The reflection of the Moon on the water was like pale silver serpents.
Stars were shining forth with a brilliant luster.

The chill night air was heavy with dew and Hyacinth. While other flowers are asleep; hycinth's fragrance is strongest in the night.

The theme party based on the 80s era wasn't over yet. Hall was still buzzing with the music and audience's whirring.

"Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy.....
Aja...Aja...Aja.....

Reem was dancing flawlessly around the men. Her beautiful curves were on full exhibit.

Kunan's interest rate just dropped, when the classic beauty moved out of the Hall.
'Fairytale item!' His heart attested.

Sheema gave special instructions to Reem to entice the young male whose appearance wasn't less than of any crown prince.

Reem shook her booties, direct in front of the Kunan who was clearly giving no lift to her alluring moves, instead he got busy with the phone.

The first time she encountered a situation like this in which a customer not paying any heed to her while her experience was reverse. The other men kept salivating like Pavlov dogs.

Kunan finally set the phone down on the table and probed around his available pockets in the pursue of smoking.

After igniting his cigarette with a lighter, he took a long drag to ease the slight body ache he felt. It felt good as he exhaled and looked up. He seemed to look at the dancer but on top of his head, Raniya just perched.

Reem who was closely dancing met his thick grey eyes and then Cupid loosened the bow; the arrow flew off pierced directly in her heart.

She fell down...all of a sudden.......

Music was jangling......

Kunan frowned at her with a long puff.

Somehow she rose to her feet then again shaking her limbs she sat in his direct front.

"Aaja re mere sath...
Yeh jaagi jaagi raat....
Pukare tujhe sun, suna de wohi dhun..."

The way she rose, everyone felt, her collapse was a part of dance moves.

"Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja Aaja...."

She was not leaving his space as if wanting to germinate her existence in his eyes.

He was lost, caught up in that place where nothing mattered but seducing bodies, lust-filled eyes. 'She is one of them. An item with a price tag.' His thought again turned to the iconic beauty.

As that speculation flitted through what was left of his brain, he stood up.

Reem spreading her arms, was spinning like a top; her high slitted skirt flaring around.

Kunan was looking around for Sheema.

A noisy humming in the background...

"Kaha chalay miyan? Abhi tu Raat jawan hai!" Sheema blocked his way and gestured towards Reem's tempting body.

(Where are you going Mister, night isnt over yet)

"Actually, I was searching for you!" He spoke matter of factly.

"Hukum, Sahab!" Sheema's saccharine tone returned.

Reem, who was dancing steamily, eagerly searched him around.

As she saw him standing with Sheema; signaling to the DJ for changing the track she reached behind then in no time.

"Chadha Jo mujh pe Surroor Hai...
Asar tera yeh zaroor hai...
Teri nazar ka qasoor hai.."

Kunan turned a bit then dismissing all her spells, he faced Sheema again.

Reem started frolicking around him...
She pressed her back against him.

Sheema herself was enjoying livestream of her lessons.

"Aa Pass aa tu kyu door hai...

yeh, Ishq ka Jo fitoor hai...."

She became arch in front of him.

"Nashe Me Dil Tere choor hai...
Ab To Hosh Na khabar hai..."

The straight skirt with a long slit made her leg bare till mid thigh and she had no trouble.

Yeh kesa Asar Hai... Tumse milne ke baad Dilbar...

She was belly dancing...

"Dil Bar....Dil Bar!"

"This is Reem, one of my talented dancer! " Sheema boasted.

Kunan smiled, "This helter-skelter shouldn't be called dance!" He heckled.

"Umrao Jan to pasand ayi thi na apko?!" Sheema was jiggling her eyes wickedly.
(But you liked the classic beauty! Didn't you?)

"I considered sitting until the dawn because of her, but I think,- you didn't like my presence?!"
Kunan voice was solid but failed to mask the longing.

She brayed with laughter.

Le ik or ghayal...

**********

Raniya always loved the nights - an entity of darkness. It is quiet, pure, and serene in many ways. But since her life changed its track, she developed a hate connection with the gloaming nights.

Besides that, the chilly night was partaking its part to balance but the heat in the Hall was at the next level

Raniya's performances were applauded tremendously by the audience, as it now became like a tradition of the party.

Although for Raniya, it was routine for being the center of several men's attention.

Who is who? She used to perform thoughtless about anything-anyone.
but tonight something was unusual.
Like some extraordinary lenses were fixed on her.

Finally, her item ended and she was allowed in her room with her sore body.

She was thinking about a striking presence of a Man, who was amazingly distinct from all the others.

Height, plenty ahead of 6 ft, even in his sitting posture, one can detect easily. Admittedly strong built, like assembled with concrete.

But most importantly his eyes! Scanner-like! It wasn't either lust as she was very much familiar with lustful eyes.
Those were wielding strange caprice making her uncomfortable more than ever. Nervousness clenched her chest whenever she saw him.

The slam of a door brought her thoughts back to the present, and Tina came out with a plate of fresh flowers bunches.

'Not again' Raniya mentally winced after the sight of Tina.

Usually, she would have come to inform her demand one more time in the hall.

"I am so tired!" Before Tina could speak Raniya cooked an excuse in her mind and served it hot.

"He wants to meet you!"
Tina spoke.

Raniya's hands shook on her braid as she was detaching the Jasmine flower bunch. It took a few moments fathoming what just grazed her ears; thus apprehension made her slowly turn towards Tina.

"What?" She asked in hope, she might've heard wrong.

"He wants to meet you!"
Tina repeated.

Raniya remained unruffled but her eyes filled up with questions

Tina stated or ordered, that was controversial, but when she again uttered, "Get Ready!"
That was undoubtedly a declaration.

Raniya woke up from a dream, "but I don't meet anyone, you know already?" She retorted.

Tina's left brow flared feeling the retaliation in her voice but she emitted nothing except, "Apa's gout is severe today that's why I am here. You know she gives damn to everything when it comes to business!"

"I danced with full bloom! Don't expect me more than that!" As Raniya emitted sternly, Tina left the room bestowing a knowing look at her

So......This.....

Raniya plopped on the dressing chair.

This was planned..... Businesslike......

She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath as she tried to absorb the dilemma but as soon she opened her eyes found her adorned reflection in the mirror. Then in agony, she threw the flower bunch far corner in the room.

'If only I could die' she cruelly snatched her nose ring and slammed onto the dressing table in front. Swinging Jhumkas were in tow.

Then noisily scrapping away the chair, she stood up and paused near the window, the moonlight highlighting her beautiful face.

"Help me, God!"
After touring the sky with brimmed vision, she snapped closed her eyes.

She didn't want another tortuous episode in her life-physical and verbal abuse.

Leaving the window, she got dragged to the bed and loosely plopped herself. After five minutes of gripe, she was in slumber.

Once you reach a plateau you won't notice the same dramatic effects which affected you so badly in the past.

The slam of the door failed to tug her out of sleep. Sheema the old whore was there with full grimace donning on her grotesque face.

Tina had perfectly conveyed Raniya's denial.

She balled her mental fists and ignored the pain in her knees, limping she came across to her side.

"Wah! Maharani!" She bent and stuffed her pudgy fingers in the hair of sleeping beauty; clenching, she yanked like inside the ring, wrestlers do with an opponent while fighting for real.

Raniya shrieking came out of slumber, "Sheema Auntie! Leave me!"

"Jura'at Teri! Tu mujhy inkar bhejy gi?" She with the same stance made her climb off the bed.

"Auntie! Leave me..... it's hurting." Raniya was trying to pull off the but oldie had great strength.

(Buddhi mai buhat jaan thi)

"Mujh se panga le gi?" Sheema before removing her fingers gave her head a few powerful jerks, then flung her across like a piece of trash. "Haramzadi!"

She crashed into the dressing table. On the account of the bang, the salt lamp with the other articles fell onto the ground and shattered ...

Raniya tried to support herself but with a squeal, she tumbled to the floor.

Now she was laying askew amidst bits of broken pieces.

Sheema at first felt like she has exceeded the limit but when Raniya rose to her feet and the way she looked at Sheema was malignantly hurtful.

She remembered all her life that spent in misery, a sick mother, an unloving father, then stepmother who always felt triumphant after humiliating her.
Now this..... Prostitution world.

Pain after pain...

'Would she be so weak, so awful, in her life to obey like bitch and allow anyone to steal her virtue?' She thought brokenly...

Sheema reading her expression came forward with new energy. In the Fox manner, she changed the track this time. "Dekh meri bacchi! mujhy ghalat na samjh!" She caressed Raniya's head, "you know my bad temper!" She pulled her close, then in a whisper,
"Ik dafa teri Nath utar gai na tu tujhy adat hojaye gi!" She was looking like an old and ugly monsteress.

Raniya's lips compressed but she caught the flare of hostility in her eyes.

"Nashukri! Teri ik jhalak ke baad us ny tery dusri jhalak ke liye mujhy apna credit card diya hai." Sheema's eyes bulging with greed as she projected a card before Raniya.

Raniya's lips first trembled for a few seconds then she uttered, "Itna paisa qabar mai le ker jao gi?"

Sheema first got startled by her dare, then she slapped her across the face as hard as she could.

Her eyes sparked with anger.

The impact made Raniya fall on the floor.
Her cheek was red from the irritation of the collision of Sheema's rough palm against her smooth skin.

She slowly grabbed the broken piece of crystal in her palm.
As Sheema again came to pounce on her, she flicked her hand and sheema got a cut on her hand...

"Saali...Haramkhor!" She was reviewing her wound with a shocking look on her face, "Teri itni himmat!" Her nostrils were flaring, "I regret that I let you remain virgin!"

Raniya with a squeal, pushed her back with sudden force and fled to the door.

Before she could exit, someone entered only to make a collision.

This was Kunan with his full glory.
Raniya went trapped in his arms.

He was so tall like definitely beating the poles. The face had a royal splendor.

He looked down at her and on an impulse, his grip tightened around her thin, enticing shoulders, "what's the matter?" he examined her one red and plump cheek then asked protectively.

She was gawking at him, opened her mouth a few times but her voice failed her. 'So this is him, I thought he is different.' She was powerless in his arms.

Sheema got back to life in the meantime, hiding her wounded hand inside the Sari, she spoke to Kunan.

"The room got a bit messy, I think, I should arrange some another-"

"Privacy!" He cut her off and the eyes he looked at sheema made her silently out.

As Raniya heard the door slam, "Dekhain! Mujhy jany dain!"
She squirmed.

"I thought you would sing for me but here I am meeting damsel in distress," lifting her chin to see her face, his heart felt tyrannized by the wounded look she gave him.

She gathered all of the power to release herself but in vain, he was miles ahead in strength.

'The way he has handed his credit card to Sheema, he endeavors as much as he can to molest me.'
She felt her cheeks were soaking.

"If only you become still, I will let go of you!" His deep voice grazed her ears.

She just surrendered.

Kunan freed her but soon clenched her wrist to fail her any attempt to scoot away.

There was a heavy silence for a few more seconds then his voice appeared. "Are you in love with somebody that's making you deny me?"

Raniya felt entirely crushed by his question, but she continued fighting against him. "Answer me!" He was suppressing anger.

As she gathered the courage to lift her lashes to look into his eyes, he felt already diving in the pristine pools.

"Please!"

That's when she said please, and his universe had been knocked aslant.

•••~~∆~~•••

The evening dusk had shrunk to a barely perceptible lightening of the gloom outside but in the cottage, dancing flames in the fire cage were bestowing his eyes a fierce glow.

Her heart leaped to her throat as fear seized her. 'What did he just say? Why is he doing what bad men do?........just a short time ago, he was talking about his geniality..........my bad, I trusted him.' Thoughts that came swarming into her mind like nightmares.

Serkhayl quietly watched her wavering form then spoke, "do you hear me?" His voice was resonantly metallic with eyes like running through her soul.

'The time is approached.'
Her heart began to stroke in a disturbing line as alarm bells rang in her mind.

She scooted more away.

"Or should I repeat myself?" He this time with an inkling of irking rubbed his forehead with forefinger and thumb of his right hand then commands, "Utaro yeh!"

(Remove them)

Gathering all her ebbing strength she screamed, "No!"

His panther-like quick reflexes sealed her mouth with his left palm in a flash moment, the other second his right arm grabbed her by the waist in a position her back was pressed hard to his front.

'She is so thin!' He could sense that by her all over jutting bones.

"Ummm...Ummm!" With her blocked mouth, she was squirming with a birdlike strength.

"Mai tumhai choona nahi chahta....cheekh cheekh ker mera demagh kharab mat kero!" He coldly whispered in her ear. Her body first froze instinctively then replaced by trembling.

(I don't want to touch you. Don't kindle with my temper by all those screaming)

He slowly loosened his grip on her after sensing her shivering worsened.

She backed away from him quickly after getting freedom.

Now they were facing each other.

She was panting...

The light in the cottage was meager and bland but she could see the luminance in his eyes.

"I-I want to go!" With pooled-up eyes, a fearful plea left her mouth.

His gaze lingered on her face, focusing her eyes and lips then taking a sigh stepping ahead he clenched her wrist.

"Come with me!" He pulled her outside. "It's getting very late! I am starving!"

The air, with that faint aroma of pine, whiffs of magnolia and jasmine welcomed them.

He began to walk with her hand still clamping in his. Strides so long that she had to almost run to keep from being dragged along slave-like behind him.

A few meters away a small cabin was set up for bathing purposes, in front of which he made her halt then spoke, "get inside and wash yourself!"

"I-I don't want to!" She shook her head anxious sly.

"Aquaphobia?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Y-you said you would h-help me out here but instead you are behaving na-nasty." She spoke in a teary voice.

"Not even a Satan would like to help a nastily stinking girl." He snarled.

Her jaw dropped and her eyes went wide for a mere second.

"What I said just do it; there is a bucket full of water inside!" He pushed her inside, ignoring the scaredy-cat expressions he closed the door for her, "Make it fast!"

She heard his footsteps fading away from the cabin.

Trembling like an autumn leaf 'What does he want now? Should I trust him? but how? he is still a man.... the fierce-looking man.....but....but...the swamp almost devoured me if he hadn't saved me... He behaves wild mostly but he never took a mean advantage of my unconsciousness.' She was so busy approving then disapproving him in thoughts, suddenly her ears heard the sound of his footsteps approaching

She got tensed...

Serkhayl put some clothes on the cabin wall, after softly knocking on the door he spoke, "You better get dressed into something clean!" His voice reverberated huskily into the barely lit bath cabin.

She paled at the voice then fasten the bolt urgently.

Hearing the rattle Serkhayl's lip curled sarcastically at her safety measures but he asked insipidly, "need anything else?"

She assessed the thin wall with trembling hands which was the only thing in the name of a barrier between him and her. 'A mere wood! He could barge in smoothly.' It was a big reason to curdle her blood with fear.

Her 0.01 percent was not submitting to it but there was no option left besides abiding by this.

"Girl?!" Serkhayl's voice filled with doubts.

"Please! d-don't come inside!" Aabi pleaded in reply.

Her shivering voice put a scowl on his face. "Ehmaq." He muttered and strode away from the cabin.
(Fool)

It was a man's cabin to bath. She flushed to see the boxers hanged on wall hooks.
She turned around and saw some bath gels and shampoo all pour Hommes.

She was atremble while removing her clothes. After putting discarded clothes on the wall, she located a big size bucket; a tap was there to fill the bucket as outside of the cabin thermal tank was stood. She grabbed a bath gel and shampoo then sat down. Her hands were violently shaking while opening her braid which was no longer a braid but a tail of some burnt cat.

"Mug!" She murmured and looked around as She needs one to dip water out of the bucket.
Finally, a metal mug got her glimpse. It was attached to the bucket's rim by its handle.

She grabbed it and after dipping then filling it from the bucket, she finally poured it on her head.

Although the water was not cold but she shivered at the moment, water contact with her sore skin. But she had to win the situation as she was not on vacation as a guest of a five-star hotel nor she was at home.

Bucket bath was her first experience. All the rest happenings were too.

Water-soaked over Aabi's head and down her back and around her bosom and navel. Dipping another mug, she let the water run over her face blending in with the tears that streamed down her face as she recalled each untoward of fate.
She recalled the emotional upheaval she suffered, the anguish, the sleepless nights, and the grief her heart carried for her missed loved ones.

No matter whether she applied body gel or shampoo, her laments were fused in.

After crying so much with the flow of water, she rinsed her hair and body then looked up. There was also a towel in the clothes, he put on the wall. She stood up to grab the towel to dry herself quickly as possible. The next she was rubbing the towel against her head frantically.
Her heart was throbbing fast, certain that there is no need of a but she could not tell whether she was blessed or not.

In a quick motion, she grabbed the clothes from the wall and examined them.

Obviously, they were not for ladies but it was Serkhayal's night suit; sweatshirt, and trousers.

Beggars are not choosers! She had to wear that.
Finally, she was enveloped in the clothes of that Stranger which were definitely too big on her. But who cared? It was providing her shield and warmth; the root cause of its invention.

She bent and again gave a towel jerk to her hair to wipe excess water then spread it on her back.

She tried to collect her discarded clothes but those were not more than a stinking pile; rejecting the idea, she unbolted the door and came out.

She saw slippers outside, avoiding them she hardly took a step, someone growled in the background, "pehn lo!"
(Put them on)

She trembled while thinking about facing him then slowly slid her feet inside the slippers.

"Now come here!"

She turned to locate him, to obey his command. He was standing near a bonfire; poking a stick in the fire continuously.

She took a slow pace towards him. He saw her coming then rolled something on fire.

In a few seconds, she was standing in front of him; more puzzled now, she was staring at the ground. "Good!" He complemented and Abi lifted her eyes at him. He was watching her intently. She was born shy on top this awkward situation, with no chadar! she was like, why don't this earth gape and swallow me alive.
(shawl like drape)

She clamped her lips in between the teeth then clenching the hem of the towel she sought to cover her already covered front.

Serkhayal's eyes were on her every move, her discomfort he observed keenly.

"I hadn't needed to cover you if I want to peel it already!"
His deep voice made her lashes shudder; as soon, she slowly lifted her eyes got shrunk by his intimidating gaze.

She started looking down and fidgeted with her hands.
"Mujhy jana hai....ab!"
(I need to go now)

"Kahan?" Now he was busy with the bonfire.
(Where)

"My ho-me!" She watched him busy, 'God knows what is he doing with fire.'

"Kesy jao gi?" He asked this time transferring his full attention to that little girl.

"Didn't you say?....you will h-help me out here!" Her voice is so soft....so innocent like she was reminding him, his promise.

Serkhayl saw her pooled-up eyes for a moment; those lakes were so pure....so chastised but reflected the tragedy, carrying hurt deep inside them, showing how emotional she was.

In a flick, he averted his gaze from her, "Sit down!" He pointed at the log bench.

Shaking her head she rasped, "no!"

The girl's clearcut refusal made him turn towards her.

He put the poking stick in the holder then came to her.

She held her breath for a moment when saw him near, she involuntarily stepped back. But he raised his hand to give her a stop signal.

"What's your name?" He was standing an arm's length away. She looked up at him for a few seconds but replied nothing. "Is it a mighty hard question for you to answer?!" He asked solemnly.

"Umm", she shook her head, slightly bit her lip then spoke like in a whisper, "Abeeza!"

"Abeeza?" He repeated with interest.

She nodded to confirm.

"So Ms. Abeeza, you must be hungry? Why not eat something first?" He asked as he got back to work to poke again in the fire.

The time he asked, like someone fisted around her heart. Her mother's image shimmered at the back of her brain, the way she used to care about her food; the way she used to prefer her favorite delicacies while planning the daily menu.

"No, I am not!" She denied, gathering great force to repulse the gush of tears. In the effect, her voice shivered.

"Abeeza?..... Is that you told me?" His voice felt cold. Abi looked at him with her whole body tensed; this time she sensed fire was ablaze for some great purpose.
He was busy stirring something in a big kettle that hung over the fire, and a delicious aroma wafting towards her.

Eventually, he removed the kettle from the fire and came to put it on the table with log benches around. That time Abi grasped the gaze of some plates and cups present on the table.
He turned towards the girl and stopped in front, "you enjoy being stubborn?" He husked over her head. Abi cast up eyes at him; she thought she saw a flicker of softness in his hard gaze, but it passed before she could even be sure it had been there. "I'm tired through endless bounce in my feet since morning, on top of an uninvited guest! I simply want no more ruckus!" As he explained dramatic her face fell into panic.

Watching the panicked expression on her face, he spoke in a thick but low voice, "I didn't want to sound like I'm not gonna help you!"

She was blinking lashes as heard him but not sure about her fate.
'Will he help me for real?' at the back of her mind she thought.

"Come!" He gripped her forearm, steered to the table, "sit down!"

As she sat, he went to the fire again to pick up the fish that were placed on the grill.

She was peering down in her lap, 'who is he' why does he live here? All of a sudden, questions dragged to her mind.

"Start over!" He was pouring soup from the kettle, in the cup then put it at her front.

She lifted her eyes to the plate which he filled for her with grilled fish and toast.

"You should eat!" He spoke while removing the glove from his hand as he saw her unmoved.

She slowly lifted her hand and picked the toast from the plate.

It was more than 24 hours gone that she ate nothing.
He was already eating with eagerness.
"Take the soup, will get cold. He saw she was taking bird-like bites from the toast.
She examined the steam swirling over the cup then spoke, "itna garam piya to mera moo jal jaye ga!"
(My mouth will burn if I took that hot)

Serkhayal deep down enjoyed her answer but nodded in approval, "ok!"

After a few seconds, "why not taking fish? Dry toast did not seem appealing!"
He asked after forking on a piece.

She nearly choked on the toast, holding her cup of soup she washed it down with a scared small sip.

"I don't eat fish!" She replied simply to his question for that he thought, she has skipped the answer.

He shrugged as he was in justice mood with his dinner,

Abi was taking soup with toast, it was more delicious then she thought.

As she finished her cup, Serkhayal gestured her asking about refilling but she denied it. "Thanks, I'm done!"

"Great!" He gripped the kettle and poured himself another serving.

She was looking down at her lap, thinking about the chaos she faced in past hours, then eventually ending up here, in the forest at the mercy of this man, who has been proving civil.'

"Do you still remember any of the contact numbers of your family?"
Serkhayl eventually came to the topic. As his voice appeared, Abi like resurrected; her sunken head rose aloft and he witnessed gathering all colors of life on her pale cheeks.

"Yes, I.....I remember!" Her eyes started glimmering with her heart drumming inside.

"Tell me then," he spoke as he extracted his cell phone from the side pocket of his pants.

She with lakes ready to roll down watching him with wide-open eyes; her mouth agape like she just witnessed the angel.

"Aisy kia dekh rahi ho? Number batao!" He slightly chiding her, got surprised at her mum state, 'thori der pehly to ratt lagai hoi thi mai ny ghar jana hai ab mohterma ko sanp soongha hoa hai?!' He thought.

"Ah.....umm...yes....yes," she like woke up, "I remember, its......0300....." She instantly retrieves the number of her father from her mind

"Hmm, wait..." He pressed the numbers, after stealing a glance of the girl, who was standing up with her eyes dripping tears.

The bell just rang for once then the recorded voice appeared, "This number is not in the use of anyone!"

Serkhayl pushed the speaker button to make it hear to Aabi.

"Bhai....Junaid bhai ka number try kerain!" She rapidly left her bench came to his side, He nodded, "it's....030******..." She spoke rotely.

This time bell rang twice then again answered by the recording 'the number you are trying to reach is powered off!"

Her heart sank a bit, "why not picking my phone?" She rasped.

"Zara bhabi......"

Same result! Her number was nonexistent.

"My mother....Mama ka number try kerain woh zaroor uthayen gi." She was like begging.

"Bolo," a part of Serkhayl was alarmed by all these unanimous reactions.

"Mama ka number.....Mama ka number." She was freaking out.

"Wait, aren't you forgetting in hurry?!"
He watched her panicked state, "calm down first, then recall!" He suggested.

"Mujhy sab ke number achi tarah yaad hain!" She was whining while leaking tears.

"Pehly rona band kero phir number sahi se bolo!" He ordered witnessing her disheveled state.

She rubbed her eyes then cheeks badly, "please mama ka number dial kerain!"

"Bolo!"

"Its 030********...."

Bell rang on the other side as he pushed the number. The phone was on speaker. Aabi's palm moistened, she chewed her lips when the third ring buzzed on the other side.

Fourth....fifth...

"Why is she not picking up?" She freaked out.

"Wait, I try again!" Serkhayl ended the call then dialed again.

As the first ring buzzed, Aabi forgetting safe distance came too close to him.
She was watching Serkhayl Shah as if her life depended on him.

Third.....fourth...

He could feel her heart throbbing, like the little heart of a bird one has caught.

The sixth ring was half done when the phone picked up from the other side.

Aabi's face lit up before she could snatch the phone from Sekhayl's hand, an unknown male's sleepy voice appeared.

"Hello, who is there?"

Serkhayl handed the phone to Aabi, she with shaking hands....took the phone and spoke with sinking heart..." hello!"

"Who's there?" The sleepy man alerted at the some young girl's sweet voice, "hello!" his voice stabilized now, "phone kia hai tu bol bhi lo!" The sleepy man now fully woke up,

"Ap kon? Mujhy Mama se baat kerni hai, yeh meri mother ka number hai!" Aabi gawking at the phone.

"Kon Mama? ...Acha samajh gaya.... mama ko choro Daddy se baat karlo!" His dirty mind got a dirty mouth.
Aabi spun mentally, she cast up eyes at Serkhayl who was already a bystander of her woeful state.

"Give me," He asked in a calculated tone.

Aabi handed him the phone lifelessly.

"Hey, you! Stop behaving like an itchy pig! This is an official inquiry; answer clearly what is being asked. Understood!" Serkhayl's gravel husky tone surely turned his balls blue.

"Yes Sir!" The man replied agitatedly.

"What's your name?" Serkhayl asked.

"Taimur Chughtai!"

Serkhayl gestured to Aabi if she knows him. She shook negative her head while dismay overlapping her.

"When and where did you get the sim card, you are using right now?"

"Two months before from Baara Market!"

"Hmm..." Serkhayl took a sigh as he glanced through his watch then Aabi who was looking, at him in a mixed proportion of hope and confusion.

He asked the man if he knows any of her relatives but the man thoroughly denied any acquaintance.

As he ended the call, Aabi freaked out, "what did he say, where is my mother?"

"He doesn't know anything about your family. The sim, he bought from the Baara market, which is known as a reseller of theft items." Serkhayl defined in a mild tone, his mind also clueless.

"This can't be possible!" She shook her head violently, "he is telling lie to us....my mother is waiting for me why would she be selling her sim." Her vision blurred and her voice was sodden with tears.

Serkhayl resisted himself but soon his hands got rested on Aabi's shoulders, "relax!"

"No!" She squeaked, "where are they all? Why not picking my phone." She was sniffing with a lump of tears in her throat. "They think I'm dead.....Now I know they think I'm dead!"

"Maybe there is some confusion!" Serkhayl tried to calm her.

Her bottom lip wobbled, "woh samajh-tay hai mai mer gai h- hoo," choking hiccups coming out of her throat then with a thump, she fell on the ground and started crying badly. "Mama...Baba ....mai zinda hoo ..... Ap logo ki Aabi zinda hai... Mujhy bacha lain... Ap..aap log mujhy kio bhool gaye....
Mama!....Junaid bhai! ...please.....please kaha ho ap sab?!!!!! Ya Allah mai kia karroo Kaha jaon?!!" She was sobbing so hard.

Her soul, her heart, her flesh all were at combat and weary unto death.

Serkhayl sadly looked down at her shattered state. What just happened, beyond his wild imagination.

He slowly crouched down to her

"I wish... I could.....die!" She was hiccuping.

'This girl!' He thought helpless to customize the situation.

The first time he was attempting to soothe any crying girl.

Her body broke down completely in violent jerks and sobs; the time she punched her frail fists on the ground, "mai kiya keroo... Kaha jao...mujhy zinda nahi rehna!"
Serkhayl could not contain himself, took hold of the girl... She was all shriveled in his arms, sobbing hard in his chest...

He was patting her back, "enough!", "mujhy maar do mujhy zinda nahi rehna!" She was crying loud, "shh, you silly girl!" He pressed her more into his chest; shushed her.....surprised on his tone....the tenderness! All-new for his ears.

A few seconds went by in the same state.....
She was now mute...

Serkhayl slowly unglued her from himself and it dawned upon him, she was unconscious.

The smooth satin of her skin passed under his hands as he attempted to feel the soft flick of her pulse in her neck.

His gaze involuntarily slid on her. The girl was looking like a silken and golden assortment. The golden river of hair was flowing through her back, velvety softness like the golden robe of some Empress. Her innocent face reddened with that intense crying.
Her curves all hidden in the oversized sweatshirt.
He averted his eyes with an effort, getting angry at himself. 'Hadd hai yaar!'

Now gathering carefully her soft floral figure in his arm, he was taking her inside the cottage in bridal style.

**************************************************************

Salam dear readers!

How are you all?
Well sorry for the late update.
I know I am the laziest one.😭
Well, how was the chapter? Enjoyed it so far?

Keep me motivated if you want an early update.

Stay tuned
Gul