Woah! It's been so long.

Been in and out of many emotions and thoughts finally understanding that all we need is time to feel better.

Thank you so much for all the support.

This is the continuation of the last one shot- "pride and prejudice". However this is of the second brother- Raza.

Hope you all enjoy it!.

*****

Hajar looks around the boring party feeling the need to go out for a hunt rather then being cramped in these higher class people.

She rolls her eyes for the millionth time because the man in front of her wouldn't stop talking and he doesn't understand the meaning of not interested too.

She excuses herself finally having enough as she starts to move towards the exit in a lighting speed until she goes bumping into someone.

"Ankhein hain toh istimal bhi karain un ko". She said huffing as she held her head where he bumped her (you have eyes so use them)

"Ap ki bhi ankhein hai ittni muskil thi toh ap kar layti". Raza said rolling his eyes as he watches the woman in front of her (you have eyes too, if you have a problem you could have avoided it)

She raises her head narrowing her eyes at the man, "Mai bilkul sahi a rahi thi ap mere raste mai ayein hain". (I was coming right way, you came in my way)

"Bilkul bhi nahi. Ap under se baghti hoyi a rahi thi jaise koi kutta pichy laga ho". (No. You were coming from inside running all the way like a dog was after you)

Before she could reply she heard the same annoying man voice and she looks back at Raza.

"A gaya kutta ab ap ki waja se, ab ap mujhe is se alag karain gay". She said hiding behind him watching the man coming towards them (now the dog is here because of you now you will save me from him)

He frowns not understanding until he finds Yasir coming out of the hall making him sigh. He knows the man goes after anyone who is a woman for his sick pleasure.

"Ah, there is the beauty". Yasir said as she stands beside Raza

She cringe at his words showing the disappointment on her face without hiding it.

"That's a very overused line and you have said it to me for 1000 times already". She snapped because she has had enough of this man

"Have I lied though?". Yasir said fibrous not getting her meaning making her mad

"You have met my fiancee already?". Raza said interpreting Yasir disgusting eyes on the woman, "She is truly beautiful". He said looking at her while she gives him a similar look she gave Yasir

He turns to look at Yasir as he steps closer to him, pushing him away from her stepping in front of her as he whispers dangerously to Yasir, "And she is for my eyes only".

She watches the man running away while he still stands there. Her phone rings with a message and she turns around leaving the venue.

He turns around only to find no one behind him making him frown as he looks around for her. Thinking that she might come back to the venue, he enters inside the party his elder brother sent him to even when he (Raza) didn't wanted to come but he came because Hadi just got married and he wouldn't want to ruin it. And all he does in the party is to look for her.

He sits in his office looking out of the window to absolutely nothing. His parents have been pressuring him to marry a girl- Inaya, he is definitely not interested in. He just never finds anything that he can spend his all life with a woman his parents wants for him. It's like his parents are setting the same kind of marriages they went through thinking he will come to like the woman.

He wouldn't.

He looks at Hadi's message on his phone informing him that he will be in office after 15 more minutes and he knows he must have returned from the hospital visit with his wife.

It has been a year and a half since Eshal married Hadi and they were going to have a child in three more months. It was an ecstatic experience to watch those two deeply in love and the news only made Hadi more protective over her.

That is something he never feels for Inaya in the few forceful meeting that his parents made him go through he never felt the need to do anything for her.

He just feels empty.

He heard his secretary informing him about a visitor and as far as he knows there is no one he is supposed to meet so he let the old man come in.

He shouldn't have.

"It's nice to finally meet you". Saleem said entering inside

"What business do you have with me?". He asked nonchalantly because outside of his comfort zone he has become a strict man like his elder brother

"Direct to business, I see". Saleem said as he sits in front of him, "I have a good development project for this small town that I--".

"I am not interested". He said declining the offer instantly because he knows what it means, "You can leave".

"I am sure we can work on the benefits here. You will get a big share of this". Saleem said

"I said I don't wish for anything else. You can walk out now". He said sharply

"Your loss". Saleem said shrugging as he stands from his place leaving his card and the contract on the table walking to the door but he turns to him, "If you don't call me tomorrow, I am not sure what will happen and if you won't regret it".

He wasn't going to do it.

She looks at the passing tree of this beautiful town she came on her new case for. The beauty of this town cannot be compared to anything in this world. She can't even take her eyes off this place.

"This is the file I prepared". His assistant- Rehaan said handing her the file

She nodded reading through all the information carefully as she makes her notes on them.

"Our senior will be on us so we need to be careful". Rehaan said handing her the wig, "Also, we don't have much time so we need to do this quickly".

She heads towards the alley watching the men who look suspicious as she alerts her team.

He walks towards his car passing through the narrow path until he was harshly pulled in an alley that startles him especially when his head hit the wall behind him.

He opens his eyes blinking the pain away as his eyes narrow at the clown in front of him.

"What the hell?". He shouted angrily wanting to push him away but not able to with the way he was locked in his arms

"Do you have a death wish?". He heard a feminine voice that made him confused because he thoughts the clown was a man

"You are a girl?". He asked

"Do I sound like a man to you?". She asked looking around the men counting them as she informs her team

"No. But you are wearing a clown costume so I thought--".

"What kind of discrimination is this?.  A woman can't be a clown now?".

"Well, if you insist, why not?".

"Is your car near?".

"Just a few steps away. Why?".

"Good. We need to run towards the car and hopefully we won't get killed".

"What do you mean by killed?. Why are you not sure if we will die or not?".

"Agar tum apni zubaan se zayada apne damaag se kaam lo toh chances zayada ho jayein gay bachny k". (If you use your brain more than your tongue the chances of being alive is high)

He narrows his eyes at her words, "Agar tum is costume mai na hoti toh shayeed aur zayada chance hotay hamare pass". (And if you weren't in this costume we might have had more chances to live)

"Mere costume se tumhara kia masla hai?. Kis clown nae tumhara dil toor diya hai?". (Why is your problem with my costume?. Which clown broke your heart?)

He moves away from her making a face before he could reply she shouted for him to run and he didn't even think twice before running towards his car.

He enters inside his car and she enters inside with him. He starts to drive rashly through the street while he heard the sound of the gun going off and in the next few seconds he finds three-car following his car.

"What is all this?". He asked taking a sharp turn

"You are being attacked".

"Why?".

"That's a good question. But I need to get rid of these cars first".

She texted her team about the following cars asking them to cover their car so they can run away.

"Is your brother home?". She asked placing her phone aside watching the cars still following them

"Which one?".

"The elder one?".

"Hadi bhai is home. Why?".

"What about your sister-in-law?".

"Yes. She is".

"Then drive to your place. I need to meet your brother".

"What?. No. I am not taking a clown home".

"Yeh ek dafa bata do k clown se kia masla hai". (Just tell me once what is your problems with clowns)

"Clown se pata nahi per ap se mujhe zayada masla hai". (I don't know about clown I have a issue with you)

"Ab mai nae kia kia hai?". (What did I do?)

"I don't know who you are".

"If you don't take me to your place, you might not even live to know anything about me".

He drives towards his house not sure what he got himself into. She removes her wig using the wet wipes to wipe the makeup off her face completely until they reach the grand gate of his mansion.

She has only seen this mansion in pictures before or on the news a few times but this family is secretive about themselves and each other. She steps down in his garage zipping down the costume taking it off her revealing her black attire. She brushes her hand through her hair roughly typing them.

"Tum". She heard his voice as she raise her head looking at him, "Yeh tum thi". (You) (this was you)

She is the girl he called fiancee a year and a half ago and he never met her again.

"Do you know me?". She asked confused because she doesn't even live in this place

"You don't remember me?".

"No".

He sighs disappointed as he heads towards the door of his house sulking through the way of entering inside with her. As he enters inside he finds a similar woman his parents love to have around a little more than usual.

"Act nice". He whispers to her, "And play along".

She frowns at his words as she enters inside the lounge watching all of his family there. At least, she knows which one is his family but she didn't know who the extra family is.

"Come beta, we were waiting for you". His mother said excitedly wanting him to sit next to Inaya

"Ammi Jaan, I have someone I want you all to meet". He said moving away as they all look at her curiously

"Who is she?". His father asked confused

He turns towards her sending her his charming smile which didn't settle well with her as he spoke, "This is the girl I like".

She almost hit him but it took all of her energy to not do that as she heard collective gasps of the people in front of her. She passes an awkward smile to them sending a glare to him while he shrugged.

"Kuch to fahida ho mujhe bhi ittni mehnat ka". He whispers to her making her face turn red which makes him chuckle, "I wanted you all to meet her". (I should get something in returns for going through all that)

After a long awkward moments until the extra family left and the dreadful silence fell in the lounge while she just wants to be out of this room.

"Why didn't you tell us before?". His father asked

"You never gave me a chance to do that". He replied blankly, "I told you I don't wish to marry that girl".

"Then you should have said the reason. How come you bring her here like this?". His father asked angrily, "We could have gone to her house and talk respectfully instead of this".

"I thought you will want to meet her first since you have been asking me to marry". He said gulping as his feels his father ready to explode

"Actually". She said making everyone turn towards her, "I am sorry for cutting in this way but I am no--".

Her eyes meet his pleading eyes making her sigh, "I am not someone you can go with a normal proposal".

She wanted to say she is not his lover but she needs to stay here longer for what she came here to do.

"Why is that?". His father asked and even she feels the fury that scares her

"I don't have parents". She said in a low voice and she heard everyone take a sharp breath, "I told him it is best if we can meet like this because I thought it will be better".

No one spoke after that and thankfully the fire died down. She went towards his brother office with him after the whole overdue. Before they could enter inside she kicks his leg hard.

"Kia zarorat thi fazool ki bukwas karny ki?". (What was the need for saying all that useless things?)

"Bukwas?. Mai ittna bhi bura nahi hoon k tum is tarha ghussa kar rahi meri fiancee honay per". (Useless?? I am not that bad that you are getting so angry at being my fiancee)

"Dekho tum mere hatho se kahi aj ziba na ho jana". (Look you will die from my hands)

"Khushi khushi ho jao ga agar tumhare hatho se hoon ga toh". (If it's your hand I will die happily)

She kick him again as he groaned in pain while she opens the door entering inside.

"I need to talk to you". She said to his elder brother placing her ID card in front of him, "I am a detective working on a case that I need to discuss".

"Woah". She heard his voice as she turns to him, "Ek minute howa nahi tumhae mere bhai se mile aur tum nae us ko apna naam, kaam sub bata diya aur mai yaha ittne time se tumhare saath tha mujhe toh nahi bataya". (You didn't even meet him a minute back and you already told him  your name, job and I am here with you for so long and I don't know a thing)

"Shoro ho gaya phir se". She said shaking her head as she turns to his elder brother, "I have been working on this case for over a year and it brings me here". (He started again)

"What is it about?". Hadi asked confused, "Why does it concerns me?".

"The man in question is a powerful man who is after starting a few projects in this place. Since you and your family own most of the land he must have shown himself to you all. I guessed he met you before but you rejected his proposal so he faced a huge loss". She explained calmly, "He was upset and angry at you so he started his revenge".

"Who is he targeting?". Hadi asked

"Your family specifically your wife. He will start with her because he knows she is your soft spot". She said and Haid banged his hand on the table startling her with his anger

All of these men have horrible anger that is what she gets to know in this short time.

"I will kill him before he reaching anywhere near Eshal". Hadi said raged

"Is my attack done by him?". He asked standing beside her

"What attack?". Hadi asked confused, "You were attacked?. Are you ok?. Are you hurt?".

"Bhai, relax". He said knowing his brother cares for him, "She was there so we managed to run away from them".

"I won't be there every time". She said as she looks at them

"What is that you want from me?". Hadi asked

"I don't want anything from you besides if you met any man who wanted to do a project here?". She asked and Hadi nodded, "Do you have his information?. Anything?".

Hadi shakes his head, "I don't even know where he came from or what he was".

She sighs, "Ok. You might want to add security around each of your family members and to warn them to not leave the house for some time".

"Eshal can't know this". Hadi said sighing worriedly, "Wait. That means is she the girl you like or not?".

He chuckles nervously looking at her and she shrugged, "I lied?".

"Raza, this is not a joke. How can you?". Hadi asked strictly

"Bhai, you know I don't like that girl, I can't stay with her but Baba thinks that since he found his love after marriage I will too". He said sighing, "I know I won't".

Hadi sighs, "This is wrong and it will only be worse".

"I will leave anyway so you can just say I dumped you or something--". She started

But Hadi cut her off as he looks at her, "They won't let you leave".

Hadi was never wrong.

She lays in the king-sized bed in his house and the room just opposite of him. She tried every single trick in the book to leave until Eshal pleaded her with those eyes of her and she couldn't make any more excuses.

She sighs.

She shouldn't be in this situation yet here she is stuck in it.

The next day she hurriedly got ready placing her things in her bag exiting the door hoping to see no one but she didn't know everyone was already awake before her and the man she actually wanted to run from was waiting right out of her door.

"How did you sleep?". He said leaning on the wall beside her room

She was startled as she moves away, narrowing her eyes at him, "Tumhari waja se mai yaha phass gayi hoon. Acha wala mai hotel mai rah kar apna kaam poora kar rahi hoti is waqt". (Because of you I am stuck here or I would be in my hotel completing my work)

"Jaha tk mujhe pata hai tumhae hamari zarorat thi is case ko poora karny k liye". (As much as I know you need our help in your case)

"Bilkul nahi. Maine pehle bhi bohat cases khud solve kiyay hain aur yeh toh kuch bhi nahi hai un k samnay". (Not really. I have solved many cases on my own before and this is not even that hard)

He rolls his eyes, "You can't answer a simple question with a simple answer instead you started a war here".

"I would answer to someone who I wish to answer to and you are not on my wishlist".

"How can I come on that list then?".

She made a face then her phone rings with her assistant name and she answered it.

"No. I slept well. Is the case file ready?". She asked watching him sulking beside her as he hears her conversation not even hiding the fact that he is listening

So she starts to move away listening to her assistant and he follows right behind her. As she comes down she almost bumped into a woman but managed to save herself from it.

"Nazar nahi ata tumhae?. Apna ghar samjh k chal rahi ho?". Yasmin (his cousin) shouted angrily (Can't you see?. Do you think this is your house that you will walk how you want?)

"Ghar toh tumhara bhi nahi hai, tum dekh k chal layti". She snapped because she doesn't like being talked down to (this is not even your house, you could have watched where you were going too)

"Tumhae pata hai mai--". Yasmin started (don't you know who I am--)

"Mere pass ittna farig time nahi hai k fazool k logo ko yaad rakhoon. Agar khud side ho jao gi toh acha hai warna mujhe bhi karna ata hai". She said shrugging (I don't have free time to know people who don't value to me. If you move to the side yourself is good or I know how to move you)

"Tumhae sharam nahi ati is tarha mujhe insult hota dekh?". Yasmin said looking at him (don't you feel ashamed by watching me getting insulted?)

He smirks moving to stand beside her, "She is my future wife, I think she has all the rights to be here".

She pushes past the annoying woman outside where her car was waiting for her but before she can leave he block her way.

"You didn't eat". He said stern

"I have work".

"Eat before you leave".

She sighs, "I have my food in the car already. I need to be somewhere right now".

She moves away from him entering inside the car and leaving.

He stands there for a few moments before he walks inside knowing the drama awaits for him. Unfortunately, his external family knows about the girl they like and obviously, they will know because Inaya was someone they recommended.

"Who was that girl?". His phopho asked upset

"I think you know the answer". He said taking a piece of bread on his plate

"Raza, behave yourself". His father warned

"She didn't do anything wrong. She just ended what Yasmin started. She shouldn't have behaved that way. Excuse me, I have work". He said leaving before he explodes

She heard her phone ringing in the afternoon and this time thankfully it was not him because he has been calling and texting her since morning and they aren't even important talks.

She answered the call to find it from his elder brother.

"My wife is going to the shopping mall. I have security around her but they can only be at one-meter radius or if she found them, she will figure it out". Hadi said sighing

"What is that you want from me?". She asked confused

"Can you accompany her to the mall?. I don't want to risk her life or my baby's life, please?". Hadi said concerned

She sighs, "Ask her to wait until I reach home and we can leave then".

"Also make sure Yasmin doesn't tag along. Yasmin knows she is forbidden to be with my wife however she might use you as an excuse". Hadi said ending the call

"I have to head back". She said covering her face from the blazing sun, "There are few more locations to check so you can check and then inform me".

Her team nodded as she heads back to the house where she found a very exciting Eshal waiting for her. She changes into casual clothes moving downstairs when she finds Yasmin saying something to Eshal and her face turn upset.

"Eshal, we can leave now". She said softly

"I will come with you". Yasmin said sending a look to Eshal who frowns moving back

She groaned moving towards Eshal taking her hand turning to Yasmin, "You are not coming with us".

She moves out of the house before Yasmin starts her drama entering in her car driving towards the mall. She heard giggling coming from Eshal so she turns to her confused.

"She was warning me to say that I want her to come with us but everyone told me not to take her because last time she deliberately left me in the mall and you should have seen her face when you said no". Eshal said laughing, "You are so good at this".

"I am glad I amuse you". She said smiling as she parks the car, "Ok. I am new here so you have to stick with me because I tend to be lost all the time".

She lied.

"Don't worry. I will be with you". Eshal said sweetly moving out of the car and she came beside her instantly

"We have to buy few more dresses for me, they are all getting short carrying a baby is not easy". Eshal whined

She smiles, "We can buy everything you want".

Eshal grins, "Let's go".

She shouldn't have said that because it's been a long painful hour from one store to another and Eshal isn't done.

She heard her phone ringing only to find the annoying man who turns her life around in a day- Raza calling again so she cancelled it. She raised her head to find Eshal missing and she panics as she asks his team about her and they said she runs into a cafe. She dropped the bags to his team running in the cafe as she enters inside she found a man walking towards her swiftly.

Before she can rashly think of a way she moves towards her pushing her away as the knife pierced through her hand making her groan.

"Are you ok?". Eshal asked confused because she couldn't see her bleeding hand which she was hiding

"Just perfect. My team will now take you home. Your husband is asking for you". She lied calling his security team as she sends her away

She wraps her hand in a small handkerchief and it was still bleeding badly as she takes her phone out only to have blood on the screen. Instead of wiping it, she dialled the first number thinking it is of her team.

Just as the phone was answered she spoke, "I was attacked so I am heading --".

He didn't thought those would be the first words he will hear when he saw her name ringing. He banged his hand on the meeting table watching all the eyes turns towards him but he could care less, the way his heart was beating rapidly in fear of what has happened in this small-time didn't let him think of anything else.

"What?. Where are you?. I will come". He said hurriedly as he takes his keys running out of the office and the only thing he could hear for a while was her heavy breathing, "Please, tell me where you are, Hajar?".

"I-I am heading to the hospital in town". She said after reviving from the shock of accidentally calling him, "You don't have--".

"I am coming". He said ending the call as he drives through the street at a fast pace

She reaches the hospital as soon as she enters, she fainted from the blood loss.

He enters inside the hospital rushing towards the receptionist asking for her until they told her she is in the emergency room bed. He went towards her bed hearing the loud sounds of the emergency room around but when he draws the curtain he finds her asleep on the bed.

He releases a sigh knowing she made it in time and there weren't any major injuries that his mind made him think of. His eyes narrow at her hand where the bandaged was making him wonder what exactly happened.

"I heard from her team". He heard Hadi's voice as he turns to find all his brothers, "They said that Eshal went to a cafe when she wasn't looking and she rushed in the cafe only to find someone coming after Eshal so to protect her she took a knife to her hand. It pierced badly so they stitched it".

"What is wrong with her?. She could have avoided it". He said frustrated as he held his head in his hands

Hadi place a hand over his shoulder to comfort him knowing how it felt to see the one you care for in pain, "I told her that Eshal shouldn't know about why she is going with her or anything at all. I think she did that because she didn't want to startle Eshal so she simply saves her without her knowing".

He sighs nodding, "I will stay here until she is awake. Can you make an excuse at home?".

"I will say you went to your friend, they will believe me in a second". Latif said grinning and he never once saw Latif ever being serious in his life

"I am sure". He said rolling his eyes making Latif sulk

"I will manage them. Just focus on her and make sure you speak to her doctor. Let me know the details too, she saved my wife". Hadi said as he walks away with the others

"I can see it". Imran said not leaving with the others

He turns to his younger brother, "See what?".

"Ishq. Saaf nazar a raha hai". Imran said smiling walking away (Love. I can clearly see it)

He sighs looking at her for another hour and then he managed to speak to the doctor who gives him the prescription and he went to buy it since she wasn't awake.

He came back to find her sweating in her sleep making him frown as he sits beside her.

"Mama". She cried in her sleep clenching the sheets in her hand, "Please, it hurts".

His heart clenched hearing her cries for someone who is not even in this world as he sits there trying to find any way to comfort her but he was just helpless. She cried for a while before she opens her eyes and instantly he shot up standing in front of her.

Her eyes were still filled with tears as she blinks her eyes hearing someone deep voice lurking her away from the sadness towards something else. She blinks the sharp light away from her eyes as the tears flows making her vision clear and she finds his face the first thing.

She feels her heart pounding harshly in her chest watching his comforting concerned eyes looking at her.

"Are you feeling any pain?". He asked because the doctor said she can simply leave after she is awake

She tried to spoke but the dryness in her throat didn't let her so she asks for water while she sits on the bed and he handed her a glass which she drinks.

"Nothing I can't handle. Can I leave now?". She asked looking for the things which she found in his hand and she took them back

"The doctor said you have to change the bandage every other day and you need to stop using your hand for some time". He instructed as she sits in his car

She leans her head on his seat feeling it still heavy from the dose they gave her before, "In my field of work, this is not even the worse".

"I don't care if it's not the worse and I don't wish to see you in any more of these injuries". He said stern as he starts the car

She turns her drowsy eyes towards him, "Why not?".

"Kyun k na chahty howay bhi tum mere zindagi ka hissa ban gayi ho". (Because even without intending you became a part of my life)

She didn't hear his words as she was asleep again and he shakes his head with a smile as he drives back home. She was awake when he calls her name and she finds herself in front of his home when she was missing her home where she last was with her parents.

She enters inside thankfully beside his brothers everyone was asleep. She feels warm when his brother inquire about her health and the genuine concern in their eyes. She heads back to her room throwing herself on the bed falling asleep again.

He walks into her room to place her medicine only to find her asleep without even a comforter. Since she was laying on her comforter he went out bringing his comforter covering her properly and closing the curtain so the sunlight doesn't wake her anytime soon. He stayed there watching her for some time before he closes the door of her room heading to his room.

She frowns feeling the freshness for the first time in a long period because the nightmare and night shift didn't let her have enough sleep. She opens her eyes and they widen when she looks at the clock that state it's almost 4 pm.

Why did she sleep so much?.

She didn't see any sunlight and find the curtain drawn as she starts to move away she found a different comforter on her which made her pause. The familiar scent and the tingle she felt when she realised who this scent belong to made her feel giddy inside. She brushes away the feeling of walking to the washroom and changing into a more humane look.

Once she was done her stomach growl so she went downstairs least expecting anyone to be home since all of them work beside the elder. But, unfortunately, she found every single member and his unbearable extended family there. She forgot they stayed over last night because of her worries.

She almost banged her head on the wall when they all turn to her. She wore an oversized shirt so she hides her hand in its cufflinks.

"Is this your morning?". His phopho snapped

"If you want to think so". She said shrugging as she heads towards the kitchen to get herself some food before the drama

She starts to place a toast in the plate when it was snatched from her hand and she turns to find him making her the toast.

"You can cook?". She asked tilting her head looking at him and for some reasons, her heart isn't stable at the moment

"I can be anything you want me to". He replied smiling as he hands her the toast going towards the fridge, "Do you want tea or coffee?".

"Tea". She said softly as she eats her toast wiping her lips with the back of her hand

He chuckles watching her wiping her mouth because to him, she looks absolutely adorable.

He places the tea in front of her disappearing and she almost called out to him but didn't. She read her team messages updating her and telling her to rest the day. She walks towards the garden which she hasn't been in walking towards the beautiful fountain.

The air blows her hair away but she couldn't take her eyes off the fountain. He comes back with her medication not finding her in the kitchen but the door to the garden was opened so he went outside to find her standing there in the sharp sun rays enjoying them.

He smiles watching her and simply watching her from afar makes his heart flutter. He went to stand beside her handing the medicine taking the teacup from her as she takes her medicine and he hands the tea back to her.

"You like this fountain?". He asked turning to her look at her and his heart skips a beat when a delicate smile comes on her lips as she nodded, "My sister in law loved it too. If I know exactly my brother's love story kind of started from here".

"Must be nice". She said smiling as she turns to look at the fountain, "Guess this fountain brings people together".

"Perhaps".

She heard her name being called so he passes him a glance before heading inside with him.

She sits in the lounge clenching her hand as she finds Yasmin eyes on him. She didn't know why she felt this burning sensation inside of her but it wasn't pleasing at all.

"You should know how to behave with elders". His aunt (Yasmin' mother) said diverting her attention

"I know how to behave when I am in front of the right people". She replied nonchalantly feeling the pain rising in her hand even when she just took the medicine making her hold her hand with the other hand

His eyes narrow at her movement watching her face turning into painful making him worry. She turns to look at him shaking her head asking him not to worry but that didn't help him.

"Then again an orphan who didn't have parents to train them don't know how to act". His aunt said making her snap her head towards her, "I don't think we will want someone like you as a Nawab wife. Our reputation is precious to us".

Before she could speak he stands from his place watching the hurt clearly in her eyes caused by his aunt words and he remembers her crying for her mother last night all alone.

"I don't think she needs to learn anything". He snapped angrily, "She knows exactly how to act but I don't think the elder here is doing that. She isn't the one who needs to learn, you have to learn better to not mock her on something that must have been hard on her. Instead of thinking about how she might have suffered and managed herself, you are here taunting her on it. I can't believe you can stoop this low".

She feels her heart pounding not in pain but in the warmness that spreads through her. In all her life no one ever stepped up for her.

"Bhai is right. You shouldn't be like that to her when she didn't do anything wrong". Latif said grumpily at their unfair behaviour

"They are both right. We said she is sick and sleeping. You started taunting her for no reason. And now you are even going far". Imran added and she feels her heart ready to explode

"Come on. You don't have to stay here". He said making her tears filled eyes turn to him

She nodded taking a deep breath hiding her tears as she turns to her aunt one last time, "If you thought you can mock me and break me just by those words, you are wrong. They are not even the worse I have heard. If I were to speak against your taunts of not being trained well you should have a look around you maybe you will find someone who actually needs training".

She saw the anger in his aunt eyes which made her smirk as she moves back to her room. She locked the door jumping on the bed as tears start to flow down her face. She tries her best to not make a sound from her crying but she ended up crying worse because she has been holding in too long.

"This is the last time I am allowing you to hurt another person in my family. I barely allowed you to come here when you apologised to Eshal and her family and you are already acting this way. I won't tolerate it". Hadi said sending a nod to him as he leaves to see her

He knocks on her door hearing her whimpering making his heart clenched.

"Ro rahi ho?". He asked softly leaning his head on the door and he didn't get any reply from her for the next fifteen minutes (are you crying?)

She heard the sound of knocking this time from her terrace as she frowns moving towards the terrace moving the curtain away to find him standing there.

She went to open the door when he spoke, "Don't open it. I don't want to come to your room. It's not appropriate".

"Phir yaha kyun ho?". (Then why are you here)

"Tumhae dekhnay k liye". (Because I wanted to see you)

She gulped down her tears but he places his hand on the glass watching the few tears on her face that he wishes to wipe away.

"Tum kyun ro rahi ho?". He asked softly moving his thumb in the motion to wipe her tears away (why are you crying?)

"Kia khayal hai?". (What do you think?)

"Pata toh hai kyun per tum toh dosro ko rolanay mai se ho". (I know why but you are from the one who makes other cries)

"Takleef toh phir bhi hoti hai na aur akele bardasht bhi nahi hoti". (The pain still stays and alone I can't bear it)

"Kis nae kaha tum akeli ho?". He asked looking in her eyes, "Main hoon na tumhare saath". (Who said you are alone?) (I am with you)

"Kuch lamho k liye". (Only for few moments)

"Hameshah k liye hoon, Ya zamaa jaanukai". (I am always by your side, oh my darling)

She smiles nodding as she wipes her tears away from her face closing the curtain hearing him call for her while she just chuckles going to bed.

She sits on her bed changing the bandage because she has learned that much for survival. She places her hair behind her ear moving downstairs to get some breakfast because she was awake early.

As she enters she finds everyone beside him there so she looks around to not find him and just sits beside Eshal who started talking non-stop while her mind remains on him.

It truly amazes her how fast he is going on her and now that she thinks she might have met him somewhere before.

She found his cousin- Omar (phopho's son) coming inside walking towards her and there are only two empty seats. One was beside her and the other was in front of her, she almost spoke out for him to take the other seat when Omar was pushed away and he sits beside her passing her a beautiful smile.

She releases a breath as she starts to eat her breakfast.

"When are you planning to marry?". His father asked and she chokes on her food when he passes her a glass of water as she calms down

"Baba, we--". He started

"I was asking her". His father said stern making her gulped as everyone eyes were on her

She bites her lips nervously, "I have something to take care of for now. We can think after I am done?".

"Marriage doesn't happen in a day. You can decide the date or something". His father said making her heart race

"I am not sure how long this case takes as I have been working on it for years". She said honestly, "I will inform the date just as I am done".

This was new information which made him turn to Hadi who was listening to it just like him. They exchange a look knowing that this case isn't something small like they thought. Many have tried to kill them but now that they think, this might just be worse.

She excuses herself before anyone else heading out and today was a long day as she has to hunt down this person no matter what.

Finding dead ends after dead ends made her want to throw someone off the cliff. She was rushing, she knows but it was for a good matter. She sits beside the wall on the street at night tired of being following this man and everything in general.

At times like these, she wishes she has someone she can vent to without having a fear of being judged. Being an orphan isn't easy because all the people in life are there for their gain. Once they got what they need, they simply leave without caring about the one being left behind.

"Yaha kia kar rahi ho?". She heard his voice in the havoc of her emotions as she raises her head to find him sitting in front of her (what are you doing here)

"Thak gayi hoon". (I am tired)

"Toh thore time k liye araam kar lo". (So rest for some time)

"Agar mai araam karoon gi toh bohat se logo ki zindagi ka agla din shayeed na aye". (If I rest for some time then maybe some people won't be able to see tomorrow)

"Jis ki zindagi khuda nae likh di hai us ki zindagi ko is duniya ka ek kamzoor shakhs kaise nuksaan day sakta hai?". (The ones whose life is written by the Lord how can a mere being harm it?)

She smiles placing her head on her knees watching him, "Hum pehle bhi mile the?". (We have met before?)

"Yaad a gaya?". (Do you remember now)

She shakes her head watching disappointment appearing on his face, "Mujhe yaad nahi a raha kaha dekha tha. Please mujhe bata do". (I can't remember where I saw you. Please tell me)

He smiles at her adorable behaviour she displays only a few times, "Meri fiancee ko mai yaad nahi ab toh shayeed is duniya mai jeene ka fahida he nahi". (My fiancee doesn't remember me now I think there is no use for me to live in this world)

"Fiancee?". She said confused as she turn the wheel of her brain when she realised, "You are the one who saved me from that dog".

He chuckles, happy that she finally remembers him, "The one and only".

"I never thought we will meet again".

"I never thought that we will meet under these circumstances but as long as I found you again".

"You were looking for me?".

"I was. I thought I will see you again in the party however you never came back".

"I had an emergency case to take over. I got the text and rushed out". She explained

He smiles, "Ok. Ab agar mai yaad a gaya hoon toh is na cheez k saath ghar chalna pasand karain gi?". (Since you remember me now, will you go back home with me?)

She smiles gently shaking her head, "I need to find him today even if I have to die".

His smiles fell as his eyes hardened even scaring her. He leans in closer to her making her move away.

"Mai tumhae kuch nahi honay doon ga, Hajar". He said in a low deep voice making her shiver, "Yeh mera vada hai aur Nawab Raza apne vade nahi torta hai". (I won't let anything happen to you) (This is my promise and Nawab Raza never breaks his promises)

She nodded gulping trying to make her heart calm down, "Ok. I will come in an hour".

"Abhi chalo". (Come with me now)

"Abhi nahi, Raza". (Not now, Raza)

She turns her head to the side to not be swayed by his eyes and presence when she finds a car rushing towards them in full speed. She turns to look at Raza as she hold his hand pushing him away and in a minute she found the car stop and before she could fight, she was taken in the car by three men in black.

He groaned in pain because being pushed on a rough street isn't anything simple but his pain vanished when he saw the car taking her away and her body was unconscious. He runs behind the car but the car rushed away leaving him behind. He brushes his hair away frustrated, shocked and anxious as he dials his brothers number informing them.

He waits for her team informing them about the kidnapping and his brothers join him in a few minutes.

"Did you see the number plate?". Her assistant asked him

He nodded, "1006".

"Isn't it the same car we saw when we were hunting in that building?". Her assistant asked her team, "We will track the car down. What we need to know is if any of you have any idea about this man?. I am sure she asked you before but you need to think again. There is no way he never met you or gave you his contact number".

He thought for an hour and his fear was going every minute. He just promised her that he won't let anything happen to her and he lost her in the next minute.

"I met a man". He said after a long thinking and everyone turn to him, "He said he came for a development project and I rejected it. He looked angry and said I will regret it".

"Do you have his contact or do you remember his face?". Her assistant asked hurriedly

He nodded and made a stretch of the man with the help of the police. Since his elder brother involved the police force to find her. It's been exactly 6 hours since they started looking and all they need to make sure is that man doesn't take her out of this town or they will lose her forever.

The way his heart clench every second thinking of what probably be happening with her made him realise that she indeed become his person and much more than that.

She opens her eyes blinking away the heaviness away from them when she found herself trapped in a rope with a chair in the middle of what looked like an old building.

She looks around examining all the men quietly until one of them realised she was awake and called for their boss.

Her head turns when a man enters inside and her eyes narrow to take in his features but the dim light didn't help her until he was right in front of him.

And she finally found him.

She knows he is the one because she has a past with this man.

"Why are you so obsessed over finding me?. I have been running from place to place because of your unwanted interest in me". The man- Saleem said holding a gun in his hand which didn't bother her

"You are the one who should be behind the bar". She snapped angrily receiving a slap from him

"I hate when women raise their voices in front of me. They are born to serve men". Saleem said angrily, "I will kill you if you do that again".

She glared at him, "A sick bastard like you can only hurt someone by force. You have nothing a real man has in you".

That earns her a slap as he holds the back of her head making her wince, "You must not value your life that you are acting this way. Maybe I should head and kill the people you have been saving all this time?".

Her heart stilled and the only person who came to her mind was the beautiful people of that house who cared for her.

She can't let more people she starts to care to leave her again.

"Think I hit the nail". Saleem said chuckling as he moves back

"I will kill you if you go after them". She shouted struggling against the ropes bruising her hands from the sharp grip

He laughs bending to her level and she held her breath, "Who will save you?".

"I will". She heard his voice as Saleem move aside and she found him standing there in a distance

Her heart starts to pound in fear of anything happening to him and she knows she can't bear this loss.

"No. Leave. Get out of here". She shouted as tears brimmed her eyes

He smiles looking at her, "I promised".

In the next few minutes, all she saw was a big group of people with her team coming in fighting the monster she was following. He moves towards her after he finds the path clear opening the rope of her hands.

He looks at her bruised skin making his anger rising, "Did he do this?".

"It doesn't matter. We have to leave now". She said hurriedly as she stands throwing the rope looking at the man who was about to hit him but she kicked him hard making him fall, "Come on. Quick".

She runs along with him outside fighting a few men in between until she reached his car.

"You need to leave". She said opening the door of his car

"I am not leaving without you". He said shaking his head

"I can't go when I just found him".

"What is the reason that you want to stay here?. I am sure he can't run now?".

"He killed my parents". She snapped as she feels the burning sensation inside of him, "Because of him I was forced to be an orphan and face this harsh world".

His eyes widen as he looks at the anger in her eyes, "I-I didn't--".

"Leave. Please". She said sighing as she insists on it

She turns around when she found Saleem escaping and she holds her gun shooting his leg. She heard the police car coming in and soon enough he was taken away.

"I need to go to the station for the statement and to have the case ready or he might escape". She said running to her team heading to the station

After about six more hours she finally manages to hand him over to higher authorities explaining the murder night when he broke into their home and murdered her family while she was hiding in the closet.

She looks at the sun shining over her making her smile because finally, she manages to have the killer of her parents thrown away. She has been living in guilt of being the only survivor and doing nothing for her parents.

She blinks her eyes tired as she starts to move when her eyes fall on the man standing in front of her with a smile.

"Tum abhi tk yahi ho?". She asked as she finds him in the same clothes she saw him before (you are still here?)

"Aur kaha hoon ga agar yaha nahi hoon ga?". (Where else will I be if not here?)

She shakes her head, "Kyun ho yaha per?". (Why are you here?)

"Kyun k tum yaha ho. Mai toh wohi hoon ga jaha tum ho gi". (Because you are here. I will be wherever you are)

"Kabhi kabhi mujhe tumhari samjh nahi ati". (Sometimes I don't understand you at all)

"Damag ki jaaga ek dafa dil se koshish karo sub samjh a jaye gi". (Instead of using your brain, try using your heart and you will understand everything)

She sighs, "They transferred me to this office though".

He grins, "That's just a cherry on top. This means you won't leave".

"You look oddly very happy about it".

"Because I am".

She walks towards his car as he drives her to the hospital to tend to her injuries before they head back home. She found everyone there inquiring about her health and they all know the truth by now.

Though no one embarrassed her or shame her on it and she was thankful for it. She decided to enjoy their warmth for as long as she can before she has to leave.

She heads to her room to finally get some rest.

"I want to marry her". He said looking at his father scared for his life but even if he dies, he has to do it

He saw an unusual smile appear on his face old face, "I thought I will have to die to hear that. I almost did a fake heart attack for it".

"Baba, why would you fake a heart attack?".

"I heard it was effective to have kids marry".

"Please don't do that". He said sighing because his father has been watching stupid shows in his free time, "Will you speak to her?".

"Let the poor girl rest before you drop a bomb at her". His father said dismissing it

"I am not that bad". He whined watching his father rolls his eyes

After a week of her recovering and everyone tending to her without her demanding anything, they all provided her with something at all time especially their company that she loves.

She smiles standing in front of the fountain and today Latif went to the wedding of his friend and everyone else is busy in their thing. It is still before dinner time.

"What are you thinking?". He said standing beside her watching a beautiful smile on her lips that makes his heart flutter

She shrugged, "Just how good everyone is".

"Phir kyun chor k ja rahi ho?". (Then why are you leaving?)

"Aur kia waja hai mere pass yaha rahny k liye?". (What reason do I have to stay here for?)

"Agar mai hoon woh waja toh kaafi ho ga?". (If I am the reason will it be enough?)

She turns to him, "Tum?. Kaise?". (You?. How?)

"Agar mai kaho k mujhe tum se mohabbat ho gayi hai toh kia meri mohabbat kaafi ho gi yaha rahny k liye?". (If I say I start to love you will my love be enough for you to stay here?)

"You love me?".

"I do".

"I do too".

"You do?". He asked shocked and she nodded

They heard loud sounds coming from the lounge and the rush inside to find Latif standing in the circle with a girl behind him in the wedding dress.

"What is all this?". His father asked angrily to Latif

Latif chuckle nervously, "Surprise. I got married".

Everyone goes into questioning and she turns towards him in the midst of all the chaos.

"Will you always love me?".

"Da ol zrra sara". (With all my heart)

That was them.

Raza and Hajar.

*****

9.5k words 😳.

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Your author,

Faiqa.