EK NAZAR (one glance)

CHAPTER 24 - MISCHIEF MANAGED

Apologies and apologies for disappearing.

To clear confusion regarding Ahad's Mother:

Ahad's mother was a village girl who was forcibly married to Ahad's father because her parents' owed money to their family. During her stay in Ahad's father's house, she fell in love with a worker, and both of them were killed in the name of honour. Later, Ahad's father married Afreen's aunt, making her Ahad's stepmother. This forced relationship led to mistreatment of Ahad during his early years, which explains the animosity between Ahad and his stepmother.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afreen murmured, "Ahad, stop. He's far enough." Her words made him tighten his grip around her waist. She fought to hide any signs of pain on her face. "Baba and Omer, please have a seat."

AUTHOR POV:

Afreen winced as Ahad's grip tightened, leaving marks on her waist. She quickly corrected herself, addressing Omer as "Omer bhai." A grin spread across Ahad's face as he took a seat opposite them. "Yes, to what do we owe this pleasure?"

Hussain – Hussain ignored Ahad completely and turned to Afreen. "Are you happy?" he asked, his eyes searching for a glimpse of contentment.

Afreen fell silent, unable to find the right words. Her gaze shifted to Ahad, who had placed the gun on the table, his threats unmistakable. She understood that saying "no" would cost her the remaining freedom he had granted her. With a forced smile, she replied, "Yes, Dad, I'm happy."

Omer raised an eyebrow. "Then why did it take so long to say it?" he asked, his tone curious and probing.

Ahad's menacing tone cut through the air. "Do you want me to make this your last words, huh?" he threatened. Ali, ever obedient, nodded and prepared to escort Afreen's brother, Omer, to the main gate, where her father would meet him, as ordered by Ahad.

Afreen's plea hung in the tense air. "Ahad, please let him stay," she implored. Ahad's glare intensified, a silent threat echoing through the room.

Omer opened his mouth to speak, but Ahad's menacing glare silenced him. "It's not like you can do something," Ahad sneered, "so get going." The room seemed to close in on Omer as Ahad's smirk widened, leaving no room for argument.

Hussain rose from his seat, frustration etched across his features. "I merely sought a glimpse of you," he began, his voice laced with bitterness, "but this insufferable man"—he gestured toward Ahad, who sat there like a coiled serpent— "can't seem to hold his tongue, let alone grant anyone a moment of peace." His gaze shifted to Afreen, eyes imploring. "Alize," he continued, "is marrying the man she loves."

Afreen's face lit up at the news. "Oh," she exclaimed, "I thought you would never agree to a love marriage. But it's so awesome that you're giving him a chance! He's a great guy, and I'm sure you'll love him."

Hussain's voice carried a weight of frustration. "I've witnessed one daughter suffer at the hands of an insufferable man," he began, "and I refuse to subject the other to the same fate." His gaze shifted to Ahad, a silent challenge in his eyes.

Ahad leaned forward, his eyes piercing into Afreen's soul. "Our family's fate," he declared, voice low and unyielding, "rests solely in my hands." The gun on the table remained a silent reminder of the control he wielded, casting a shadow over their fragile existence.

Hussain control his anger and handed Afreen the cards, his voice unyielding. "I don't want to hear anything," he declared, "you are coming"

Afreen's confusion deepened as she examined the card bearing her name. "Why does this card have my name, Dad?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Ahad snatched the card from her hand, his harsh tone echoing her thoughts. "What the hell?" he muttered.