Fun fact: The song that inspires me for this story is Tum ho aana from Marjavaan. Just like Humnava was my inspiration for Eifad and Farhan *_*

Alina felt uncomfortable wearing skimpy clothes in his presence. Haider doesn't stare at her, instead walked towards her and engulfed her in a tight embrace. He felt at ease being in proximity with her, like all the negative energy drained from him. He closed his eyes tightly. Alina was stunned and took a moment to hug him back. There was a different feel to the hug, not sexuality but the warmth of companionship.

They broke apart after a long time, Haider lowered his head still clenching her shoulders. Alina frowned and held his face.

'What happened?' She asked with concern. He sighed shaking his head and walked towards the bed. She watched him sit at the edge of the bed. He looked up.

- 'Do you have anything to eat?' He asked softly.

'Huh!' Alina blinked at him.

Farhana and Alina cooked a simple cheese pasta and served it with orange juice. They were worried that Haider might not like the food, but to their relief he enjoyed it and complimented them as well. Specifically, Alina.

'I wish I could kiss your hand for this, Miss. Alina.' He said with a wide smile. Alina giggled forwarding her hand and he took her hand in his. Then, she forwarded Farhana's hand as well. She turned tomato red pulling her hand away. Haider looked dumbstruck, then relaxed as Alina burst out laughing.

'You mind if I spend the night here with you.' – He paused seeing her expressions and quickly added, - 'I will sleep in a separate room.' He said. Alina let out a breath and smiled taking his hand in hers.

'I trust you.' – she blinked slowly at him, - 'Come.' She tugged his hand. Haider smiled uncertainly and let her take him with her. They walked through the kitchen and through a spacious corridor, into the bedroom.

Alina arranged the bed for him and asked him to feel comfortable. He smiled at her and removed his sneakers and then climbed on the bed. Alina bit her lips.

'If you are having second thoughts then I will go to the separate room. There are plenty of rooms here, Miss. Alina.' He said with concern. Alina shook her head and slipped under the duvet with him. Haider smiled and adjusted his head on the pillow. She lay next to him and pulled the duvet to her chest.

'I don't know,' – Haider placed an arm under his head, - 'why she came back? Why now when—' -He turned his head and looked at Alina, - 'I don't sleep, Miss. Alina. I can't even with pills.' He revealed, shocking Alina. She shifted, raising on her elbow and supporting her head against her palm.

'What? You are insomniac too?'

Haider chuckled, - 'I am a freak, yeah!'

Alina shook her head and placed her palm over his, - 'No!' – She looked at him, - 'I am scared of reptiles. So, I am a freak too.' – They smiled at each other, - 'We all have a weakness, a dark past and it is okay. It doesn't make anyone weak.'

Haider smiled sadly, - 'Mine is darker.'

Alina held his hand in a tighter grip, - 'I am there with you. We are in this together.' She motivated him. He placed his other palm over her.

- 'You have no idea what you are getting into. Many women came in my life claiming to be "in this together" but ditched me in a heartbeat.'

Alina leaned and kissed his forehead, - 'I won't.' She smiled reassuringly at him. Haider smiled back. Then, she adjusted his duvet and slipped to her side. He watched her sit up and tie her hair in a quick braid. She rested beside him, looked at him. He blinked softly at her and she smiled at him.

Sometime later, Alina was fast asleep while Haider kept admiring her. Even though, he was sleepy he didn't want to sleep in her presence lest he gets night terrors again. She would definitely freak out and run away. He thought of himself to be lucky as he was close to the woman he loves. He smiled recollecting the nights he would spend outside her locality in the hope that he could get a glance at her. Only once or twice he had been fortunate. But now, he can admire her as much as he wants. Also, he is too close to touch her. Haider moved his hand to touch her cheek but retracted quickly.

One hour passed and he decided to go to sleep. Cautiously, he slipped down the bed and tiptoed out of the room. Haider walked into another bedroom and sat on the single bed. Slowly, he rubbed his palms against his face and sighed leaning back, his palms pressed against the bed. He opened his eyes upon realizing that he hasn't gotten his medicine with him. Nevertheless, he decided to try and sleep. He fell on the bed and adjusted the duvet against his chest and turned to the right side.

'Ammi, why don't you tell anything to Mr. Zaidi. Why does he punish me so much?'

'What can I say, you always end up defying him and being a naughty boy. Also, why are you calling him Mr. Zaidi? He is your father.'

'He is not my father!'

'Haider.'

Haider's eyes snapped open. The sound of the slap still resonated in his ears. He huffed and sat up on the bed, rubbing his face with his palms. He was partly relieved because he didn't have any traumatizing nightmare but re-visiting the heartbreaking memory made him feel drained out. Haider realized from tonight's nightmare, that emotional abuse was more hurtful and scarring than physical pain. He exhaled loudly and glanced at the clock. He could hear the muffled chirping of birds, and faint sunlight peeped through thick grey curtains and white sheets. The early morning sun and fresh air were pleasant and refreshing. He opened the life-sized window and stepped out. Placing his hand on his hips and he inhaled deeply, a wide smile appeared on his lips.

Alina shifted in bed. She felt like a princess sleeping in a soft oversized bed, she slept like a baby.

'Good morning, love.' A hoarse baritone made her jump on the spot. Her eyes opened and she sat up with a jolt.

Haider sat on the recliner, his fingers entwined together, one leg over the other, and his intense gaze transfixed on her. She blinked at him and smiled climbing down the bed. She flipped her braid to her back and stood in front of him. He liked how she was not conscious of her appearance or dress anymore. He extended his hand and she took it. Alina gasped as he pulled her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she took a moment to relax.

'Did you sleep well?' Haider caressed the side of her face with his finger and pushed aside uneven and loose strands of her hair.

Alina nodded and placed her arms around his neck, - 'Excellently. And you?'

Haider took a moment and nodded slowly, - 'Yes.' He lied. She smiled and leaned snuggling into his neck. He sighed happily and held her closer. They remained in proximity until they were disturbed by a knock. Alina stood up in a hurry and awkwardly pulled down her night robe. Haider clicked his tongue in annoyance. Then, Farhana opened the door and entered informing them about breakfast.

Alina was slightly disappointed as Haider informed her about him leaving. He was happy to see this change in her. Even though he ached to stay with her he couldn't disrupt his routine. He held her cheek and stood close to her, - 'Tonight there is an office party, I will reveal you as my girlfriend to the world, Miss. Alina.' – he looked lovingly into her eyes, caressing her cheek with his thumb, - 'And since it's a Sunday, I have a surprise planned for you.' He said. Alina's eyes brightened and she smiles widely at him.

'Wow!' She mouthed. Haider smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead. She hugged him in response. 

How was the Chapter, guys? Sorry for the late update. I hope you enjoyed the chapter *muaaah* Drop your thoughts in the comments, please and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*

And,