𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬.

𝟏𝟔. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭.

   

The sun's rays kissed Fayra's flawless brown skin, making her pull the quilt over her face. She stifled a yawn, stretching her arms as she settled comfortably on the bed. Her mind drifted back to the events of the previous night, her grey eyes staring blankly at one spot, devoid of any emotion.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to ease the immense headache that had taken hold. Her fingers massaged her forehead in an attempt to alleviate the uninvited pain. The memory of his blood-stained hands and trembling figure weighed heavily on her.

Slowly, she made her way to the washroom, letting the warm water cascade over her body, calming her nerves. Her mind replayed various scenes—how he had forcefully kissed her that day. The mere thought made her touch the side of her lips in disgust. She wiped at them as if she could erase his touch, though she knew it was impossible.

After what felt like an eternity, but was only an hour, she emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a flowing red floral maxi dress with an off-white hijab draped around her head.

As she descended the grand staircase, she hoped not to encounter her beast so early in the morning. Anxiety gripped her after what she had witnessed the previous night, but she knew she would have to face it eventually.

❝ Fayra, ❞ came the familiar voice of Dadi Zubaida. Fayra turned to meet her extraordinary eyes and saw a beautiful smile playing at the corners of her lips. She stood with Aroosh, who gave Fayra a cheerful smile as she hugged Dadi.

Dadi Zubaida returned the gesture with a warm smile, caressing Fayra's head affectionately and blowing dua to protect her from any evil. Over time, the bond between Dadi Zubaida and Fayra had grown stronger.

❝ You're not going alone today. Aroosh will drop you, ❞ Dadi said in a firm tone, signaling the end of the discussion. Although Dadi Zubaida and the others were aware of Fayra's job at the ice cream parlor, they had tried to dissuade her from working. But Fayra couldn't agree this time—it was a matter of self-respect. She would pay her own way and not be a burden on anyone.

Aroosh nodded reassuringly, a sweet smile playing on his lips. Fayra bid Dadi goodbye and walked out, settling herself in one of the most luxurious cars in Musa's collection. She was taken aback by its glamour and elegance, initially feeling reluctant but soon finding herself getting comfortable.

Aroosh started the car, driving at a moderate pace, while Fayra admired the magnificence of New York through the window, her hijab fluttering in the breeze.

❝ Fayra, do you know where Musa went? ❞ Aroosh's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and fear crossed her features. Her mind went numb at the mention of his name, but Aroosh's kind smile helped her relax.

❝ No, Bhai, I—I don't know, ❞ she stammered, her voice trembling. Aroosh gripped the steering wheel in anger, frustrated that this fragile soul was suffering for reasons unknown to him.

❝ Musa didn't say where he was going, just that he'd be back in a week, ❞ Aroosh revealed, keeping his eyes on the road. Fayra absorbed the information, trying to steady her breathing. Her mind flashed back to his blood-stained hands, and she felt numb with fear. Just hearing his name sent chills down her spine.

❝ You love art, don't you? ❞ Aroosh asked after a minute, trying to distract her, and he succeeded. His eyes sparkled with emotion, a smile playing on his lips.

❝ How do you know that? ❞ Fayra asked in surprise, glancing at him with wide eyes, searching for answers. Aroosh chuckled at her expression, silently praying for this delicate soul to find happiness.

❝ I have my sources, ❞ he replied, his voice full of compassion and respect. His eyes were filled with emotion, and a gentle smile tugged at his lips, his heart swelling with happiness.

❝ I just guessed, Fayra, ❞ he added, bringing the car to a stop. He gazed into her eyes, looking for any sign of emotion. Fayra muffled a giggle, probably for the first time in her life, catching Aroosh's attention. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she hid her face in her hands, making Aroosh shake his head at her shyness.

❝ Did you know there's an art museum in Khan's mansion? ❞ Aroosh asked seriously, running his fingers through his hair. Fayra felt a surge of emotion at his words. She was aware of the museum, but she knew her husband, the beast, would never allow her to enter. He despised her presence, and the reasons for his behavior remained a mystery to her.

❝ I know, ❞ she replied with a simple smile. It had been days since she had held a paintbrush, and her eyes longed to paint again, to immerse herself in colors and find peace. When a soul discovers darkness in every corner of their life, they often find solace in art—art that colors and illuminates the gloom.

❝ I'll let you explore it one day, Fayra, ❞ Aroosh's words sparked hope in her heart. Her dark grey eyes gleamed with happiness, and she smiled brightly, grateful to Aroosh. Her eyes held a deep passion for art—it was her escape, and Aroosh felt his heart swell with joy, knowing he had brought a smile to her beautiful face.

Fayra got out of the car, waving goodbye to the grinning Aroosh, who watched her walk toward the ice cream parlor. His eyes were filled with emotion, and he silently vowed to keep this fragile soul happy and to mend her in every way possible.

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