The Fallen Widow

Chapter 10- On Edge

Author's note: This chapter will get the halal police's siren screaming. So read with caution. Adult themes.

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That evening Hoorayn was filled with trepidation bubbling in her stomach. Since Jahanzaib stormed into her room and stood up for her, she was worried for his safety. Did Shah Nawaz believe she was using the haveli members for her escape? No, that wasn't her plan; yet. News of Shah Nawaz's marriage, new bride ignited her will to escape from the haveli. The new Jahanpur she dreamed of during their evening dinner was a fairy tale- once again she was dreaming up fantasy to stay close to Shah Nawaz. Those heavy, burdensome feelings weighed her down. She couldn't shake it off. Hoorayn splashed cool, cold water on her face to stay awake hoping Shah Nawaz would return so she could speak to him. She unplaited her long hair and began to brush the knots out of her hair staring at the window with the pitch blackness pressed on the pane. Her evening meal of meat pilau rice with a pot of yogurt was untouched. It was strange, the maids delivered the food without a word, or eye contact. Normally, they'd spew some choice words and swears marinating on the dishes and leave. But nothing.

Suddenly the door opened and Shah Nawaz barged into the room. The door handle was fixed and swung close. Hoorayn stepped back as Shah Nawaz's unbuttoned his shirt. His eyebrows furrowed his face looked like thunder. Before she could utter a word about Jahanzaib, he ordered her to dim the lights in a curt tone.

He was stressed and rushed. Hoorayn curled her hands into balls.

"I didn't ask Choudhary Jahanzaib to disobey your order-"

"Do what you are told!" His eyes now sharp glaring at her. He stood in the centre of the room, his collar buttons open and revaling his amulet. He took off his turban and placed it on the dressing table. Hoorayn rushed to switch off the ceiling lights- the lamps blanketed a softer hue. What was his intention? Was he going to punish her for provoking Jahanzaib? She had to tell him, she had nothing to do with it. Shah Nawaz took of his kurtha revealing his bare chest, quickly, Hoorayn turned her head away. He was going to do what she feared. She backed away further into the depths of the room bringing her fists to her chest.
'I will fight him. I will push him.'

Shah Nawaz went straight to his circular bed and sat on the edge. He bare back towards her, his shoudlers strong and broad, his shoudlers blades like wings strong and prominent.

"Come to bed." His tone stern and commanding.

She took a sharp breath.

Hoorayn looked around the room for an object; a weapon.

"Hurry!" He snapped and she jumped forward.

His breaths deep, strong and fast. Something as wrong. She made her way barefoot towards the far end of the bed standing behind him.

"Choudh-"

"Shush!" He raised his hand. "I do not want to hear a word!"

The silence was loud and terrifying. She could hear her heart beat through her ears.

"The light pierces like a blade." He took a deep sigh and straightened his back. There was a scar beneath his left shoudler blade. Curved. He tapped the centre of the bed indicating to her to come closer. Her hands tightened.

"You must-"
He raised his hand again stopping her midsentence. This was it. It had been five days since he kidnapped her and bought her back to Jahanpur. Tonight he would punish her for her crimes. He propped up the cushions against the headboard and moved his body so he was leaning against the headboard sitting upright.