"Maheen, if we get caught, you know the consequences," Maheen nodded her head. It was death. She had grown up in this village, every place carries a distinct smell, her home village used to smell like fresh earth after rain and the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. It was a place of warmth and familiarity, but now, all she could smell was the iron tang of blood, all she could hear was Afshan's painful screams, all she could think of was how she wanted to go far far away from this place, where she could no longer hear his screams.

The car started, and they drove through familiar grounds, the land where they were caught, it almost felt like a dejavu.

The tension in the car was palpable. Maheen glanced at Seher. Fear and determination mirrored back at her. She clutched the small, frayed bag on her lap, a reminder of everything she was leaving behind.

As they drove past the old banyan tree, memories flooded back. She remembered playing there as a child, and the same place where Afshan was stoned to death.

The car bounced on the uneven dirt road, and Maheen winced with every jolt. She glanced out the window, the familiar sights blurring past her.

"Keep your head down," Seher whispered, her voice tinged with urgency. Maheen obeyed, her heart pounding in her chest. They were at the main bridge...

As they drove further away from the village, the landscape began to change. The familiar sights gave way to unknown territory. Maheen felt a mix of fear and hope.

"We crossed the village?" Maheen asked excitedly, her eyes brimming with tears, Seher nodded, "Yes, we are out. "

The car was headed for the city area, they drove for a few hours, "How did we do it?"

Seher smirked, "My father trusts me a little too much.", Maheen smiled, "Your pendant is so pretty", she said noticing the beautiful necklace around her neck.

"Was it a gift from Afshan?" Maheen shook her head, "Abdullah, "the guilt was back again, Seher's face changed as if she came to a realization.

"He is thoughtful."

"He is not. He is just like the men in this village," Maheen denied getting upset, "He told me that his traditions came first. I hate him!"

Seher's expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze Maheen's hand. "The village is behind us, so is Abdullah. You can restart your life, do what you actually want."

"Why are you doing this for me?"

Seher shook her head, "I am doing it for myself, my father has ruined so many lives including mine. I don't want you or any woman to go through the pain. I want the control, the power in my hands, I want them to know how it ...feels to be powerless, to be at the mercy of someone else's whims. I want to change that, for you, for me, for every woman who has suffered."

Maheen's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, Seher. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Seher smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You don't have to repay me, Maheen. Just live your life freely, make your own choices, and be happy. That's all the repayment I need."

The car continued to speed down the road, the city lights beginning to twinkle in the distance. Maheen felt a sense of relief wash over her. The weight of her past was slowly lifting, replaced by a cautious optimism for the future.

The car finally entered the bustling city, the noise and lights a stark contrast to the quiet village they had left behind. Maheen took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where she could write her own story. One where she had the power.

Saahil parked the car and turned to Maheen. "Welcome to your new life, Maheen."

They were parked near a villa, Saahil opened the car door for them, "What's this place?"

"My father's second wife used to live here", Seher replied looking at the beautiful place, "General Sahib had another wife?"

"Yes, found it in his suitcase, this address and marriage registration papers. He married her for a heir secretly, thinking my mother couldn't give him one, only for him to realise that he had the problem".

Ironic it was that a man who had lost his manhood was the face of patriarchy in their village.

Maheen stepped out of the car, her feet sinking into the soft gravel of the driveway. The villa was grand, a stark contrast to the simple, rustic homes of the village. It felt surreal, like stepping into a different world.

Seher led the way to the entrance, her steps confident and resolute. She unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing a lavish interior. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, yet it felt like a haven, a place where they could finally breathe freely.

"This will be your home for now, and don't worry you don't have to stay alone, I will bring in other women", Seher said, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious foyer.

Maheen looked around, "There is a balcony", she said running towards the open verandah.

Seher smiled warmly seeing her all excited. "And a terrace".

As they explored the villa, Seher pointed out the various rooms and amenities. "There are bedrooms upstairs, a fully stocked kitchen, and even a small library. You can take your time to settle in until your college starts."

Maheen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and disbelief. "It's like a dream."

Seher chuckled softly. "The maid will arrive early morning."

That night, as Maheen lay in a comfortable bed, she stared up at the ceiling, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Abdullah must have read her letter, did he get upset?

Or was he relieved?

She laid there confused about her own thoughts and feelings. And in the courtyard Seher sat watching the stars, when Saahil came over, "Kya sochrahi ho?" (What are you thinking about?)

"Zindagi ke baarey mai", she said sighing Saahil slipped into the seat beside her maintaining the distance. (About life)

And he sighed dramatically, "Mujhe laga mere baarey mai sochrahi hogi (Not about me?)", Seher who was nervous, bit her lip and turned in his direction, "Tumhare baarey mai kya sochu mai? (What would I think about you?)"

"Kuch sochne ko nahi? (So there is nothing)" He asked, his lips pouting as Seher tilted her head, "Tum samne baitho ho, toh sochne ki kya zaroorat hai?" (You're sitting right in front of me, so why the need to think about you?)

Saahil grinned, "Samne baitha hoon, toh mujhe dekhne ki zaroorat bhi nahi?" (Really? So since I'm sitting in front of you, there's no need to look at me either?)

Seher laughed softly, the tension of the day easing a bit. "Nahi, dekhne ki toh zaroorat hai. Warna kaise pata chalega ke tum ho bhi ya nahi?" (No, I do need to look at you. Otherwise, how would I know if you're really here or not?)

Saahil leaned back, his smile widening. "Toh ab dekh bhi rahi ho, aur soch bhi rahi ho- dono mere baarey mai." (So now you're both looking at me and thinking about me. Two tasks at once.)

Seher playfully rolled her eyes. "Tumhe kisne bola ke main tumhare baare mein soch rahi hoon?" (Who told you I'm thinking about you?)

Saahil shrugged, "Bas laga. Tumhare chehre pe woh narmi, woh muskurahat... woh sirf mere liye ho sakti hai." (I just felt it. That softness on your face, that smile... it can only be for me.)

Seher's smile grew a bit more tender. "You're too sure about yourself".

He chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Badi chalaki se baat tal di. Waise mai tumhare baarey mai soch raha tha (You skipped the question, and I was thinking about you)"

"Kya?"

"Soch raha tha tum kitni himmat wali ho. Jo tumne aaj kiya, woh kisi ne socha bhi nahi hoga. (That you're so brave, what you did today people cannot even imagine doing that, putting your life at risk for someone else)"

Seher's smile faded a little as she looked away. "Himmat wali? Nahi Saahil, bas majboor thi. (I am not brave just powerless)"

Saahil wanted to reach out, to comfort her but he held the string of her dupatta instead. "Phir bhi, tumne himmat dikhayi. (Still brave of you)"

Seher looked at him, her eyes glistening. "Tumne bhi toh madad ki, bina kisi sawal ke (You helped me too)"

Saahil shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "Tumhare liye nahi apne liye ki (I didn't help you, I helped myself) "

Seher raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Apne liye? Kaise? (How?)"

Saahil smirked, "Being with you and seeing you smile, that's my greatest reward."

Seher's cheeks turned a shade of pink. "You are a flirt."

Saahil laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Not a flirt, just honest." 

Seher looked away, trying to hide her smile. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ke tum itne romantic ho sakte ho." (I didn't know you could be so romantic.)

Saahil leaned in slightly, his voice softening. "Jab baat tumhari ho, toh romance apne aap aa jata hai." (When it's about you, romance comes naturally.)

Seher felt her heart flutter again. "Tum kabhi serious nahi ho sakte, Saahil?"

Saahil's expression grew serious, his gaze intense. "Seher, main bohot serious hoon. Tumhare baare mein." (Seher, I'm very serious. About you.)

Seher felt a lump form in her throat. "Tumhe mujhpe itna bharosa kyun hai, Saahil?" (Why do you have so much faith in me, Saahil?)

"Kyunki tumhara dil saaf hai, aur tumhare iraade mazboot." (Because your heart is pure, and your intentions are strong.)

Seher's eyes filled with tears as she held her own dupatta, one end held by Saahil and other by her "Saahil, tum... tum jaante bhi ho ke tum kitne special ho mere liye?" (Saahil, do you even know how special you are?)

Saahil smiled, a soft, genuine smile. "Agar tum yeh kehti ho, toh shayad main sach mein hoon." (If you say so, then maybe I really am.)

"Hum kya baatein kar rahey hai," Seher laughed, getting up, "Phir tum kal chali jaogi?" (Then you will leave tomorrow?)

"I don't have an option. If I disappeared with Maheen, they would figure out."

Saahil sighed, "You don't have to worry, I will protect her with my life".

"I know, I trust you".