In the shadows veiled, a prince of unparalleled grace,
A crown of victories, a stronghold of power's embrace.
Fearless heart, the world's terror he shall erase,
Abraar Khan, the keeper of secrets, a name to chase.

_______

As Abraar stood in the dimly lit underground chamber, the flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the ominous atmosphere. The corrupt politician, Gaffur Ahmed, now pale and trembling, was bound to a chair in the center of the room. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he stared into the cold, calculating eyes of Abraar Khan, whose mere presence sent shivers down his spine.

Abraar's dark, tousled hair fell in disarray over his forehead, emphasizing his rugged features. His chiseled jawline and intense gaze gave him an aura of danger and allure that made him irresistible and terrifying at the same time. His well-built frame exuded power, and his fitted black suit only added to his commanding presence.

"Gaffur Ahmed, Tujh jaise ko toh aadmi bulana hi us lafz ki tauheen hai (What have you done, you pitiful excuse for a man?)" Abraar's voice was low and menacing, sending a chill down the politician's spine. "Tune kitnon ka maal hadap kar khaya hai, unka istemaal apne faiday ke liye karke. Mujhe tujh jaison se sakht nafrat hai, magar isme teri kya galti, tera toh khoon hi ganda hai (You've brought suffering and misery to innocent families, exploiting them for your own gain. I can't stand the stench of your corruption)"

There was hatred in his voice, as he spat out his words. This hatred wasn't just because of the rage but a deep burning thirst for revenge, Gaffur Ahmed was the youngest brother of Mir Mahmoud. Abraar was disgusted by the face that even resembled that monster, he wanted to kill them all in one go. Even if they had abandoned their family, and changed their names, Abraar couldn't hold back his disgust for them.

He slowly walked around the bound politician, like a predator circling its prey. The room seemed to close in on the politician, and the stench of fear hung heavy in the air.

"Halake maine tujhe ek mauka diya tha yaha se jaaney ka (I gave you a chance to leave, but you chose to defy me)," Abraar continued, his tone growing darker. "Magar afsos tujhe ab apni kiye ki bharpayi karni hogi (Now, you will face the consequences of your actions)."

With a swift motion, Abraar drew a gleaming knife from his belt. The politician's eyes widened in terror as he saw the glint of the blade. He tried to plead for mercy, but the words caught in his throat.

"Tu janta hai, maine suna hai ke shikaari kabhi reham nahi khaata, woh seedha shikaar karta h (You know, I've heard that the most dangerous predators don't waste time on mercy)," Abraar said, a hint of sadistic pleasure in his voice. " In ansoon ki jagah, khoon bahata hai (They go straight for the kill)."

In an instant, Abraar lunged forward, the blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. The politician let out a blood-curdling scream as the knife found its mark, and crimson blood spurted from the wound. Abraar's face remained impassive, unaffected by the gruesome sight before him.

He leaned in close to the politician, his breath hot against the man's ear. "Isse ek sabak samajh (Consider this a lesson," he whispered, his voice laced with dark amusement). "Tere jaison darindon ko iss dunya m ghumne ka koi haq nahi milna chahiye, tere jaison ko toh tadpa tadpakar maarna chahiye jab tak teri ruh khud maut ki bheek na maange (The world can be a cruel place, and monsters like you deserve nothing less than a taste of their own medicine)"

With a chilling smile, Abraar withdrew the knife, leaving the politician gasping for breath. The room was now filled with the sickening scent of blood, and the flickering candles seemed to dance in macabre celebration.

Abraar turned away from the politician, his expression composed and detached. He wiped the blade clean on a handkerchief before sheathing it back in his belt.

As he left the underground chamber, he couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. It wasn't just the power he held over others that excited him, but also the thrill of embracing his darker side, a side that few dared to provoke.

Outside, the rain poured down heavily, washing away the sins and secrets that lay hidden within the village. Abraar stepped into the darkness, his enigmatic aura leaving behind an impression of both allure and terror, like a force of nature that demanded respect and fear.

In this underground world, Abraar Khan was more than a messiah - he was a ruthless don, feared and revered in equal measure. And as long as evil persisted, he would continue to wield his power, unafraid to embrace the darkness within him. His heart may have been tainted by the past, but he had learned to wield that darkness with a chilling finesse, leaving those who dared to cross him trembling in fear.

His father always said, 'Kamzor logon ko ye dunya kuchal deti hai, Abraar. Tumhari Ammi ko mai bacha nahi paya, badmaash log hi zindagi khushi khushi jee paatey h. Us Mir Mehmoud ne mahal khada kar liya aur mai apni biwi ko bacha nahi ep aaya. Mai chahta hu tum aisa aadmi bano, jiska naam sunkar logon ke haath kanpey, Abraar Khan. Mai chahta hu tu un zalimon ki nasl khatam karde', Abraar recalled the words of his late father, his voice resonating with a mix of respect and remorse.

(The world destroys the weak ones, Abraar. I was unable to save your mother, men like Mir Mehmoud are able to live their lives peacefully. That man built a mahal for his daughter and I... I was unable to save my wife. I want you to become a man whose name arouses fear, I want you to finish off the entire family)

"Father, I will not fail you," Abraar vowed, his voice firm and resolute. "I will protect the ones I love, even if it means walking through the shadows of darkness."

As the rain continued to pour, Abraar's mind wandered to Miraal. He wondered how she would perceive him if she knew the truth about his world-the world that existed beyond the facade of a benevolent ruler. Would she be scared of him, or would she understand the complexities that shaped him?

"I must keep her away from this side of me," Abraar thought, his mind consumed with conflicting emotions. "She deserves to see the best in me, the messiah that I strive to be for her."

In the distance, a wolf's howl echoed through the night, a chilling reminder of the dual nature that lay within Abraar Khan, he remained an enigma, the keeper of secrets, and a name that sent both shivers of terror and fascination through the hearts of those who heard it.

____

In the dead of night, Miraal was jolted awake by a vivid and terrifying dream. In her dream, she found herself engulfed in flames, screaming in pain as if someone had deliberately pushed her into a raging fire. The images were so intense that when she finally woke up, her heart pounded in her chest, and she was trembling with fear.

Unable to shake off the aftereffects of the nightmare, Miraal sat up on her chaarpaayi, a traditional South Asian bed, trying to calm herself down. The midnight silence surrounded her, and she realized that sleep had eluded her completely. Instead of lying there restlessly, she decided to make use of her time and started studying. She picked up her books and dived into her studies, hoping to distract her mind from the haunting dream.

As the night slowly gave way to morning, Miraal, exhausted but determined, went to college and submitted her assignments. She was feeling drained, yet her commitment to her studies remained unwavering. Even though she longed for rest, sleep still seemed elusive when she laid back on the chaarpaayi. Frustration took over, and she decided to channel her energy into something productive.

With the sun now shining high in the sky, Miraal heard the familiar cawing of crows.

"Lagta hai mehmaan aaney waaley hai", she thought to herself.

(It seems guests will arrive today)

Miraal decided to dress up. She pulled out a pretty pink suit from her wardrobe, the color that always made her feel cheerful. After combing her hair and looking at herself in the mirror, she felt a little more revitalized.

Meanwhile, Abraar embarked on his journey to Miraal's village. As he drove, the scenic beauty of the countryside unfolded before him, the rolling green fields and picturesque landscapes bringing a sense of tranquility to his anxious heart. However, fate had other plans, and the car suddenly broke down in the middle of the road, leaving him stranded.

To his luck, a bus happened to stop at a nearby corner. He decided to hop on, hoping it would take him closer to his destination. As he boarded the bus, the conductor's eyes widened with recognition.

"Aap Abraar Khan ho?" the conductor asked, his voice filled with awe, as he couldn't believe that he was face to face with the renowned Abraar Khan.

(Are you Abraar Khan?)

Abraar nodded, a smile playing on his lips. The conductor chuckled in disbelief, feeling honored to have the chance to meet someone so influential. "Aapke baare mein kai baar suna tha Miraal bitiya se, magar pehli baar mil rahey hum," he expressed, realizing the depth of Miraal's attachment to Abraar.

(I have heard a lot about you, from Miraal)

As the bus journey continued, Abraar's excitement and nervousness grew in tandem. The passing scenery outside the window seemed to distract him from his worries. However, to ease his nerves, he decided to make a stop at his old friend Shahid's house.

Shahid opened the door, and his eyes widened in surprise and joy as he saw his long-lost college friend, Abraar. "Janab, itne saal baad," Shahid greeted him warmly, pulling him into a tight hug.

(It's been so long...)

Abraar returned the gesture, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. "Aur sab kaisa chal raha hai?" Abraar inquired, genuinely interested in catching up with his friend.

(And how is everything going on?)

"Badhiya, aap sunaye Khan Abraar Khan, aaye haye yaqeen nahi aata ye wahi ladka hai jisne dusre maaley se chalang maari thi. Kitne badal gaye ho yaar! Suna hai log tum badey messiah ban gaye ho," Shahid exclaimed, marveling at Abraar's transformation and the tales of his feats.

(Great... You tell me the great Khan Abraar Khan, I can't believe you are the same young boy who had jumped from the second floor. I have heard people calling you Messiah. What's up with that?)

"Messiah? Mai wahi hoon abhi bhi. Tera bata sab theek na?" Abraar replied, his voice tinged with a hint of pride at his reputation.

(... I am the same as before. You tell me, everything is fine?)

"Haan... Achanak meri yaad kaise aayi?" Shahid asked, intrigued by Abraar's sudden visit.

(Yes... How did you suddenly miss me?)

"Woh aise hi tehel raha tha toh socha tere ghar mein chakkar maar lu," Abraar jokingly replied, trying to lighten the mood and avoid the deeper topic for now.

(Oh I was just walking by and thought of visiting you)

"Chakkar... Janab mujhe toh koi aur hi chakkar lag raha. Moholle ki koi ladki acchi lag gayi kya?" Shahid teased, raising an eyebrow in curiosity, knowing his friend too well.

(I think not, it seems like you have lost your heart to someone in this street)

"Acchi nahi, mohabbat hogayi hai," Abraar confessed, his tone becoming serious.

(I love her)

"Oh, toh rishta lekar jaa uske ghar pe," Shahid suggested, his mind already racing with possibilities and potential solutions.

"Mangetar hai meri"

(Then send proposal to her house)
(She is my fiance)

"Toh masla kya hai?" Shahid asked, curious to know what was holding Abraar back."Naam kya bataya?"

(Then what's the problem)
(By the way what was her name?)

Abraar paused for a moment before finally saying, "Miraal."

"Dr sahib ki beti? Ab samajh aaya masla kya hai. Tu darrta haina usse?" Shahid probed, now realizing the challenge his friend faced.

(Dr's daughter? Now I get it. You are scared of her aren't you? )

"Nahi, main kyun darunga? Mujhe lagta hai woh mujhse darti hai," Abraar confessed, his voice tinged with concern.

(Why would I be terrified of her? I think it's the other way around)

"Phir tu usko jaanta hi nahi, pata h usne chaar ladkon ki pitaai kari thi aur phir patti bhi khud karri thi," Shahid revealed, recounting Miraal's boldness and assertiveness.

(Hmm then you might not know her, you know she had beaten four boys in our colony then went ahead and applied medicine to their wounds)

"Kyun pitaai ki thi?" Abraar asked, intrigued by the story.

(Why?)

"Unmese ek ladka usse mohabbat karta tha. Apne doston ko lekar gaya tha.. Sab pit gaye aakhir m," Shahid explained, reliving the past events.

(One of them loved her so he took four of his friends with him and well all of them were badly injured)

"Zyaada maara tha kya?" Abraar inquired.

(Was it severe?)

"Ek hafte tak mu so jey they unke, uske baad kisi ladki ko chhedne ki himmat nahi ki unhoney " Shahid shared, emphasizing the impact of that incident on Miraal.

(For a week they carried their wounds, and after that they stayed far away from girls)

"Tu chalega mere saath?" Abraar asked.

(Will you come with me?)

"Mujhe nahi pitna usse, Miraal bibi ek baar danda utha di na toh unka haath koi nahi rok sakta," Shahid replied with confidence, knowing that challenging Miraal could have serious consequences.

(No no... If Miraal bibi starts thrashing me with her stick then nobody would stop her)

"Wapas jau kya?" Abraar asked, hesitating for a moment.

(Should I go back?)

"Nahi nahi Khan, mujhe bata serious hai kya maamla?" Shahid questioned, making sure Abraar was committed to the relationship.

(No Khan, first tell me are you serious?).

"Haan aur mai chahta hu usko bhi ye baat ka andaaza ho," Abraar replied, his determination unwavering.

(Yes, and I want her to know that too.)

"Fikar na kar, meri biwi ke saath chalte, Bano. Woh ladkiyon k saath kaafi naram h," Shahid reassured, offering his support and protection.

(Then don't worry I will ask my wife to accompany us. She is soft on woman)

"Shukriya Shahid. Tera ye ahsan zindagi bhar yaad rakhunga," Abraar expressed his gratitude, touched by his friend's loyalty.

(Thanks Shahid. I will always remember this)

"Arrey yaar itni badi batein mat kar, chal khaana khaatey hai aur m Bano ko bata kar aata," Shahid suggested, not wanting to dwell too much on the seriousness of the situation and instead focusing on sharing the news with his wife, Bano.

(Hey stop... First have dinner I will inform Bano)
___

As the evening fell, Miraal was walking around with her textbook now mugging up the notes. She had five days remaining, her exams were near and she was unable to concentrate. She was unable to sleep, Miraal was exhausted mentally, she closed the text book and her eyes when she heard someone knocking. She was on the terrace so she called out, "Zubiya darwaaze par koi hai!"

(Zubiya, someone's at the door)

The knocking continued Miraal sighed in frustration and when she glanced from the terrace, she saw him, Miraal stared at him for a moment until their eyes met. His black eyes slid down her form admiring her from afar, the intensity in his eyes made her self concious. She looked down and covered her exposed neck with the net duppatta.

He stood in a pitch black shirt with Shahid and his wife, realizing she was making them wait Miraal quickly went down and opened the door.

Their eyes met, Abraar was met with her large brown eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. Large doe eyes met fiery brown, and it seemed as if time stopped.

Miraal felt a mix of emotions rushing through her - surprise, excitement, and a hint of nervousness. It had been a few days, but for her it felt as if a lifetime had passed. Abraar had come to her doorstep, and her heart couldn't help but flutter at the sight of him.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Miraal," Abraar greeted her warmly, his smile adding to his charm. He placed his hand on the door frame an inch away from her face, his lips curving up as he realised the effect he had on her.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Abraar," she replied, her voice slightly trembling with emotions she tried to conceal. She didn't realise the name she had uttered until, Abraar's eyes widened, she saw a mirage of emotions go through his eyes as he savoured the moment. Miraal didn't call his name the way people usually did, she pronounced every vowel of his name, the sound of his name uttered from her lips touched his soul. It was spoken with such devotion that Abraar was left yearning for her to call him again by his name.

Shahid and his wife, Bano, who accompanied Abraar, exchanged warm greetings with Miraal as well. Shahid looked amused by the situation, knowing that his friend's arrival had stirred something significant in Miraal's heart, Miraal would have closed the door on their face otherwise

"Mai andar aao?" Abraar asked in amusement, gesturing towards the entrance of her house.

(Can I come in?)

Miraal hesitated for a moment, still trying to gather her thoughts. "Ji, zaroor," she finally managed to say, stepping aside to allow them inside.

She felt as if she was in a state of half dream as the two of them entered, and Abraar last as he still gazed at her. There was a tinge of red on her cheeks as he whispered in her ears, his voice husky, "Gulabi rang tum par jachta hai"

(Pink suits you)

She muttered something incoherent under her breath and invited them to sit in the living room, where they all settled comfortably. Shahid and Bano exchanged glances, amused by the palpable tension in the air.

Abraar looked at Miraal with a gentle smile. "Miraal, mai apne dost Shahid se milne aaya tha, socha ek baar tumse milkar bhi chaley jau. Humne tumhe disturb toh nahi kiya... (Miraal, I hope I didn't disturb you. I heard you were studying, I had came to visit my friend Shahid here but I couldn't resist coming to see you before left)," he lied straight through his tongue leaning his head back, Shahid held back his laugh and nodded as if confirming that was the case.

A blush crept across Miraal's cheeks, she was busy admiring Abraar his face looking chiseled under the lamp light which she tried to hide behind a polite smile . "Nahi, mai padh rahi thi magar break bhi lena zaroori haina? (No, it's okay. I was studying, but a little break won't hurt)" she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, she wanted to ask how he was the past few days but felt hesitant. Did her letter bother him anyway?

Shahid couldn't resist teasing them both. "Haan, Abraar Khan, maine tumhe itna betaab kisi ladki ko milne k liye kabhi nahi dekha hai. Yaqeen nahi hota tu wahi ladka hai jo ladkiyon k Abba'on ko complain kardeta tha har proposal par (I've never seen you so restless to visit someone. I must say, you've come a long way from your college days)", he chuckled, Abraar gave him a look asking him to tone it down.

He chuckled to cover up his embarrassement. "Woh college tha, ab koi proposal kregi toh fauran haan kardunga (Well, I had my reasons, but now if a girl proposed me than I wouldn't waste a moment to say yes)," he said, glancing at Miraal with a meaningful look.

Miraal couldn't help but feel her heart race at his words. She felt hint of apprehension, not knowing what he meant by it. She looked at her feet awkwardly laughing at the joke, as the weight of it settled on her. He would accept any proposal that came his way...

Shahid, always the playful friend, decided to play matchmaker and tried to dispel the awkward silence. "Miraal tumne Abraar ke college k kisse suney hai kya? (So, Miraal, have you heard about Abraar's college days? He was quite the daredevil back then)," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Miraal's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Bataye (Tell me...)", she replied curiosity evident in her eyes.

As they continued chatting, Miraal's nervousness began to fade away. The presence of Shahid and Bano added a sense of comfort to the conversation. She found herself laughing and sharing stories with Abraar, just like old friends catching up after a long time.

As the evening stretched on, Abraar noticed how tired Miraal seemed despite trying to keep up the cheerful façade. Concern filled his eyes, and he couldn't help but ask, "Miraal tum thak gayi ho kya? (Miraal, are you okay? You seem exhausted)".

Shahid, seeing the connection between them, decided to give them some space and whispered to Bano that they should leave. "Miraal, we should get going now. we have taken up a lot of your time," he said playfully.

Miraal laughed, realizing that the evening had flown by in Abraar's company. "Nahi accha laga aap log aaye (No, it's okay. Thank you for coming)", she replied with genuine appreciation.

As the two left, Miraal answered his question.

"Haan... Exams k wajeh se thak gayi hu, tension k maarey nind nahi aati aur stress ke wajeh se padhai bhi nahi horahi (Honestly, I am. The exams are just around the corner, and I'm finding it hard to concentrate. Sleep has become a luxury these days)," she confessed.

Abraar's concern deepened, and he gently reached out to hold her hand. "Don't worry, Miraal. I understand the pressure of exams, but I believe in you. You're smart and capable. You'll do great," he reassured her, his touch sending a comforting warmth through her.

Miraal smiled gratefully, feeling a rush of emotions as his words sank in. He sat on the khatya beside her, Zubiya who had been busy in the kitchen returned with two cups of coffee.

She glanced at Abraar and asked, "Aapko Miraal ka khat mila?"

(Have you received Miraal's letter?)

Abraar cleared his throat remembering the motive behind his visit, "Haan..."

(Yes...)

Zubiya was surprised as she turned to Miraal who shook her head, it wasn't the letter she had posted. The two letters carried the extent of her feelings that she didn't wanted to burden Abraar with. Zubiya soon left realising she was the cause of their silence, Miraal sat at one end of the chaarpaayi her heart beating loudly in her chest as Abraar gazed at her.

"Mai kaisi hai? (How is Mai?)" She asked trying to dispel the silence, "Acchi hai, aapko yaad karti hai bohot (She misses you)", he answered.

Abraar felt nervous, as he sat beside her, a man so strong who could inflict fear in the hearts of many was unable to to reveal his feelings.

"Miraal tumhe paise lautane ki zaroorat nahi thi... (Miraal you didn't had to return the money...)", he started confronting the issue at hand.

Miraal shook her head, "Nahi woh paise aapne madad k liye bheja tha. Mai woh accept nahi kar sakti thi (No, that money wasn't sent by my fiance, but a strange as khairat I can't accept it)"

Abraar closed his eyes in frustration, he hadn't sent that money as a form of khairat as she had mistook it as. But he knew he couldn't argue with her about that so he asked, "Tumhe sachme nind nahi aati?"

(You really can't fall asleep?)

Miraal shook her head, he noticed the darkness under her eyes. Abraar felt protective for her, he wanted to embrace her, but he knew that would scare away the girl.

So he took a sip of the coffee and shared, "Mere baba mujhe gaaney gaakar sulatey they bachpan m. Jab bhi mujhe nind nahi aati thi, unki aawaz sunkar mai fauran sojata tha"

(My father used to sing songs to me whenever I was unable to fall asleep)

Miraal intrigued asked, "Mujhe sunayenge?"

(Will you sing for me?)

He nodded glancing at her, as the moonlight made her face glow. Placing his cup down on the table he leaned forward and confessed, "Mai gaata kam hu, Magar jab bhi gaata hu dil se gaata hu"

(I don't sing much but whenever I do, it's from my heart)

Miraal leaned towards him her eyes playful as she whispered back, "Toh gaye na ... kya pata aapki aawaz mere dil ko chu dey?"

(Then sing for me... Maybe your voice can reach my heart)

"Andar jaakar sojao Miraal, mai khidki se suna dunga tumhe", he said to her, Miraal nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and comfort at the thought of hearing Abraar's song. She got up from the chaarpaayi and went inside, finding a cozy spot near the window where she could hear him clearly.

(Sleep on your bed, I will sing through the window)

Abraar smiled, knowing that his voice might bring some peace to her restless mind. He took a deep breath and began to sing in a soft, soothing voice:

" Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho
Jeevan meethi pyaas yeh kehti hi
Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti hi

Har shyam aankhon par
Tera aanchal lehraye
Har raat yaadon ki
Baarat le aaye
Maein saans leta hoon
Teri khushboo aati hai
Ek mehka mehka sa Paigham laati hai Meri dil ki dhadkan bhi
Tere geet gaati hai
Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho"

Miraal glanced from the window at his figure that sat on the khatiya, it seemed he wasn't singing a song, but his feelings. Every word seemed to carry emotion, Abraar Khan who had always concealed his feelings seemed so vulnerable and real at this moment.

"Kal tujhko dekha tha
Maine apne aangan mein
Jaise keh rahi thi tum
Mujhe bandhlo bandhan mein
Yeh kaisa rishta hai
Yeh kaise sapne hai
Begane hokar bhi
Kyun lagte apne hai
Mein soch mein rehta hu
Dar dar ke kehta hu
Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho"

Abraar indeed sung with his heart his feelings, remembering her face when she was dancing in the garden and they had held hands. He still hear her beautiful her laugh, he wasn't enchanted by the rain but her giggle that day.

Tum sochogi kyon itna
Maein tumse pyaar karon
Tum samjhogi deewana
Maein bhi iqraar karoon
Dewaanon ki yeh baatein
Deewane jaante hain
Jalne mei kya mazaa hai
Parwane jaante hain
Tum yunhi jalate rehna
Aa aakar khwabon mein
Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho

As Abraar sang the lullaby, Miraal felt a sense of calm wash over her. His voice had a magical effect, and she found herself getting lost in the words and melody. It was as if all her worries and anxieties were being carried away by the gentle rhythm of his voice.

Outside, Abraar continued to sing, pouring his emotions into the song, hoping that it would bring solace to Miraal's troubled heart. He had always been a man of few words, but music was his way of expressing what words often failed to convey.

Miraal's eyes slowly grew heavy as she listened, and soon, she found herself drifting off to sleep. His voice had worked its magic, and her exhaustion finally gave in to the soothing melody.

When the song ended, Abraar quietly made his way inside and saw Miraal sleeping peacefully. He smiled, feeling a sense of contentment in being able to offer her some comfort. He covered her with a light blanket, being careful not to disturb her slumber.

As he stood there, watching her sleep, he realized how much he cared for Miraal. Her strength and determination had always impressed him, but seeing her vulnerable side now, he felt his feelings deepen.

With a gentle touch, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face and whispered, "Acchese sona Miraal, tumhe jab bhi meri zaroorat hogi mai haazir hojaonga (Rest well, Miraal. I'll be here whenever you need me)."

He left a letter on the table beside her and called Zubiya informing her that he was leaving.

"So gayi Miraal?" She asked shocked, he nodded with a smile.

(Has she fallen asleep?)

As Abraar left Miraal's house, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed him. The connection he felt with her was undeniable, and he couldn't deny the growing affection in his heart. He knew that he had to navigate this delicate situation with care, as Miraal deserved someone who would cherish and protect her, not someone who would bring more chaos into her life.

As he drove through the winding roads, the moonlight cast shadows on the landscape, much like the shadows that veiled the secret sides of his own life. Abraar had always been a man of contradictions-both a protector and a punisher. And now, Miraal had unknowingly stirred the deepest parts of his soul, making him question the very foundations of the life he had chosen.

Lost in his thoughts, Abraar didn't notice the rain starting to fall until it was too late. He pulled over, and the raindrops drummed on the roof of his car, as if nature were echoing the conflict in his heart.

"Abraar, tumne apne Baba ke kehne par us Mir Mehmoud ki shakal ikhtiyar kar li (Abraar, you've always been guided by your father's words, to be a man who instills fear and respect in others)," he muttered to himself. "Lekin aaj pehli baar tumhe apne khudke kirdar par shak horha.. Kya tum woh ho jo Miraal se mohabbat karta hai ya woh jisse logon ko khauf aata? (But now, you've encountered someone who makes you question your very nature)."