Flashbacks are in bold

The night was dark, as if protecting the shadows lurking in the background. The sky was covered with grey clouds giving no room to the stars and moon to illuminate the world around. The stillness was making itself known and giving the living the challenge as if saying if you can, go on and prove your existence.

The light to the guest bedroom was on, a stark opposite of the world outside. The sheets were all tidy telling the tale of another night of sleeplessness.

Harram placed both the letter and car keys in front of her and kept on gazing at them like this would unravel all the secrets these two things must've been a witness of.

She was thinking in overdrive. Zaviyar very cleverly had given her a hint in this letter. If she hadn't known him well, or remembered what they shared, she'd never be able to get to this riddle. His car keys were important, if not he wouldn't have gone through the hassle of putting them in that secret drawer in the kitchen. His note also stated to keep these safe and close.

Why these keys were so important? He loved his car but this was beyond that. This was something far more deep and important. And he had chosen her to take care of it. She leaned against the headboard of the bed and sighed. Zaviyar had trusted her with something so important, something that might be a part of his mission. Why? She had no idea but if he wanted it saved, she'd keep it safe.

She placed the letter close to her heart. The handwriting was not in his clear script given the fact he must've written it in his last moments. Last moments. Harram felt a needle piercing through her heart. He was gone. The last semblance of his air was also no more. This was her reality now.

It was just a piece of paper with a blooded goodbye scattered on it, still it was like an echo of someone she'd be a memory of all her life. She hugged the crumbled up paper close and let tears run down her cheeks. She'd do what he'd ask her to. The last time he'd asked something out of her. The last time he'd called her beautiful and the last time he'd talked about their baby.

The last which was going to last all her life. The agony which would've no end but still she'd thrive in it. The melancholy that'd always be her fate, her destination, her everything.

Harram switched off the light not before securing the car keys close to her. Her hand automatically gone towards the empty other side. She let her hand touch the cold sheets and closed her eyes.

Gaah e qareeb shah rag, gaah e baeed wehm o khuwab

Uss ski rifakaton mein raat, hijar bhi tha wisaal bhi

(If close he was somewhere in me, if far he was just a distant memory

With him with me, the night spent both close and far)

(Parveen Shakir)

_________________

Zara zipped her purse and placed it along with the file. Making sure that all the reports were inside, she turned to her daughter who was sitting on the bed doing nothing but picking on the few tendrils that were coming out of her braid.

"Harram? We have to leave. The appointment starts in half an hour."

Harram nodded. She had to see her doctor today for a routine checkup. She had totally forgotten about it had Zara not reminded her. Normal women under normal circumstances can't stop thinking about the life growing inside them but here nothing was normal. The whirlwind of loss had messed her up so much she wasn't even feeling the changes that were coming within her due to her pregnancy. The morning sickness was norm but she'd never gotten worried over it. In a dazed state she'd go to the washroom and in that same daze she'd wash her face after having all her energy drained. Zara was very strict about her eating habits or else she wouldn't even do any special arrangements there as well. If she had an appetite she'd eat if not she'd skip.

Was it fair to the baby inside of her? No. She wasn't deliberately doing it. The happenings around her had numbed her. But it was high time now. Zara had had enough. This way she was going to increase her loss. So meeting with her doctor was necessary.

As Zara stopped the car in front of hospital, she found Obaid already there. He had insisted on being there with them. They both hadn't still told Harram about Zaviyar's last call thinking it would upset her some more but Obaid had become very cautious when it came to Harram. He joining them today was another way of his to keep an eye on his daughter when she was outside the confines of Duraid house.

Obaid had stayed back in the parking lot while Harram and Zara were inside in the doctor's cabin. Her checkup had gone well. Apart from weakness due to her lost appetite nothing worrisome had been disclosed so far. Zara had taken a deep sigh of relief. The doctor had gone to check on an emergency which needed her immediate attention.

"I need some fresh air."

Harram mumbled and came out of the cabin. She was looking around her surroundings. The telltale signs that she was in the maternity ward. Her eyes were scanning the atmosphere with nothing coherent on her mind. She had come to the waiting area. A family to the side was waiting for the operation theater to open. Must be waiting for their patient to come back safe and sound. There was something in their stance which had made her stay. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And soon she got to know what it was. The solemn expressions of the doctor and then dejected faces of the people.

They couldn't save the baby.

She held the wall close by feeling their loss in her own heart. The gloom around her was hitting her in waves. The whole family was mourning but one look at the father and she felt her heart sinking. His condition was what heartbreak looked like.

Harram took a step back. Her hand had automatically gone to her midriff.

"I know things are going to change and we both will need to put some real effort here but that's the beauty of it, isn't it? We get to share a life with each other. A life that is part me and part you. Two messed up people who really did mess up. But this mess up, I'll cherish my whole life."

That voice, that happiness oozing out of the words and that hope behind.

"Your weakness can take a toll on you, Harram. Take care of yourself."

The professional tone of the doctor telling her she wasn't taking care of her baby. But the question was, was she? Was she taking care of this baby? The answer was a clear no. She was neglecting it because in her grieve she had stopped thinking about someone or anything else. Her grip had gone protective now.

"Harram, what are you doing here?"

Zara's worry filled voice reached her ears. Harram looked to her side and immediately composed herself.

"I got...lost. Is the doctor back?"

"No, but the nurse told me we were free to go as the checkup has already been completed. You go to your Baba and I'm just heading towards the pharmacy."

"I'll come along."

Harram announced taking the prescription from her hand. Her body language meant seriousness telling her mother she was going to take care of this baby on her own. She was done being ignorant towards it.

Once getting the medicines they were going towards the parking lot when Zara got reminded of her phone which she had forgotten in the doctor's cabin. She had gone to get it when Harram reached the parking area. Obaid was sitting on a bench close by. Harram took a seat next to him.

"All okay?"

"Yes, all okay now."

She gave him a faint smile holding the hand he had extended towards her.

"Amma forgot her phone in doctor's cabin so she's gone to get it."

Obaid nodded.

"You know I still wish you'll come and stay with me at the haveli."

"And you know I can't do this."

"Why not?"

"Baba, it's not about you. It's not about my brothers as well. I know you all love me and I love you all as well. Believe me on this. I can't leave this family alone in this crisis. I've knows them all my life, since my school days. They've always loved me like their own, and it has been like this way before I even had gotten married to Zaviyar. Dada, Dado and Khadija auntie have always treated me with the same love they have for Zaviyar. Khadija auntie even sided by me when it was me vs Zaviyar. These are my people Baba. I can't leave them now that my husband isn't with me. Specially Khadija auntie. We all need each other. That's why I'll stay at Duraid house only."

"I understand shirin. I'm just worried about your safety. I want to have you close so that I can protect you from any harm."

She placed her head on his shoulder. The fatherly warmth was giving her a satisfaction she couldn't explain in words.

"I'm safe there, Baba. Don't worry."

Obaid didn't say anything. He couldn't just blurt out his worries in front of her. Zaviyar's chapter had been closed with him no matter the heartache it had given them all. He had no coherent reasoning to give if he wanted to take Harram along even when she didn't want to go. At this point the sanest approach was letting her be the way she wanted to. Yahya Duraid's house was the safest cocoon for her at this point.

Harram was engrossed in dealing with her thoughts when she felt it, the feeling of being watched. Her eyes roamed around and settled on a figure standing in the parking lot. He wore shades still she could feel his gaze on her. The stare down continued for few minutes before Zara came there asking them to hurry up as lunch time was almost upon them.

Harram walked behind her parents but she knew that strange guy was still looking at her. 

____________________

Placing her bag on the floor Harram stood in the threshold of the room and looked around.

Zaviyar's room. The one which had been his all his life before he had moved out. She was asked many times by Mrs. Aneesa and Khadija to shift here because the guest room didn't suit her as she wasn't a guest but she kept on stalling it. This room had so many memories. Memories she didn't want to revisit. Memories she couldn't help revisiting. Today after coming back from Doctor's, she herself had asked to be shifted here. There was no point in running from the inevitable. She had to face this one day or the other so it better be today where she'd get the heartache that is written for her and start living her life with it.

Taking calculated steps, as if treading on a stretched rope; she clutched her hand around her heart. Jumbled up mess of memories was hitting her in waves. One after other, in succession, infusing within her, taking her along on a trip down the memory lane.

"Come on, just one game with us, it won't bite I promise."

The 7 year old girl was whining in front of the stubborn looking ten year old boy whose face was an indication he was getting disturbed.

"Can't you see I'm busy?"

"You are just sitting on your chair, Zaviyar."

"I'm trying to concentrate."

"On what? The flooring?"

A narrowed eyed gaze was thrown her way.

"I'm not interested in playing any game, Harram. Leave me alone."

She huffed dramatically running her hand through her braided hair.

"Fine, suits you."

He turned back in his chair seeing her getting out of the room.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"You are boring."

Saying that she was out of the room while he shook his head.

Harram smiled fondly at the window that had been opened to the past, a smile that contained both longing and the feeling of contentment. Contentment on how far they'd come and longing on how short lived this was.

"I won't take much of your time; just give me a good book I can read in summer vacation."

"You are sure? Will you get enough time out of your dress up games?"

Her glare had made him smirk. Sitting on his spacious bed he was looking at her like a king looks at an intruder in his kingdom. He had recently redecorated his room according to his choice. It needed it anyway. His seventeen year old self wasn't satisfied with the same setting of his room he had as a child.

"Stop dragging me and give me anything to read."

Getting up, he came to his bookshelf and after contemplating, settled on a book. He extended it towards her who was looking excited.

"Thank you!"

She had started looking it up when a frown settled on her face.

"What?"

"I've watched its movie."

"So?"

"So, I know its plot. Give me something else."

"Books and movies are always different experiences, Harram."

"But I know what happens in this one."

He shook his head.

"Okay then, go and get something you haven't already spoiled for yourself."

His mood had immediately worsened making her frown.

"Come on, you have hoards of books, give me something else."

"I won't."

"What the hell!"

Harram scowled but he had already taken his previous seat on his bed.

"I have work to do so kindly...."

She shook her head incredulously and went to the door.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"You are rude!"

Sitting on the same place he had that day, Harram touched the sheets. The soft fabric mimicked the softness of petals. Those petals she had once seen on this same bed.

The petals scattered around as she dropped herself on the bed. Her henna clad hands and the whole bridal look were the all telling signs of the union that had taken place just few hours back. Composing herself she looked up at him who was sitting on the couch in front of her. His stance was as if he was waiting for her to vent. And vent she did.

"How dare you!"

Coming close to him she seethed seeing he was still so calm and composed.

"How could you do this to me? After all that had happened. After all that you told me. After everything you did to me. How could you say yes to this marriage? How could you suggest it?"

His silence was not breaking but her patience had.

"I'm tired of these games of yours. Tired! If you want to you can push me away and when you want to you can pull me back? Am I a rag doll to you? Why the hell would you marry me! You made it so clear you wouldn't think of me this way ever! Do I look like a charity case to you? Tell me!"

Her hands were clutching the lapel of his shirt. The tears which were up until now were at the brink of her eyes had started running down her cheeks one by one. She didn't want to break down in front of him but this time around her every emotion was directed towards him only. And soon the tears had changed into sobs. He hadn't said anything; just let her vent the way she wanted to. His hand was holding her from her side so that she wouldn't collapse. His face was as stoic as it had ever been. When her tears had stopped, she tried getting away from him only for her heavy duppata to get stuck in the chair behind. The pins with which it had been settled on her head, pierced through her scalp making her cry in pain.

"Are you crazy?"

He pushed her hand she had on her head and started taking out the pins. In two minutes all the pins were out giving relief to her head but in all this her duppata had come off and was now about to touch the floor below but he had placed his hand on her elbow stopping it. His eyes were boring into her and what she saw in those had scared her.

It was pure. It was unnerving. It was pleading. It was demanding.

Taking a step back her bloodshed eyes looked right into his.

"You know what? You are cruel."

Harram looked up at the ceiling with tears shinning in her eyes. So much more was coming in waves to her and she was reliving it. It was such a shame, after so much they'd come to this point in their life and now everything they were, was gone. Fading away. Losing away.

Hum to samjhay thay ek zakham hai bhar jaye ga

Kya khabar thi kay rag e jaan mein utar jaye ga

(I thought it's a wound it'll heal up

Never did I think it'd infuse into my being)

________________

Switching off the TV, Harram glanced at the clock. It was almost seven in the evening. Zara was busy in the kitchen baking something Harram had no idea about. She had submitted her final project today which meant her final semester was just few weeks away from winding up. Harram was about to get to the kitchen to help Zara when the doorbell rang. Getting up from the sofa, Harram opened the door only to be taken aback seeing the person standing in front of him.

Zaviyar looked around as if searching for someone when his gaze settled on her. She raised an eyebrow.

"Is Hamail here?"

"Wa alaikum asslam, no he isn't."

Zaviyar didn't take notice of her jib or greeting. An expression of worry had settled on his face.

"Zaviyar?"

Zara saw him standing in the threshold.

"Harram, call him in."

Harram stepped aside giving him the space to get inside.

"What happened? You look tensed."

"Nothing, I was coming here and Soha wanted a book from Harram. I was here just to get that. Turns out Harram doesn't have it."

"Oh. You come in I'm baking brownies. You can have those with us."

"And I can look for another book which might interest my best friend."

Harram piped in earning a look from him. The look which had stunned her. He was worried which meant it was serious.

"Some other time, Auntie. Right now I gotta go."

He greeted them a goodbye and crossed the hallway when Harram went behind him.

"What's happened?"

Her tone was serious and secretive.

"Hamail is nowhere to be found."

"Since when?"

"Last night."

"What? Are you kidding me? And why didn't anyone inform me?"

"Abu had asked us to keep it low key. That's why."

"Low key? He could be in trouble. Have you tried his phone?"

"No, only you are the one with a functioning brain here. I have. He isn't picking up. I was out looking for him so thought of asking you as well."

Hamail wasn't an irresponsible kid, that Harram knew. In fact he was always the designated driver whenever they went out together. Where could he go like this?

"I really need to get going."

"I'll come along."

"No."

"Yes. I will. I need to look for my best friend and you are taking me with you."

"Harram, you don't..."

"Shut up. Amma! I'm going with Zaviyar. Wanna see why Soha's bookworm self is resurfacing after so long. Will be back shortly."

Zara who had gone back to kitchen heard her and rolled her eyes. When this girl of her start acting maturely?

Once inside the car she had started pestering Zaviyar to know more about what had happened and this time around he also wasn't being closed off. He had narrated her whole thing and now was waiting for her to show some response.

"So you are telling me that Meeral, that daughter of your father's best friend, she and Hamail are kind of seeing each other and it was a total secret because Meeral's family wasn't going to like it. And now Hamail is missing and last time he had gone out of the house was because he was probably going to meet her? Right?"

"Absolutely."

"Damn. Who else knows?"

"At first it was just me but now everyone knows."

"That ass. So sly."

Harram cursed Hamail thinking how he kept it a secret from both her and Sohaira.

"Do you have any idea where they could meet?"

"I wasn't their date buddy, Harram."

"Still I had to try as you are the only person who knew about them."

Zaviyar shook his head and focused back on the road. He was worried for his younger cousin, Harram could tell.

"Now what?"

"I'm thinking of anywhere he could be."

"What if they've ....eloped?"

"Possible but not really. Hamail can't do this."

"But he's in love and he's a guy."

Zaviyar shook his head.

"Guys don't work this way, Harram. Not the guys of our house anyway."

"Then we are stuck. Where should we look for him now?"

She looked outside. The night had spread all around. The diners and food stalls were open in full swing. Islamabad was buzzing with life but as soon as it hit midnight the roads will go silent. They'd have to find Hamail before than that.

For next half an hour, Zaviyar got out of the car asking around few eat out places but they had no luck of finding him. He was also constantly in contact with his grandfather as well.

"Are you sure they are together?"

Zaviyar nodded.

"It's confirmed. He was last seen with her outside of a café."

"And how do you know?"

"I'm in forces, Harram. I have my sources."

"Oh. Look I can think of one or two places we frequently go to after university. May be they are there?"

Zaviyar was thinking about her suggestion when his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID his face had formed into an expression of relief which told Harram it was Hamail only.

"Where the hell are you, Hamail!"

God knows what was said from the other side but Harram could tell it wasn't pleasant.

"What?"

Once he had hung up, Harram asked worriedly.

"Hospital."

With a thudding heart they had reached the said hospital and to their relief Hamail was sitting on one of the benches outside in the lawn.

"Hey, hero."

Harram was behind when Zaviyar reached Hamail's side. Hamail was covered in bandages indicating he must've gone through a hard time. Zaviyar looked at his injuries in a pure big brother manner.

"Seems messed up."

He said messing up Hamail's hair who shook his head and hugged Zaviyar. A tear had rolled down his eyes. Harram stood to the side giving them the needed time.

"Hey."

Zaviyar made him look towards her and sure enough he seemed relieved seeing her. Having his brother and best friend close was much needed for him.

"What happened?"

Harram was horrified seeing his injuries.

"Got beaten up."

"Playing hero?"

"Something like that."

"Shit, Hamail."

She pushed his shoulder and made his sit. Zaviyar had gone to get water for him. Once he came back, Hamail had started telling them what had happened.

Meeral's parents had died when she was in high school. She was living with her uncle and aunt and the whole extended family had a say in her life. She was tired of their interventions but could do nothing about it. She had met Zaviyar few times in her life when her parents were alive and since that time both were quite close friends. But when she met Hamail, that's when her life had taken a turn for the good. His easy going persona and jolly nature was a stark contrast with her reserved personality. Opposite attract and attract they did. Occasional meeting turned into daily routine, liking each other formed into love and they had no idea when. But it had all gone down the drain when Meeral's family came to know about them. Just today. They used their barbaric approach not only on Hamail but Meeral as well.

"She's in there. Her condition wasn't good. They won't let me in, her family."

Harram looked at Zaviyar who himself didn't know what to say to Hamail.

"I go and check up on her. Tell me the floor and room number."

Harram asked getting up. Hamail had mumbled up the details. She nodded and made her way towards the hospital entrance. Reaching the said floor she found three serious looking men and women as if guarding the room they were outside. She didn't let them notice had and looked through the glass window as conspicuously as she could.

Bandaged forehead, scratched on the arms and a bruised lip. That wasn't the smiling girl Harram had seen at Jiya's engagement. Her face had contorted into an expression of pain and hurt. This was so cruel. How could someone do this to a person just because they were in love with someone?

With a dejected face she left the window before anyone of them got suspicious. When she reached the lawn Hamail and Zaviyar were not alone. Yahya Duraid Ali and Ismail Ali were also present.

"Come on, get up Hamail. We have to get you home."

Ismail was talking to his son but he wasn't least bit convinced.

"Baba, I can't. She's inside and I don't even know how she is."

"Hamail, son, we'll talk about this after going home."

Yahya Duraid announced in his authoritative tone. Hamail looked on with disbelief when Zaviyar came forward.

"Abu..."

"No, Zaviyar. It's enough for today, son. Drop Harram back her house and the come home. We all need to talk."

The finality in his stance wasn't hidden from Harram. Hamail looked at her.

"She's still unconscious but don't worry, I'll come tomorrow as well. To see her. Go now."

He gave a longing look to the hospital premises and got in the car. The zooming past voices of the vehicles faded away. Harram sat down on the bench close to Zaviyar.

"She's a mess."

Her whisper was audible to Zaviyar.

"Beating like this just because she is in love with someone? Her forehead is bandaged, her lip is swollen, and she has scratches on her face. This much cruelty? This much barbarism?"

Zaviyar had placed his hand on her shoulder.

"What will happen now? Your grandfather seems not all interested in knowing what she's going through. He will stop Hamail from seeing her as well. What will happen to her? She will be stranded. Lost. Because I know how your grandfather is like the king of your world. She's going to suffer the most. Another woman, another day, another tale of being subjected to men and their egos. Now her own family will torture her every day and what anyone can do here? Nothing. They will cherish the fact that she is weak and they made her weak."

"No woman is weak."

Harram's head shot up to him.

"Meeral, you, my mother, your mother. No. No woman is weak. Each one of them is fighting a battle of her own and owing it. That's not what weak people do no matter how much the world around them make it look like it. I've known her all my childhood. This is just a blow. She's going to rise above it all. You guys always do. Give yourself some credit here. You are stronger than you guys think you are."

He got up indicating it was time to go.

"Don't worry. My brother is in love with her. He isn't going to leave her just like this. And if by any chance he has to bend down I'm here. I'll make sure he gets his fitting love story. I'll handle it."

"But your grandfather...."

"Abu will have to understand that not every time politics will save the day."

"You'll go against your grandfather?"

"I never let things come to that but if I have to then be it."

He was determined and that was the first time she had seen him like this. No matter how bleak the chances looked but this confidence of his was telling her things would get better.

___________________

The ray of sun coming from a creak in the window was the only source of light in this room. The smell of damp paper was hitting his nostrils telling his how old this cellar must be. The fan above him was working in normal speed. There wasn't heat in this room but still it was boiling his blood. His hands were tied at his back and he was sure the rope was now leaving a bloody mark. Sheraz hadn't been kind after his challenging tone and now he was facing the consequences. The drug he was injected with had just started wearing off making him swing in between the state of oblivious and obvious.

How many days it had been he was in this state? Five? May be. He hadn't been counting. God knows for how long he'd have to stay here. Why to fret over something that could turn into a lifetime? He craned his neck to the side. The stubble was changing into beard and the once perfectly trimmed locks were now growing into the mess he wasn't a fan of.

کس بوجھ سے جسم ٹوٹتا ہے

اتنا تو کڑا سفر نہیں تھا

وہ چار قدم کا فاصلہ کیا

پھر راہ سے بے خبر نہیں تھا

لیکن یہ تھکن یہ لڑکھڑاہٹ

یہ حال تو عمر بھر نہیں تھا

Kis bojh se jism toot'ta hai

Itna to karra safar nahi tha

Who chaar qadam ka fasla kya

Phir Rah se bekhabar nahi tha

Lekin ye Thakkan ye larkhrahat

Ye haal to umer bhar nahi tha

(With the burden my body pains

The journey wasn't this perilous

That distance of few steps

I wasn't unaware of my path

But this weariness this staggering

This wasn't my state all my life)

(Ahmed Faraz)

There was no sense of day and night in this dungeon. The basic necessities were all being fulfilled but what to do when you want freedom even though it comes in a forest. He needed that forest and would prefer it over this dungeon anytime.

It was a part of his training. When in circumstances like this, think of something that makes you happy. That makes you forget all your adversaries and remind you of your luxuries. That hope, that pillar of light that'd make you realize morning was coming sooner than you thought.

He was also thinking of that beacon of hope and light. The darkness in front of him was slowly turning into a lawn. A decorated, assorted lawn. The set stage. The overhung lights and flower strings. Slowly he could hear voices around him. It was all in his mind but still it was his reality.

And then he saw it. The pillar he was centering his thoughts upon. A vision in pastel colors. The long flowy dress and the smiling face twirling around. The sparkling eyes marveling the starry sky. The curl of her lips, those hands holding on to her dress. She was breath taking. And he was losing his breath. She was enchanting and his whole being was chanting her name.

She was Harram

And he was Zaviyar.

And she was dancing that dance of love and he was witnessing that love. That love which was there. And both knew.

Love knows when love is here.

Slowly her eyes collided with his and that's when the world stopped.

What remained?

Two hearts beating.

One rhythm.

One symphony.

Love.

Them

Theirs.

The click of the door had erased the whole ambiance and all he could see was darkness once again. He sighed.

اب تجھ سے بچھڑ کے سوچتا ہوں

کچھ تو نے کہا تھا! کیا کہا تھا

Ab tujh se bichar kay sochta hu

Kuch to tunnay kaha tha, kya kaha tha

(Now after getting away from you I think

You had said something, what you had said)

___________________

The evening breeze around the house was somewhat easing out her thoughts that's why instead of sitting inside she had decided to take a round of the lawn. Her feet were getting in contact with the soft texture of the grass but still her mind wasn't at peace. The keys were with her right now and whenever her attention drew towards those she'd go into a plethora of what ifs. Possibilities she herself couldn't understand. Why and how. Zaviyar was saving his keys but from whom? There were so many questions but no answer.

She had turned to the side when she was the commotion on the right side of the house. The same side where was that mysterious door. Her brows scrunched as she made her way towards it.

"Take this out, Shahab."

Safina instructed the watchman who nodded and started dragging out a packet of dirt and unused goods. Harram was about to ask her what this was when she saw the door behind Safina.

Opened.

Her eyes went frantically over there but she could see the room all empty.

"I'm cleaning up, Baji. That's why opened this room."

"But you said no one's allowed here."

"No one is but for cleanup purpose I have to open it occasionally."

Safina answered busily. Harram didn't prod further but her eyes weren't leaving the open room. She scowled and nodding went away from there.

Main phool chunti rahi aur mujhe khabar na hui

Wo shaks a kar mere sheher se chala bhi gya

(I kept on plucking the flowers not knowing

The person came and left my city)

There was this hollowness inside her, one she had no control over. As if something was choking her from within. The air was not helping. She needed something else to breath.

Her breath was associated with a place.

She came directly to the driver.

"Take me to my home. Now. Please."

_________________

"So, how was your day today?"

Sheraz asked him with a venomous smile.

"Better than yours. At least my existence isn't useless yet."

The retort had vanished Sheraz's smile. He didn't say anything in reply for a long time.

"Your car keys are still not to be found anywhere."

"Car's mine and you are the one who's losing your marbles over it."

Another snarky reply. Sheraz wanted to kill this bastard but his duty didn't allow him even giving him a scratch. This was a different kind of hostage.

That was clear that even if he knew, he wouldn't tell him where his car keys were. Sheraz was tired of trying. This man was made of some different kind of substance. Even his face was expressionless whenever he was talking to him.

Being sure that this was the last resort, Sheraz dialed his boss's number.

"Sir, as usual he isn't saying anything. I think it's time you make him blurt it out in your own way."

Zaviyar chuckled.

"Can your sir do this, Sheraz? Does he have the courage and guts to come in front of me?"

His loud voice was going at the other side too.

"Confused? I make it easy. No, your boss doesn't have what it takes to stand before me and talk to me on my face. Because he is a coward. I'm in his custody. He can make me blurt out anything he wants, can even kill me. I'm dead for the world outside anyway. No one will know. And I'm not afraid of dying. But your boss is. I'm not afraid of being forgotten but your boss is. My car keys are his out most target right now, aren't they. He won't even get to them. And he won't ever come to me. Because your boss lacks guts. So happy searching for the keys."

The long beep to the other side had indicated the call had been disconnected. Zaviyar smirked shaking his head.

"Bloody coward."

_______________________

Opening the door of her house she felt the familiar air hitting her. Leaning against the door she let the tears flow. Her heart wasn't still at peace but still there was something she could call solace.

Her eyes roamed over the interior of the house. Everything was the same but still today something was different. The house which was once her and Zaviyar's safe cocoon but sometimes the safest cocoons are also not safe. Zaviyar had to resort to the small hidden drawer in the kitchen to hide something that was important for him. He couldn't place it somewhere else.

Was this house had also been compromised? Had the people who were after his car keys reached there as well? The thought had entered her mind like a flashing of light. Suddenly she understood why this home wasn't feeling like home anywhere.

Someone had intruded in this space of hers. Suffocation was again making its way to her. Opening the door she came outside and the first thing her eyes fell on was his car.

She didn't think twice holding the keys in hands opened it and got inside.

His scent had welcomed her. This felt like home. This felt like him. This felt like them. Sitting on the driver's seat she let the tears flow while her heart was basking in the feel of him.

Wiping her tears, her eyes fell on the keys and that chit in the key ring. She held it and read the writing once again.

"Keep. Safe. No one can know."

May be it was the doing of her jumbled up mind but she had missed it before. There was small sign at the end of the message.

.X

And there was a ring around the x. It was small and she was sure it wasn't here just for nothing. She scowled and reread the message once again. What could this sign mean? Her eyes were darting from the message to the keys and back to the message when it clicked her.

Carefully she took the key out of the ignition and looked at it. Two for the car and there was one small key in the ring that was almost hidden among the bigger ones.

It had .X carved over it. The same sign. Small and almost ignorable.

The door to her side was knocked at making her startled. She looked outside and found Hamail standing there with his hands folded on his chest.

"You scared me."

She mumbled.

"That's what I should be telling you. Why did you come with the driver all on your own? You could've asked me. It's not safe. Next time you want to go somewhere you come to me, okay."

Harram nodded.

"By the way you found the keys."

He pointed towards them making her sigh.

"I did. I came home just to find them today."

"That's great. Or else I was going to make you a replica."

"Glad it didn't come to this."

She said moving towards the passenger side. Hamail took the front seat and started the car.

"Let's get you home."

He wouldn't know but she was leaving home.

______________________________

Sheraz was sitting outside of the room God knows doing what. Zaviyar leaned againt the back of his chair and looked at the fan. It was turning out to be his favourite time pass these days. It's been only two minutes when Sheraz opened the door and came inside with his phone in his hand.

"Boss has sent something for you."

There was a triumphant smile on his face and Zaviyar immediately felt his insides burning with dread.

He pushed the phone in front of Zaviyar where the just now sent pictures of his car keys were shining.

"Tada! He's got your car keys. Now who's having the last laugh?"

Sheraz's glee had no bounds but Zaviyar wasn't looking at him. His eyes were closely examining the picture.

"That's enough. These are your keys only."

He pushed Zaviyar's face away making it collide with the back of the chair and whistling went away closing the door behind. Zaviyar kept on looking at the fan once again when slowly a smile reached his lips. His wife was a fucking genius and he was so proud.

_______

Harram closed the room door behind her and immediately pulled that .X key and chit out of her palm.

This was the key that Zaviyar wanted safe. His message had clear cut told her. This was the key she was supposed to take care of. She caressed both the things as if her prized possessions. It was on her now to keep this key safe. And that she'd do. No matter what.

_________

Zaviyar closed his eyes with content written on his face.

"Told you Harram, you are way more than you give yourself credit for. You are freaking awesome."

____________________