From Pain to Paradise

CHAPTER 10

Shehryar was engrossed in paperwork at his office when his phone rang, breaking the monotony. He picked it up, expecting a work-related call, but was surprised to see his mother's name on the screen.

"Assalamu alaikum, Mama," Shehryar said, answering the call.

"Walaikum salam, Shehryar beta, I'm at Shaista's house, and she's asking if you can pick up Hannah from university," his mother said, her voice firm but gentle.

Shehryar rolled his eyes, feeling a surge of annoyance. He was busy with work and didn't want to be bothered with errands. But before he could protest, his mother continued, "I'm not taking no for an answer, Shehryar. You have to go pick her up and come here."

Shehryar sighed inwardly, knowing better than to argue with his mother. "Okay, Mama, I'll leave right away," he said reluctantly.

"Good, beta. I'll see you soon," his mother said, ending the call.

Shehryar rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. With a sigh, he stood up, grabbed his keys, and headed out to pick up Hannah.

Shehryar checked his watch for the tenth time, his anger growing with each passing minute. He had been waiting for Hannah outside the university for 20 minutes, and she still hadn't shown up. He had called her, but she hadn't picked up.

Just as he was about to call her again, he saw her walking out of the building. But to his surprise, she ignored him and changed direction.

Shehryar's eyes narrowed. What did she think she was doing? He quickly caught up to her, grabbing her arm tightly.

"What do you think you're doing?" he growled. "I've been waiting for you for 30 minutes. You think I'm your driver?"

Hannah tried to shake off his grip. "I didn't ask you to pick me up. I can go by myself. Leave my arm."

But Shehryar held her arm even tighter. Hannah yelped in pain.

"Let me go, Shehryar. Everyone is seeing us," she pleaded.

"I don't care," Shehryar sneered. "If you want no drama, then sit in the car. It's not like I want to do this, I have to this. Otherwise I don't want to waste my time on a stupid girl like you."

Hannah knew she had no choice. She was trapped. She reluctantly sat in the car, trying to rub the pain from her arm.

Shehryar got in beside her, his eyes cold and hard. "Don't think you can ignore me again," he warned. "I'm not someone to be trifled with."

Hannah looked away, trying to hide her tears. She knew she was in a nightmare from which she couldn't wake up.

As Shehryar drove, he couldn't resist taking a jab at Hannah. "What about that lover guy of yours? I haven't seen him with you anymore. What happened? Did he realized his mistake and leave you?"

Hannah's expression turned icy. "I don't know what you're talking about, Shehryar. And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."

Shehryar sneered. "Oh, come on. I know you're heartbroken. He left you, didn't he? You're just too proud to admit it."

Hannah's eyes narrowed. "There's nothing like that, Shehryar. You're just trying to get a rise out of me."

Shehryar raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Hannah. I know all about you two. You can't hide it forever."

Hannah shrugged. "I'm not hiding anything, Shehryar. You're just making assumptions. Drop it."

Shehryar scowled, frustrated that Hannah wasn't reacting the way he wanted her to. "Fine, keep your secrets. But I know you're not as okay as you seem."