Chapter 79: Chapter 79

She stayed inside the kitchen until Shehryar walked out to the store room allotted to him. Again, she tried to change their minds but they were stereotypically stubborn for their ages. Soon, Sherhzaad gave up, knowing she will be a hypocrite if she continued her tantrum any further. If they could gave her and her child, a shelter when they didn't even know her whereabouts, what made her think they wouldn't open their doors for anyone else.

The next day, Sherhzaad was getting ready for her job. To make ends meet, she had been teaching Quran to few children around neighborhood. The hadia (earning) wasn't much, but atleast she would be able to afford necessities for Chahat without being a burden on old couple's shoulders.

"Give mama a kiss, Chahat." She tapped her cheek, lowering herself to her daughter's face who was cuddled in Khubaib sahab's lap, enchanting him with her and Mr. Sprinkles gibberish.

"Muah." She still hadn't learned how to kiss, yet the sound she would make while attaching her lips to Sherhzaad's cheek would always make her coo in adoration. Ruffling her hair, Sherhzaad kissed her forehead before wearing her chaddar and walking out of their home.

The minute she stepped out, her eyes met stormy grey ones of Shehryar. Sherhzaad wasn't surprised seeing his red eyes and scarlet skin. It must have been first night of his highness without any air accommodation.

Only if she knew..

Mosquitoes did their art work well on him. Served him right.

Ignoring his glaring eyes, Sherhzaad turned to Raseedha who was apprising Shehryar of stuff around the house.

"Allah Hafiz, ami." Rasheda reciprocated a wave. Satisfied, Sherhzaad hurried in disappearing, his deep unblinking eyes were making her nervous.

"Where is she going?" Shehryar asked Rasheeda in serious tone, once Shehrzaad disappeared from his eyes, much to his disapproval.

Rasheeda answered in nonchalant manner, "She teaches children around neighborhood. Will be back by noon." Saying so, she handed Shehryar a list of his chores. Throwing one glance at it, he still couldn't wrap his head around the fact his wife was out, unsafe.

"Why?" He asked, an un pleasant frown appeasing his forehead.

"What why, miyan? (Mr.) People work to make ends meet. Money doesn't fall from trees, you know." She answered in scoffing tone.

Although her tone deeply offended him, he ignored it for her own good being. It was too early to color his hands in blood. Moreover, his wife seemed infatuated with this old soul and he would be damned if he bring Sherhzaad any hurt her again.

"You will not talk to me in that tone." He told her in dark voice, the bluish vein of his neck, making mighty appearance.

The harshness in his tone caught Raseedha off guard, but before she could address him, Shehryar walked out of the house.

"He doesn't look maskeen and bechara anymore. Huh na!" Raseedha walked inside the house, rolling her eyes.

***

Done with her classes for day, Sherhzaad walked through the slum and narrowed roads, sweat and exhaustion glistening her features.

"Hello beautiful. Aren't you too late today? Made me wait too much." Waqas began to walk beside her, the man Sherhzaad was hoping she wouldn't have to face today.

Cursing under her breath, she continued her path, not bothering to confront him. He was a rugged don of village, always teasing and catcalling her by end of her lessons. She had tried complaining to the authorities but nothing had come in handy so now she had no choice but to bear his flirts. It wasn't like he was any danger to her dignity. He was all talks, he had never initiated any inappropriate action. Although, his words only would make Sherhzaad dip in shame and humiliation. She was helpless. Shehryar had snatched her independence, her confidence. She now feared crossing paths with men or even getting on their bad sides.

"Cat got my darling's tongue, eh?" Waqas cackled walking around her in predatory manner. Pulling out a rose from his waistband, he forwarded it to her. "A rose for my rose." Sherhzaad rushed her steps, hoping to make it home. Waqas snorted at disrespect of his rose which now laid behind, muddy and stepped on.

"You will accept my love, one day." He stopped near the rose and watched her rushing away with hard eyes. "You have to." He whispered-promised himself, his eyes blankly watching the withered flower.

***

Just as Sherhzaad turned around the corner, her relieved breath caught in her throat seeing Shehryar standing at the threshold, leaned against the wall with arms crossed, eyes hard and unblinking.

She halted for a split second before mustering up the courage, she tried to walk past him.

"You don't need to work, anymore." His calm tone halted her. She raised her eyes again. His eyes weren't as stern anymore.

"What I do is none of your damn business." His warm expressions encouraged her to speak her mind and she did.

He sighed, lowering his head. "Can't we talk in civilized manner for once?" He offered in manner that was requesting. That lowered aura didn't suit his dark personality but it was definitely helping in putting Sherhzaad's nerves at peace.

"Or else? What? You will slap me around?" Her accusing eyes stabbed his heart. His features contorted in regret.

"Damn my hands if they touch you in that way ever again." His tone softened, eyes flashing in sincerity.

Sherhzaad, caught off guard, didn't expect that admission from him. For a minute, she observed his face silently.

"What do you want?" She demanded in clipped tone.

"You and our daughter." He told his motive in clear tone.

Her lower lip wobbled. "She is my daughter!" She snapped, making him hardened his jaw. He was still unforgiving at her notorious action of hiding his daughter from him. But he had decided to put her wrong doing behind. It was nothing compared to tortures he had made her go through.

"Yeah? Her sperms were sky sent?" He narrowed his eyes with a scoff.

Sherhzaad made a distasteful face at him. "I hate you Shehryar Haider. I hate you soo much. And Chahat will hate you too once she gets to know the tortures you made her mother go through. You are an animal and I and my daughter don't need to be a part of your criminal life. For God's sake just leave me and my daughter alone. We were doing fine before you and we will do just fine in future. Just go away-"

Her harsh hushed words were cut off as her neck was caught in his grip before he pulled her to himself. Her doe eyes widened, pleas getting stuck. His stormy orbs seemed triggered.

"I'm sorry I couldn't hear you clearly from distance. Please repeat." He taunted, expressions challenging her defiance.

Sherhzaad fought his grip with fiercy glare. "You can't intimidate me." She mumbled firmly.

He smiled before pecking her nose. "With your kitten like neck in my grip and your cat like failed attempts of freeing yourself." He kissed her cheeks one by one before pulling back and smiling. "Sure. I believe you."

There was something enticing in his dominant grip and gentle attitude. Sherhzaad gulped, lowering her struggles, aware he wouldn't leave unless she gives in.

"What can I do to make you forgive me?" He whispered, eyes switching between her eyes and lips. They looked inviting, but he was refraining himself. He couldn't afford to get on her bad side when he was trying to win her.

Shehrzad stayed silent for a second. "You want forgiveness?"

His eyes from her lips rose to hers. "More than my next breath." There was intense desperation in his voice.

Sherhzaad ran her tongue on her parched lip, aware she was playing with fire. But she had to test his motives and sincerity.

"Divorce for forgiveness." She placed her condition. The anguish in his eyes at her words was crystal to her eyes. His grip on its own accord loosened at her words.

"I will die." He muttered, the mere thought of freeing himself from her was haunting.

"Die, then." Sherhzaad couldn't feel any remorse for him. A bitter smile touched her lips. "You have killed me a thousand times, Shehryar. Why are you afraid of dying now?" Two set of angusih filled tears cascaded down her cheeks.

Shehryar closed his eyes, before freeing her neck. "I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid of loosing you." He confessed, rubbing his temple. Sherhzaad took a couple steps away from him.

"Is there not any other way?" He gazed at her with hope shimmering in his eyes.

A thought surfaced Sherhzaad's mind. But she hesitated in voicing it out to him. He could go berserk on her.

Not bothering to reply, she walked inside, leaving him stranded and hopeless.

***

Rocking Chahat to sleep, Sheharzaad walked to the window, before gazing out of it. As she expected, Shehryar was pacing back and forth infront of the house with cigarette in his hand. His black qameez (shirt) was unveiling his manly built, hair disheveled. Even from far, Sherhzaad could depict his frustration.

Who could sleep in small, suffocating area that lacked any source of ventilation. The room allotted to Shehryar was more like a cellar, small and breath tightening. That reminded her of the cellar he had threw her in for long two-way months. It's just been two nights and he was out. He had the will to call quiets but what about her? She was never given such choice.

The tiny bits of sympathy growing inside her for him eradicated as her painful past flashed before her eyes. Karma was serving him right for once. Closing the curtains, Sherhzaad walked back to the bed and laid on it. Closing her eyes, she pulled Chahat to her chest.

That night, moon satisfyingly witnessed the restlessness of oppressor and rest of oppressed.

***

Exhausted with work at the fields, Shehryar walked to his anexy, rubbing his neck.

"Hi."

He turned around and smiled, surprised, seeing Chahat standing there with beaming smile. Instantly, he crouched to her height.

"Hey little one. What are you doing out here?" He murmured, concerned that she had stepped out of house, unsupervised. Pulling at her hands, he attached Chahat to his chest.

"Mr. Sprinkles hungry. Want chocolate." Chahat whined, showing him his teddy, who for the record, didn't look malnourished in any sense.

Shehryar arched a brow. "Are you sure it's the hungry one?" Chahat pouted.

"Me hungry too." She confessed in hushed whisper.

Shehryar smiled. "Does mama know Chahat is looking for chocolate?" He interrogated in soft voice, running figures through her wavy hair.

Chahat cutely shook her little head. "Mama not need know. She angry if Chahat get chocolate." She shrugged her tiny shoulder.

Shehryar stood to his height, picking her up. "Hm. I will bring lots of chocolates for my princess tomorrow. But only if you promise not to tell mama. Deal?" He offered while walking her inside the house.

"Yesh." Chahat gleamed excitedly, enticed at the idea of being sugar drunk tomorrow.

Lowering her down at the door, Shehryar inched his head to the door, "Go on."

Chahat made a thinking face. "Me Chahat. You? She tried to know her big friend's name.

"Shehryar." He told her, playing with her tiny fingers.

She scrunched her tiny nose. "Ok Yar. Chahat go. Ba-bye." She waved and ran inside.

Yar? He liked it.

***

Shehryar was smoking a cigarette when he noticed Raseedha coming out of the house along with Sherhzaad. Immediately, he threw it on the ground and stepped on it, standing to his height.

"Here." Raseedha handed him tub of dirty clothes. Puzzled, Shehryar gazed at her with questioning eyes.

"Separate the white ones from others. Wash them thoroughly. And yes, don't forget to hang them. I am going in neighborhood. I need the laundry carried out nicely by my return."

Shehryar, dumbfound, lowered the tub on the ground. His expressions lone would have made Sherhzaad laugh out loud, had she not been under the influence of his deep gaze.

"Go on, miyan. You don't have the whole day. And han. Iss say farig ho kr bartanon ko bhe hath mardena. Lets go, Zaad beti." Rasheda adjusted her veil and began to walk out when Shehryar's words halted her.

(And once you get free from this, please wash the dishes as well)

"You don't have laundry service? Or a dishwasher."

Sherhzaad bit back a smile. Rasheeda narrowed her eyes at him. "Do I look like a wife of Bill Gates?"

"Honestly, no." He answered in serious tone.

Rasheeda made a face at him. "Start, then."

"I don't know how to." Shehryar shrugged.

Rasheeda looked surprised. "Have you never washed your clothes before?"

Shehryar didn't know what to say. He looked at Shehrzaad.. they both knew he had never wore a same cloth twice in life let alone wash it. Sherhzaad didn't meet his gaze that made him sigh.

He stared back at Raseedha with his most innocent look. "As you know, I am Graeeb, maskeen-"

"Bechara, hn hn! I have started pitying your bechari wife. Huh na." Rasheeda turned towards Sherhzaad who was hiding her amusement behind poker face.

"Sherhzaad beti (daughter)! Stay back and help this nalaiq (idiot) in laundry, okay? I will be back soon. Allah Hafiz." Without waiting for her reply, Rasheeda was out of threshold with speed of light.

Mouth hung open, Sherhzaad turned to look at Shehryar who shrugged with a lazy smile. Fighting her rage, she aggressively picked up the tub and began to walk to the laundry corner, whilst Shehryar quietly followed behind, amusement shining in his crystal grey eyes.

***

Done with laundry, Sherhzaad stood up with a groan. She turned to glare at Shehryar who all this time had been watching her with intense eyes, leaned against the wall with crossed arms like an arrogant soul he was. Shehrzaad bit her lip to stop the profanities.

"Are we done?" He straightened from the wall and walked closer to her.

"We?" Sheharzaad revised under her tongue, distaste in her features. "We ka bacha" She mumbled under her breath, annoyed.

Biting back a smile, Shehryar grabbed the tub from her hands, noticing it was too heavy for his little lady.

At that moment, Rasheeda appeared from the corner. Seeing the tub in Shehryar's hands, she smiled affectionately at Shehryar. "Well done, miyan (mister). You proved to be helpful atlast." Then, she turned to gaping Sherhzaad. "Beti, (daughter) he must be tired after soo much work. How about you wash the dishes? JazakaAllah meri bachi. (May God reward you, my daughter) I am going for a nap. Good job, miyan" She patted Shehryar's shoulder before walking inside the house.

Dumb founded, Sherhzaad met Shehryar's eyes.

"Oops." Was all he offered, face grave serious.

Stomping her feet, Shehrzaad stormed inside the house. That's when Shehryar allowed the mischief to slip through his features. Tiny chuckles vibrated his chest. Discarding the tub, he followed Sherhzaad inside the house, enjoying her frustrated, red face.

***

Shehryar had just entered the house with plastics bags filled with items Rasheeda had asked him for.

Seeing him, Chahat instantly ran in his direction.

"Yar!!" She jumped in his arms, causing him to chuckle heartily. Placing the bags to the side, he picked his little love in his arms, gently twirling her.

"Chahat meri jan" He whispered, pecking her nose.

(Chahat my life)

"Yar my chocolates?" She forwarded her tiny palm in his direction. Shehryar rubbed his stubble on her palm, making her squeal.

At that moment, Sherhzaad appeared from the door. Seeing Chahat in Shehryar's arms, she trembled. "Get down, Chahat." She commanded with scolding eyes, hiding her fear and panic. Her paranoia of Shehryar taking her away from her, made Sherhzaad blind sighted of Chahat's joy, she was experiencing in Shehryar's arms.

Shehryar twitched his lips in grimace. "But mama-" Chahat's whine was cut short by Sherhzaad's harsh response.

"Now!" With wobbly lips, Chahat squirmed down from Shehryar's hold. Her crying, puppy eyes melted everyone's heart even Rasheeda who had been watching the exchange between Chahat and Shehryar with adoring eyes.

"She was just hugging him, beti." Rasheeda explained, not understanding the reason behind Sherhzaad's crankiness.

"Ami! Tell this man to stay away from my daughter." Shehrzaad picked up Chahat and stormed inside her room, shutting the door with loud bang.

Shehryar's features had contorted in utter rage. With clenched jaw, he ignored the sorrowful glances of old woman and walked out of the house, determined to teach Sherhzaad a lesson in the nicest way possible that involved her least tears.

***

*That Night.*

Packing her and Chahat's necessities in one bag, Sherhzaad zipped it up before veiling herself. Her mind wasn't working straight. All she was thinking right now was that she needed to get Chahat away from Shehryar. Or else, he would take her away, he would deprive her of her daughter. He would kill her again...

Gently picking Chahat in one arm, she grabbed the bag from other and began to walk towards the door. Just as she opened it, her whole form flinched badly on finding Shehryar standing their with pissed off face.

Sherhzaad trembled, cowering back when Shehryar stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

Walking closer, he took Chahat from her arms. Whimpering, Sherhzaad tried to defy but a look of his face froze her limbs. He resembled the Shehryar who had the ability to traumatize her each and every bone.

He brought Chahat to the bed, before adjusting the quilt on her. Turning around, he stormed in her direction before yanking the bag from her hold and grapping her elbow. Cornering her into the wall, he gripped her jaw.

"Where the fuck were you going?" He growled lowly near her ear, making tears cloud her vision.

"N-no where. No where." She tired to shake her head, tiny sniffles leaving her throat.

Her visible fright made Shehryar inhale a sharp breath. Against his better nature, Shehryar loosened his hold on her, setting his forehead against hers.

"Don't take my kindness for granted, Sherhzaad." He whispered against her quivering lips. Sherzaad hiccuped. "I beg of you, Shehryar. Please leave us alone." Her weeps stung his soul. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he straightened from her.

"Fine. I will go. But not without my daughter." His words snatched the ground beneath her feet.

"W-What?" She whispered, beyond traumatized by his words.

Shehryar realized he have had struck a nerve. It was a last blow. He didn't want to practice it but she had left him with no choice.

"It's either you and Chahat or Chahat alone. I'm not going empty handed." He placed the ultimatum, making tears stream down her cheeks.

"You will not!" She sobbed, body shivering uncontrollably.

"Oh I will." He scoffed. "Do you know what court looks for when handling custodial cases? Welfare of the minor. Think, little lady. Think." He said "Where will our daughter be well off? In our mansion beside me or in slums here?"

"Pleas-" She hiccuped. "I will die without her." Shehrzaad slid down on the ground, holding her chest to her knees, sobbing soundlessly.

His eyes softened. He was only threatening. But seeing her taking his threats to heart, it pained him. Kneeling infront of her, he gently palmed her face.

"Don't entice me to carry out my threats, Zaad. I really want to give us a chance. Like a normal family. Don't you think Chahat deserves better chance at life?" He tried to make her see his point. "She needs her father. I need my daughter. Don't punish me by punishing our daughter." He kissed the top of her head before standing up.

With anguish in his eyes, he stared at her sobbing form for a minute before walking out with heavy heart. He hated making her cry. But, he had to take matter in his hand. He couldn't afford to loose his diamonds again.

***

After that horrible, sleepless night, Shehrzaad had stopped refusing Chahat from approaching him. Now, Chahat would play and squeal around Shehryar with no objections from her mother.

Although Shehrzaad still had her fear of Shehryar snatching his daughter away, his threat had tied her down. She now refrained in interfering between father and daughter duo.

Shehrzaad was helping Rasheeda in cutting the vegetables while Chahat was accompanying Shehryar outside.

Shehryar had gone inside the store for a minute. Seeing Shehryar's gun on the wooden table, Chahat dragged her feet forward, curious and enticed by strange toy. She tried to hold it in her hand, but it's heavy weight made her pout. Nevertheless, she began to check it upside down, her eyes pausing at the trigger.

Beaming slightly, she pressed the trigger. A loud shot echoed, stopping Shehrzaad's heart. Not bothering to wear her slippers, she ran bare footed outside, her heart almost at her throat.

She took a breath of relief seeing safe and sound Chahat crying in Shehryar's arms, who was hopelessly rocking her back and forth but her weeps weren't calming down.

Instantly rushing forward, she took Chahat from his arms and began to rock her soothingly. Her glaring eyes stared at regretful looking Shehryar, demanding explanation.

"My gun went off, scaring her." He offered the most harmless he could come up with, guiltily rubbing the back of his neck.

Frustrated out of her wits, she went off as well. "Just disappear from our lives for God's sake." She stormed inside the house with weeping girl in her arms.

Shehryar cursed under his breath. "Why can't I do anything right for once." He groaned, throwing his face between his hands.

***

Chahat was talking gibberish in Shehryar's lap whilst he attentively listened to her each and every word, pecking her cheeks in between her cute blabbering.

Suddenly, she turned to look at him with adorable scowl, she had learnt from devil himself. "Yar, my chocolates?" She demanded firmly.

He made a sheepish face. "Yar forgot, jaan. (Life) How about we go out together tomorrow and I will buy all the chocolates Chahat wants." He offered, playing with her fingers.

Chahat pouted. "Chahat not allowed to go." Her grey eyes shimmered in sadness.

He frowned. But before he could question her further, Sherhzaad appeared. "Come on, Chahat. It's time for bed." She as usual ignored Shehryar's longing gaze, hurting his insides.

"Bye Yar." Pecking Shehryar's stubble, Chahat walked inside. But before Shehrzaad could follow her, Shehryar voiced.

"Stay."

His voice blend of what could be called a demanding request. Frowning, Shehrzaad turned towards him but didn't raise her eyes.

He stood up and approached her. "I have noticed you don't let Chahat out of the house. Why?" He cocked a brow. He wouldn't sugarcoat matters that concerned his daughter.

That question thudded Shehrzaad's soul. Her hands turning clammy.

Shehryar noticed the apparent change in her body language.

For a good minute, she didn't speak. But when she opened her mouth, her words gutted his soul.

"I...don't want her to catch any monster's eye like her mother did." A sob choked her throat but she continued, nonetheless. "D-Daughters b-best stay at homes. A-Atleast they are safe." A tear slipped down. The more she spoke, the more deep Shehryar was drowning. "Atleast th-their dig..dignity remains intact." She couldn't speak any longer, thus sauntered inside, abandoning him in cyclone of shame, guilt and self-loathe.

***

Closing the door behind him, Shehryar leaned against the doorframe, his eyes echoing with the title, his own wife ranked him with.

Monster...

Yes, that's what he was. Stifling a groan, he allowed the rush of water that began to leave his eye.

Sherhzaad didn't want his daughter to come face to face with a man like him...

He would skin any man who would dare even throw a stinky glare his daughter's way.

Then what about Sherhzaad? Wasn't she someone's daughter as well?

Holding the sides of his head, Shehryar slid down against the wall, feeling his insides churning.

So what if her father wasn't alive, she was still someone's daughter. How could he do so wrong with her? What was her fault? So what if he was fucking twisted in head. So what if he was damaged by a woman kind? What did Sherhzaad do to deserve that inhumanity?

He was blinded by the idea that all women were alike. What about his daughter, then? Was she like his moth-

"No no!!!" He roared, yanking at his hair. His soul seemed to be put on fire at mere idea of someone calling his daughter those filthy words.

"She- she is daughter as well." Sobs began to choke his throat. Laying flat on the ground, he couldn't intake the air around him. His deeds began to rush before his eyes, causing more and more tears to cloud his blurry vision. Waves of pain rushed through his head.

He had stripped Sherhzaad off of her dignity. What was he thinking? Was he soo fucking oblivious to the fucking idea that one day, he could father a baby girl as well? What if Chahat meets a man like her father?

"No." Shehryar croaked, his features paled and horrified at the mere idea. He was not an ideal man. He once read somewhere that father's should treat their mothers the way they want their daughters to be treated.

How fucking oblivious he had to be to go rampage on his wife. His beloved wife. His better half who had no role in his twisted upbringing yet he took his buried trauma out on her.

"Oh God." He began to hyperventilate, Sherhzaad's cries resonating in his ears. "Stop them!" He roared, blocking his ears. Her pleas that would that time fell into deaf ears were now torturing his auditory nerves beyond his tolerance. "I SAID FUCKING STOP IT!!" He coughed and croaked. Black dots began to appear before his eyes.

"I'm sorry." He sobbed as he went into oblivion. "So sorry..."

***

As usual from her lessons, Sherhzaad was returning home when she noticed Waqas standing midway. Inhaling her exasperation, she tried to walk forward when he stopped her way. Quizzical, she stopped dead in her tracks, meeting his snobbish stare.

"Enough with this cat and mouse chase, darling. Now either you accept my marriage proposal or we can spend our wedding night without it. Your call." He mocked, rotating a dagger in his hand. Horrified, Sherhzaad stepped back, causing him to snicker.

"Tick tock, darling." He began to pace near her, causing Sherhzaad to tremble furiously.

When Sherhzaad didn't offer him any response, he tsked.

"Hm. Your resilience tells me you have chosen latter. Very well." Holding the dagger in threatening, he began to approach her with a nasty smirk. But, before he could jump on her, his neck was grabbed from behind before he was thrown head first into the wall.

"Not on my watch."

Sherhzaad gasped, seeing enraged Shehryar. His disheveled state and scarlet red eyes made her cower back in fright. He resembled a vicious tiger on rampage. Grabbing Waqas from the throat, Shehryar threw him on the ground before he began to throw punches at his face, occasionally slamming his head on the rugged stone.

Petrified beyond limits, Sherhzaad palmed her lips, tears of horror escaping. She wanted him to stop but something told her if she dared to even step in between, he will not hesitate in directing his anger towards her. So, she did exactly what her brain told her.

She ran. Without turning back, she breathlessly ran in direction of their house. Her feet halted on hearing two loud gun shots. Hiccupping, Sherhzaad rushed to the house before running towards her room, not bothering to greet concerned looking couple and Chahat on Khubaib's lap.

***

Even after continuous knocks and concerns directed her way, she didn't dare opening the door. The trauma of furious Shehryar had her whole body jolting and trembling. She was petrified of even facing him.

The terror she took to heart resulted in her catching wild fever. Next two days were spent on her bed. She was relieved on not having to face him. The third day, she compelled her to leave the bed for the complains from her student's parents reached her ears. Veiling herself, she cautiously peaked outside.

On not finding Shehryar in sight, Sherhzaad took a deep breath before stepping out. She must have not taken more than three steps when dark voice from behind made her flinch.

"Where do you think you are going?" His voice hinted no nonsense.

Even when her brain alerted her to run, she knew she could never outrun him. Gulping her anxiety down, she turned to face him.

"Wo-Work." She cursed herself for sounding so weak and small.

His deep grey eyes scrutinized her form for a good torturing second, before he let out a sigh. The first step to right the wrong doings between them was to grant her the freedom he had viciously snatched from her.

"I will walk you." He uncrossed his arms and took a step in her direction.

"No.. no need." She hesitated with fearful glances.

"It is very much needed." He pressed sternly. "It's not safe. Come on." He gestured but when she still didn't move. He sigh. "Fine. Go alone if that's what put you at ease. I will watch from far until you reach inside the house, okay?" He raised his arms in surrendering manner, throwing all the authorityin her lap to make her feel safe.

His concern did make sense to her so she nodded cautiously, relieving her.

After that day, it became their routine.He would walk her to the houses around neighborhood and will bring her back unharmed. She didn't see Waqas again. Though she wanted to, but she knew better than to ask about another man from Shehryar.