“Amed ji!” Ashrah beamed after seeing the love of her life.
Amed was her distant cousin who paid visit to her home sometimes. They liked him very much and considered him as their own son. He was the only one who showed affection towards her. He had even confessed his love for her when she touched her puberty. Since, then she became his lovely Jaan (endearment).
“Ashrah, my dear!” He opened his arms to embrace her. “How are you, jaan?” He asked, stroking her long hair.
“Why did you take so much time to return? I missed you a lot.” She mumbled as if it was like a complaint. He was the only one who loved her. His love was the light giving her hope.
“I know you will be worried without seeing me.” He cupped her face with so much affection.
“Our Ahmed bhai is gone.” She whimpered. Nobody was there to give her a shoulder to cry and let alone confront her.
“I am very saddened to hear of your loss.” He expressed his condolences in his deep voice.
“You know I badly needed your presence then.” She didn't need to fear when talking to him. Perhaps, he was the one she could talk, peacefully.
“Always remember jaan, my heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow.” His sweet words and gestures made her the happiest person.
“I am sorry dear. I couldn't be with you then. I am so sorry.” He apologized.
“It's okay Amed ji. I know you are a busy man.” She smiled for his benefit. “When did you come?”
“Just half an hour ago.” He said, looking everywhere. “Where's Fariyah? I haven't seen her since I came here. Is she okay?” He inquired about the widow.
“Bhabhi isn't fine at all. Maybe she couldn't come out of the shock. How could a loving wife accept her husband no more?” She felt bad for her sister-in-law. Although Fariyah always bullied her, she couldn't hate her. Fariyah was her brother's wife, so she would respect her.
“Yeah, Fariyah and Ahmed loved each other. Certainly she feels a void in her life. Where is she now? I have to say my condolences. Where can I expect to see her?” He was truly concerned about her sorrow.
“She always stays in her room. You can see her there. I will make a cup of coffee for you.” She said making her way to the kitchen.
“Don't forget to add more sugar.” He called out, adding his sweet coated smile.
“I know.” She walked to the kitchen with a shy smile.
Amed walked over to Fariyah's room after Ashrah went to the kitchen. He slid into the room and locked behind him.
“Fariyah,” Her name came out of his lips as a sensual whisper.
Fariyah turned around with a smile of adoration. How couldn't a woman adore a hot and sexy man like him?
He took his strides toward her, keeping his eyes on her tempting body. “Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one.”
His hand trailed on her face, like a tease. “Words can't express how saddened I am to hear of your loss.”
“Stop your drama.” She slightly tapped on his chest. He smiled smugly as he pulled her towards him.
“My beautiful Fariyah!” His hands possessively wrapped around her curvy body.
“My handsome Amed!” She pecked his lips.
Fariyah had been having an extra marital affair with him. He was her secret boyfriend. Fariyah's marriage was an arranged one. She was not happy in the relationship with her husband. Amed took the advantage of the situation and became her secret lover. They had been cheating on Ahmed behind his back. Nobody had a doubt about their relationship, not even poor Ashrah. She trusted Amed's love was true, but the innocent girl didn't know it's all a play.
“Are you with that stupid girl?” She asked, making her face unpleasant.
“Come on Fariyah. She's my lover.” He said, mocking about Ashrah.
“You know what happened, that stupid Ashrah asked me about the used condom you discarded last night. You are being so careless. What if someone else sees it? Thank God! She doesn't know what it is or everything is finished.” She mentioned the morning incident. He had come to her last night, but nobody knew about it. Their night secrets always remained as a secret.
“You know I couldn't care less about anything when you are around.” He pulled her flush against him and dipped his head for a kiss, but she stopped him.
“Amed I am seriously talking about it. I am done with this drama. I can't act anymore.” She was indeed tired of this perfect woman drama. Her laws were proud of her, and they loved her like their own daughter.
“Just give me some more time.” He said another excuse just like previous times.
“Now Ahmed is no more. Then, what's your problem.” She was annoyed.
“Actually, what happened to him? How did he die?” He didn't know what happened to her husband.
“Thanks to Adham. Somewhat he helped us.” She said, smiling.
“Adham?” He didn't make it.
“Adham Marwan. Shazman Marwan's son.” She clarified.
“Ah! I know him.” He deciphered the rivalry between the two families.
“What about Ashrah? Did you talk to him?” She inquired about their plan. They were planning to sell Ashrah to some rich man.
“Yeah, he wants her. In fact, he liked when he saw her photo.” He informed her with gratification.
“I have been waiting for the day.” She was dreaming about making the deal happen. In this deal, they would get a good amount of money as well as get rid of Ashrah.
“Well, it's about time!” He added.
He was aware of Ashrah's parents attitude towards her. They wouldn't mind, if something happened to her. Therefore, it's not a big deal to sell her someone.
~~~
After two days. Adham came to his godfather's home as he got a call.
“Why did you call me, Sarkar?” Adham asked with his respectful voice.
“You have to help me, Adham.” Makhdhoom Ali Khan started as if an introduction.
“You can order me anything. I will do it without a say.” It's true. He would do anything for him. Makhdhoom was the one who gave him this life, so he was obliged to serve him anytime.
“I know you would.” Makhdhoom smiled as he knew about his dedicated behavior.
“What do I want to do for you?” Adham knew he didn't call him suddenly, unless it was urgent.
“You have to kidnap someone. Here it is.” Makhdhoom passed an envelope to him. “It has all the details.”
Adham was quite confused. Why did he call him for a simple kidnap? It could be done by his men. Maybe it's too important for him. He dug out the photo inside the envelope.
“Girl?” He frowned.
“Yeah, a girl. Her name is Ishaal. She is in an affluent family. So it's not like previous times. She must be treated well.” Makhdhoom demanded.
“Sarkar, you know I don't prefer this type of deal.” Although Adham was a mafia man, he always stayed out of his business from women. For a reason he never hurt them.
“Adham, I know it's not your preference. In fact, you haven't hurt anyone, but this time you have to. It's for someone who is really close to me, so I can't say 'No' to him.” Makhdhoom insisted on him.
He was helpless to upset him. “Fine.” He stood up and decided to leave.
“Adham,” Makhdhoom called.
“Yes, Sarkar.”
“What about your marriage?” Makhdhoom really cared about Adham. Adham's face darkened as the topic popped out.
“How I badly wish to make you my son-in-law. But...” Makhdhoom couldn't complete as he thought about his late daughter.
“Don't think about it.” Adham patted his shoulder. “I am your son. I will always be with you.” His promises were not made in words. It could bet on his life as if it came out of his heart. He wouldn't break it ever.
“I want to see your marriage. It's not my wish, it's my obstinacy now. I need to win over your father. Once he could stop your marriage, but not anymore.” Makhdhoom was also determined to fight against his father who was the reason behind his daughter's death.
“I won't let him.” Adham gritted his teeth.
“I will choose a bride for you. Someone who's really perfect for you. Would you marry the girl I choose?” Makhdhoom asked, knowing his answer would be positive.
“I would do anything you say.” Adham agreed without even thinking twice. He did not really care about his marriage. Marriage wasn't his choice. It's his need. He didn't expect anything from a marriage other than an heir.
“Then get ready to marry.” Makhdhoom said cheerfully.
Adham merely nodded his head and left there. Aezaj was waiting for him outside. He was impatient to know what they're talking about.
“What are you two talking about? Any proposal for you? I have seen your face getting harder as he is talking to you.” Aezaj asked as they got into the car.
“What is that bhai?” Aezaj asked about the envelope in his hand.
Adham gave the envelope to him. “For you.”
“For me?” Aezaj was puzzled. He quickly fished out the photo.
“She is your responsibility.” Adham ordered.
Aezaj's eyes glittered when he saw a picture of a beautiful girl. It's not like he had seen anyone before, but this girl caught his attention from the first sight. His eyes travelled on her features.
“Seriously, bhai. Are you talking about a proposal for me? Oh my goodness! You are looking for a girl for me!” He wasn't even sure what he was asking. Nevertheless, he said it. What made him more surprised, Adham found someone for him.
“I like it. I know you would give me the best. Thanks bhai.” He stared at the picture. The beautiful girl was going to be his.
Aezaj turned to him when he didn't get a response. “Why are you staring at me?”
“Done with your nonsense?” Adham asked.
“Nonsense? She is not my bride? You said she was for me.” Aezaj said, slightly disappointed.
“Do I look like a matchmaker?” Adham asked, clearly irritated. “And where did you get the idea I found a girl for you?”
“Then why did you give me this photo?” Aezaj asked, irritated.
“You have to kidnap her.” Adham said simply.
“What?” Aezaj yelled. He never kidnapped a girl.
“What? You haven't kidnapped anyone before?” Adham raised his eyebrow.
“I did, but those were men.” Aezaj made his statement clear.
“No more talking. You have to do this and take her care well, because Sarkar specially said it.” Adham said in his authoritative voice. He didn't wish to prolong the conversation. Aezaj muttered under his breath as he didn't like the job, but he was helpless. As the car moved via bazaar, Adham's eyes stuck on a slender figure.
“Stop the car.” He narrowed his eyes on a burka girl.
“Aashi?”