Hasan was awkward as he waited for Anaisha at the airport's entrance. Sometime later, he noticed a familiar-looking woman walking towards him. He removed his glasses, cleaned them, and wore them again for a better look.

The woman wore a burgundy Kurtha and pants with an off-white printed dupatta over her head, along with matching Jhutis. As she approached him, Hasan realized she was Anaisha. She had accessorized her look with beautiful ruby stud earrings.

Anaisha stopped in front of Hasan and smiled. What caught his attention was the tiny ruby nose pin that was pasted, obviously.

She raised her hand, bowed her head a little, all the while keeping eye contact and smirk.

"Salam, Hasan." She bit her smile and straightened. Hasan was baffled.

"Anai—"
"Alisha." She corrected him.

"Huh." He was clueless.

Anaisha urged him to walk with her as she told him about her plan. She said she didn't want any complications while they are in Delhi. So, she took up this fake identity. While Hasan agreed, he wasn't sure if they should lie. She asked him to relax and reached out to hold his hand. But before she could hold his hand, he moved his hand away and smiled awkwardly. This time, she wasn't offended and instead smiled back. It is rare to find men, at least the ones that she had met and known, who stick by their rules and are very disciplined. The fleeting thought of her brother's infidelity made her sad, but then she got occupied with boarding and everything.

In Delhi, the situation was worse than Hasan had anticipated. He hadn't expected Sehrish's condition to be so bad. She was washing the courtyard when Hasan and Anaisha walked in. At first, Anaisha thought she was their maid. A beautiful one, no doubt. But she was confused when the woman looked at Hasan and began to cry instantly. She dropped her broom and rushed to them. Before Anaisha could blink, she had hugged Hasan. He too had tears in his eyes as his sister-in-law broke down in his embrace.

"Thank God, you came Hasan." She wept.

He patted her head, fisting his other hand. Anaisha cringed looking at the poor girl's condition. This was the way; they were treating their daughter-in-law? Shameful.

Hasan held her shoulders and separated the two, - "Don't worry, Bhabhijaan. This time I will not be helpless." He assured her. Noticing that she was bruised again, made Hasan's blood boil.

"You shameless woman, creeping over your brother-in-law." Zahir came out of nowhere and dragged Sehrish to his side. Now, Zahir had become openly violent with her.

"You are a monster, Zahir and so is your new wife." Hasan was beyond angry. He was disgusted.

"And you? Romancing with your Bhabhi. Isn't that disgusting?"

"And you? Torturing your wife? Also, filth is there in your eyes and mind, not in their relationship." Anaisha intruded.

Zahir's gaze darted to her, he stared at her, - "Who is this? Your new wife or girlfriend, eh, Hasan?" He grinned. Anaisha curled her fingers for a punch when Hasan held her hand. She looked at him, but he kept looking at his elder brother.

"She is Alisha, my friend, and colleague. Also, it is none of your business." He spat at his brother. Zahir threw a fierce glare at them and then began to drag Sehrish with him. Before he could take her, Anaisha grabbed her other arm and they stopped in their tracks.

"Why are you taking her? Go to your other wife." She commanded. Zahir chuckled.

"Hasan ask your girlfriend to mind her own business. These are my wives, none of her business."

Hasan shook his head, - "Stopping what is wrong is our duty. You can't torture your wife. It is not your personal matter anymore." He was adamant. Finding his support, Sehrish managed to free her arm from Zahir's grip. He was taken aback by her action. But before he could say something further, another woman came to them. Anaisha noticed she was young, beautiful and when she spoke, she sounded confident,

"Leave them, Zahir. Let her be. We are not evil, and they will know that soon. Sehrish is very indisciplined and disobedient, clinging to her brother-in-law. Chi! You are just disciplining her. Nothing wrong here." She coaxed her husband. Within minutes, she took Zahir with her. He doesn't spare a second look at his first wife. Hasan huffed, while Anaisha embraced the sobbing Sehrish.

Momina, Abbi, and Bilal were excited to see Hasan and also curious to know about Anaisha. His mother thought he got married but was happy to learn that wasn't the case. Hasan avoided looking at his grinning youngest brother, Bilal.

Momina arranged Anaisha's sleeping in Sehrish's room that was in the basement. Hasan objected, stating that she was their guest. But Anaisha insisted that she didn't mind. She knew it was a message from Momina to stay away from her son.

In the evening, the trio, Hasan, Anaisha, and Sehrish sat having tea and some sandwiches. Sehrish expressed that she never had leisure time to relax and drink any beverage. She smiled gratefully at the two.

Hasan was appalled to learn about his nephew, Yakub. The nine-year-old was traumatized and he had run away. Later, he was found with Keshavji in his bungalow. His daughter-in-law was taking care of him along with her own son. Hasan decided to get him back, and also give justice to the mother-son.

Later in the night, Anaisha arranged her bedding with Sehrish. There were two single beds, one for Yakub and the other for his mother. Anaisha felt guilty about sleeping in his bed. She inquired about the little boy. Sehrish smiled sadly, whilst folding her duvet.

"Komal Appa is very kind. I am content that my son is with her." She said sadly. Anaisha walked up to her and held her shoulders.

"You should stand up for yourself. Why don't you leave this vile man?" She spoke kindly.

Sehrish let out a shaky breath, tears brimming in her eyes again. She narrated how her family had disowned her, stating that she was no longer their responsibility.

"You know what they say, once a daughter is married then she has to stay all her life in her Sasural, and she should leave only from there after her death." She let herself fall on the bed. Anaisha licked her lips, trying to control an outburst. She sat with her and caressed her arms.

"Don't think much. Hasan has come here for a solution. I trust him, he will help you." She assured her, side hugging her. Sehrish rested her head over her shoulder and sighed.

"You know, Alisha. This is why I have made up my mind. If I have a daughter, I will educate her and make her stand on her feet. Be independent and self-dependent, especially in terms of finance. Then, people like Yakub's Dad won't take advantage of her. Also, if she ever needed my support, I would always help her. No matter what." Sehrish sounded confident and determined.

The next morning, Zahir walked out of his room and noticed someone standing at the jharokha. He stopped in his tracks for a better look. For him, she was Alisha, Hasan's friend. Yet, he couldn't avert his gaze from her. She looked oddly familiar, like a faint memory. He peeped into his room and realized his wife, Zubia, was asleep. He hid a little behind the door and shamelessly gawked at Anaisha.

She looked irresistible for him, especially with her damp hair that was resting on one side of her shoulder. It still dripped water, wetting her salmon pink chikankari Kurthi. Zahir continued to audaciously stare until his view was blocked by a man.

"Damn, Hasan." He hissed her under his breath. Just as Zahir turned he came face to face with Momina, his mother. She glared at him and raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and walked inside his room again. Momina looked in the direction he was ogling and frowned harder upon seeing Hasan and Anaisha together.

"Good morning,"- He spoke as he passed her a ceramic cup of masala chai, - "I hope you are liking here. My home isn't posh, and you have to stay in the basement, so, I won't mind if you say otherwise." He kept smiling. Anaisha chuckled, looking ahead again.

"I love the view from here." She commented, grabbing the cup with both her hands. Hasan smiled softly and stared ahead. There was a sea of houses in front of them, the rugged lane, and their courtyard was in full view. Hasan remembered now this area used to not be so congested with buildings and there used to be play areas for kids. Nowadays, kids like adults prefer staying indoors. Mainly, because there is hardly any space for them to play. It's sad, in Hasan's opinion. Outdoor games and fresh air are much healthier than video games and TVs or mobile phones.

There was silence between them until Anaisha chuckled and Hasan turned his head to look at her,

- "What is the matter?" He tried not to smile but seeing her happy after everything made him to smile.

"I am amazed, Nerd. That we have become cordial when we couldn't even see eye to eye eight years ago." She pointed out. Hasan just realized that and grinned to himself.

"True. I guess we have really matured. I was a jerk to you and can't apologize enough for that."

Anaisha stopped smiling. For the first time, someone has not called her a jerk. She looked away, clutching her cup tightly. Her mind drifting to their past encounters.

"I called you arrogant, but the truth was, I was the arrogant one. Sanam made me realize so much. She was the best wife. In reality, she completed me, she completed half my deen." Hasan remembered his late wife fondly. Anaisha smiled a little and then took a sip.

"I am sure your parents must be pressurizing you to marry again. Will you be able to love someone else?" She looked keenly at him.

Hasan exhaled, - "No one can be Sanam, that is for sure. And I will be stupid if I look for someone with that intent. But yes, I will marry. I cannot not marry. And I have made it clear to my mother, that I will be marrying either a widow or an orphan, or a divorcee. That is my only condition." He said seriously, then looked at her.

Anaisha nodded and looked at him, - "That is noble of you. I wish all men would think like you." She smiled sadly. Why was she repeatedly thinking of Abhinav? His cheating broke her heart and trust more than anyone else. Even Yuvaan.

Just as they finished with their tea, Sehrish came to them. For a change she was smiling, - "I spoke to Ammi Jan. She said I can take Alisha with me for an outing. And Yakub will most probably tag along." She beamed. Hasan and Anaisha's faces lit up. She held her hand and nodded excitedly.

"Of course, where shall we go Sehrish?"

Sehrish smiled shyly, - "Sarojini market. It is—"
"Bhabhijaan, are you out of mind? Anai—Alisha doesn't shop in places like that." Hasan was appalled. Anaisha raised an eyebrow at him and he shrugged in response.

"I will go anywhere you take me, Sehrish."

Sehrish was no longer embarrassed and confidently smiled back.

The ladies returned in the afternoon, Yakub with them. Mahmood was overwhelmed to see his grandson. But the feelings weren't mutual. Yakub brushed past everyone and went inside the house. Anaisha recollected Keshavji words. He was clearly pissed off,

- "I have told Mahmood numerous times that he should separate this poor girl from his jallad and Jahil son and get her married to someone sensible. If not he, then I will personally find someone for her. She doesn't deserve to live in hell. But Mahmood says its personal matter."

Anaisha mentally decided to talk to Mahmood. Maybe he might consider if she spoke to him. But the hesitance was- should she?

As expected, Momina scolded Sehrish was being late and also eyed their shopping bags. Without any word, she snatched Sehrish's bags and asked her to prepare lunch.

"Let her breath a little." Anaisha objected. To which, Momina looked sharply at her. She studied her briefly, scrutinizing her dark green gotta Patti Kurtha and trouser pants. Anaisha didn't bother adjusting the chiffon sequin maroon dupatta, which got her a raised eyebrow from Momina. She looked at Hasan, who was glued to his phone. She shot a look at Anaisha and then looked back at her son.

"Can I have a word with you?" She held his elbow and dragged him a little away from Anaisha. They were still within earshot of her.

"Control your friend. Ask her to be modest here. There are men here and it's uncomfortable."

Hasan frowned at her, then looked at Anaisha. He looked back at his mother, - "Alisha is fine. She is modestly dressed. What else do you want? Should I ask her to wear a Niqab?" He sounded sarcastic and that made Anaisha smile.

Momina rolled her eyes, - "I don't mean that. Sanam was so modest, she always had a hijab even at home along with a dupatta. And she—"
"Alisha is not Sanam. Both are different and both are best in their own way." He said and walked away from his mother. Anaisha stood still watching him leave. His words resonating in her ears. Why did his taking a stand for her, affected her? And why did it feel great to know that he thinks she and Sanam can be equal yet different. She wasn't Sanam, but why at that moment she wished she could be her?

After lunch, most of the residents of the house were napping and resting. Hasan was in his room, working on his thesis while Anaisha was in the backyard, talking on the phone with Minal. Her sister-in-law was clueless and that made her feel terribly guilty. Many times, she thought of confessing everything but repeatedly calmed herself. It was better to talk face to face. Also, Minal, like most wives trusted her husband blindly. If Anaisha directly tells her, without any proof, she will flatly refuse and instead insult her.

The serene silence was disturbed by a man thundering and a woman crying. Hasan and Anaisha were alerted. Hasan was familiar with the voices, - "Bhabhijaan." He muttered as he flung from his chair, letting the papers scatter. Anaisha switched off her phone and hurried back inside.

Zahir kept dragging Sehrish by her hair and into the courtyard. He had a steaming iron in one hand. Zubia was behind him but wasn't stopping him. Momina and Mahmood came out looking dazed. Mahmood's eyes widened seeing the view in front of him and he stepped to stop him but Momina held his hand.

"It is their matter."

Mahmood glared at her, jerking his arm free, - "Now, it has gone too far, Momina. Don't you dare stop me?" He said sternly. Momina took a step back.

"You idiot. Your mind is preoccupied with shopping and other useless things. Now, look you burned a patch in my shirt. I have an important meeting tomorrow. I had asked you to be careful." Zahir fumed, shaking her vigorously. Sehrish apologized in between her cries.

"What is the big deal, Zahir. Wear some other clothes." Mahmood charged towards him and grabbed his hand, trying to free Sehrish from his clutches.

"Leave me, Abbi. Today, I will burn her face. Whenever she sees her beautiful face scarred, she will remember not to repeat this again."

Sehrish's shrieked and began to profusely apologize while Mahmood struggled to free them. Zahir left his wife only for a moment to push away his aging father. He stumbled and fell back. At the right time, Hasan grabbed his father, steadying him on his feet.

"Stop Zahir. You are going too far." Hasan raised his voice, but it had no impact on his elder brother.

"And before doing the honors, Sehrish, you good for nothing woman I will free you from this relationship."

"No, please. Don't do that. What will I do? Where will I go." Sehrish pleaded.

"To hell, B****h"

"No, Zahir. Don't." Hasan warned.

Zahir grabbed Sehrish tighter and pulled her face close, - "Go, woman. I, Zahir Rauf in my whole sense, today, in front of my family. I divorce you." He announced. No one, including Zubia and Momina, were happy with this. With Sehrish gone who will do the chores and everything. But now, the deed was done.

Hasan covered his face with his palm, warm tears pierced his eyes.

"Now, the other part of your punishment. Woman." Zahir sneered.

He moved his hand that held the iron, but before he could touch her with it someone firmly held his hand. He was startled and swiftly turned his head. He smiled amusedly seeing Anaisha holding his arm.

"Now, a girl will stop me." He mocked.

Anaisha raised an eyebrow at him, but with a stern look on her face, - "You are already testing my patience, Man. Don't test my MMA skills, Mr. Rauf." She warned him but he laughed her off.

Anaisha smiled to herself, - "But that won't be needed with you." She whispered before raising her leg and hitting him below the belt with her knee. Zahir screeched and everyone was alarmed. Anaisha kept his hand in her tight grip as he kneeled to the ground, holding his injury with one hand. Taking advantage of his vulnerable position, she twisted his arm and he winced. Then she leaned seizing the back of his neck and bend him over. Before anyone could respond, she forced his hand to slam the steaming hot iron and pressed it against his behind. Zahir screamed, writhing in pain. She continued to twist his hand, grabbing the other hand as well. Anaisha kept it until Hasan had to pull her away. She was so angered with Zahir, with Abhinav that she lost herself. She steamed her anger this way.

Anaisha huffed, while Zahir fell unconscious. Momina screamed and fainted as well. Mahmood was horrified and shocked, Bilal was speechless. Sehrish had stopped crying and kept staring at her husband and Zubia ran back into the house. Then out of nowhere someone began to clap their hands. Yakub had a look of pride and his stance confident as he celebrated what Anaisha did. She smiled uncertainty at him, but her smile dropped upon seeing Hasan's disapproving look.

Ignoring her, Hasan rushed to Sehrish who was still. Silent tears kept rolling down her cheeks, but she didn't bother wiping them. A crestfallen look on her face, her shoulders drooped, and hair messed up. Hasan kneeled beside her and held her shoulders. Anaisha was on the other side.

"Sehrish, now you are free from his clutches. Now, you are free." Anaisha said gently. Hearing her words, Sehrish broke down crying. She leaned against Hasan and sobbed. Anaisha pressed her lips, not knowing if she had said something wrong.

"Alisha is right, Bhabhijaan. Come with us to Mumbai." Hasan motivated her; he couldn't control his tears either. His words gave Anaisha more confidence.

"He is right. Stay with me. I stay alone. You can start your life afresh with us." She encouraged her. Sehrish was heartbroken and remained unresponsive.

Hasan took a deep breath, - "Even though you are no longer Zahir's wife, but you are and will always be like my sister, Bhabhijaan. And this brother of yours promises to you, that I will help you rebuilt your life." He sounded determined and Anaisha agreed with him.

So, my lovelies? How was the Chapter? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please, and Stay Tuned for the next update *Lots of love* *Hugs and Kisses*