Life isn't always peachy.

That was something her parents constantly taught her while growing. They taught her that the blessings she has in life and the security she feels will not always stay.

That they won't always stay.

It was a bitter truth. A very bitter truth that took her away from life for a while. Her parents never once complained about her attitude. They understand. They understand that while her old sister (Sophia) was a perfect blessing, she wasn't.

She was the opposite.

Perhaps, a spoiled brat. That's what everyone called her throughout her school life. Though her sister was always breathing at those bullies necks but being older she had to leave. Her leaving didn't do well.

With her sister struggling to hold herself together, she found herself lost in the blessings. Maybe she shouldn't have had such big blessings. If she had a life harder maybe she will not be this way.

Maybe.

As she sits on the cold metal ground, looking at the one woman who always said she was there for her betraying that trust, she felt dead. She felt someone take a piece of her again.

The blood trickles down her face hiding in her hideous clothes that were obviously torn from places. She should have known she couldn't trust anyone else. She should have listened to her parents and stayed a good girl. Why bother defying? Look where it got her.

To be sold to a filthy rich man that will put a price on her.

As her thoughts drifted to her parents loving face as they look upon her with concerns and nothing short of their undying love for her. She felt the need to scream and call their names to come to help her. To come to hug her just this once and she will never ever disappoint them again. She wants her sister who never took anything from her but filled the place of a sibling. An older sibling brings a soft feeling of understanding and trust. She should have just trusted her family.

She felt her head bang against the wall and blood pouring out almost instantly from the previous wounds she had there. How long has it been? Were her parents crying? Are they disappointed in her? Will they finally give up on her?

They should. Any normal parent won't hesitate to drag their child after the shit she put on her parents who only provided her with blessing. She is a bitch- as simple as that.

Her parents don't deserve her.

She raises her eyes that shows the raw betrayal and the wound from it as Roma laughs at her face, "This bitch is so easy to manipulate. Shouldn't have tried so hard".

She just wants to die. Before she humiliates her parents anymore, she needs to die.

She heard the loud sounds from her potential buying ringing through the old broken place as a door separated them from her.

Just as the betting start and everyone were probably high on drugs, alcohol and all kind of filth is when she heard the gunshot ring through the air. It was all in a moment that everyone started to run around and someone came to hold her but a hand stops the man from advancing.

She turns her head to the man whose face was filled with fury as he glare down at the man who was at the hands of his mercy. He snapped the man neck in a minute and she heard more shouting as a woman ran in.

Aima.

She knows her. She was her high schoolmate. They weren't friends. Just know each other. Aima was someone with a bad past. With her father being a bastard to her older brother following behind those footsteps. She didn't hear much after she left high school so she didn't know what happened and what exactly was she doing here.

Afifa did have a meeting in her school which invited her to speak to the students to motivate them especially girls. She was excited to convey everything to those children hoping that most of them, at least, gather something from her. She had another one yesterday but she was kidnapped.

"Let's leave". Aima said, forwarding her hand in urgency and she quickly grabbed onto her like she was her lifeline

"I told you to stay in the damn car". The man who previously saved her snapped, "If your father found about this he will have my head".

"If we don't leave from here. It won't be my father who will have your head". Aima snapped back and she looks astonished because the young, little, fragile girl was now breathing fire

Damn.

"Dammit". The man curses as he looks around, "We are surrounded". He picks a cape, wrapping it around her, not once looking at her, "I need to take her from the backside. You think you can handle yourself and meet me outside? In one piece?"

Aima rolls her eyes, then she looks at her with a gentle look, "Friends protect each other no matter what". Then she turns to the man, "Yazeed, I swear if she is hurt more than she is. I will have your head".

Yazeed grunted, "In one piece, Aima".

"Yes". Aima promises, "In one piece".

Before she could have said anything Yazeed demanded that she starts to move because with her injuries it will take a lot more time than it should. Yet she gulps the discomfort and pain from her injuries as she runs as fast as she could towards her freedom.

It was as if someone showed her a small light and she was running to grab it. Before she could grab it though someone knocked her down and she find Yazeed covering her from the man that stands above them.

"In one piece". Yazeed mumble to himself as he charges at the man without any fear

As she paralysis in fear that has gripped her soul, he pounds at the men without mercy not letting a single one get near her. She heard someone hissing and walking in and she turns to the men with wide eyes.

She knows them.

Tauheed and Zaheer.

They have a hockey stick in one of their hand as they swing it effortlessly to the men who charges at them. Once it was all settled down they turn to glare at a very nervous Yazeed.

"Hi?" Yazeed said chuckling nervously as he looks around probably to run, but she grips the back of his jacket still scared

He momentarily pauses turning to look at her eyes which were pleading him to stay. And by chance he stayed, he will face death at the hands of the two most dangerous men. Even more dangerous than the one he just fought. But, those eyes, those damn soft brown eyes begging did something and he decided to just die today if it comes down to it.

He turns to the men, covering her from their vision and he knows already these men don't even look at any other women besides their wives. They are mad crazy and as many call it in "love" which is not a concept he has ever thought much on.

"Good night?" He said, grinning, "Isn't it a lovely night?"

"Lovely enough to have your head, yes". Tauheed said snarling and he feels her hold tightening on his jacket

He needs to do something.

He forgets his stupid smile as his eyes went blank and the facade he was using vanish.

"I have a saviour". His voice was deep and hard, "I will have this lecture some other day. For now I need to bring her to safety. We don't know if more men come in and we have low on manpower".

"Should have thought that one before, kid". Zaheer said smirking, obviously pressing him with that "kid" word

He bites down his tongue to not say anything, "We are leaving. I will see you at our place when I am done".

"I want Zubair present there". Tauheed said a little irritated and he frowns at his tone

He nodded meekly as he gently ask her to stand from the place so they can leave. Her face was covered with bruises, dirt and blood. It is hard to know who she is. He just know that Aima pressed her to come here and he did. Shouldn't have done it. But now he thinks it might just be worth it.

As he walks beside her matching her slow pace instructing her to take it easy when he probably should be running and saving his own life from those two devils who were right behind him. He can't make out who she is and all he knows is she needs emergency help.

Just as she sits in the car is when she fainted. He didn't speak to the two men anymore as he runs to the driver side and drove through the traffic to reach the hospital on time. As he parked he found doctors, nurses and others already waiting for him. Something those two (Zaheer&Tauheed) must have done. Good thing.

As he waits for the doctors for a couple of hours. His brain starts to go over the details and everything that he did. He jumped in a fight without any consideration. He listened to his neighbour's sister (worse idea, probably) and for some reason, he can't help but help. His blood starts to stir as he remembers sitting in between those filthy men as they bet on the woman lying in the bed.

It's disturbing and utterly disgraceful to put a price over anyone much less a woman. As far as he knows, women are the best creation of this world. He might not have had that but he just knows or believe. Just how not all men are devils, not all women are angels. Hand in hand.

He tries to stop his shaking leg as he watches around to find anyone who can relay as to what exactly is happening in there. He needs to know. He always panic in such situations perhaps the reason he couldn't say no to Aima and did all the shit without blinking.

Ok. He is somewhat bipolar. But not everyone knows that.

"Chill down, kid". Tauheed said, stumbling beside him, "It's not even us you are facing".

He snickers, "Yeah. Try putting your wife in there".

Tauheed smirks, widens, "Oh. The woman you just is someone special to as my wife is special to me?"

He frowns, "I- what? I didn't mean that. I just meant that it is not easy to chill when someone you just saved is like that".

"Hmm". Tauheed sings out and he looks at him irritated, while Tauheed slaps his shoulder, "Good luck with her".

"Why would you say it like that?" He asked agitated

"Because the woman you rescued is no simple woman". Tauheed grins, evilly, "She is a true living princess. Her father is someone we don't ever cross neither her mother. They both are absolutely lethal when it comes down to their family".

"Who?"

"Rohan and Sheila. Heard about them?"

"Shit". He groans, "Her mother is scarier".

Tauheed laughs at his misery, "If you keep this special and wife stuff you might have to face her for entirely other reasons and I see every minimum chance of your survival in that situation".

"Are you sick?" He asked, irritated, "I don't even know what you are going about"

"Famous last words". Tauheed said, patting his shoulder, "Anyways, don't contact her parents just yet. I have a feeling we are missing a piece".

"Why?"

"I don't know. Let her decide what she wants to do. If she asks us then only we will contact her family". Tauheed said sternly, "Something tells me this is not going to be good".

She felt fear. Fear of everything. Mostly her parents. Throughout her life, her parents never built any sort of fears in them not even about themselves. If she is honest, they were the only ones she used to run to seek comfort. Why didn't she? Why did she let herself be so lost?

"Hey". Yazeed said, as he brushes his hand through his curly knotted hair for the millionth time through the time he had been in this hospital, "I don't want to know the details. But what do you want to do next?"

"Did someone tell my parents?" When Yazeed shakes his head, she breathed a sigh, "Not yet. Just let me be here".

"That's dangerous". Yazeed hisses, "Think clearer. I know for a fact that a businesswoman like you can think of better solutions".

"It's not a business deal where I have facts and figures laid out".

"Business is not always about that. It's also about the risk you are willing to take".

She snickers, "Yeah. This is where it got me".

He sighs, "I understand that you saw shitty things". He sits on the edge of the bed, "You do realise that you will have to eventually face it".

"I-It's not that". She stutters, looking at her fingers as the famous cold-hearted businesswoman seem so far from her

He takes in her features. The blood that wasn't boiling properly before seem to have a volcano brust. Because she was an angel (not by anything much) but he realised that she was pure and was being sold probably for exactly that.

Shit!

He crushes holding his head as the scenes replay in his head. He should have done more damage. He should have done so much more.

Dammit!

Why didn't he?

"Y-Yazeed?" She calls softly as he halts, looking at her, "Can you, um, calm down? You are scaring me".

"Sorry, princess". He said taking a deep breath

"Princess?" She said irritated at how the sarcasm was clear in his words, "Don't call me that".

He rolls his eyes, "How about you live with Aima for some days? I know her brother so it shouldn't be an issue. I am sure as hell that man loves taking women in".

Her eyes widened at his words and he chuckled, "I meant he has experience with rescuing and protecting woman under his wings. One more won't hurt him".

She nodded, hesitating, "I don't want to be a burden. Can I have your phone to call my assistant? I can get my new cards and everything by tomorrow".

"Go ahead". He said, handing his phone freely to her and she never let anyone touch her phone

She looks at him for a moment just asking permission and he nodded with a smile.

She dialled her assistant, who was frantically asking her questions. After she explained everything in detail. She had her promise that her parents won't know. That she needs cash so she doesn't use her card and her parents won't track her down. She made a full proof plan.

"Hiding seem easy even when it's a lot of work, huh". He said, lazily laying on the couch, "Don't mind me. But are your parents bad?"

"Bad?"

"You know will they get your forcefully married? Abuse you or stuff like that?"

"Are you crazy?" She asked, angry, "My parents are the best people in this world".

"So what scares you, princess?" He asked, raising his head to meet his eyes, "All I see is that you are allowing aimlessly things linger around you. The more they linger the more they will weigh you down".

She groans, I-It's just I want to at least heal somewhat so they don't have a heart attack after watching me this way".

"What are you in some shitty desi shows?" He asked, amused, "Where your parents are so weak and all that they simply have a heart attack at any problem". He was almost in tears from laughing at the scenario, "I mean imagine a girl just says she loves someone and her father have a heart attack and die. I can't- My God, it's hilarious".

"You must really follow these shows to know so much?" She asked, raising her eyebrows and he sobers immediately as he starts to stutter excuses and she hides her smile, "Damn! You must have learned all those tricks to use on your in-laws and all".

"Maybe". He said shrugging because he would have denied but it earned him a small tiny smile so it doesn't matter

"Thank you". She said genuinely, "I was praying to die that moment".

"I understand that you are lost, Princess. But being lost and finding yourself has nothing to do with other people".

"What?"

"You are trying too hard for other people. You are trying to find anything you can get from everyone else besides yourself". He stated, with his business tone to get the message through, "You only need yourself. To live. To laugh. To survive. You just need yourself even when you are down. Because unless you find your essence and know exactly what you are or who you want to be. You are looking for yourself in people and people only disappoints".

"What are you, psychiatrist?"

"I can't do medical shit. Anyways, I do prefer that you see one if you want to get yourself together. If you want I can get one right now so you can be more secure about your problems before you meet your parents".

She nodded, "That will help. But I don't have money and I hate that you are doing this".

"Money?" He snickers, "Yeah. Not a big fan of that paper possessing people to not even be human". Then a beautiful grin appears on his face and she frowns at her thoughts, "Trust me, Princess. I don't care I have to spend on someone health. I may have issues if you go around wasting it, or maybe not. But, honestly, if we can't even do good with our money. What's the use of having it?"

She sighs, "Fine. If you insist. Still doesn't mean I won't be returning all of it once I have my hands on my cards".

"Yeah Yeah". He said, shrugging, "Flex all you want when you have it. I will go and book your appointment. Aima should be here with some clothes and things. Is it ok if I leave you alone?"

She looks at him. Really look at him. Who is he? What is he doing? Most importantly why? Will he use her? Does he know who she is? Will he ask for something in return? He can't be that much of an angel.

"Damn". He whispers and her head turns to him, "I can hear your thoughts so clear from here". He said shaking his head, "How about this? Even if you think I will do something to you. You still have Aima and her brother to protect you. Pretty sure you know how scary her brother is. He can take me down any day. So, if I do something or ask something wrong from you. You can just have me killed by his hands. Do we have a deal now?"

She nodded. And he leaves.

Aima did come by with some new clothes and things. She changes into clothes after the doctor cleared her to leave. She looks at her hands as she sits on the bed, frowning. Everything has a mark on it. Her hands have a scratches mark from the abuse. She cannot even believe the things that happened to her in one night.

"Hey". Yazeed said when he found her looking at her hands, when her eyes connected to him he could see all the thinking and realization that something bad happened to her, "Your next doctor is ready. Are you sure you want to go?"

"Yes".

He noticed every time the battle she has. As she said, her parents sound amazing. He wouldn't know since he never had one and was raised by his uncle alone until he died. But the fear isn't letting her see through it.

After the session ended, she found herself crying all through. The feeling of that fear, the pain and the struggles she did actually start to hurt her now. She went through things she shouldn't have to. Just because she trusted the wrong person.

She leaves the hospital with Aima. She turns around to find him standing near his car looking back at her. She wanted to say something. But the crying and aching of her heart have made her mute. Still, as he looks at her, a smile slowly rises his face and then he nodded like he knows what she was trying to say and he left.

"Hey Neighbour". She heard someone say as she stands on the terrace looking over the sunrise

She rolls her eyes recognizing the annoying voice. She didn't look at him instead she place her focus solely on the beautiful sunrise. How can has it been since she let these small things create a home in her? Her mother/father obsesses over simple and small things. Now that she sees those table dinner and sometimes those unhealthy snacks in the middle of the night with his father on the terrace seem so much more than just a moment.

Her father was a mischievous one. Always motivating her to play along with some of the pranks he plays and then she started to play pranks by herself. Never once did any of her parents scold her. She knew her limits too. But, they both always laughed at whatever prank she has for them. Their laughter and the remembrance of it seem theuratic.

She feels a small stone hitting on the side of the rail and she watches it fall. After about ten stones in counting she irritatedly look over him.

And she grants him with a look. Damn. What was he even doing? When did he become desperate just for a single word or one of those irritated looks over him. He almost fell on his knees with just one look at her. There is something wrong happening.

"How are you doing today?" He asked extra cheerfully and she scowl, "Bad morning for you I guess. I make a killer coffee but I guess you don't want it".

She stilled.

She loves coffee. Her mouth waters as she comprehends her options. If he really does make good coffee she wants to have it. She never learned to cook. It wasn't something for her. She just doesn't find it interesting. Her parents understand that.

She bites her lips as the scent of the coffee clouded her senses.

"Um". She said looking at him who was already looking at her, "How will you even get coffee across?"

He raises his eyebrows, "By delivering it at your doorstep".

What?

Did he just say that? What he is now a delivery man? Dammit, why can't he just go back to his room and stay quiet. Why did he have to look over to the house every other minute until she appeared.

True to his words he did deliver the coffee in front of the house. She was still stumbling while walking but a cup of coffee motivated her as she opens to the door to reveal the man with magic in his hands.

"I swear if Tauheed finds me here he will not hesitate to make my grave in the backyard".

She couldn't help the chuckle that leave her lips. She finds his lips widening into one of those magical smiles looking at her.

"Here you go, my lady". He said dramatically as he handed her the cup of coffee he was so nervous to make, "Just don't throw it at me if you don't like it".

She shakes her head, inhaling the freshly brewed coffee and the first sip of it turns her whole body back to life. She felt amazing just as she continues to drink the coffee standing outside of Tauheed's house with him. None of them said anything. They didn't need to. All they did is stand side by side and enjoy the moment.

She looks at Aima who looks agitated at something, "What's going on with you?"

She received the cash from her secretary who told her that her parents are worried sick. She paid back all that she owe and she literally had to fight Yazeed to take the cash. He just throw it back at her every single time. Until she had enough and he looked scared so he took the money and ran away.

She chuckles at the memory.

"Nothing". Aima said, smiling, "I was thinking if you want me to drive you to a therapist?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because once I needed saving too. My brother saved me. I know the value of caring, protecting and helping someone out of the darkness".

"Will I be able to find my ground?"

"You already did. You are just scared of not standing on it. It is ok to fall to the ground, Afifa. It's part of our life. We can always get up and run again".

She nodded.

She sits in the backyard while she knows that she is safe here. Aima explained her brother's work and she honestly felt that there is a need for such men. She always learned Tauheed and his wife's love story which is also something that inspires her. His wife through some similar traumatic events and she made it so far. Enough to have a baby on the way.

She learned that this morning. After they had breakfast, his wife was glowing while telling them. It was a sight to look at. The love shining in Tauheed's eyes and he never once looks away from her. It was as if he was in trance and wrapped only around his wife. It didn't even make her uncomfortable instead it was refreshing because when people can fight in front of everyone even their children while not love? It doesn't need to be inappropriate. Those small gestures are nothing bad to look at.

"I always find you around here". She sighs at his voice and wonders if he ever goes to work, "The ignoring thing is really getting old".

"I am considering asking Tauheed to murder you while I help".

"Damn. This is what it comes down to?"

She rolls her eyes, lifting her head as she finds him on his terrace, looking down at her with a smile.

"You always smile".

"And you don't".

"Why?"

"Because it's something easy for me. I guess to please everyone after losing my parents I plastered a smile on my face". He shrugged nonchalantly and he saw the concern in her eyes which was something he never saw in anyone, "When will you see your parents?"

"I was planning to go tomorrow". She said sighing, "I don't know what to do".

"Do you want me to come with you?"

She was taken back by his words even he was taken back. What will he even say to her parents? A random stranger walking in with her might just deliver his head in his hands.

"I guess".

She took a deep breath as he stands on the side far away just so she knows he is there. She waited patiently for the door to open as soon as it did she found her father.

He looks shocked and in a second his old body wrapped her in his arms as he starts to weep.

"My child". Rohan cried, hugging her tightly as she weeps, he pulls away looking at her injuries, "Come on, beta. Let's go in home".

As she enters the home she has lived in for years. She felt like she took it all for granted. The warmth and the love that every single place holds was something that starts to settle in her. It starts to heal her. The things she started to ignore started to heal her.

Her mother was next who cried hugging her just as her father did. She was glad her sister wasn't here. She didn't want to disrupt her married life.

"Baba". She said, holding his hands, "I am sorry, Baba".

Rohan wipes her tears away, "It's ok. You are here and you are safe that's all that matters. I was so scared that I lost the love of my life. Just you being here is enough, beta".

Sheila wipes her tears, taking in her injuries, "You went to the doctor? What did they say? Is it serious?"

She realize that her parents did want to shame her. She knows they never will but she knows if she started to narrate the story she will be ashamed anyways. So, her parents protected her from that shame. They looked over the mistake she made. Just how she makes regular mistakes and they forgive.

Their forgiveness holds all the power in her together. She felt it. The need to get her life together. She has parents who love her, a sister who care, and a secure job that she can raise her head high with. She doesn't need anyone besides the people she already has. And she knows they will never ask for anything in return.

"Um". She said, biting her lips, "There is someone who helped me".

She found Yazeed nervously looking at her parents. She almost laughed because he was so pale. Her parents are not even scary, to begin with.

Her father was the one who hugs him. The hug he never once received in his life. It was warm. So warm that he didn't want to let go. The smile on her father's face as he looks at him settle a warm blanket around him. He nodded assuring him that he didn't need to use his words to say what he wants to.

Then there was her mother who was looking at him. There was a hint of comfort in her eyes but the way she access him almost made him want to run away. God, he is scared of her.

"Would you like to have dinner with us?" Sophia asked as she watches the man sweat and she hides her smile

It is always funny whenever she meets men there is something that scares them from her. It is amusing to watch them go nervous in seconds.

"I-If it's alright with you". He spoke, gulping

Her father placed a hand over her head, "Do you want to rest? Medicine? Pain? Or do you want to eat some snacks with me?"

"Baba. You know you have a heart condition and all those snacks gets you sick".

Rohan laughs, caressing her hand, "How about you eat for both of us?"

"On the rooftop?"

"On the rooftop".

Just at that moment, as she sits with her family enjoying dinner. She looks around the table that brings her to realize the worth of time and people. Her parents were old and they will soon leave the world. She has been wasting her time going around the wrong people to get approval. Her parents never taught her such things. Society did.

She starts to build herself back. The therapy stays a part of her life. She didn't want to let go of it just yet. She wants to be sure she is well. She joins the office after a month when her injuries were better. She starts the daily routine and this time thankful that she is alive, healthy and living. She starts to pray harder for her peace.

In the whole time, she often found her father gossiping with Yazeed in the afternoon on the desi shows. She always rolls her eyes at how invested they both are in those shows. Obviously, all they do is criticize but continue to watch.

"What are you thinking?" He said, standing beside her in her backyard

"Just how six months went by. I didn't even realize".

"Time always goes by fast".

She sighs, "I know. I always think about what I can do to not regret the future".

"You still have something you want to do?"

She smiles, nodding, "I have".

"What is it?"

"Marry me".

His eyes widen in shock, "What?"

"Will you marry me, Yazeed?"

He could have sworn his heart stopped. He already took permission from her parents to marry her. He was going to do it but he always chicken out even her parents teases him.

"You know you are annoying". She said huffing as she sits beside him on the bench looking at the waves of the sea

He laughs, "Why did you marry me then?"

"I don't know. I wasn't thinking".

"I was thinking". He said grinning as he looks at his beautiful wife, "I was thinking how beautiful, strong and amazing you are".

"Were you?" Even after two years of marriage, they can't stop fooling around each other

He traces a finger along her cheek, "Hmm. I was thinking about the future that we will have. To wake up to this amazing woman. To cherish and love her for my whole life. To be able to call her mine. To be able to have her smile and be at peace. All I was thinking of all the way I can love you and earn your love". He smiles when she blushes, "I was thinking about our children and how we will raise them".

She smiles, genuinely because even after her marriage she often hesitates at things. She understands that it is ok to hesitate in life. What we need to do is continue ahead.

He was always here. He stayed with her. He loved her in all her phases. She understands that she needs someone who isn't for her money, beauty and perfection. She has someone who has all the imperfections. And he loves them all.

He turns around winking at someone and she turns around almost narrowing her eyes at whoever when she finds no one. She huffed when he went into laughter.

"You are so adorable, my princess". He said chuckling as he wraps his arms around her

"I think one of the future you imagine with us will come true". She said, smiling as he looks at her focusing all his attention only on her and she loves it, "We are going to have a baby".

And he never felt more alive before. He knows when he met her that she is amazing. Just as he spends more time he finds that for once he has someone who looks past his usual smile. That she looks at his past shadow and she embraces him. To be embraced by her and her love is simply the most beautiful thing in the world.

She holds the baby to her chest as she continues to weep and her husband continues to wipe her tears away.

"She is so beautiful". She said, smiling through her tears

"She is the most beautiful creature that we made".

She laughs, hitting his shoulder, "Shut up".

She heard the door opening as her parents walks in with a wide smile. Her sister's family was next as she holds her child.

She realizes that there is a time when we do wrong. But everything is for a lesson. A lesson we can either learn and grow from or not. It is our choice. It is always our choice in the end.

She smiles looking at everyone fussing over her baby. She looks at her husband with a smile. And her parents who look at her with nothing short of pride and love.

She made it. She made it in the end.

That was them.

Afifa&Yazeed.

******

Damn, that's really is the last of them. I had so much fun writing this one.

Also, someone remember all the characters 👀. Maybe just maybe next is Zubair's&Aima story. I am still working out the details so not sure.

Let me know how you liked all of these stories and which one was your favorite?

See you all soon.

With love,

Your author,

Faiqa