Pardah ankhon se hatane mein bohar der lagi

Hamein dunya nazar anay mein bohat der lagi

Nazar ata hai jo wesa nahi hota koi shaks

Khud ko ye batane mein bohat der lagi

I took my time seeing through the curtain on my eyes

I took my time seeing the world for what it is

People are not like they look from outside

I took my time understanding this

The always there calm of that particular night in Islamabad was broken ensuing unrest and chaos everywhere. The 11 PM bulletin of all the news channels was flashing just one headline with a red background. The flashes were hard on screen telling the enormity of the situation.

"Firing at I-8 Islamabad."

"The attack was on the car of Harram Obaid, daughter of notable KPK based business man and philanthropist, Obaid Dastagir."

"According to initial reports the car is totally destroyed and the shooters have fled the scene almost immediately."

"There is no new about Harram Obaid as of now. Will let you all know as the story progresses."

"Harram Obaid is also the grand daughter in law of Yahya Duraid, wife of Late Major Zaviyar Ali who had embraced martyrdom just few months back. Is this incident a result of political tension Yahya Duraid is facing due to upcoming elections or something else?"

Every channel had a new thing to add but no one could say with certainty what exactly had happened. Only those who were already at site of assault new what the actual saga was.

The police put the crime scene caution tape around the now totally ruined car. They were looking around for more evidences to finally predict what must've happened here but things were not looking fine as of now.

Waleed covered his face with his palm while Hamail kept on staring at the scene in front of them. It had been fifteen minutes there were here and one thing was clear as crystal.

Harram was not inside the car when the assault occurred which has not only relieved them but also opened way to so many questions. Both Hamail and Waleed weren't aware of her being out at this hour and knowing her condition they could only say something very important must've come up for her to leave everything and go out.

But what?

"We don't have to guess who is behind this, Hamail but why Harram? The attack and the way it happened clearly shows those people wanted her dead! She was their direct target. If this is what it is then be assured that your grandfather and his allies have come to know about her involvement here and this changes so many things."

"All that is secondary, Waleed. Right now knowing where Harram is our out most priority. What if Dada has pulled the same thing with her he did with Bhai?"

Waleed felt sweat pouring out from his forehead. First Bukhari's arrest and now this. Both these incidents occurring with such a small time difference. This was indicating so much and Waleed could only hope it wouldn't get nastier than this. Harram needed to be saved. This would be the cruelest thing if Yahya Duraid had gotten her as well. The mess they were all entangled in had gotten even messier. Everyone had been informed about the attack and right now tension and dread were infusing into all their beings. Zara was distraught, Khadija had turned to stone, and Obaid was livid with rage. No one knew what had happened in just an hour. She was in her room and then she was not and now here they were, in front of her in splinters car and the air of her which was whispering of her disappearance.

"Sir!"

A police constable came rushing towards the jeep where the head of the investigation group was standing. Waleed moved closer to see what he had gotten.

"Her purse. Found in the woods lining the road."

Waleed's head shot up and sure enough there were thick woods lining the pavement. They were further stretching into vegetation behind leading towards a steep path to the highway. The creases on Waleed's face were easing out.

"What are you thinking?"

Hamail had started understanding the guy to some extent and right now he was looking relaxed.

"I hope I'm right, Hamail because by the looks of it, Harram managed to escape narrowly before the attack. She ran away."

He pointed towards the woods in hushed whisper. Hamail followed his sight of vision and prayed with all his heart that Waleed was right.

___________________

"I don't know anything! I just want my daughter in front of me!"

Zara's crying and pleads were piercing every heart in the room. Mrs. Aneesa herself was not in a right condition but someone had to give Zara the needed supported. She helplessly looked at Khadija who was leaning against the wall with a blank expression on her face as if she had lost everything she had in life. The condition both these women were in was worrying but what could anyone do. The blow was harder than anything. The attack on Harram had shocked them to the core and now her disappearance had also twisted things some more.

"She was not doing fine! I'm telling you all she was tensed and always lost. Something was going on with her. My bad I didn't probe her. I should've! I should've asked her! I'm her mother. I should've known my daughter was under what stress! And now I don't even know what is happening out there. They say there was no one inside the car then where is my Harram! Please someone bring her to me! Have you called Obaid? Please tell him what is happening here! Tell him to bring my baby back to me!"

Her wailing was slowing turning into hiccups. Sohaira patted her head anxiously knowing well her health was deteriorating. Meeral immediately filled a glass of water and made Zara drink it. They were all gathered here at Zara's place as soon as the news had come. Khadija was in no condition to even say anything but Zara was not sitting calmly. She was trashing and crying, anything to get out her grief and her worry over her daughter. Obaid was on his way from a meeting he had in Dubai but even he was as shaken as Zara was.

Khadija looked on at the people around her with unfocused eyes. This is what it takes to completely lose your everything? What had it actually taken? Seconds may be? And here she was again. As empty handed as she was two months back when she had traced the coffin covered in green and white.

She was somewhere still getting her payback. Or else why would this happen to her. Zaviyar must've be so disappointed in her. His mother whom he has always kept at the highest place in his heart was now in the dirt somewhere and it was her lack of decision making and her fear which had made her cruel.

And this was the aftermath of that cruelty.

Zaigham.

Zaviyar.

Gone.

And now may be Harram as well. There was till hope but for how long someone hold on to that?

Hope? Weird thing it is. Everything and nothing both infused together.

Hope.

But hope was also what keeping them all sane at this moment. Harram was not inside that car.

But then again if not there, where she was?

_______________________

Fed up with her continuous tossing, Harram fell straight on her back and sighed. The aftermaths of her fever were diminishing and she was finally feeling like human not a hot kettle. All she wanted was to get up and have some fresh air thrown into her lungs but one look at the immersed in his phone profile of him and she sighed.

"I'm not a five year old just so you know."

"Good to know. After the stunt of eating ice-cream in December nights and getting sick to the point of high fever with upset stomach and flue, I was totally asking myself what I married into."

"You are such a killjoy."

"Better than being an adult whose mind functions worse than a child's."

"Okay, stop being bitter about it. I said I'm sorry!"

"You were literally on the verge of passing out with fever when Maa called me, Harram. Do you know how worried sick I was? I rushed like a man possessed just to make sure you were okay."

"You are really a mad man. It was just a seasonal fever. Calm down."

"Easy for you to say."

He rolled his eyes going back to his phone. Harram suppressed her laugh and reaching out to him wound her arms around him hugging him. He resisted but seeing her literally lying on him pushed his phone to the side.

Resting her chin on his chest she looked up at his face where a scowl was set.

"You really love pampering me, don't you?"

"You really love testing my patience, don't you?"

"Let it go now, Major. See, now I'm all healthy and ready to push your wrong buttons once again."

"No one's stopping you from doing that but no more carelessness towards your health, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Good, so now that's settled, what about a hot mug of coffee?"

"Should I make?"

"Errr...you have just gotten over an extensive phase of sickness and..."

"Yeah yeah! Stop using these big words just say it straight I suck at making coffee."

"You suck at making coffee, Harram so here your husband dearest is at work. Be right back."

Before Harram could get up and get her revenge, he'd leapt out of the bed and into the kitchen.

"I do not like you, Major!"

"I love you more!"

Pat came the reply. She glared at the door and then smilingly dropped herself on the pillow. Major and his ways of spoiling her. She was smitten and so in love.

Dhal chuki raat, bikharny laga taroon ka ghubaar

Larkharany lagy ewaanon ma khwabeda charagh

The night has gone; the hue of the starts is breaking away

The dreamy lanterns in the palaces are shaking

The small van running on the dirt road lurched once again and a faint hiss came out from the seat right to the window at the last. The midnight traveling with nothing but darkness a companion and bleak surroundings, the passengers were mostly asleep. Peshawar was almost an hour way right now and there was nothing to interest them out there. The yellow light spread inside of the van was falling on the faces making them look like a scene from a 70's movie. Ujala Bibi leaned into her seat thinking about her son and daughter in law and praying to Allah Almighty to keep everything alright. She had to board this van in a hurry after getting a call from her son whose's posting was in a village near Peshawar. Her daughter in law's due date was around the corner and right now her condition was fragile. Ujala Bibi had left everything and immediately came to mandi morr bus stand. Her thoughts were filled with her son his incoming child that she didn't realize the figure sitting next to her would flinch every time Ujala Bibi's foot would touch hers in the crammed full van.

It was only when a sudden jerk made her head tilt; her eyes fell on the bleeding foot of the person beside.

"Ya khuda! You are bleeding, Beti!"

The woman covered her face some more with her chadar and clutched the file in her hand to her chest.

"It's nothing."

"You blood is dropping and it surely doesn't come under nothing category. I try moving to the side if these burly men would let me and you try stretching your leg so the angle would change and it wouldn't pain some more."

She indeed succeeding it moving herself and the men and giving some more space to the almost planted to the side of the window figure.

"T..Thank you so much, auntie. Can you please tell me how far Peshwar is?"

"Just an hour more. You can sleep till then."

Ujala had seen the condition of the woman when she was trying to get into a comfortable position. Clad in pricey clothes no matter splotched with dirt, were speaking of her coming from a well off family, Ujala had sensed something was wrong. A pregnant woman that too looking to be from a rich setting, so distraught and scared, travelling to Peshawar at this hour? Only a fool wouldn't suspect things.

"You must've left in a hurry."

She commented but the woman didn't respond to it. Her whole focus was outside or the radio and the soothing tune coming out of it.

The words were a language she couldn't understand but the sentiments were mirroring hers. The same tale of losing and then being lost. The same echoes reaching out but never visible. The cry for the love to come and see what had it become, the life and everything in it.

She had evaded death today. It was just out there, coming towards her with its wings stretched and she just ran. What would Zaviyar say about this? And what about the family, her people who had no idea where she was?

Ismail Ali was a confusion Harram still couldn't say anything about. His call had shaken her but that was the time for action not contemplation. Getting out of the car she had run towards the trees and hid behind them and coming few minutes had told her how right her decision was, the way the bikers had started firing at her abandoned vehicle without for once checking if she was inside or not, had scared her to the core. There was no mercy in their stance. What if she'd been inside there? Surely she wouldn't be alive by now. Ismail Ali had saved her life and she was thankful for it. The firing had awaken something inside of her and she had started running away from the scene as fast as she could, never coming out on the road lest she should be seen. Her destination was not known, her mind was clogged with what had just happened. But slowly the haze had started lifting. She had to protect herself. This was not about herself alone; it was about her baby and the file which was her husband's ticket towards getting back on his enemies. She clutched it close and ran not caring of her surroundings and of the way. She just ran. Only when she had come to the main road to get a taxi her hands had found just the file to her side, both the phone and the purse were gone, lost god knows where. She looked around but at this hour she wouldn't get any life that'd be safe nor any cab driver would be kind enough to take her to bus station free of cost. The decision had been made just now. She couldn't stay here in Islamabad. Yahya Duraid was after her and his men wouldn't sit still if they found out that she was still alive. It was better to go in hiding and the only place she could think of was her father's house. The haveli. She started recited Duas and draping her chadar fully around herself and her face made way towards her destination. It was not easy, going there at this hour that too on foot but she had to take this risk. She had to get away from Yahya Duraid now when the button to his destruction was right in her hand.

When she had gotten to the station the hustle and bustle of life had never looked this soothing to her. Though her own condition had gone from bad to worse in these 30 minutes. Her shoe straps had broken and a stone had pierced the sole of her foot. She had no money, just a chain she was wearing. Her idea was to give the driver this and plead him to let her board the van to Peshwar. There were few raised eyebrows as she had come towards the passengers getting in the van but no one had asked anything. She recited a kalma e shukar and taking the seat at the very last closed her eyes.

Her whole body was aching. The foot was bleeding. And her mind was screaming. Just two hours more and she'd be in Peshawar and from there on in the Haveli. The adrenaline was now wearing off telling her how her torn and battered she was. Life had brought her here. Who could say that Harram Obaid who was famous for her impeccable fashion sense and taste, the doted on daughter of Zara Khan and the baby girl of Obaid Dastagir would be facing such circumstances today. The woman who was pampered at her maternal home but her husband had surpassed even her parents in the care department. This was the same Harram Obaid, barefoot, in the van among so many strangers, putting everything at stake and travelling towards a place she had never visited before. The fear was there but so was her determination. She chose to live and if Allah didn't want her dead so no Yahya Duraid mattered. She'd keep on fighting for herself and the people around her. This file would be saved and would one day reach where she should've reached before.

"Madam, fare?"

She was pulled back to her surroundings and this was the moment she was dreading.

"I don't have any money."

Her answer was straight. The man scowled.

"Then why are you sitting in here?"

"I did say I have no money but I do have something else which can also be used as my payment?"

"No, Madam. Just cash."

Her hand which was unclasping the chain halted. .

"Please, at least have a look at it. It really is valuable. It is so important for me to get to Pesh..."

"Here!"

The woman sitting beside her handed the guy with both her and Harram's fare and the man being satisfied went back at the front not before giving a weird look to Harram.

"Thank you."

She mumbled but the woman just shrugged.

"I should've known seeing the condition you are in. But better late than never. You just stay with me all the remaining journey, okay?"

The easy going energy of the woman was making Harram sigh. Truly this world is such a mix of both extremes and you never know when some stranger turns out to be so nice and when your own people become the monsters.

"My son is in army and I'm going to his house only. My daughter in law can go in labour anytime tonight so he has called me immediately. It's quite early but I just pray everything goes smoothly."

She had started her own story and this put Harram's mind away from her own problems. She leaned against the window and prepared herself from finally disclosing the ultimate truth in front of her parents once she gets to the Haveli safe and sound.

_____________________

The banging at the door had woken Ghiyas up. Zaviyar was already leaning against his pillow waiting for this moment.

"Ghiyas Lala!"

Abdul's trembling voice had conveyed so much to Ghiyas. He didn't need to be told; getting his rifle from the stand he opened the door.

"The Gardezi tribe is here. They are surely after our blood!"

"Move!"

He ordered Abdul who immediately gotten to the side. Ghiyas had gone out meeting with rest of his men who were looking as confused as him, yet their weapons were loaded, they were warriors, trained ones and so they were ready.

"Get, Bhai Jaan!"

Abdul shrieked coming to Zaviyar who nodded and putting his shoes also stood outside of the room. The Gardezis were almost at the door step and the firing had started. They all ducked to not get their brain roasted. Ghiyas's men who were looking doubtful up until now were now charged to attack back.

This was the diversion Zaviyar needed. He kept his focus on Ghiyas who was now busy in firing relentlessly and telling the enemy who the boss was. The chaos had ensued everywhere. There was smoke and just the clamoring noise of bullets in the air. Zaviyar ducked another time and saw the fire in the distant. The Gardezis didn't have come to play games. They were in for a full fledged revenge. The way all of Ghiyas's men were busy and fighting was enough of the distraction. No one knew about the two hostages they had been guarding like bulldogs.

Zaviyar's eyes were moving around looking for Palwisha so that they could see any opening and would plunge right in. She should be here. It was part of their plan that she'd meet him at the back side and from there they'd start the journey of freedom. But where was she?

One side of the front of house was totally on fire and the smoke was now making it difficult to breath. Zaviyar coughed but years of training were coming in handy. He was looking for the spaces where the smoke hadn't invaded yet, which was the flooring. He bent down making sure he was clear of any attack.

He was close to the kitchen side when he saw the silhouette of a woman clad in black coming towards him. Palwisha dropped the cloth from her face and coughed frantically trying to get the smoke out of her system.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes....I'm. Shall we?"

She asked clutching his arm when she felt almost lightheaded due to all the debris getting inside her respiratory tract. Zaviyar held on to her and both discreetly walked towards the back of the house so they wouldn't be seen.

The wall of the compound which was easy to climb was right in front of his eyes and that's when the feeling of something not being right hit Zaviyar. This was way too easy. This wasn't supposed to be easy.

And it wasn't. The gunshot which sounded closer than ever and Zaviyar felt a piercing pain into his right upper arm. The blood oozing out and drenching his shirt was the indication of the obvious.

"Well played, Major Zaviyar Ali."

Ghiyas's venom filled voice had reached Zaviyar who clutching his arm turned to the side. The rage filled expressions of Ghiyas were not making anything for Zaviyar to even flinch. This pretty servant of his grandfather didn't know Zaviyar had faced worse than this.

"Your grandfather is a food when it comes to his family. He was told to not trust you again but he did. Such a waste. This is your doing isn't it? All of it?"

"Most of it. Abdul helped me with the background."

The rage of Ghiyas' face was soothing to see. Take that, fucker. His eyes found Palwisha who was matching his glare.

"Maai? So you finally discovered your long buried courage huh? But let's end this here. Enough of the games now. You guys are so doomed you don't even know."

Ghiyas pointed his gun again but this time Zaviyar was fully attentive. In a skillful jump he had reached Ghiyas' side and rounding him from his neck pushed his arm back to get his weapon from him. He was also a not the in charge of Yahya Duraid's hide out for nothing. He kicked Zaviyar in his stomach and a full on hurdle began. Zaviyar understood his fight strategy immediately and before he could do anything pushed his knees in Ghiyas' back and on finding him impaled picked up his pistol and pointed at his forehead.

"Game over, Ghiyas...Lala."

He said Lala in a mocking way. All of Ghiyas' men were still out there fighting with the Gardezis. This was Zaviyar's chance and he was going to lose it. The death was dancing in Ghiyas' eyes. Zaviyar smirked and with a all his forced hit Ghiyas with the back of his pistol making him unconscious.

"I'm a soldier not a killer."

He pointed to Palwisha to get back to the wall and clutched his arm.

"There's so much blood!"

"The bullet didn't go in so all's good. Let's get out of here. Our freedom is waiting for us there."

Palwisha followed him and in few seconds they were at the other side of the wall and the lost in the darkness.

______________________

The didn't know for how long they walked but the plan was to get away from the compound, as far as they could. Palwisha wasn't aware of the area but Zaviyar had gotten enough knowledge from the map. They would get on the highway once the compound is left far behind.

Palwisha was occasionally asking him if he was fine. His answer was affirmative every single time but the pain was just increasing with every passing minute. The bleeding had stopped and the blood was now in the clotted stated over the wound but without the first aid it was not letting him have one second of peace.

They were close to the road when Zaviyar opened his eye lids full. After how long he was seeing a road? Did he think he'd ever be able to? The adrenaline was now surging through him. He had made it so far and a mere bullet wound wouldn't stop him. His freedom was finally in his hands and he'd get to his family as soon as he could.

They had sat down close to a thick bush along the road when Palwisha held his arm.

"You are getting cold due to blood loss"

"I'm fine."

"This is the problem with you soldiers. You are not fine."

"But we are free."

He said it with such conviction that Palwisha felt happiness reaching out to her after years. Yes, she was free. They were free. They were on their own.

"Yes, we are free."

Both smiled when the headlights of the incoming vehicle almost blinded them.

"Stop it. We need a ride."

"What?"

Palwisha gave him a look and got up raising her arms in the air asking for a lift.

"Don't..."

But his refusal was late. The truck driver had stopped his vehicle and peeked out at the two of them.

"What can I do for you both?"

"We need a ride. We want to get away from here."

Zaviyar got up ignoring the pain and came close to where Palwisha was standing.

"Where are you heading, Lala?"

"Peshewar."

"Can we hop on?"

"Are you terrorists?"

"I'm a soldier and she's the widow of one."

The man looked skeptically between them. There was something about them which clicked him the right way.

"Come on!"

He announced and both Zaviyar and Palwisha heaved a sigh of relief.

"And listen?"

They stopped before getting the backside of his truck.

"Take this."

Extending the first aid pouch of his he nodded. Palwisha gave him a gratitude filled gesture and both her and Zaviyar got on the backside of his truck where many boxes where already placed. They made place and let the lid a bit open so air and moonlight would come inside.

They've just settled in when the vehicle roared to life and starting running on the road.

This damned place was running behind. Zaviyar looked through the slit at the surroundings. Palwisha had already opened the pouch finding the needed things. She patted at his shoulder making him look at her.

"Dressing."

He extended his arm towards her and she started doing her work. The air around them was beaming with the joy of freedom, of truth not succumbing to evil once again.

"Peshwar now?"

"No, I don't know anyone there."

"Then?"

Zaviyar leaned against a box. His mind was already doing all the calculations.

"Dastagir Haveli."

Palwisha looked on confusedly.

"And who lives there?"

"My in laws."

Zaviyar smiled with his eyes filled with determination.

_____________________

The van stopped at Peshawar bus station and so did Harram's continuous worry. She was finally away from Islamabad and somewhere Yahya Duraid couldn't reach and once she'd be at Haveli's she'd be the safest.

"Let's hire an auto."

Ujala announced holding Harram's hand and helping her in walking. Harram was thankful that this woman had chosen to be kind when there was no need for it.

"Where are you going?"

"Dastagir haveli."

Ujala nodded and then stopped an auto rickshaw. The man was almost dozing off stopping his vehicle against a pole.

"Aye bhai!"

He got up with a start and looked between the both of them.

"Abekzai village is how far from here?"

"Half and hour distance, Madam."

"And Dastagir Haveli?"

"It comes before Abekzai."

The relief was on both Harram and Ujala's faces. They immediately got into the auto and zoomed away from the almost deserted station.

_______________________

With words of gratitude on Harram's part and many Duas on Ujala's, they both parted ways and Ujala's auto got lost somewhere in the darkness. Harram turned to the narrow path leading to the illuminated Haveli and sighed. Her first visit to her father's house and how she'd come here only she knew. It was situated a little away from the city and right now there was complete stillness around it. Harram felt tears stinging her eyes. When you are alone and on your own, you know your strength is your only weapon but the moment you see someone close to you, you just want to drop all you facades and run to that person.

She wanted to run to her people now who were not far away at this point. She staggered on the uneven pavement and her foot hurt like she had walked on eggshells. She had. These past few hours would never be erased from her memory. She had literally run to save her life. She had to risk her baby to get to a safe place. She could run into bad people, could get into any serious situation and could even be dead.

The what ifs were endless and they were making her mad with rage and pain. She didn't know when she had covered the steps and stood close to the entrance where few guards were already present.

"Wait up there!"

One of them shouted and marched towards her.

"Whom you want to meet?"

She tried saying something but words had gotten stuck to her throat. She took a deep breath. The guard was eyeing her disheveled form with disdain on his face.

She was on the verge of collapse now when the voice hit her as if life had been infused into her.

"Aapi!"

Hassan pushed the guards away and embraced her in a hug.

"Oh Khuda! I can't tell you how relieved I'm to see you!"

He was patting her head which was resting at is chest. The Exhaustion took over Harram. She wanted to say so much but her strength had finally given up. Her unconscious body swung in Hassan's arms making him break into a sweat.

_____________________

Obaid Dastagir clenched his fists trying to not let his rage get the best of him. His face was set in a hard line while he was sitting close to an equally shaken Zara. Yahya Duraid cleared his throat but the glare Obaid thrown his way made him release a sigh instead.

"You have every right to be enraged, Obaid."

"Enraged? My daughter is mixing and God knows in what condition. I'm not just enraged I'm freaking worried."

"We all are."

"For my daughter? You showed your only worry was binding her to your family and making her work according to your will."

Zara was not going to sit quietly today. Her daughter had faced so much and was still facing and somewhere the family she was a part of was also one of those people who'd hurt her. Hadn't Zara seen how devastated Harram was when Yahya and Aneesa had announced her alliance with Hamail?

"We are not her enemies!"

"You didn't do anything which well wishers do as well."

The accusations were pulling Aneesa in the pool of regret but Yahya was far from it. He stood up immediately looking ready to go.

"You both need to calm down first then we'll talk about looking for Harram."

"One second, Mr. Yahya!"

Obaid walked towards where Yahya was standing.

"If I suspect that what's happened with my daughter is because she is a part of your family then I'll destroy your whole clan. Be assured."

The fire in his eyes was not frazzling Yahya one bit. He shook his head as if he felt sorry for these sorry circumstances and went out of the room and then the house. Zara had once again started crying loudly and Obaid was consoling her.

Aalee stood leaning against the wall close to his father not thinking on any particular point. He was way too shocked and hurt at the way things had turned out to be. Harram had been attacked and was now missing. Where and in what condition? No one knew. The police was searching but nothing coherent had yet come out of it.

He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket and bringing it out he saw Hassan's name on the caller ID.

"Yeah, Hassan?"

What he had said from the other side had made Aalee leave the wall and run a hand through his hair. Hassan was still talking when Aalee got him on hold and ran towards where Obaid and Zara were sitting.

"Baba! Auntie!"

Both looked up and the beaming face of Aalee was enough to tell them something good must've happened.

_______________

Aalee had informed Hamail about the new progress and had also conveyed to him to not let anyone else know. Harram's life was in danger and they could trust only few people with her safety. She was there at the Haveli and this secret would remain a secret for as long as they weren't sure she was safe.

Hassan had also informed them that she was battered and not in a good condition. Obaid and Aalee had decided to go back to Haveli immediately but Zara was adamant on going with them. She's talked to Harram on the phone still she was a mother after all.

"I want to see her!"

"Zara, she's totally protected there. Don't you worry but I take you here at this hour there'd be questions and I don't want people to suspect anything."

"But!..."

"No buts, I'll take you along tomorrow or the day after that. But now right now. I think I made a huge mistake. I should've listened to Zaviyar. Harram's life was in danger that's why Zaviyar had asked me to take her away but I was a fool to trusted Yahya Duraid and then Harram wasn't allowed to go by her doctor but look at this now. She had to travel in such a delicate condition that too under what circumstances. I feel like I've failed as a father."

"Don't say any such thing. She's continuously asking for you. Just go already. "

He nodded and giving her a look which said so much was out of there.

___________________

Sana caressed Harram's hair who was still looking messed up even though she was taken care off, fed though only few morsels and given medicines as well. She had talked to both Obaid and Zara telling them she was fine here and now Aalee and Obaid were on their way back to Haveli. Harram had specifically asked Obaid to come sooner because she wanted to share something with him. What? Only she knew but her stance was telling them all she knew something which was eating her from within.

Durdana Khanum was in her room but even she was restless. The way Harram had come to haveli had raised so many questions in her mind. Not only her but all of them. But they had no other option than to wait for Obaid and Aalee to know the full story.

"Auntie that.."

"I've put that file in the drawer to your side so stop worrying about it. Just close your eyes and try getting some sleep. You've gone through such a difficult situation and not many women show this courage and sharpness which you've shown. But now leave everything to us. Your father will take care of all of this. Just stay calm and try to relax."

Sana had tried her best to give Harram the needed support but at the end of the day she wasn't her mother. Harram needed any of her parents right now. Hassan was able to calm her down but he also couldn't do much. Harram's lost state was scaring them all. Saad had insisted on staying with her but seeing her condition Sana had refused both of them.

Sana Harram's room to check up on her mother but found her wide awake. Sana didn't need to ask her what wasn't letting her sleep. So both just kept quiet thinking of Harram and what she had gone through today.

___________________

Samjhe ya na samjhe woh andaaz mohabbat ka,

Ek shaks ko ankhon se dil ka sara dard sunana hai.

Whether someone understand or not the depth of my love

I have to tell one person the pain of my heart through my eyes

It was almost 3 in the morning when Zaviyar had reached the outside of Dastagir Haveli. It was the very first time he was visiting this place. Obaid Dastagir had always been all praises for his son in law. Both shared a bonding and Zaviyar knew how much the man loved his daughter. The reason why he had called Obaid only when he knew his time was running short just to ask him to take care of Harram and take her away. How much he had acted on that Zaviyar had no clue and he also know how stubborn Harram could get.

He was here to seek for Obaid's help in this whole situation. He was an influential businessman, almost at par with Yahya Duraid but he had entered into politics neither had he done any such work to mar his money. Zaviyar needed someone's support to get to Islamabad and shake the whole base of Yahya Duraid and his oldie gang.

Palwisha had trusted Zaviyar and came along where he was taking her. Peshawar was her hometown but this area at the outskirts of the city she had never visited before. Her younger sister was always in the hostel because of her studies and Palwisha had gotten married in Islamabad so there had never come a point of exploring these areas. She had no clear idea from here where would she go. Her old house wouldn't be there anymore she was sure of it so tagging along with Zaviyar was not only what she wanted but also what she needed.

The guards had stopped them. Zaviyar was expecting this. They didn't know he was son in law of this family because he had never come before and even if he had, he was dead for the outside world. Even the air around him must've been shocked seeing him breathing again. He himself was reeling from the same fact that freedom had finally happened to him but there was so much to take care of that she even hadn't gotten the chance to acknowledge this fact properly. He just wanted to be with his family and to disclose the dirty laundry of his grandfather. Something he couldn't do before.

"We are guest, Lala. We are here to meet Obaid Dastagir, Sahab. He knows us so please let us go. We've travelled whole night to come here."

He was trying to negotiate with the guard who had eventually agreed telling him that Obaid Dastagir was not home but coming back shortly. It felt a bit odd to Zaviyar but he just shrugged his shoulders and followed a servant who lead him to the guest room.

Now all he needed to do was waiting.

____________________

Harram opened her eyes sat straight on her bed. The flashes of the happenings of the previous hours weren't leaving her mind. She had been given proper solitude to take rest but she just couldn't. Her whole body ached and her head hurt. But this room was feeling like closing off on her. She put her chaddar around her and not caring for her disheveled state and injured foot came out of the room barefoot.

She could tell she had had voices. They were coming from the left wing of this huge Haveli. May be Obaid was home or may be it was Hassan. Any of them would be enough. She needed any of her people right now.

"Hassan?"

She called.

"Baba?"

She called again.

No response came and she stood there waiting for someone to come.

Someone. Anyone.

______________________

Zaviyar had rested his face of his intertwined hands and let the waiting began. He glanced at Palwisha who was silent till now.

"They are really nice people. I can assure you once Obaid uncle comes he'd be more than happy to let us stay."

Palwisha nodded hoping the same.

They let the silence prevail when Zaviyar had heart it.

The voice he couldn't misunderstand anywhere.

He got up immediately looking around.

"What's wrong, Zaviyar?"

He gestures her to give him a minute. The door to the side of the guest room was open. He pushed it some more and came outside into a hallway which was opening into a large door.

And in that door someone was standing.

_________

With dejection written on her face, Harram turned to leave but not having any idea she was standing close to huge vase collided with it. Her foot came in direct contact and a hiss had left her mouth.

"Ah!"

She cried trying to gain her posture and felt strong hands coming to her rescue. Her arm was in the gentle hold of her rescuer and she immediately looked up.

And the world stopped.

Love always knows when love is here.

Love was here.