Rayan's POV

I am left behind,I told them I will catch up on to them in some minutes.I slowly walk through the streets of istanbul,lost in my thoughts.

I replay my whole life since I met Maryam.It seems like,its all our fate.I wanted her,she wanted me but life is just unpredictable.Here I am.Still hoping that I can fix everything.

I walk to an elevated place near ocean.I am standing on a rock.Front of me,ocean straches meeting with sky,it gives a serene moment.

I feel relaxed.I start observing things around me-----tourist getting fun in eating road side dishes,some taking pictures,some vlogging their journey.

My eyes drifted and then stops at a girl.She is standing by the railing feeding seagulls.She is wearing a white colored Abaya.Seagulls surrounding her,some bold seagulls try to nudge her hand and she moves away.She looks exactly like Maryam from the back.

She turns to my side.

No she doesnt look like her.

She is Maryam.

Her beautiful smile,captivates me as always.

She hasnt seen me yet.She is too busy in seagulls to look somewhere else.

I smile.

I move to see where is Samar and then I see him.He is talking on phone a few feets away from Maryam.

My eyes get back to Maryam.

Suddenly, chaos erupts. A group of pedestrians surges behind Maryam, and a woman covered from head to toe trip forward. Time slows as she intentionally lunges toward Maryam, her arms outstretched.

Maryam's eyes widen, her hands grasping for the railing as the woman's body slams into hers. The small wall offers no protection.

" Maryam" I scream, my voice lost in the seagulls' cries.

Maryam's desperate attempt to balance fails. She teeters, her abaya fluttering in the wind, before falling over the edge.

My heart falls with her.

I sprint toward the spot, shedding my shoes mid-run. The ocean rushes up to meet me as I leap off the wall, my dive clumsy but urgent.

I plunge into the icy waters, my eyes scanning the murky depths for Maryam. The sunlight above grows dimmer, casting an eerie gloom. I swim downward, my strokes frantic, my lungs burning.

Minutes tick by, or so it feels. My visibility is limited, the water a hazy gray. I strain to see anything - a glimpse of white fabric, a flutter of movement.

Nothing.

Panic claws at my chest.

I change direction, sweeping my arms wide, desperate to cover more ground. The water pressure builds, my ears protesting with a sharp pain.

I kick harder, my legs aching. My lungs scream for air, but I ignore the burn.

Maryam, where are you?

I dart between underwater boulders, my hands brushing against slimy seaweed. The silence is suffocating, punctuated only by my ragged breathing.

Suddenly, a shadow flickers in the distance. My heart leaps. I swim towards it.

A rock. Just a rock.

Desperation claws at my soul, fueling my resolve. I repeat in my head: "I will save her. I won't leave without her."

My mind races, my thoughts consumed by one unyielding vow: "I'll drain the entire ocean if that's what it takes. I'll scour every inch, every depth, until I find her."

My lungs burn, my body protests, but I refuse to yield. "I'll search for her till my last breath," I swear to myself. "Either I'll emerge with her by my side, or I'll succumb to these waters alongside her."

With renewed determination, I dive deeper, my eyes scouring the seafloor. The darkness seems to stretch on forever.

And then, a hint of white.

My heart surges. I kick toward it with renewed hope.

As I close in, the shape takes form. Maryam. My Maryam. She's limp, her body trapped against a rock, shielding her from the current. Her hair sways gently in the water.

I grasp her wrist, feeling for a pulse. Faint. But there.

Relief washes over me, followed by urgency. I wrap an arm around her waist, holding her close.

With a powerful kick, I begin our ascent.

We break the surface, and I gasp for air, holding Maryam's head above water. Her eyes are closed, her face pale.

"Maryam!" I shout, tapping her cheek.

No response.

Just then, the rescue team arrives. The guard pulls us through the water.

As we reach above. I lay Maryam on floor.

I position myself over her, my hands on her chest. I press down, trying to expel the water from her lungs.

"Please,Maryam," I plead, my voice trembling.

I repeat the process, pressing on her chest, counting the compressions.

Suddenly, water spews from her mouth.
But instead of relief, a rescue team member's words pierce my soul: "She is having trouble in breathing"

My world spins before me. It can't happen. No, no, no.

I cradle her face in my hands, shaking her desperately. "Maryam, wake up!You cant do this to me."

The rescue team takes over. They begin CPR, their trained hands moving swiftly.

"One, two, three, four..." one of them counts, compressing Maryam's chest.

I watch, helpless, as they fight to revive her.

After what feels like an eternity, Maryam's chest rises. She gasps, a ragged breath.

"Thank you sweety" I whisper, tears streaming down my face.

I gently touch her face, my fingers tracing her pale skin.I never touched her but today I cant control my emotions.

Maryam's eyes flicker open, unfocused.

"Rayan?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I sob, relief washing over me.

"I'm here" I reply, my voice shaking.

My body loses control, and I lie beside her. Relief washes over me, followed by exhaustion.

I gaze up at the sky, the bright blue blurring as tears well up in my eyes. The sounds around me - the rescue team's murmurs, the distant voice of seagulls- fade into the background.

My eyelids grow heavy, weighed down by the overwhelming emotions. I try to keep them open, to focus on Maryam's face, but they refuse to obey.

My vision blurs, and I feel myself drifting away.

Everything goes dark.

I fade into unconsciousness, surrounded by the gentle sound of Maryam's ragged breathing.

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

When I wake up I find myself in a hospitals room.I sit up and feels peicing pain in my head.I get out of the bed and come out into the corridor.

I see Samar sitting on a seperate bench alone while Ayesha,orhan and Alia on the other one.

My eyes lock onto Ahana standing by the window. I approach her, my stride purposeful.

I grab her arm and pull her into a lonely corner. "Are you crazy?" she exclaims, trying to wriggle free.

"You're holding me so tight," she protests.

I press her into the wall, anger boiling over. "Rayan, what are you doing?" she demands.

"I never thought you'd sink this low in jealousy," I accuse.

"Can you tell me clearly what you mean?" Ahana asks, feigning innocence.

"Don't act like you don't know what I mean," I retort.

"I seriously don't know, Rayan," Ahana insists.

"You sent that woman to push Maryam," I allege.

"What? Which woman?" Ahana asks, attempting to leave.

"I thought you said you wanted Maryam to drown in the ocean out of jealousy, but I didn't think you were serious," I spat, recalling her chilling words from the other day.

Ahana's eyes widen in defense. "Rayan, I just said that, but I didn't mean it. You think I'd actually harm people?"

"Lie as much as you want," I say, my gaze piercing hers. "But remember, I'll investigate this, and you'll pay for what you've done."

I turnand walk away, leaving Ahana's desperate protests echoing behind me.

Maryam's POV

As I wake up, every fiber of my body aches. I struggle to open my eyes, and when I do, I see Rayan standing by the window, his silhouette outlined by the soft light.

I sit up, propping myself up with pillows, and Rayan turns to face me. As he moves the sudden influx of sunlight from the window forces me to shut my eyes again.

He approaches, his footsteps quiet, and sits beside me in a chair. His eyes are etched with sadness and concern.

"How are you now?" he asks, his tone low and gentle.

"I'm good," I say, forcing a weak smile. "Sorry I always find new and creative way to trouble you."I add,trying to lighten the mood.

Rayan's expression remains somber, his tension palpable.

I recall the horrific incident, Rayan's desperate cries, and how he called out my name. Memories flood back, and I wonder how he managed to save me.Was he near me at the time.

"How are you?" I ask.

"Physically good but mentally not" he replies, his voice honest.

There is moment of long silence and then I say," Thank you for saving my life.My savior." I smile.

" I am sorry." He adds
I smile faintly,"For what?"

"For everything," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Confusion etches my face as Rayan stands and walks away, leaving me wondering what burdens he carries.

As the minutes tick by, my thoughts fixate on Samar. What is he doing? He should be with me. I'm sure he's busy, but what could be more important than me right now?Where is he? Everyone has visited - Ayesha, Orhan, Alia, even Ahana - but Samar's absence gnaws at me.Impatience takes over, and I ask a nurse to call him. I regret losing my phone; otherwise, I would have scolded him by now.

The nurse disappears, leaving me to my thoughts. Why hasn't Samar come to see me? Is everything okay? Is he injured? Panic sets in.

The door opens, and I hope it's Samar, but Ayesha enters with a tray. She sits beside me and hands me food.

"Where is Samar?" I ask, my heart beats fast.

"He was here just minutes ago and now he's gone somewhere," Ayesha replies.

"Is he alright?" I press, suspicious if he also got injured saving me.

"Yes, he's fine. You should eat," Ayesha assures me, her expression soothing.

I take a bite, my mind still with Samar.If he is alright then why he hasnt meet me yet.What is going on with him.

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

I gasp in my sleep, startled by someone's touch. The hospital room's lights are dim, but I can see Samar beside me.

"Samar," I say, sitting up abruptly. The IV drip in my other hand seems to fade into the background.

"Why are you here?" I try to sound stern, but my voice trembles, betraying my emotions," Go and do whatever you were doing since afternoon."

Samar's gaze remains downcast, his eyes hidden from me. He doesn't respond, his silence thick and heavy.

My concern deepens, and I touch his shoulder. "Samar," I coax, my voice softening. "Why are you acting weird?What is bothering you."

I gently lift his face, and our eyes meet. The sight takes my breath away. Tears stream down his face, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with anguish.

" Hey Tell me" I say but get no response.

"I'm sorry, Samar," I whisper. "You were right. I should have been more careful.But it was not my fault someone pushed me accidently."

Samar holds my hand and I'm startled by the sight of his bruised and bloodied knuckles. "What happened to your hands?" I ask, my voice trembling.

He kisses my hand, sending shivers down my spine. "Say something, Samar, please," I plead, desperate for his answer.

Samar's gaze locks onto mine, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with emotion. I worry if he hurt himself or had another anxiety attack.

"I'll never go near the ocean again," I reassure him, trying to calm him down.

Samar's response is overwhelming. He hugs me tightly, his sobs growing louder with each passing second. He climbs onto my bed, intensifying his grip around me.

"Samar," I whisper, rubbing his back to soothe him.

He buries his face in my neck, his tears wetting my skin.

Samar lies beside me, holding me close, his strong arm cradling my head. The silence between us is palpable, his words absent for what feels like an eternity.He havent said a word.

I lift my gaze to study his face, searching for clues about his thoughts. His eyes are fixed on the ceiling, his expression introspective.

Without warning, he shifts closer, his hand slipping behind my neck. He gently pulls me into his chest, as if urging me to sleep.

I surrender, closing my eyes as his warmth envelops me. His scent, a mix of strength and comfort, wraps around me like a blanket.

As I drift off, I feel Samar's heartbeat against my ear, its steady rhythm lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

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

Five days have passed since the accident, and the atmosphere remains tense. Anneanne's condition took a critical turn yesterday, and Samar's father also arrived.

Samar's silence is suffocating, and I sense it's not just Anneanne's condition weighing on him. He seems depressed, lost in thought, and distant - even with me.

Ayesha's voice breaks my inner thoughts, "Maryam, it's your fourth attempt. I think it's perfect. You're overthinking."

I mix the carrots into the batter, determined. "It's not perfect. I know it'll never taste like his mother's, no matter how accurately I follow her recipe. But I want it to be close."

I pour the batter into the baking tray, a sense of uncertainty lingering. I never thought I'd bake this carrot cake, but Samar's condition has been suffocating. Maybe this small gesture can lift his mood.

Ayesha watches me, understanding in her eyes. " No wonder Samar fell for you.You are so caring.You love him a lot"

Love

My hand freezes,the spoon hovering above the batter.The word love strikes a chord and I feel a sudden pang in my chest.My heart skips a beat as I process Ayesha's words.

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

I bring the cake to our room, but Samar is nowhere to be found. I try calling him, but his phone is unreachable.

I head to Anneanne's room, assuming Samar must be there. As I approach, I hear Samar's raised voice.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he demands.

"Waqas said it wasn't a big deal, that he could handle it on his own." Anneanne's voice low.

"I'm trying to save everything from him, and you're making it real hard," Samar replies his tone low and hurt.

"Save what from whom, Samar?" Anneanne asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"At least you should have informed me that he's changing your will," Samar accuses.

"He said he would inform you," Anneanne replies.

Samar storms out of the room, heading towards the balcony. I rush after him.

As I reach the balcony, I'm met with a shocking sight: Samar, consumed by rage, shattering vase after vase against the floor. The sound of breaking glass echoes through the air. I've only seen him this furious once before - when he slammed Ravi's head into the car.

Fear grips me, but I know I must intervene. I approach him cautiously, my voice trembling.

"Samar," I say softly, trying to break through his anger.

He freezes, his chest heaving, eyes blazing with fury. The vase in his hand hovers mid-air, poised for destruction.

Suddenly, his gaze shifts to me.Samar's grip on the vase loosens, and it shatters on the floor, joining the other broken pieces. He stands still, his chest rising and falling with ragged breaths.

"Samar, talk to me," I coax, taking another step closer.

He closses his eyes as if supressing his anger.I wonder what got into him,he starts breaking everything in sight again.

"Samar, stop!" I plead, as he hurls a chair into the wall. "What's wrong with you?"

I know it is related to CAPITAL TECH and his revange of taking everything from his father.I have read everything in his diary.

"Stay away from me, love," he growls, his voice loud and menancing.

I hesitate, but my concern for him outweighs my fear. I step closer, reaching out to calm him.

"Samar, please navigate your emotions. Talk to me whats wrong, I'll understand," I coax, gently touching his shoulder.

But he reacts violently, pressing me against the railing. His grip on my arm tightens, almost painful.

"I'm warning you,Love." his eyes bore into mine with intense fury. "Leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you in this condition."

His gaze is unrecognizable, a dark storm raging within. I've never seen him like this before.

"Samar, you're scaring me," I whisper, trying to break through his anger.

For a moment, our eyes lock, and I wonder if he'll release me or pull me closer.

I'm lost in Samar's hauntingly beautiful eyes when suddenly, Rayan charges into the scene, fists flying. "How dare you hurt Maryam!" he exclaims, landing a solid punch on Samar's jaw.

Samar stumbles, releasing his grip on me. Rayan continues attacking, and Samar drops to the floor.

"Rayan, stop! You're misunderstanding," I rush to intervene, grabbing Rayan's arm.

"He wasn't hurting me," I assure him, trying to calm the situation.

Rayan's anger doesn't subside. "Don't hide it, Maryam. I know who he is - Waqas's son. He's cut from the same cloth; he'll never change."

Samar struggles to get up, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Rayan, listen!" I plead, trying to reason with him.

But Rayan's fury is unrelenting. "He's just like his father - selfish, arrogant, and insensitive," he spits, landing another punch.

Samar deflects this time, his face twisted in rage. "And what about your mother?" he retaliates. "Tell us about her aswell. How she involved with a married man for money."

Rayan's eyes widen in outrage. "How dare you disrespect my mother!" He charges at Samar, fists flying.

The two collide, punches exchanged in a flurry of anger.

"I am telling the truth,Rayan." Samar's words cut deep.

"You're a liar, just like your father!"
Rayan's face contorts in pain.

"Why only blame my father?" Samar demands. "Your mother ruined my mother's life, yet I never blamed her alone. I know my dad is responsible, but she played her part."

The fight intensifies, each blow fueled by pent-up emotions. I watch in horror, desperation creeping in.

"Stop! Please stop!" I beg, tears streaming down my face.

But they're beyond reason, lost in their entangled past.Samar slams Rayan against the wall, his fists pounding relentlessly.

I intervene, grasping Samar's arm, but his grip is unyielding. I yell, my voice piercing the chaos.

"Samar!"

He freezes, his gaze snapping to mine.

"Remove your hands from him," I command, my voice firm.

Samar's chest heaves, his eyes still blazing with anger. For a moment, I worry he'll defy me.

Then, slowly, he releases Rayan," So you are choosing this." He says looking into my eyes.
" What??" I ask.
" Him" Samar says," Its not a new thing.You always choose him over your own husband."

I try to understand his words.I look at his face in shock.

" Everytime he is involved in us.Isnt he," he looks into my eyes,"Love."

"What are you saying?" I finally ask, my voice trembling.

"I'm saying I'm done with you," Samar declares, his tone eerily calm. "I can't be in a marriage where I'm the only one invested and my wife is invested with someone else."

I struggle to hold back tears as he continues.

"Don't cry, Love," he says, wiping my cheeks, but his touch feels like a betrayal.

"You have Rayan, don't worry," he adds, his voice dripping with venom. "Rayan's the only person you want, isn't he?"

I feel a surge of desperation.

"Samar, listen-"

"No, you listen, Love," he interrupts, his grip on my shoulder tightening.

"How is it possible that you fell into the ocean, and Rayan just happened to be there to save you?" Samar's eyes narrow. "Is something going on behind my back? Is he following us... or You?"
He emphasises the word You.

I'm shocked, my hands flying to my mouth as tears stream down my face.

Who is this person infront of me,he cant be Samar, I feel like I'm staring at a stranger.His gaze,his touch,his expression everything is strange.It can not be Samar.