A sky with a grey cloud often brings alarm, it often makes one frown and sigh low but once in a blue moon that cloud, without any shower, quietly moves away and brightens the day. The living room in the Shaikh house was illuminated with laughter and bright faces. Noor had invited her husband and children adding more to the mob, which was welcomed with open arms.

Everyone was together, sitting in the same room, taking advantage of the company. "Everyone has a friend here! I want one too," Daniyal complained as he crossed his arms. 

"I do not have any friends here," Iiman was quick to add. 

"But Mumma has Zyva Mumani, Daddy had Sufyaan Mamu. I have no one." 

"Yes, Sufyaan is my best friend," Zeeshan said raising his eyebrows making everyone laugh. "So," He turned to Raiyan after a minute, "Raiyan, how are you? How is your mother?"

"She is fine. We are fine. We will be better soon." 

"Why not today? My teacher says we are fine the minute we decide. So if you decide you will be fine now." Daniyal said looking at Raiyan.

"It is not that easy Love," Noor said with a chuckle.

"But It is possible."

"It sure is possible but I guess human's hold on to things, even if it hurts. That is where we lose the war," Raiyan said before a smile made its way to his lips, he soon was engrossed with a chat with the Daniyal who had various questions for him. Haajar, just like everyone else, was observing them but what stayed with her was his words that felt more true than anything else she ever heard. The evening stayed young for a long time, Sufyaan and Zyva became the host and soon the food was ordered. In the meanwhile, groups were made and topics varied. Raiyan's companion was Daniyal, Iiman was watching TV, Sufyaan, his father and Zeeshan talked about their neighbourhood, and the girls talked about a party coming up. Then when Zyva got a call from her mother she went to another room, giving Haajar a chance to explore. 

"Noor baji, what is up with everyone? Why is everyone so concerned about Raiyan? What happened? What happened to his mother? Is she sick?"

"No, no. She lost her son recently. Raiyan's older brother died. It was sudden, so it is affecting them a lot plus they weren't on talking terms, so I think guilt, anger, and everything negative is surrounding them. It is a sad story."

"Oh. But why are you still in touch with him? His brother almost ruined your life. Is it easy to be around them?"

"It isn't hard. I mean he helped us, so we always had a soft spot for him. His mother, we meet less but she is always nice. It has been eleven years, how long will it be awkward? Plus with Raiyan we were fine back then and we are fine now. He is a good human."

"What happened to his sister-in-law? How is she?"

"Who knows. We asked just once and he said she seemed fine. They did not talk much at the funeral. Just a common greeting I guess. His mother tried to contact her, she met the kids once, but the daughter-in-law had been avoiding them since then. Maybe she is prejudiced."

"Oh. It must be hard for all. He is lucky to have you all." Before Haajar could say something more Zyva returned and Haajar's phone started to ring this time. As Haajar left Noor raised her eyebrows and leaned towards her friend. "She was asking about Raiyan. I saw them talking to each other in our last brunch. I think something is cooking. I think she has a crush on him. What do you think?" Zyva frowned at first, tilted her head and then smiled. 

Haajar on the other hand found herself in the backyard in search of privacy. Once she was assured there was no one around she answered the call that she had been avoiding for long. "Abba why are you calling me? I told you I do not wish to talk to you, please do not make it difficult for both of us. If there is anything urgent, if you want any help then you can continue but if it is just a chit chat then I do not wish to continue this call, I-" Before another word could be uttered Haajar noticed a hesitant Raiyan in the right corner. Unintentionally frowning Haajar turned around and started to walk only to pause as she could not find a place to talk. Sensing her dilemma, Raiyan started to walk and said, "I will go, talk here." Haajar softly thanked him which did not reach his ears then she turned her focus to her father just for a minute for she found a way to convince him to say goodbye before her temper reached a higher level. 

The graph of the day again reached a low point but was elevated by Noor and her children. By the end, it was at a steady position which helped her close her eyes peacefully. The next morning brought a new day but that brought new unrest. Haajar and Alessia got a call in the morning which was for an appointment. They were excited and looked forward to the meeting. It started well, it was heading well but in the middle, they had an unexpected guest. 

The sun was right above their heads, the temperature was at its highest when the doorbell rang. As the door was open their visitor entered without causing any movement in them. A tall woman with a sharp jawline was the first to enter, followed by a man with grey hair. Alessia instantly stood up and greeted them as she walked towards them. The woman did not accept the extended hand of Alessia, instead, she looked around, observed the modesty of their office then looked at Alessia and said, "A firm as silly as this wishes to go against me? I must say I am impressed by your bravery but do you know bravery comes at a cost, it comes in a negative form? Did you not think you will have to face the consequences of your actions? You should have learned about me first, you should have done some research but you had to jump for the money. How much can a mere employee pay you? You won't even gain a penny, definitely not respect for I have the best lawyers of the country, I have influence and I have power. What chance do you stand in front of me? Did you ever think of that?"

"I did, "Alessia said with a shake of her head, "But my thoughts nor the facts affect me, I take the case that I want and I win it. However difficult it is, however I suffer from it, However the other person wishes to torture me, I accept the challenge. I like to bring people back on their feet hoping to ignite their minds through it."

"You are different than I thought, Impressive but I am more diverse than you think. Take a step back or I will make you, I don't get into mercy business. So be careful and tell him to be too. He has not seen my dark side yet. He will regret it. A mere employee and a tiny dollhouse cannot win when I am standing on the other side."

"I feel, "Alessia chuckled as she crossed her arms, "He saw your worst side but still decided to go after you. An employee as petty as him and a firm as fresh as us is standing against you. At this moment we are on the same rope, you are standing with us, even if it is on the other side, the level is still the same. You are as big as us, of course, at the moment. This status will change but until then, let's be good neighbours, Zara."

Smirking she shook her head, "I like you. It would be fun." Turning around Zara left with her companion but not without an impact. The client they were having a meeting with was a scared mother of two who was seeking a divorce from her abusive husband. Fear had already peaked, and an encounter with Zara only added to that mix, making her leave without completing her story.  Alessia did not protest, she tried to calm her but when she failed she allowed her to leave. Haajar was quiet and calm the whole time, she did not speak nor did she react even when the new client departed. When Alessia's eyes fell on her she sat on the Sofa and motioned towards the door, "I would like you to meet Zara Abbasi, our first nightmare."

Haajar shook her head before she laid it on the backrest. "I guessed who she was when she entered and I expected her to be cold. But you know what, more than evil she seems desperate. She wants to take down anyone and everyone who is in her way. Evil is scary but desperation is brutal."

"But, "Alessia did not let her continue, "it is also weak. Evil stands tall for it is strong but desperation is weak which is why it comes falling down. That is what will give us the ticket to the victory." There was a pause as they both granted their thoughts to flow, they allowed their minds to take its course then when a thought made its way to Alessia she took her phone in her hand. "We will have to inform Raiyan about this."

"Don't you think that is what she wants us to do? She wants us to get scared, she wants him to get scared. She wants us to stop and this will help her. He might take back the case."

"We need to be transparent with him. He must be informed." Haajar could not convince Alessia to hide it from him but her words did make her think and made her wait for the day to end. It was around six in the evening when she dialled his number and by seven he had reached their office. He was calm, and listened carefully, did not interrupt nor did he give an exaggerated reaction. It was only after Alessia had narrated the story, gave her suggestions and advised him on a personal level when Raiyan said a word. "She didn't scare or harm you two, right?" A negative response came from their heads. "Do you want to give up and not go forward with it?" There was another shake of their heads. "Do you think if she attacks, physically or mentally you will be able to handle it?" Two nods made their way. "Then I promise to end this before she gets dangerous. I won't let your or anyone's life get affected. I want to do this but I won't force you girls. If you want to join you are welcome but be careful. My father always said Abbasis are the worst and I would like to believe him."

"We too," Alessia shook her head again. "You seem fine but are you really fine?"

"I am. I am determined to get through this. We cannot let them be every time."

"We really cannot! We need to do this, for the sake of justice and your peace! You are determined, we are determined, let's join hands together. Let's do this and win like a boss!"