*****

He said taking a step only for her to step away and he couldn't find her

He sighs, "I know you are not telling the whole story and if you think I will simply allow your few words to draw conclusions you are very wrong".

"Maybe you should".

"Maybe I shouldn't. I value our relationship, I value you, I value everything that comes with it. I cannot allow a few words, few things and misunderstandings ruin the beautiful woman I found after all this time".

"I-I am not beautiful".

"Yes, you are".

"No, I am not". She snapped making him flinch, "You want to know the truth?. I will tell you so listen to it very carefully. I was born out of an affair my mother had with a married man. As she slept with him gave them an unwanted child as a gift. My biological father turned his back as soon as he found out not before trying to kill me by taking my mother to the hospital- and she went willingly to kill me. Unfortunately, she was at risk if she killed me that means she needs to keep me and right then my father walked away. Obviously, my mother was frowned upon and then I was born. She found a man for herself who told her that he couldn't raise other man child and if she wishes to marry him she needs to do something about me. No one in my family wanted me because I was a sin. I was barely 2 when she throw me in front of an orphanage walking away to marry the man. Yumna- is the sick woman that was the owner of that place. Luckily everyone was adopted and she found my story circulating it to everyone that even thought of taking me with them as their child. She made sure I was never adopted and deprived of all my rights. When I was 10 the orphanage children were all adopted and she closed her business. I know she either place the other kids to some rich families where she managed to get big amounts or she sold them away. Luckily or not she wanted me to herself. She sold the house and took me to another place. She started drinking, smoking and taking drugs which started the abuse. Though she always used to abuse me this time it was worse. At least before I never had to take beating every day and now it was every single day without missing it. She starts to bring in random men sleeping with them and I never truly understands anything. Anyways, at 15, I-I". She broke down choking on the memories as she feels her skin crawl at her and she rubs it furiously

"Arooj". He said in such low voice as if he was afraid he will break her further

But, she was already broken.

"That night, I went to bed after she beat me enough. I was bruised and drained with no reason to live. She knocked on my door asking me to dress in a very short dress. I asked her why and she slapped me so hard that my eyes blurred for a long moment. I wore the dress walking out with her and she stops in front of her room do-or--".

By now her cries only intensify so much that the loud sobs could be heard racking the high walls of the palace.

"She told me I was good for nothing that I need to pay her for feeding and bringing me up for so long. I begged her to not make me do it. I told her I will work but she told me that no one employs a minor. I pleaded but she pushed me in her room locking the door behind me. I stand in front of him knowing he was the recent affair she used to bring him in countless times in a month more than any other men. His eyes, Z-Zohan, his eyes sizing me and those eyes holding that filth in them wanted me to take my life before I give myself to him. So, I did".

He gasps as he heard her words but she continued, "I broke the vase telling him that if he comes closer I will kill myself. That didn't even do any good as he leaps at me throwing me against the mirror wall draining the last bits of energy I had. Then he pushed me on the bed and h-he raped me. He RAPED ME, Zohan. All my cries, my pleading, begging, all my words, consent and my chastity was snatched right in front of my eyes while he moans my name and to this day I feel disgusted. I wish I had killed myself then. I wish I-I-".

Her breath stopped as her chest tightened in pain. She fell on the ground gasping for air. As her tears roll down her face.

He places his hand on her shoulder, "Breath, baby. Come on, no one is here. It's just me, your Zohan. Please, breath".

"He didn't stop no matter what. He took it from me. He took my innocence from me. That went on for about three years and I was stupid to never get help but when I did the police said it was my fault and all the same bullshit that a victim of rape had to hear".

He wrapped his arms around her pulling her in his strong hold allowing her to weep in his arms and she did. She never had anyone to comfort her and no one liked to listen to stories because they feel burdened especially a past like hers. She cannot reveal it because it means telling about her biological mother truth and she knows that that will bring unnecessary drama. She holds onto him tightly weeping all her sorrow away feeling her a burden lifting from her chest.

"You told me about those children rape case, right?".

He nodded.

"I know what it's like because I went through it. When I turned 18 I told some NGO'S, police and more people about the rape and they all pushed me away because if Yumna had her orphanage at that time they would have taken the case to drag her down but my case didn't give them any glamorous headlines so they didn't want the useless case. I told everyone but I was naive to think anyone in this world would help me". She said ending with a bitter chuckle, "Children are traumatized. They love using these fantasies of children because they are naive. They know they can mould them however they wanted. They just want to fulfil their forbidden desires and children are best because one they are not as protected as someone older than them, they can be manipulated and scared and they are easy to access. With older age, there will be fights and police with children no one will notice anything unless someone caught it actually happening".

"What about this scar?". He said and unintentionally his hand caress the scar softly and she feels shiver running down her body

She gulped, "When I went to ask for help but was pulled back. He came angry that night and he said today he will show me what kind of monster he was. That was the night after many nights I finally fought back so each time he went into it he drags the knife down. He continued doing it until the mark was deep and end at my chin. They didn't let me go to the doctor because they would have been caught and secondly they wanted me to have that mark for my whole life".

Somehow this time she wasn't crying anymore neither her heart was breaking as bad. His arms provided some kind of heat that coaxed her broken heart without words. He held her tightly she knows he was angry not at her thought but at those people. He wasn't an angry man yet if someone saw his face right now they would have died straight away. Still, it didn't make her fear him but tugged at her heartstrings.

"He killed my father". His words made her gasp, "I was about 10 when he killed him and went away with it because everyone was a wuss who couldn't drag him to jail. When I started looking he had vanished with no proofs. Before that my uncle was the one who started the case again a few years later and he just vanished".

Her eyes widen, "I know. I have heard him speak. I remember he was talking to Yumna".

"What?".

"Yes! He said he had to run away because someone was after him. I saw him on our wedding day that means he is here. He is here for us, Zohan. I am scared".

"Shhh. I think we both have been scared for long enough and it's about time we fought back".

"I-I have something".

She removes the necklace she always wears opening the small lock where she had hid the memory card.

"He said he had some proofs and wanted Yumna to protect them because no one will come to her since they had no connection. I stole it that night because I wanted revenge. But, I was scared and I didn't go on with it especially when everyone pushed me away after listening to my story".

"Can I have it, please?".

"I think it's yours, to begin with".

She placed the memory card in his hand.

"I am sorry about Faiza I should have dealt with her properly".

"It's not your fault that people around us want to hurt me. You cannot protect me from everyone".

"But that doesn't mean that I won't try and the one who hurt you will pay".

"Ah, my superhero husband, is it?".

He laughs kissing her forehead, "I am everything because of you and everything you need me to be".

She giggles.

"You remember I told you I was emotional when you stood by my side earlier?. It was because after my father died my mother had to take care of her blind son and work to provide. She lost herself in between all this and then she started liking and gathering sympathy of everyone by using me. She goes around everywhere saying how pitiful I was and even all my achievements she made it looks like I was useless to everyone. I don't know why she does it I thought it's because we were always short of cash and I was still learning to adapt to everything on my own. So, I worked hard to become rich to provide for her needs however then she found extra time on her hands and with the continuous sympathy she started purchasing wives for me. I fell for one girl in college who helped me in an assignment. She was charming to say at least I couldn't see so I couldn't tell. Faiza became an important part rather quickly and she asked to be engaged and I did it. But, then one day I found her with someone from the same batch in the apartment I gifted her when I went to meet her there because I was going to propose her. I was devastated and she blamed me just like my mother that I was blind, good for nothing and a conservative man. That if she slept it was just one time and we had a stronger relationship I should get over it. It was just sleeping for one night and it wasn't something big. I ended things and then I was alone yet again. That's why I always rejected people because once they get to know me they used me. I had one friend that I found at the end of the year- Yasir. But, I was always alone trapped in these walls".

"I guess we were both different but same in many ways".

"We rescued each other".

She smiles leaning closer to him, "Yes, we did".

"I promise you that everyone will be behind bars soon. I will fight until the end for you".

"For us".

"For us".

"Aren't you forgetting something?".

He tilts his head, "What did I forget?".

"You promised me something in the party".

"Ah". He said smiling, "I didn't forget anything I was wondering that kissing was just the easy part".

She laughs, "Now the lawyer is being romantic".

"His wife taught him".

Then he kissed her.

Ending all their distances from between them all night.

The next day he called Yasir to start working on finding that man. He managed to get Yumna before that and it was easy since she was drinking confessing everything. The only problem remains was Zahid. That man was hiding somewhere.

"Are you ok?". She asked entering inside his study, "You are doing what I do".

"And what is that, baby?". He asked opening his hands for her and she walks into them

"You are hiding in the study like I do when I have deadlines".

"Sorry! I am just stressed with Yumna trials and Zahid missing".

"I think he will come to us".

"How?".

"You told me I shouldn't go around but I think that we need to take a risk for once".

"No. No. No. There is no way I will put you in danger. I will kill myself than to willingly send you to that man".

"Please, Zo-Zo, please. I have never thought I will be able to fight that man head-on for the first time. I want to fight him for once and not be scared of anything. I know I have you, please".

"No, agar tumhay kuch ho gaya toh m-mai apne ap ko maaf nahi kar sakhon ga". (If something happen to you I won't be able to forgive myself)

"Lakn mai kahi nahi jao gi mai yahi huin aur yeh mera fasla hai agar ap khud nahi jaanay do gay apko pata hai mai khud chali jao gi". (But I am not going anywhere. This is my decision and you know if you don't allow me to go then I will go on my own)

"Yeh na karo, please. Mai tumhay us shakhs k pass nahi bhej sakta". (Don't do this, please. I can't send you to that man)

"Zohan".

He sighs, "Fine. But you will do as I say".

She squeals kissing his cheeks, "Deal".

And so he set the trap of leaving her at the mall alone. He knows he will come for her no matter what especially now when he is on the hit list. She walks around the random stores and her husband had instructed her not to enter inside any of them knowing she would have to defy her husband if she wanted that man behind bars she went into one hearing her husband yelling in her earpiece which she ignored. After she went to three stores was when she realised someone following her. Before she could say anything she was pushed in the changing room.

"Arooj". She heard Zahid voice as she opens her eyes finding him in front of her smirking, "I know you all trapped me".

She gulped.

"And I know I don't have any more freedom now. I should have killed you that night". He said tracking the mark on her face, "Good thing you choose a blind man because no other sensible man would have wanted you beside me because you drives me crazy. So many nights I have thought about you while doing it with other girls".

She pushed him hard, "I am not scared of you. You were a coward who took advantage of a child but there is no way you will live freely anymore. You will pay for your sins and I will make sure you do".

He made a tsk sound taking a gun from his pocket, "I know my destination is jail but I will make sure you end six feet under".

Then he shoots.

Zohan runs behind the police trying to find his defying wife when he heard the gunshot and his breathing stopped. He runs inside the store as the police went to drag Zahid and he tries to find his wife or his voice hoping she will run to him.

She didn't.

Which had dread falling on him when he heard the stretcher being called and for the first time after so long he hated he didn't have sight. He couldn't even find his own wife until Yasir helped him to her.

"She is shoot. She needs to be taken to the hospital because it's serious". Yasir said as he places his hand on her hand when people start to take her body away

His heart stopped.

She was carried to the hospital and the whole time he had sent million of prayers to his Lord to not take her from her. To not leave him alone again. His heart clenched in pure agony that course through him breaking him into pieces that he had not reached her in time. That he had sent her to her biggest horror to face them.

"You need to take it easy". Yasir said

"Easy?. My wife is fighting death, Yasir. I cannot even do anything. First, he took my father from me in his need for money now he took my wife from me for his revenge. He took everyone I love from me. I won't be able to live without her. Not without her, please. I need her. I need my Arooj".

He heard his mother calling him and he was shocked when she hugs him crying.

"How is she?". His mother asked

"I-I don't know".

"She will be fine. She is a fighter. Come sit down".

He realises that his mother comfort was all he needed and he broke down. Not caring that people could look at him. He broke down in his mother arms who hugs him tightly just like when he was a young child running to his mother for comfort.

"She came to me a few days back". His mother said wiping his tears and he frowns, "She told me how much I hurt you and how much you suffered because of my insensitivity. I am sorry, beta. I just lost myself after your father and our society didn't appreciate that I was a single mother. They made things harder and I started craving comfort from others neglecting you and using you to get it. I am sorry. She made me look at how amazing my son is and how much he had done so far".

"She is amazing like that".

"She has a way with people. She defies every single word I ever said from the marriage to after".

He chuckles because that is her alright, "What more has she done?".

"She didn't tell you?".

"No?. Because of the wedding dress I never know you have a confrontation".

His mother laughs, "I will tell you this that when I choose her for you. I was told that she is an orphan who will listen and do as I say which in some way gave me a sense of control. But, everyone was wrong. She was a strong headed woman and after the wedding, I told her that she needs to take part in house chores which she said 'How did this housework when I wasn't here?' But after defying me she said she will cook for you because she likes doing that. I told her to leave her job and she refused. There were more but she stood her grounds. I realise that she wasn't the one that can be controlled and for the first time I saw you smiling and happy so I moved back from you both. I wanted your happiness and I know she made you happy".

"Per woh mere pass nahi hai ab". He cried, "Meri Arooj mere pass nahi us ko wapis lein ayein please". (But she is not with me now) (bring my Arooj back to me please)

"Khuda se bolo". (Ask Lord)

For hours he stayed out praying for her with his weeping heart. His eyes were red from crying and his body aches from sitting on the chair for long.

"Sir". He heard the doctor voice making him jolt from his seat

"How is my wife?. Is she ok?".

"She is fine. She had a bullet in her chest on the right side. It seems she fought the man well because if not the bullet could have been fired to her vital areas. She is doing great for now".

"C-Can I meet her?".

"You can. Just allow us an hour we need to take some more tests and then shift her to room. Besides she is under strong sedatives so she will be asleep until tomorrow".

The wave of relief fell over him as he stumbles from the pressure.

She is ok.

His Arooj is ok.

That all that matter and he feels his heart beating again in anticipation. Soon she was transferred to the room and he enters inside hearing the sound of the machine around her. Yasir took his mother home and he informed them asking them to visit tomorrow.

He holds her cold hand in his own hands sitting beside her as tears brimmed in his eyes.

"I told you this wasn't a good idea. I shouldn't have listened to you. Look at you laying here in pain. I never wanted to see you like this".

He traces a finger over her face feeling the cold skin on his fingertips.

"I wanted you safe from everything. I wanted you to be with me. I want you, Arooj. God, you have become my world that I revolve around. Please, come back to me".

He feels his heart shattering knowing this is the only time she will not reply to his words.

"Mujhe tum se beinteha mohabbat hai, Arooj". (I love you to no bound, Arooj)

The next day she didn't respond and the doctor assured him that she is just in shock but that didn't do anything to ease his agony.