Her words left Sarfaraaz speechless. She wasn't just his wife-she was his need, his breath. Life without her felt unimaginable, like asking his heart to beat without air.

"Don't... Don't say that, Hazel," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"Look at me, Hazel. I'll be your world, your family, your everything. You, me, Muneeb, and Marshmallow....we can create a new world together. I'll be your identity, Hazel. Just stop crying. Please... let me in."

Tania's tear-filled eyes met his, her voice breaking as she whispered, "You're a reminder of everything I've lost. How can I be with you?"

Her words cut through him like a dagger, leaving him frozen. His hands trembled as they fell from her face.

"I... I can't live like this, Rayan. It's too suffocating... too painful. It feels like my heart is bleeding, and nothing can stop it. And living here... with you..." Her voice cracked as she shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

"I thought I could forget those memories, but every time I look back... I can't see you as anything but my destroyer. I can't accept your love. I'm too broken to embrace it."

Her sobs grew heavier, her voice trembling as she choked out, "Aapko mujhe maar deni chahiye thi. Isse aapko apka revenge mil jata aur mujhe baba ki rejection nahi dekhni padti." (You should've killed me. That way, you'd have gotten your revenge, and I wouldn't have had to endure Baba's rejection.)

Her cries grew louder, hiccups wracking her body.

"Tania..." Sarfaraaz whispered, pulling her into his arms, holding her tightly as if afraid she'd disappear.

Her sobs echoed in the quiet room, her pain piercing through him like a storm. He gently caressed her back, his voice thick with guilt and regret.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Édesem," he murmured. "I never thought it would come to this. I never wanted it to turn out this way."

He pulled back slightly, his hands trembling as they cupped her tear-streaked face. "Do you want me to go to your father again? I'll say everything this time. I swear, despite whatever he said to me."

She pushed away from his touch, her voice cold and distant. "That won't be necessary. I don't want to go back to them either. Just let me go... let me breathe."

"I can't," he admitted, he clutched her hands into his big palms, his voice breaking. "I can't let go, Hazel. For the first time in my life, I've started to live without the thirst for revenge..only for you. I know I've hurt you so much, and I'm ready to spend the rest of my life asking for your forgiveness. I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll be good. I won't force you into anything. And you don't have to love me... not right now." His voice cracked, his pride stripped bare as he begged.

Tania sighed, a muffled sob escaping her throat. "I feel like I've lost my existence. If you keep saying that... will you be satisfied with someone who's just an empty shell? I'm so tired. I need a break from life. Or..."

Her voice faltered as she started unbuttoning her shirt. "If you just want my body, then take me right now and set me free once you're satisfied."

"Hazel!" he nearly shouted, gripping her hands to stop her.

"Is that what you think of me?" His voice dropped to a pained whisper, his gaze burning into hers.

She remained silent, her eyes cast downward, avoiding his.

After a painful silence he finally spoke. "Fine. If you despise me that much... then go. I'll... I'll set you free." His throat tightened, each word dragging like a blade across his soul.

"But...I can't let you remove my name from yours" He paused, his hand moving to his back pocket. Pulling out his gun, he placed it in her trembling hands. "If you truly want to erase me from your life, then do it. End me."

Her heart clenched as she stared at the weapon in her palm, her hands trembling. Something unfamiliar and sharp twisted inside her chest as she looked at him...so vulnerable, so broken. So, she immediately averted her gaze from him.

After a long moment, she placed the gun aside on the railing of the window.

"When my own father ended ties with me, it broke what I thought was a precious bond. A bond built on force, like this one, doesn't matter to me anymore. So fine, let's keep it." Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion, her words slicing through him.

Her indifference shredded his heart into pieces. "Sure. Why should it matter to you?" His voice was bitter, his tone tinged with heartbreak. "It's not like you'd ever love a man like me. But remember this, Hazel-my love for you will never fade. It doesn't matter if you love me or not."

He took her hand and placed it over his chest, right above his heart. "You'll remain here, Hazel... as my heartbeat."

"Send me to my hostel. The place where it all began. The place where you kidnapped me," she said, her voice trembling but resolute.

"Let's forget what we had and promise never to see each other again," she added, her words barely audible as they dissolved into the suffocating silence.

Without waiting for a response, she rose and walked into the washroom, leaving him behind, drowning in the dreading quite of the empty room.

_________________________________

The day I left my father's house-or should I call it the Hussein mansion-a part of me died. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined my life without Baba.

Even after everything, even living in this house, I clung to the hope that one day, Baba would listen to me, understand me, and embrace me. But instead, he disowned me without a second thought.

Ya Allah, am I so unworthy of love? What was my fault?

Now, I'd finally said what should have been said long ago. I couldn't keep living here with a heart so fragile it threatened to shatter at every breath. Yet, as I spoke those words, an unfamiliar pain clutched at my chest. Why did I hesitate? Why did my heart ache when I told him we were done?

I looked into the mirror, my broken reflection staring back at me.

Tania, you did the right thing. There's no turning back now.

I splashed water on my face, willing the emotions to fade. But when I stepped out of the washroom, the room was empty. He was gone.

The emptiness reflected what I was feeling in my heart along with the unbearable pain.

I glanced around, taking in every detail of the room which was a silent witness of my pain.

It was time to say goodbye.
___________________________________

(Two days later)

I stood in the dimly lit hall, clutching my backpack tightly against my chest. It was the same bag I'd brought with me when I first stepped into this house. My study materials were already packed into the car though I didn't want to take them, Rahat Bhai had insisted, reminding me not to let my pride cloud my judgment.

Other than that, I hadn't taken anything.

Except the wedding ring.

No matter how much I tried, I couldn't bring myself to take it off.

Aab ise dobara kabhi matt utarna. (Don't ever take this off again.)

His words echoed in my mind like a relentless reminder, despite my protests.

"Auntie... are you going to leave me like Mama and Baba?"

The soft, tearful voice of little Muneeb shattered what was left of my fragile composure. I turned to see his wide, teary eyes staring up at me, and my heart broke all over again.

I reached for him, taking him from Nanny Haya's arms, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "No, meri jaan. I'm not leaving you forever. I'll see you again someday, I promise."

I looked at Rahat Bhai, my voice trembling. "Rahat Bhai, please bring him to visit me sometimes. You know where to find me, right?"

His face was shadowed with sorrow, but he nodded.

"Don't go, Auntie," Muneeb whimpered, clutching my scarf tightly.

My lips quivered as I tried to smile for him. "I'm leaving Marshmallow with you, baccha. Take good care of him, okay? Make sure you eat on time, don't be too naughty, and listen to Nanny Haya and... your Rayan Mamu."

My voice cracked when I said his name. The mere mention of him stirred something raw inside me. I hadn't seen him since that night. It looked like he was keeping the promise I demanded. Rahat Bhai had informed me I could move back to my hostel-to my old room.

And yet, as I stood there, on the verge of leaving, a forbidden hope flickered in my heart-a hope to see him one last time.

Despite the pain, despite the dark memories that loomed over our time together, there were many moments of softness... moments that refused to let go of me.

How foolish could one person be?

I glanced up at the staircase one last time, my gaze lingering, my heart foolishly expecting to see him. But it remained empty, just like the ache inside me.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I turned to Rahat Bhai and whispered, "Let's go."
___________________________________

Sarfaraaz gave me a hard task. A task that would take the light of his life away from him. He entrusted me with the responsibility of sending Tania back to her hostel.

I knew the place Tania held in his heart. The tenderness I saw in him for her-something I had never seen him show for anyone else-his actions spoke volumes. Sarfaraaz was one of the cruelest men I'd ever known, a man who wouldn't hesitate to shoot anyone who stood in his way or threatened his family.

And yet, for her, I saw him resist. When he first set foot in India, he could have killed Major Hussein without a second thought, but he didn't-even before meeting her face-to-face.

Maybe he married her to take revenge, but deep down, I think he was drawn to her, even before he realized it himself.

Two nights ago, he came to me late at night, pulling me out of my thoughts of my Sana. Sana, who had been avoiding me ever since my daring confession at the pool. Her silence was killing me, but there was one silver lining-she had stopped frequenting the bar.

My men, who were keeping an eye on her, told me she was busy with shopping and traveling. Still, knowing she wasn't throwing herself at Sarfaraaz anymore brought me some relief. Sarfaraaz had enough chaos in his life without adding Sana to it.

A loud knock at my door snapped me out of my thoughts. I opened it to find a shattered version of Sarfaraaz Talukder. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot. He didn't look drunk...but could it be? Had he cried?

Why was he here at this hour?

"She's leaving me, Rahat," he said, his voice cracked and raw. I step aside to let him enter.

I didn't need to ask who he meant. Tania. His Hazel.

"I broke her beyond repair...and I didn't even try to fix her. I was selfish. I took everything from her-her warmth, her presence, her care-everything," he said, his voice faltering, choking on his own words.

"Man..." I struggled to find the right words. What could I even say? Deep down, I knew he was right.

"And her father disowned her. I destroyed her, bro. I made her suffer for nothing when she was innocent....an angel, pure as a white rose."

He paused, his jaw tightening as if trying to hold himself together.

"And today...she offered herself to me. Her body. She thought I'd let her go after I quenched my thirst. God, I did desire her once. But I love her, Rahat. I fucking love her. It's truer than anything I've ever known, ever believed."

His words left me bewildered. I had never seen him break like this, never seen him open himself up so vulnerably.

"Do you need a drink?" I offered, confused, thinking it might help somehow. But he simply shook his head, signaling no.

He continued, his voice cracking, "I've seen her break down before, but today... today was the worst. It felt like her soul had almost left her body. She looked so lifeless... and it broke my heart. I-I can't see her like this anymore.

"So, what do you want, brother?" I asked, keeping my tone steady despite the storm of emotions brewing in him.

"I'll let her go, even though I don't want to-never will, actually. Oh, Allah! I could keep her tied to me forever, but..." His voice wavered as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I can't. Not when it means losing the fire in her sassy tone, the warmth in her eyes. Today, I didn't see my Édesem in her."

His gaze dropped to the floor, his hands tugging at his hair. "And I need your help," he said quietly.

"Me?"

"Yes. She asked not to see me again. You'll be the one to take her back. But before that, I want to ensure her safety at her hostel and her college. Send some female guards in disguise to her hostel. Make sure she never realizes they're there. Also, deploy a team to monitor the area 24/7."

"Okay. But how long are you planning to keep this up?" I asked.

"Forever," he said without hesitation. "As long as she's connected to me, threats will follow her too. Make sure she can live there without any worries."

Ah, what love makes a man do.

"And," he added, hesitating slightly, "send her some money every month. She'll never accept it from me, but she called you Bhai, didn't she? Use that to make her take it. Do it your way. And also..Buy her a new phone" He handed me a premium credit card.

"I can give it from my own," I said, reluctant to take it. Even though we didn't talk that much I have a brotherly concern for her. And, I was a little glad to hear she would be free even though my heart ached for my best friend.

"No. It's her right to spend my money. Let me do this for her," he said with an unwavering resolution.

"You sure you'll be okay without her?" I asked cautiously.

"I'll survive," he replied, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Tu to janta hi hai mujhe zinda laash ban ke jeene ki aadat hai."
(You know I'm used to living like a walking corpse.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
"Rahat Bhai?"

Her soft voice snapped me back to the present.

"Huh?" I looked at her, shaking the memory off.

"We're here," she said quietly, her voice calm but distant.

"Yeah," I muttered, reaching into the glove compartment. For a second, I hesitated, but I pulled out the small bag and handed it to her.

"It's for you," I said.

She looked at me in surprise but opened the bag anyway. Inside was a new phone and a small envelope carrying some money.
If I gave her a credit card she would never take it.

Her face fell. "Rahat Bhai... I can't take this. Please take it back."

"You calling me as Bhai yet refusing something your brother is giving you?" I said softly.

"Sarfaraaz... kya kya karwa rahe ho mujhse!" I groaned internally.
(Sarfaraaz... what all are you making me do!)

I care for her but I was telling lies for him. But it would benefit her...so why not?

"Still.." she protested.

"No still and buts. You study without any worries and if it bothers you so much. You can pay me back after becoming a good doctor. Till then I'll send you some money as a monthly allowance from your brother"

"Bhai.." her eyes went teary.

I softly caressed her head over her scarf and said, "From today no more crying."

"Let me carry your books to your room" said getting out of the car and opening the door for her.

Taking her bag of books I followed her silently inside.

___________________________________

A room enveloped in darkness casting a shivering chill. The faint flicker of dim light cast jagged shadows across the walls, where the silhouette of a tall, well-built man loomed ominously. The bowed figure of another man reflected faintly beside him, trembling in his commanding presence.
"So, she's out of his life?" The voice was calm, laced with amusement that chilled to the bone.

"Yes, boss. He let her go," the bowing man murmured, head still lowered.

A dark chuckle filled through the room. "Good. Then I'll take her. I wanted his sister, but that bastard married her off. Doesn't matter...I had made sure that if I can't have her, no one will. Now RIP"

"But his little wife is too appealing. I can't let him have all the pleasure....Tell my men to get ready. I want her....."

The words hung heavy until a sharp, cutting voice broke through the room.

"Enough!!!"

The tall figure froze as another shadow loomed in the doorway, more mysterious, darker. A measured step echoed as the newcomer approached, the authority in his stride enough to silence the air itself.

"You're still blinded by your twisted lust" the voice hissed, low and lethal. "You won't do anything...no hurried steps like last time."

The first man straightened, the amusement in his eyes dimming slightly. "And why the hell not?"

"Because your foolishness and blind thirst for vengeance have already put everything I've built at risk," the newcomer snapped. "My years of running this hidden empire are now hanging on the edge of exposure, all thanks to you!"

He took a step closer, his shadow swallowing the space between them. "I only wanted Sarfaraaz dead, clean and simple. But you insisted on making it that day-when his entire family was in the car. And he survived."

The tall man's jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists.

The newcomer's voice dropped to a dangerous murmur. "And now? He's digging. He's investigating. He is trying to uncover fragments of what happened twenty years ago. And.. By any chance if he managed to find anything suspicious and contact that old man..Do you understand the gravity of that. We are finished."

"I wasn't there anyways" the first man muttered only to earn a growl from the new man.

"Shut up, you brat." The newcomer man snapped. "Luck saved us once. But it may not help next time. Do you think he will let her go without any security? Don't act too rushed. Have some patience. Do you really think you'll get away with touching her? You saw what happened in Hungary. He did not stop until entire empires burned into ashes along with the man who dared to touch her."

"Your recklessness already cost us once," the voice snapped, before the figure turned sharply, steps retreating toward the door. The submissive man followed him like his shadow "Don't let it cost us everything."

The door creaked shut, leaving the room in sheer darkness and silence. The tall man stood still, his breath ragged as he tried to resist his dark quest of devouring Sarfaraaz's little wife.

"I'm letting you go for now" his words hang in the dark, cold room like a dark, ominous promise.

"But I'll come to you, Rosebud" he said with an intensity, the determination in his tone made the room more terrifying.

__________________________________

At Tania's Hostel

Rahat stood near the hostel gates, his hands tucked into his pockets. He had helped her carry her books, ensuring everything was in place, but now an unsettling silence stretched between them.

The faint hum of student life surrounded them. The laughter, the hurried footsteps, the buzz of conversations but it all felt distant, like an echo from another life. Tania's world, the one she had known before the storm, stood before her, ready to welcome her back. And yet, she couldn't recognize it.

The books were neatly stacked in her room, but her friend Jubi was nowhere to be seen. Rahat straightened his posture, waiting as if searching for the right words, but they never came.

Tania stood still, her fingers nervously tugging at the edge of her backpack strap. She couldn't meet his gaze, couldn't bring herself to face the finality of this moment.

Rahat noticed.

"Do you want to pass a message... to him?" His voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as though he already knew the answer but wanted to give her the chance to say it.

Tania's breath faltered. Her gaze dropped to the ground. For a long moment, she didn't speak. The words were heavy, stuck somewhere deep in her chest, but they pressed against her until they spilled out in a whisper.

"Tell him to play some recitation from the Holy Quran before sleep... it will help suppress his nightmares."

Rahat's shoulders seemed to ease slightly, and his expression softened. He exhaled, a quiet sound of understanding, but said nothing more.

Tania tried to smile, a faint, trembling attempt that never reached her eyes. "It's nothing. I just thought...."

"You care for him," Rahat interrupted gently, his tone steady but unjudging.

Tania swallowed hard, shaking her head, trying to deny it, but they both knew the truth. Rahat didn't press her. Instead, he stepped back, offering her a final glance that held a weight of unspoken understanding.

"Take care of yourself, Sister. My number is saved on your phone. Call me if anything happens" he said softly before turning away.

She watched as his car disappeared down the narrow road, slowly swallowed by the distance. The moment he was gone, the tears she had been holding back began to fall. Tania clutched her scarf to her chest, the ache in her heart refusing to fade.

She had returned to the place where it all began-a life she once cherished-but it felt foreign...no longer felt like home.

__________________________________

How was it??

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Id: author_safiyah2617