I couldn't keep my gaze focused on one particular thing because everything was just so perfect, unless it landed on-

My breath hitched.

My heart stopped beating.

"Mom, Dad!!"

The second those words left from my mouth, I felt all the energy leaving my body. My vision blurred. Heartbeat picking up its pace. My eyelashes sweared to not meet my lower eyelashes. My throat went dry. My brain stopped functioning before a massive pain seared through the nerves, a shreik escaped my lips, before I lost myself in his arms.

All sorts of images started flashing in front of my eyes. Some good, some bad. I could hear faint voices from a very long distance. But couldn't make out anything.

"Your Mom and Dad are no more in this world!" Aunty sobbed as she clucthed me tightly.

Me, stumbling back finding the wall a better thing for support.

My eyes can't cheat me!

They're alive but why Aunty had lied to me all those years.

And why only Aunty? Everyone had said the same thing. Why were they lying to me? What made them lie to me? But...as far as I was been told they were dead in a car accident.

Then what I did saw today was just my imagination? Or was I hallucinating?

But what if my parents were never dead?
What if all these were also a lie to "protect me"!?
Imran is Zayal.
Chachu wants me dead or to get married to Zayal.

What the heck is going on!!

Groaning, I rolled over to feel someone caressing my hair.

But what I don't understand is if they would have said the truth and would have not lied to me about my parent's death, I wouldn't have surely gone to Coma but now was the higher chance of going into the Coma.

Why did I even came with him?

Or is it Aariz plan to trouble me like this so that he can leave me?

No, no...he won't leave me. He'll never leave me, I've seen it in his eyes.

I need to wake up. Need answers of my questions. Should I really open my eyes.

No...

Yes...

No...

Yes...

No....

"Hoorain, my child. Open your eyes" I heard a soft feminine voice from my side, my eyes opening and meeting with the pair of hazel eyes. Blinking twice or thrice, I quickly shot up from the bed, stumbling backwards.

"Are you scared of us?" The man said who exactly looked like my dad.

I shook my head to throw out these hallucinations from my mind.

"Hoorain, we are for real. We are your parents! You need to sit down." Mom said forwarding her hand to held my hand but I took a step back.

"I'm hallucinating!" I croacked.

"No, you're not!" Dad said.

"Sit down first and let us explain to you." Mom said.

"You both are not dead? You both are alive?" I asked still not believing my eyes.

"We are very much alive. Allahamdulilah" Dad replied.

"But Aunt Farhat and everyone told me that you both died in a car crash." I said.

"It's the half truth." Mom said.

I was confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't worry, we'll tell you everything." Dad said looking back at me. I sat down on the bed, crossing my legs and facing them.

"It's true that our car got crashed, but luckily we didn't died. We were saved. But for the whole world we were dead." Mom said.

"But why would you both lie? I mean who lies about their own death?" I said.

"To save you and us from Amjad." Dad said.

"Chachu?"

"Yes, your Chachu. Amjad was not my own brother, he was my step brother. Your grandmother died at the time of delievering me and then your dada married again and had Amjad. There was nothing in between us. We grew up together, did school and college together just like any other siblings would do. Your dadi never treated me like her step son. The problem started when we came to know about the Will. When and how Amjad got involved with the Mafia no one knew, but when the Will was disclosed then we came to know that you are the holder of seventy percent while Zayal held thirty percent in every property." Dad said

"So Chachu is only after me for money? If that's so then I don't want any of these things, he can take all the money and leave us alone. At least we'll live in peace." I said.

"No, Hoorain, there's a twist. You see, according to the will the person who'll marry you will automatically be the holder of the seventy percent share of the property and not only that, he'll have the very much equality in every thing, in office also. Nothing can be passed unless and until you both sign the papers or agree to anything. While the girl who'll marry Zayal will also become the holder of thirty percent share, but still you'll be more powerful.

In short everything has to be done with your consent." Dad said.

I was shocked. I was totally shocked. I didn't have anything to say.

"But why was the Will this way? Why it was different for me and Zayal?" I said.

"That's because your Grandfather knew about the intention of your Uncle and Zayal!" Mom said.

"When your Uncle came to knew about the Will, he was very much calm and compose and in fact he was happy with the decision." Dad said.

"Your Chachu loved you, Hoorain. He had always treated you like his own daughter. He even wanted you and Zayal to get married and that was way before we got to know about the Will." Mom said.

"I remember!" I sighed "but then what went wrong? Why he suddenly became so negative?"

"He had been indulged in the crime so much that there was no way of pulling him out. He was only after money. He had become so greedy that even he would have killed someone. We had a hope that Zayal might be able to help out his father but who knew that he would be keeping all of us in dark by saying the he was completing his Masters, while he was learning skills in the Mafia World!" Dad said.

I gasped.

"They both became so greedy that now they wanted you only for money." Mom said.

"Me marrying Zayal will make him the holder of seventy percent share and also he holds thirty percent of his share, which automatically makes him the owner of our entire Industries and Mansions" I said

"Exactly" Mom said.

"Not only that, they both also made the deal with the Mafia people, that after all the legal papers are signed and transferred in Zayal's name, they're gonna sell you!" Dad said. His eyes red in anger as he clenched and unclenched his palm.

"What?! No, Al can't do this. He loved me Dad." I said

"Well, that's what they made us believed. Al made you believe, so that you can easily say Yes for the marriage." Mom said.

"But, Allahamdulilah, we got to know everything about their dirty game plan before time and that's when I decided to marry you with Aariz" Dad said.

"But how come you were so sure about Aariz?" I asked.

"Because I've seen it in his eyes. Everything about his mien screamed your name. And not to forget the way he use to care for you was the very much reason of me becoming sure. And today, I'm proud of my decision." Dad said.

"You know Hoorain, he never asked any question to us." Mom said.

"Coming back to the part, Amjad came to knew that I knew everything about him and Zayal, and I was now planning to save you from them. This made him mad and he didn't waste any time in hurting you. When you were in Coma, our car got crashed and that day you came out of the Coma, but the drugs that were injected in you made you not remember many things. So somehow, Zubaid and Farhat convinced you that we died long back and you use to live with them.

And here, Me and Aayat escaped from over there and came here in Denver. Amjad and Zayal didn't knew what all happened with you, we made sure that it seemed like you also died with us in the car crash." Dad aid softly.

"Dear, we did this to save you from them. We didn't had any way. If we would have informed the police they wouldn't have done anything because Amjad had gone too far in his life. He even killed your Aunty, because she threatened him to disclose all his dirty game plans in media. At least, you were not in front of our eyes but still we keep seeing you growing up. We were happy that you are safe, enjoying your life, doing everything what any girl would do in your age. I can never repay Farhat for what she did for us. They not for a second also thought about their safety but embraced you whole heartedly." Mom said wiping her tears.

I kept my hand on top of her hand, squeezing it, lightly.

"But things took a whole U turn when Amjad came to knew about you. He had send Zayal for you, and that's when Aariz had to step in. We couldn't take risk of losing you by telling you everything. We didn't knew how you're gonna react, so we all decided to take step by step and not to rush. I know you have to go through a lot, you even went a little crazy and started doubting on Aariz, but it wasn't your fault, things were taking you in that direction." Dad said.

"Now what?" I asked

"Now, we have everything that we needed against Amjad. Now, he can't do anything to you. We'll face him together. Either he surrender himself, or the Cops are gonna take him." Dad said with so much determination.

"You both are not gonna leave me again, Right?" I asked.

"Never..." Mom said cupping my cheeks.

"Oh Mom! It hurted me so much to think, that you both are not in my life. I couldn't sleep at night because I couldn't remember what was the last thing we talked about? All the memories, the flashback, when Aariz told me about our marriage, I wanted you both beside me. You kno-" I hiccuped crying like a baby before carrying on "whenever I use to see Tashu with her parents, I use to miss you both. I missed you both alot, all these years, I won't be able to express how I felt without you both. Please, please don't leave me again." I cried, hugging them both.

"No my child, please don't break down like this, you are our brave child. You are not weak. You are very strong, very strong and no we'll not leave you again." Dad said kissing my forehead, while Mom wiped my tears, pushing my hair back from my face.

"We were also not in peace without you, Hoorain. Every second we feared for your safety, there were so many ifs and buts running inside our head. The day when Amjad doubted that you are alive, we felt as if someone had slit us! When we saw you crying, shouting for help, how Zayal use to scare you, all your dad wanted to tear him apart. We were helpless my child, we wanted to help you but still we can't do anything about it. Please forgive us!" Mom hugged me tightly.

"No, Mom. Please don't appologize! I know whatever you both will do, will do for my good only, I can never blame you both for anything. Love you!" I said hugging her back while Dad ruffled my hair, smiling.

In the meantime, Dad's cell started ringing, he excused himself and went outside while I quickly kept my head on my Mom's lap.

"I'm finally home!" I whispered softly.

"So, tell me something about your life, your friends!" Mom said stroking my hair softly.

"Everything's a maze, Mom. In whichever direction I go, I lose myself. If I try to solve the answer to those question then I forget the question only!" I chuckled "Coming to friends, we're a group of five friends including me. Ambreen, Muskaan, Zain and Junaid." I said smiling.

Mom didn't said anything, just nodded her head.

"And what about Aariz?" Mom asked.

Instantly, a smile plastered on my face.

"Ohhh....so you both have came very far!!" Mom said giving me a wicked smile.

"Oh no, Mom! It's nothing like that" I said using my hands.

She laughed.

I immediately got lost in her smile.

"I look like you!" I said.

"Yes, you are my shadow" Mom said kissing my forehead. "You know Hoorain, never leave Aariz's side. When you both got married, you both were too small. When you went away with Farhat and he got busy in his studies, but he didn't forget you. Gradually, his feelings started growing for you. We have seen him crying for you in the darkness. Whenever we use to see the clip of you or any video regarding you, he use to always gets so excited. He use to always ask that What if she leaves me? What if she don't like me? Just for your safety, he use to guard your Aunty's house whole night. He loves you alot, Hoorain. Please, don't be harsh on him." Mom said holding my hand.

I sat up looking at her "Mom, don't worry. I won't leave him ever." I smiled.

"May Allah bless you abundantly, my child." She said

"Aameen."

"You take rest now, I'll be back after sometime." She said getting up.

"Please come back soon"

"This time, I will." She smiled and left.

I laid down, closing my eyes and suddenly his face flashed. Immediately, my eyes shot open. It's going to be two, where the hell is he? I took my cell and called him.

"Hoorain" he said.

"Don't Hoorain! Where are you?" I yelled

"Right outside your room" he said opening the door of my room and I ended up the call. "You should have locked the door from inside"

"Why?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"What if someone had barged inside?"

"Not all men are ill-mannered, who'll barge inside, just like that!" I said poking his chest.

"Well, if a man like me has a very beautiful wife, then I've the evry right to fear!" He said keeping his index finger under my chin. I blushed.

"Stop buttering me! Where were you?" I asked looking at him.

"I was here only, in the opposite room. You needed some privacy with your parents" he said wrapping his arm around my waist, bringing me closer to him.

"I needed you too!" I whispered

"Not more than me!" With that he captured my lips into his. His kiss had an urgency which needed to be done right now. His hands grazing the side of my body, while he kissed the crook of my neck. To hold back the moan, I bit my lower lip, while he sat down making me sat on his lap.

Groaning he started nibbling my lower lip while my fingers lost themselves in his hair. But I stopped him from going too far.

"Aariz, No!" I breathed heavily.

He didn't said anything just rested his forehead on mine.

"Come let's have lunch, you must be hungry." He said and just then my stomach growled loudly making me embarrass!

We went downstairs and everyone was already sitting in the dining room. Aunty, Uncle and Tashu has also come but what made me shock was seeing Mr.Khan sitting in between of my Dad and my father in law. Mr.Khan my real boss, to whom I use to work but he had suddenly gone due to some personal issues giving Aariz his post for the time being.

"Mr.Khan!" I spoke.

"Well, Hello, Miss Ahmed or Mrs.Aariz?" He asked smiling.

"Sir, what are you doing here? I mean-"

"He's Aahil's Dad" Aariz said making me freeze!

"What?!"

"Umm..yeah, it was all in the plan, him leaving, me coming!" He said rubbing the back of his head.

I kept on staring at him for a few seconds but before I could speak something, Aunty called me.

"Hoori, bash him up, later! Right now we all are hungry!" She said making everyone laugh.

"We need to talk!" I said glaring at him.

"Let's have lunch first" he quickly went away.

The Lunch was just perfect. I was happy to see everyone present here. My family was here with me, beside me.

After eating, I decided to take a walk in the lawn and just recall what all happened today. Uptil I got two biggest shock of my life. First, my parents are alive and Second, Mr.Khan is Aahil's dad.

Life can be so uncertain sometime but at the same time it can be full of surprises, too.

"Hoorain, dear, come inside, your favourite ice-cream is being served in the desert." His Mom called me.

"Coming" I said turning when a bullet hit me right in my stomach.

I felled down on my knees, my hand on my stomach, when I saw

"Chachu"