Ibadat's tears flowed uncontrollably as she buried her face in her mother's lap. "Ammi, I'm consumed by doubt," she sobbed. 

"Can I truly trust Subhaan again? He destroyed my trust with such ease, shattering the foundation of our relationship. The memories of his deception still linger, a painful reminder of his betrayal.

"Dua's gentle hands stroked Ibadat's hair, offering comfort. "Beta, trust is a delicate thing," she whispered. "Once broken, it's hard to mend. But consider this: Subhaan's mistakes were driven by manipulation, not malice. He was blinded by Mannat's schemes."Ibadat lifted her head, eyes red-rimmed.

 "But Ammi, how can I forgive him? He lied to me, manipulated me... Our entire relationship was a sham." Her voice cracked, the pain still raw.Dua's expression turned thoughtful. "Forgiveness isn't for Subhaan's sake, beta. It's for yours. Let go of the hurt, and perhaps you'll find trust can grow again." Ibadat's gaze dropped, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.

Dua's words echoed in Ibadat's mind, a gentle breeze stirring the ashes of her broken trust. She thought of Subhaan, his eyes filled with regret, his actions seeking redemption. Perhaps, just perhaps, forgiveness was the key to healing.

"I want to believe, Ammi," Ibadat said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to trust Subhaan again, but the fear of being hurt again... it's suffocating." Dua's hands enveloped hers, warm and reassuring.

"Trust is a journey, beta," Dua said. "It starts with small steps. Observe Subhaan's actions, see if his words match his deeds. Give yourself time to heal, to rediscover the love you once shared."

 Ibadat nodded, determination etched on her face.Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. It was Subhaan, his eyes searching for permission to enter.

 Dua nodded, and he stepped inside, his presence filling the room."Ibadat, may I speak with you?" Subhaan asked, his voice low and gentle. Ibadat hesitated before nodding, her heart pounding in anticipation.

Subhaan's eyes locked onto Ibadat's, his gaze filled with emotion. "I know I've broken your trust, shattered your heart. But I want you to know, I'm committed to rebuilding what's lost." 

He took a step closer, his voice filled with conviction."I'll do everything to regain your trust, Ibadat. I'll be patient, transparent, and honest. I'll show you, day by day, that my love for you is genuine." 

Ibadat's eyes searched his, seeking sincerity. "Ammi says trust is a journey,"  Ibadat said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But how do I start? How do I know you won't hurt me again?"

 Subhaan's face twisted in anguish. "I don't expect forgiveness overnight," he said. "But I hope you'll give me the chance to prove myself. I promise to be your rock, your confidant, your partner." 

 Ibadat's gaze dropped, her heart wrestling with doubt and longing. Just then, Dua intervened, her voice gentle. "Subhaan, beta, actions speak louder than words. Show Ibadat your commitment, and she'll find her way back to trust." Subhaan nodded, determination etched on his face." 

I will, Ammi. I'll show her, every day, that my love is true." Ibadat's eyes lifted, meeting Subhaan's. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the air thick with unspoken promises.

................

Mannat's voice echoed through her room, a venomous whisper: "I'll destroy Ibadat!" The words sent a chill down Dua's spine as she stood outside the door, overhearing her daughter's sinister vow.Dua's heart heavy with concern, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. 

"Mannat, stop this,"  she implored, her voice trembling. "Ibadat's mother is dead let go of the past. I don't want revenge  stop destroying Ibadat."Mannat spun around, her eyes blazing with fury. 

"You don't understand, Ammi," she spat. "Ibadat's family ruined ours. Now it's my turn." Dua's eyes welled up with tears.

"Your father's mistakes, not Ibadat's," Dua corrected gently. "Don't punish the innocent. Subhaan loves Ibadat; don't tear them apart." Mannat's expression twisted."Love?" Mannat sneered. 

"You talk of love? You, who suffered because of Ibadat's family?" Dua's face paled, memories flooding back. "Mannat, stop," Dua pleaded. "This cycle of hate will consume you. Forgiveness is the only way forward."

 Mannat's laughter sent shivers down Dua's spine."You're weak, Ammi," Mannat said, her voice dripping with malice. "I'll show you strength." Dua's heart broke, realizing her daughter was lost to vengeance.

Dua's voice cracked with emotion. "Ibadat is your step-sister, Mannat, but she loved you like her own flesh and blood. Yet, you tried to tarnish her reputation, forgetting how she protected you." Mannat's gaze faltered.  

"Remember when Farhaan sought to destroy you? Ibadat stood up for you, defended your honor. She could have easily turned a blind eye, but she chose to save you." Mannat's expression twisted. 

Mannat's gaze faltered, her eyes flashing with anger. "That was just a trick, Ammi. Ibadat only did it to manipulate me." Dua's voice remained calm. 

"No, Mannat. Ibadat's heart is pure. She genuinely cared for you, and you repaid her with betrayal." 

Mannat's face twisted."You don't understand, Ammi," Mannat spat. "Ibadat's family wronged us. Now it's my turn." Dua's eyes filled with sorrow. 

 "Mannat, stop this vendetta. Ibadat loves you, and you're hurting her. You're my daughter, my flesh and blood. I won't lose you to hatred." Mannat's expression softened slightly."Ammi..." Mannat's voice trailed off, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. For a moment, Dua saw a glimmer of her daughter's lost innocence.

Dua seized the moment, her voice gentle. "Mannat, beta, remember the laughter, the memories you shared with Ibadat? She's your sister, your family. Don't let revenge consume you."

 Mannat's gaze dropped, her shoulders sagging. For an instant, Dua saw the vulnerable girl she once knew. "Ammi..." Mannat whispered, tears welling up. "I don't know if I can stop. It's gone too far." Dua enveloped Mannat in a warm hug.

 "We'll face it together, beta. We'll find a way to heal, to forgive." Mannat's tears flowed, a dam breaking. Just then, a knock on the door interrupted them. It was Subhaan, his eyes filled with concern. 

 "Dua Ammi, Ibadat's been searching everywhere for Mannat. She wants to talk." Mannat's gaze locked onto Subhaan's. 

"What does she want?" Mannat asked, her voice barely above a whisper.