My Quiet Wife

Chapter 4: A New Prison

After a tense journey, the car finally stopped outside of Nawab Haveli. The sun was already high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the grand estate, but to Jahanara, the grandeur seemed cold and imposing. Nawab knew it was too dangerous to leave the city with Jahanara. He decided to hide her in his mansion, far from the prying eyes of Heeramandi, until things cooled down. Only DaiJaan knew about the connection between Nawab and Jahanara, and she would keep the secret safe.

The front doors of Nawab Haveli Mahal swung open, revealing a scene of domestic tranquility. Inside, Nawab's wife, Salma, was sitting at the dining table with their children, sharing breakfast. She smiled warmly at her husband's arrival, but her gaze quickly shifted to the little girl standing quietly behind him. Curiosity and a hint of concern furrowed her brow as she rose to greet him.

"As-salamu alaykum," she greeted, warmth in her voice as she moved to embrace Nawab. "How are you, and who is this little one?"

Nawab hesitated. He could not tell his family the truth without shattering the illusion of his perfect life. His mind raced, searching for a plausible story. Finally, he spoke. "This is... a maid," he said, his voice steady. "She was working at Sheesh Mahal for the Baigs, but they're moving to the U.S. since their son is expanding his business there. They had no one to take care of her, so I offered to bring her here."

Salma looked puzzled. Why would Nawab suddenly bring home a young maid? And why such a small, fragile-looking girl? But before she could question him further, Nawab quickly added, "She's mute... she can't speak."

The lie fell heavy between them, and Jahanara's heart sank. This was her first taste of betrayal, the first time she realized how easily her identity could be rewritten. She stood there silently, confused and grieving, still raw from the loss of her mother, unsure of what to make of this new world.

Salma's eyes softened with compassion. She knelt down to Jahanara's level and gently asked her name. Nawab answered for her, "Her name is Jahanara." Salma's face softened even more, and she asked what Jahanara used to do at Sheesh Mahal. Again, Nawab answered quickly, "She just helped with small chores."

Salma, who had a kind heart and a love for children, smiled at the girl. "Would you like to go to school, Jahanara?" she asked gently. Before Nawab could intervene, Jahanara shook her head vigorously. Her years in Heeramandi had taught her to fear and despise education. The brothel had filled her with false narratives about schools, painting them as cruel places meant to crush spirits and chain minds.

Nawab felt a surge of relief at Jahanara's reaction. He didn't want her to be educated either. "Let's not push her," he said smoothly. "Maybe in the future, if she feels comfortable."

And so, Jahanara found herself with a new home—but not as a daughter, as a maid. Her vibrant spirit, once full of life and curiosity, had been replaced by a quiet compliance. Salma, who was kind and fair, never mistreated her. Jahanara was well-fed, given clean clothes, and was not burdened with heavy work. But she remained mute, trapped in her silence by the lies of the man who was now her guardian.

A year passed. Jahanara's days blurred together in a routine of quiet chores and wordless existence. She grew older, but the world around her remained small and closed. When she turned thirteen, something unexpected happened—her first period. Confused and scared, she ran to Salma, who handled the situation with the gentle kindness she was known for.

Salma explained to Jahanara how to care for herself, teaching her the basics without delving too deeply into the complexities of womanhood. Salma sensed that Jahanara, without an education and with such a tumultuous past, was not ready for the bigger truths. For now, Salma's gentle guidance was enough.

Jahanara continued to live her quiet life in Nawab Haveli, learning to adapt to her new world, even as she remained haunted by memories of the old one. Her silence became her armor, protecting her from the harsh realities she could not yet understand. But the little girl who once longed for freedom was still inside, hidden beneath the mask of the mute maid, waiting for the right moment to awaken.