weary heart. Providing it with the soft touch of something known. Its. Hers. Theirs.

"Harram!"

Zaviyar called out her name placing his bag on the sofa. His clothes were drenched in the water. He was half way through here when it starting raining but kept on driving as getting home was his only priority at this moment. The rain did its work in the short distance from the car outside to their room. But once getting here he was surprised to see Harram was nowhere to be found. He checked the washroom and was about to go outside towards the kitchen when he felt a tug at his shirt. Whipping around he found her standing there looking sheepish and ...scared?

"Hey, I was looking for you."

"I was here only."

He frowned and coming forward cupped her cheek. She was definitely scared.

"Was it rain or thunder?"

He asked looking deep into her eyes. She had sighed.

"Both."

He shook his head and brought her slowly towards him. Holding her head on his chest he caressed her hair trying to ease her out and it did help.

"I'm not usually scared of rain and storms. It's just the fact that it is my first rain here in this house and the loneliness is also catching up."

Zaviyar felt bad. He wasn't situated far but his job was getting tougher with each mission. Off field work was what he was being assigned more and this meant even after being in the same city as her he couldn't come and visit. She hadn't complained. It was just the first time when she had shed tears on his departure but after that she had made herself strong and even started taking up her career from where she had left it but still the longing was burning on both sides and moments like this told him they were never going to be two normal in love people.

"Harram, Look at me."

She looked up without asking him anything. He held her hand and guided her towards the window. Pulling the curtain aside he proceeded to open the window.

"The sill will get all wet and the carpet too!"

She tried making him see sense but he didn't listen. Pulling her to his side he pointed outside. She raised an eyebrow and when did she finally gazed out in the street her eyes immediately picked what he was pointing at.

Far on the horizon, amidst the water filled dark clouds the sun was emerging out from behind them and its rays were hitting everything around. This combination of two of nature's more beloved phenomena had her smiling at the beauty of this marvel.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"This ray of sunlight is what we should always look for, Harram. This is what we should always strive for. No thunder and storm stay for a lifetime. It passes but only those come out of it unscathed who fill up their hands with rain and always look for the first ray after the storm."

She grinned at his philosophical approach. He narrowed his eyes and hugged her from behind.

"Enjoy the rain and look for the sunlight. The thunder has got nothing on you."

The rain had stopped by the time she had come out of her thoughts. But where to look for the ray of light in the pitch darkness of the night? She wished Zaviyar had told her about this. But he also didn't know that one day sunlight would be so hard to reach. That rain wouldn't bring comfort. That thunder and storm would be the destiny.

Snuggling deeper she wound her arms around her midriff and took a deep sigh as if lulling not only herself to sleep but her baby as well. Comforting this part of her that no matter how incomplete the life was for it even before coming into this world, she was still there.

___________________________

In another corner the small mountain saw the incoming clouds and welcomed them with open arms. The clouds didn't ask for any permission because they didn't need one and poured on the valley to their heart's content drenching everything that came under them.

The roof above him was fighting its own battle with the droplets. Zaviyar craned his neck towards the ceiling. His tied hands and feet were paining a bit more today but he wanted to say welcome to this unannounced companion in this cell. Rain would be the only one who came to check upon him and his loneliness.

He wanted to laugh at his own thoughts. Was he turning into a lunatic or these days of nothingness were finally providing him with the time to reflect upon things he'd never spare a second glance in his normal life?

He jerked his head away and closed his eyes.

Harram was afraid of thunder and storm no matter what she used to say. This rain had come with both. Was she okay with it? Was she alone or someone was with her to make it easy?

Would he ever know?

No.

Still he'd always think on these lines?

Forever.

This had always been the definition of his live hadn't it? Far away physically but just a touch away in his mind and heart. Not anywhere in his life but always on his mind. The weather these days was constantly darkness like a long night but he hoped she was looking for the sunlight. He really hoped she was.

His thoughts were flashing memory after memory of them. Together. Sometimes happy. Sometimes mad. All time together. And he was gladly walking down this memory lane. Touching the imagery on the walls. Trying to get an imprint on his soul. Trying to remember. Trying to never forget.

Aaj tanhaai kisi humdum-e-dereen ki tarah

Karne aayee hai meri saaqigiri shaam dhale

Loneliness returns at dusk like a long-lost friend,
come to provide me with the solace

Muntazir baithe hum dono ki mehtaab ubhre

Aur tera aks dhalakne lage har saaye ke tale

We both sit impatiently for the moon to rise,
For your essence to exude from out of the shadows

Faiz Ahmed Faiz

_____________________

Zara poured the tea into cups all the while looking at her daughter who was sitting on the breakfast table lost in thoughts Zara had no idea about.

"Where are you lost?"

She asked placing the breakfast tray in front of Harram.

"Nowhere."

"That's a lie and we both know it."

Harram didn't try to contradict. Zara was right after all.

"Whatever it is, you need to give it a rest and put your concentration on your food. Doctor's strict advice."

"I'm eating, Amma."

Her voice had a hint of sadness to it. Zara was fully attentive now.

"Harram, what it is? Did someone from Duraid house say anything ridiculous again?"

"No one contacted me from there."

"That's comforting if you ask me."

"I talked to Aalee today."

Harram looked up coming to the point.

"And?"

"I asked him to come over or at least send Saad and Hassan. He became all hesitant and then he sounded so remorseful telling me that his grandmother doesn't like their coming here. I mean this much hate and prejudice? Have I ever done something to her? I like the company of my brothers. When they are around I feel like I can go on with my life and they just happen to be the gust of fresh air I'm looking forward to these days. They take my mind off things."

Zara felt bad for both herself and Harram. Her daughter was coping and in times like this any anchor can pull you out of the mess of despair. Her brothers were her content place. She was far from being happy at this point but the company of those three would lift up her spirits and knowing that few people didn't even like that was paining Zara. How long was Harram going to suffer in different ways?

"I wish things were different, Amma."

"I wish the same. I always wish the same."

Zara held her hand squeezing it gently. The motherly warmth made her Harram felt secure. Her falling health had made her dependent on the people who claimed to care for her, her family. She wanted them close but her brothers couldn't be always here.

"Don't you have to get to university?"

Harram asked turning to her breakfast. Appetite or not she needed to eat to come over the weakness. Her baby needed it and she was making sure it would get it.

"I do have to and the meeting today will take me some time so I have called Khadija. She'll stay with you."

"That's great."

Khadija was still the same mother figure to her. Her way of dealing with Harram hadn't changed at all and this had made Harram respect her even more.

Zara finished her breakfast and before she could leave for the university, Khadija had arrived. Harram was relieved to know she had come alone. No matter what but she had no energy in her to deal with anyone from that family sans Hamail and Khadija. Sohaira was the oblivious one still and the others? Harram had no idea who else was the part of this mockery of Zaviyar's life they'd made.

________________________

"You know what? You are cruel."

Cruel.

Cruel.

Cruel.

The words were reverberating in his ears. She glared at his form and giving him a last look full of fire walked towards the closet closing the door behind with a bang.

Zaviyar sighed opening the first two buttons of his shirt. Her gaze and those rightful accusations were unsettling. If he wanted to, he'd clear all the said and unsaid things between them but now wasn't the right time or maybe he wanted to stall because this was all too new and he himself was just getting accustomed to the idea that she was in his life as his wife.

"Coward!"

His mind called out his bullshit right away and as usual he just shut that voice with his own reasons. Today was a whirlwind and all the events were flashing across oh mind. It was better to give both of them the time to accept this fact that they were in fact tied in a very strong relation now. He sighed when the door to the closet opened and she came out clad in her night clothes. Devoid of all the signs of a bride she was still taking his breath away in this simple attire. Not even acknowledging his presence she pulled the duvet and lay down on the bed.

"I will sleep on this side only. Like it or not."

The next thing she did was shutting off the lamp on her side and covering herself till neck closed her eyes. Zaviyar stood there even after minutes had passed by. Her even breathing was an indication she had fallen asleep. He opened the remaining buttons of his shirt and walked towards the closet.

Once he was out clad in his night shirt and trousers, he sat down on the side of bed which had always been his. Even in her anger she hadn't taken his side. Or maybe she'd fit into the right place as always. Smiling faintly he dropped himself on the pillow and turned to her. Her face was in direct view of his eyes. Slowly his hand raised and the back of his two fingers slowly caressed the soft skin of her cheek.

Flowers and clouds. She reminded him of a faraway land where only happiness resided.

Propelling himself on his elbow he tried memorizing every feature of her face. Slowly, very slowly he came forward and did what he had never thought his heart would insist on doing. Pecking her forehead ever lightly he let this reality turned dream make its way on the curtains of his mind.

Dreams do come true. No matter how much you try not to.

Maine har baar tujhse milte waqt,

Tujhse milne ki aarzoo ki hai

Whenever I met you, I longed to actually get you

Tere jaane ke baad bhi maine,

Teri khushboo se guftagu ki hai

Even when you were gone, I talked to the trace of your air behind

Jaun Elia

_______________

The next morning came with usual hustle of having a new member in the family. Zaviyar hadn't realized his one decision would make his family this ecstatic and happy. Before he even woke up, Harram was out of the bed and downstairs. She was getting her deserved pampering from Mrs. Aneesa and Khadija. Sohaira was grinning as her best friend was here as her sister in law. Hamail had winked at him more than the times Zaviyar could count on his fingers. Ismail and Yahya Duraid were busy in finalizing the guest lists and giving orders for the reception on such a short notice. Yahya wanted everything to be perfect. He was not that pleased on the way the Nikkah was done in such a haste but seeing the love of all the family members had for Harram, he was satisfied and content.

Zaviyar stole another glance of her. Gone was the bellowing angry mess she was last night. Laughing something Hamail had said she was the picture of sunshine. Shinning like it was her second nature. By no means was it looking like she had become the part of this family last night. She was feeling a piece which was always missing and was now got fixed at its place.

"Stop staring, Bhai. She's yours only."

When did Sohaira had taken the seat next to him he had no clue. But narrowing his eyes at her he got up. Everyone was looking busy so being the self-helping guy that he was, he came to the kitchen to get himself breakfast.

"You should've called me."

He was half way through making himself toast when he heard Khadija's voice.

"You know I can do my own work and also you were so busy with your daughter in law I didn't want to disturb."

His response had made her grin.

"This is what happens when you get your heart desired daughter in law."

"That's good to hear. At least now the whole family will not be out there on loggerheads with me."

"That's not the only good thing but I believe you."

He shook his head refraining to look at Khadija. She'd read the story of satisfaction on his face.

"Zaviyar!"

"Yes, Maa."

"Everything is settled now but I want you to promise me something."

He knew what was coming but still let her say what she wanted to say.

"You will take care of Harram. Not that I have to tell you what your duties as her husband are but do not look at this with the eye of a soldier. Only fulfilling the sense of duty that comes along with a relation can't make it work. Love her. Love what she loves. Indulge her in your life. Tell her your problems and heart out hers as well. Try making a home instead of a house and you'll have it all sorted."

He hugged her sideways feeling blessed to have such a thoughtful mother.

"Harram is lucky you know. She has you as her mother in law."

"I'm also lucky. My daughter in law is the perfect mix of everything."

"So the only low life is me then?"

"Took you so much to get where you are today with her. I think I won't disagree with you've just asked."

He laughed when Khadija took over the task of making his breakfast. He leaned against the counter folding his arms on his chest.

Harram. Wife.

He loved these two words in one sentence.

________________________

The night of the reception had arrived sooner than she was expecting. It was just two days after the Nikkah and these two days had been chaotic to say the least. The rounds of different boutiques and designers. The appointment with her favourite makeup artist and deciding on her hair had left her exhausted. The remaining responsibilities had been taken up by other family members and the most free and idle person at the moment was Major Zaviyar Ali who had spent these two days doing nothing but watching TV and listening to Hamail ranting about how being the groom gave him the real edge here.

Harram was on the brink of lashing at him seeing him enjoying this leisure time but the moment she had come out from the bridal room after getting ready she'd found him already there clad in his tux. He was as usual exuding the easy going vibe that was the part of his personality. She turned her face sideways but his eyes weren't going to do the same. Blue had never looked this beautiful before. It was her own choice of color and he was amazed how she was so right. They were made to stand together and that's when the most exhausting period of this night started. The photographer and his various demands making both of them wry. Hamail was chuckling seeing their expressions. Every time the man asked Zaviyar to hold her hand Harram made an excuse or came up with some other pose but too bad the next thing the photographer had settled on was her hand on his chest. When they both were sure they were done the man finally decided it was time for them to do their much awaited entry.

"If you hold my hand I'll push my fist in your handsome face."

She announced for the umpteenth time that night. Zaviyar made a face.

"You are telling me this for the tenth time. Trust me, Harram I'm not that handsome."

"Stop twisting my words!"

"Stop being difficult. Which husband and wife don't hold hands on their own reception?"

"We can start this trend you know."

"And give everyone the idea that we are already sick of being around each other."

"I'm close but not sick of you yet."

"Comforting. Thank you. Now can I please?"

He extended his hand. She thought for a second and realizing not going hand in hand would indeed look weird, gave in.

The moment he had clasped his hand around hers she felt a familiar sweet ache making its way towards her heart. The feelings she had buried deep inside a corner of her heart were resurfacing. He was walking ahead taking confident strides but she was behind staring at the back of his head. This man had always been the epitome of her dreams and their fulfillment reality both. The person who's picture got framed on the walls of her mind the moment she'd come to know what love as an emotions meant. Now, he was in her reach. In her life. In her name.

Prayers fulfill in strange ways. Sometimes when you are praying for them to get out of your mind and life.

Because they are made for you. You just have to realize.

__________________

As expected the reception went well. Harram hadn't realized how big of a social circle Yahya Duraid had but that night meeting and greeting his business associates and political members she'd come to know her grandfather in law was one influential guy. Zaviyar hadn't invited many of his friends. Just few from him PMA days and then few who were now his colleagues. Some of them hadn't made it due to the short notice and their prior commitments.

The night had left her tired both mentally and physically. Having to meet so many people was enough social interaction for two months coming. It was the next day after the reception and she was in the mood of setting her things in the closet as she finally had ample of time when Zaviyar came to the room.

"Don't unpack."

She straightened and looked on questionably.

"Why?"

"Because we are not living here. I'm taking you and Maa to my Pindi house."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"You have a permanent poker face, Zaviyar. You won't look like you are joking even when you are actually joking."

"It's too early to start a banter session."

Harram was sure now that he wasn't kidding.

"Are you sure? Don't you know your grandparents? They won't agree to this ever."

"I'll talk to them but I had decided it the day we got married. I'm taking you and Maa along. So don't unpack your stuff. In fact pack your scattered things as well."

She still looked confused and conflicted.

"And listen.."

She looked back at him.

"Come with me."

"To your grandparents?"

"Yes."

"Why? You can convince them yourself."

"That I can but I think it's better if we both go."

What he didn't say was he didn't want anyone to draw any wrong meaning of her absence when he was telling his grandparents about his decision. He didn't want anyone to think she'd influenced him to take her to his separate home. She hadn't done any such thing and he didn't want any such impression as well.

With a thoughtful expression she had took a step forward.

"Okay."

"Let's go. This is going to be a bit difficult but don't worry. I'll handle."

He assured and she knew she could do without worrying.

______________________

It was hours later, after the interrogation in Yahya and Aneesa's room, Khadija's refusal to come with them, Harram's shock on the prospect of living alone with him and a long goodbye to all the members of the family, they had gotten into Zaviyar's car and made their way towards his Pindi house in cantonment area.

Harram looked outside at the clear Islamabad roads. She was going towards a changed life. So much was yet to said and decide. So much was yet to feel and memorize. Was she ready? Were they ready?

She didn't know but she was going to give it a shot. Let's see what being Mrs. Zaviyar Ali actually entails.

_______________________

Sana Obaid Dastagir was a woman who had always been called mindful and sensible in her family and friend circle. All her life she had lived life on her own terms but those never conflicted with her mother's beliefs. But since the time she had been married to Obaid Dastagir things had taken a turn she hadn't anticipated in her life.

Her mother was the person who had decided on this proposal for her. Having their roots in the same Pashtun tribe Durdana Khanam had accepted Dastagir Khan's proposal of his son for her daughter even after knowing Obaid had a family back there in Islamabad. Sana was not happy being the wife of someone who already had his heart divided but she accepted it just because of her mother and after just few days being with Obaid she'd come to know what a gem she had gotten in this marriage.

Obaid's other family had never bothered her much. She had everything from a loving husband to a household where she was treated like a queen. A father in law who used to cherish her like a daughter and then three kids. Sana wasn't someone to get jealous over something that had nothing to do with her. That was the reason Zara and her daughter never crossed Sana's mind as a threat. But when Obaid had started going back to them when his daughter had stepped into her late teens, Sana like any woman out there became nervous and jealous. She didn't like Obaid all praises for that girl. Slowly her sons had also started leaning towards the idea that they had a sister who was living away there in Islamabad. She wanted this to stop but could do nothing.

That was before she hadn't seen Harram. The moment her eyes fell on the innocent smile of an eighteen years old Harram, Sana didn't take time to accept the fact that her husband and sons would always be looking out for her. Why was she getting insecure from just a kid? Zara had made it clear to Obaid that she had nothing to do with him and her reason for accepting him back in her life was just Harram. They'd never be husband and wife again no matter if they hadn't gotten the divorce but their only relation would be as Harram's parents. Sana had nothing get worried about.

Over the years, Sana had completely stopped getting worked up over Harram and the place she had in the hearts of the people around Sana. Durdana Khanum always tried making her daughter aware of the fact that Harram was also Obaid's daughter and she deserved the care of his.

But that soft corner Durdana Khanum had for Harram turned into indifference the moment they'd come to know Harram was married in to Duraid family. Durdana Khanum who lived with them in Haveli stopped her grandsons to go and meet her in Islamabad. This hostility coming from her mother was new for even Sana. She had never seen her mother getting this much agitated over anything. Why the prospect of Aalee, Hassan and Saad going and meeting their sister was such a bad thing? She tried reasoning with her mother but nothing came out of it.

The indifference of Durdana started irking Sana when the news of Zaviyar's martyrdom had arrived. Obaid had torn seeing his daughter's life being torn at such a young age. Sana herself wanted to go and stand by Harram and Zara in such situation but Durdana Khanum had refused. She took the haveli by storm announcing that if Aalee, Hassan and Saad wanted to go then they were free to go but had to come back in just few hours but Sana shouldn't even think of going.

Sana had stayed as per her command but she was truly saddened by her mother's behavior. Today eve after a month after that incident, her mother was still where she was before and Sana had had enough.

"Amma, why are you always after Aalee, Hassan and Saad? They are grownups now and can decide for themselves. We can't always contain them. They respect us and don't try to do things their way. It should be enough for us but whenever they bring up the topic of going and seeing Harram you start acting weird. This is wrong, Amma."

"I know what is right and wrong for my family."

"You had problem with her staying in Duraid house. She's no longer staying there. She is at her mother's house."

"But she is still their daughter in law."

"Before than she is Obaid's daughter, the sister of my kids whom they love a lot and the daughter of this Haveli. She has a right over all of us and before Obaid comes telling you whom you are challenging stop this. He has asked me many times what problem do you have with Harram and I always become so embarrassed as if I'm the one who's stopping the kids."

Durdana Khanum didn't say anything after that but the lines of worry on her forehead was telling Sana there was more to this than her mother was telling but would she ever find out?

She didn't know.

__________________

Zaviyar had noticed few changes over the course of next few days. His security wasn't as tight as it was in the beginning. Though he was still tied up but the security on his watch had been reduced. No more a guard situated outside his room all the time. They needed everyone out there on the gate of this house so that they could keep an eye on any activity from the tribe they were in conflict with. This was a positive thing for him. He was tired of being under the scrutiny of these men of his grandfather.

This change had sent his mind on working mode again. He needed one opening and changing it into a crack was his task. But that opening wasn't easy to found.

"Listen, can you give me any information about the people who had come over here the other day?"

Palwisha was again inside to make him eat his food when he had asked this. She looked indifferent.

"You clearly mentioned a regional conflict. Can you tell me more about that?"

"What would you do by knowing it?"

"I'll consider my options and plan."

"Then?"

"I'll escape and try to reach my family."

"So?"

"So you should tell me something if you know."

"You think you can escape?"

"I know I can."

"This confidence will kill you some day. It has already landed you here."

"How many times do I have to tell you those people are stuck in places like these who don't know the way out. I'm trained for this. This was a part of my years in army. I just need some help and I'd be able to find my way out of here."

"The one, who comes here, never leaves. Etch this fact on your memory, Zaviyar Ali."

"And bend on my knees in front of these self-proclaimed destiny planners? That is even against my faith. I only believe in one power which can outdo every human who think he can control other's lives. I'm not going to sit still and accept it as my future like you did, Ma'am."

Palwisha left his hands which she had just untied. He moved them rapidly to ease out the pain that was shooting through them.

"25 years have it been."

Palwisha's low voice echoed in the small room.

"I was the first hostage here. The one for whom this house was used as a prison for the first time. The one they turned into their personal slave over the years. The one who had seen so much, even the progress of these people she hates with all her might. I hate what they did to me. What they did to my family. What I had to see. What I had to go through. What I had to lose. 25 years have it been that I haven't seen my family. They most probably think that I'm dead. This is what Yahya Duraid does the best. Pronouncing alive people dead and then go on to proving it. You get punished for standing by the right. You say I'm not putting a fight, Zaviyar Ali. It's not been 25 days for you being here. First spend 25 years, and then I'll see how much the will of changing your fate is there in you."

She pushed the plate of food in front of him. Zaviyar's whole focus was still on her words. She had pulled his chair a bit close to the plate. It was her way of telling him he was dependent on her for even this and he was talking about escaping. But Zaviyar didn't take offence. He was not even noticing. His mind was asking just one question.

Who was Palwisha Sultan and why she was here.

___________________

"I almost thought you'd be mad at me."

Khadija shook her head at what Harram was saying.

"I can never be mad at you, Bacha. You know that. I was actually ashamed. What Baba and Ammi Jaan tried pulling off was wrong on so many levels."

"But still auntie, I left that house where you wanted me to stay."

"I did want you to stay with me but nothing tops your mental peace and that house had started messing with it. Had I known what Ammi Jaan was going to say, I'd have stopped her even she talked to Baba Jaan. She's a bit controlling but if you try to put your point across, she listens. Baba Jaan's decisions are usually a full stop but that's not true with Ammi Jaan. "

Khadija very politely was clearing the image of Mrs. Aneesa in Harram's mind and Harram knew it. Khadija's peace loving nature was compelling her to sort out the differences between Harram and Mrs. Aneesa but Harram wasn't thinking of that now. She was only thinking about how much respect Khadija had for Yahya Duraid while talking about him. What'd she do when she'd get to know what that man had done with her son? How betrayed and wronged Khadija would feel that moment? Harram instinctively held onto Khadija's hand.

"You are so good for this world, Auntie."

Khadija smiled cupping her face.

"This world needs good people. Now tell me what you'd like in lunch?"

"Anything will work. You are making it. That's enough."

Khadija nodded getting into the kitchen. Harram looked at her retreating back and turned back towards her phone. There was no news from Hamail, Bukhari and Waleed. She sighed. This was not her ideal situations. She needed to get out there and be a part of the plan but she was asked to do what she should be doing right now. Taking rest.

Looking around she frowned seeing the things Khadija had come with. Along with her phone and purse Harram could see a photoalbum as well. She knew Khadija must have brought it for her. Smiling lightly Harram opened it and felt like this was what she needed.

Zaviyar's childhood memories album. Harram stared at every picture like she had all the time in the world for doing that.

"I brought it just to see this smile on your face."

She was gazing at a smiling Zaviyar on wearing birthday cap when Khadija came behind her.

"He was one happy kid."

"That he was. Always smiling. All the picture in this section are from his third birthday. It was a huge gathering and I had thought he'd get nervous but he surprised me there. See him acting like the man of the hour which he surely was."

Harram chuckled with teary eyes. Even after having their lunch both of them kept on looking at the pictures and talking about how as a kid Zaviyar was.

"I brought it for you to keep it."

Harram was placing it with Khadija's things when she said that.

"Auntie, it's yours. I can't..."

"There's no yours or mine when it comes to Zaviyar and what belonged to him. This album will make you feel closer to him. It's like his whole childhood. I have been a witness of every tale of his growing years so I don't need it as much as you do. You are going through the process of nurturing a life you both have brought into this world. You need every semblance of his being with you to get you going through this difficult phase."

Harram stopped the sob and clutched the album to her chest. How well Khadija had read her mind. She'd be looking at Zaviyar and his childhood all night. She was sure of it.

____________________

Bukhari locked the drawer where he had kept the file after reading it once again. The tea had gone cold on his table but he hadn't realized. These days his whole focus was on this file and the plan he was trying to come up with to free Zaviyar from Yahya's grip.

When he had taken this file from Harram, he was sure this wouldn't be difficult as getting the attention of higher ups towards this issue was easy but now he was laughing at his own words. His research and the general pattern around had told him how far Yahya Duraid's approach was and how difficult it was to expose him and his lobby. He was thinking on many options. At this point he couldn't trust anyone with Zaviyar's safety. God knows who was a black sheep under the clothing of a faithful understanding colleague or senior.

Taking the help from intelligence was also one of the things he was considering. But every step should be taken with great caution. One mislead step and they'd lose so much.

The knock at his cabin door alerted him.

"Come in."

Waleed closed the door behind and took the seat in front of him.

"Sir the record of Mr. Obaid's call log is here."

"What does it say?"

"That's an interesting question. The call made to him from Zaviyar's phone was on the same day Zaviyar's martyrdom news had come."

"Location?"

"That's where the interesting bit starts. Location was Pindi cantonment."

"Where Zaviyar lives?"

"Precisely."

"This means Zaviyar called Obaid Dastagir from his own house or nearby."

"Which also makes me think that Zaviyar must have gotten there to secure the key and was taken from there only."

Colonel Bukhari nodded telling this could be true.

"If we look at the timeline, the call was made just half an hour after Mrs. Khadija had taken Mrs. Zaviyar to Duraid house from their Pindi Cantt. residence and after two hours of this call made to Obaid Dastagir, the news of the bombing on the check post had come."

"Bloody planning. This hints at them behind the check post bombings as well."

"The soldiers their lost their lives just for the sake of a ploy. They were done so dirty."

Waleed felt a vein popping in his head. Human blood and its value had no value in these people's eyes.

"Good work, Waleed. Keep on working and I assure you, one day we all will see Yahya Duraid's downfall."

"That won't bring those soldiers back, sir. They became the victim of Yahya's cover up and for that he deserved every punishment."

"He will get it, by his own blood on the hands of his own blood. Both of his grandsons are working towards his downfall. Doom is going to hit him soon."

"InshaAllah."

Waleed mumbled with determination bumbling through him.

_________________

"Mama, are you sure about this?"

Aalee asked looking at his mother's serious expressions.

"I'm. I can't understand your Nano at this point but her arguments are just invalid. I had the moral responsibility to go and see Harram but I'm stalling it for long because Amma didn't want me to go but now it's enough, Aalee. Your baba is not happy with the way things are being handled. He's out there in a foreign country and I don't want to worry him. Also his concerns are all legit. We should go and see Harram and that's what we are going to do."

Aalee smiled and without further ado, opened the front seat door for his mother. Hassan and Saad were already inside. Saad's exams were starting in a month and before getting neck deep busy in preparations he wanted to go and see Harram. He had put across this in front of his mother and Nano at breakfast and that ensued the debate all of them were tired of now. But Sana was the one who ended it by announcing that she was taking Saad herself to meet Harram and Durdana Khanum couldn't stop her. So here they were, ready to travel from Haveli towards Islamabad.

After making sure his mother was rightly sat in her seat, Aalee turned to take the wheel when his eyes feel outside of the haveli and he felt a smile reaching his lips.

Durdana Khanum was walking towards them with the help of Lala Kamal. Her preparation was telling that she was going along and the doubt got clear when she voiced it out when Aalee reached her side.

"I want to come along."

"Gladly, Nano. Come."

Sana was shocked but it soon changed into calm. Finally they were doing it the right way.

_____________________

Both Zara and Harram were taken off guard by their unannounced arrival. But the shock soon turned into a pleasant feeling of belonging. Harram embraced her brothers and the emotions that had showed through made Sana gave a resigned look to her mother telling her how wrong she was in keeping these kids apart.

This was the first time Harram was meeting with Sana and it was more like meeting an old pal than a step mother. Her behavior with both Zara and Harram was nothing short of friendly. Harram was so glad that the typical cliché hadn't been fulfilled here.

But one person who didn't give out nice energy was none other than Durdana Khanum aka Nano. Harram had no good opinion about the woman the moment she'd come to know that she was keeping her brothers from meeting her but she was tryin bond with Nano with a clear state of mind. But her closed off personality wasn't giving Harram the chance to break through the exterior and honestly, Harram wasn't even trying now. If Durdana Khanum had decided she won't try to be the part of the happy vibe then be it.

"I think I've seen your grandma somewhere."

Harram exclaimed once she was alone with her brothers in her room.

"Really? But we never let her go out and play those angry nano in the dramas."

Hassan replied trying to ease out the tensed atmosphere.

"No, I'm serious. I have a strong feeling I have seen her somewhere."

"Must be your misunderstanding, Aapi. Nano's meeting you for the first time."

Saad took his part in the conversation.

"That can be it. By the way all the best, kiddo. Do me proud okay."

She ruffled Saad's hair who just smiled.

"You know what, Aapi? Saad's here because he wants to dedicate all his time to studying after this. He needs to get into medical school because it's his ambition and because the girl he has a crush on since he came to know the spellings of crush is also gearing up to get into that school."

Hassan narrated the story as if it was most goalish thing in the whole world. Harram felt a smile reaching her lips. She had almost forgotten the feel of it. That's why she wanted these three close. They were the normal she was craving in her mess of an abnormal life.

"Liar! Aapi he's lying! Also how can he go around telling my stories when his own romantic drama is being run with Uncle Mazhar's daughter. He goes to terrace every day just to see her."

"Oi!!"

Aalee and Harram both were surprised at the things these two were pulling. Both were hell bent upon disclosing each other's secrets and in turn telling their elder siblings more than they wanted to listen.

"Okay, cut it. We need a break and you both will get a real talk once we get home."

Aalee announced coming into his big brother form. Harram chucked seeing Hassan and Saad's expressions.

Normal. That's what she wanted and that's what she was getting.

Few hours later it was time for them to go back. Harram stood to the side seeing her brothers looking around the house and thanking Zara for the hospitality. Sana was also with them.

"Life for a young widow isn't easy."

Harram heard the voice and she didn't have to turn around.

"People think that after a woman has lost her husband, the male support from her life, she's become doormat for them. They try to impose their thinking and decisions on her even though they have any right or not."

Durdana Khanum's voice was steady and for the first time full of emotion. What was it? Pain?

"Stay your ground. Going by what I've heard so far, you are one strong headed woman and this will make you survive. Just try to save yourself from one thing."

Harram looked on waiting for her to complete.

"The cry of an oppressed. It has the power to tremble the sky then few houses of cards are nothing."

Completing what she had to say, Durdana Khanum made her way towards the car leaving behind a shocked and confused Harram.

___________________

Harram pulled the duvet over her and let her mind flash the happenings of the day in front of her. To say that Durdana Khanum was weird would be an understatement. The woman was an enigma. And her last advice to Harram had her frowning in abundance. What did she mean by it?

And then the feeling that Harram had seen her before. Where? She couldn't pinpoint but that face was on the back of her mind and she was just confused how she could feel like this when this was first time she was meeting the woman.

Not having any more energy to deal with this, Harram picked up the album from her side table. It had become her favourite habit to look through this album and relive Zaviyar's childhood. It would make her feel closer to him if that even made sense. This was Zaviyar's life without any trace of her but she cherished it as well. Her in the picture or not she would find her heart getting swelled just seeing the grin on his kid face.

As Harram kept on going to picture after picture she got to the birthday section. The glint in Zaviyar's eyes was shining through the photograph. Harram wanted her baby to look exactly like its father. The same smile and the same full of innocence yet shining with intelligence eyes.

She was caressing the picture and smiling at her own thoughts when flipping the page she went all still.

The album was filled with every picture that had been captured that day years back and one picture had made her double take.

It was Zaviyar, Khadija auntie, Zaigham uncle along with Yahya Duraid and few of his guests. Every face in the picture was smiling.

And the old yet younger than what Harram had seen today face of Durdana Khanum wasn't difficult to recognize.

She had attended Zaviyar's third birthday. It was her. That's why all day Harram had felt she had seen her before.

But what she was doing on the event of Duraid house, the people she now hated the most?

_____________________