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Realization

The morning sun bathed the Khan mansion in a golden hue, promising a new day. In the kitchen, Amaira moved gracefully, preparing breakfast. Ibrahim's mother was assisting her, while the other ladies set the dining table. Some were already seated, eagerly awaiting the meal.

Ibrahim entered the kitchen, feigning a need for water. He stood by the fridge, drinking from a bottle, his eyes on Amaira. When his mother left to check on something in the dining room, Ibrahim saw his chance. He approached Amaira and hugged her from behind, his embrace gentle yet firm.

Amaira stifened, a mix of shock and fear coursing through her. She glanced around nervously, terrified someone might walk in. Sensing her anxiety, Ibrahim kissed her cheek softly and quickly moved away. Just then, his mother re-entered the kitchen.

"Ibrahim, breakfast is ready. Let Amaira finish up here," she said, oblivious to the moment that had just transpired.

Ibrahim nodded, joining the others at the dining table. When Amaira joined them, he couldn't resist teasing her. He held her hand under the table, preventing her from eating with her right hand.

"Ibrahim, stop it," she whispered sternly, her voice a mix of annoyance and amusement.

"Just trying to lighten the mood," he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Zain sat beside Zainab, noticing her troubled expression. He leaned in close and whispered, "Is something bothering you, Zainab? You can tell me. I'll fix it for you."

Zainab shook her head, unable to meet his eyes. She quietly ate her breakfast, her mind elsewhere.

As breakfast ended, everyone dispersed. Zainab retreated to her room, seeking solace. She turned on the TV, aimlessly flipping through channels. Suddenly, she froze. On the screen was Wahaj Shah's picture, with a breaking news banner flashing beneath it. The anchor's voice echoed in her mind:

"Prominent politician Waqar Shah's son, Wahaj Shah, and his four friends have been arrested from his house in Islamabad for assaulting a girl from their university."

Zainab's world shattered. She stared at the screen, her mind racing with disbelief and regret. Every call, text, and romantic moment with Wahaj now felt like a betrayal to Zain. She had chosen a monster over a man who loved her unconditionally.

Overwhelmed by guilt, Zainab broke down in tears. She hugged herself, feeling the weight of her mistakes. "What have I done?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "How could I have been so blind?"

A vivid memory surfaced, intensifying her regret. She remembered the day Zain had come to pick her up from the university. She had asked him to take her for ice cream, momentarily forgetting their new relationship. Despite having a fever, Zain had agreed.

They sat at the ice cream parlour, and Zainab fed Zain a spoonful of her ice cream in a moment of carelessness. He accepted the bite with a smile and reached out to wipe away a smudge of ice cream from her lips. She cringed at the proximity, and Zain, sensing her discomfort, gently held her face and kissed the part of her lip where the ice cream had spread.

Sitting in the car, Zainab couldn't look him in the eyes. Summoning her resolve, she sternly told him, "Don't ever touch me again because I do not accept this marriage."

Zain's face fell, but he didn't argue. He simply started the car and drove them home in silence. As they reached the house, Zainab was about to get out when he held her hand.

"I am really sorry," he said softly, his eyes filled with regret. "I shouldn't have touched you without your permission."

Zainab glared at him and yanked her hand away, her heart hardened by her loyalty to Wahaj at the time. Zain watched her go, his eyes reflecting the pain of her rejection.