Umeed

Chapter 18

As Shahzain drove, his mind was clouded with anger, Ayesha's words echoing in his head. She had warned him that Noor's stubbornness could lead to something disastrous, especially with how she was handling things lately. His mother had pleaded with him, asking him to convince Noor to agree to the nikkah, stressing how it was for her own good. The thought of Noor continuing down a reckless path, potentially harming herself or Ayaan in the process, consumed him. Shahzain’s jaw tightened as he gripped the steering wheel, determined to put an end to her defiance once and for all.

Today, he would confront her. Noor couldn’t keep avoiding him, hiding behind her walls of stubbornness. This had gone on long enough, and he was not about to let her hurt herself or anyone else. She had to face him, answer him, and understand the consequences of her actions. His heart pounded with a mixture of anger and frustration as he sped towards home, the weight of the situation pushing him to act before things spiraled even further out of control.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the garden, where Faris, Hoor, and Ayaan were laughing and playing among the flowers and greenery. Their laughter filled the air, innocent and carefree, as they chased each other around the trees. It was a peaceful moment, one that made their home feel like a haven.

But that tranquility was shattered the moment Shahzain stormed into the garden.

Faris noticed his brother’s arrival first, his brow furrowing when he saw the dark, thunderous expression on Shahzain’s face. Shahzain wasn’t just angry—he was furious, the kind of fury that could break anything in its path. Faris could sense the impending storm, his heart quickening with unease.

Before Faris could ask what was wrong, Shahzain’s voice cut through the air, sharp and demanding.

"Where is Noor?" Shahzain’s tone was harsh, barely controlled.

Faris hesitated, unsure of what had triggered this rage. He swallowed, trying to remain calm. "She just came back a few minutes ago," Faris answered. "She had gone out, but now she’s upstairs, freshening up."

Without another word, Shahzain turned on his heel and stormed into the house, his anger palpable in the air.

Faris watched him go, dread settling in his chest. The children, Ayaan and Hoor, were still playing, oblivious to the growing tension. Not wanting them to witness Shahzain’s outburst, Faris bent down to their level, forcing a gentle smile despite the anxiety gnawing at him.

"Ayaan, Hoor," Faris said softly, "you two are good kids, right? Stay here and keep playing until I come back, okay? Don’t leave the garden."

The children nodded eagerly, unaware of the seriousness in his voice. They continued their game, their laughter once again filling the space.

Faris straightened and hurried inside the house, his steps quickening as the uneasy feeling in his gut grew stronger. He had barely reached the hallway when he saw a sight that made his blood run cold.

Shahzain was dragging Noor by her arm, his grip tight, and she was struggling to break free. Noor’s face was frantic, her eyes wide with fear, her movements desperate, but Shahzain’s anger seemed unshakable. His face was set in a hard line, his eyes blazing with fury, and it was clear he was beyond reasoning.

"Shahzain bhai! What are you doing?" Faris shouted as he rushed forward, moving to place himself between Noor and his enraged brother. He couldn’t let this continue. Shahzain’s temper was volatile, and Faris feared what he might do.

But before Faris could reach them, Shahzain stopped him with a sharp, commanding gesture. His hand shot up, palm out, telling Faris to stay out of it.

"Don’t interfere, Faris," Shahzain growled, his voice low and dangerous. "This is between Noor and me."