When his stay in Pakistan ended, Raed wasted no time packing his stuff and leaving for home. It was part and parcel of his work life, and he had no complaints. Be honest with the story you're going to tell, live every moment while it lasts and when the time arrives, leave with a smile—the mantra and the method.

But this time around, he knew with conviction that he'd have to modify his tried and tested reasoning. He did look back at the time spent in Karachi, and he did miss it.

A lot, if he was being honest to himself, and lying had never been his strongest suit anyway. The unease eased when he reached out to what he had left behind.

Amal stayed in touch with him, his every call was answered, every time he asked for her opinion on his draft, she gave him honest feedback.

By the looks of it, the association was purely professional. But was it? She was, in no way, obligated to hear his ideas for his manuscript, and never before had he felt the need for this validation.

Both acted oblivious to this very obvious loophole. By choice, as not everything should make sense. Some things just don't, not when the time for their comprehension hasn't arrived yet.

The constant contact had made him well-versed in everything Amal and tonight, using the same expertise, he was certain something was bothering her.

"Okay, that's it."

Amal stopped mid-sentence and pursed her lips, thankful for the diversion. Conversing with her today was tedious and she'd be totally okay if Raed ended the call. Her words were uttered absent-mindedly, her always-there conviction was nowhere to be found. She staggered through her day with a haywire mind.

"Yeah, I thought so. I'll talk to you later and give you a better opinion on this." She mumbled. "I'm not in the right headspace right now. Sorry about that."

She waited for his agreement but it never came. Instead, he sighed. "If I told you to share your problem with me, would I be overstepping?"

Amal was taken aback, but slowly, a slight smile reached her lips. "Not at all."

That was good enough for Raed. "What's wrong, Amal?"

She sighed. "I didn't think it was that obvious."

It was not. She'd had a packed day full of her standard social interactions and no one could pick up on her sullen mood, or her inner turmoil. Only the girls were privy to it.

She hadn't expected someone sitting in the other corner of the world to call her bluff.

"Nothing's wrong but nothing's right either."

Her troubled whisper made Raed's scowl deepen. "Amal—"

"It's about my parents." She ran an agitated hand through her hair. "They're after Ghar. They've been for quite a while now. Baba wants to sell it. Ammo was fierce regarding Ghar and its inhabitants, but she's not here now, which gives Baba the liberty to do as he pleases. The only obstacle in his way is, well, me."

"Knowing you, it's more than enough. If anyone can fight for the ladies in Ghar, it's you, Amal."

Staying next door to the house, Raed had met Azra, Ruki, Shamim, and Chandni a few times, and even a stranger like him immediately felt their warmth.

Amal's reply was a painful chuckle. "That's why they've pulled the big guns. Zahra has come forward to fight this battle for Baba."

Her voice cracked as she uttered the last sentence. Raed wished he were there next to her. Consoling someone over the phone was inadequate, he concurred.

"Can't you try to make her understand your plight? She's your sister after all."

The problem solver in him had to do something. Her broken voice was a novelty he didn't quite like.

"It's Zahra we're talking about, Raed. My parents know what they're doing. They don't want to give in to emotions. That's why they've brought forward the one person they know will not heed them in this situation."

"Come on, Amal. I've never met Zahra but I know you. I trust you to fight for Ghar and what you believe in. You've got this. Yes, it won't be easy but you will emerge victorious. I'm certain."

Amal was dubious. He was right, he had never encountered Zahra, so his conviction couldn't strengthen her belief.

But it managed to bring a smile to her face, probably the first genuine positive emotion she felt the whole day.

"I will try my best to give her a hard time."

"I know you will. You might not realize it but you're a force to be reckoned with when it comes to what you love, Amal and you love Ghar and those ladies immensely."

That she did, they were her home and her family. The doubts were still there, and so was the unease but she could feel her resolve strengthening.

She could do this.

Nodding to herself, she sat up straight on the couch. "I've got this."

"Now we are talking." Raed chuckled softly making her smile. "But first, go get some rest."

"I actually should. I've had a long day."

He knew that already without her voicing it out. She didn't find it odd that he did.

Some things settle into your patterns, reshaping them, molding the habits, rewriting the mundane.

And we're often too oblivious to realize.

𝄞

The silence that prevailed with dusk around their place was hard to come to terms with. Since the day she had moved into this apartment and began calling it home, the evenings had never been uneventful. Takeout, sitcoms rewatch, news channel discourse, book debates, cooking sessions, long drives, dinner dates or just being lost in each other.

She glanced around their empty room. He wasn't home, and she hadn't reached out to know why was that. She just didn't have in her to go out of her way.

Their conversation from a while back was fresh in her mind. Putting forth such an outrageous demand after shutting her out at every chance he got. That was such an Aahil thing to do but after a very long time, his brat tendencies were making Sila wry, frustrated even.

There were few things in her life Sila cherished to bits and her profession was one of those. She had worked hard to reach where she was today. Financial stability wasn't handed to her on a platter, neither was a fancy education. This was one area in her life where she called the shots without considering anyone else's opinion.

She didn't know the reasons behind Aahil's demand, as he was very keen on not sharing those with her but she couldn't back out from such an important venture just because her husband said so. This would have grave implications for her career. Elma might be an amicable person but she was, at the end of the day, an employer and if something affected her company negatively, she would never be in its favor.

Aahil had no idea what conundrum he'd pushed Sila into. He sounded resolute as if his say was the last. Sila had never seen him this serious about anything. His laidback manner was a thing of the past.

She was hurt and angry but she had to think about it with a sane mind, keeping her biases aside. Yes, she was immensely frustrated with the way he went about this whole thing but she also loved him despite all his lapses.

He wouldn't impose something like this on her. He had never.

Then why? Why, his understanding nature took such a sudden shift? What was the deal with Zarrar here? Why was Aahil adamant about keeping him at bay? So much so that he was not above meddling in Sila's professional ties?

Only one person could give her all the answers and lately, he had vowed to do anything but that.

Sila dropped herself on the pillow with a tired sigh.

She wouldn't give anyone such a benefit of the doubt. Contemplating it was out of the question but for him, she was ready to do this and lots more if only he let her in.

Wishful thinking, perhaps because he had proven, time and again that he wouldn't do that.

Just Sila's luck.

She played with his pillow absentmindedly, trying to be brave about this situation when everything about it screamed doomed.

Amidst hope and hopelessness, affirmations and negations, when sleep took over her, she had no idea.

Just that, in dreams, he was not as far away as he felt in reality.

𝄞

The stage was in his view, the bright halo, the muffled applause. He took an uncertain step toward it, then another. His eyes darted around. The setting was so familiar yet entirely foreign.

On the stage, he could see two silhouettes. Their outlines were blurry, their countenance, not so much.

Music.

Melody.

Maelstrom.

The fire erupted somewhere behind them, engulfing everything in its wake. The loud shrieks turned into sneers, and the jeering crowd gathered around the two shadows.

One was lying on the floor, the other held it in its arms, begging for it to wake up.

She never did.

The wind blew, morphed into a storm, everything shattered, and every detail became hazy.

"He's bad news. I don't know when you will realize it."

"Can't you understand? I did it because of you. You're the reason, Aahil, and a pathetic one at that."

"I'm sorry..."

"No, no, no! Stay with me. Please, please stay!"

Blood. So much of it. Crimson. The static of a heart monitor. The anguish cries. The pleas, all on deaf ears.

Then there was silence.

The shadows on the stage remained. He reached them slowly.

"She reminds me so much of Maya."

The sinister whisper was as loud as his heartbeat.

.

"She reminds me so much of Maya."

.

"She reminds me so much of Maya."

.

"She reminds me so much of Maya."

.

It was everywhere. He tried to cover his ear but nothing could stop the voice. In a mad dash, he reached the stage but then stopped short.

The silhouettes were no longer mere outlines.

They were two people. Vivid. Not a mere figment of his nightmares.

His breath hitched. His heart stopped. The faces were so familiar.

He saw himself bending over the unconscious form, begging for her to wake up.

Begging Sila to wake up.

But she was still. Cold as ice.

And there was blood. So much of it.

He gasped as his eyes opened with a start. His heart was ready to give out.

Breathe.

Breathe.

He internally chanted the mantra and looked around to ground himself. He was in his lounge. The lights were on. His phone was on the table. The TV was on. As it was before he dozed off.

It was just a bad dream. A nightmare. But just that.

Was it?

He got up. His steps were unsteady as he made his way to their room. His eyes were frantic so were his thoughts. Erratic. Dangerous.

As soon he crossed the threshold, his eyes fell on her sleeping form.

He could've died with relief then and there.

She was fast asleep. Comfortable. Relaxed. He stopped at the foot of the bed and took his fill of her.

The movement was enough to wake her up.

"Aahil?"

Her groggy voice reached him. He closed his eyes. The emotions overwhelmed him. Relief. Gratitude. A hint of dread. A lot of calm.

She switched on the side lamp and he immediately looked at her. She was resplendent. Always was.

She searched his face for any sign of discomfort and what she found must've been bad enough. She shifted closer to him and cupped his cheek.

"Are you alright?"

He nodded, leaning into her touch. He swallowed the tears that lodged in his throat. The balm on an open wound. The remedy to incurable heartache. Her.

"What happ—"

But she bit her lip, forcing herself to stop. Her touch stayed but her eyes strayed. She closed her eyes momentarily and when she opened them, the accusation there was hard to avoid, not that he was trying to do that.

As if you'd tell me.

The words weren't uttered but they were loud and clear. Slowly, she detached her hand. He wanted to pull it back but something told him she wouldn't appreciate that.

They remained where they were, the distance of mere inches but felt as if a chasm had opened up, filled up by her restraint and his inhibitions.

A scenario they hadn't envisioned for their marriage but was now their reality.

𝄞

"Reen Api, can you hurry the hell up?"

Ramna asked impatiently, earning a disapproving glare from Rameen. She stirred the Pasta taking her sweet time. Ramna groaned making Urwa and Arooba giggle.

Rameen was home for dinner but that was another thing that her sister wanted her special treat. Rameen tried to brush it off but Ramna was not easy to deter. So, there she was, in the kitchen, surrounded by the Bukkad party as she sorted the Pasta for them.

When Rameen took a step back after turning the stove off, Ramna wasted no time in getting her plate filled. Rameen couldn't help her laugh. "Leave some for the rest of us, Rami."

"Oh, please. You have no idea how much I missed this in the mountains." Ramna said through a mouthful. Rameen made a disgusted face. Ramna was no better than a bear cub when it came to food.

"She's bluffing, Reen Api. We missed you regardless of your cooking. You should've come with us." Arooba pouted. Rameen smiled and ruffled her hair. "Next time, hopefully. But I did live vicariously through you all."

The tales of their trip had entertained them all for days. Rameen was happy that the outing had the desired effect on the girls, especially Unaiza. She was smiling and laughing more and for Rameen, that was enough accomplishment.

"Where's Unaiza?"

Rameen asked, suddenly realizing she hadn't seen her much for the past hour. The girls shrugged.

"In her room. I think she's waiting for an official call."

Rameen raised an eyebrow. Unaiza hated work-related calls during her home time and tried to avoid them as much as she could. The fact that she was willing to take one, even waiting for it surprised her.

But she didn't get the time to dwell on it. The kitchen door opened and Mehreen entered inside. Her less-than-pleased expressions grew even grimmer, seeing them all gathered there.

Unaiza hadn't tried to hide Farmaan's call from them and Rameen was thankful for that. It had widened the wedge between them and Amjad Taya's family. Farmaan, Ayesha Auntie, and Mehreen were as unapologetic as ever, not even a smidge of remorse for what they'd done to this family and singled out Unaiza.

Rameen was tired of this tension at home. She wanted to bring forth the solution before her grandmother but needed to prepare herself for that, knowing too well how it would be received.

She was of the view that it was still time to amicably separate their living arrangements from Amjad Taya's family. What was the point of living under the same roof when the distance between hearts had grown insurmountable?

But her elders were going to take their time coming to terms with the friction in the family. Rameen hoped that they realized it sooner rather than later and addressed the elephant in the room.

"She's going to make such a big deal out of it," Ramna muttered as soon as Mehreen left the kitchen.

"I can bet she's on her way to Ayesha Auntie's room. Be prepared for her jibes during the dinner." Urwa said dejectedly. They all were unhappy with the way things had shaped but couldn't do much about it. Mehreen had thwarted their every attempt at cordiality. Her intentions were crystal clear. She didn't want to live with her husband's extended family anymore.

Which was not an outrageous wish. Their sentiments aside, the girls had always agreed with Rameen's point of view that one day, they all would have to go their separate ways. It was wise and logical. Sooner or later they'd definitely feel the need for it.

But their problem was with Mehreen's approach. Instead of playing petty kitchen politics by turning her husband and mother-in-law against them, and giving her unsolicited opinions on Unaiza's life, she should've presented her case in an educated and sensible way. The new generation is supposed to do things differently and in a far better manner than their elders. But Mehreen had disappointed them.

"We should set the table. I'll let Mama and Dado know that the dinner is ready." Arooba announced and got up, followed by Ramna and Urwa. Rameen was about to do the same but the ringing of her phone stopped her. Dareer's video call made her stop in her tracks. Must be something important.

"Reen Aapi."

Dareer's cheerful voice reached her before she could see his grainy face on the screen. "Sorry to disturb you during dinner time but your friend is good for nothing."

"Dareer!"

Danish's warning fell on deaf ears as Dareer guffawed. Rameen shook her head. "What are you two up to?"

"Birthday gift shopping for Mama. I'm done with mine but Bhai is struggling through his."

"That's because someone went through my phone, got his hands on the list of books I had compiled, and ordered those through Readings. Now, here I am. Shopping for jewelry instead."

Danish said hotly. Dareer shrugged, not considering his frustration.

"Skill issue." He stated matter-of-factly and looked at the screen. "He's so bad at it, Reen Aapi. I feel second-hand embarrassment."

Rameen covered her face in amusement, earning a glare from Danish. "Help me, Reen. This is not my area of expertise."

"Tell her something she doesn't already know." Dareer drawled. Danish's scowl worked this time around. He shut up for good but not before giving Rameen his evil grin.

"Show me what you're looking through."

Danish did so as he was told. He was looking for an elegant pair of earrings for Bushra. Rameen gave him directions and he did as he was told. Dareer was right, he was so bad at it but to prevent the chaos that'd ensue, she kept that thought to herself.

"So, you're telling me, I should choose between these two?"

Rameen nodded, rolling her eyes. "Really, Danish? You can do at least that. It's your gift for your mother, after all."

"Hey! I did work on the book order. I know her favorite authors and genres but this spawn of Satan had to ruin everything."

Dareer ignored him, deeply engrossed in his ice cream. Rameen was about to grace this with a fitting retort when her eyes went toward the next collection. A gasp left her mouth.

"What?" Danish asked, confused.

"That emerald gem bracelet! It's so pretty."

Danish found the piece she was looking at and raised his hand to check it out but Rameen stopped him.

"Don't buy that. Bushra Auntie hates when jewelry gets stuck in her shirt sleeves and this one definitely will."

Danish knew that. His mother loved jewelry but was equally picky about it, the reason why he was confused as to what to get her.

Rameen brought his attention back to the earrings but Danish had noticed her eyes wandering toward the next collection.

"Finally," Dareer exclaimed when Danish finalized his order. "All thanks to Reen Aapi."

Rameen rebuked him for not spilling to his mother and letting Danish's gift be his own but knowing Dareer, he would definitely use the knowledge against his brother if he got the chance.

Lost in their conversation, they hadn't noticed that Danish had silently made the emerald bracelet a part of his order.

His mother might be averse to this type of jewelry but he wasn't buying it for her anyway.

𝄞

Even though there was a knock at her cabin door, Sila didn't look away from her laptop screen. She had vowed today would be a productive working day and wanted to stick to that agenda. But the person who entered after a second was not someone she'd be able to ignore.

Elma gave her a small smile and took the seat in front of her. "Busy day?"

Sila nodded. "The logistics do not match Basra Group's demands for their event. I'm still trying to look for a way to fit it all in the package."

"Difficult clients make me grateful that I don't have to be actively involved with them."

Sila couldn't share the sentiments. Getting difficult clients to agree to their terms was her specialty, something Elma also admitted and admired her for.

"Since you're already stuck with Basra Group, I won't take much of your time." Elma began casually.

Sila was thankful for that. She was finally going somewhere with their demands. She'd loved to be left alone for a while to sort this once and for all.

"But we have a problem, Sila. From your side."

Sila's brows scrunched. What did she mean by that?

Elma folded her hands in front of her and sighed. "Your husband called a while back."

Wait what?

"I was under the impression that you could speak for yourself."

Elma's tone grated on her nerves. Sila pursed her lips. "What did he exactly say to you?"

"That you're opting out of the Zarrar Hassan contract. There are some problems between him and Jahan and since you're part of the family, you can't go ahead with this project."

Sila was speechless. She tried to get a word out but didn't know what to say to her.

"I contacted my sources as soon as I got off the call with your husband and yes, there is some bad blood. I couldn't find the reason for it but it doesn't matter. The end of the story is: you're not working on this project as your husband very specifically pointed out."

Rage filled her. How dare he! Who the hell did he think he was?!

"Look, Sila." Elma leaned forward. "First and foremost, I want you to be open with me. I'd appreciate it if the next time, something like this would be conveyed to me by you and you only. After all, you're a part of EFvent, not anyone else. Secondly, as far as my knowledge goes, you're not associated with Jahan professionally so, what you do in your professional bounds shouldn't affect them in any capacity. I'd like for you to think this through. This project is a huge boost for my company and I want the best of the best on my team to be part of it and you're one of those. Lastly."

Her voice suddenly turned sympathetic. "Your reaction has made it clear that you had no idea about any of this. Your husband spoke for you without your permission. Is that true?"

Sila couldn't meet her eye. Embarrassment and shame made her want to run out of the office.

"Husbands talking over their competent and sensible wives, tales as old as times. This is how it begins."

Sila closed her eyes. Perfect. Sila didn't have to ask what. Elma was finding similarities between her and her husband's failed relationship and Sila and Aahil's.

Aahil.

Sila glanced at her phone. Ten minutes till she got off work.

Good because she had some important business to take care of.

𝄞

As soon as she parked her car in Jahan main office's parking, she made her way toward the power floor. No one tried to stop her. At least somewhere her privilege of being family was coming in handy.

Reaching the floor she stopped in her tracks on seeing a group of men standing outside the conference hall. Her eyes sought out the one she had her eyes always set on.

Only this time around, they blazed with rage. She leaned against the wall, away from the prying eyes. She was in no mood for fake mannerisms and she didn't want Faran or Faseeh to see her like this either.

As soon as the voices drifted away, she left the wall and went straight to the cabin at the far end of the corridor.

He was standing in the window, looking outside at the running life of downtown Karachi. Sila closed the door behind her and reached him in long strides.

"How could you, Aahil!"

She tried to rein in her anger but failed miserably. It was not just her rage thrashing, it was a mix of hurt and betrayal. She could've expected this from anyone. Anyone but him.

Holding him by his shoulder, she turned him around. "You're boldly making decisions on my behalf without consulting me so facing me shouldn't be difficult."

She seethed. He had the audacity to look her in the eye. "He stays the fuck away from you, Sila. That's the only decision I'm interested in."

She couldn't believe his reasoning. "Really? And to do that, you jeopardized my work integrity?!"

Aahil scowled at that. "I did no such thing. No one from Jahan associates with him and his label."

"Newsflash! I'm not professionally affiliated with Jahan! Upholding this rule is purely personal and I don't mix my personal and professional lives."

His eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened. "Newsflash! Not everyone thinks along the same lines as you!"

"You mean yourself right? Because right now, the only person doing that is you!"

Aahil took a step forward, trying to hold her but she raised her finger at him to stay put.

He did so, without making a big deal out of it. She ran a hand through her hair.

"You didn't do right by me, Aahil." She finally whispered, her voice broken.

His scowl eased, replaced by anguish. He tried to reason it out with her but she stopped him. "Don't give me lame excuses. How could you, Aahil? You took the reins in your hands for something that affects only me! We could've talked it out but you were lost in your own head. I was ready to take this leap of faith for you."

The surprise on his face made her chuckle humorlessly. "Yes, I was considering opting out of this project for you but I needed time to think about it, especially when you give me nothing to work through but here you're, disregarding my feelings and my profession as if they mean nothing. But why would it be to you? Who am I expecting to understand my struggles? The gravity of my situation? A person who gets everything served on a silver platter despite all his mess-ups? Who—"

She stopped abruptly. Her eyes widened. His hardened.

No...

This couldn't be what they'd been reduced to. Where he'd walk all over her individuality for some reasons he wouldn't even tell her and she'd throw the jibe of being a failure on his face in a fit of rage?

Sila took a step back. Their marriage...what had it become?

Without saying a word more, she rushed out of the office.

Aahil didn't stop her. After all, the onus of this mess-up was also on him.