Episode 15
Outside, snow was falling, while inside the wooden cabin, peace lingered like warmth in the air. Atish was sitting on the sofa, a steaming cup of tea rested on the coffee table. His fingers slowly traced the handle of the cup as deep thoughts danced across his face.
Meher sat wrapped in a long blanket in the corner of the cabin. Atish's eyes went to her. Without a word, he reached out, picked up the cup, and gently placed it in her hands.
Meher looked at him, a little surprised. Her fingers rested on one side of the cup, while Atish's fingers were still on the other side — their hands briefly touched.
"You need this more than I do."
Their eyes met — and in that moment, time stood still.
Then Atish slowly leaned in and brushed the snow off her wet hair.
"You're something else. Mischievous like a child… and yet so incredibly innocent."
Meher gripped the cup tightly. Atish noticed her hands were cold. Without saying anything, he placed his warm fingers gently over hers. The warmth from his touch seeped into her very soul.
"These cold fingers… only I know how to warm them."
Atish gave a faint smile, his voice deep and soft. Meher got lost in that smile. The glow from the bonfire lit up both their faces, casting a soft, golden hue around them. The cabin felt safe… peaceful. Outside, the snow-covered world was just as beautiful.
There was nothing missing — except one thing:
Meher's voice.
But Atish no longer needed it. He was beginning to understand everything without her having to speak.
Meher slowly lifted the cup to her lips. Atish watched her every move. And in the next moment, he reached out and took the same cup from her hands — drinking from the exact same spot.
Meher looked at him, startled.
"Even my tea feels incomplete without you."
His tone was teasing, laced with mischief, and a devilish sparkle shone in his eyes. Meher flushed deep red in an instant. Outside, snow kept falling — and inside, their story of love continued quietly…
The college trip had stopped at a forest resort. After getting off the bus early that morning, all the students were having a great time. Aimal and Momina were enjoying themselves too.
"Good thing we came here. Now even Rafay doesn't know where you are. Just relax now, no stress — and definitely no fear. Come on!"
Momina said cheerfully, but Aimal still felt uneasy. She tried to speak, but Momina continued:
"You seriously imagine a stalker everywhere, like you're living in a novel. Chill, girl! It's just the two of us here."
She laughed playfully. Aimal stayed silent, but deep inside, a strange fear was tightening its grip around her — like something bad was about to happen.
A voice kept echoing in her mind:
"I'm everywhere, Aimal… around you, always."
As evening approached, all the students began heading to their cabins. Darkness slowly crept in, and a faint rustling could be heard from the forest around them.
"Today was amazing! I still can't believe we've come so far on this trip,"
Momina said, laughing. Aimal gave a weak smile and nodded, but her attention remained fixed on her surroundings. She felt like someone was watching her.
Just as they reached their cabin, Aimal's phone vibrated.
"Unknown Number."
She didn't answer — just stared at the screen.
"What happened?"
Momina asked.
"Nothing… just some unknown number,"
Aimal replied nervously.
"Probably a wrong number. Forget it!"
Momina rolled her eyes.
As Aimal stepped forward, another message popped up:
"If you try to run too much, remember — the forest is long… and lonely."
Aimal's throat went dry. She looked around — but no one was there. The darkness suddenly seemed deeper.
She remembered blocking Rafay's number… so who was this?
Momina began to say something when the phone vibrated again. This time, just two words:
"Turn around."
Aimal spun around in shock — no one. Only the wind blew, and the trees swayed in the distance.
Momina had already gone inside. Aimal quickly shut the cabin door behind her and collapsed on the bed. But just then, the cabin's light flickered for a second.
Panic shot through her.
And then, out of nowhere — a hand came from behind, covering her mouth.
Her scream died inside her.
☆☆☆
Aeni looked out the window. Evening was descending. The orange sun was slowly dissolving into the blue sea. A chilly breeze whispered through the air, but there was a turmoil stirring within her. Amaan had proposed, and he was about to send a formal proposal, but was she truly ready?
To escape her rising and falling thoughts, she picked up her phone—and saw Amaan's name glowing on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat, as if someone had read her hidden thoughts.
"Hello,"
Aeni said softly.
"Aeni,"
Amaan's voice was, as always, deep and heavy.
"Are you okay?"
Aeni thought for a moment and stayed silent... Was she really okay? Amaan noticed her silence.
"If you want, you can tell me what's on your heart."
Aeni hid a faint smile and said,
"I was just thinking."
"Oh? About what?"
Aeni looked out the window again, at the fading evening, as if it too was dissolving slowly like her heart.
"How are you so sure?"
Amaan paused for a few seconds, then replied in a low, steady voice,
"I've already seen my place in your eyes. Now I'm just waiting for you to see it too."
Aeni looked at her phone in disbelief. Her heart knew—Amaan wasn't lying.
"And what if I take too long?"
she asked softly.
Amaan smiled—a smile that was clear in his voice too.
"Then I can wait."
"But why?"
Aeni asked involuntarily. Amaan let out a soft laugh.
"Because your happiness matters more to me than anything."
Aeni closed her eyes. That feeling… Amaan's words reached deep into her soul. It wasn't just love—it was respect, trust, and a promise of a relationship built not just on affection but on understanding and equality.
"If you're not ready, I can wait—until you are absolutely sure. Until your heart says 'yes.' The choice will always be yours."
This time, Amaan's voice was deeper, more grounded.
Tears welled up in Aeni's eyes. How strange, people say everything in love happens fast… but what's real?
It doesn't rush...
It doesn't demand…
It understands. It waits.
Aeni took a deep breath, then whispered,
"Maybe I'm getting ready too."
"Then let's leave the rest to time,"
Amaan replied with a smile.
And at that moment, Aeni realized—marriage isn't just a relationship, it's a feeling. One that should only be embraced when it's truly understood.
Scene 2 – Atish and Meher
There was a faint scent of burning wood in the cabin, frost forming on the window glass, and a deep silence that was the essence of this place. Yet there was one place where peace didn't exist—
Atish's heart.
In one corner of the sofa, Meher sat curled in her shawl, her nose red, eyes heavy with sleep. Her wet hair clung to her cheeks. Atish looked at her with a hint of anger, but today it had gone too far. What was the need to get soaked in the rain like this?
"Only you can do something this ridiculous—risk your life just for the rain,"
Atish said as he approached her, voice laced with frustration and firmness.
Meher slowly lifted her eyes, as if silently saying, Yes, because I love the rain. Atish read the answer in her gaze, then gently placed his warm hand on her cheek.
"Do you even realize, Meher, how even your smallest carelessness can make me so restless?"
Meher looked at him as if saying, Who would know that better than me?
He touched her forehead with his fingers, checking her temperature. Without saying another word, he picked up a tablet and a cup of tea from the table and handed them to her.
"Here. Drink this. No arguments."
Atish said gently, yet firmly. Meher pouted and shook her head from side to side. The color in Atish's eyes deepened.
"If you insist on being stubborn, I'll have to fix you in my way."
He looked into her eyes, voice softer now.
The flicker of Meher's eyelashes captured all of his attention—her innocent face, the water dripping from her wet hair, her flushed cheeks…
Without wasting a second, he lifted the cup to her lips. As soon as she sipped, a sense of calm spread across her face. Atish, suppressing a smile, watched her—now she was drinking the tea herself.
He gently held her hand and began to rub it.
"You're so strange, Meher. In one moment, you drive me crazy… and in the next, you become my whole world."
Meher lifted her eyes and looked at him.
Inside the cabin, only the soft crackling of the fireplace, the warmth of Atish's breath, and the music of Meher's restlessness played. Outside, the snow was still falling on the mountains… and inside, a heart was slowly melting.
☆☆☆
The night was deep and filled with fear. The wind howled fiercely, and somewhere in the distance, the terrifying cries of wild animals echoed through the forest. Aimal's eyes were blindfolded, and her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest. Her hands were tied with ropes, and strange, heavy, sorrowful voices surrounded her.
"Let me go! Why... why are you doing this?"
Aimal tried to scream.
Whoever was in front of her laughed mercilessly.
"Girls like you aren't kidnapped to be let go, sweetheart."
A filthy voice said, followed by the sound of laughter. One of the men tried to come closer to her. Aimal's eyes welled up with tears.
"Stay away… stay away from me!"
She cried helplessly. She jerked her hands hard, but it was useless — she couldn't move. Desperately, she prayed to God, begging for someone to save her.
Before the man could touch her, a cold, spine-chilling voice echoed through the air.
"If anyone even tries to touch her, you won't live to feel the pain of your hand being severed. I don't just take lives — I erase existences."
Aimal froze. That voice… and then came the sound of someone screaming, someone collapsing. Her heart skipped a beat. She could only hear the chaos — bones cracking, chairs crashing, people crying out — and then, silence.
A cold hand pulled away her blindfold. The sudden light made her squint, but the man who stood in front of her still shook her soul to its core.
Raafay Shah.
Wearing a black shirt with the top two buttons undone, sleeves casually rolled up, his strong arms clearly visible. A faded scar marked his right forearm. Sweat and a light layer of dust covered his face, but there was no anger or restlessness. Perhaps it disappeared the moment he saw her.
Aimal stared at him. He stood there like it was no big deal, while the thugs lay sprawled on the floor. He glanced deeply at her, then leaned closer, and in a calm, composed voice said:
"If you have any complaints, you're free to say them."
He spoke carelessly.
"I'm not in the habit of listening, but this state of yours — I didn't cause it."
His words weren't gentle, but there was a sharpness that made her heartbeat race.
Aimal slowly moved her dry lips. Her voice was more felt than heard:
"H… how did you… know I was here… I mean you…"
She couldn't form the words.
Raafay took a step closer and bent down to look straight into her eyes, like he was reaching her soul.
"You can hide, Aimy… but not from me."
His voice was steady as always.
Aimal stared at him in panic.
"How did I know?" he repeated her question.
"Wherever you go, my eyes will always be on you. Whether it's light or darkness, even if your shadow loses its way, I'll be the one to guide it back."
She couldn't respond. He wasn't just saying it — he was everywhere.
He moved forward and began untying her hands.
"I have a habit of protecting what's mine. And once something is mine, no one has the right to even touch it."
His voice echoed close to her ear.
"But how did you find me?"
He stood up straight and helped her stand, pulling her close.
"There are people around you… my people."
Raafay's smile deepened. Aimal was stunned.
"They signaled me. And look — I left everything and came to you."
Then he leaned in again.
"Understand now? I'm everywhere, Aimal. Around you. Always."
The light was dim, but what little there was, fell directly on Aimal's innocent face. Her large eyes, always a test of Raafay's patience, glistened slightly with tears, making her look even more beautiful. Her silky hair flowed over her shoulders.
Raafay's anger and smile faded away. He clenched his fists.
Aimal blinked slowly, as if trying to believe that the same man who always exerted his dominance had truly left everything just for her. Her throat went dry.
"Raafay…"
But he cut her off.
"You ran from me because you thought I was dangerous. Now tell me — who saved you from the ones who really were?"
Aimal fell silent. She hadn't expected him to say that. It shook her world.
Raafay gently placed a hand on her cheek.
"You're mine, Aimy. You just need to understand that."
But the very next second, Aimal broke down, crying hard against his chest. There was no need to say anything. She cried more than she ever had in her life.
Raafay stood frozen for a moment — this was the moment he had waited for. He didn't let go of her, not even for a second. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.
"No one can lay a finger on you now."
He wasn't just speaking — he was making a vow.
Aimal rested her head on his chest.
"If you…"
"I'm always with you, Aimy. You just need to see it."
Raafay stepped back a little.
"No, I just…"
Aimal wiped her tears, her voice choked.
"Stop being afraid, Aimy — because I'm not your fear. I'm your peace."
He leaned in near her lips, whispering.
Aimal felt dizzy. Her heart said yes, but her mind…
Raafay pulled back and looked at her.
"Now I want only one thing."
Aimal looked at him slowly.
"What?"
"Nikah."
Aimal looked at him, shocked.
"What!"
Raafay suddenly turned serious.
"From here, either you walk out with me, or become part of someone else's life. The choice is yours. But listen, Aimal…"
He paused and gripped her wrist.
"If you leave me… remember, I'll come back for you. Every time. Everywhere."
Aimal's heart nearly stopped. What was happening?
Raafay took both her hands in his.
"If you don't trust me, look into my eyes just once and tell me… is anything I'm saying a lie?"
She had no answer. His grip tightened.
"If you don't marry me… don't ever try to talk to me again. Because I won't let you live."
There was madness in his eyes.
"Say it. Yes or no."
Aimal looked into his eyes. Could she ever say no to this man?
Never.
One second… two seconds…
And then she lowered her gaze.
Raafay Shah had won.
☆☆☆
A Silent Night
A gentle, cool breeze
brushed against the river's waves.
The wooden bridge swayed slightly over the water.
Fireflies glimmered in the darkness,
as if enhancing the moonlight.
The sky, adorned with stars,
looked brighter tonight—
as if just for the two of them.
Everything felt like a dream.
Meher adjusted the black chiffon dupatta over her shoulders.
Her open hair danced with the wind.
Her heart felt oddly restless—
as if it had just sensed something.
She closed her eyes
and took a long breath,
wanting to feel this beautiful moment.
Just then, Atish placed his hands on both sides of the railing behind her.
Meher was caught in the middle,
with no way out.
Her breath hitched—
a faint smile, a flicker of unease,
yet deep inside, a strange calm settled over her.
Atish stepped closer.
His shadow merged with hers.
Startled, Meher looked back at him.
His closeness was making her anxious.
Atish gently placed his hand on her waist
and pulled her toward him.
His face was now inches from hers,
so close that Meher could feel his breath against her lips.
He touched her cheek,
a touch so light it felt like a breeze.
Meher slowly opened her eyes
and looked directly into his deep brown ones.
"I've thought many times about walking away from you,
but every time, your smile pulled me back.
You don't even know, Meher...
you're no longer just a habit, you've become a necessity."
A soft blush rose to her cheeks.
He lifted her chin
and moved closer to her face.
With his other hand,
he took hers and placed it over his chest.
She could feel his heartbeat pounding in her palm.
She closed her eyes,
her heart now refusing to let go.
Atish gently placed his lips on her forehead.
She felt the warmth of his breath against her skin,
and her cheeks flushed even more.
"You are that part of my life, Meher,
that I can't live without—
and can never fully hold, even when you're near."
Meher softly looked into his eyes.
Even the fireflies seemed to sparkle in them.
Atish brought her hand to his lips,
the one resting on his chest.
"You are mine, Meher.
And I don't need the world to know that—
your smile, your glance…
that's all I need to feel it."
He looked at her for a second,
as if trying to read her heart.
Meher lowered her eyes,
hiding a smile.
And he laughed softly.
The room was silent.
A dim glow spread across every corner.
Arees sat on a chair,
a glass of whiskey in his hand,
as if holding it was second nature.
His fingers danced around the glass.
There was a restlessness in his eyes—
a burning hunger
like a predator, starving before a hunt.
"What I had planned,
and what's actually happening, Meher!"
His voice was heavy,
his smile deep.
He stood up slowly
and began rolling up his sleeves,
only to roll them back down the next second.
Some habits never leave a man.
"When something begins to collapse on its own,
all it takes is one final push."
A message blinked on his phone—
one that had arrived long ago,
still glowing on the screen:
"The pawn is in position."
After one glance,
he flipped the phone face down.
He didn't need to see anything else.
"Princess…
time is no longer on your side."
His smile deepened.
To be continued…