Make Me Your Villain | ✓

Chapter Thirty Six

Hayat Azhar

For the first time, I felt completely helpless, seeing no way out, in the grand halls of the Malik Haveli.

"We never thought you'd stoop so low, Hayat!" Gulbano saheba's voice thundered, each word a dagger aimed at my heart.

I stood there, numb, as the housekeepers I had worked alongside for months stood in silence. These were the same people I had supported and helped countless times. Why were they doing this to me?

"She looks so innocent, but who knew she'd be so vile on the inside?!" Aunty Haleema yelled, her voice grating in my ears.

Laiba stood a few feet away, her expression smug and satisfied, her arms crossed as if enjoying the spectacle.

"I already had my doubts about her. These middle-class girls are always trying to trap wealthy young men, looking for an easy way out of their own struggles," aunty Zohra added fuel to the fire. "Now it's clear that her mother sent her here to seduce our sons and take advantage of our hospitality."

Everyone in the hall stared at me with doubtful eyes, even Asra, whom I had considered a friend, looked at me with uncertainty. Their piercing gazes burned through me, making me feel exposed and vulnerable.

"My mother would never do that!"

I turned to Gulbano saheba, my disbelief turning into a silent plea. I'd thought she would be the first to defend me. But she wasn't even willing to give me a chance.

Sometimes, the true nature of relationships remains hidden until circumstances force them into the light. We think we know those around us, ready to sacrifice everything for them only to realize they'd sacrifice us without a second thought.

Today, masks were slipping, revealing faces I no longer recognized. I didn't want to see any more of this ugly truth.

Desperation gripped me as I reached out and grabbed Gulbano saheba's hand, tears welling in my eyes. "Please, believe me. I haven't done anything wrong. I promise I am not that kind of person."

She yanked her hand away, her voice rising to a shrill scream. "Why would they lie about this? What motive do they have against you?!" She demanded, pointing to the housekeepers.

"I don't know. But I've never had any bad intentions. You," I turned to one of the staff. "You were the one who'd send me to Sameer saheb's room to deliver food, right?"

"I would never do that." She held up her hands, feigning innocence. "You'd ask me where he was and go to him on your own."

My eyes widened at their blatant lies. They claimed I'd been lusting after Sameer; constantly flirted with him, found excuses to go to his room, stayed there for long periods and tried doing unspeakable actions.

How could they?

"I know I told you to take care of kitten, but not like this, Hayat. You've disappointed me and broken my trust." Gulbano saheba's expression reflected the loathe she felt for me and I found myself defenseless, my protests falling on deaf ears.

No matter how much I attempted to clear my name, no matter how much I struggled, it was all in vain.

How could I defend myself when everyone was so convinced of my guilt?

At that moment, the heavy oak doors swung open before Sohel and Sameer walked in, engrossed in a conversation.

I wanted to disappear, drowning in shame at the sight of Sohel. He was one of the few who had always treated me kindly. But now, even that was going to end.