Another early update for you all. 😁
Enjoy!!!💕
A life filled with worries
I hated everything
Because there was nothing I could do
But till the day I faint in the days ahead
I'm thankful that I can say I have you.
It might've been the wrong choice
And although I don't know how this story will end,
But I must keep going.
It feels like history is repeating itself.
Even if it's dangerous, even if it's hard,
I won't let go, for you
Even if I'm headed toward the middle of a storm.
I won't be afraid.
I won't stop.
I won't regret it.
Even if this thorny path gives me scars,
I will do everything to protect you.
I hope the wind will relay my heart to you
In my world that had no sun or moon.
Only you make it possible
For flowers to bloom.
~ Ayana Malik.
■■■
'How had he managed to escape imprisonment?'
As Ayana looked up at the sky, her thoughts were consumed by the question. The unexpected turn of events had left her puzzled and uneasy. She knew that Zafar still had five more years to serve in jail, so his sudden appearance was deeply unsettling.
Zafar's unexpected entry had ignited a sense of fear within Ayana. Her concern extended beyond herself – she was even more worried about her husband.
"Don't even think of telling this to anyone. If you try to dig into my case, your so-called husband will be the one to face consequences."
Ayana remembered Zafar's words from earlier. The threat wasn't just aimed at her; it was a direct warning against involving anyone else, especially her husband. The thought that Zafar might target Imraan sent waves of panic through her. She felt trapped, caught between the fear of what Zafar could do and her desire to protect her loved ones. The weight of his threat pressed down on her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and helpless. Imraan's well-being was paramount to Ayana, and the idea that Zafar might use him as leverage was an unbearable thought. The history between Zafar and Ayana was marred by fear and trauma, and she couldn't shake the feeling that his return could bring danger into their lives once again.
Ayana's heart raced as she replayed Zafar's last words in her mind.
"Carry this phone with you. I will contact you later."
His each sentence was dripping with a chilling combination of threat and manipulation. His voice lingered, a constant reminder of the danger that had once again entered her life. The directive was clear, leaving Ayana with a sense of being closely monitored, of having a looming presence hanging over her. The phone he referred to was a symbol of his control, a reminder that he could reach her whenever he pleased.
"Wait for my call and, as much as I love your smartness, don't try to act smart with me this time."
He added, his words carried a stark warning – any attempt to defy him or outsmart him would not be taken lightly. The chilling implication was that he held the power to dictate her actions, even from a distance.
"Until then, bye sweetheart."
The way he signed off with a twisted term of endearment sent shivers down Ayana's spine. The contrast between the sweet word and the malicious intent behind it was a reminder of the duality of Zafar's nature.
A sense of helplessness and urgency filled Ayana as she remembered the incident. She felt trapped in a web of threats and manipulation, the weight of her past experiences bearing down on her. She felt her path ahead of her was uncertain, fraught with danger and the unknown.
'What were his intentions this time?'
She thought as the uncertainty of the situation left her anxious and on edge, her heart heavy with the weight of the past that seemed to have resurfaced. Even the sky above her seemed to mirror the turbulence within her.
Ayana's mind was still swirling with the weight of the recent events when her phone rang, and Imraan's name lit up the screen.
"How's my favorite person doing?"
Ayana's heart skipped a beat as Imraan's warm and familiar voice greeted her. Despite the turmoil she was experiencing, the sound of his voice brought a sense of comfort and solace. She slowly walked towards the bed before lying there.
"Oh, just trying to survive without you"
She replied smiling.
"By chance... are you hugging my pillow?"
She heard his teasing voice from the other side of the call.
Ayana's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by Imraan's teasing. She quickly glanced at herself and realized that she indeed was hugging his pillow, which was giving her a comforting reassurance of his presence. As she got caught off guard, her mind raced to come up with a quick response.
"What are you talking about? I'm in the kitchen right now."
The innocent lie rolled off her tongue, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and amusement at getting caught.
Imraan's tone held a playful suspicion as he continued to tease her.
"I don't hear the sound of dishes."
Caught in her own lie, Ayana scrambled to come up with an excuse. Thinking on her feet, Ayana quickly made some sounds in the background.
"How strange! It's so loud in here right now."
Imraan's playful demeanor continued as he chuckled on the other end.
"Why am I having a feeling that you are lying in bed, hugging my pillow, or doing something strange while I'm not there?"
Ayana couldn't help but laugh at Imraan's playful accusation. His ability to read her so well brought a smile to her lips.
Feigning innocence, she spoke,
"Do you take me for a pervert?"
"How will I know? I'm not there to witness your suspicious behavior."
Imraan's response only fueled their banter, and Ayana couldn't help but chuckle at his witty comeback.
"Oh, the injustice! Accused without a fair trial!"
Dramatically Ayana replied.
"I'm afraid the evidence is stacked against you, my dear wife."
Imraan's response was laced with good-natured teasing, and Ayana couldn't help but play along.
"Excuse me, Mr. Quraish, I'll let you know that I'm a very dignified individual."
"Oh, of course, how could I forget? The epitome of dignity and grace."
Faking seriousness, he said.
Their conversation continued to dance between playful jabs and affectionate exchanges. Ayana's worries momentarily took a backseat as she immersed herself in the easy rapport she shared with Imraan. His ability to read her emotions and play along with her teasing brought warmth to her heart.
"Well, I'll have you know that I'm using your pillow strictly for moral support."
Grinning to herself, she confessed while tightly hugging his pillow.
"As long as you're not conspiring with my blanket, we're good."
Grinning back, Imraan replied.
"Oh, the lengths we go to for a good night's sleep."
Jokingly Ayana added.
"The pillow's getting all the credit, huh?"
Playfully Imraan raised his eyebrow.
As their conversation continued, Imraan's affectionate words and playful teasing provided a temporary escape from the worries that clouded Ayana's mind. While Ayana wanted to confide in her husband about Zafar's reappearance, she found herself hesitating. She didn't want to burden him with additional worries while he was away.
Suddenly the realization hit Ayana like a ray of hope amidst the storm of fear and uncertainty. The fact that Imraan wasn't in the country at the moment offered her a small but significant reprieve. It meant that Zafar couldn't directly reach him, at least for the time being. This realization sparked an idea in her mind. She could try to uncover how Zafar got out of jail without putting Imraan in harm's way.
As she thought about it, Ayana's determination grew stronger. She knew that she had to protect her husband from the danger that Zafar posed. If she could gather information and understand the circumstances surrounding Zafar's sudden release, she might be able to prevent any potential threat he posed to their lives.
With renewed resolve, Ayana began to plan her next steps. She would have to be cautious, discreet, and methodical in her approach. She couldn't afford to make any rash decisions that could endanger herself or her husband. The stakes were high, and the risks were real, but she was ready to face them head-on.
♧♧♧
The next day
Ayana's heart raced as she entered the reception area of the prison, her anxiety and determination intertwining. She approached the front desk, her palms slightly clammy as she explained her purpose to the officer on duty.
"I need to inquire about a prisoner who was recently released. His name is Zafar Baig."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we can't give out information about prisoners' release to the public."
The officer strictly replied.
The officer's stern response didn't deter her; instead, she took a deep breath, reminding herself that she couldn't give up so easily.
"I understand the protocol, but I was the victim in his case. It's crucial for me to know his current status."
The officer's demeanor shifted slightly as Ayana asserted herself, revealing her personal connection to Zafar's case. She could see a flicker of consideration in his eyes, although he still appeared hesitant to share confidential information.
"Alright, wait for a minute. Let me check then."
After much hesitation, the officer replied and checked the released prisoner's name records. After a few minutes, he came back.
"Zafar Baig, right?"
Ayana nodded.
"He hasn't been released yet. He's still in custody."
The words struck Ayana like a jolt of electricity. Confusion and disbelief mingled within her, conflicting with the information she had received earlier.
How could he still be in jail when he had clearly resurfaced in her life?
"Can I see him? I need to speak with him."
"I'm afraid visitors' access is restricted at the moment. You would need proper authorization to meet with a prisoner."
Ayana's frustration began to bubble beneath the surface. She knew that if she could just speak with Zafar, she might be able to unravel the mystery surrounding his sudden reappearance.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Ayana turned to leave. As she walked away, her thoughts raced with the realization that the answers she sought might be hidden deeper than she had anticipated. With determination burning in her heart, she reached out to a friend she had in the police force. Someone who had helped her in the past, someone she trusted.
"Ayana, hey! How have you—"
Ravi's surprised and concerned voice was cut off by Aana's urgent one.
"Ravi, there's something not right about Zafar. I need your help to get to the bottom of this."
Ravi's curiosity was intrigued as he could sense the urgency in Ayana's voice.
"Zafar? What about him?"
Ayana knew she had to be cautious with the information she shared. She couldn't afford to put anyone in danger or reveal too much about the complexity of the situation. With a quick decision, she chose to provide a partial explanation to seek his assistance.
"It's complicated. Can you do me a favor? Can you check whether Zafar is still in prison or if he's been released?"
Carefully she spoke.
Ravi knew that there was more to the situation than she was letting on but he didn't bug her. He knew that Ayana wouldn't ask for his help unless something serious was going on.
"Ayana, I'll see what I can do. But remember, it might not be as simple as it seems."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ravi said with concern laced in his voice.
She knew that the path ahead was fraught with complexities and dangers, and Ravi's warning was a reminder of the challenges she was about to face.
"I understand, Ravi. Thank you for being willing to help me with this."
Ravi nodded before replying,
"Give me a day. I will provide you with all the information that I can gather."
Saying he hung up the call.
Days passed, and Ayana's anticipation grew. As she waited for Ravi's assistance, she couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping away. She needed answers, and she needed them soon.
♧♧♧
Finally, the day came when Ravi called her with the information he had uncovered. Ayana eagerly answered the call, hoping for some progress.
"Ayana, I looked into the matter, and I have some information for you."
With a heavy voice, Ravi said.
"But you need to be prepared."
"What do you mean?"
Anxiously, Ayana asked.
"A man is posing as Zafar in the prison. Zafar might have bribed the man and the probation officer of the prison, and so it seems that Zafar got out of the prison using the imposter's identity."
Ayana's heart seemed to skip a beat as the truth sunk in. The complexity of Zafar's manipulation was even worse than she had feared. Her mind whirred with the implications of this revelation, understanding that the danger was more intricate and layered than she could have imagined.
Her heart sank as the truth unraveled. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, revealing a sinister plan that involved manipulation and deceit. As Ravi's words echoed in her ears, Ayana realized that her journey to uncover the truth was far from over.
"Did you predict that something like this could happen?"
Ayana's mind raced as she processed Ravi's question. His words revealed a keen intuition, one that she hadn't expected. She blinked in surprise, trying to gather her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"I mean, why did you suddenly ask me to look for Zafar? Did he by any chance contact you?"
A pang of unease settled in Ayana's chest as Ravi's probing questions hit too close to home. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share the truth with him. But the weight of the situation was immense, and she couldn't afford to hide anything.
"No, Ravi. Zafar hasn't contacted me."
"Look, Ayana, you will have to tell me immediately if he contacts you. He might threaten you, but don't fall into his trap."
Ravi's voice held a mix of concern and suspicion. He seemed to sense that Ayana wasn't telling him everything, and she could see the worry etched on his face.
With a heavy heart, she decided to withhold the truth for now.
"I appreciate your concern, Ravi. I promise I'll be careful."
With a bit of hesitation, she said before hanging up.
Despite her reassurances, Ravi couldn't shake off the suspicion that lingered in the back of his mind. With a heavy sigh, Ravi pulled out his phone and dialed a number he had stored for emergencies. He knew that he needed someone trustworthy and skilled to keep an eye on Ayana without her knowledge. As the call connected, he kept his voice low, conveying the seriousness of the situation.
"Listen, I need you to do something for me."
He said.
"I need you to trail someone discreetly. Just keep an eye on her, make sure she's safe."
As he ended the call, Ravi couldn't help but feel torn. He wanted to respect Ayana's privacy, but her safety was the topmost priority for now.
♧♧♧
After her shift at the hospital ended, Ayana took a deep breath before retrieving the button phone that Zafar had used to contact her from the pocket of her coat. The device represented a connection to the past she was desperately trying to leave behind, yet it was also a potential key to unraveling the mystery surrounding Zafar's release.
As she examined the phone, her fingers moved with a mixture of determination and apprehension. She navigated through the device's menus, hoping to find any trace of Zafar's contact information or any clues that might lead her to the truth. Her heart raced as she searched through the phone's contents, her mind focused on the task at hand.
Finally, she stumbled upon the number from which Zafar called her that day. With a surge of hope, she took the phone to the nearest call center as she attempted to trace the number's origin, hoping it would provide her with answers. However, her hopes were quickly dashed as she discovered that the number was a burned one, making it nearly impossible to trace back to its source.
Frustration and worry flooded her thoughts. She had hit a dead end, and it seemed that Zafar had taken every precaution to cover his tracks. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on her.
♧♧♧
After a long and tiring surgery, Ayana sought a brief rest in her cabin. She closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts and find some peace in the recent turbulent events that had invaded her life. The days had been challenging, marked by Imraan's absence and the haunting reappearance of Zafar.
As she sat there, Ayana's mind inevitably drifted to her husband. The ache of missing him was intense, and she longed for his presence to provide her with the comfort and reassurance she needed. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang, and a smile spread across her face when she saw that it was a video call from Imraan.
The soft glow of the screen illuminated Ayana's features as she answered the incoming call from her husband. As the call connected, her heart skipped a beat when she saw his tired but familiar face on the screen. The time difference between their locations was evident from the darkness that surrounded him.
"Hey, Mr. Busy husband! How's your day been?"
Imraan smiled wearily at her.
"Long day, but seeing your face makes it all better."
As Ayana listened to Imraan's voice, she couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for him. His tiredness was evident, yet he had taken the time to reach out to her, and that simple act touched her deeply.
"You look exhausted, Imraan."
With a concerned look, she asked.
"Have you been working non-stop?"
Imraan's eyes held a mixture of fatigue and longing as he nodded in response. Despite the distance that separated them, Ayana could feel his weariness and the strain of his responsibilities.
"Yeah, it's been a busy day. But I had to see your face before I crashed for the night."
Yawning he replied.
"Well, I'm glad you called. It's always a bright spot in my day."
With a smile, she spoke.
Imraan's tiredness seemed to momentarily fade as he smiled at Ayana's words. The connection they shared was a lifeline that transcended physical distance and time zones.
"I wish I could be there with you. I miss being by your side."
He said with sleepy eyes.
"I miss you too, more than you can imagine."
She replied softly. Ayana's heart ached with the longing to be physically close to her husband.
Leaning in closer to the camera, Imraan spoke, as if he was sharing a secret with her.
"You know, talking to you like this is the highlight of my day."
"Oh really?"
With a slight blush, she laughed.
"So, I'm the highlight, huh?"
Imraan's gaze held a warmth that resonated through the screen, and Ayana felt her heart swell with affection for the man who meant the world to her.
"Always and forever."
He added softly.
"Same here."
With a gentle smile, she replied.
As they continued to talk, the weariness in Imraan's expression seemed to ease slightly, replaced by the comfort of Ayana's presence, even through a screen. The night was still young on his end, and Ayana knew that he needed rest.
"I should probably get some sleep."
Unable to hold any longer, he yawned for the third time.
"I'll be back before you know it."
"Take care of yourself, Imraan."
Softly, she said.
"I'll be waiting for you."
As the call ended and Imraan's tired face faded from the screen, Ayana couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. With a sigh, she closed her eyes for a moment, basking in the warmth of their conversation.
However, her moment of tranquility was abruptly shattered by a notification sound from the button phone.
You shouldn't have taken my words lightly.
Now face the consequences.
Ayana's heart raced as she read Zafar's ominous words. The weight of his threats hung heavily in the air, and her mind raced to decipher what he meant by 'consequences'. Fear and anxiety coursed through her veins, her thoughts racing as she tried to anticipate what was coming next.
Before she could fully process the threat, there was a knock at her door. Startled, Ayana composed herself
"W-who's there?"
"Ma'am, I am the ward boy."
The ward boy delivered a parcel.
"There's a parcel for you."
The sight of the parcel sent a shiver down Ayana's spine. Her hands trembled as she accepted the parcel, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Once the ward boy left, with trembling fingers, she carefully opened the parcel, her breath catching in her throat.
The parcel contained some clothes stained with what appeared to be blood.
Ayana's heart clenched with a mixture of shock and horror as she realized that the blood-stained clothes in the parcel were the very ones Imraan had been wearing during their video call.
♧♧♧
My poor Ayana! 😭
She has to go through a lot of things!💔
What do you guys think she should do?😞
What do you think Zafar did to Imraan? 😥
Do let me know in the comments and don't forget to vote and share.
Thank you for reading.♥