𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞.

❝You see that dead body, kitten?❞

❝Next time, it could be you.❞

The four walls of the kitchen bore witness to a shattered girl, sobbing uncontrollably. Fayra was shaken to her core; her heart pounded with fear and disbelief. She knew Musa was vicious, but the thought that he could actually kill someone was beyond anything she could have imagined.

Clutching the white kitchen slab, she covered her mouth to stifle her sobs, her mind spiraling into a dark abyss. She was certain now—Musa had murdered that despicable man. But even as her heart questioned whether someone as vile as that man deserved to live after his unforgivable crimes of rape and murder, it didn't justify the fact that Musa had taken his life.

Fayra's hands trembled, tears streaming endlessly down her face. Her throat felt parched, yet all she could do was weep. She understood now—it wouldn't be difficult for Musa to kill her the same way. Yet, her heart refused to accept what her mind was trying to tell her.

❝We live once and die once, so try to be as cheerful as you can, Fayra,❞ a familiar, masculine voice echoed in the air, startling her. She looked up to meet a pair of hazel eyes. A kind smile touched her lips, though her eyes were still brimming with helpless tears. He approached the fragile girl who was hugging herself for comfort.

Fayra took in his appearance—he was dressed in a gray shirt and black trousers, his hair impeccably styled, with an elegant watch adorning his wrist.

He took a seat, nodding at Fayra to calm down and gesturing that it was okay to cry. This time would pass, he seemed to assure her.

❝No, we live once but die many times, Aroosh Bhai,❞ she muttered in sorrow. Aroosh was taken aback by her words but felt compelled to listen. He knew that fate had brought these two souls together for a reason. Musa and Fayra were bound by destiny.

Aroosh couldn't help but feel outraged at his brother. Musa, who was as unfeeling as a brute, didn't know how to cherish the rare gem he had in Fayra. It's true—when you don't value a diamond, you risk losing it, and all that remains is regret.

❝What do you mean?❞ Aroosh asked, urging her to explain. His eyes were filled with turmoil as he leaned on the kitchen slab, while Fayra stood, feeling oddly comfortable in his presence.

❝In the time we are given to live, some die multiple times—through heartbreak, grief, and the trials life throws at us,❞ Fayra replied, her cherry lips curling into a broken smile. Aroosh's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at this brave soul who was fighting so hard to find her place in the world—a battle she hadn't yet won.

❝Why... why did he marry me if all he feels for me is hate?❞ she asked, tears rolling down her cheeks. She took a deep breath before continuing. Aroosh considered her words, his eyes revealing the internal conflict he was grappling with, searching for something to say, but no words came.

❝And maybe lust too,❞ she added, her last words piercing Aroosh's heart. Despite being a ruthless mafia leader himself, Aroosh was a man with empathy—a side of him that only criminals ever saw.

Her words hung heavy in the air, the four walls seeming to close in on the girl in deep despair. Time moved on as it always did, but there was no change in Fayra's life. In her eyes, time had stopped since the moment she was born, and all she had done since then was cry.

❝Fayra... I... I can't tell you everything, except that your father sold you,❞ Aroosh whispered, rubbing his face as if trying to ease the pain. He stood up to look at this sorrowful soul who had done nothing to deserve such heartache and betrayal.

All Fayra could do was nod with a shattered smile on her lips upon hearing his confession.

❝Sometimes, the monster resides within one's own blood, willing to sell their flesh and blood for their own gain,❞ Fayra said, each word laced with pain. Her throat felt dry, so she grabbed a glass of water, gulping it down in an attempt to soothe her troubled mind—a mind filled with countless questions, though she knew it wasn't the time to ask them.

She wasn't surprised at all by what she had just heard. It felt like nothing new—this was what she expected from the people she called her parents.

❝How do you endure so much pain without complaining?❞ Aroosh asked, clearly astonished by her strength. It seemed the question had been gnawing at him, and he could no longer hold it back.

The beautiful but broken girl wiped her tear-stained face and looked at the man who gave her a brotherly vibe—a kindness she was deeply thankful for.

❝Pain is just a game. A trained soul is always brave enough to fight. A soul that knows the path is filled with misery won't object; it will just keep walking, hoping for light to pierce the darkness, trusting in the Creator to one day illuminate the road of life with the radiance of the moonlight itself.❞ Fayra revealed, her words leaving Aroosh speechless. He was bewildered and deeply moved by her bravery and courage.

Indeed, the Almighty Himself had declared in His holy book, ❝Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear❞—Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 286. So be patient; He is with those who endure with Sabr, and He never forsakes His believers.

He is the Most Generous and the Most Merciful.

________________________________