Umeed

Chapter 19

As Shahzain drove, Noor's quiet sobs filled the car, her tears streaming down her face. The weight of Shahzain's fury was suffocating, and she could feel it in the way he gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white with tension. His anger had completely overtaken him, leaving no room for reason. She was scared; she had never seen him this angry before. Suddenly, he handed Noor his phone, his voice clipped and stern.

"Call Faris," Shahzain ordered, not taking his eyes off the road. "Tell him you're alright, and that we'll be back later. Make sure he doesn't worry."

Noor, her hands trembling, dialed Faris's number and did as she was told, her voice shaky as she spoke. "Bhai... I'm okay. I will be back after some time. Please don't worry."

Faris, already concerned, could hear the strain in her voice. He hesitated before asking, "Noor, are you sure you're alright? You sound upset."

"I'm alright, Bhai," Noor replied, but the quiver in her voice betrayed her true emotions. Before Faris could press further, Shahzain snatched the phone from her, ending the call abruptly. Noor flinched at the suddenness, her heart pounding in her chest.

Glancing over at Shahzain, she could see the storm of emotions brewing within him. His face was set in a harsh scowl, his jaw clenched tightly. Desperate to understand, Noor whispered, her voice small and broken, "What have I done to you? Why are you behaving like this?"

Shahzain's eyes flicked toward her, the fury in them unmistakable. "You'll find out soon enough," he said coldly. "I know your little plan to leave for London in two days. So, London? All these years I tried to find you but couldn't, and Ammi told me you didn't want to be found, right? Let's see how you leave this time. There is no escape this time, Noor."

Noor's breath hitched, her heart sinking at his words. Dread settled in her chest, the reality of the situation hitting her like a wave. How did he know? "Please," she begged, her voice barely audible through her tears. "Let me go. I won't be a problem to anyone. Just let me leave."

But her pleas only fueled Shahzain's anger further. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel, his voice rising in frustration. "Shut up, Noor!" he screamed. "We'll talk when we get to the farmhouse. Enough of this nonsense."

The rest of the drive was filled with a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Noor sat curled in her seat, her heart pounding in her chest, too afraid to say anything else.

When they finally reached the farmhouse, a place Noor hadn't visited since childhood, her memories of the once-peaceful retreat now seemed distant and distorted. Shahzain parked the car and got out swiftly, storming around to her side. Without a word, he yanked the door open, grabbing Noor by the arm and dragging her out.

Noor stumbled as he pulled her toward the entrance, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening. Shahzain's grip was firm, unyielding, and despite her protests, he didn't let go. As they entered the farmhouse, the heavy door slammed shut behind them, sealing Noor's fate for the confrontation that was about to unfold.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

Faris returned home, his steps heavy with unease. The moment he stepped inside, his eyes immediately sought out his mother. Ayesha was pacing in the living room, her worry etched clearly on her face. Seeing Faris, she rushed over, her heart in her throat.

"Did you hear anything?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of hope and fear.

Faris nodded, trying to keep his voice steady as he recounted the call. "Noor called. Shahzain bhai made her tell me that she's alright and they'll be back later. But Ammi... she was crying. I could hear it in her voice. Shahzain bhai took the phone away before I could ask her anything more."