As the years slipped by, the moment for Zainab's marriage drew near. Her father, once a pillar of strength, now lay weakened by illness, his mind adrift in a fog of confusion. Seizing the opportunity, Zainab's mother and other relatives conspired to arrange a marriage for her with a different suitor, their intentions cloaked in the guise of care.

When Zainab discovered their plans, a surge of desperation coursed through her. She longed to reach out to Hassan, to share the news of this betrayal, but the walls of her confinement closed in around her, isolating her from the world. The preparations for the wedding surged forward like a relentless tide, each day amplifying her anxiety and despair. The weight of betrayal shattered her heart into countless pieces.

Her soul ached for Hassan, the thought of a future without him looming ominously before her. A life devoid of love, a family bound by obligation rather than affection, and herself merely a marionette dancing to the whims of societal expectations. In a moment of solitude, she wrapped her arms around herself, seeking solace in her own embrace, desperately trying to conjure the warmth and comfort that seemed so far away.

She sat in silence, a shadow of herself, refusing to partake in the world around her. The wedding loomed just a day away, yet she felt no excitement, no anticipation. Instead, she remained by her father's side, a man adrift in a sea of confusion, unaware of the significance of the day that approached.

Months earlier, a tragic incident had stolen away a part of her father's memories, leaving him lost and disoriented. He had collapsed on the pavement, the impact robbing him of recollections that were once vivid and cherished. He was oblivious to the promise he had made to Hassan, and the betrayals that had unfolded within their family.

Zainab felt a profound helplessness wash over her. All she could do was wish for a miracle to alter the course of their lives. As she rested her head on her father's lap, tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her anguish. The weight of her unfulfilled love for Hassan pressed heavily on her heart, a pain that seemed insurmountable.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when her father’s hand found its way to her hair, offering a gentle comfort.

"Zainab, could you hand me that bag?" he asked, his voice tinged with innocence. She momentarily forgot her sorrow, interpreting his request as a simple quirk of his current state. With a sigh, she reached beneath the cot and retrieved the bag, handing it to him without a second thought.

As she prepared to step out, her father’s voice halted her. “Zainab, lend me a hand. Let’s take a stroll around the house.” He struggled to rise, his determination evident. With a nod, Zainab donned her abaya, ready to assist him. After informing her mother of their plans, they stepped outside into the evening air. Zainab’s gaze fell upon the bag clutched in her father’s hand.

“Why did you bring that, Dad?” she inquired, suspecting he had simply forgotten it was there.

“Let’s just walk to that corner,” he replied, and with a resigned sigh, she acquiesced, following his lead.

As they approached the corner, Zainab noticed a black SUV parked next to their neighbor’s house. The streetlights flickered ominously, casting shadows that obscured her view.

“Let’s head back inside, Dad,” she urged, attempting to guide him away, but he grasped her arm firmly.

“And what then? Should I let you fall into that ill-fated marriage, abandoning thoughts of Hassan?” His gaze pierced through her, leaving her bewildered. A surge of fear quickened her heartbeat, confusion swirling within her.

A dull ache throbbed at the back of his head, yet his instincts remained sharp, unwavering. "Zainab," he said, his voice steady, "I might've hurt my head, but my instincts never fail me. Hassan is truly one of a kind. You mustn't let him slip away; he’s worth everything in this world." With that, he gently guided her toward the car that loomed in the shadows.

As the doors swung open, the faint glow illuminated his features, and Zainab felt a rush of emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she beheld the boy who had control over her heart, her very essence. She turned to her father, seeking his silent approval.

His smile was warm and reassuring. "You really want this, don’t you?" he inquired, and she responded with a nod, her smile brightening.

He passed her the bag he had clutched tightly, encouraging her to step inside the vehicle.

"When the moment is right, I’ll let you know. You’ll find your way back," Faisal assured her. Zainab embraced him tightly before sliding into the backseat. Hassan met Faisal’s gaze with a nod of understanding before joining her.

Shaleh's car pulled away, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. From a distance, Zainab's relatives came rushing forward, their expressions a mix of shock and indignation.

"How could she! She took advantage of her fathers sickness!" Nasreen's voice rang out, filled with disbelief. The family erupted into a cacophony of outrage, but Faisal stood firm, his gaze piercing through the turmoil.

"And what do you have to say for your despicable behavior?" he challenged them, his tone laced with disdain.

"I have only one thing to declare, now and forever. Bringing her into this world was the best choice I ever made, and freeing her from this wretched society was equally wise! She's in good hands." He retorted fiercely, striding toward the house with purpose. Before crossing the threshold, he turned to deliver a final warning.

"Don’t even think about pulling any stunts!" Defeated, the rest of the family shuffled inside, their hearts heavy with a mix of anger and guilt.