LET ME HATE YOU

Kabir missing

"We have a charity dinner invite from Mr. Shah. I want you to come along with Kabir," Feriha announced.

Asmaira's head snapped up in surprise, "Me?"

After being discharged the next day, Asmaira felt a small wave of relief that Amaan had left for a business trip. However, the memory of what had transpired between them that night relentlessly haunted her. That night, he had not only revealed a new depth of fear for himself but had also unwittingly unleashed a torrent of emotional complications. She couldn't bring herself to face Kabir in his father's absence. The crushing guilt she felt over her perceived role in Kabir's miserable early childhood completely overshadowed the love she held for the boy.

Noticing Asmaira's deliberate avoidance of Kabir, Feriha decided to orchestrate a meeting between them under the guise of evening tea. With Hania preoccupied with the NGO in Feriha's absence and Ishaal immersed in designing her new exclusive collection, this felt like the only way to break down the emotional barrier Asmaira had erected.

"Now that people have seen you at the Gala, it's time you start attending social gatherings," Feriha replied calmly, smiling at Kabir nestled in her lap.

"But, I've never been to a charity event before, a-and I don't even know what I'm supposed to do there," Asmaira stammered in a panic, deliberately keeping her gaze veiled and away from Kabir.

"Asmaira," Feriha sighed with understanding and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "I want everyone to know you and Kabir. You have to start somewhere, and think about him," she looked down at her grandson and continued, "he hasn't left the mansion since he was born. People need to acknowledge his existence, and yours, too. It's high time."

Finding Asmaira silent, Feriha posed a direct question, "Do you want Kabir to grow up to be a timid and reserved boy?"

Asmaira's response was immediate, "No."

She would never want him to be like her. She wished for him to be just like his mother, Raina—bold, confident, and charming.

"Then he needs to start learning from a young age. And for that, he will look for his mother's familiar embrace for protection and support. You know he doesn't readily open up to new people and takes his time observing them first," Feriha stated, and the clenching of Asmaira's fist told her she had struck a nerve.

"Okay," Asmaira mumbled weakly, silently praying that Amaan wouldn't return before the charity dinner.

Feriha, meanwhile, was deep in thought, piecing together the events of the Gala. Hania had clearly stated she sent a gown designed by Ishaal with Asmaira; how, then, was Asmaira given a saree? It couldn't be a mere coincidence that the saree was identical to the one Raina had worn at the last Gala she attended. Even the makeup and hair had been a precise replication on Asmaira.

She glanced toward Mehwish, who was instructing a maid to send her clothes for dry cleaning. Lacking concrete proof, Feriha couldn't directly confront her daughter about her involvement, but her sharp eyes had not missed Mehwish's frequent, intense glares at Asmaira's back.

Her instinct screamed that the spark of fury in Amaan that day had been deliberately ignited and fanned by Mehwish. But with Asmaira lying about her injuries, Feriha had no choice but to wait until Amaan was back.

On the day of the dinner, Feriha took charge and personally delivered Asmaira's outfit for the evening. After months of observing Asmaira, she understood her simple, understated taste and had carefully selected a long black gown paired with a stone-worked dupatta.

Finding Feriha already dressed well before the appointed time, Asmaira couldn't help but look at her with confusion.

"Salar and the others will join us directly from the office. I have to go early with Hania because we are presenting our new project for disabled underprivileged children and need to finalize a donation with Mr. Shah," she explained, anticipating Asmaira's unspoken question.