Living Dreams

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The club owner was sentenced for life long jail for forcing women into prostitution. Few of the prostitutes and Zanha's dance mates were also jailed along with Zanha. Zanha was asked to confess whatever happened from the time her foster father sold her to the club owner.

Luqman too witnessed her confession. He was disappointed about himself. He didn't want to know what would have happened if he was late to arrive at the club with the police.

"...he gave me the papers. I signed only because I-I-I had no choice. Tha-that day he took me to.... to the room and-and then you know what happened." She finished as she didn't have the courage to tell further.

"Okay Ms.Thameem, you'll have to come once a month to sign the bail papers." Said the inspector.

"Thank you inspector Kamal." Luqman shook hands with him.

"You're welcome Mr.Hussain."
Zanha was allowed to get bail until judge declair his final decision. Few others too was bailed along with her.

She came out with Luqman but walked away as they reached the road. Her heart wanted to go with him but her stubbornness didn't let her go.

"Zanha! Zee stop!" He came following her. "Where do you think you are going?"

"Somewhere, anywhere but not with you!"

"How many times do you want me to apologize? Come with me." He pulled her towards the car. No words came out of her mouth to protest when she felt the skin contact after a long time. It made her heart flutter.

He made her sit in his car and started to drive. She held her wrist where he held a moment before.

"Where are we going?" Her voice came as a whisper. He ignored her.

"Get off." It sounded like a command. She did what he said and looked up at the place. Her eyes widened when the realization hit her.

"This-this..."

"Yeahh...  I can't risk your life or lose you forever. Please come with me." His eyes too meant the words. She followed him after hesitating for a while.

...

"Now you both are legally wedded." Announced the registrar as they both signed the papers.

"Thank you so much Mr.Tony."

"My pleasure and congratulations Mr.Hussain."

Both Zanha and Luqman came out of the register office. The thought that Luqman is now her husband, made butterflies erupt in her stomach.

"Zee..." He took both her hands in his. "Don't you wanna know why couldn't I come?" She nodded her head looking down. A long tear escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheek. She didn't know whether it was out of happiness or sadness.

He gently wiped off the tear from his thumb. "Come with me." He again took her in his car.

She recognized the place instantly as they reached the destination. It was the park full of colourful flowers. It was the park they used to visit often. It was the park they spoke for hours. It was the park which held their beautiful memories.

"I hope you remember this place." Luqman said recalling the past.

"I'm unable to forget this." She replied looking ahead.

"I got an opportunity to complete my last year in London." He sat on a park bench. She remained standing. Her silence granted him permission to continue his story.

"Daddy told me to go. He forced me. I didn't even get a chance to talk to you. Everything happened in a rush. Not a single day I spent without thinking about you. I was worried. I was scared Zee.