Author's POV
Today, Sultan Mansion was once again overflowing with laughter, chatter, and celebration. The grand halls echoed with cheerful conversations as servants hurried from one corner to another, serving refreshments to the guests with bright smiles. It had been exactly one week since Meher had come to her parents' home for some days, the beautiful custom where a newly married daughter returns to her maternal home for a few days after her wedding.
In just one week, Pari had slipped effortlessly back into her old routine. She laughed freely with her parents, teased the servants just as she always had, and spent countless hours chatting and joking with her cousins. Every corner of the mansion carried memories of her carefree childhood, making her feel as though nothing had changed. If she were completely honest with herself, she wasn't ready to leave. Not yet. The thought of returning to Balaj's quiet farmhouse, surrounded by endless silence and peaceful fields, made her unconsciously pout. Here, there was life everywhere. Laughter echoed through the halls, someone was always calling her name, someone was always dragging her into another conversation, and there was never a dull moment. She loved every bit of it.
But what troubled her the most wasn't the thought of leaving. It was something she stubbornly refused to admit aloud. zaryab hadn't called her.
Not even once.
There hadn't been a single phone call, a single message, or even a simple, "When are you coming back?" Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Every morning she would secretly glance at her phone, hoping to see his name flash across the screen. Nothing. Every afternoon she checked it again. Still nothing. Every night before sleeping, she looked at it one last time, only to sigh in disappointment. With an annoyed huff, she would throw the phone onto the bed and mutter under her breath, "What kind of husband i got...who doesn't even remember his own wife? He could've called once... just once." A sad tiny smile would appear despite her irritation as another thought crossed her mind. "Even if only to ask whether I was still alive." But the phone remained silent. And somehow... that silence irritated her far more than she was willing to admit.
"When are you coming back?"
Today, however, Mr. Sultan had invited Zaryab to Sultan Mansion for dinner. Deep down, he had already decided that after dinner, Meher would return to her husband's home with him. After all, just because Zaryab was a quiet man who rarely expressed his feelings didn't mean his patience and self-control should be tested forever.
For quite some time, Zaryab sat alone in the study room, waiting calmly while dinner was being prepared. The mansion buzzed with laughter and conversation, yet around him, everything felt strangely peaceful. Sneaking a glance around to make sure no one was watching, Meher quietly slipped out of her father's sitting room and made her way toward the study room where Zaryab was waiting.
The moment her soft footsteps echoed across the floor, Zaryab immediately recognized them. A faint smile almost appeared on his lips before disappearing just as quickly.
Meher walked up to him and stopped only a step away.
"Mr. Sultan's only beloved son..." she began sweetly, her voice overflowing with fake innocence.
Zaryab slightly raised an eyebrow.
"Please listen to me."
"I don't want to go to your Mansion."
She pouted adorably before continuing, "It's so lonely there. There isn't even anyone to talk to."
As she spoke, she gently slipped her hand into his and held it with both of hers.
"Please..."
"You should move here instead."
"Otherwise..."
"Just let me stay here."
There was so much innocence, pleading, and childish stubbornness in her voice that something inside Zaryab softened despite himself.
He remained silent for a few moments before replying in his usual calm, composed tone.
"We're going back today, Meher."
His words made her face fall instantly.
After a brief pause, he added quietly,
"Rizvi Mansion is your home now."
Meher immediately pressed her lips together in annoyance.
"Hmph..."
She frowned, crossing her arms.
"A husband should listen to his wife once in a while too."
Without saying anything, Zaryab slowly rose from his chair. Taking a few measured steps forward, he stopped only inches away from her. Meher instinctively looked up, suddenly aware of how close he was.
Leaning slightly toward her ear, he whispered in a low, velvety voice that sent an unexpected shiver through her,
"The day you truly become my wife..."
He paused deliberately before finishing,
"...I'll start listening to you too."
For a moment, Meher simply stood there, completely frozen. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as the meaning of his words slowly sank in. Before she could think of a reply, Zaryab straightened himself, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and calmly walked out of the study room, leaving behind one speechless, blushing wife whose heart had suddenly forgotten how to beat normally.
His warm breath brushed against her ear.
Without waiting for her response, Zaryab turned around and calmly walked out of the study room.
Meher remained rooted to the spot, her heart suddenly racing, completely stunned by his words.
then the door slowly opened again, and thia time Anam peeked inside with her usual bright smile.
"There you are!" she exclaimed dramatically before placing a hand on her chest. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
Her eyes immediately landed on Meher.
"Come on, api," she said cheerfully, walking over to her. "Everyone is waiting downstairs."
Meher blinked, momentarily pulled out of her thoughts.
"Everyone?" she asked softly.
Anam nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes! And Mama specifically sent me to bring you. Everyone has already gathered at the dining table."
Meher remained silent for a brief moment before giving a small nod.
Without saying another word, she quietly followed Anam out of the room toward the dining hall.
The grand dining hall of Sultan Mansion buzzed with warmth and laughter. The long dining table was decorated with an extravagant spread of delicious dishes, their mouthwatering aroma filling every corner of the room. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while servants moved quietly around the table, serving the family with practiced ease.
Everyone had gathered for dinner. Mr. sultan sat at the head of the table with Mrs Sultan beside him, while Zaryab occupied the seat across from them. Right beside him sat Meher, looking absolutely adorable with her cheeks puffed in annoyance.
She refused to spare Zaryab even a single glance. Instead, she sat stabbing a helpless piece of paneer with her fork as though it were personally responsible for all her problems.
Mrs Sultan noticed her daughter's unusual silence almost immediately. Exchanging an amused look with her husband, she smiled warmly. "Meher beta," she asked, barely holding back her laughter, "why are you attacking that poor paneer? What has it ever done to you?" A chuckle spread around the table.
Meher let out an irritated huff. "I'm not attacking anyone."
"Oh really?" Mr. Sultan raised an amused eyebrow. "Then why does it look like you've declared war on your dinner?" Even now Anam And Zaryab Can't stop themselves from burst into laughter.
Pari frowned even harder before muttering dramatically, "No one understands me."
"Haye..." Mrs sultan clutched her heart dramatically. "Our princess is upset. Tell us, who dared to make our Meher angry?"
Anam immediately pointed toward Zaryab. "I think it's Jeeju." Instantly, every pair of eyes shifted toward him. Completely unfazed, Zaryab continued eating his dinner with the same calm expression as though nothing had happened.
Mrs sultan couldn't stop himself from grinning. "Zaryab," he called teasingly, "what crime have you committed this time?"
Zaryab calmly placed his spoon on the table before replying in his usual composed tone. "I wasn't informed that I've committed one." Another wave of laughter echoed through the dining hall.
Meher immediately shot him an accusing glare. "You know exactly what you've done." Zaryab tilted his head slightly.
"Do I?"
"You do."
"I don't."
"You do!"
"I don't."
Their childish argument only made everyone laugh harder.
Mrs Sultan leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in disbelief. "Our silent Zaryab is actually arguing with someone? This should be written in history books." Even Mrs. Sultan couldn't stop laughing. "Beta," she said, looking at Meher, "now you have to tell us."
Meher dramatically folded her arms across her chest. "He didn't call me even for once in whole week ." For one long second... Complete silence. Then... The entire dining hall exploded with laughter.
"Bas api?" Anam laughed so hard he almost dropped his glass.
"You're upset over that?" Meher glared at her. "It's not funny."
"It is."
"It isn't."
Zaryab smiled affectionately. "So... you were waiting for my call?"
"I was not!" Meher denied immediately before pausing for a second. "...I was just checking whether you remembered you had a wife." Another round of laughter filled the room. Even the servants standing nearby lowered their heads, trying to hide their smiles.
Anam chuckled. "Jiju... I think you've disappointed my api." Zaryab calmly picked up his glass of water before replying, "I didn't know I was expected to report my daily activities."
Meher gasped dramatically. "See!" she pointed at him. "That's exactly the problem. He doesn't understand anything."
Anam rested both elbows on the table and leaned toward her with a mischievous grin. "Tell us honestly, api... how many times did you check your phone?"
Meher immediately looked away. "I didn't."
"Hmm?"
"I didn't."
"Five times?"
"No."
"Ten?"
"No."
"Twenty?"
"No!" Mrs sultan laughed softly. "I think it was much more than twenty." Meher's cheeks instantly turned bright pink. "I was only looking at the time."
"Haan..." Mr. sultan nodded thoughtfully. "Every ten minutes." Once again, everyone burst into laughter. Meher hid her face behind both hands. "Everyone is bullying me."
"No one is bullying you," Mrs sultan replied lovingly.
"We're only teasing you." Mrs sultan then turned toward Balaj. "Now it's your turn." "Tell us honestly." "Didn't you miss your wife?" The laughter gradually faded. Everyone turned toward Zaryab, waiting for his answer.
For a brief moment... He remained silent. Then, in his calm, steady voice, he replied, "I knew she was safe. So there was no need to disturb the time she was spending with her family." His answer was simple.
Calm.
Logical.
Yet somehow... It warmed everyone's heart. Mrs sultan smiled proudly before looking at Meher. "See, beta? He didn't call because he wanted you to enjoy your stay here." Meher tried very hard to remain angry. She truly did. But somewhere deep inside... The tiny knot that had been bothering her all week slowly loosened.
Quietly, she glanced toward Balaj. He hadn't forgotten her. He simply hadn't wanted to pull her away from the people she loved. A tiny smile almost escaped her lips.
Almost.
Unfortunately... Anam noticed. "Oh ho..." she grinned mischievously. "Someone's anger seems to be disappearing." Meher instantly picked up a piece of naan and threw it straight at her. "Eat your food!" The naan landed perfectly on Anam's shoulder. For a moment, everyone stared. Then the entire dining hall erupted into uncontrollable laughter. Even Zaryab... The man who rarely smiled... Couldn't stop the faint smile that curved across his lips as he quietly listened to the joyful laughter surrounding him.
Zaryab Rizvi Pov
I missed her... more than I had ever imagined I would.
It had only been a week. Just seven days.
Yet somehow, the mansion had never felt this empty before. Every morning, I would unconsciously pause, waiting to hear the soft sound of her footsteps echoing through the corridors. Every evening, I found myself listening for her cheerful voice, expecting her to complain about something, ask the servants endless questions, or simply fill the silence with her innocent chatter. But there was nothing.
Only silence. A silence that had slowly become unbearable. More than once, my hand had reached for my phone. I wanted to call her... just once. Just to ask, "How are you, Meher?""Have you eaten?""Are you taking care of yourself?" But every single time, I stopped myself. No. She was at her parents' home. She had only recently become someone's wife after leaving the home where she had spent her entire life.
Those few precious days with her family... she deserved them. I couldn't be selfish enough to interrupt those moments. If I called, she might feel obligated to return sooner, and I didn't want that. So instead, I chose silence. Not because I didn't miss her... but because I missed her enough to let her stay where her heart still belonged.
Unfortunately, that decision became my own punishment. I couldn't sleep. The enormous bed felt colder than ever, and the room seemed far too quiet. More than once, in the middle of the night, my hand unconsciously drifted toward the empty space beside me... only to find nothing. The faint fragrance of jasmine that always lingered around her had long since disappeared from the room, yet somehow I still searched for it. And I missed even that.
A helpless smile found its way to my lips. When had this happened? When had I started noticing such insignificant little things? When had this quiet, stubborn girl become such an important part of my days? I didn't know. Perhaps it had happened so gradually that I hadn't even realized it.
To keep myself from thinking about her every passing second, I buried myself in work. From early morning until late at night, I remained in the office.
Meetings.
Files.
Reports.
Business presentations.
Contracts.
Anything that could occupy my mind. Anything that could stop me from counting the hours until she returned. One afternoon, Faris finally laughed and said, "Are you planning to buy the entire country?" I simply smiled before replying, "If it keeps me busy..." Faris didn't laugh. He understood immediately. "You miss Bhabhi," he said quietly. I didn't answer. I didn't have to. My silence was answer enough.
Then, this morning, my phone rang. "Assalamu Alaikum, Uncle." "Wa Alaikum Assalam, beta." It was Uncle Sultan. His warm voice carried the kindness it always did. "Beta, tonight we've arranged a family dinner. I'd like you to come." For a brief moment, I remained silent. Then, despite myself, a smile slowly spread across my face. "I'll be there, Uncle." After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair, unable to stop the strange excitement settling inside my chest. I already knew this wasn't just an invitation for dinner. Uncle wanted to send Meher back with me. My wife... was finally coming home.
The thought alone made my heartbeat quicken. For the first time in an entire week, the mansion wouldn't feel empty anymore. I'd hear her footsteps again. Her soft voice. Her little complaints. Her quiet presence. And perhaps... the faint fragrance of jasmine would once again fill the room. I couldn't stop the smile that curved across my lips. Suddenly, work no longer seemed important. The files scattered across my desk had lost all meaning. I found myself glancing at the clock every few minutes, silently wishing time would pass faster.
Come back soon, Meher.
You probably don't know it yet...
But this house has been waiting for you.
And so have I.
And just as she had feared...The same thing happened.
By the end of dinner, the moment Meher had been dreading finally arrived. Mr. sultan looked at his daughter with the gentle affection only a father could hold and smiled softly. "Beta," he said, "it's time to go home." The words made Meher's heart sink. I know She had hoped—perhaps foolishly—that someone would insist she stay for another day or two. But no one did.
Mrs sultan lovingly embraced both of us, reminding us to take care of each other and listen to each other, while Anam bid us farewell with warm smile and teasing. Standing quietly beside them, I remained in my usual composed self, saying very little, yet my silent presence made it clear that i had come to take my wife home.
With no excuse left to give and no argument that would change her father's decision, she reluctantly nodded. Hiding her disappointment behind a small pout, she walked toward the car beside me. As the gates of Sultan Mansion slowly disappeared behind them, she couldn't help glancing back through the window one last time. Her heart whispered a silent goodbye to the house she loved, while ahead of her waited the Rizvi Mansion she still wasn't ready to call home.
I knew she was still hurting. I knew she was angry—But I didn't want to add fuel to the fire burning inside her. I didn't want to force a conversation she wasn't ready to have. So I chose to remain silent. Sometimes, silence is kinder than words. I could wait. No matter how long it took, I would wait until she was ready to speak to me on her own.
Meher Sultan pov
I didn't know why I was feeling so angry with him. He hadn't said anything wrong during dinner. He hadn't even looked in my direction for longer than a few seconds. He had simply remained quiet. Yet somehow, that silence irritated me even more. Maybe because it gave me nothing to fight against. Maybe because every time I looked at him, I was reminded of everything I had lost.
The drive back to Rizvi Mansion passed in complete silence, the soft hum of the car's engine the only sound between us. I kept my gaze fixed outside the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold as one thought after another battled inside my mind. I wanted to hate him. As I had promised myself I would. But every time I remembered the way he had quietly respected my space, a part of me refused to blame him completely. And that only made me even angrier.
A few minutes later, the car slowly rolled through the grand iron gates of Rizvi Mansion before coming to a smooth stop beneath the magnificent entrance. Without waiting for anyone... without even glancing in his direction... I pushed open the car door and stepped out. The cool night breeze brushed gently against my face as I gathered the folds of my dress and walked straight toward the mansion. I didn't look back. I didn't wait for him. I simply wanted to get away—from the confusing emotions, from the unbearable silence that somehow spoke louder than words.
The servants standing near the entrance greeted us respectfully, but I barely acknowledged them. My mind was far too occupied to respond.
Crossing the grand foyer, I headed directly toward the staircase, my footsteps quick and determined. I knew he couldn't see me walking away. Yet for some reason... I still felt his presence behind me. The strange awareness lingered, making my heartbeat restless, and instead of slowing down, I walked even faster. I climbed the stairs without stopping, refusing to turn around even once. I didn't know what was wrong with me anymore. All I knew was that I wanted to be alone... away from him... away from the questions my own heart had suddenly begun asking.
I entered our room in an extremely foul mood, my emotions boiling over after everything that had happened. The moment I stepped inside, I didn't bother looking around. I just wanted to get rid of everything that reminded me of the exhausting evening. With an irritated sigh, I kicked off my high heels, sending both shoes flying carelessly across the room.
Next, I pulled my shawl from my shoulders and tossed it onto the nearest chair without a second thought.
Then My dupatta followed, slipping from my hands as I threw it aside in frustration.
Reaching up impatiently, I yanked the pins from my neatly styled hair, wincing slightly as a few strands caught in them. With one sharp shake of my head, my long hair tumbled freely over my shoulders and down my back.
It felt as though I was trying to shake away all the anger and confusion tangled inside me. Still fuming, I walked toward the bed and dropped onto it heavily, folding my arms across my chest. even though deep down, I couldn't explain why I was directing all my frustration at him.
Meanwhile, he quietly entered the room behind me. I didn't even look at him at first, but I could hear his slow, measured footsteps as he walked inside with his usual calmness. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him remove his black glasses and place them neatly on the side table before taking off his wristwatch and carefully setting it inside the drawer. He looked completely unaffected by the angry glare I had been throwing at him ever since we arrived, and somehow, that only irritated me more.
Unable to hold my frustration in any longer, I shot to my feet. "You're a very bad man, Mr. Zaryab Rizvi!" I snapped, my voice echoing through the room. He slowly turned his face toward the sound of my voice, his expression remaining as composed as ever. "Speak a little more softly," he replied calmly. "I'm not deaf."
I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "I know." Folding my arms tightly across my chest, I glared at him. "You're not deaf..." I paused for a heartbeat before the next words escaped my mouth. "...you're blind."
The moment the words left my lips...
Time seemed to stop.
His hands froze in the middle who was about to unbuttoning his shirt.
The room fell into complete silence.
My own heart skipped a beat.
Ya Allah...
What had I just said?
Shock washed over me as I stared at him. I wasn't like this. I had never mocked anyone's weakness. Never. Then how... how had such cruel words slipped out of my mouth? It was as if my anger had spoken before my conscience could stop it.
He remained completely still for a long moment before speaking in a quiet, bitter voice that somehow hurt far more than if he had shouted at me.
"I know."
A painful pause followed.
"I'm blind."
Another silence.
"You didn't need to remind me every time."
Every word pierced straight through my heart.
Without another glance in my direction, he finished removing his shirt and tossed it onto the nearby chair with a sharp movement before silently walking toward the bathroom.
Click.
The sound of the bathroom door closing echoed through the room, and I remained standing exactly where I was, unable to move... unable even to breathe. My eyes stayed fixed on the closed door while guilt slowly flooded every corner of my heart.
Ya Allah...
What have I done?
My trembling hands instinctively flew to cover my mouth as tears stung my eyes.
I hurt him...
The words I had spoken replayed over and over inside my head like a cruel punishment.
"You're blind."
How could I have said that?
I had never mocked someone's weakness in my life. Never. Then why had I done it today? Just because I was angry? Just because my heart was hurting? Did that give me the right to hurt someone else?
No...
Never.
My eyes filled with tears as another thought pierced straight through my heart. If he can't see... then that is the will of Allah.
Who am I to make him feel ashamed of something he never chose?
Hurting someone because of their disability is a grave sin.
The realization struck me with such force that I felt my chest tighten painfully.
Lowering my hands, I slowly walked toward the bed before sitting down on its edge, my gaze never leaving the closed bathroom door. Minutes passed in complete silence. Then a few more. I kept waiting for him to come out... but he didn't. Not once. The silence beyond that door grew heavier with every passing second, while the guilt inside me became almost unbearable.
His words suddenly echoed inside my mind.
"Speak a little more softly... I'm not deaf."
Then another sentence followed.
"I know... I'm blind. You didn't need to remind me." I squeezed my eyes shut. Each word felt like a knife twisting deeper into my heart. He hadn't shouted at me.
He had simply accepted my cruel words in silence.
And somehow...That silence hurt me far more than anger ever could.
I buried my face in my trembling hands, unable to stop the tears slipping through my fingers.
I'm sorry...I didn't mean it...
Ya Allah... why did I say that?
I was still drowning in my thoughts when the bathroom door finally opened.
Instinctively, I lifted my head.
Zaryab stepped out wearing a dark bathrobe, his damp hair still glistening with tiny droplets of water. He looked calm... composed... as though nothing had happened.
But somehow...
That only made the guilt in my heart grow even heavier.
Even through the robe, his broad shoulders, well-built physique, and defined chest were clearly visible. There was no denying that he was a powerfully built and remarkably handsome man.
He quietly walked toward the wardrobe as though nothing had happened. Opening it, he took out a fresh set of clothes before making his way toward the dressing room with calm, confident steps. I found myself staring after him.
It almost feels like he can see...
The thought appeared so suddenly that it startled me.
But I immediately shook my head.
No...
He can't see.
Then why....Why did he walk with such confidence?
Why did he know exactly where everything was?
Why did he never hesitate?
For the very first time, a faint flicker of suspicion crossed my mind.
But it disappeared just as quickly.
No, Meher.
You're overthinking.
A short while later, the dressing room door opened, and he walked back inside wearing simple nightclothes. His damp hair had been neatly combed back, and his face was as calm and unreadable as ever. He didn't react to my presence. He didn't look in my direction. Without saying a word, he quietly walked toward the bed and lay down.
"Please... turn off the lights."
His calm voice somehow made the guilt inside me grow even heavier.
Slowly, I walked toward her and sat beside him. He had already closed his eyes, as though he intended to sleep without another word.
"I'm... sorry."
My voice came out barely above a whisper.
"My words... they slipped out."
"I never meant them."
There was no response.
The silence frightened me.
I moved a little closer before gently placing my hand on his arm.
"Zaryab...?"
I gave his arm the slightest shake.
"Zaryab..."
Without opening his eyes, he answered quietly.
"Meher..."
"Go to sleep."
"It's very late."
I immediately shook my head.
"No."
"I won't."
"Not until you forgive me."
My voice trembled.
"I made a mistake."
"I don't know how those words came out of my mouth."
"I swear... I never wanted to hurt you."
He remained silent for several long moments before finally speaking.
"But it's the truth."
His voice was low...
Quiet...
Yet every word pierced straight through my heart.
"What is there to be offended about?"
"This is my weakness."
"I know it."
A bitter smile touched his lips.
"And I had tried to stop Uncle."
"I told him not to ruin your life...by marrying you to a blind man like me."
"But he didn't listen."
"He went ahead with the Nikah anyway...and ruined your life."
"No!" The word escaped my lips before I could stop it.
"No... don't say that."
My eyes filled with fresh tears.
"That's not true."
"Please don't say that."
My voice trembled with regret.
"You're... you're a very good person."
"What I said was wrong."
"It was said in anger."
"I never wanted to make you feel ashamed."
"I never wanted to hurt you."
I lowered my head.
"I'm truly sorry."
"Please..."
"Forgive me."
For several moments...
He said nothing.
Then he quietly repeated,
"Go to sleep, Meher."
"It's very late."
With those words, he turned onto his side, his back now facing me.
But I wasn't ready to give up. Slowly, I shifted closer until only a small distance remained between us.
"Not until you forgive me."The room fell silent once again.
Then...
To my surprise...
I saw the faintest smile touch the corner of his lips.
It was small.
Almost invisible.
But it was there.
"Alright..."
he said softly.
"I forgive you."
A pause.
"Now..."
"Will you please go to sleep?"
Relief washed over me so suddenly that I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face.
A weight lifted from my heart.
I felt like I could finally breathe again.
For a few long moments, I simply sat there, staring at his back. My guilt refused to let me stay away from him. The more I looked at him, the heavier my heart became. Taking a slow, hesitant breath, I inched closer. What if he was still hurt? What if he pushed me away? The thought made my heart ache.
Before I could lose my courage, I slowly slipped into his open arms and rested my head against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat instantly reached my ears.
Thump...
Thump...
Thump...
For a single second... He became completely still.
As though he hadn't expected me to come to him on my own. Then... Very slowly... His arms tightened around me.
Firm.
Protective.
Warm.
Without saying a single word, he pulled me closer until there wasn't even the smallest distance left between us. It felt as though his embrace was silently telling me... *"You're safe."*
The moment he held me... Something inside me broke. Or perhaps... Something inside me finally healed.
Ya Allah... Why does his embrace feel so... safe? So warm. So peaceful. I slowly closed my eyes, breathing in his familiar scent.
It was strange how quickly the restlessness inside me disappeared. The anger, the guilt, the confusion that had followed me all week... they all seemed to fade away the moment I found myself in his arms again. Only then did I realize the truth. I had missed this. I had missed him. Every single night at Sultan Mansion, I had convinced myself that I was happier there—surrounded by my family, laughter, and endless conversations.
But now... Lying here... Against his chest... Listening to the comforting beat of his heart... I realized there had been an emptiness inside me all along. An emptiness I hadn't wanted to admit. His embrace... Somehow... Had become my refuge.
My safe place.
My heart whispered a truth I had been desperately trying to ignore. *Oh Allah...* *Have I become addicted to his embrace?*
The thought made my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I should move away. I should. But... I couldn't. Instead, I found myself snuggling even closer, my fingers unconsciously clutching the fabric of his shirt as though I was afraid he might disappear if I let go.
I felt protected.
Cherished.
At peace.
For the first time in an entire week... My heart finally stopped hurting.
There were no arguments.
No misunderstandings.
No painful memories.
Just... Him.
His warmth. His heartbeat.
His embrace. And somehow... That was enough to quiet every storm inside me. A small, contented smile found its way to my lips. Without realizing it... With my head resting peacefully against his chest and his arms wrapped securely around me... I drifted into the most peaceful sleep I had experienced in days.
Zaryab's Rizvi POV
Meanwhile... My Jaan, My wife had finally fallen asleep.
A faint smile crossed my lips as I looked down at her peaceful face resting against my chest. She looked so calm.
So innocent.
As if the storms inside her heart had finally quieted.
Carefully... Almost reluctantly... I loosened my arms from around her. For a brief moment, she frowned in her sleep and instinctively reached for me.
My heart softened. "I'm sorry, jaan," I whispered so quietly that even the walls couldn't hear me. "I have something important to finish." Gently, I adjusted the blanket around her shoulders, making sure she remained warm. My fingers brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face before I slowly rose from the bed.
Without making a sound, I changed into a black tailored suit. A black dress shirt. Black trousers. Black gloves. Every movement was practiced. Every movement precise. Within minutes...
The loving husband had disappeared. In his place... Stood someone entirely different. I picked up my black cane from beside the bed. A faint smirk tugged at my lips. The entire world believed I couldn't see.
They pitied me.
They underestimated me.
Even my little wife... Believed the same lie. How ironic.
I quietly stepped out of the bedroom, closing the door without making the slightest sound. A few minutes later... The engine of my black Rolls-Royce purred to life. The city lights streaked past as I drove through the empty roads.
Completely alone.
Completely silent.
Then... A low chuckle escaped my lips. It gradually grew louder.
Darker.
Colder.
Until it echoed inside the car. "The whole world thinks Zaryab Rizvi is blind..." I laughed quietly, shaking my head.
"They think I can't even see my own wife." My fingers tightened around the steering wheel.
"What a beautiful lie." The smile on my face slowly disappeared. Replacing it... Was something far more dangerous.
"The truth..." I murmured. "...is that Zaryab Rizvi is not blind." Not anymore. The surgeries everyone believed had failed... Hadn't failed at all. The final operation, performed years ago in complete secrecy, had restored my vision.
Only a handful of people knew the truth. My personal physician. . Faris. And Azaan.
No one else. Not even the people who worked for me. I had hidden my eyesight for one simple reason. A blind man... Is underestimated. People become careless around him. They reveal secrets they would never reveal before someone who could see.
They speak freely. They betray themselves. And in my world... Information was power. The moment people believed I was helpless... They stopped seeing me as a threat.
That mistake... Had cost many people everything. My smile turned colder.
Tonight... Another one would make the same mistake.
Almost an hour later... My car rolled to a stop before an abandoned warehouse hidden on the outskirts of the city. From the outside... It looked deserted.
Rotting.
Forgotten.
But beneath it... Lay something entirely different. I stepped out of the car and walked toward the rusted iron door. Two armed guards immediately lowered their heads. "Boss." I gave a silent nod.
The heavy steel door slid open. Cold air rushed against my face. Without my cane. Without pretending. I walked confidently through the dimly lit corridor.
Every step was steady. Every movement certain. As though I had memorized every inch of the place. Or perhaps... Because I could see perfectly well. The sound of agonized screams echoed through the underground basement long before I reached it. I didn't react. I had heard far worse.
The guards pushed open another thick metal door. And there he was. A man hung tightly by thick ropes, his body covered in bruises, blood dripping from countless wounds. His face was swollen beyond recognition, and his breathing came in weak, painful gasps.
The moment he saw me... Pure terror filled his eyes. He tried to pull away despite the ropes binding him. "No..." He whimpered. "Please..." I calmly removed my gloves, placing them on the table beside me. My expression remained unreadable.
Emotionless.
I picked up a steel rod before slowly walking toward him. The sound of my footsteps echoed across the silent basement.
Tap...
Tap...
Tap...
The prisoner trembled violently. "I'll tell you everything!" he cried desperately. "Please... don't touch me!" I stopped directly in front of him. A cruel smile slowly spread across my face.
Too late.
Without warning... I grabbed his wrist. "Ahhh...!" "Let go of me!" "My hand will break!" I tilted my head ever so slightly. "It is supposed to break." My voice was calm.
Cold.
Completely devoid of mercy.
With one swift movement... I twisted his wrist.
**Crack!** The horrifying sound of bone snapping echoed throughout the basement. The man's bloodcurdling scream shook the entire underground facility.
He writhed helplessly against the ropes, tears streaming down his battered face. His cries echoed endlessly through the darkness. To anyone else... They would have been unbearable.
To me... They were nothing more than background noise. I watched him without the slightest flicker of emotion. Then calmly reached for another weapon.
A sharp hunting knife. Its polished blade reflected the dim lights overhead. I examined it casually before looking back at him. "Tell me..." I said quietly. "Where is your other companion?" The prisoner shook uncontrollably. "I... I don't know..." I smiled. A terrifying smile. Then leaned closer. "Wrong answer."
The basement once again echoed with another horrifying scream. Before the man's cries had even faded...
**Bang!**
A gunshot rang through the underground chamber.
Then another.
**Bang!**
And then...
**Bang!**
Three bullets.
Three precise shots.
After that... Silence. An eerie... Deathly silence. I lowered the gun without the slightest change in my expression. The man hung lifelessly against the ropes, blood dripping onto the cold concrete floor beneath him. I looked at him for a brief moment before turning away. "He talked too late," I said indifferently.
As I walked toward the exit, one of my guards immediately stepped forward and lowered his head respectfully. "Ali." Without stopping, I handed him the pistol. "Clean up the mess." "Yes, Boss." I didn't look back.
For me... It was just another night.
Another interrogation.
Another traitor erased.
A few minutes later, I slid into the driver's seat of my car. The engine came to life with a soft purr. As I drove through the empty streets, the cold expression on my face slowly disappeared. A small smile replaced it. "It's time to go home..." I murmured quietly. "...to my jaan." The thought alone softened something inside me.
The ruthless man who had left that basement behind... No longer existed. By the time my car entered the gates of Rizvi Mansion... I was simply... Zaryab.
A husband.
Nothing more.
The mansion was completely silent.
Most of the lights had already been switched off.
I quietly climbed the stairs and opened the bedroom door with practiced care.
The room was dimly lit. She was still asleep. Curled up beneath the blanket exactly the way I had left her. A peaceful smile unconsciously appeared on my lips. Without making a sound, I walked into the washroom. The scent of blood still clung faintly to my clothes. Methodically, I washed the crimson stains from my hands and face until not a single trace remained. After taking a quick shower, I changed into a fresh pair of nightclothes. Only then did I return to the bedroom.
The room smelled faintly of jasmine. Her fragrance. My favorite scent. I quietly lay down beside her, careful not to wake her. For a few seconds... Nothing happened. Then... Almost instinctively... She shifted in her sleep. As if sensing my presence. Her small hand searched the empty space between us before finding my arm. The next moment... She moved closer. Much closer. Until her head rested against my chest once again. Her fingers gently clutched the fabric of my shirt, holding onto me as though afraid I might disappear. I couldn't help but smile. "So..." I whispered softly. "You missed me too..." She didn't answer. She was fast asleep.
But her actions had already spoken for her. Slowly, I wrapped one arm around her, pulling her carefully into my embrace. She sighed contentedly and snuggled even closer. My heart surrendered completely. Leaning down, I pressed the gentlest kiss against the top of her head. "Sleep well, Jaan," I whispered. "I'll always come back to you." Holding her securely in my arms, I closed my eyes. For the first time that night... The darkness inside me disappeared. Because in her embrace... Even a man capable of becoming a monster found a reason to be human again.
Author's Note
Assalamualaikum, everyone! 🤍
Thank you so much for reading and supporting this story. It truly means a lot to me. If you're enjoying the journey of Zaryab and Meher, please don't forget to vote, comment, and share your thoughts. Your support motivates me to write more.
🎯 Target: 100 Votes
Let's reach this milestone together! Thank you for being part of this journey.
With love,
Fiza ali khan❤️