“Elhaan… what have you become? Tell me, what do you think of yourself? So much arrogance, so much pride—for what? This land belongs to Allah, then what gives you the right to be so proud?” his mother spat angrily. “First, you kidnapped an innocent girl and ruined her reputation. Then, after her sister died, you married her. Why? Even after bringing her here, you couldn’t give her happiness! Do you know who you are, Elhaan Shah? Do you even realize your wife’s worth? And here, everyone treats her like a servant. Why, Elhaan? Why?” she demanded furiously. He opened his mouth to reply but shut it when her words cut through him like a blade. “What, Ammi? Say it again… I’ve given her everything—every necessity, food, shelter—everything,” Elhaan gritted his teeth. “You think so? Bhabhi makes her work like a maid. When it’s time to eat, she doesn’t even let her sit at the table. That poor girl owns no more than four dresses… and…” She sighed in frustration. He frowned deeply. “And what?” “And then you raised your hand on her… for what reason? Because she was talking to her friend? You have no time for her, and yet you keep her here like an old, forgotten possession. You’ve pushed her away, Elhaan…” Her voice softened with pain as she lifted his face to meet her eyes. “You should be ashamed of yourself. You let someone else’s words poison your mind and made you raise your hand against your own wife. This is not the upbringing I gave you.” With those words, she walked away, leaving him drowning in silence.