It takes courage to love, but pain through love is purifying fire which those who love generously know. And love comes with pain.

We all know people who are so much afraid of pain that they shut themselves up like clam in a shell and, giving out nothing, receive nothing and therefore shrink until life is a mere living death.

But can we suffocate our feelings?

Feeling of pain,

Feeling of love,

Feeling of fear,

Feeling of living.

We can't and for that we need a touch of a life.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, of the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Because stars cannot shine without darkness, and life cannot dazzle without hurdles.

Arzoo was clawing in the hurdles of her life but she had a tiny hope that someday things will be fine and she will not give up on this marriage.

Life is like a coin. Pleasure and pain are the two sides. Only one side is visible at time. But remember other side is also waiting for its turn. But what are we expecting?

Is it pleasure or pain?

We cant change what going on around us, until we start changing what's going on within us. We are shaped by our thoughts, we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

The twilight faded away and the new dawn stretched across the horizon. Hues of purple and orange was embracing the morning sky. The misty dew laden on the leaves was getting evaporated. Sunrise peeked from faraway. Bringing new hopes and new lives. Birds chirping, singing their day's routine while Rahmani mansion was praying for the pillar who was going under the knives today.

Mrs. Zarina was going to have her operation today. Arzoo slept beside her last night and today she made her promise that she will look after Amaan no matter what, she will work on this marriage.The operation took 24 hours for recovery and she was draining. She desperately needed to rest while Anabia and Mr. Ahmad forced her to go and take rest but Arzoo denied. Amaan was restless. It was taking time and he needed his mother fine no matter what. Arzoo witnessed this side of Amaan which was new for her.

He loves his mother a lot, good at least there is someone who he loves. And there is someone who can make him to act like a human.

'' listen peasants!

I want my mother fine, do you understand me what I am saying?

If anything happened to her, anything then trust me you and your family will not see the dawn and I will smirch the life out of you guys. I know how to deal with rustic people like you and you fucking do not want to know what will I do to you'' with that warning he left them but didn't noticed that Arzoo saw it all. She swallowed hard and pray to Mrs. Zarina and to the team of drs.

''how can he behave like that to them?

Everything is in Allah ( j )'s hand. He should pray''

Arzoo was feeling weak. She skipped her meals, she didn't remember when did she eat. But right now her all concern was on Mrs. Zarina. Praying for her health and well being. Arzoo had no parents of her own. But she had the idea of the pain of not having your parents beside you. She still remember their love and concern for her. They memories were very fresh but at the same time daunting.

'' mama what is suicide bomb blast?'' her tiny mind asked a big and horrific question which startled her mother, and caused her to stop cutting veggies. She looked at her 5 years old beautiful amber eyes daughter looking at her innocently while biting an apple. Her mother cleaned her hands and sat beside her.

'' where did you heard this word?'' she asked Arzoo in a gentle voice. Arzoo looked at her mother with her innocent eyes.

'' I heard it on tv but I didn't heard it all I just heard bomb blast. What is it mom?'' Arzoo asked while chewing her apple. Her mother kissed her forehead and sighed. She knew that she will ask this question some day but she was not ready to tell her daughter the horrific meaning of this degrade act. They were surely living in an unsafe country but they were trying their best to give their daughter the best of things and to keep her away from every obstacle.

'' it means that.... That um..... Yeah it means that when you have a balloon and if you're burst it that sound of it called suicide attack ok? But you don't bother about this my child. It's nothing for you my princess'' she assured her and kissed her cheeks.

Little did she know that her mother's explanation didn't give her justice at all. In fact that horrific word took her everything and left a daunting scar on her mind and soul forever. A nudge on her shoulder took her back from her bitter and sweet trance.

'' take some food you must be hungry and please listen to me go to home Ali will drop you'' Anabia was standing with a tray of food. Arzoo took the tray but it looked like her body was refusing her to take the food. After having 3 bites, she wanted to throw up but somehow control herself.

'' congratulations sir, it was a successful operation, the ICD was implanted successfully. She is fine now.'' Arzoo heard the voice of the dr. who was talking with Amaan and Mr. Ahmad. She sighed in relief and thanked god.

'' when will she open her eyes?'' asked Amaan in his deep authorative voice. Dr informed him that they will keep her under observation but she is out of danger for now.

'' Arzoo my child go to home with Amaan. You have been here all night. And you look pale and weak take some rest then come if you want to see her. I will tell Amaan to take you home'' said Mr. Ahmad to Arzoo. He was noticing her condition and he knew that she is not well.

'' no uncle I am fine and I will go late with Anabia. For now I am fine. Amaan should stay here. You go home and take some rest. I will stay'' she assured him with a small smile making Mr. Ahmad proud at the same time concern for her.

He opened his mouth to tell her something but Amaan's voice took his concentration away from her.

'' dad you go home it's not good for your health to be here till this long. I will be here'' Amaan said in his deep and husky voice to his father. He looked at Arzoo and her face was telling him how much tired she was, she had dark circles under her eyes and she looked pale. Her lips were chopped and dry. Her beautiful amber eyes were red and puffy.

'' Amaan she is not listening to me, you tell her to go to home. She isn't well. Arzoo if you stay here any minute I know for sure that you will collapse. Go home and take rest. I am going and so I will take dad with me. Amaan will be here with Ali. Amaan just tell your wife'' said Anabia with a lace of anger and concern in her voice for Arzoo making her smile on her care and concerns.

Amaan looked at her for few seconds then he averted his eyes. It was quite evident in her face that she is weak and needed to take rest as soon as possible.

'' I am here and Ali is with me. I don't need anyone else. Better you all leave'' Amaan said while looking straight at Arzoo making her shiver in her place. They all knew that Amaan is a man of few words and when he says something then nobody can deny him.

Appallingly they all had to leave. Arzoo knew that Amaan doesn't want her near him or his mother, so she had to leave him. Amaan glared her one last time before she left.

'' stop glaring her, can't you see how weak she is?

She has been awake whole night and just look at her. Anytime she can collapse'' Ali said in his concern voice but it looked like it was all in vain to talk to a person who doesn't even accept her existence. Amaan glared him for good few seconds and passed by him but not before saying his remarks.

'' stop being her lawyer every time, you will get in my nerves someday'' Ali chuckled while heard his remarks.

'' get this coffee you need it. I am not her lawyer but I am being justify toward her. sh''

'' will you shut the fuck up!

I fucking don't care about her. I will have my ways with her but for now I don't want to listen about her. and don't worry she will not die. She will die when I will let her to die'' Amaan didn't let him complete and seethed under his teeth. That made Ali closed his mouth. He was not afraid of Amaan but right now Amaan was not in his right mind. He was concern about his mother and for now he couldn't talk more about Arzoo.

.........................................

Late update and short update.

Yeah I know what you are thinking about.

Don't worry the dark phase has started for her. after this chapter it will be more intense. So bear with me.

Keep reading, keep guessing.