Samar's POV

Her eyes, oh those captivating eyes, pierce into my soul like daggers. Anger blazes within them, as if she wants to kil me with a single glance.

I type again, teasing her:

"They're still prettiest, Love. Even when you stare at me."

Through the rearview mirror, I watch her every reaction. Her eyes flash with intensified anger as she reads the message.

Then- she blocks me.

My response? A shameless, satisfied laugh. It's exhilarating, teasing her.

Alina Aunty's sudden exclamation cuts through the air: "Oh my god, Samar, you can laugh!" Her smile illuminates the space between us. "It's a new thing," she adds.

I instantly suppress my smile. Laughter was a luxury to me I could rarely afford.But after I met Maryam I find myself smiling and laughing everyday.

My life has been shrouded in sadness and loneliness since Mamma's passing. The pain of her absence gnaws at me every day.

Sometimes this pain escalates to a point where I dont feel alive or I dont wanna feel alive.

But In Maryam's presence, I suddenly want to live,She give me reasons to smile.She give me hope.

Sharing the same air as her is a privilege. She is with me, in my car, and I'm desperate to savor every moment. Soon, we will reach her home and, leaving me to navigate life's emptiness once more.

We arrive at her home.As Maryam reaches for the door to get out of the car, I swiftly press the lock button, simulating a malfunction.

Maryam tugs on the handle, her brow furrowing. "It won't open."

Anaya Aunty ask, "What's wrong,Maryam?"

"I think it's jammed," I reply, shrugging. "Let me check."

I exit the car, pretending to examine the door.

I open the door,"Must be a technical issue."

She steps out of the car and rolls her eyes saying," I am not a fool,Dont tell me your luxurious car have a stuck door."

I smile admiring her wit.

"Your home is so close from the NGO.I wish it had more distance." I state.

Two bodyguards steps out of there vehicle and surrounds us.

Maryam seems uncomfortable.

"Give me your answer before 9,Careful It should be a yes." I say, leaning in, my neck bent.

Maryam's tone remains serious. "Listen, stop bothering me. You're Alina Aunty's nephew; that's why I'm handling this lightly. Stop threatening me."

"Love,you're so kind and compassionate to think about Alina aunty," I respond. "But you don't seem obedient. I told you to wear olive-colored hijab but you didnt wear"

Maryam looks away, suppressing her anger. "I'm giving you a final warning: stay away from me. Think about Alina Aunty - how heartbroken she must feel knowing her nephew stalks women while she works tirelessly for women's empowerment."

" I dont stalk women." I chuckle.

"What? Am I not a women." She says.

" You are my woman" I say,looking into hwr eyes."So it doesnt count as stalking."

" You are psycho." She says and walk to her house.

She turns back and I am still looking at her.She glares at me,slamming the door shut.

...............

We sit in the opulent dining room of Capital Tech's headquarters, the city skyline gleaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Your performance has impressed the board members," Dad says, his eyes shining with pride.

"And now," he continues, setting his fork down, "I've decided to pass the torch. Two weeks from now, you'll take my seat as CEO."

My mind racing with the thoughts,

Just two more weeks until I achieve my life's goal.

Just two more weeks until I take everything this man has take from my mother.

Just two more week to make things right.

Just two more week to do justice to my mother.

"I want Capital Tech to soar to new heights under your leadership," he says, his voice filled with conviction.

" I will try my best" I reply.
---

Maryam's POV

It's 4 pm, and Anaya still isn't home. I dial her number, I have to discuss her about samar.

She can help me with this.He is alina aunty's nephew Anaya will be really amazed.

"Hey, how's the patient?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

"The condition isn't good yet," Anaya replies, her voice laced with concern. "I'll be here for a while."

Patient is a close family member of Faris.Faris also went to hospital after reporting to his office.

We hang up, and I refocus on my studies. I spread out my mains exam's booklist and start crafting a study strategy.

Just as I'm getting into the zone, my phone rings. My heart sinks, thinking it's Samar. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the screen.

But when I see Rumi's name - my sister - a wave of relief washes over me.

"Hello, Rumi! How are you? How's Baba and Ammi?" I ask, trying to sound cheerful.

"We're all good," Rumi replies, her tone noticeably subdued. "How are you?"

I sense a hint of concern in her voice, but I brush it off. "I'm fine, thanks. I saw the picture you sent last night - the Arabic calligraphy? It's gorgeous!"

I make a mental note to apologize for not responding earlier. "I'm so sorry I didn't reply yesterday. I was busy studying."

Rumi's silence on the other end makes me wonder if everything's truly okay.

"Rumi, is everything alright?" I press, my concern growing.

"Everything's fine here," Rumi says, her tone gentle. "You tell me about yourself. You seem different lately, is everything okay? Is there something you're hiding from me?"

I pause, unsure how to respond. My mind races with the chaos in my life.

How can I explain the tangled web of emotions, the weight of secrets, and the uncertainty that's been suffocating me? How can I make her understand the things that even I struggle to comprehend?

"I'm fine, Rumi," I say finally, forcing a reassurance I don't feel.

But Rumi's silence on the other end tells me she's not convinced.

---
Faris and Anaya came really late last night and I could not get time to tell them about samar.

I reached the breakfast table and find Anaya doing something in her phone.I realise I overslept when I saw faris is already gone to his work.

I sit beside Anaya on a chair but Anaya is still engrossed in her phone," Anaya cant you see I am here." I ask getting irritated.

No reply.

"Anaya" I shout.

" What ? Why are you yelling? Cant you see I am busy?" She replies eyes still glued to her phone screen.

"Atleast tell me what are you watching that made you ignore your sister." I ask.

" I am searching about Rayan's family." She replies.

"Why are you doing that?" I ask confused.

"I wanna see how rich his father Mr Waqas Ibrahim is.That woman boosting so much about him." Anaya says rolling her eyes.

" what have you find?" I ask curousity piqued.

" I found that Waqas is the owner of CAPITAL TECH company.Its one of the leading tech companies in our country.It is multi-national comapany." She tells me.

I pour chai in my cup and start doing my breakfast.

" What" Anaya shouts.I turn to her.

"You startled me." I say.

"Rayan is not his real son." She says," He is Waqas's step son.Waqas married to Rayan's mother in 2009 after death of his wife Amira shah." She continues," Amira shah it seems like I know this name."

"Oh,Rayan is not his real son." I say.

Anaya says,"His real son is Samar Ibrahim."

I freeze,Samar Ibrahim did I hear it right.

"Samar Ibrahim" I confirm.

"Hmm,watch this." She turns her phone to me and I am shocked,stunned,amazed and every synonym of shocked.

Its Samar

My stalker

Alina aunty's nephew.

Rayan's brother.

Alia's brother.

Or

My headache.

"Thank God.You are not related to him.He is real heir of Waqas Ibrahim.That would be a more difficult situation to handle." Anaya says.

I am on verge of crying.How's it possible?

"Anaya,what will be your reaction if I tell you that He is the boy who is stalking me."

Anaya's face turns yellow.

"You are joking."She says shock on her face.

"I wish I was joking." I reply looking into her eyes.

I tell her about everything that happened yesterday.How I met Samar and How I find out he is Alina aunty's nephew.

"Oh,Now I remember where I hear the name Amira shah."Anaya tells her face as if she has solved a mystery.

"Amira shah is the founder of KINDNESS." she adds," I have seen her pictures in KINDNESS'S office.Alina aunty even told me about her friendship with her.She even told me how Amira got overdozed of sleeping pills and died."

"Amira shah_ founder of the NGO I work for is Samar's mother.Samar who stalked me for a month.Who is Rayan's brother.Who threaten me to kill his own brother." I say." Who asked me to marry him.Is this all real." I ask Anaya as if she knows the answer of my weird question.

"Maryam.Stop panicking we will find a way." Anaya try to calm me down.

"How? " I ask.

Anaya's phone rings.She picks it up and her face expression tells me that something is wrong.

She walks away from me to attend the call.

I am curious to know why is she have a need to attend a call going away from me.

She comes back,her face down.

"What happened?who was on the phone?" I ask.

"Your mother."she replies.

Rayan's POV

I stare blankly at the email on my screen: "You've been hired by Google."

Ordinarily, this news would send me on cloud nine,but today, it barely registers.

I set my phone on the bedside table and perch on the edge of my bed, feeling empty.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, and her face floats into view.

Her radiant smile

Her sparkling eyes

Her infectious enthusiasm when talking about her dreams.

I lie back, letting memories wash over me - memories of that unforgettable night.

I don't deserve you. Please, forget me.

These words of her echo in my mind, all the time.

"Forget?" I whisper aloud, as if she can hear me. "You told me to forget you, but how? How can I erase the memories, the laughter, the moments we shared?"

My phone's ringtone shatters the silence, but I don't muster the energy to answer. I lie there, lost in thoughts, until it stops buzzing.

But it starts again, persistent.

This time, I force myself to sit up and glance at the screen. Mom.

I hasten to answer," Hello" I say.

"Rayan,Where are you why you dont reply to my text? Dont tell me you are mourning to that stupid girl." She starts shouting.

"Mom,Please dont make it worse.Please stop talking about her." I plead.

"Okay you are right.I will not talk about her.She is not worthy of us mentioning her in our conversations." She says." Come down I am here.We are getting latw for the venue." She adds.

"What are you talking about?"I ask twisted in confusion.

"Didnt I text you we are going to a really important wedding." She replies.

"Mom,I am not going anywhere.Bye" I say and about to hang up.

" Rayan.Dont make me force you.Its a really important invitation for our bussiness.You have to attend.I will not leave until you come downstares." She adds," I will be here in your hotel's parking lot." She warns me.

I am about to throw my phone in anger but I stop in the middle.I went to my bathroom to change,resigned to my fate.

...........

We gather around the grand, candlelit dinner table, adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. The opulent wedding decor surrounds us, but the guest list is intentionally intimate.

To my front, Samar, Waqas, Ahana, and Sumaiyya Aunty sit in a row, their faces illuminated by the soft glow.

The table's length seems to amplify the silence, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware and polite conversation. I glance around, taking in the atmosphere.

Ahana's gaze locks onto Samar's face, her eyes shining with an unmistakable intensity. Her focus is absolute, as if mesmerized by his every feature.

I recognize that look; I've seen it before. Ahana's been harboring feelings for Samar for years, but he's remained oblivious.

Samar, however, is lost in his phone, his thumbs dancing across the screen. His expression is etched with concern, his brow furrowed. His eyes scan the messages, his mind elsewhere.

Unaware of Ahana's adoring gaze, Samar's attention remains fixed on his phone.

Sumaiyya Aunty's gentle chatter with her brother,Waqas fills the space, but Ahana's focus never wavers.

"Why arent you eating,Samar" She asks but recieves no reply from Samar,he is still busy on his phone as if he hasnt hear Ahana.

I've known Samar since childhood, and his behavior around women has always been same- distant, reserved, and economical with words. He's always been the strong, silent type, as if saving his words for special occasions.

His chiseled features, piercing eyes, and chiseled jawline make him a magnet for female attention. Those striking genetics have always worked in his favor, drawing admiring glances wherever he goes.

In school, he was the quiet, brooding heartthrob, with girls vying for his notice. They'd go to great lengths just to catch his eye. His reserved nature only intensified their fascination.

I dont know what made Samar a heartless and silent person.It seems to me that his mother's passing left an indelible mark, a trauma that still lingers. I sense that his aloofness stems from this pain.

We all carry our own burdens, unique yet universally relatable. Life's cruelty binds us together, each struggling to survive in our own way.

As I observe Samar, I realize that his detachment isn't about Ahana specifically, but a deeply ingrained defense mechanism.

Suddenly a wave of sadness surrounds me I wake up and reach for some fresh air.

I stand alone in the sprawling open area of the wedding venue, surrounded by twinkling lights and joyful laughter. Yet, my heart feels heavy, weighed down by the thoughts of her.

Suddenly, determination sparks within me.

I can't leave her, not like this.

I give it another chance.

I must try.

Without hesitation, I rush towards my car, the cool night air rushing past me. I start the engine and speed away from the venue, leaving the festivities behind.

My destination is clear: Maryam's house.

I arrive at Maryam's house, my heart racing with anticipation. Anaya opens the door.

"Can I meet Maryam?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

Anaya responses, "No."

My heart sinks, but I refuse to give up. "Please, Anaya, help me. I have to meet her."

Anaya's expression softens slightly. "I would have helped you, but Maryam's not here."

I'm taken aback. "What? Where is she?"

"Her parents asked her to come home," Anaya explains. "Rumors about Maryam have spread among our relatives."

I frown, concerned. "What rumors?"

Anaya hesitates before speaking. "That she has a bad character and is ruining our family's reputation by dating around."

I'm stunned, speechless.

Anaya continues, her voice low. "The other day, your mom's interaction with Maryam caught a lot of attention. You know how women make gossip out of nothing."

I am speechless listening to Anaya.

She told me everything about Samar.
How he met Maryam?
How he stalked her?
How he threaten her to refuse my confession?

At first I dont believe it and after believing it.I have only one goal tonight,I will beat the shit out of him.
I clench and unclench my fist.I run back to my car.

I storm into the wedding venue, my eyes blazing with fury. I scan every corner, searching for Samar. Finally, I spot him on the balcony, alone,phone pressed to his ear.

I stride towards him, my footsteps echoing through the night air. He's oblivious to the danger approaching.

As I reach him, I ball my fist and strike his face with a resounding punch. His lip bleeds. His phone slips from his grasp, clattering to the floor.

My eyes widen as I see Maryam's phone number displayed on the screen. Rage intensifies my assault. I punch him again, and he crumples to the floor.

"How can you hurt Maryam?" I demand, my voice low and menacing.

I am punching him in stomach but He doesn't fight back. He simply takes every punch,without any defence.It's as if he's accepting the punishment.

Waqas intervenes, grasping my arm, his grip firm. "Rayan, What are you doing?"

Mom's voice echoes, laced with urgency. "Rayan, stop!"

But I'm beyond reason, fueled by rage.

Waqas steps between Samar and me, his eyes blazing with anger. "How dare you lay a hand on my son?" he growls."Tara, take him away from my eyes."

Mom rushes to my side, her hands wrapping around my arm. "Rayan, come with me."

I shrug off her grip, shaking free. "Leave me alone."

" Stay away from her." I warn looking into Samar's eyes.