The early morning azaan echoed through the quiet neighborhood as Ruhani Khan prepared breakfast in the small, worn-down kitchen she and her father shared. She carefully laid out his favorite dishes, smiling softly to herself. Life wasn't easy, but she found comfort in their routine, in her faith, and in the simple joys of family. Her father, Iqbal Khan, meant everything to her.

She called him to the table, expecting to see his usual soft smile, but when Iqbal emerged from his room, he looked more worn and distant than ever. His eyes, normally kind, were clouded with an unfamiliar darkness. Ruhani's heart sank.

“Abbu, are you okay?” she asked, concerned, reaching out to touch his arm. He flinched away, guilt written across his face. He sat at the table but did not eat, his gaze avoiding hers entirely.

"I need to tell you something, Ruhani," he finally said, his voice trembling.

Ruhani’s heart pounded. “What is it, Abbu?”

The words came slowly, filled with shame.
“I’m in debt... deep debt. I don’t have any way to repay it. I’ve tried everything.”

Ruhani froze, her mind racing. “But... we’ll figure it out. I can find work, Abbu. We’ll get through this together.”He shook his head.

“It’s too late for that, beti. I’ve... made an agreement.” His voice broke.

Before Ruhani could ask what he meant, the door to their home creaked open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped inside. Dressed in a tailored suit, his cold eyes scanned the small apartment with disdain. He was everything Ruhani had heard whispered about—the feared anti-mafia leader, Saif Malik.

“Is she ready?” Saif’s voice was deep and authoritative, leaving no room for argument.

Ruhani’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the man standing before her.

“Ready? For what?” she stammered, looking back at her father in confusion.

Iqbal couldn't meet her gaze. “I had no choice, Ruhani. Saif has agreed to wipe my debt in exchange for... you. You are to go with him.”

The world around Ruhani seemed to collapse. Her knees grew weak, and the floor beneath her felt like it would give way. She shook her head, trying to understand. “No... Abbu, you can’t be serious! You sold me?”

Tears welled in her eyes, but Iqbal’s face remained hard, though tears glistened at the corners of his eyes. “I’m sorry, beti. Please forgive me.”

Ruhani’s heart shattered into a thousand pieces. The father she trusted above all else had handed her over like she was nothing more than a possession. She felt the weight of betrayal pressing down on her chest, suffocating her

.Before she could fully grasp the situation, Saif stepped forward. “Let’s go,” he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for protest.

Ruhani glanced at her father one last time, desperately searching his face for some sign of comfort, but all she saw was shame and regret. With no other choice, she allowed Saif to lead her out of the only home she had ever known and into the unknown—a world of darkness and danger she had never imagined.

As they left, Ruhani couldn’t help but wonder how she would survive in Saif Malik’s world. All she knew was that she was no longer the same girl who had woken up that morning. Everything had changed, and her future was now as uncertain as the stormy clouds gathering in the sky.

____________
Later in the Evening after having dinner in the restaurant there reach to his mansion and here
Ruhani’s heart raced as she was led through the massive iron gates of Saif Malik’s estate. The mansion loomed before her like a fortress, its grandeur and coldness both terrifying and impressive. Her mind whirled with thoughts of what was to come. She had heard enough about men like Saif—powerful, ruthless, capable of doing anything to get what they wanted. Was she now just another piece in his dark world?

Inside, the mansion was unexpectedly elegant and orderly. But Ruhani couldn’t shake her fear. Every creak of the floor, every glance from the staff made her tense. She kept her head down, expecting the worst.

Saif walked ahead, his steps sure and measured. His presence dominated the space, and the staff quickly scattered whenever he passed. Yet, as he led Ruhani deeper into the house, he said nothing. It unnerved her. Was he just waiting for the right moment to reveal his true intentions?

They finally stopped outside a large, wooden door. Saif turned to her. "This is your room," he said simply.Ruhani blinked in surprise.

“My... my room?” she echoed, unsure what to make of it.He nodded.

“Yes. You’ll stay here for now. I’ve arranged for you to meet with the household staff in the morning. They’ll show you around and explain your duties.”

Confused, Ruhani asked, “Duties?”

Saif looked her in the eye for the first time since they had entered the mansion. “Yes, duties. I’ve heard you have some teaching experience. You’ll be tutoring the children of some of my employees, keeping yourself busy. No one here will harm you.”

Ruhani stood in stunned silence. She had imagined the worst—that she would be mistreated, perhaps even used like a pawn in Saif’s underworld dealings. But instead, he was... assigning her work as a teacher? Giving her a place to stay? She couldn’t understand it.

Saif seemed to sense her confusion. He stepped closer, but still kept a respectful distance.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he said, his voice calm but serious. “But I’m not the monster you imagine me to be. Your father may have sold you, but I’m not here to hurt you. If your father could do that, imagine what others might try. I'm only here to protect you.”

Ruhani’s fear shifted into confusion and doubt. “Why?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why would you do that?”

Saif’s expression softened slightly, though his demeanor remained strong. “Because I’ve seen too many girls fall victim to the wrong people. I’m not one of them. You’ll be safe here.”

Still in shock, Ruhani stepped inside the room he had offered her. It was simple but far more luxurious than anything she had ever known. A large bed sat in the center, adorned with soft linens. A small desk, bookshelves, and even a wardrobe filled the space. It felt like a home, not a prison.

Before leaving, Saif paused at the doorway. “Get some rest,” he said, his voice still firm but somehow reassuring.

“We’ll talk more in the morning.”As the door closed softly behind him, Ruhani felt a wave of emotions. She was safe, at least for now, but she still couldn’t understand Saif’s motives.
Was he truly protecting her, or was this all just a facade?

For the first time since she had left her home, she allowed herself to relax, even if only a little. She had a room of her own, she wasn’t being treated cruelly, and for now, she would take Saif at his word. But as she lay down on the bed, her mind continued to spin with questions.

Why would a man like Saif Malik, a feared anti-mafia leader, be interested in protecting her? What did he really want?

As sleep finally began to claim her, Ruhani could only hope that the answers would come in time—and that she had the strength to face them when they did.