Humans are weak, they need guidance, they need support. Miraal wasn't particularly a religious girl, she was a believer but not a follower. Her father's death made her realise how weak she was, all her life the strength she had was because of her father's support. She had her father's guidance but now she was all alone. From an early age, Haroon had instilled in her heart the love for her religion. In her weakness when she had nobody, she would bow her head infront of Allah and feel the strength.

Prayer has the power of healing, Miraal knew that after the trauma she went through she couldn't place her trust in anyone, how could she forget or ever forgive? How could she forgive a person who had tortured her physically and mentally? She didn't knew how she could ever recover from the trauma, right now it almost felt like she was in different timeline. As if a decade had passed, when she merely went through twenty days of hell.

Miraal felt bad for Zubiya, if she had been through twenty days of torture, Zubiya had endured twenty years of trauma. The scars she had, how could they ever heal? She was still inside the car, when Zubiya stirred in her sleep.

She opened her eyes and in the darkness saw Miraal staring at her, she screamed in fright clutching her heart.

"Ya Allah! Miraal tumne toh dara hi diya! (You scared me for a second!)", she exclaimed, Miraal chuckled and asked.

"Kyun Chudail dikh rahi hu mai? (Why? Do I look like a witch?)" She asked teasing raising her eyebrows. Zubiya pursed her lips as if thinking hard and nodded, "Haan bilkul, haseen chudail dikh rakhi ho. Teen din mai hi Khan ko deewana bana diya aapne toh (Definitely! You look like an enchantress, a beautiful witch. In merely three days, you bewitched him)"

She teased, Miraal flustered and playfully nudged her, "Kuch bhi, unko mujhse humdardi hui isliye unhoney meri madad ki (As if! He empathises with me that's why he helped me so much)", she said with conviction, that's what she firmly believed.

" Miraal, Khan bhaley hi acche insaan ho magar unhoney kisiki bhi khudse madad nahi ki hai. Aur agar ye humdardi hai, toh iska matlab hai ke unke dil mai tumhare liye jagah ban gayi hai(Miraal, Khan is a good man but he had never directly helped someone. And if this is out of empathy, then you should know that you have already touched his heart)", she said with a smile, Miraal blinked as she heard the sadness in Zubiya's voice.

"Miraal tum bohot pyaari ho, pehli baar kisine mujhe yaad rakha. Mera socha... Mai chahti hu tum humesha khush raho (Miraal you are an amazing girl, it's the first time someone has thought of me not as an orphan but as Zubiya. I want you to live a happy life)", Zubiya confessed with a heartwarming smile, her eyes thankful. Miraal still believed she hadn't done enough, Zubiya deserved all the happiness in the world and she wished she had known about her sooner.

Half an hour passed and Abraar finally entered the car, his mood seemed off as he started driving. Zubiya gave a questioning look to Miraal who shrugged in response, it seemed as if this palace was indeed cursed because as soon as they reached the Khan mansion Abraar exploded on the servants.

"Maine landline par chaar call kiye they, kisine uthaaya kyun nahi(I had called on the landline four times, why hadn't any of you picked up the call?)" he seemed agitated, angry as he scolded the servants for their carelessness. Miraal signaled Zubiya to make an escape to their room, Zubiya understood and they quietly left the hall.

It was awkward, Miraal had only seen his charming and silent side. This was the first time she had witnessed him being angry, and that too without any reason. An hour later, they were called for dinner, Miraal and Zubiya entered the room expecting Abraar to be already seated but he didn't come down for dinner.

"Khan dinner nahi karenge kya (Will Khan not have dinner?)" Miraal asked Mai, who shook her head. She felt a little upset and curious so after Zubiya had fallen asleep she went to the kitchen and found Mai cleaning it.

"Mai?" She called her, the women turned to her and smiled, "Miraal Bibi aap soyi nahi?" She asked, Miraal shook her head and sat on the chair beside the kitchen counter. (Miraal bibi, you haven't slept yet?)

"Ek baat puchni thi aapse... (I wanted to ask you something)", Miraal started grabbing Mai's attention who turned towards her and replied, " Ji puchye (Go on)".

"Khan subha tak theek they, infact meri chachi ke paas bhi unhoney itna gussa nahi kiya. Hum jab raaste m Mahal gaye tab bhi unka mood accha tha, magar phir acchanak se...", she trailed off, Miraal was curious about the reason behind his sudden anger.

"Aap pareshan na hoye, Khan udaas hai. Woh apni udaasi zahir nahi karte, isliye unke jazbaat gusse ki shakal ikhtiyar karlete hain (Don't worry, Khan is sad. He doesn't express his sadness, so his emotions come out in the form of anger)", Mai explained with a smile on her face, she had seen Khan grow up to be such an incredible person he was today.

"Magar woh udaas kyun hai? (Why is he sad?)" She asked softly, Mai replied, "Kal Muneeba Khan, unki Ammi ki barsi hai (Tomorrow is his mother's barsi (death anniversary)"

Miraal bit her lips understanding his reaction, "Unhoney Khaana khaaya? (Did he had dinner?)", she asked and Mai shook her head.

Miraal sighed and stood up, he was grieving his mother's death. She could understand his emotions, but he couldn't sleep empty stomach though.

Half an hour later Miraal stood outside his door with a steaming bowl of chicken soup in her hands, she placed it on the trolley and gently knocked on his door. Miraal reminded herself that she was merely returning his kindness, he had helped her a lot, supported her and right now she was returning one of his many favours.

The door opened and she saw him in a track suit his hair disheveled and wet. Miraal observed Abraar's gaze as he stood at the door, her eyes scanned his face, taking in his vulnerable expression. She could sense a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his eyes as he softly asked, "Aap yaha?" (You're here?)

Miraal quickly thought of an explanation, not wanting to reveal her true intentions. "Aap aaj dinner karne nahi aaye, isliye Mai ko fikar ho rahi thi aapki... (You didn't come for dinner today, so Mai was worried about you...)" she lied, hoping he would buy her excuse.

Abraar held back a smile as he took the bowl from her hand, his fingers gently brushing against hers. He could sense her sincerity and concern, and it touched him deeply. "Aur aapko? (And what about you?)" he inquired.

Miraal frowned and shook her head, trying to hide the fluttering feeling inside her. "Teen din hi toh hoye humein miley hoye... (It has only been three days since we met...)" she replied, downplaying the impact he had on her. Abraar couldn't help but smile at her response, finding her innocence and straightforwardness endearing.

His smile widened, and he teased, "Mai mohabbat thodi bol raha (I wasn't talking about love)." His playful remark made Miraal's face turn even redder.

Miraal's face flushed a deeper shade of red, embarrassed by her own assumption. She quickly realized her mistake and tried to recover, "Mai... I mean... I was just..." Her words stumbled, and she struggled to find the right explanation. She decided it was time to bid him goodnight and retreat to her room.

As she turned to leave, his smile grew wider as he gently interrupted her, "It's alright, Miraal." He placed the bowl in his hand on the nearby surface. Her name lingered on his lips as he called out to her, "Miraal."

She turned back to face him, her eyes meeting his, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in his smile. With a questioning tone, she asked, "Ji, Khan?" (Yes, Khan?)

Abraar simply replied, "Goodnight," his voice filled with sincerity and a hint of something more. His gaze remained fixed on her as she walked away, her face still flushed with a mix of embarrassment and happiness.

The simplicity of his words, combined with the warmth in his smile, sent a tingle through Miraal's entire being. With a smile, she replied, "Goodnight, Khan," before continuing on her way, her heart beating a little faster than usual.

As Miraal returned to her room, she couldn't help but replay the encounter in her mind. There was something about Abraar's presence, his genuine concern, and the way he looked at her that made her feel safe and cared for. The walls she had built around her heart were slowly starting to crumble.

Meanwhile, Abraar stood in his room, holding the bowl of soup in his hands. He couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he replayed the interaction with Miraal. There was a newfound lightness in his heart that he hadn't felt in a long time.

Observing Miraal's actions, her thoughtfulness and kindness, he realized that she had touched his heart in ways he couldn't fully comprehend. He admired her strength, her resilience, and the way she cared for others, even amidst her own struggles.

In that moment, Abraar silently made a promise to himself. He would do everything in his power to ensure that Miraal found the happiness she deserved. He would be her support, her guide.

***

Abraar's mother's death anniversary was a solemn occasion in the village. The entire area seemed draped in a cloak of sorrow. Villagers had gathered at the Khan mansion, paying their respects to the late Muneeba Khan. Dressed in white kurtas, Abraar and the villagers stood together, their faces marked with grief.

As they mourned, the women gathered in groups, their voices carrying snippets of conversation through the air. Some praised Muneeba Khan, recounting her virtues and the impact she had on their lives. However, a few voices whispered in hushed tones about Mir Mahmood's role in her tragic fate.

A group of women started spreading rumors, suggesting that Mir Mahmood had killed Muneeba out of misguided love. Their words dripped with malice and speculation. The discussions turned to the events of the previous day when the palace had been burned down instead of mourning Mir Mahmood's death anniversary.

"Kal Mir Mahmood ki barsi thi, magar logo ne uski yaad m sog nahi banaya balki uska Mahal jalaaya (Yesterday was Mir Mahmood's Barsi but instead of commemorating his death people burnt down his palace)", she said another woman scoffed at her, "Barsi insaanon ki banatey hai, jallaton ko jalaye na toh aur kya karey. Rubi aap naye aaye ho yaha, isliye aapko maalum nahi ki Mir Mahmood kaise aadmi tha (We commemorate humans not demons, they deserved to be burned. Rubi you are new in this town that's why you have no idea about what kind of man he exactly was)

Another woman interrupted their conversation, asking aloud about the whereabouts of the girl—whether she was dead or alive somewhere, living a carefree life after her father had wreaked havoc on the peace of the entire village.

" Mai toh aaj tak sochti hu woh jallat ki bacchi, Saira, acchanak gayab kaise hogayi, mar gayi ya abhi bhi zinda hai aur apni zindagi sukoon se jee rahi hai? (I still wonder where his kid disappeared to, Saira, is she dead or alive and enjoying her life even after her father had wrecked havoc in the entire village)", she spat out in hatred.

Another woman replied, "Ek saal ki bachi thi, bhalley hi us jallat ki ho, maasum thi bechari, usse bhi in kambakhton ne zinda jala diya. Tab kaha gayi thi inki rehem dili (She was just an infant even if her father was a demon, she was innocent. She too must have been burned alive)", the woman whispered, as she ate the kheer.

"Asia bibi aap bhul rahi kya? Is zaalim ne kitne bacchon ko aghwa karwa ya tha, kisi ke haath kaat diye they taakey woh bheek maangey aur ladkiyon ko kothon par bech diya tha. Woh bacche bhi toh maasum they unka kya? (Asia are you forgetting? That monster had kidnapped many young kids, he had turned some kids into handicapped so they could beg and sold girls to brothels, what about them? They were innocent too)", Another women cut her off, her eyes were rimmed with tears as she glared at the older woman who shut up.

The varying mindsets of the people were evident, with some still supporting Mir Mahmood, blinded by his superficial acts of development, like building a mobile tower, while ignoring his true character.

Abraar, clad in white, stood amidst the crowd, lost in his thoughts. He wore a somber expression, his eyes heavy with the weight of his grief.

He went back to his room, and replayed a video of his mother, a cherished memory from his childhood. It showed her chasing after him as he danced around in the mud, her laughter filling the air.

"Ammi mai bhi Bakhtu ke tarah badey hokar gaadi chalana chahta hu", he said with a smile, jumping in the puddle. He was wearing an orange shirt, his two front teeth missing as he clapped his small hands.

His mother bent down and wiped his face with her duppatta. And whispered, "Theek hai hum kal hi Abba ke saath ghumne jayenge, aur aap gaadi chalayega (Alright, we will go outside with your father and you can drive us to wherever you want)", she said with a lovely smile, the camera was tilted towards his mother's face, he could see her face as she lovingly smiled at him.

The young Abraar shook his head, " Nahi mujhe Bakhtu aur aapke saath jaana hai, Abbu mujhe daatenge (No... I want to go with you and Bakhtu. Abbu would scold me)", he insisted his eyes pleading her as the woman laughed warmly.

"Abraar aise nahi boltey aapke Baba haina , aapse behadd mohabbat karte h woh (Abraar you shouldn't speak that way about your father, he loves you dearly)" , she consoled the younger him who threw a tantrum and jumped in the puddle now laying down. The video cut off, his eyes remained dry, refusing to shed tears, as he held onto the bittersweet memory.

Meanwhile, the story of Muneeba Khan's tragic fate slowly unraveled before Miraal. She discovered that Muneeba had been engaged to Mir Mahmood, the son of a wealthy politician. However, Mir Mahmood's character had deteriorated over time. He indulged in drinking, disrespecting women, and causing harm to their dignity and property.

Muneeba grew to despise him, and it was during this time that she met and fell in love with Mukhtar Khan. She broke off her engagement with Mir Mahmood, sending him into a downward spiral of depression. Miraal couldn't fathom how some people sympathized with such a despicable man. Their mentality revealed a disturbing affinity for villains.

As the story unfolded, Miraal learned that Mir Mahmood had senselessly shot Muneeba Khan five years later, for no reason other than his twisted idea of love. Both of them had children, but to the warped mindset of some women, Mir Mahmood's actions were a result of love. In response, the villagers took justice into their own hands, burning him alive. Muneeba fought for her life, but the next day, she succumbed to her injuries. Abraar, only four years old at the time, couldn't recall the events clearly, but his anger and hatred still radiated from him. That man had shattered his childhood, torn apart his family, and robbed him of a normal upbringing.

Miraal couldn't help but empathize with Abraar's pain, but she struggled to find a way to support him. Throughout the day, he remained in his room, replaying the video repeatedly, refusing to step outside.

During the afternoon, Abraar engaged in acts of charity, sponsoring wedding expenses and gifting pieces of land to some of his loyal servants. Miraal understood why his employees were so devoted to him; his kindness and generosity were unmatched.

As Abraar engaged in conversation with Bakhtu, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught his attention. Glancing up, he noticed Miraal on the terrace, her eyes filled with warmth and a genuine smile gracing her lips. It was the first time he had seen her smile so openly, and he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight.

The moonlight danced in her eyes, accentuating the natural sparkle that emanated from within her. Her smile seemed to illuminate the night, casting a soft glow on her features. Abraar found himself momentarily transfixed, his heart skipping a beat as he drank in the beauty that she radiated.

In that fleeting moment, he wished she had smiled a little longer, so he could savor the enchantment that she exuded. The corners of his own lips curled upward instinctively in response, mirroring the warmth he felt within.

However, their shared moment on the terrace was interrupted by Zubiya calling out Miraal's name. Reluctantly, she tore her gaze away from Abraar, her smile fading slightly as she acknowledged her friend's call. With a parting glance in his direction, she left the terrace, leaving Abraar yearning for just a few more stolen moments to admire her.

Turning his attention back to Bakhtu, Abraar realized that his mind was still lingering on the image of Miraal's smile. It had left an indelible impression on him, filling him with a sense of joy and wonder. Unable to fully comprehend the effect she had on him, he asked Bakhtu to repeat what he had said, his thoughts still tangled in the memory of that captivating smile.

At the dinner table, Miraal found herself watching Abraar closely. She couldn't help but smile when he savored the biryani and complimented the chef. His kind-heartedness touched her deeply.

In the stillness of the night, Miraal found herself captivated by the delicate beauty of a blooming rose. Moonlight bathed the garden, casting a gentle glow on the petals as they swayed in the soft breeze. Lost in her reverie, she was unaware of Abraar passing by, his presence blending seamlessly with the tranquil atmosphere.

However, the sight of Miraal engrossed in the rose's allure stole Abraar's attention. As he neared her, his eyes were drawn to her graceful figure and the genuine awe etched on her face. It was a sight that made his heart skip a beat.

Unbeknownst to Miraal, her distraction proved to be her downfall as she accidentally pricked her finger on a thorn. A brief, sharp pain brought her back to reality, causing her expression to shift from admiration to a wince of discomfort.

Abraar's keen observation did not miss a beat. In an instant, he rushed to her side, his concern evident in his eyes as they fixated on the blood that began to trickle from her finger. Unable to suppress his gentle scolding, he said, "Kante hai yaar, aapka dhyaan kaha hai?" (There are thorns, where is your attention?)

His voice carried a hint of affectionate reproach, an instinctive response to protect her from harm. He reached out for her hand, his touch gentle yet firm, as he examined the tiny wound. Abraar's brow furrowed with worry, his gaze fixated on her injured palm.

Miraal, momentarily taken aback by his sudden presence and concern, couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and warmth wash over her. A slight blush tinged her cheeks as she sheepishly replied, "Woh maine... Mai ne dhyaan nahi diya..." (I... I wasn't paying attention...)

A softness touched Abraar's voice as he whispered, "Aap aaj mujhe dekh kar muskura rahi thi" (You were smiling at me today), his words laced with a hint of teasing and a depth of emotion that sent her heart aflutter. The tenderness in his tone and the emotions shimmering in his eyes made her flustered yet undeniably captivated.

Refusing to accept his words, Miraal retorted stubbornly, "Aapko dekh kar nahi Bakhtu dekh kar muskura rahi thi mai aur mera dhyaan jaha bhi ho, aapse matlab?" (I wasn't smiling at you, I was smiling at Bakhtu, and what does it matter to you where my attention is?)

In response, Abraar cupped her hand gently in his hands, his touch conveying a delicate reassurance. His voice carried a genuine sincerity as he expressed, "Bilkul hai mujhse matlab, mangetar hai aap meri" (Of course, it matters to me. You are my fiancée).

Caught off guard by his sudden seriousness, Miraal's confusion lingered as she queried, "Toh?" (So?)

A gleam of affection shone in Abraar's eyes as he continued, "Toh aapka dhyaan rakhna meri responsibility hai, jaise us din aapne mujhe soup laakar diya takey mai khaali pet sou nahi" (So, it is my responsibility to take care of you, just like that day when you brought me soup so that I wouldn't sleep on an empty stomach).

The sincerity and warmth in his words melted her defenses, leaving her with a bittersweet vulnerability. Miraal couldn't help but recognize the depth of his commitment and the tenderness with which he approached their relationship. In that moment, her heart whispered of a love that could transcend the thorns of life.

Miraal, tried to deny his words "Woh maine nahi, Mai ne diya tha", she lied.

"Theek hai, magar mujhe accha laga ki aap woh mujhe khud dene aayi"

"Isme shukriya kaisa? Aapke kaii ahsan hai mujhpar..." Miraal's words were interrupted as Abraar gently placed his finger on Miraal's lips, effectively silencing her. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, causing her heart to flutter within her chest. The air around them seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions, their eyes locked.

With a tender expression, Abraar proceeded to carefully bandage Miraal's hand. His touch was gentle, his movements deliberate and focused. Each wrap of the bandage felt like a soft caress against her skin, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and protection emanating from him.

Miraal's gaze never wavered from Abraar as he tended to her injury. She was captivated by the way his brows furrowed in concentration, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and tenderness. It was in these moments that she saw a glimpse of the man he truly was—the man who had experienced deep pain and loss but still possessed a capacity for compassion and kindness.

Her voice trembled with emotion as she expressed, "Aapko pata hai Baba meri aise hi patti karte they, unhoney mujhe pehle hi kaha tha ki ye dunya zaalim hai. Gulaab ki kante ki tarah. Tab mujhe samajh nahi aaya tha..." (You know, my father used to bandage my hand like this. He would tell me that this world is cruel, like the thorns of a rose. Back then, I didn't understand...)

Miraal's voice trailed off as she fought back tears, wiping them away with determination. She continued, looking into Abraar's eyes, "Baba kehte they ki agar unki maut ho toh mai aapke paas aau. Unko yaqeen tha ki aap ikdam Mukhtar Khan jaise hongey..." (My father used to say that if he were to pass away, I should go to you. He believed that you would be just like Mukhtar Khan...)

Abraar's vulnerability shone through as he questioned, "Hu kya mai Abbu jaisa?" (Am I really like my father?)

Miraal noticed the hint of uncertainty in his voice and nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Haan aap ikdam Mukhtar Khan jaise hain." (Yes, you are just like Mukhtar Khan.)

Abraar's heart swelled with affection for Miraal, while Miraal found solace in his presence.

"Mujhe ab samajh aata hai, ki Baba ne meri mangni aapse kyun ki..." (Now I understand why my father arranged our engagement...), Abraar whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Kyun ki?" (Why?)

As he observed her, he couldn't deny the fluttering of emotions in his own heart. There was a warmth that spread through his chest, a sense of joy and contentment that he hadn't experienced in a long time. It was as if Miraal's presence had the power to lift the weight of the world off his shoulders.

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Miraal, aap behadd pyaari hain man karta hai aapko ghanton dekha jau (Miraal, you are incredibly lovable. I wish I could spend hours just looking at you.)," he repeated, his voice filled with sincerity. In that moment, he realized she had touched his heart without even realizing it.

Miraal's gaze met his, a mix of surprise and delight reflecting in her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt the tenderness in his touch.

"Mai Zubiya ke paas ja rahi hu (I am going to check on Zubiya)," Miraal finally managed to say, her voice slightly breathless.

Abraar, not wanting the moment to end, held onto her hand gently, a hint of reluctance in his touch. "Miraal?" he called out, his voice soft.

Her eyes turned towards him, a question lingering in her gaze.

"Aapko mujhe chup chup kar dekhne ki zaroorat nahi hai," he said, his tone tender. "Warna aaj toh kaanta chuba, kal koi badi chot lag gayi toh kya kahegi aap sabko? Kaise lagi?" (You don't have to secretly watch me. Otherwise, if a thorn pricked you today, what excuse would you give tomorrow if you got a bigger wound? What would you tell everyone?)

A mix of embarrassment washed over Miraal's face. She couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness at his words, at the realization that he had been watching her all along. "Tauba hai, aapko bilkul sharam nahi aati!" she exclaimed, her laughter mingling with her words.

As they stood there, their eyes locked, a comfortable silence settled between them.

Finally, Miraal mustered the courage to break the spell. "Goodnight, Khan," she said softly, her voice filled with tenderness.

"Goodnight, Miraal," Abraar replied, his tone gentle.

They exchanged one last lingering gaze before Miraal turned and left, her heart beating with a newfound happiness. Abraar stood there, his thoughts consumed by the enchanting presence of Miraal and the indescribable feeling she stirred within him.

***