From Pain to Paradise

CHAPTER 30

Faris sat beside his mother on the couch, filling her in on the latest developments in the investigation case. His mother listened intently, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Ammi, where's Hannah?" Faris asked, suddenly remembering his wife's absence.

"I think she's in her room," his mother replied.

Sarim, sitting nearby, interrupted, "No, Hannah bhabhi went outside."

Faris's eyes furrowed. "Where did she go?" he asked, his tone tinged with worry.

Sarim shrugged. "I don't know. She was in a hurry. I offered to drop her, but she refused."

Faris nodded, his mind racing. He pulled out his phone and dialed Hannah's number. The call went unanswered. He tried again, but she didn't pick up.

As the phone continued to ring without response, Faris's face paled. Concern etched itself on his features, deepening into a frown.

Faris's mother attempted to reassure him, "Don't worry, beta. Maybe she went to her mother's house or for shopping."

Faris shook his head, his brow furrowed with concern. "No, Ammi, she always informs me before going anywhere."

He quickly dialed Hannah's mother's number, his anxiety growing.

"Is Hannah there? Aunty!" Faris asked, trying to sound calm.

"No, Faris, she's not here" Hannah's mother replied. "Is everything okay?"she asked, sensing his worry.

Faris forced a reassurance, "Yes, aunty, everything is okay. Actually, she told me she wants to meet you, so I thought she might be there."

He hastily added, "I think she went shopping. I'll talk to you later"
He quickly ended the call, his mind racing with possibilities.

Sarim noticed Faris's growing unease. "Bhai, what's wrong?"

Faris's eyes scanned the room, his voice low and worried, "Hannah's not answering my calls, and she didn't tell anyone where she's going."

Hannah's eyes widened in terror as Shehryar dragged her through the dimly lit corridor of his farmhouse. She struggled to break free, but his grip was unyielding, his fingers digging deep into her arm.

"Leave me!" Hannah screamed, her voice echoing off the walls.
Shehryar remained silent, his face twisted in a malevolent grin.

Once inside the room, he released his grip, and Hannah stumbled backward, her eyes scanning the space for an escape.

"Why did you bring me here?" Hannah demanded, her voice shaking.

Shehryar's expression turned sinister.

"You'll know soon enough," he hissed.

With lightning speed, his hand shot out, and a stinging slap connected with Hannah's cheek. Her head jerked sideways, and she crumpled to the ground.

The force of the slap left Hannah reeling, her ears ringing and her face ablaze.

Shehryar knelt beside her, grasping her hair, his fingers twisting into a vicious hold.

"Do you think I'll let you go easily?" he sneered, his breath hot against her face.

Hannah's eyes welled up with tears as she begged, "Leave me Shehryar, Faris will kill you."

Shehryar's response was another brutal slap, and Hannah's nose burst into a crimson stream. She cried out in agony, her hands instinctively covering her face.