The Limit of Cruelty

✨ Chapter One: The Heir’s Return Today, the mansion was unusually lively. The courtyard was filled with the fragrance of colorful flowers, the walls glittered with lights, and the air echoed with joy. And why wouldn’t it? After all, Sardar Sikandar Shah’s beloved grandson, Hatim Shah, was returning home after many years. This mansion was not only famous for its grandeur but also known across fifty villages ruled by Sardar Sikandar Shah himself. His wife, Sardarni Savera Begum, came from a noble and respected family. They had three children — Jahangir Shah, Nusrat Begum, and the youngest, Alamgir Shah. --- Jahangir Shah was in love with his cousin, Huma. Fortunately, both Dada Sa and Dadi Sa approved of the match. Soon, they were married, and two years later, their son Salman Shah was born — bringing even more happiness to the haveli. Meanwhile, preparations began for Nusrat Begum’s wedding. She loved her maternal cousin, but Dada Sa wanted her to marry his nephew instead. In the end, the father and husband had to give in to the wishes of the daughter and wife — and Nusrat married the man she loved. They had two children — Zain Shah and Zuneisha. --- On the other hand, Alamgir Shah wished to start a business after completing his studies. But fate had other plans — the villagers wanted him to be the next Sardar, for he was kind-hearted, fair, and always shared in people’s joys and sorrows. When Dada Sa discovered that Alamgir had fallen in love with a girl at the university, his anger knew no bounds. In their family, marriages always took place within the clan. Yet, Alamgir stood firm, and eventually, even Dada Sa had to surrender. On one condition — Alamgir would become the next Sardar. Thus, Alamgir married Huma, a girl whom no one initially accepted. But with time, she won everyone’s heart — especially Dada Sa’s — and the reason was their son, Hatim Shah. --- Hatim Shah was only four years old, yet his mischief echoed through every corner of the haveli. Dada Sa appointed a tutor for him, but within two days, the tutor ran away — completely exhausted by Hatim’s pranks! Hatim, along with his cousins Adnan Shah and Minha, had locked the poor tutor in a back room of the mansion. Then they lit firecrackers outside the door — and when Alamgir rushed in after hearing the noise, the three troublemakers vanished into thin air. Dada Sa could only smile and say, > “He’s still a child… spoiled by love. Time itself will teach him.” But time had other lessons in store — because soon it was decided that Hatim would be sent abroad. And now, twenty years later, he was coming back. --- The entire haveli looked like a bride. Lights sparkled on the rooftops, and the feast tables were filled with every imaginable dish. Dada Sa glanced at his watch anxiously and said, > “Quick, bring the car! We have to reach the airport. If he gets there before us, he’ll turn the whole place upside down!” Jahangir and Alamgir got into one car, while Dadi Sa, Salman, and Adnan followed in another. Every face was glowing with happiness — but none of them knew that... > soon, those very joys would be set ablaze.