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***

Dusting the shelf I moved the books sideways as the familiar blue cover book fell down with some other books.Arranging the other ones I bend down to pick up the fall ones.A white folded paper caught my attention.It had fallen from The fault In Our Stars.Confused, I put the books back on the shelf.

Sitting on the bed I opened the folded paper.My eyes scanned through the neat handwriting , making my eyes widen and my breath hitch.

Hey Shahwar..!!
I know by the time you find this letter , your hate for me had been grown a lot.Everyone in the house might hate me and even curse me.I know.I know.Salah might me heart broken and his hate would be the most.But I hadn't another choice.
Sometimes I thought living around you people would change me.But maybe I was like my mother.She couldn't get enough and nor could I.I am really sorry to say this but Salah ain't the man for me.Your marriage got ruined because of me, if only Salah wouldn't love me.Our lives would have been better.Salah..It's hard to ask forgiveness from him.Despite being his friend I couldn't come to tell him about my boyfriend, which I love more than life itself.Salah was like my credit card.He used to spend thousands on me.And I liked it this way.He didn't love me.He loved my facade, which I showed him.At times I didn't even have money to pay my rents.But he was always there..No time to talk about these things..
I am going to Paris for my dream wedding.Living with me you would have known my craze for Paris, me and my boyfriend after marriage would settle there.In case your wondering, he ain't rich.I am writing this for you , sitting in your own house.In the bedroom you just left after helping me pack.I might be a gold digger but I am honest.Salah doesn't loves me.He just thinks he loves me.Win him.Win him again.Your broken, so is he.
I lied , I betrayed and I'll get punishment.I hope you don't find the letter but if you do then..
Sorry for everything.Your a beautiful soul.I wish you get your love.I still feel guilty for your cancelled marriage.
Forgive me , the least I can ask for and forget me like a bad dream.

~Talia

By the time I finished reading the letter, tears were pouring from my eyes.I wiped the tears away feeling a heavy feeling dawn on my chest.Sniffing , I read the letter again.

"Why are you crying?"A voice echoed in the silent room making me hide the letter away hurriedly.Turning from my position I saw Arsalan leaned casually against the doorframe.His charcoal eyes trained on me.

Shaking my head, I wiped the tears from the back of my hand.He walked inside the room and extended his hand in front of me ,

"Give me the paper.Shahwar."He demanded.His tall figure crowded over me as I shook my head again gripping the paper more tightly,

"Give it to me."He demanded in a hard tone making me place the letter in his extended hand.

His eyes moved to the paper.The charcoal orbs scanned the paper thoroughly.His jaw clenched as he scoffed.

"I never liked that bit.." He started.

"Arsalan.."I almost shrieked lowly making him stop.

A frown formed on his forehead as he narrowed his eyes at me,

"Shahwar, you are too good for your own self just like her."He muttered looking away.

"Arsalan, don't tell anyone.Its a secret between us.Please"I stated softly.

He gave a curt nod before running his hand through his dark strand.

"Anyway.. I came to ask for black marker.Do you have it ?"He asked.

"Yeah I do."Standing up , I opened my drawer finding the marker.Passing him the marker I asked,

"At what time is your flight?"

"2 in the morning.However I'll leave at 12."He said looking down at the marker.He then left silently before sending me a smile.

I placed the letter in the drawer and went out of my room to do some work.

***

I opened the door to my parents room only to see Baba scroll through the T.V channels.His gaze flickered to me and he smiled,

"Come Shahwar."I went inside the room, keeping the tea cup on the side table,

"Shukran"He said.

Mama came to sit on the bed as they observed me.I hesitated,

"Baba.I wanted a favor."I said softly my eyes momentarily going to Mama's.He looked over to Mama and turned to me,

"Yes Shahwar.What is it?"He asked.

"Um..I want..I..I..Can you please convince Uncle Yousuf to not do any inquiry about T..Talia."I said.Wetting my dry lips I glanced at their expectant eyes.Baba was the first to look down.

"Why are you saying this Shahwar?"He asked.I couldn't tell him about the letter.So I said,

"Please Baba, she would have some problem thats why she did this.She has a right to live too.If our money gives someone happiness then that should not bother us much.What is done is done.Those days are not coming back.Please convince Uncle.Please for me."I said and Mama smiled.

"I think Shahwar is right.Atleast talk to Yousuf and see what he says."Mama suggested.

And Baba in the end did agree.And it wasn't possible that Uncle Yousuf would not listen to Baba.He would obey.He would and I knew.

***

He walked down the stairs as I stared at him shamelessly.I couldn't just move my eyes away.In white Kurta Shalwar he looked too unreal.It suited him well.His sleeved were folded giving a view of his strong arms.His green eyes looked more bright against the white clothing.His hair were styled back unlike most of the times.

I fell for him harder each second.

I looked away only when his lips curved into a smirk.Making heat to crawl from my neck to my cheeks.Everyone was gathered in the hall for Arsalan's farewell.I was sad, he had stayed quite a long time at home this time.I liked having him around.It saddened me to think that there he has to live alone and feel the pain.The pain of love.

Ahya looked over to me.Her glowing face brought a small smile to my face.Arsalan said his goodbye one by one to everyone.Tears formed in my eyes as I saw glistening eyes of Aunty Naheed.

I hated goodbyes.I always hated goodbye.I walked out from the hall and made my way to the porch.Imraan came out holding Arsalan's luggage as he loaded it in the black escalade.Looking over at me he said,

"Ow.. Someone is getting emotional."He teased.

"Shut up."I said softly.Wiping my tears.

"Shahwar."Arsalan called and I turned around as he came to stand before me.

"Its a goodbye then."He said.

And I nodded looking down.

"Please stay safe and call whenever you want.I am always there for you."I said to him.

He nodded his head.No smile on his face.I knew he had secrets but I feared seeing him in pain.He deserved all the happiness in the world.

"Okay.Take care."He said , his eyes turning to the black vehicle.

"Come soon.I'll miss you."I said.

This brought a smile on his face.And he whispered,

"I will miss you too.I'll try to pay a visit in December."I nodded.

Baba and Uncle along with others came out.Imraan and Salah were going to the airport with Arsalan.As the men settled in the black Escalade we all waved at them.As the car drove down the drive way I hugged a crying Zarah.

***

I had completely zoned out during lunch when Baba's voice broke my chain of thoughts ,

"Maa , Salah has finalized a big deal today.He handled the dealer so well and even convinced him."Stated Baba.

"Mash'ALLAH"Daadi Maa said.I looked up to Salah to see him roll the fork around his plate.

Uncle Yousuf had forgiven him and he looked happy how Salah participated in work.

But still a thick fog remained.

We were all close yet very far..

***
A week had passed since Arsalan went back.I missed him at the night times when I drank my coffee alone.

September's early breeze rolled in.The days were cold and nights even colder.Winter wasn't very far.I signed thinking of my life.I stood between everything and nothing.

Drinking water I placed the glass on the counter before I decided to take a walk in the garden.Aunty Naheed's biryaani had made over eat.

Walking under the dark sky I saw a shadow behind me.Fear gripped me as I stopped walking.The guards were always on rounds, how could someone manage to break in.My heartbeats ran wild as I stood frozen.Gripping the edge of the long shirt I anticipated until a hand was placed on the shoulder.

Now that was the last straw as I opened my mouth to yell, I was turned around and a hand clasped around my mouth.My eyes were closed tightly as I shook in fear.

"Shahwar"It was a soft whisper to calm my heartbeats.I opened my eyes slowly to look at Salah.His face was covered by darkness as the moonlight fell on this eyes.He still had his hand on my mouth as my words muffled against his palm.
Smiling sheepishly, he moved his hand and scratch the back of his head,

"You scared me."I stated catching my breath.

"Oh.You'd have woken the whole neighbourhood if you yelled."He said back.

I inhaled a breath keeping a hand on my heart.His eyes met mine as I said,

"Happy Birthday."He looked shocked by my words.

"You remembered?"He asked tilting his face to the side.

"It is marked on my mind , How can I forget it."I replied back.

"Shahwar."He warned in a hard tone.

"Its not my fault that I fell for you."I stated angrily.And turn back to go to my room, leaving the man shocked.

I knew his tone.He was telling me to quit caring for him.I understood him well.He wanted me to stop loving him.

***

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_Hafsa