Episode 13
The morning sun had already spread a golden blanket across the sky, and a light, cool breeze was flowing. The leaves of the trees rustled softly, creating a faint melody. Birds were soaring in the sky, and the air was filled with a pleasant freshness, as if everything was special today. Meher stood in front of the mirror, styling her hair. There was a new sparkle in her eyes. She no longer looked heavy-hearted and sad like before. Even in her silence, there was a subtle hint of life. Today, she didn't feel trapped, because now, Atish was "her Atish," who was constantly assuring her that she belonged to him and would always be his.
"Let's go out somewhere today," he said, standing quietly behind her, with a softness in his eyes and a slight smile on his face. Meher looked at him in surprise and then nodded in agreement. She happily got ready and walked out with him.
☆☆☆
The streets were filled with people, but Meher's eyes could only see one person.
"Atish," she said, walking with him, happily observing the things around them. But what gave her the most joy was Atish's presence. As they walked, she spotted a cart selling golgappas, and Meher stopped in her tracks. Her eyes lit up, and a mischievous smile spread across her face. She looked at Atish and subtly signaled that she wanted to have golgappas. Atish sighed deeply and smiled helplessly, saying,
"Guess I'll have to do this too."
Meher immediately nodded in agreement as though it was her first request. Atish shook his head and ordered the golgappas. Meher offered him the first golgappa, but Atish refused. Meher glared at him in frustration and, when he refused again, she pushed the golgappa close to his lips. Atish gave her a deep, sideways glance and then silently ate the golgappa. As soon as he did, his eyes widened, and he immediately asked for water. Meher, seeing his reaction, started laughing. There was joy in her eyes, though she couldn't laugh out loud. But the glow in her laughter mesmerized Atish.
"Seeing you laugh makes it feel like everything in the world is alright," Atish thought to himself but couldn't say a word.
☆☆☆
Meher was curiously observing everything in the market. There were fresh rose bouquets, book stalls, and garlands everywhere. She stopped at each one, admiring the things, but Atish sensed she wasn't searching for something in particular. She just wanted to live in the moment. Then, suddenly, Meher stopped in front of a shop. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the colorful bangles displayed behind the glass. There were hundreds of bangles—red, green, gold, blue—each one like a captured rainbow. Atish watched her closely. She was quietly staring at the bangles as if feeling their touch in her hands.
"Do you like these?" he asked softly. Meher nodded but didn't move forward. Perhaps she was indicating that she was just enjoying looking at them, not necessarily wanting to buy them. Atish closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the night of their wedding when Meher's broken bangles had scattered across the floor. He slowly opened his eyes and, without saying anything, took her hand and led her inside the shop. Meher looked at him in surprise, but Atish remained silent. He walked straight to the shopkeeper and brought back a set of red bangles.
"Put your hand forward," Atish's voice was soft and gentle. Meher blinked, as if not believing it, and then slowly extended her hand. Atish gently started placing the bangles on her delicate wrist. With a soft clink, the bangles settled into place, their sound echoing with the sweetness of love. Once he had placed all the bangles, he lightly touched her wrist and said,
"First, when you came into my life, everything became colorful, and now these bangles, so that even in your silence, the sound of love resonates."
She looked at him, her eyes filled with happiness, surprise, and love. Atish saw the emotions spread across her face and then, stepping closer, whispered,
"Your laughter is my world, Meher. When you're happy, that's when I can breathe."
Tears welled up in Meher's eyes, but this time, they were tears of joy. The hustle of the market, the chatter of people, and the noise—all faded away. What remained was just one moment, where silent love spoke.
☆☆☆
Aimal and Momina had just stepped out of college. Momina was telling her something, but Aimal's mind was elsewhere. Her phone had been ringing for the past half hour, yet she refused to answer it. It was still ringing.
"Come on, Aimal, just pick up the phone. What if it's something important he wants to say?"
Momina said, bored of the buzzing sound. Aimal looked even more disturbed now.
"It's the same nonsense he always pulls. Things I don't want to hear."
She clenched her fists in frustration.
"Yeah, but what's the harm in listening? You're the one who once said there's no one like him,"
Momina teased her with a knowing smile. Aimal went completely silent. A strange heaviness filled her chest. Maybe… maybe she had fallen for the wrong man. Rafi's words, his attitude, even his mere presence had begun to feel threatening.
Suddenly, a sleek black luxury car screeched to a halt in front of them. Both girls jumped in surprise. Aimal's face drained of color.
"No… What is he… what is he doing here?"
She thought, her heart skipping a beat.
The car door opened slowly. Rafi stepped out and stormed toward her. His face was blank, but his eyes—his eyes were cold, sharp. Aimal instinctively stepped back, but Rafi quickly grabbed her arm. His grip was so tight, she winced and looked up at him in pain.
"How dare you ignore me, Aimy? You know me—once I get used to something, I don't like losing it. No matter what."
He said, his voice low but laced with anger, eyes locked onto hers.
Aimal tried to jerk her arm away. "This isn't how you talk to someone. Let go of me! You have no right, do you understand?"
She said through gritted teeth, voice low but furious. Momina stood frozen, watching them, stunned.
"I don't need your permission for rights. I make rights. You saying I have none means nothing."
His tone was razor-sharp.
Momina rushed forward, but one of Rafi's guards blocked her path.
"You… get in the other car. I need to have a word with her—alone."
Rafi ordered, glancing at Momina. She stared at him in disbelief, then at Aimal.
"This is insane! You can't just force Aimal like this!"
She snapped.
"Don't argue with me, Momina. Or I'll have to start worrying about you too."
Rafi warned softly. Aimal's rage intensified. She glared directly into his eyes.
"If you're trying to scare me, listen carefully—I'm not the kind who gets scared."
She spat.
Rafi leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear.
"I never want to scare you. I just want to remind you where you belong."
He whispered darkly. Aimal froze in place.
Without another word, he shoved her into the car and drove off.
☆☆☆
Aeni sat at a corner table in a café, quietly sipping her coffee when Amaan dragged a chair and sat down across from her.
"I called for an emergency meeting and here you are—enjoying your coffee like it's a Sunday picnic. What is this scene?"
Amaan narrowed his eyes.
"Your face alone qualifies as an emergency. Sitting in front of you is a crisis in itself."
Aeni raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"So I'm the biggest problem in your life? Wow. You should've told me sooner. I love being the highlight of someone's day."
Amaan grinned.
"You're not a highlight. You're a headache."
She said dryly. Amaan leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying her reactions.
"Then should I tell you how to relieve the pain?"
He smirked.
Aeni folded her arms. "Yeah—stay away from me."
Amaan straightened up and looked her dead in the eyes.
"See, that's the problem. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to become a part of your life."
Aeni paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes. "Look, Amaan…"
"I am looking."
He cut her off smoothly.
Aeni gave him a death glare. "If you don't fix your overconfidence, let me know. I'll recommend a good doctor."
Amaan laughed, but suddenly, his expression turned serious.
"I'm being honest, Aeni. This isn't a joke."
Seeing his serious tone, Aeni got a little confused. "What do you mean?"
Amaan took a deep breath, stood up, and walked over to her side of the table.
"Oh God, now what drama is this?"
Aeni rolled her eyes as he pulled something from his pocket—a small box. Her eyes widened.
"Amaan… what is this?"
He opened the box. Inside was a sparkling ring. Everyone in the café had now turned to look at them.
"This was the emergency. I want to marry you. I'm bringing the proposal too, so you better be ready."
Aeni was stunned.
"Amaan, you… you're crazy!"
She snapped in shock and embarrassment.
"Maybe a little. But when I think of life without you, I feel like I should go crazy for real."
He smirked mischievously.
People around them chuckled quietly. Aeni was caught somewhere between surprise and embarrassment.
"What was the need to do this here, Amaan?"
She muttered, annoyed.
"So you don't run away. Now that everyone knows, you can't say no."
He winked at her, a playful smile on his face.
Aeni glared at him like she could eat him alive… but the moment he walked away, a soft smile tugged at her lips.
☆☆☆
She picked up the coffee mug and went straight to Atish, who was sitting in the study, busy on his laptop. A playful glint sparkled in Meher's eyes as she gently placed the mug on the table in front of him. As soon as Atish took a sip, his expression twisted.
"Meher, come back here."
He slammed the mug on the table angrily. Meher, who had started walking toward the door, stopped in her tracks and turned around as if asking, What happened? Atish stepped toward her with fury in his eyes.
"Whatever you're doing... it's time you face the punishment."
He glared at her. The coffee was salty. Meher's hidden smile faded, and she wrote in her diary:
"What kind of punishment?"
Atish couldn't help but smile and pulled her hand, drawing her closer.
"The punishment of my love... Today, look into my eyes without blinking."
He said softly. Meher looked at him, startled. Atish gently held her chin and lifted her face.
"You love playing pranks but can't handle the consequences?"
Meher smiled mischievously and wrote in her diary:
"If this is the punishment, I accept it for a lifetime."
Atish laughed helplessly.
"Silly girl, you are my life. How can I punish my own life?"
Meher wrote again:
"And this life can't go on without you."
This time, she looked directly into his eyes without blinking. Before Atish could react, his phone rang. Meher glanced at the screen — it was saved under a girl's name. A frown creased her forehead. After ending the call, Atish looked back at her. She was pouting, scribbling something in her diary.
"Why did you call her after such a long time?"
A smile curved on Atish's lips — because Meher hadn't asked who the girl was.
"Are you getting jealous, Meher?"
She shook her head.
"Then why is there so much fire in your eyes?"
He leaned down slowly and took her hand, pulling her closer again. Meher clapped her hands in mock anger as if saying, You're still asking? Seriously?! Atish laughed.
"This loud, speechless love of yours drives me insane, Meher."
Meher picked up her diary and wrote:
"If I could speak, I'd tell you—you are only mine."
Atish snatched the diary from her hands and wrote:
"And I can say—Meher belongs only to me."
A soft blush colored Meher's cheeks. Atish then wrote the same words on her hand and gently touched her fingers. Meher looked at him, paused, and then wrote something new:
"You hate me, don't you, Atish?"
She still couldn't believe that Atish had truly fallen in love with her. Atish read her words and then looked at her. Her reflection disappeared in the depths of his deep brown eyes.
"Hate? Meher, you are my most beautiful destruction."
He whispered.
Meher wrote again:
"I don't want your love, Atish. I just want you."
Atish smiled softly.
"Whether it's love or me, it's just a difference of words, Meher. For you, both mean the same."
He gently took the diary from her hands.
☆☆☆
Aimal heard the car door slam shut, and her heart skipped a beat. She looked at Raafay angrily, but he didn't glance at her even once. Instead, he drove ahead with intense focus.
"What are you doing? Where are you taking me?"
She asked furiously. Raafay smiled but still didn't look her way.
"Where you're supposed to be."
Aimal grew anxious; her patience ran out.
"Drop me home, where I am supposed to be!"
She emphasized her words, but Raafay remained silent. The car came to a halt in front of a penthouse. He quickly got out, opened her door, and pulled her out by the arm.
"Let me go… I want to go back home!"
"You really think I'll send you back?"
It was a private penthouse on the top floor of a high-rise building—Raafay's domain. The interior was luxurious, but to Aimal, every corner of that place felt like a prison. As soon as they entered the room, he let go of her arm. She stood frozen, fearfully scanning her surroundings. Behind her, the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. As she turned around, Raafay locked the door.
"W-What is this?"
Aimal let out a small gasp. Without a word, Raafay walked toward her. She stepped back but hit the wall—there was no way out now.
"I want to go home,"
She whispered, holding her breath. Her voice trembled slightly. Raafay lowered his head like he was lost in thought, then suddenly brought his face so close to hers that she shut her eyes tightly.
"Why didn't you pick up my calls?"
His eyes burned like fire.
"I didn't want to talk to you."
Aimal opened her eyes slowly. Raafay let out a cold chuckle.
"You really think you can avoid me?"
Leaning in, he lifted her chin.
"Are you actually that naïve or do you think I am?"
"I just… I just want to stay away from you now."
Aimal stammered. Raafay stepped even closer—now there was only the space of breath between them.
"Who told you that you can stay away from me?"
His tone was calm—so calm that it made Aimal's skin crawl.
"I'm not your property!"
She quickly slapped his hand away. Raafay's fury paused for a moment. He stared into her eyes, then slowly leaned in, his lips brushing her ear.
"You think you're away from me?"
He raised a finger to gently trace her cheek. Aimal flinched and shoved him back. He took one step away.
"Stay away from me!"
She shouted, breathing heavily. Raafay clenched his jaw. He stepped forward and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her roughly.
"I don't give warnings. I take what I want."
He grabbed her face and tilted it up, forcing her to look into his eyes—eyes filled with fury and control.
"And what, you think you can stay away from me without my permission?"
Aimal licked her dry lips, her panic showing in every gesture. Raafay leaned in just enough for her to feel the nearness of him—his every breath. He was terrifying her—and she was growing more scared by the second. Then, suddenly, he grabbed her hair slightly, tilting her head back so she had no choice but to look at him.
"You are mine, Aimal. Whether you like it or not, whether you understand it or not—but this truth should seep into your veins. When Raafay Shah claims something as his, no one can take it away from him."
His lips whispered dangerously close to her ear. Aimal felt like her heart would either stop—or explode. He took her hand and pressed his lips on it, a warning in his touch. Her eyes welled up; breathing became a struggle. Raafay finally stepped back, but his smile remained just as threatening.
"Next time you try to ignore me, remember this, Aimi… I only know how to control myself. But when it comes to you… maybe not."
Aimal stood silent. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Raafay seemed to realize he had gone too far.
"Go,"
He said softly.
"W-What?"
She looked at him in surprise.
He slowly unlocked the door.
"Go… before I change my mind."
Without wasting another second, Aimal ran out. Mominah was waiting for her in the car outside. Aimal quickly wiped her tears, but her heart was still trapped… in Raafay's love.
To be continue.....