Sometimes life becomes a perfect graveyard to burry hopes. Sometimes within our souls, we feel a grave silence's deepest agony. Only the wooden boxes buried in the heart, stands as the testimony.

Sometimes we look around us, the hopes and dreams leave their shadows behind but shadows mutter, mist replies, darkness purrs as life sighs.

Emptiness!

Emptiness is not reality, yet emptiness is full of everything. Though everything just isn't manifest.

He was empty.

Vacant.

Abandoned.

Bare.

Hope!

Nothing but the paint on the face of existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then there is a hollow – cheeked harlot we have got hold of.

His hope for living vanished in thin air the moment he lost her forever. Her existence was rubbed off and that was an untimed slap on his face.

He never saw that coming.

Amaan sighed and traced the name on the cold stone. He wanted to feel her. feel the warmth of her touch. But there was no one now. The coldness of the hard stone and the hollowness in the grand graveyard was telling the reality.

Reality of him to never see her again.

Or never feel her again.

For the first time in his life, he felt defeated.

'' Amaan ''

The calm and shrill voice made him to open his eyes. Amaan stood up from his place and turned though he didn't want to. Glancing toward the person, it was his honest attempt to walk away and never look back but he knew he couldn't.

The green eyes shone with tears were watching him with a defeated look. She took fluid steps eyes locked to him. she could clearly see how disheveled he was looking. He had lost weight and the dark circles under his eyes were the reality of his lost. She sighed and looked back to the calm yet sangfroid grave.

It was still a shock for everyone how they lost her in an untimed and uncalled cardiac arrest 5 days ago.

'' you need some rest. Lets go'' Arzoo was trying to help him as she knew how it feels to lose your precious ones.

'' you shouldn't be here'' his voice was very cold to her liking. Her name sounded so unfamiliar from his mouth that pricked her heart. but she managed to compose herself.

'' I need to talk to you Amaan and you are never available...''

'' Arzoo there is nothing to talk about. everything is clear in front of you and you got what you wanted. You wanted to see me alone and suffer. '' he simmered with rage. Arzoo shook her head with tears in her eyes, she tried to reach to him but his cold and angry eyes stopped her in her tracks.

''I will send you the papers in three days'' he spat with smoldering rage and passed by her.

Days were passing and so nights but Arzoo was becoming like a blossom that was withering with the winds of the past. Her night mares were there again and Amaan was noting it. Her muttering of '' please don't hurt me'' or calling her parents for her help was making him sad beyond any words to explain. Amaan even contacted his family Dr and discussed with him further about her. as upon hearing from his Dr, he realized to she was suffering from Acute trauma. A trauma she suffered in her childhood and the later circumstances was not letting the trauma to subside. Though he knew she was struggling to be happy and he was doing everything to keep her happy, but he was failing metrically.

Ever since they have given their relationship a chance, or she gave him a chance, Arzoo never openly talked to him. She never expressed to him what she has inside her or what she felt or is feeling. Amaan persuade her few times to unravel her emotions toward him but she chose to go by the flow which he hated it. He wanted her to talk to him, to tell him what she wants from him or their relationship but alternatively she chose to go with other's emotions and buried her wells. Amaan wanted her to express herself. He clearly knew that he had dug a hole for her. He had withered her. he had broke her but now he was picking pieces one by one to collected her back though it looked like she was like an unsolved puzzle.

Sitting beside the glass wall with his laptop in his lap, Amaan was looking at the sleeping beauty in front of him wearing a satin blood red nighty with its robe. Her beautiful hair were spread on the pillows her one hand beside her face while other clutched the sheet to her chest. Amaan had been with so many women. He had his flings of high class super models but after a night of fling he would never think about them again but Arzoo was different and he couldn't deny the fact that he felt her difference from the moment his eyes land on her. Her modesty was her jewel which he couldn't deny but to be pulled by her. Amaan was not denying the fact that he was brutal and cruel toward her from the beginning but still there was a part of his heart who was afraid to fall for her and that made his cruelty more on her.

She was too innocent for people as sod as him.

Someone too pure for a wretch like him.

She was opposite of him in every way possible and Amaan knew all this. her kind heart was to weak for his life.

She was the light while he was the darkness. Emerging this two was dangerous. Either she could lighten his dark life or his darkness would swallow her.

It wouldn't take a genius to know that Arzoo was trying her hard to accept her life and move on. She did moved on as they were sharing a relationship more boon and innermost but the lifelessness could be read in her and her bottled emotions were not helping either.

It looked like colors were fading away from her life. darkness was enveloping her.

Amaan sighed and looked back at her who was writhing with sweat on her forehead. He knew that she was having night mare again. Going toward her Amaan lied down and pulled her to himself. Her body was warm. Amaan touched her forehead and it was clear that she was having a fever. He had already given her medicine but now was the time when he should take an action. They cannot live their whole life like this. Amaan wanted her to speak or he would lose her.

The morning rays glared through the glass wall. The chirping sound of the birds and the pitar patar sound of the crickets were welcoming the broad day light. She rubbed her eyes gently to get rid of the slumber. The warmth of the bed was welcoming as she groaned and snuggled more to the warmth of the bed. She fluttered her eyes fully and realized the corporeality of her situation. Her one hand was around his torso while other was holding his shirt in her tiny fist. His hold was tight around her waist as if she'd disappear if he were to loosen it. Arzoo looked at him closely. He was indeed handsome to describe. His long lashes, sharp nose, sharp jaw with a dust of stubble was making him look craggy and handsome. But she felt him stir and she stilled in her place. Arzoo closed her eyes again for not to be caught by him for staring him. a moment passed by complete silence, and when she didn't heard any sound, she looked up only to see him sleeping soundly. Arzoo tried to get away from his tight hold when his hands shot up and grabbed her again. Tossing her on bed he hovered on her. A startled gasp torn out from her mouth. Amaan gazed her with his intense hooded gaze and smirked. Her long hairs were shielding her face and his calloused hands removed her soft hairs from her face.

'' good morning Mrs. Amaan Rahmani'' playing with her hair locks he was gazing her.

'' good morning '' she meekly replied with small smile on her face.

'' get fresh I am going to for urgent meeting, I will come to pick later'' Arzoo nodded her head while he didn't badge to move from her. she looked at him with a confusion on her face. But changed to nervousness as she could see the dark look on his face. She gulped.

''you are looking like a cherry now that I want to eat you................ again'' he whispered in her neck and she shuddered. He had an effect on her and she wouldn't deny it.

Her body would react to him whether she wanted or not. Her scent was intoxicating his nerves and before he loses himself, Amaan smiled and moved aside.

They were in Amaan's parent's house since Mrs. Zarina was not feeling well but now she was feeling better and Amaan decided to settle few things.

Her behavior was disturbing him now. She was a doll so submissive and emotionless around him. and he didn't want that. He wanted her to express herself.

Amaan didn't know for how long he sat there in office room contemplating. Her dull and emotionless eyes were haunting him.

All his life, he never felt any remorse, any guilt or any empathy towards any of his actions or anything in life. he would always get what he wanted whether to hurt anyone or to seek revenge but never remorse by looking back. he never felt any fear of his actions or the consequences of that his actions might entail.

But this time he was feeling helpless for the very first time in his life. his conscience was blaming him for making what Arzoo was today. He never ever tried to understand her and when he did, it was already late as she was already lost.

Far gone!

'' no I will make her to talk to me. I will get her out of the shell. She will live with me'' he tried to justify his actions all the while trying to keep his emotions under control as the flood gates threatened to open.

'' but I made her to suffer hell yet I expect her to live with me happily and accept my feelings toward her?

I love her but will she love me back?

Will she move on happily with me?

Will she ever forgive me?''

And that's when he felt it; a strong emotions washing over him making his heart beat fast yet his chest felt as if it was being constricted.

The feeling so unfamiliar to him. so intense. It made all rationale fly out the window as his head throbbed.

'' fuck '' he growled.

He was stressed and he needed a distraction, what better place than his gym.

Punch

Punch

Punch

Amaan clenched his teeth tightly gnashing them as his hands balled up into fists. He punched the punching bag so hard that the chain holding it broke and fly to the corner with a thud. His bare hands were bleeding now and his muscles screamed in hot red ache yet he didn't bear it any mind. For all that was running in his brain were the memories of suffering and the brutal treatment he made her endured.

Amaan screamed and punched the window breaking it with a hole.

The fear, rejection and the hurt in her eyes. for the first time, he felt her pain as if it was his own. Never had he regretted his actions more than he did now.

He felt pain. Intense pain.

Was it remorse?

Yes it was

Was it regret?

Yes I was

Was it fear of losing her?

Yes it was.

He has never taught himself anything remotely resembled remorse. When a past of taking what was right fully of his father's he had to had a hard heart to achieve more than they ever lost and damage others more than they were been damaged. He always taught of power and control. Praising whom he was pleased and punish if things go wrong.

Amaan sighed deeply.

He couldn't believe there would come a time when he would regret his actions. Witnessing her being a hollow empty person was bothering him. What changed that he was falling for her and regretting his actions?

Was it her beauty?

Partially

Was it her innocence?

Yes

Was it her clean heart?

Yes

Was it her being?

Yes

He had fear of losing her but how?

She never was with him to begin with. She was physically but was she emotionally?

No!

And that cause all his anger to go off limit. He punched the mirror in his gym and trashed it with a screeching sound.

'' FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!''

He saw his face in the broken pieces of the glass and that aroused his anger more on himself.

'' I did this. Why didn't it get it in my fucking head that she was not guilty?'' and he kicked the inversion table breaking it.

They whole gym was trashed. Ali entered in his gym hearing the trash voices but seeing the bull flaring standing in the middle. Ali took calculated steps and stood in front of him.

'' what is going on?''

He asked with concern but Amaan's eyes snapped to him. And he knew everything is wrong.

'' I damaged Ali I fucking damaged her. she is so hollow and I don't want her to be a toy. I did this to her it was me'' he bawling in anger and Ali wanted to agree but he knew that Amaan was feeling guilty and its better to help him not to blame him more.

'' Amaan its not late. Talk to her she is your wife. and I know you love her'' there was a gentle smile on his face but Amaan's eyes snapped to him.

His face changed to emotions hard to describe.

'' go and talk to her. You are regretting you actions but don't let a time come that you will regret that you haven't tell you what you feel about her. What you did was wrong. But repenting, it's not a bad thing and it's never late to repent''

/////////

Amaan was reached to his father's house wearing his simple white shirt with straight boot cut denim. His hairs messy. He opened the door to his room and looked around to find her and he froze.

She was wearing a white long veil properly wrapped on her head; her delicate hands rose croissant praying. She opened her eyes and looked at the door to see a disheveled Amaan standing there looking at her. she folded her prayer mat. Unveiling her head, she stood there looking at him with a small smile on her face. wearing a pencil color high waist trumpet skirt with a casual top fitted to her body. Her long hairs open on her back. Wearing minimum make up and a pair of studs on her ears and her wedding ring on her finger. He walked to her and held hugged. Arzoo went still. He was panting like he had ran a marathon. Amaan broke the hug and was looking at her like he was memorizing her features but she knitted her eye brows looking at his strained features. he held her hand and strode toward his car.

The car ride was filled with silence as thick as could be cut with a knife. Amaan was holding her hand while still driving.

'' Arzoo do you trust me?''

His question took her off guard as she looked at him and went rigid. Her face held misery which Amaan could read it very well. His intense eyes were landed on her. she drafted to think and the more she thought, the more he was sure of her answer.

'' I do ''

His heart ached.

She purrs but he heard her. Amaan left her hand and nodded his head. The air was as thick and gloomy around them.

'' why you asked me this'' Arzoo meekly asked him. Amaan's eyes were on the road but Arzoo could tell that he was furious on something. His jaw was clenching and unclenching. His hold on the steering was tight that his muscular arms veins were budging out.

'' nothing '' he coldly and shortly stated not looking at her.

She was on her wits now. His sudden change of behavior and his question was disturbing her. shaking her head she tried to be calm.

Did she really trust him?

she did trust him cause he was her husband but he did tortured her for a whole month even then he was her husband.

Then can she trust him?

Yes!

No!

She was confused to say the least.

On her tenterhooks.

Their car entered his mansion. Arzoo took a deep breath and opened her door. Amaan rounded the car and came to her side. Holding her hand he made his way inside but she felt conscious as he was not entering the mansion but he chose to pass by the gate and made his way to the back of his mansion with her hand in his vice grip.

She swallowed through her dry throat knowing where he was taking her but why?

To prison her again?

No!

Arzoo tried to free her hand but all in vain. She again tried to stop but he was walking faster that she stumbled behind him but he didn't budged.

''where are you taking me?'' she inquired in a panic voice but he chose to ignore her. the trashy place was well familiar to her but she didn't want to be here. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach thinking the worse.

Her heart thumped in dread.

'' A....... Amaan why are we here?'' she stammered and automatically caught his forearm tightly. Amaan looked at her and that stopped her heart. his gaze was hard.

'' no i.........''

'' relax you will find out soon baby'' he replied cryptically.

He dragged her again and tears started streaming her face. Her heart was thudding loudly that she was sure the air became sound with the loud thumping of her heart. Arzoo was on the verge of losing her sanity when they entered the dark and cold horrible place where she witnessed the unthinkable. There was a putrid stench that Arzoo detected very well. The smell of rust in the railing by the walls, the leaking pipes, and numb nerving smell was getting her back to where she was few months ago.

Arzoo pushed herself more to him fearing that the darkness will again make faces and would swallow her.

Amaan opened the door.

Arzoo gasped and her heart clenched in pure unadulterated fear as she was back there. Her hand in his tight grip made the blood drain from her body.

It was the same cottage in which she spent a whole dark and cold one month. The smell, the few bulbs hanging from the ceiling and the broken furniture was inviting her memories where she was struggle to forget but they came back to her like a tornado.

'' No....''

Arzoo's face paled; all the blood drained from its making her skin appear white and lifeless.

Her heart stopped. Her eyes widened. Her mouth hanged open. Her voice was swallowed by the dark room as her fear was greater to explain.

Her mind and her heart came to a standstill.

Everything came back to her.

Her nightmares,

Her screams,

Her fears,

Her hunger,

Her pains,

Her needs.

Her sufferings.