A NEW DAWN

Episode 11

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The car was running on the road.

Shanzay was feeling sleepy, but Aisha was fresh and happy. She was reading many messages on her phone. Most of them were from Saima, and Aisha was getting serious about them.

But Aisha had a good plan. She knew exactly what she wanted to do.

She turned to look at Shanzay and then looked back at the road.

When the car stopped in front of the house, Aisha got out.

Shanzay also stepped out from the other side.

She didn't know what was about to happen.

Maybe this was going to be the best night of her life...

But no, she was wrong.

She would know that a little later.

"Shanzay... hold this," Aisha handed her the phone.

"Yes?" Shanzay came back to the present after hearing Aisha's voice.

They both entered the house.

Shanzay quickly opened all the doors, and Aisha slowly followed her — like she had no plans to sleep. She was just looking at Shanzay with a smile.

They entered the room.

Before Aisha came in, Shanzay fixed the bed, placed her shoes near it, and was about to leave.

Her work was done, now she wanted to rest.

Just when she was about to go, Aisha came in front of her.

Shanzay stepped aside to give her way.

"Shanzay, sleep with me tonight..." Aisha said softly.

But Shanzay heard her clearly.

"No, I will sleep in my room—"

She couldn't finish her sentence.

"Come on, Shanzay, I'm scared of the dark. Please stay with me..." Aisha said gently.

Shanzay stopped right there.

Was Aisha really scared of the dark?

Is that why she stayed awake so long every night?

"Oh... okay..."

When Aisha came closer, Shanzay stepped aside.

"Yes... I'll sleep here," she said while looking down and entered the room again.

But her body was still shaking.

She didn't know what to say or what to do.

She was the boss... and Shanzay was just her servant.

Whatever the boss said, Shanzay had to follow.

It was fine before... but now Aisha's behavior had changed.

And that scared Shanzay more.

Aisha also moved toward the bed to lie down.

Shanzay was thinking how to escape.

How to tell Aisha she didn't want to sleep beside her.

It was really hard.

She didn't even know when she fell asleep.

But after some time, something came to her mind and she slowly opened her eyes.

It felt like a dream.

The room was dark...

But wait — Aisha wasn't there!

Shanzay looked around in shock.

Everything else was in place... but where was Aisha?

She looked at the clock with half-open eyes — it was 1:00 a.m.

Shanzay got up from the bed, checked the washroom, and then stepped outside.

"I should pray now..."

She had gone to sleep with this worry — how would she tell Aisha about prayer?

But now she had a chance.

She went to do wudu (ablution) and after praying, her body felt calm.

But before lying down again, she wanted to find Aisha.

This never happened before.

It was the first time.

Shanzay gathered courage and walked forward slowly.

She was also quietly reciting prayers.

She saw a room's door slightly open and light coming out.

She felt a little better.

She walked silently.

Inside, Aisha was sitting on a chair.

There was a glass bottle on the table with a little liquid inside.

Aisha was leaning over and pouring it into a small glass.

Shanzay stopped breathing.

What was Aisha doing?

She couldn't understand.

Aisha took a sip, two gulps went down her throat — and there was Shanzay, standing still, frozen... like someone had taken the life out of her.

"Shanzay... come here..."

Aisha, still holding her glass, called out in her sleepy voice.

She didn't know how broken Shanzay felt.

Shanzay didn't move for a while.

But after Aisha called again and again, she slowly walked in and sat on a chair.

"You know, Shanzay... you're really good..."

Aisha said in a tired and drunk voice.

Shanzay stayed quiet.

It felt like her soul had left her body.

"You know... ten years ago... my mom and dad left me."

Aisha touched her chest with one finger.

"And after that... I became a machine. I can't feel anything anymore..."

She looked up at the sky through sleepy eyes.

Tears rolled down Shanzay's cheeks...

"I loved studying... but my parents never understood me.

I'm all alone, totally alone... haha...

I'm mad...

I will never forgive them. Never.

Never ever..."

Aisha was now saying whatever was buried in her heart.

All her pain was coming out.

"Are you okay, boss? Everything will be fine..."

Shanzay said while crying, trying to comfort her.

"Nothing will be okay...

I won't forgive them... they took away my childhood...

They stole my friends...

I am nothing... I'm a failure, a total failure...

Shanzay, leave me... let me be alone..."

Aisha's eyes were slowly closing.

After so many years, she was finally falling asleep.

And then Aisha slowly fell asleep while repeating some words.

"Boss..."

Shanzay held her, took the glass from her hand, and carefully helped her back to the room.

She gently made her lie down on the bed and then started crying deeply.

"What is all this? What was I thinking? I never really saw her clearly... I never truly understood her..."

She kept sobbing the whole night.

When the sound of the morning azan (call to prayer) came, she got up, made wudu, prayed, and fell on the bed.

Aisha was still sleeping.

After many years, she was finally feeling peace.

The ringing of the phone woke them both up.

Aisha, still with closed eyes, reached for the side table and picked up the phone.

"Yeah? What happened? Oh... but you said that..."

She turned a bit and looked at Shanzay, who was already awake, though her eyes were red.

"I'll come, is it that important? Okay fine... only that much? Oh okay, okay, that's good then..."

She cut the call, opened her eyes fully, looked at the time, and started getting up.

"Shanzay, get ready quickly. We have to go to the office."

She said while walking into the washroom.

Shanzay sat on the bed, shocked and confused.

"Does she not remember what happened last night?

Is this the same person?

Or was last night's Aisha someone else..."

She quickly stood up, cleaned Aisha's shoes, and started ironing her coat while trying to stop herself from yawning.

"Oh no, Shanzay, leave the coat. Just get ready..."

Aisha was suddenly standing behind her.

Shanzay didn't even notice.

"I... I mean, you're going to the office..."

Shanzay said, placing the coat aside.

"I want you to come with me. Will you come?"

Aisha asked seriously.

Shanzay was still upset from sleeping in the same room with her.

She had wished that night never happened.

She would rather have handled her rude tone than what she saw.

And now, she had to say yes again.

She had no choice.

"Shanzay, why do you always start thinking so much?"

Aisha took the coat from her side and began putting it on.

"No... it's nothing..."

Shanzay said, quietly moving to get her shoes, but Aisha held her arm.

"Shanzay, I'll do this myself. You... come with me..."

She walked to the wardrobe with her and picked out a hanger with a dress on it, handing it to Shanzay.

"I... how can I... umm..."

Shanzay tried to say something, but Aisha handed her the dress.

"This will look really good on you. Go wear it..."

Aisha smiled and started checking her phone.

Shanzay held the dress with difficulty.

She didn't know what to say or do, but she had to wear it now — Aisha had told her to.

Aisha was also getting ready.

She picked up a perfume bottle and sprayed it on her clothes.

Today, one of her biggest problems was going to be solved.

She went into the kitchen and started making tea for herself.

Meanwhile, Shanzay came out wearing the new dress.

When Aisha came back to the room and saw her, she was surprised.

Shanzay really did look beautiful in the white coat.

Aisha's cup slipped from her hand, and the tea spilled all over the clean floor.

Shanzay kept adjusting the coat.

She was used to long clothes.

This short dress was making her uncomfortable.

Aisha walked up to her.

"Wow! Shanzay, you really look amazing,"

She looked at her from head to toe.

And Shanzay's whole body was shaking.

"Hmm... take off this scarf,"

Aisha bent down and began removing her scarf, which had small pins in different places.

"Is it... is it necessary, boss?"

Shanzay was scared.

She didn't want to go outside without covering her head.

"Yes, of course. Very necessary,"

Aisha softly started removing the pins from her scarf.

"I... I'll do it, boss. You get ready..."

Shanzay began to remove it herself.

But Aisha didn't even seem to hear her.

She removed the scarf fully and placed it to the side.

...

Shanzay's eyes moved from Aisha's coat down to her hand — and she was shocked.

There was a little blood coming from Aisha's hand.

"What happened to your hand?"

Shanzay pointed.

Aisha looked down and raised her hand.

"Oh, this? I got a little cut while doing something earlier.

Anyway, forget it. We have to leave quickly,"

She was now looking at the watch on her wrist.

"No, I... I'll just apply something, give me a minute..." she said while looking around.

"It's okay, Shanzay. I've lived through much worse," Aisha replied calmly.

But Shanzay had already brought the first-aid box. "Just two minutes... I'll take care of it."

"Shanzay, you're too much! It's nothing serious..." Aisha smiled and relaxed her hand.

"Does it hurt, boss?" Shanzay asked, her hands slightly trembling as she applied medicine using white cotton on Aisha's wound.

"No. I'm used to all this..." Aisha said casually, unfazed.

After finishing, Shanzay stood up. "Boss... do I really need to come today?"

She had made so many plans for her birthday — what she would do, where she would go. But now, none of it was happening. She was definitely upset, but of course, she couldn't refuse her boss.

"Yes, absolutely. Everyone will be there to see your in..."

Aisha paused mid-sentence and looked deeply into her eyes.

"I know today's your birthday... and I don't even know if I can do it right. Because... I don't know how to express love or friendship. But can you give me a chance? Just one chance, Shanzay?"

And Shanzay felt like she was in a dream. She wasn't sure if she was even listening properly.

This was the same Aisha — the one who hadn't slept peacefully in 12 years, who had done nothing for herself, only worked like a machine. But now, she wanted to change. She wanted to fulfill her dreams... and all she was asking from Shanzay was a chance. Just one chance.

Was that really too much?

"Sha... Shanzay..." Aisha always said her name like that, maybe it was just the way her voice worked.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Shanzay tried to focus and listen to what Aisha was saying.

"Can you let me live once... just as Aisha?"

Shanzay just nodded slowly. She didn't fully understand, but she couldn't look away from Aisha.

Aisha wrapped her arms around her — right over the white coat — and pulled her into a gentle hug.

"Happy Birthday, Shanzay... and thank you so much."

Shanzay closed her eyes...

If only this wasn't a dream...

If only this moment never ended.

The phone started ringing.

Aisha let go of her and turned toward it.

Shanzay was trying to steady her breath. She could talk to Aisha now.

She could tell her everything in her heart.

While talking on the phone, Aisha adjusted the collar of Shanzay's coat... then fixed her own hair and walked out of the room.

When Aisha came back into the room, she had a plate in her hand with two slices of bread on it.

Shanzay had already finished brushing her hair. She turned to look at Aisha.

"This is your breakfast, Shanzay. You like this, right?" Aisha smiled as she picked up one slice and offered the other to her.

"I could've made it myself... Why did you..."

She wanted to say so much, but like always, Aisha silenced her with her gentle eyes.

Shanzay looked at the sandwich. It actually looked really delicious. She reached out, took it, and looked at Aisha — who had already started eating hers.

As soon as Shanzay took her first bite, she was surprised. It was so tasty and crispy that she couldn't help but say,

"You made such a delicious sandwich..."

At the same time, she looked at Aisha, who had already eaten more than half of hers.

"Oh really? I didn't expect it to turn out this good after so many years."

She said it with a joyful tone.

"After so many years? What do you mean?"

Shanzay was curious. She wanted to know everything.

"I mean... I once wanted to be a chef. But my parents pushed me into business instead. And look at me now..."

She stretched her arms out as if showing how far she had come.

"Oh..."

Shanzay felt a wave of sadness for her. She had already heard so much from Aisha that night. Who knew how much more pain was hidden inside her? She always wore a smile — the world never saw the storms within her. She had to face everyone... alone.

"Let's go, Shanzay. We're getting late. We'll just come back quickly, okay?" Aisha said as she stepped ahead and walked outside.

"Come back quickly? What is all this... what is even happening? Oh God, please help me..."

Murmuring softly, Shanzay followed her. This time, Aisha hadn't forgotten her phone. She didn't want to disturb Shanzay even a little.

Outside, Aisha was already sitting in the car. Shanzay walked slowly, closed the gate behind her, and was about to sit in the backseat when she suddenly remembered something and moved to the front.

Aisha looked at her lovingly, and once she saw Shanzay settled, she started the car.

The dress and the open hair felt really awkward to Shanzay. But she could do anything for Aisha.

Even if she didn't want to — she knew she had to do this...

In just a little while, they reached the office. They hadn't spoken much on the way.

Shanzay kept looking outside the window, while Aisha kept glancing at her again and again.

Something big was going to happen today — something that made Aisha feel genuinely excited.

As soon as they arrived, they got out of the car and walked toward the entrance. Inside, there were rows of chairs and desks. Everyone was busy working.

But the moment Aisha and Shanzay entered, people stood up from their seats and respectfully greeted them with bows and smiles.

Many of them were now eyeing Shanzay with curious expressions, wondering... Who is she?

Aisha raised her hand, and everyone fell silent. She slipped her fingers into Shanzay's and confidently walked forward, stopping right near her cabin.

Shanzay felt a sudden rush of anxiety and began nervously looking around.

"So, as I mentioned earlier, there's a special event today — and I want everyone present. So... are you all ready for the surprise I've planned for you?"

Aisha paused while speaking and looked at Shanzay, who was now staring back at her.

"She speaks so sweetly... everyone here must really enjoy being around her. I wish... she could just be like one of them too..."

But Shanzay had no idea that something very unexpected was about to happen...

Everyone nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, boss! We're ready!" they all replied in unison.

"Good," Aisha said, stepping ahead toward the hall. Shanzay followed her quietly.

People from every department had gathered by now. Once the hall was full, Aisha stepped onto the stage.

"So, my dear fellows... good morning!"

"As you all know, our company has been going through a rough patch lately. Our progress has been stalled..."

Then she looked toward Shanzay, who was trying to listen but was also anxiously glancing around.

"But today, I've brought a very big gift for all of you!"

The hall erupted in applause. Shanzay still didn't fully understand what was happening, but she smiled anyway.

"Right now, I want to introduce someone who has never left my side in the past 12 years. She's cared for me like a mother... no, even more than a mother. Her dedication allowed me to give time to this company. After my parents passed away..."

Her voice softened. Her eyes rested on Shanzay.

"She raised me like a child — and not just that, she stood by me at every step."

"And because we're short on time... I'd now like to invite the new CEO of our company on stage. Any guesses who it is?"

Everyone looked at each other in surprise.

Even Saima, who was in the crowd, was staring at Shanzay, trying to remember where she had seen her before.

"So please welcome our new CEO... Shanze Rajput!"

She pointed toward Shanzay. All eyes turned to her.

Shanze's whole body trembled. She looked at Aisha, then at all the people around her.

She didn't have the courage to stand up and walk toward that stage.

Aisha stepped down from the stage and walked toward her.

She knew Shanze wasn't ready for this.

She extended her hand. Shanze slowly reached out and stood up.

Applause filled the room. But for Shanze, everything had gone quiet — she was in a daze, staring only at Aisha, who gently brought her up on stage.

"So... how do you like my gift, Shanze?" Aisha whispered in her ear and passed her the mic.

Even standing there was hard for Shanze.

Facing so many people felt impossible. Aisha held her firmly.

Shanze took the mic with great difficulty.

"Thank you so much, all of you... I'm happy to see you..."

That's all she could say before stepping aside.

The lights in the hall were too bright. Aisha gestured to dim them slightly.

"This little function was for all of you, and I promise — you won't be disappointed by Shanze," Aisha said warmly, and everyone stood up to congratulate the new CEO.

Shanze, half in a dreamlike state, accepted all the congratulations with a soft smile.

Finally, Saima approached her. She spoke to Aisha briefly, then turned toward Shanze.

"Many, many congratulations to our new CEO — that's you!"

"Can I ask you something?" Saima asked politely, trying to ease the doubt in her mind.

"Of course, go ahead," Shanze replied gently. Aisha looked on with a soft smile.

"Do we know each other? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before," Saima said, touching her chin thoughtfully.

"Hmmm... I don't think we've met. What's your name again?"

By now, Shanze had composed herself.

"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Saima — Aisha's closest friend. And your name is Shanze, right?"

She looked at her curiously.

"Yes, yes... I also had a friend named Saima once. You remind me of her."

"Really?"

Now Saima looked intrigued. Something definitely felt off...

When they couldn't recognize each other, Aisha gently took Shanze outside.

"Come on, Shanze, that's all for today's work at the office."

She climbed into the car.

Shanze sat beside her in silence.

She still felt a little lightheaded. Aisha had given her such a huge gift — she wasn't sure if she could even handle it.

They could've gone home now... but Aisha had something else in mind.

She stopped the car in front of the same shop where they'd paused the night before.

Shanze looked up — and now, for the first time, she noticed it was a luxury car showroom.

She hadn't seen it clearly the night before, or maybe... she hadn't wanted to.

Aisha parked the car to the side, and both of them stepped out.

Now Shanze was confused again.

What was left to surprise her?

Aisha held her hand and led her inside.

Shanze walked slowly, looking around.

There were cars from every brand inside. The lights, the shine — everything dazzled her.

She had never seen anything like this in her life.

Aisha walked over to a young man, probably 19 or 20 years old. He smiled warmly and respectfully started explaining things to her.

"Alright, please have this delivered to my home. We have someplace to be right now..."

The boy bowed his head slightly, "Of course, ma'am. We'll deliver it safely. Thank you so much for visiting — do come again."

He smiled and then walked away with a key, getting ready to start the car.

"Sha... Shanze, shall we go shopping? I want to buy something for you..."

Aisha, after finalizing the deal with the boy, now turned her attention toward Shanze.

"Yes, but I... what would I even buy? You don't need to..."

Shanze felt like all her hard work over the past 12 years had finally paid off. She had Aisha now — the woman everyone longed to have in their lives.

"Oh no, it doesn't work that way! Today is your birthday, and I want this day to be unforgettable for you..."

They began walking outside together...

"You've already given me so much..." Shanze looked at her.

Aisha stopped in her tracks.

"You deserve all this. If it were someone else in your place, they would've left me all alone in that broken state... But you, you really love me."

Aisha looked at her with a deep affection.

Shanze froze.

It was as if she'd traveled back in time, far into the past. Everything around her — the people working, the bustling street — had disappeared. All she could see was Aisha.

Did Aisha really see her? Even after knowing everything... had she still chosen to stay silent?

"Sha... Sha... Shanze..."

Now Aisha's hands were trembling. Something was happening to her that she couldn't quite explain.

"Let's go... before the evening falls and your birthday ends right here."

"Yes... let's go."

Shanze nodded, snapping out of her daze, and quietly walked with her.

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