اک عمر بعد ملے ہیں ہم
تیرے نام کی اج شام ہے

Monday - 8:18pm

The rain poured heavily outside, the stars a distant memory now. Cold gripped the city with even more ferocity, the chill and harsh winds a stimulus for taking refuge inside the comforts of home. The inside of the apartment, however, was warm with the crackling fire in a battle against the cold.

Nearby, Hemayal occupied a sofa by the television, directly facing the fireplace, with Ibrahim standing by the window, a cup of coffee in his hand as he gazed mindlessly outside. He had showered, the reek of police station, heartbreak and regrets washed away, and now he stood in his sweatpants and a sweater, slowly coming back to the attire Hemayal was used to seeing him in.

"I think..." Hemayal coughed uneasily. "I think I should go, your father and brother would be here any minute." Hemayal began to get up, the silence between them for the past few minutes too harsh on her soul.

"So?" Ibrahim mumbled, still facing the window with his back to Hemayal.

He had not looked at her once since forgiving her.

"So I'm sure you guys will have important stuff to deal with. I'll just be a hindrance, it's better if I go." Hemayal said, collecting her things from the coffee table.

And she didn't want to face Mustafa so soon, but she didn't dare utter that thought.

"Tonight," Ibrahim turned towards her finally, his eyes distant and lost. "I have no intention of dealing with any of the mess. Maybe tomorrow, but not tonight."

"What do you plan on doing tonight then?" Hemayal asked, looking at him with sad eyes and a frown displacing her lips.

"Tonight, I want to fix us." Ibrahim said, his voice losing the mumble and coming to be a bit clear now. "Because God knows if we don't do it tonight, we never will."

A silence fell on Hemayal as she saw him, heard him. He wanted to fix things, no matter how bad and ugly, that rested between them; he wanted to give their relationship another chance; he wanted to talk.

And in that moment, Hemayal realized something - all and everything that transpired between them, all the ugly spats and horrible encounters - none of it would have happened had they talked. Just sat somewhere and listened to each other - not with the intention of manipulation or corruption, only to try and make things better for the future - like he was doing right now.

"For that, we have to talk." This time, Hemayal mumbled while nodding and Ibrahim sighed.

"For that, we have to talk," Ibrahim repeated before approaching her, coming to stand directly in front of her so that Hemayal had to tilt her head upwards to catch a glance. "It's difficult, I know. It's going to be painful. But you know the one thing that went wrong in our relationship?"

"We never talked." Hemayal followed his movement as he slowly pulled the purse off her shoulder, taking the mobile and car keys from her hand.

"Yes, not once, not really. Tonight, we talk," Ibrahim gently pushed her down on the couch and occupied a seat few inches apart himself, determination in his eyes. "Can I say something to you?"

"Sure." She wasn't sure, not an ounce.

"The idea of forgiving you terrifies me," Ibrahim said and Hemayal closed her eyes and sighed heavily, heart in deep pain. "You did it once, what's going to stop you from doing it again if something happens in the future?"

"Don't do something like that in the future." Hemayal answered, coiling her hands and burying them deep in her lap as she placed her legs beneath her.

"I'll try not to. But let's just say something happens, something I do that hurts you deeply, what will you do then?" Ibrahim asked, his face solemn as he bent forward, placing his elbows on his knees.

"I can't make decisions based on assumptions, Ibrahim, but...but maybe I'll talk to you, like we're doing right now...maybe I'll give you an edge then, benefit of doubt or whatever you call it. But you also have to realize that I can't let you off the hook forever just because I wronged you this one time...I have a heart to protect." Hemayal answered truthfully, no amount of hesitation or caution left in her eyes.

"I get it, I get it," Ibrahim raked a hand through his hair, messing the already rough strands. "I just...I just need you to promise me that you won't jump to conclusions anymore - you tend to do that a lot," Ibrahim chuckled humourlessly as he bent his head and Hemayal pressed her lips. "If something happens, you'll come to me, you'll talk me and we'll figure something out. Okay?"

"Okay." It was easy to accept for it was the only thing that made even the slightest of sense. And after everything, she'd learned her lesson - other than her heart, she also had a relationship to protect.

"And...do you really forgive me?" Ibrahim asked and Hemayal looked up at him, a small smile coming to rest on her lips.

"Yeah, I think so. But the thing is, blaming you is all I've ever known and despite knowing it was God's will, a small part of me still blames you for Dadu's death and I'm sorry but I'm only just a human, Ibrahim, I have to put my blame somewhere if I want to sleep at night," when Ibrahim raised his head and began to speak, Hemayal hurriedly shook her head.

"I know, I know. It's irrational. He didn't die because of you, he died because he loved me too much." Hemayal said, voice heavy with unshed tears and aches.

Her voice had slowed at the end, the mention of Dadu always leaving a wake of tears and emotions behind - will she ever be over his death?

"Hemayal, as much as I don't like you blaming me, I don't want you to blame yourself either. But if it's got to be someone, blame me. Curse me. Don't do this to yourself." Ibrahim's voice was urgent, pained and desperate as he took Hemayal's hands in his own, dropping a kiss on her knuckles and a lone tear finally left Hemayal's eye.

"No, it is my fault. If he hadn't loved me the way he did, he might have still been alive. It is because of me." Hemayal said, pressing her lips a little too tightly to arrest the tears but now, the dam was broken and there was no bridge in sight.

Blaming someone else for Dadu's death was easy - it was convenient, but she never thought she'd have to blame herself. Even the thought that she could also be the reason for Dadu's death - oh, it was all the shades of pain and agony.

"Who told you that? Hemayal, why are you thinking like this?" Ibrahim removed the cushion placed between them and pulled Hemayal to him, circling his arm around her shoulder as she dropped her head on his chest in defeat.

Slowly, Ibrahim ran his fingers through her hair as she clutched on to his sweater for dear life and when her tears didn't cease even after a few minutes, he mumbled.

"Look, alright, let's go back to you blaming me for it, okay?"

And Hemayal laughed.

"Don't be stupid." She said, a smile dancing on her lips, as she straightened a little in her place, wiping the tears with the tissue Ibrahim had offered her.

"No, I mean it. I know your Dadu meant a lot to you, probably more than anyone else in the world, and this thought that you were the reason for his death must be killing you. So please, don't think like that. Put the blame on me, I can bear that, but I can't bear you crying like this." Ibrahim said, slowly and gently, as he wiped the remaining tears from her face, looking into her swollen eyes with nothing but compassion.

"I'll get over it." Hemayal whispered as she tore her gaze away from his, breathing deeply to steady her erratic heart.

"It took you what, two, three months to forgive me. How long is it going to take you to forgive yourself?" Ibrahim asked, shaking his head in worry.

"I'll find someone else to blame." She'd tried to joke, her failed attempt to lighten the mood, but the solemn expressions on Ibrahim's face straightened her smile.

"Blame me and if you can't do that, blame fate or whatever. Just make peace with the fact that it was his time and that even if nothing had happened that day, maybe he still would have died." Ibrahim said emphatically, placing a palm against Hemayal's cheek and she leaned against it for anchor.

"You think so?" Hemayal mumbled, eyes sad and what Ibrahim wouldn't give to take that away.

"I know so. He only had that much to live, baby. Please, make peace with it. Don't hurt yourself like this." Ibrahim said, rubbing slow circles across her temple as he said and Hemayal nodded.

"I'll think about it." She whispered, nodding with lost eyes.

"Please do." Ibrahim said, the desperate expressions on his face making Hemayal's frown split into a smile.

"Worry is becoming you." She remarked and Ibrahim shook his head as he laughed, letting go of her head gently.

"Do you forgive me?" Hemayal asked after she'd drank the water Ibrahim had brought her from the kitchen, nerves all soothed now.

"We can continue this conversation some other time if you like, honey. You don't have to do this now." Ibrahim said, placing his arm around Hemayal's shoulders once again and bringing her close, their scent and heat mixing.

"I want it done with." Hemayal answered, placing her head on his shoulder as she flexed her knees together beneath her.

"We have forever." Ibrahim said and Hemayal's heart came to a screeching halt.

Yes, they had forever...

"I like the sound of that," she whispered as he took Ibrahim's hand in her own, placing them in her lap and Ibrahim chuckled slightly as he dropped a small kiss on her head. "But...I'd rather we talk now and just be done with it."

"Okay." He said, gently tapping her head distractedly.

"So, do you forgive me?" Hemayal asked and could feel rather than see the tension tightening his muscles.

"Yes, I do. With all the mess I'm stuck in now, however, it's going to be hard to forget but I'll get over it." Ibrahim sighed as he said and Hemayal snuggled in closer when she felt the emotional distance settling between them.
Maybe he sensed it too for he only tightened his hold on her and a warmth like never before gushed inside her at the minimal gesture.

"Is your job safe?" Hemayal asked and felt Ibrahim shrugging.

"Hardly, but I have a meeting with my boss in the morning. We'll see what happens." Ibrahim answered and Hemayal nodded.

"And the family business?" She probed.

"Let's just say this was a scandal we could have done well without but it'll survive, it always does. And the good thing is, I never directly interfered in business matters so it won't be that bad there." Ibrahim replied, his every bad news pulling on the strings of her heart.

Maybe Ibrahim felt her remorse, felt her guilt for destroying all he'd ever known, all of his success and hardwork, for he placed a thumb under her chin and tilted her head upwards, his gaze pained but soft.

"I'm not telling you all of this to make you feel sorry. What you did was wrong but you had a right, so I'm not blaming you here. Whatever happened, it happened. And I might be upset for the way things are right now but trust me, I wouldn't change them because every shock and tragedy led me to you. It gave me you." Ibrahim finished with a small smile on his perfectly carved face and Hemayal felt a small smile of her own gracing her lips.

"Your family will blame me." Hemayal said after a second, going back to their previous position of her head on his shoulder and his fingers running through her hair.

"Only Mustafa knows and he'll be fine. And honestly, Hemayal, when it comes to us, only you and I matter. Nobody else." Ibrahim emphasized again and Hemayal felt relief flooding her insides.

"So, what happens now?" Hemayal asked, her fingers running mindless against the back of his hand.

"Are you talking about Rukhsati?" Ibrahim stilled for a moment.

"I was not but now I am. Do you want it to happen?" Hemayal asked, turning her head back to look up at him, brows creased.

"Of course, I do. It's the only plausible thing to do now," Ibrahim said, looking at her cautiously as he tested her expressions. "Do you not want it?"

"No, no...it isn't that," Hemayal began, sighing. "It's just so soon. Yesterday, I was full on hating you and now we're talking about Rukhsati. It just baffles me how quickly things are going."

"Change is the only constant, baby," Ibrahim said, kissing her temple and Hemayal almost melted in his embrace. "And besides, we're not talking about tomorrow. Let me deal with this mess first and then we'll see what happens."

"Yeah, alright." Hemayal nodded.

"And even after everything, it won't be so easy. Sure your brother supported me through everything but your family will need some convincing after the whole case and-" Ibrahim continued, brows furrowing in apprehension and Hemayal cut him off with a sarcastic laugh.

"Sure they will." Hemayal said, shaking her head in a laugh.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" He asked, confused.

"My father has complete faith in you, Ibrahim, to the point where it's disturbing for me." Hemayal informed him and Ibrahim stilled for a second before pulling back, aiming to get a clearer look at her face.

"And why is that disturbing for you? Isn't that one less trouble we'd have to go through?" Ibrahim asked, confusion marring his face.

"If only he had that much faith in me." Hemayal replied, voice slow and if Ibrahim weren't so close, he probably wouldn't have heard her but he did and now his forehead was tightened in even firmer knots.

"Hemayal?" Ibrahim said and when Hemayal turned to look at him, voiced further. "Do you have some issues with your father?"

"That's a discussion for some other time." Hemayal replied, cautious.

"Are you sure? Is it because of me or maybe-" And for the second time that day, Hemayal cut Ibrahim off.

"Ibrahim, to discuss my relationship with my father, we'd need a whole another night. And tonight's just not the night. As you said before, tonight we discuss us, so let's leave my father for some other time." Hemayal replied, voice firm and Ibrahim instantly raised his hand in the air.

"Sure, alright. Not tonight. But we will have this conversation some other time." Ibrahim said, his voice bordering firmness too and Hemayal nodded in acceptance.

Hemayal kept looking in his eyes for a second before her walls that had gone soaring at the mention of her father crumbled and she let out a troubled sigh. Crawling back in his embrace, she took his arm, circling it around her waist and pressed her face against his side. Inhaling deeply, she worried for a moment that he might reject her embrace.

But he didn't.

After only a second, he tightened his hold and let out a deep breath and all of the tensions and worries flew out of her brain. There was something about Ibrahim's arms around her that she couldn't quite place - safety, anchor, peace, she understood those; but the way her heart instantly slowed to a steady rhythm, the manner in which every knot in her body loosened itself slowly - she'd never felt it a day before in all her life; she didn't want a day to go without feeling it anymore.

"If I tell you something now, will you believe me?" Hemayal asked, more like mumbled, in his shoulder.

"Depends." Ibrahim said and a small chuckle left her lips.

"I didn't break the news on the media, it wasn't me." Hemayal said and heard Ibrahim take a deep breath above her.

"Hemayal, it doesn't really matter now. What's done is done." Ibrahim said and Hemayal shook her head, taking her head off his shoulder and looking straight in his eyes.

"It matters. The arrest wouldn't have affected you that much, you might even have walked out of it unscathed. But it was the media knowing and broadcasting it so much that ultimately worsened everything." Hemayal said, eyes wide as she tried to explain it to him.

"I thought it was part of your plan." Ibrahim mumbled, his brows tightening as he thoughtfully gazed behind her.

"No, it wasn't. I initially wanted to do it but Danyal talked me out of it, said it would make the damage too permanent. We did not break the news on the media, Ibrahim. It was someone else's doing." Hemayal said, wanting Ibrahim to believe her so desperately.

"Maybe he changed his mind afterwards." Ibrahim said, eyes still lost in thought.

"I thought so too, so I went to see him before I came here. But it wasn't him," Hemayal said, trying to read even a little of his thoughts through his face but failed miserably. "Do you believe me?"

At that, Ibrahim's eyes lost its thought and gained focus, returning to land on the woman who looked at him with wide, scared eyes and a dreadful expression. The smile that broke across his face was one of mischief and comfort and Hemayal's insides warmed instantly.

"Yeah, I do," he said before a grin split his lips. "I never thought a day would come where my trust would matter so much to you."

"It's not day, it's night." Hemayal mumbled but smiled anyway, relief warming her.

"So, who do you think did it? According to what your brother told me, the news was out only fifteen minutes after the arrest." Ibrahim questioned, the serious expressions returning to mark his face and now that Hemayal wasn't too worried about his trust, she thought of the matter at hand.

"Maybe the police." She guessed but Ibrahim shook his head in denial.

"No, I don't think so. The way the news was manipulated, the way the entire media broadcasted it, it can't be the police. They don't have the resources," Ibrahim said, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. "And Abbottabad police, we know. Baba's friends with the DCO. It was Islamabad police that was a real problem but I wasn't transferred to Islamabad until almost two hours later."

"Your father has enemies. Maybe you do, too." Hemayal guessed further, her own lips pressed in thought too.

"Maybe but fifteen minutes is too less of a time for them to know every detail, leak it to all news channels and then have it repeated continuously." Ibrahim said before he leaned back in his place, fingers going to his eyebrows to ease the tension.

"Then who?" She asked in confusion of her own.

"I don't know. I went there alone, no body knew except Mustafa where I was going and the police were already there. The person who recorded the footage, maybe he was from the police but working for someone else?" Ibrahim said, looking at Hemayal for answers but neither of them had any - only questions.

"Yeah, someone from the police, working for some enemy of yours. That makes sense." Hemayal said, placing a hand on his bicep to offer the only two things she could - comfort and reason.

"Yeah, everything makes sense except one - how did they know I was going to be arrested? They were prepared, whoever they are, but how were they prepared?" Ibrahim asked, voice rising in proportion to the confusion around them.

"I don't know, Ibrahim, but we'll figure it out. Whatever this confusion is, it'll be over." Hemayal said, clutching his bicep to remind him of realities.

"I hope so." Ibrahim said, running a shaking hand all over his face as he leaned forward - tired, drained and confused.

"I know so," Hemayal repeated his words and was successful in extracting a smile from him - albeit small. "And it's late, I should go now."
"It is late." He said, as his gaze absently went to the night sprawled outside - the rain now stopped.

"When will your family be here? It's already so late." Hemayal asked as she stood, gathering her things once again from the coffee table.

"I called Mustafa, told him to come late." Ibrahim said as he walked her to the door, the gait of his still unsure and confused from their conversation and Hemayal almost wished she hadn't told him.

"And your Ammu? When will you go see her?" Hemayal asked as she watched Ibrahim drape a coat over himself with a frown tilting her lips.

"Tomorrow, after the meeting. If all goes well, I'll stay with her for a few days." Ibrahim informed her and a small, naive part of her rose up in protest - they'd just met, after so, so many heartbreaks and aches - she didn't want the world to distance them so soon.
But his mother needed him too and she understood the pain of a mother, knew what hell she must be going through right now.

"She's fine now, right?" Hemayal asked and Ibrahim nodded.

"Come!" As Ibrahim ushered her out the door, following closely behind, Hemayal's steps arrested.

"Where do you think you're going?" She asked, tilting her head to side as she gazed at him with narrowed eyes.

"Dropping you home?" Ibrahim said, unsure.

"No, not happening. You need to rest. Go back in there, get some sleep in you and I'll inform you when I get home." Hemayal said, placing a hand on his chest and slightly pushing him inside.

"It's raining outside, not to mention dark. I am dropping you home." Ibrahim said fixedly, although his gaze gentle, and began to walk past her to the elevator.

"Ibrahim, please. You need to rest, the past two days have been hard and I don't want another account on me if something happens to you. Rest." Hemayal said, fixing her feet on the ground as Ibrahim called the elevator, looking back at her with stubborn eyes.

"I will once I drop you. Come." Ibrahim said just as the elevator door opened and when Hemayal didn't move an inch, he sighed and took slow steps towards her.

"Do you want to stay the night? That can end this debate." Ibrahim said with mischief to his voice and Hemayal punched him slightly on the shoulder.

"No, thanks. I'd like to go home," she said, small smile playing on her lips. "But, please. I mean look at you, you look like you'll drop any second."

"Hemayal..." Ibrahim sighed in annoyance, voice raised a notch at her stubbornness and Hemayal sighed.

"I'll inform you as soon as I get home, I promise." Hemayal said, gently tapping his face before moving towards the elevator.

"Wait." Ibrahim turned hurriedly, catching her by the waist and engulfing her in a hug.
All thoughts left her and so did tensions as she melted in his embrace, eyes closing in peace and tranquility. He smelled of cologne, wood, soap and him, and Hemayal knew what her new favourite scent was.

"Drive safe." He mumbled in his hair, kissing it slowly, as he gave in and Hemayal nodded before pulling back.

"I will." She smiled, a full-on goofy, ear-to-ear smile that knocked Ibrahim's breath out his very lungs, and turned away.

This time, Ibrahim didn't stop her and once she was inside the elevator and he by his door, a grin came to rest on his face as he stared at her from afar, all the shades of peace sprawled across his face.

Just as the elevator door was closing, he shifted a little and mouthed three words and just like that, breath arrested in Hemayal's throat as the smile vanished, the canvas of her heart in chaos.

"I love you."

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So, how was it? Things are moving towards an end. What do you expect?

Till next time,
Salam!