" I don't think you ever really understood...
... All the love I had in the world went to you."

Jahan

The streaming rays of the early sun lit up the haveli. The golden rays shining in through the large windows all around. I searched through the cabinets trying to find my files.

" Shit." I sighed out.

Unable to find where the files were kept. After the wedding, the bedroom had changed. Mostly my things were swept off and I was not used to being looking around for things.

" Saboohi." I called out angrily. A moment of silence passed before I realized she already went down for breakfast. Hissing under my nose, I walked to the wardrobes and pulled them open. My wife's section made my amber eyes dilate as I looked at her clothes.

Tons of clothes.

White clothes.

" What?" I swiped the hangers one by one seeing only white clothes. Made out of finest of fabric, made out of every design. Net, silk, jewelled, chiffon, embroidered; but all white. Scratching my neck, I bent down and retrieved the files from the drawer, down below.

What was her obsession with white.

" Good morning, dear husband." The soft voice boomed around the large room making my eyes flicker to the white clad lady who barged inside the room.

" Good morning." I said clearing my throat and fixing my tie.

She gasped, her hands reaching up to cup her mouth as she looked at me with sharp butterscotch eyes.

" What are you doing? Stealing my clothes for your secretary?" My eyes widened at her accusation. Seeing her walk towards the open wardrobe.

" No. I was um.. why are all of your clothes white?" I asked.

Her smile fell down her face and her once brightened face scrunched into a frown. She easily walked past me and towards her wardrobe, my eyes watching her each action with utmost curiosity.

" It's a tale for another time." She said turning her back to me. I nodded to no one and sat down, doing my shoe laces. I flickered my eyes to her once I was done. Seeing the woman move around in her white maxi dress. Her curls around her shoulders. Her feet sporting block heels. She searched through the drawers of her wardrobe and I stood up, tightening my watch around my wrist.

" I am going for breakfast." I announced.

She looked at me and shrieked.

" No. No wait."

I frowned, confused. She came to me with a box and held my hand, pulling me to sit on the bed besides her. My amber brown eyes looked at the box as she opened it. Revealing two shiny silver bracelets. Holding my hand up, she hooked a manly bracelet around my left wrist. The chains all hooked up together, setting against my skin.

" I wanted to get something for you. So I got this." She smiled looking up at me. My heart did something and I averted my eyes. Only realizing how close we sat together. Our knees brushing together. Saboohi's large eyes looked at me and she pulled out the other bracelet, that had the same design but was a little thin in comparison with mine. She tied it around her wrist and I felt embarrassed that she didn't even make the futile attempt to ask me to do it. But nonetheless when she couldn't tie it, she laughed. I smiled and took the two ends of the jewellery and hooked it up.

" See same same." She said grinning.

I offered her the most honest smile I could ever give.

" Thank you." I said.

" Don't ever take this off. It'll always stay with you." She said softly and I felt myself succumb to her wish.

" I won't." I assured.

She bit her bottom lip, her warm palm moving up to caress my cheek in the most gentlest way possible. My palms stiffened into tight fists as I held my breath, bearing her skin in contact with mine. Her eyes, they were large and butter brown. And deep and she looked at me as if she had the while world before her. And I feared the look she had in her eyes. It scared me to heights. Averting my eyes, I looked past her figure to my desk. Seeing the once beautiful photo frame on it now replaced with a candle stand.

Saboohi turned her face, her eyes tracing to where my eyes were before she turned to me again. Her hand falling from my face. I gulped down my throat and cleared it. Standing up, I ran my hands over my coat and grabbed the files.

" Let's go for breakfast." I said feeling the woman stand and follow behind me.

We walked down the stairs together.

" You'd be going to work?"

I nodded giving her a quick glance.

" But it's so early." She said in a small voice. I blew a breath out and ran my tongue over my lips.

" I..um-"

" Oh look, they're here." Mom's voice echoed and our eyes snapped to the ladies standing at the foot of the stairs. Saboohi waved at Shaya before skidding past me. The two women embracing each other warmly.

" I am so sad that you are leaving so early." My wife complained.

" I would've loved to stay for a little longer but duty calls." I smiled at Shaya stepping besides Saboohi. The young woman smiled back.

" You better bring Saboohi for a visit at my house as well. Saboohi you'll love Karachi."

Butterscotch eyes looked up at me. Before they turned to Shaya before us.

" Sure, we'd visit you."

" Come on Shaya, or else you'll miss the flight." Zaryaab spoke. As he easily walked to us and rolled the suitcases out.

" Yeah yeah."

Shaya embraced my wife once again and I gave her a quick smile. Faraal was in tears and Saboohi had to hold the other woman to hush her up. We bid our goodbyes to Shaya as Afaaf and Zaryaab went to drop her off at the airport. Making our way inside the dining room, we settled as mom served us breakfast.

" Jahan, you seem awfully dressed this early in the morning, are you leaving for somewhere?" Dadi Gul Jan asked.

Making me almost spurt out the orange juice that I had in my mouth. Eyes turned to me and I gulped before wiping my mouth with the napkin.

" I'd be going to the office." I said slowly.

" Who said?" A new voice interjected. Making me eyes widen.

Turning my head I saw Farzan walk in. Mom stood up, smiling brightly as she greeted him.

" Come on have breakfast with us." Khan Dada said offering the empty seat to the man. Making him nod his head and easily slip in the seat before me.

" Good morning Bhabi. I hope you're doing well this morning." He asked Saboohi and I clenched my palm under the table. Saboohi giggled.

" I am doing good. Thank you."

My eyes swept to Farzan as he cleared his throat.

" Jahan, you don't have to worry about office. You just got married, take Saboohi to somewhere. Go enjoy. Zaryaab is here and together we'll manage everything till you're gone. Right Dadi?"

The old woman high fived him and I felt my eyes widen like saucers.

" Absolutely right." She said.

I sulked in my chair as everyone around the chair affirmed.

" I think Farzan is absolutely right. Well you know Saboohi, your uncle is taking me to Singapore because Jahan is finally settled and we won't need to babysit him. He promised me the trip. Right General sahb!" Mom said sitting next to dad.

" Mom." I groaned covering my face with my palms as everyone around the table shared a chuckle.

" Yeah. And Faraal and me are leaving for Islamabad. I have to meet her parents. So you'll feel the loneliness when we all are gone." Bazid shared.

I turned my eyes to Saboohi seeing her fiddle in her chair.

" That's seems like a plan then. Ladies and gentlemen please excuse me, I have business to attend. And-"

Farzan leaned forward practically snatching the file out of my hold.

" -you won't be needing this anymore. Have a lovely trip"

He was out of the door before he had even entered and I internally groaned as what mess he had left behind.

" Saboohi, go pack then." Faraal urged. Making the woman stand and leave the room.

" Mom, where would we go?" I asked loosening the tie from around my collar.

" To the cabin." She said in the beat of a moment.

" What!" The cup knocked down on the table as I stood up.

" I am not taking her to the cabin. It wasn't made for her. It would be so awkward-"

Dad sighed.

" Jahan take her there. Spend time with her, get to know her. Show her around the place. She's a part of our life now. Show her that she really is." I sighed and excused myself.

" They already plan everything what they leave is just to inform me on how I have to act to their plans." I muttered to myself as I stormed inside the bedroom.

Saboohi was by the wardrobe folding her clothes. She noticed me and smiled.

" Where's the cabin?" She asked. I tensed.

" How do-"

" Oh I heard them saying it."

Great.

" Its a five hour drive from here."

" Oh. Should I pack for you as well?" She offered and I shook my head. Throwing the suit jacket on the bed. I opened my wardrobe and stuffed everything that came in contact with my hand in the small hand carry. My eyes rolling as I looked at the woman type away something on her phone.

" Um. Before we leave can you drop me off to my father's house. I need to see him."

" Yeah sure." I frowned seeing how tensed she looked.

" Are you okay?"

She swept her tongue over her mouth.

" Yeah." She said quietly.

" I haven't ever heard about your sister." I rolled another shirt into the suitcase. Saboohi sat on the bed and pulled her knees to her chest.

" Rubi? We don't talk much. We didn't have that chemistry since our teenage. She's six years older to me maybe that explains a lot."
" Uhm hm. What about your childhood?" I probed curiously. Squinting my eyes.

Saboohi visibly tensed. Her eyes stopped in the wall before her and she froze like a mannequin. I dipped up the bag and looked at her stilled form.

" You miss her?"

" No I don't."

" Why?" I chuckled. Finding it funny that how many layers she had to her personality.

" Because I don't like her and she's bad." I chuckled loud.

" What!"

" Yeah! Can you drop me off now?"

I looked down at my clothes.

" I'll change and then we'll go together."

" No. It's not necessary that you go. You just have to-" She half slipped down the bed to protest. If she didn't want me going that meant I had to go 120%.

" Saboohi. I'll go with you." I spoke in finality before closing the bathroom door behind me.

•

Alamdar. Alamdar. Alamdar.

This name was all I heard from Saboohi since she stepped in her father's house.

" I am really glad you brought my daughter, Jahangir." I nodded at the man offering him a small smile. Saboohi was staring at us. Her head placed on her father's shoulder.

" Saboohi would you stay like this all day or feed your husband something." Her mother strolled in, eyeing the father daughter duo. Saboohi huffed and stood up before leaving the room and it was impossible not the sense the tension between the mother and daughter.

I offered her father a smile once his wife walked out.

" It's good seeing Saboohi so happy. And I am glad that I made the right choice. She's in safe hands and I am relieved. My daughter might be a little hard to deal with sometimes but she's not a bad person at heart, Jahan."

" Yes Uncle-"

" Tea's here."

Saboohi sang making us chuckle as she walked back inside with a tray.

It was an hour later that we returned home and booted the suitcases in the car. Mom was excited as she saw us finally complying on her plans. Everyone was waiting for us my the patio as we both walked out. Their beaming smiles too bright for my eyes.

" Ouch." Saboohi hissed and I had to curl my arm around her small waist to hold her up and she fell my way. I steadied her by placing my other hand on her shoulder, seeing the woman smile. Bazid and Faraal were making weird noises by now.

" Sorry." Saboohi whispered.

I offered her a tight smile.

" Saboohi if you're doing this on purpose I swear to God you're show is working." I hissed in her ear. She but her lip, still supported in my arm.

" Oh my dear husband. Would I twist my toes in these heels just to show our family how happy we are." She hissed back. Giggles sounded and I gently, like the gentleman I was, pulled her up and straight on her feet.

" Are you okay Saboohi?" Mom asked making the woman nod as she slid her hair behind her shoulders and curled her arm with mine.

" I am much better now."

Internally groaning I moved to Mohid to pepper his face with kisses.

" Saboohi, wear this!" Afaaf draped a long burgundy coat over Saboohi's white dress before she could sit in the car.

" Thanks." I said to Zaryaab as he embraced me.

" I am just a call away." He winked making me chuckle.

" Take good care of yourself and of Saboohi. And don't return home until we say." Afaaf hit her husband's shoulder playfully.

" Zaryaab stop it." She hissed.

I shook my head at them and rounded the car before getting in behind the wheel. Saboohi rubbed her palms together as I rolled the car from the driveway and onto the road.

" I am so excited."

" Uhm hmm!"

" So tell me. Why does the family have a cabin that is five hours away from the house." She exaggerated making me tense.

" Um. It's not the family's cabin. It's mine."

" Hmm. Yours? As if you own it?" She seemed impressed as she looked at me with large eyes.

I drew in a large breath. Letting my diaphragm rise upwards. As I tightened my hold on the steering wheel.

" I built the cabin myself. It's mine and Ro-"

No Jahan don't say it.

" I made it for Ronaq. I took her there after the wedding."

My eyes met Saboohi's to gauze her reaction but she seemed unfazed. Instead a huge smile curved her lips. And she quirked up.

" Really that must have been so romantic. So did she like it then?"

The rightness of my chest lightened and I relaxed against the leather of the seat.

" She loved it. She said it was unbelievably beautiful. And she never wanted to leave the place again."

" Aww that's sweet. But obviously you guys had to go back to the haveli."

" Yeah. But we made sure to go back to the cabin after every four months."

" Cute."

She slumped against the seats, rolling down the window as we drove through the highway. The scenery started to grow and Saboohi seemed involved it in. And before I knew it she was snoring. My heart beats did pick up when Ronaq was discussed but I did appreciate how Saboohi made it comfortable to talk about her. It seemed so easy just to say what I wanted to say. The hours passed by and just before the sunset, we reached our destination passing through valleys one after another.

" Oh my God. It's beautiful." The woman gasped as I drove down the pathway to the cabin. The trees hovering over us. Parking the car before the house, I killed the engine and got out of the vehicle. Seeing the cabin after two years brought back familiar memories. I closed my eyes and breathed in. Sensing the smell of rich wood and pine waft past my nostrils.

Jahan! It's unbelievably beautiful! How could you build THIS.

Omg omg! I LOVE YOU!

I wrapped my arms against my chest. Feeling as if I had embraced Ronaq like I had done all those years ago. Feelings her turn mush in my arms like silk. Her breathing synchronizing with mine. The darkening clouds welcome us as I unloaded the suitcases and guided Saboohi up the wooden patio stairs that accompanied the gallery that went all around the back of the house. Before the door was a mat that said welcome and I smiled at the nostalgia that clinged to me now. My eyes sweeping to the small plate besides the door.

Ronaq's Jahan.

It read in bold with silver glitter all over it. And despite the weather changes and rain it remained unchanged. A thick lump form in my throat as I stared at it. Saboohi placed a hand over my hand and leaned besides the plate. Her finger moving up to the letters. As she traced it delicately.

" Ronaq's Jahan. This Jahan isn't you. Jahan means place and this means Ronaq's place."

I nodded and smiled seeing the woman offer a soft smile. Unlocking the door, I pushed it feeling the warmth from inside now cover me like halo. My knees buckled and I felt my chest compressing.

I could see her in the black saree twirling.

I could hear her bangles.

I could hear her laughter as I chased her down the stairs.

I could hear her breathing as we watched the awfully sick horror movie.

I could hear everything.

I could hear her.

Saboohi

His hesitation wasn't oblivious. And so I did the only right thing I felt in the moment. Taking his hand in mine, I wrapped my fingers around his palm.

" It's okay Jahan." I murmured softly and his eyes turned to me. The amber brown orbs softly melting away. We entered the house together and my eyes widened in amazement.

" It's so- I am speechless."  My mouth fell agape as I stared at the interior. Jahan switched on the lights as I moved forward. My heels rubbing against the Turkish carpet spread on the center. I left my bag on the glass table and walked around. My hands brushing against the wood of the walls. A small hall area remained between the open kitchen and the television lounge: that was lower than the floor level. It had wool mattresses and bean bags with a comfortable maroon couch in the center before a large television screen. My heels knocked on the wooden flooring as I walked in the open kitchen. Seeing how well organized it was. Shelves as the back with all small glass jars filled with spices and all. The islands had stools under them and  marble tops that sparkled under the lights.

Moving to the closed door at the corner I opened it, seeing cartons and hardware things. It had to be the storage room. Smiling at the man, I strode to the stairs besides the kitchen area. The wood protested as I climbed up the stairs. The railing was of thin wood chunks and I almost squeaked one time in horror.

" I didn't do that good of a job at the stairs."

" You really did not." I said unapologetically.

" Yeah. Been told that."

By Ronaq.

Upstairs was only a small hall area with two sofas and glass supported as a wall. Jahan opened the bedroom and I stepped in behind him. A low gasp leaving my lips.

The bedroom had to be the largest room of the house. With the sliding wardrobes opposite to bed and a large mirror on the wall besides the door. Before the bed was a desk. A similiar to the one we had back home. The four poster bed had thin linen white curtains hanging till the floors. And the largest wall opposite to the door was a glass wall. With the view of hovering greens. And I net some leaves were already kissing the glass. Amazed and stunned I slowly walked in and towards the glass.

Tracing my finger tips over it. I looked out at the darkening sky.

" Woah." The towering mountains around the valley now looked like huge beasts. The gushing sound of a stream from somewhere now filling the silence between us. I felt my thudding heart beats calming down as I pressed my forehead on the glass. It was so surreal that it so much for my heart. Turning around I faced the man seeing him stand besides me.

Leaning on my tiptoes, I pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. Catching him off guard as he visibly flinched and then relaxed.

" Sorry I-"

" Ronaq was very lucky." I whispered with all my heart.

" Because she had me?" His amber brown eyes clashed with mine.

I smiled sadly.

" No. Because you had her."

I have you but Jahan, you don't have me.

Silence prevailed around us and someone in the midst of the silence our eyes found the full moon.

You don't have me.

•

Boom!! I am back guys!

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How do you like the chapter guys! I've been writing it for since pta nahi how long! Although it was a more filer chapter I've left some major details! 😉

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Until tomorrow! IN SHAA ALLAH! ❤

Love,
Hafsa♥