Rayan's POV

I walked into the conference room, nodding at my team members already seated around the polished wooden table. As I took my place at the head, I surveyed the room, making eye contact with each person.

"Alright, let's get started. Our Q2 numbers are in, and I want to discuss the strategy for the next quarter."

Ranjana, Marketing Director, spoke up first. "Sir, our campaign metrics are looking strong. We've seen a 25% increase in social media engagement."

I nodded, jotting down a note on my pad. "That's great. What about sales? Where do we stand?"

Mr Gupta, Sales Director, leaned forward, his expression serious. "We've exceeded our Q2 targets by 15%. However, we're facing stiff competition in the enterprise sector."

My phone buzzed on the table, displaying Mom's name.I ignored it, focusing on Mr Gupta's concerns.

"What's the plan to address that?" I asked.

He hesitated before responding, "We're considering a partnership with a complementary service provider to expand our offerings."

My phone buzzed again. And again. I silenced it, my mind still on the discussion.

"Thoughts? Concerns?" I asked the team.

My phone continued to buzz, my mother's calls going straight to voicemail. I'd deal with her later.

As the meeting concludes, I finally answer my mother's persistent calls.

"Mom, if I'm ignoring your calls, it means I'm in a importent meeting.No need to call continuosly" I say, slightly frustrated.

"It's an emergency," she replies, her tone urgent.

My concern spikes. "What happened? Is everything alright?" I ask, sitting up straight.

"Everything's fine, Son" she reassures. "I arranged a blind date for you. You have 30 minutes to get there. I'm sending you the address. Get flowers for her."

My annoyance boils over. "Mom, are you serious? A blind date? How can you do that without my permission?"

"I'm your mother, Rayan," she responds firmly. "It's my responsibility to get you married at the right age. I don't need your permission. You're not getting any younger. You need to settle down."

"I'm not going," I assert firmly. "My answer is final."

I hang up, frustration lingering.

Mom calls again, I ignore her but she doesnt stop calling so I pick up.

"Please, for God's sake, Rayan, go meet her. It's an insult if you leave her hanging."

"Think about my reputation."

"Don't embarrass me."

Her words menupulative, blackmailing me emotionally.

"Mom, stop," I say firmly. "I won't meet anyone. Respect my decision."

"What's the reason for your denial?" Mom asks, her voice dripping with anger.

"It's personal. I just don't want to get married right now," I reply, struggling to remain calm.

"I know it's because of her," Mom accuses.

"Mom, please don't drag her into this," I plead.

"She's already involved," Mom states flatly.

"You will go to the blind date. That's my final decision," Mom decrees, anger rising.

"I'm sending you the location."

"Mom-" I begin.

But she cuts me off.

"Don't argue, Rayan. This is non-negotiable."

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

I reached there just on time.Did I brought flowers,No.
I never bought flowers for any girl except for her,Maryam.

The only girl who ever made me feel the closest to the feeling of love.Before her I never had any interest in any girl I was busy studying and finding out things.I was asked out for dates but I always refused.My sole purpose was to get a job at google and leave India but nothing like that happened,and here I am dping the thing I hated the most-Working at Waqas's company.However I am gonna end this insanity I will win this crazy game and break free Maryam from this marriage and from that insane Samar.No matter how much hate I have for Waqas but in this deal with Waqas I will win,I have to win for Maryam.

I never thought that I would fall in love with someone and when I did.That love became my biggest regret,I messed everything up.I hurt maryam by fake chatting her being Alia.I couldnt protect Maryam from my mother and not even from Samar.

That love,now turned to hurt,piercing me with every breath.

I settled into the cozy cafe, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and soft chatter. But the blind date, was nowhere in sight. I pulled out the biodata Mom had sent, scanning the details.I came to know about her name and her interior designing bussiness and her interest in arts.

Just as I finished reading, a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Rayan?"

I lifted my gaze to meet Aaira's dark brown curls and radiant smile. She wore beige pants and a sleek black high-neck top, exuding confidence.

"That's me," I replied, standing to greet her. We shook hands firmly.

"Sorry I'm late," Aaira said, her eyes sparkling with apology.

"It's okay," I reply. "Can I get you something to drink?"

After ordering, Aaira leaned in, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"So, Rayan, tell me about yourself."

After telling her about basic things she was curious I told her the thing i am here for," I am not interested in this blind date.I am just here because my mother forced me.I apologize for your precious time." I say,her expression changes a bit and then she says," Can I ask why?"
"I love someone"I dont know why I said that.Those words came out of my mouth without my permission.

"Lucky girl" she smiles," Why dont you tell your mother about her.She will not force you to come on blind dates if you tell her."she adds.

" My mother doesnt like her." I say

" oh,sorry." She replies.

I get a phone call from Alina aunty,Aaira says,"Its okay,you can take your call."

I pick up,"Where are you, Rayan?" she asks,"Can you come to the NGO and take Maryam home?" she requests, concern lacing her voice.

"What happened?" I ask, curiosity piqued.

"Maryam's been sitting on the bench for an hour, frozen. I always warned Anaya she's getting too attached to Roshni," she explains.

"What's going on with Roshni?" I press.

"Roshni's mother decided to reunite with her husband, but Roshni refused to go. She begged to see Maryam, so I allowed it and asked her to come to NGO. However, when it was time to leave, Roshni clung to Maryam, unwilling to go with her father. Maryam asked her mother to stay at the NGO, but she wouldn't agree.Samar is out of country and Anaya is busy at her school so i called you she is closest to you."

I sense the complexity of the situation.

"I'll be right there," I assure her.

I say bye to Aaira telling her I have an emergency and I drive to KINDNESS.

As I arrive, I find Maryam sitting on a bench in the garden, her face expressionless, lost in deep thought. I sit beside her.

"Mam, have you seen Maryam Ahmed? She volunteers here. She's a beautiful girl, always smiling," I say, attempting to break the silence.

Maryam turns to me, her eyes piercing. "Stop it, Rayan."

I tease, "Mam, how do you know my name?"

"Rayan," she replies, annoyance evident.

I try to console her." Maryam whats wrong tell me?"

" Rayan,you know when I joined this NGO,I was assined to tutor Roshni al9ng with other kids." She says her tone low," I use to wonder why she never talks or not even smile.She would stay silent all the time.One day I gave her chocolates and she smiled for the first time." Maryam smiles.

" I started bringing chocolate for her everyday and she started to open up to me.Roshni shared with me the horror she face at home.Herfather,drunkard,would beat her mother mercilessly daily.He stopped roshni's education to fund his addiction.The abuse was relentless,sometimes he use to abuse roshni as well." Maryam's eyes well up woth tears.I can see how much love Maryam has in her for everyone.

Maryam's frustration and outrage are palpable as she continues:

"Now, Shalini's mother is pressurized her to return to her drunkard husband. Her mother said she is tired of the constant taunts and criticism from society. But I ask, where was this society when he was abusing Roshni and her mother? Why didn't they raise their voices then?"

Maryam's voice trembles with indignation. "They're more concerned with preserving the family's reputation than protecting the well-being of the women and children. It's sickening!"

I nod in agreement, sharing Maryam's outrage. "You're right."

Maryam's determination grows. "I told Alina aunty to not let Roshni go back to that toxic environment. I did everything to save her but no one listened,Rayan no one."

" Dont cry,Maryam." I say try to meet her eyes," You are right but we can not force people.Roshni's mother decided to go by her own choice."

"No Rayan,she has been forced by her mother and this toxic society."Maryam states.

" I underatand what you are saying but still NGO can not force her to stay.You know they have to follow certain guidelines." I try my best to console her but I can see my efforts are going in vein.

"Rayan, at least you should understand me." Maryam says irritated and hurt,she looks down on the ground and I am just watching her hopeless.

" Lets go home" I say and walk to my car," Come on Maryam lets go." I say seeking her to follow me.

" I came with driver,I will go with him." She says.

" Why?" I turn to face her," I am going home lets go together."
"No Rayan,I will go by myself."
"Whats wrong"
"Nothing"
"Then why are you not coming with me.Dont tell me Samar told you."
"No He didnt but"
"But what"
"In case you dont know,there are rumours going on about us having an affair."
I say nothing
"If we will stay together it will create further problems for me.One rumour already changed my whole life and now I am scared.Its better if we stay away from each other."
She says walks away.Her words cut deep, and I can sense the frustration and fear in her voice. I watch her walk away feeling helpless.

"Maryam, wait!" I call out, but she doesn't stop. I realize that the rumors have already caused her pain, and I don't want to add to it.She is already so tensed about Roshni and this crazy rumour.

I get into my car and start the engine, feeling a mix of emotions: concern, frustration, and disappointment.I cant believe my mother is still hurting Maryam for no reason.

Samar's POV

As I run through the complex's garden at night, thoughts of Maryam occupy my mind.I do cardio here in the night.A notification stops me in my tracks. I glance at my phone, and my anger ignites.

Dad's sent a photo of Maryam and Rayan sitting together on a bench, deep in conversation at KINDNESS.

I dial Dad's number, fury boiling over.

"Dad, what's wrong?" I demand. "Why are you watching over Maryam?"

"You should thank me, son," Dad replies, his tone smug. "I'm helping you."

"Stop invading her privacy," I snap. "You promised security, not spying."

"Looks like your wife isn't missing you," he taunts.

"Dad, stop," I warn, trying to rein in my temper.

But Dad presses on.

"Don't close your eyes, look what's happening."

"What is happening?" I ask, my tone harsh. "She's just talking to Rayan. Please stay away from my marriage."

Dad's anger matches mine.

"Are you stupid?" he spits. :"She's cheating on you. Can't you see?"

My response is icy, fueled by rage.

"Dad, please don't make me your enemy. Don't make me bring up topics you won't survive. Maryam is not...you. Don't worry, she's human, not a monster like you.Stay away from her otherwise be ready for a war.I dont care about this competition,I only care about her.There are other ways to take over the company ,you already know its mine."

I cut the call, storming into my hotel room. Fury courses through my veins.

His words echo in my mind:"She's cheating on you. Can't you see?"

The audacity.

After what he did to Mom.

I went  directly to shower.Memories of Mamma flood back.Her gentle love,her soothing touch and kind soul.

"Yes, I am cheating on you! Now, what will you do? Arrest me? Call the police?"

He ruined my childhood with those words.

The water washes away my breathless pain.

But my mind races:

Why can't Dad leave me alone?

Why must he ruin everything?

My thoughts shifts to Maryam,the only one who's ever made me feel whole again.I close my eyes ,imagining her beautiful face in front of my eyes.I want her right now,it feels like an eternity.

"why did you agree to this stupid game at the first place,Samar." I mutter in shower.

No one has the right to take away the things that belongs to me.Maryam is mine so the CAPITAL TECHS.

I step out of the shower, water dripping from my body.I glance at my phone, reopening the photo Dad sent.

Maryam's expression catches my attention. She looks...sad.

I quickly dry myself and dial Maryam's number for a FaceTime call.We facetime at this time everyday.

It rings.

And rings.

But she doesn't pick up.

Her response comes through a text: "Can we FaceTime tomorrow? I am really sleepy."

Me: Are you alright.

Love: Yes,just tired.Good night.

Me : Good night,Love

My mind starts racing.

Something's off.

Whats wrong.

After a marathon of meetings and a hectic day, I finally found time to call Maryam in the night. But to my disappointment, she didn't answer my FaceTime calls. Then my phone buzzes with a notification.

Love: My mains exam is just a week away, so can we not talk right now? I'm studying.Hope you will understand.

I feel a pang of disappointment, but try to be understanding. I replied Okay, despite feeling unsatisfied with her brief response.

As I lie on the bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something is off. Maryam's behavior is strange.

I close my eyes to sleep still thinking about Maryam ,there is something wrong with her or Am I just overthinking.

The next day passes in a blur of meetings, conferences, and work. During lunch, I dial Maryam's number, worried about her. Thankfully, she picks up.

"Hello?" Her sweet voice is like honey to my ears, a welcome relief after two days of silence.

"Love, how are you?" I ask impatiently.

"I'm fine, how about you?" she replies.

"Is everything alright? Did I make any mistake?" I ask, sensing a hint of detachment.

"No, why are you asking?" She says.
"It seems like you're angry at me,thats why you ignore me all the time."
"No, Samar... I was just busy with my studies."
"Don't worry, you'll make it this time."
"I hope so."
" Have you eaten?" I ask.
"Yes, I did."
" Please take care of yourself. I worry about you all the time.I miss you.I want to see you; let's FaceTime tonight."
"Okay."

After cutting the call, I sit back in my chair, I can't shake off the feeling that something is still amiss. Maryam's voice, though sweet, lacks its usual warmth. Her responses seem brief, almost guarded. Is she truly busy, or is something bothering her?I sit exam pressure or something else.

I dial Maryam's number again tonight, but she doesn't pick up. Feeling concerned, I call Anaya to ask about her.

Anaya's voice is laced with worry. "She's been studying non-stop since afternoon,  No breaks. I feel terrible for her."

My irritation spikes. "You should take care of her. Where were you all this time?"

Anaya fires back, her tone sharp. "What about you, Mr. Stalker? Leaving your wife alone for a month."

I sigh, feeling a pang of guilt. "You're right."

Anaya's tone softens. "Well, you're also right. I should have taken better care of her."

I ask, concern etched in my voice. "What's she doing right now?"

Anaya replies, "I forced her to go to bed. She needed rest."