At breakfast, Mehrunisa was unusually cheerful, her presence like a flame that only made his blood burn hotter. She wore a deep red kurta that clung to her body like a second skin, each movement of hers stirring something dark and primal inside him. The neckline dipped just enough to make him imagine what lay beneath, and his eyes traced the curve of her neck as she leaned in, her skin glowing, tempting him to lose control.

She floated around the room, her voice light and melodic as she addressed Saman and Zain, but to Shahnawaz, it was nothing but a taunt.

"Zain, kal kaun si meeting thi? Maine suna ki usme kaafi zaruri faisle hone wale hain," she asked sweetly, deliberately ignoring the heat in Shahnawaz's gaze.

Zain frowned, but before he could answer, Shahnawaz snapped, his voice dripping with venom, a sharp edge of jealousy slicing through him. "Tumhe Zain ki meetings mein itni dilchaspi kab se hone lagi?"

Mehrunisa turned toward him, her eyes flashing with mischief, as though daring him to react. Her smile was sweet, but there was a dangerous edge to it that made his pulse quicken, an anger mixed with desire rising like a storm inside him. How dare she act like this? he thought. His gaze fell to her lips, swollen and tempting, just begging to be kissed, to be dominated. He swallowed hard, the ache in his chest becoming unbearable.

"Zain se toh mera bohot qareebi rishta hai, uski fikar mai mujhe nind nahi aati. Mujhe lagta hai usse tawajoh ki zaroorat hai," she replied, her words cutting into his pride, mocking him, like she knew how to twist the knife deeper each time.

Fucking hell, his thoughts spiraled. He could see it in her eyes-the game she was playing, the way she tested him with every breath she took, her body so close but always out of reach. I could ruin you right here, Mehrunisa. I could make you beg, make you scream my name. You want to play with fire? I'll burn you alive.

Her words stung like acid, but it only made him want her more. He leaned forward, his jaw clenched, trying to control the surge of dark, filthy thoughts racing through his mind. He wanted to see her on her knees, wanted to feel her lips, her neck beneath his hands, wanted to make her submit to him, make her hate him, but crave him at the same time.

"Tumhara kaam bas mujhe sambhalna hai, Mehrunisa," Shahnawaz growled, his voice low and possessive, his eyes never leaving her body as if claiming her without touching her.

"Woh kaam main achhe se kar rahi hoon," she shot back, her words a challenge, her lips curling in that defiant smirk that made his blood run hot with frustration. She thinks she can talk to me like this? The thought of her, that fire in her eyes, made his blood surge in his veins. He wanted to drag her across the table, rip that smile off her face, and show her who the real power was.

"Aap apne kaam par dhyan dein, Shah sahab," she added, daring him, pushing him further.

He could feel his grip on his control slipping. He could almost taste her anger, her defiance, and it was intoxicating. He wanted her close, wanted to break her. Let her hate me, let her think she's in charge. The more she pushes, the more I want to break her spirit.

He moved closer, his eyes dark, his thoughts filthy and shameless. He could feel his breath coming harder, his body pressing closer to hers. He whispered, voice dripping with a possessive fury, "Mujhse khelna band karo, Mehru."

She didn't back down, standing there, inches from him, her body trembling, her eyes blazing with anger and something else. She wasn't afraid of him. She thinks she can stand up to me? His fingers twitched, itching to touch her, to take what was his. His gaze fell on her lips again, the urge to kiss her, to claim her, overwhelming him.

She stood up, defiance written all over her face. She was inches from him, and her breath was warm against his skin. "Tumhara khel khatam kar rahi hoon, Shahnawaz. Aur is baar, tum haarne wale ho."

Saman interjected. "Bas karo tum dono. Shahnawaz, tumhare liye ek important kaam hai. Tumhara bhai bhi yahan baitha hai, toh thoda focus wahaan bhi rakho."

__

In the dim, flickering lights of the brothel, the air was thick with the scent of smoke and perfume. Shahnawaz sat at the bar, his vision hazy, his mind clouded by the alcohol he'd been drinking to drown the storm of thoughts inside him. He'd come with Zain, though he wasn't sure why anymore. Nothing made sense, and everything felt like a blur.

A woman, with curves that seemed to move in rhythm to the low hum of the music, caught his attention. Her body was sinuous, her movements hypnotic as she danced, drawing every eye in the room to her. The sway of her hips, the deliberate glances she cast at him—it was all too much. His heart pounded, and he felt a stirring deep within him.

He closed his eyes, trying to block out the sensation, but it only made it worse. The alcohol burned in his throat as he gulped, trying to drown the heat pooling in his body. But when he opened his eyes again, she was no longer the woman he had seen earlier.

The woman who now stood before him was wearing a flimsy dress, barely covering her form, and her eyes... her eyes were too familiar. Too haunting. She was looking directly at him, those doe eyes piercing through him like they always did. Shahnawaz's breath caught in his throat as his pulse quickened.

He was too drunk to make sense of it all, but he had to ask. His voice slurred, the words escaping before he could stop them.

"Tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?" he asked, his voice thick, but laced with confusion. He didn't even know why he was asking. This was wrong. She shouldn't be here.

And then she spoke, her voice low, breathy. Her words floated through the haze of his mind and settled deep within him, like a whisper that dug into his soul.

"Shah..."

The sound of her voice—a single syllable, spoken so softly—shivered through his body. It was as if every fiber of his being responded to her, igniting a fever he couldn't control. His eyes darted to her lips as she took a step closer. The heat radiating from her body was unmistakable. It was her. It had to be her.

His breath came faster, and the pounding in his chest grew more erratic. He reached out, his hand trembling as he pulled her closer. The moment their lips touched, his entire world seemed to spin. But then, something was wrong. It wasn't right. The taste of her—this wasn't her taste.

It was bitter. Foreign. Nothing like Mehrunisa.

Shahnawaz recoiled, eyes snapping open, his hand pushing her away as if he had been burned. Reality crashed down on him with a painful clarity. It wasn't Mehrunisa. It couldn't be. She would never—never—initiate like this.

His heart thudded in his chest, a sickening mix of relief and frustration twisting inside him. He stood up abruptly, almost stumbling, his body betraying him. His mind screamed at him to snap out of it, but the image of her—the soft touch of her voice, her lips, her eyes—clung to him like a fever he couldn't shake.

It wasn't her.

And that's what drove him crazy.

__

Shahnawaz's eyes followed the sleek black car as it rolled into the intersection, the brake lights flashing red as it came to a stop at the signal. His gaze narrowed, every muscle in his body going taut as his mind began to race.

Is that... His heart stuttered as the driver's side window rolled down and he caught a glimpse of her—the one person who haunted his every waking moment. Mehrunisa. She sat beside Rafay, her head tilted as she laughed at something he said. Her eyes sparkled, her lips curving into a smile that made Shahnawaz's blood run cold.

A violent surge of anger coursed through him. What the hell is she doing with him? His hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles went white. He had seen her talk to Rafay before, but this... this was different.

His gaze flickered between the two of them. The way Rafay's hand rested casually on the gear shift, the way Mehrunisa leaned in just a little too close, her laugh too loud, too carefree. She's not laughing like that with me.

Every part of him screamed at him to look away, but he couldn't. He was fixated. His vision blurred, his heart racing, his blood boiling as his thoughts spiraled out of control.

Why is she giving him that smile? That's MY smile, Mehrunisa. That's supposed to be for me. You think you can just give it to anyone? His jaw clenched so hard it ached. His breath came out in shallow bursts. He was losing control.

The signal turned green, and the car moved forward, but Shahnawaz's rage didn't let up. His mind was a storm of chaotic thoughts—I'll rip that smile off his face. I'll drag her away from him. She belongs to me. No one touches her like that. No one gets to be this close to her, not him, not anyone.

Before he could stop himself, his foot slammed down on the accelerator, his car speeding toward theirs, cutting through the traffic with reckless abandon. He pulled up beside them, heart pounding in his chest, every part of him consumed by fury.

The car slowed as it approached the next stop, and Shahnawaz's hand shot out. He flung the door open with a force that made it slam against the car's frame. The movement was swift, too fast for her to react. He was already out of the car before she could even register what was happening.

"Shahnawaz!" she gasped, her eyes wide with shock as he grabbed her arm, yanking her out of the car with such force that she stumbled into him.

He felt the eyes of the crowd on them, and a savage thrill washed over him. This is exactly what you deserve, he thought, his grip tightening on her wrist as he dragged her away. He didn't care about the people staring, the looks of confusion and judgment. No, this was his show, and he would make her regret everything.

Let them see what you did to me, Mehrunisa, he thought, a bitter satisfaction curling in his chest. Let them witness your betrayal.

His voice cracked with rage, feigned anguish lacing his words as he gripped her wrist tightly. The crowd around them thickened, murmurs rising like a wave, people recording the spectacle, their eyes glued to them. Shahnawaz's disheveled state, the drunk slur in his voice, the anguish in his tone—everything painted a picture of betrayal. He made sure to play the role well, to amplify the pain she had caused him.

"Dhokebaaz!" he roared, his voice echoing across the street. "Meri mohabbat ka yeh sila diya tumne? Tum mujhe dhoka de rahi thi, Mehrunisa?"

Let them see you for what you truly are, he thought as her face remained composed. The irritation in her eyes only fueled his performance. He'd make her pay, make her squirm in front of everyone.

His voice shook with fake anguish as he collapsed onto his knees on the gravel road, clutching his chest like a man defeated, a victim of the cruelest betrayal. I'll make you regret this, Mehrunisa. I'll make you see what you've done to me.

"Aur mai sochta tha meri biwi ke paas mere liye waqt kyun nahi hai," he cried, his voice breaking, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Puri duniya se lad liya tha tumhare liye, Mehrunisa! Har saazish, har ilzam... sabka samna kiya tha! Aur tum? Tumne mujhe is tarah ka sila diya?"

His thoughts were dark and twisted, She's mine to ruin now. She'll beg me for forgiveness after this. He could already feel her discomfort, the vulnerability in her eyes beneath her tough exterior. He had her right where he wanted her.

But then, her mocking laugh cut through his performance like a knife. She folded her arms, amusement flashing in her eyes, and her words dripped with sarcasm. "Kaafi acchi acting kar lete ho, yaar. Bollywood try karna chahiye tumhe."

He seethed. That's how you want to play it, Mehrunisa? She was so goddamn confident, so infuriatingly arrogant. She wasn't taking him seriously. I'll break that pride of yours. He forced himself to stay composed, playing the role of the hurt lover, but inside, his anger burned hotter than ever.

She leaned in, sniffing him. The bitch actually sniffed me. Is this how she mocks me now?

"Aur waise, Shahnawaz, tum agar roz bahar se biryani khaoge, toh mujhse dal chawal ki expectation kaise rakh sakte ho?" Her words stung more than anything she could've said, like a slap to the face.

His thoughts spiraled, the rage turning into something darker. Biryani? You're calling Rafay your damn biryani? The thought of her with him, so casual, so carefree, made his blood boil. He's nothing to you, Mehrunisa. You think he's a better option? I'll make sure you regret this.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their whispers fueling his frustration. But Mehrunisa's focus remained solely on him, and that only made him angrier. You think you've won, don't you? You think you can humiliate me?

His eyes locked onto hers as she bent down to meet him at eye level, and his heart pounded. She looked at him as though he were a child throwing a tantrum.

You don't get to treat me like this. Not now, not ever.

Loser Shah being a drama queen.

"Ab yeh tamasha khatam karo, Shahnawaz," she said coldly, her words slicing through the air. "Log jo dekhna chahte they, woh dekh chuke hain. Hogya aaj ka drama."

Her taunts were the last straw. He grabbed her wrist tightly, his grip firm enough to make her flinch. Without saying another word, he dragged her to the car, his movements rough and hurried. "Bas, bohot ho gaya," he muttered, his voice trembling with suppressed rage.

"Shahnawaz! Kya kar rahe ho?" she demanded, trying to yank her hand free, but his grip only tightened.

He shoved her into the passenger seat and slammed the door shut before climbing into the driver's side. The drive was tense and silent, the air thick with his rage and her defiance. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel, and she could feel the waves of his anger rolling off him.

As soon as they reached the house, Shahnawaz stormed out, pulling her along behind him. He slammed the door shut behind them and brought her to the bed, his hands gripping her waist tightly as he pushed her against the bedpost. His face was inches from hers, his breath hot and laced with the faint scent of alcohol.

"How could you?" he growled, his voice a mix of pain and fury.

Mehrunisa's eyes locked with his, unflinching. "How could I what, Shahnawaz?" she shot back, her tone sharp, her chin raised in defiance.

"How could you go out with that Rafay!" he bellowed, his voice cracking slightly.

She raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Kyun? Tum dusri shaadi ka soch sakte ho aur mai dusre mard ka bhi nahi?"

"Nahi!" His voice was a roar now, his hands tightening on her waist. "Kabhi nahi! Us Rafay ke baare mein khayal bhi nahi aana chahiye tumhare dimaag mein!"

She tilted her head, her smirk widening. "Tumhe kyun farakh padhta hai? Tum toh mujhe apni zindagi se bahar phekna chahte hona .."

"Nahi ", he shook his head softly placing her hand on her cheek, covering her face completely.

The hand was both comforting and suffocating. Just like him.

"Mai toh tumhare upar bojh huna. Toh kyu na ye maamla idhar issi waqt khatam kardete hai, kaho mai tumhe tala-"

He covered her mouth as if her words physically hurt him. But didn't he say those exact words to his mother this morning.

Her eyes blinked, his hands covering her nose, only her eyes were visible. Her lips touched his hand as she breathed. Glaring at him. The red material of the grey neckline softly tempting him.

"Chup!" he said, his voice trembling. His gaze softened for a moment as he looked at her, his thumb brushing over her lips.

"Mai jaanta hu tum talaq kyu chahti ho."

His tone shifted completely.

His fingers softly caressed her jaw, then lifted her chin, his face too close to her.

He didn't like what she said. And how she said it.

It irritated him.

It made this boiling anger like ache spread throughout his body. It made him want to never let her out of side.

"Us Rafay ke liye... na?'

She smiled, mocking him, getting under his skin, "Haan... us Rafay ke liye.'

She fucking said his name on his face.

Shahnawaz's eyes darkened his hands went for her throat, and at first she thought he would hurt her but he softly held her neck. His large hands covering her dainty neck.

Those hands were large... if he wanted he could snap her neck in a second. End her existence, her misery.

"Kyun jaan leni hai? Gala dabana hai?" She held his hand. As he compared the sizes.

Almost amused.

"Uska naam apni zubaan par laaya toh..."

His hands held her neck tight enough not to choke her.

His other hand cupped her cheek.

"Shayad lelu tumhari jaan."

He bit his lip as if controlling himself. Mehru didn't realise it wasn't anger.

As he almost looked at her adoringly. His one hand caressing her cheek and the other maintaining a tight grip on her neck.

His thumb brushed across her lips again, lingering there as if testing the softness of them. His grip on her neck remained firm, not enough to hurt but just enough to make her aware of his power over her in this moment. His other hand caressed her cheek, his calloused fingers trailing down her jawline, leaving a burning sensation in their wake.

"You drive me insane, Mehrunisa," he murmured, his voice low and rough, like gravel dipped in honey. His gaze flickered between her lips and her eyes, a storm raging within him. "You're like red wine... intoxicating, addictive, and so potent that a single sip is enough to drive a man to madness."

His thumb pressed slightly against her lips, parting them just enough to make her breath hitch. He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he whispered, his voice dripping with sinful intent, "And yet, no matter how much I drink, it's never enough. You leave me craving more... craving you."

Her breath quickened, but she glared at him, refusing to let him see the effect his words had on her. "Is this what you call love, Shahnawaz?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm he was stirring within her

His smirk was dark, dangerous, as his hand moved from her neck to cradle the back of her head, pulling her closer until their faces were mere inches apart. "Love?" he echoed, his breath warm against her skin. "I don't do love...I know lust that makes a man forget his name, his family... his wife."

She knew he was refering to Rafay...

"Kyun jal gaye Shahnawaz?" She asked with a smirk.

His lips hovered just over hers, but he didn't close the distance. Instead, he pulled back slightly, his dark eyes locking with hers. "Every time you look at me with those eyes, every time you smirk like you know exactly how to break me... it makes me want to destroy you and worship you all at once."

Her lips parted slightly, a sharp retort forming, but he silenced her with a finger against her lips. "Shh," he murmured, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. "Let me finish."

"You make me wild, Mehrunisa," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "I see you, and I forget how to breathe. I touch you, and it feels like my skin is on fire. I hear your voice, and it's like a melody I want to play on repeat until I go deaf."

His lips curved into a smirk as he looked down at her, his gaze burning into hers. "You think you're in control, Mehrunisa? That you can walk away from me, leave me drowning in this madness alone? No. You're sinking with me... because whether you admit it or not, you feel this too."

His words were a challenge, a dare, as his hand returned to her neck, his thumb brushing the hollow of her throat. "Say it, Mehrunisa," he demanded, his voice low and commanding. "Tell me you don't feel this. Tell me you don't burn just as much as I do."

Her voice faltered as her heart betrayed her resolve, pounding loudly in her chest. She tried to pull back, but his grip on her neck tightened ever so slightly, his intensity pinning her in place. "Nahi, mujhe kuch mehsoos nahi hota," she whispered, her voice trembling, though her words dripped with defiance.

A bitter laugh escaped his lips, low and mocking. "Jhoot mat bolo, Mehrunisa," he said, his thumb now stroking her pulse point, feeling the rapid thrum of her heartbeat beneath his touch. "Tumhari dhadkanein tumhari baaton ka saath nahi de rahi. Tumhari aankhein sab kuch keh rahi hain..."

Either Shahnawaz Shah could read minds... or her eyes were traitors.

"Mere dil mai bas Rafay hai..."

She was glad that he didn't investigate why she was meeting up with him. Glad that he misunderstood it as a love affair. And now that he had disrespected her infront of the world. It didn't matter if she accepted his accusation and misunderstandings as the truth.

Shahnawaz didn't appreciate the confession, seeing it with his eyes was different then her actually admitting that they were having an affair.

"Jaise tumhare dil mai Amal hai..." Mehrunisa said, her words dripping with sarcasm, her eyes challenging him to respond. Her smirk was sharp, and she could see the flicker of anger in his gaze as he processed her words. His grip on her neck tightened slightly, the tension thickening between them.

"If I had loved Amal," Shahnawaz bit out, his voice a low growl, "I would have never married you."

Her eyes narrowed with fury as she faced him, her voice seething with contempt. "Toh uske saath bhi khel rahe ho tum log?" She scoffed, the bitter taste of disdain on her tongue. "Tum kisike nahi ho, siwai tumhari Ammi aur bhai ke." Her gaze was sharp, the anger in her eyes burning through him. "Ek aurat aadmi se mohabbat kar sakti hai, lekin tum... tum mard nahi ho."

His grip tightened instantly, his hand crashing around her wrist, pulling her against him with a force that made her gasp. "Beghairat insaan, chhodo mujhe!" she hissed, the roughness of his hold igniting a fire inside her.

Her words stung more than she cared to admit, but they did nothing to silence the fury rising in him. The accusations, the insults, the mockery—he couldn't bear it, especially when she dared to strip him of his masculinity. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he fought the urge to slam her against the wall.

"Maine tumhe waqt diya tha, Mehrunisa," he growled, the words slipping through gritted teeth. His voice was thick with frustration. "Galat kiya maine? Tumhara Shauhar hu mai. Agar chahu toh apne huqooq abhi issi waqt wusool karlu."

"Mere shauhar ho? Have you ever supported me as a husband? Shayad zyaada expect kar rahi hu tum jaise mard ka sirf apni biwi par bas chalta hai... Kamzor mard ho tum. SHAH. You're nothing but a weak, incompetent Mama's boy."

She could feel the heat of his breath against her skin, his presence enveloping her as his fingers dug into her wrist, a silent threat that sent a shiver of warning down her spine.

Mehrunisa shoved his hand off her neck with all the strength she could muster, but his body didn't budge. "Shahnawaz Shah, mai tumhari koi cheez nahi ho!" She spat out, her voice dripping with contempt. She remembered that day—the words he had said to her then. His declaration of ownership, his claim on her.

He froze at her words, his mind flashing back to that moment. His expression shifted, the anger in his eyes cooling, replaced with something else—a vulnerability he rarely showed. He reached for her hair, his fingers threading through the strands gently this time, pulling her face closer to his.

"Maine gusse mein kaha tha us din..." he whispered, his voice now softer, almost pained. "You scared me."

Her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected admission. She frowned, unsure of how to react. This wasn't the man who had confronted her with arrogance and possessiveness. This was something else. Something she couldn't quite place. And, in that moment, she felt the shift—his walls, so firmly built, beginning to crack.

His voice faltered, raw and vulnerable, as he continued, his grip on her hair loosening slightly, but his eyes never leaving hers. "You scared me," he whispered again, his breath shaky. "I was so scared that you would become my weakness... that you'd change me. I was scared that all my past sins would haunt me for the rest of my life, and I'd never escape them. I was scared of the peace I felt when I drank a cup of chai made by you... I don't want to crave you, Mehrunisa. I don't want to need you this much."

He was talking too much. Drunk Shahnawaz was actually likeable, Mehrunisa realized.

His lips pressed onto hers, and Mehrunisa didn't pull away. His soft nibbling turned viscious soon as he whispered against her lips,

"Did he kiss you?" he whispered, his voice dripping with jealousy.

The question hit her like a slap, and the moment shattered. She jerked away from him, disgust flooding her chest, the warmth of his kiss replaced by a cold bitterness.

"Way to ruin the mood," she spat, pushing him away harder than before.

He, for once, didn't respond with the cold, calculated fury he usually reserved for moments like this. Instead, he stood there, caught between his own desires and his insecurities. It was almost as if he couldn't decide whether to be the man who confessed his darkest fears or the one who would tear her apart with his possessiveness.

Mehrunisa shook her head, disgusted with both of them. "You were just confessing your undying love for me, and now you're back to this?"

"Tum mohabbat ke qaabil ho hi nahi Shahnawaz... aur mere paas itna waqt nhi hai ke tumse nafrat karu."

His grip on her waist loosened slightly as her words hit him like a blow. For a moment, he looked lost, his eyes scanning her face, searching for something he couldn't name. Then, his anger flared again, and he leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing against hers.

Her eyes they were cold. Emotionless.

He froze.  The anger drained from his face, replaced by something raw and pleading. His eyes softened, turning almost puppy-like as he stared at her, his lips parting slightly.

"Main tumhare bina jee nahi sakta, Mehrunisa."

"Toh mar jao"

She wanted to scream at him. This love bombing she hated it... but it could help her.

Shahnawaz's vulnerability vanished as jealousy and anger surged through him like a storm. His expression darkened, and his hands instinctively reached out, gripping her waist with a force that made her gasp. He pulled her closer, their bodies just a breath apart, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Isliye," he hissed through gritted teeth, "tumhe kisi aur mard ke saath mai dekh nahi sakta, Mehrunisa. Mard kya... mere siwa kisi aur ke zubaan se tumhara naam sun bhi nahi sakta!"

His grip on her waist tightened, his fingers digging into her sides as if staking his claim. She squirmed, trying to break free, but he only pulled her closer, his face mere inches from hers.

"Shahnawaz, haath chhodo!" she snapped, her voice laced with defiance.

But he didn't. Instead, his voice dropped, dangerously low, dripping with possessiveness. "Aur tumhara kisi aur ke baare mein sochna bhi mujhe takleef deta hai," he spat, his breath warm against her skin. "Tum sirf meri ho, Mehrunisa. Samjhi tum?"

Her heart hammered in her chest, a mixture of anger and something deeper, something unnameable. But she refused to show weakness. "Main tumhari milkiyat nahi hoon, Shahnawaz. Mujhe choona band karo!"

Her words hit him like a slap, and yet, instead of stepping back, his hold on her waist shifted. His hands slid up, resting just under her ribs, his touch firm yet trembling. He laughed bitterly, his eyes narrowing.

"Milkiyat?" he repeated mockingly. "Agar milkiyat hoti, toh tumhare dimaag mein kabhi woh Rafay ka naam tak na aata!"

Mehrunisa's jaw clenched, her own fury rising to match his. "Main Rafay ke saath kuch nahi kar rahi thi, Shah...."

"Toh mujhse bina puchey kyun gayi thi uske saath?"

Her lips parted to reply, but his gaze flickered to them for just a second, betraying his true desires. He let out a sharp, humorless laugh, his fingers grazing her ribs as if reminding her of his presence.

"Why would I ask you?"

Mehrunisa's body trembled with anger as she broke free from his grip, her eyes flashing with an intensity that made Shahnawaz take a step back—if only momentarily. Her voice shook, but not with fear—with rage, raw and unfiltered.

"Why would I ask you?" she repeated, her voice rising, the fury behind her words cutting through the air like a blade. "Meri nazar mai tum ek self-obsessed, insecure mard apni ego ke peeche chhupke baitha hai! Tumse kuch bhi discuss karna toh door, tumhare saath ek pal guzarna mere liye azaab hai, Shahnawaz!"

Her words hit him like blows, but she didn't stop. Her trembling hands clenched into fists as she continued, her voice laced with venom,

"Main tumse puchu? Woh insaan se jo mujhe ek showpiece ki tarah treat karta hai? Jo mere jazbaat ka mazaak banata hai, mujhe ek khilona samajhta hai? Mere saamne apni mehbooba se pyaar ka izhaar karta hai, mere bhai ke qaatil ko seeney se lagata hai..."

She glared at him, her chest heaving with every breath. But he was smiling, and his eyes gleamed with something dark.

"Mehru baby from now on you will do everything I say."

He flashed her his phone where the two of them, Rafay and Mehru sat in a restaurant. Zain had tracked them up. And the video of the scene he made in public.

He mocked, softly his voice tickling her ear, "Agar tum chaho toh mai tumhe zillat se bacha sakta hu, puri dunya ke saamne tumhaara tamasha honey se rok sakta tha, ek acche shauhar ki tarah tumhe ruswai se baccha sakta hu. Tumhari Ammi aur behen dono ki izzat rakh sakta hu."

He was emotionally blackmailing her now. She was angry, disgusted,  and scared.

"Bass... mera ek kaam kardo."

"What?"

"I want you to say, 'Shahnawaz, I crave you. Will you fuck me and that bratty attitude out of me?'"

Mehrunisa felt her knees go weak, her breath catching in her throat as she caught the way Shahnawaz's gaze raked over her. His eyes glinted with a predatory hunger, a kind of lust that made her skin crawl and tingle at the same time.

She instinctively took a step back, her trembling hands clutching the folds of her dupatta like it was her only shield. Her voice, usually so firm, faltered as she tried to summon her strength. "Shahnawaz... please... bakwaas band karo," she said, her words barely above a whisper.

But he didn't move away. Instead, he stepped closer, his towering presence suffocating her, boxing her in. His lips curled into a slow, sinister smile, his head tilting as if savoring her fear. "Kyun jaanu?" he mocked, his voice dangerously soft. "Shauhar hu tumhara, tumhare huqooq purey kar raha hu... why are you scared?"

Her heart pounded so loudly that it echoed in her ears. She felt a chill run down her spine, her instincts screaming at her to run, but her legs wouldn't obey. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls pressing tighter with every second. She could feel his gaze crawling over her, as if peeling away every layer of defiance she had left.

"Shahnawaz, tum..." Her voice cracked, her attempt at defiance wavering as tears threatened to spill. She knew what he was going to say even before the words left his mouth. The way his eyes darkened, the way his hand reached out to brush against her arm—it all screamed his intent.

He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he murmured, "Ye faisla tumhare haath mein hai, Mehrunisa. Ya toh tumhari izzat qurbaan hogi aaj... ya fir tum..." He let the words hang in the air, his meaning crystal clear.

"Are you willing to make things right?"

"Zara apni Ammi ke baarey mai socho... unka kya haap hoga agar duniya mein tumhara naam us Rafay ke saath jura? Tumhari behen ki shaadi... kabhi nhi ho payegi. Ruswai se bachalo unko Mehru, meri baat maan lo..."

Her eyes burned as she glared at him, she hated him for the way he twisted her vulnerabilities, for using her family - her weakest point - as a weapon against her.

If he had pointed a gun to her head, she would have asked him to shoot over this.

She didn't care about herself... but she couldn't let him harm her family.

So a defeated Mehrunissa fell on her knees infront of a smug Shahnawaz, whose pants were now around his ankles.