Sorry! I am so so so so sorry! Yesterday, I was protecting my phone from falling and in the process, the incomplete chapter got published. Today, I don't know how it happened but I picked up the phone and the chapter was already published. I am so sorry! I am really embarrassed and guilty which is why I didn't come online or reply to any message. Please forgive.

I hope this chapter pays for all the inconvenience it caused earlier!

Enjoy:)

Khadijah and Himani were taking Dia to the other side of the park not knowing Anya and Aman were on the same route.  When Khadijah saw them she started to direct Dia in a different way but she saw them. Rage covering her mind did not let it function. Wasting no time she stormed towards them and said, "Get away from my sister. I am here, trouble her no more."

Anya processed towards her telling her to stop but Dia did not stop. Walking faster than her cousin she went straight to him. "What do you want!? Why are you troubling her? Do you have nothing better to do? How is it that you have time now? Earlier you only had time for work or anger. Why are you so idle these days!?"

"Dia?" His eyes were wide open and his mind closed. For a moment he thought he was hallucinating. There was still a doubt in his mind. It seemed unreal, imaginative to his eyes and his mind. What to think, what to do, he knew nothing. The boys looking for their companions found the chaos and started walking towards them.

"Yes, Dia. Your unfortunate wife! Why do you want me back? You have no one else to release your anger at? Did your father yell at you again? Did he take your car or was it interference again? I don't care what he did! It's not my fault that he is not good to you. I felt bad for you once, I do no more."

"You were with Anya, right? Anya! I knew it."

"Keep your mouth shut," Anya said in frustration.

"I will."

"You will what?" Dia questioned. "What will you do? What can you do? You cannot live your life and you think you can do something to someone? You don't want me. You know that. You just want a punching bag. And you are scared, perhaps because I know things which can put you in trouble. That's my value, is it not? I will not tell it to anyone." She paused to breathe for a moment. " I promise to never cause a problem. I will sign a contract which will prevent me from causing any problem so leave me alone! I cannot take it anymore. Stop bothering me, stop bothering my family. We are very different from you and your family. We are simple people let us be simple. I don't want your extraordinary life. Leave me alone!"

A voice that never went against his will was now standing in front of him, high and confident. He was not familiar with that voice, it felt foreign and new. It was not who had lived with him all those years. That voice was sweet and low, soft and weak, nothing similar to what he heard a wind ago. "Go home." She continued. "I am filing for divorce. My lawyer will talk to you. I will not."

The day everyone thought would be full of enjoyment came true but soon turned to be Anya's class of enjoyment. On one hand, where everyone was worried and fearful, Anya enjoyed the encounter. She was angry and worried but when it ended and they got home she was happy and proud. She did not remember it as a fearful event but rather an enthusiastic meet.

After surprising everyone including herself, Dia walked out of the park. Anya followed her and requested everyone else to stay.  Their first answer was negative but she was able to convert it. Only Samar and his brother accompanied them, the rest stayed. Aman left the park soon after she did. He was accompanied by her brother who feared his reaction. Everything, surprisingly was quiet that day. The noise was in the minds. After the moment of courage, Dia was worried and feared the worse while Anya did not think of it and was pleased by the bravery. It was not until the sunset when anxiety took over Anya. But everything was calm. A calmness that created fear in everyone's mind.

All the witnesses kept calling each other, trying to find if the girls were fine. Samar and Kabir were with them until it was dark. They left only because Anya declared they were going to her parent's house. Dia did not protest as her main aim was to keep her cousin safe, while Anya's aim was the same. Anya's parents were astounded and relieved to see Dia safe but for Anya, they were outraged. They scolded them, Dia, for some time, Anya the whole night. In spite of being upset and raged, they did not inform Dia's parents and made her feel safe. After dinner, Anya's father went to the room Dia was resting. He was soft and kind with his words. He told her what wrong he saw and what good there was. Dia cried, felt guilty but at the end slept with a peaceful heart. He told her she had their support and that he would stand with her but he made her promise to never do anything like that again. After Dia slept they made Anya come to their room and started a new session of scolding. Anya, who was now exhausted by the whole situation remained quiet and calm.

"Anya, were you out of your mind!" Her mother started. "Do you have any idea who those people are! How can you put your and her life at risk? What would have we done if they had done something to you two? How can you act like that?"

"She needed help," Anya said softly.

"There is a way and manner of helping. Helping does not mean not thinking. You could have asked for our help. You could have asked some elder to help. Why were you alone in this?"

"Your mother knew."

"What did you say?"

"She was living with us. How can I keep the two apart?"

After pausing for the absorption of new information she said, "I will talk to her once I am done with you. Now you tell me what were you thinking? Anya, we could have helped her. If she had talked to us we would have done everything we could to help but this was not the right way. You made those people angry! They would have acted differently before, now may be due to rage, they won't let her go. They might not let her have a divorce. You know they can do that. We could have handled it in a better way!" She looked at her father who did not notice her stare. "They could have done anything to her or you! Where were we support to go in search of you?" Her father noticed her this time and shook his head. "She is right. What if he had done something? We would have not even known what happened. I can understand she was disturbed. You were in your sense. She does not know but you know we will help her. You could have acted wiser."

"I don't understand what to do with you, Anya!" After scolding Anya, her mother called her grandmother and had a lengthy conversation with her. She could hear her scolding and being angry. She quietly listened saying nothing. Her eyes were fixed on her thumb which was moving clockwise on her palm. Her father, after observing her for some time, stood up from his chair and walked to her. Kissing her forehead he said, "I am proud of you." She looked up and he smiled. She smiled weakly for a brief moment before looking down again. "Are you working tomorrow?"

"No. But I have a wedding to go to."

"OK. Go and sleep now. Check if Dia has a blanket, if not then come and take one form our cupboard." Nodding her head she went to the other room. She did not contact her cousin for the fear of his knowledge. She slept the night feeling safe in her parent's guidance but with fear in her mind. The night, despite the disturbances, was spent peacefully. Before Anya woke up the next morning her father has called her cousin and had all the information about Aman. She was informed he had not left his house. What was on his mind no one knew. He was quiet which created more fear.

Dia was fine and felt at ease knowing she was under her uncle's roof but the fear of future events captured her heart. With her aunt and uncle, she was able to distract herself. They kept track of Aman, keeping her aware of his moments. After lunch, Anya got busy. No one imagined Anya would go to the wedding. Her father told her to rest but she wanted to leave the house. Subconsciously she feared to leave the house. She felt like a war was happening outside and leaving the house would result in misfortune. She wanted to go out and see if that was true. It was to test the world and the nature of its people. She requested everyone to attend the wedding. Seeing the temperature of the situation no one could refuse her. They were surprised to see her with a smile, they did not know her strength but what surprised them more was her companion they did not know would come. Dia attended the wedding with her cousin, without covering her face. Anya was proud of the courage, her parents wished for Dia to divert her thoughts, so there were no objections to the idea and the night that was far from them came early as Dia decided to gain some courage.

"You look good," Samar told Dia with a smile on his face.

"Thank you. You look good, too."

"You really took off your mask. I did not think you would do that."

"I was hiding from Aman. He saw me so now what is the reason for hiding?"

"That is true. But let's not talk about him tonight."

"Yes. Let's talk about how you will talk to her tonight." He smiled. "You didn't think I forgot about it, did you?"

"I did not. And you certainly didn't."

"I will not and I will not let you forget, too."

Samar smile, " I will not forget. Do not worry."

Dia smiled before her eye landed on a lady who was looking at her who removed her gaze when Dia caught her. A sudden fear built in her heart.  Feeling nervous, she looked around. "What happened?" Samar inquired upon noticing her uneasiness.

"People are looking at me."

He checked and found nothing out of order. "I see no one."

"When we were entering, a few people looked at me. While leaving my uncle's house their neighbour looked at me and now that lady was looking at me."

"So? You are looking good, people are admiring. And some times their eyes just land on us when ours land on them. There is nothing. We all look at each other."

"That is making me scared. I should have not left the house. At least not without the niqab. I don't know what I was thinking."

"It is OK, Dia. Everything is fine. Even if people look at you, there is nothing to be afraid of."

"It is scary. It was an impulsive decision. I was excited to come here without niqab because of our deal. I totally forgot what that would mean. I should stop making impulsive decisions. That is what has caused everything." Dia looked down in fear, hoping to escape.

"We all should stop making impulsive decisions. Doing anything without thinking is risky. But at times it is good. You took two really big and life-changing steps due to it. I won't say anything about the first one but this was needed. You confidently left the house and without hiding yourself. And what is there to be scared of? Aman knows where you are. His family will find out or is already aware. Your family won't harm. And what is done cannot be changed. Now, instead of regretting just breathe. It's a beautiful wedding. Everyone is happy. You are with your friends. People who were with you when no one else was. This is a beautiful evening. This is a blessing, Dia. Who knows what the future holds? Why don't you enjoy today and we will worry tomorrow? Or when the time comes. Until then do what you want to do."

Dia, feeling at ease looked at him. She took a deep breath and looked up at the sky before looking back at him. "I get scared very easily, right?"

"That is fine. Don't worry. You are not alone here. We all there for you and there is Anya. She is a shield between you and the world. You know she will not let anything happen to you. You are safe here."

"I hope so." She took a deep breath again. "That was a quick change of spirit. I am still nervous but I think I won't run out of the wedding. But I cannot guarantee you anything."

"If you are running then make sure you eat before you do that. What's the point in coming to a wedding if you don't eat? That is pure negativity."

Dia chuckled before shaking her head. Samar said something which made her smile this time. Seeing her smile someone else smiled. Himani turned around to look for Anya and found her cousin smiling which made her smile. "Why are you smiling?" Ali asked coming towards her.

"Dia. She is smiling. I really hope she finds peace and happiness again. "

"I hope she does. Anya worked very hard for it. I don't know about her but Anya deserves Dia's happiness. It would mean more to her than anyone else."

"That is true." Himani suddenly chuckled. "Look at them. The lords of jealousy." She motioned towards Anya and Kabir who was standing not far from each other. They were looking in one direction, looking sad and exhausted. Ali followed their eyes and found Dia talking to Samar. He chuckled before touching his forehead softly. "What will become of them? Khadijah go and take your friend away from Samar so that my friend could breathe." Giggling, Khadijah did as he said. Dinner passed in peace with some laughter and teasing. After dinner, Samar found Anya alone. Not wasting time he took the opportunity. "How are you?" He asked politely.

"I have been better. How are you?"

"I cannot say the same."

"Why? Did a bird not smile at you?"

Frowning he said, "what do you mean?"

"You have a very simple life so simple problems."

"You are not aware. My biggest problem is very complicated. She is distress and I find it difficult to breathe." Anya looked in the other direction, feeling uncomfortable less than afraid. "And she turned her face. Just like she always does." She took a deep breath and her eyes filled with tears. "Anya, I don't want to keep pretending like there is nothing. I don't want to keep letting things go the way they are. I want to change things the way I want. Will you keep acting like you don't understand what I say? You are well aware of what my feelings are and what your feelings are. And, I have decided Anya. I am not playing this game anymore and not am I going to let you play it. So now you decide if you are going to accept me quietly or," He paused, "actually there is no other option. Cry or smile you decide." She took a deep breathe before a tear rolled down her cheek. When her nose wrinkled she prayed to Almighty to not let her cry in public. After being silent for some time he continued, "you have a choice, Anya. I cannot take that from you. Think about it. I will contact you soon." Saying that he walked away from her when she stopped him. He looked at her, making her nervous. "You are crazy. You have better options."

"I know. But I don't want better and I am not going to complete this sentence. Think about it. You have time."

"There is nothing for me to think but everything for you to think. You think and then contact me. I am leaving. Don't talk to me again tonight. Go home."

"Are you feeling shy?"

She looked away before saying, "I am going! Don't talk!"

He smiled as she ran far away from him. There was nothing for them to think but a lot to do. Something they had refused to acknowledge for many years, they could not keep their eyes close to it again. One was eager to open the eyes while the other one wished to but feared to open the eyes. What was to happen to them who met as young children and refused to grow up but thought of growing old together?