Chapter 50: 45| Shiddat

The air is thick with the smell of rain-soaked earth, and the clouds hang low in the sky, threatening another downpour. The tea stall is modest but charming, a makeshift shelter in this monsoon paradise. The small steel cups of chai in our hands radiate warmth that contrasts with the cool breeze ruffling through our hair.

I glance at her, and for a moment, the world feels still. Inaya sits across from me, her hazel eyes reflecting the gray of the clouds and the gold of the tea simultaneously. It's as if the universe poured its entire palette into her gaze. The rain-dampened strands of her hair curl against her cheek, and she absently tucks them behind her ear as she takes a sip of tea.

"What?" she asks, catching me staring.

I smirk, leaning back against the wooden bench. "Nothing. Just trying to figure out how someone can look this good while drinking tea from a dented steel cup."

She rolls her eyes but can't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Will you ever stop?"

"Not even when I'm old without any teeth" I shoot back without missing a beat.

She laughs, a soft, melodic sound that blends with the distant patter of rain. "So Mr lawyer, have you thought about your life before that old without teeth phase?"

I take a sip of tea, letting the warmth spread through me before answering. "Always" I say, pretending to be deep in thought. "Graduate. Marry the most beautiful architect in the world." I pause dramatically and gesture toward her. "That's you, by the way. In case it wasn't clear."

She snorts, shaking her head, but there's a blush creeping up her neck that she tries to hide. "Go on Ansari."

I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table, the cup cradled in my hands. "We'll build our dream house. Modern, minimalist, but with a touch of old-school charm..just like you love. Lots of glass walls so we can see sunsets and monsoons like this one. A big garden for me to try and fail at gardening. Maybe even a small studio for you to sketch and design in peace."

Her eyes soften, and she tilts her head, her fingers playing with the rim of her cup. "You've really thought this through."

"Of course," I reply, feigning offense. "I can't leave the most important decisions to chance. You've already turned my life into something I didn't even know I wanted. Why wouldn't I plan the rest of it around you?"

For a moment, she doesn't speak. Her eyes meet mine, and there's something in her gaze—something that makes my chest tighten and my pulse quicken.

"What about you?" I ask, breaking the silence. "What's your vision for our future, Miss Architect?"

She smiles softly, her gaze drifting to the rain outside. "I just want us to be happy, Ayan. To have a home that feels like… us. A place where we can laugh and argue and dream. Where the world outside doesn't matter as much as the world we create together."

Her words wrap around me like a warm blanket, and I can't help but tease, "So basically, you want me to be your personal comedian and tea-making expert for the rest of your life?"

She laughs again, and it's the kind of sound that makes the rain seem quieter, the world brighter. "If the shoe fits," she retorts.

"Done," I say, lifting my cup in a mock toast. "To being your personal everything."

I tilt my head, watching the way her smile falters for a brief moment before she hides it behind her cup of tea. The rain outside grows heavier, and the scent of damp earth deepens. Something about her silence makes my chest tighten. Her eyes are literally the door to her soul, a book that I can always read.

"You're thinking too much," I say softly, setting my cup down and leaning forward. "That little crease on your forehead always gives you away."

She sighs, placing her cup on the table. "Ayan… what happens after graduation? What if things don't work out the way we want them to? What if..."

I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. Her fingers are cold, so I warm them with a gentle squeeze. "Inaya," I begin, my voice steady, "I've already written the story of us a hundred times in my head, and every single version ends with us together. There's no what-if. It's you and me, always."

She looks at me, her hazel eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But what if life gets in the way? What if..."

"Naya" I interrupt gently, "I've given you fifty letters, haven't I?"

Her lips quirk up at the mention, a small, reluctant smile. "Yes, and I've read all of them a hundred times."

"Good," I say, grinning. "Then you know exactly how I feel. Every letter, every word—those are promises, not just romantic scribbles. I don't plan on breaking any of them. If anything, I'm planning on adding more."

She shakes her head, but I can tell she's holding back a smile. "You know I love you"

"I love you more" I reply, winking. "Now, back to our future. We've already got the house planned. Let's talk about the kids."

Her cheeks flush, and she looks away. "Ayan!"

"What?" I feign innocence. "It's a valid discussion. How many are we thinking? Two? Three? A whole law firm?"

She laughs, finally relaxing. "Only one" she says shyly, then adds, "a boy or a girl"

"Well as you wish" I say, leaning back with a satisfied smile. "Although I'd love a girl with your eyes and my charm."

"More like your annoying personality," she teases, and I gasp in mock horror.

"Annoying? This personality is what won you over, Miss Architect."

She laughs again, and this time, the sound is free of worry. I catch her gaze, holding it with my own. "Hazel, listen to me. Life will throw its curveballs, I won't lie about that. But there's no version of the future where I don't choose you. No version where we don't make it."

She bites her lip, her fingers brushing against mine. "Promise?"

"Promise," I reply firmly. Then, with a grin, I add, "And if we ever do fight, I'll just write you another letter. Or fifty. Whatever it takes to remind you that you're it for me."

"Even I'll do that for you"

The rain intensifies, creating a rhythm that matches the steady beat of my heart. I watch as her shoulders relax, her insecurities melting away like mist.

"Do you ever think about growing old together?" she asks suddenly, her voice soft.

"All the time," I reply without hesitation. "I imagine us sitting on a porch, watching the rain like this. Our grandkids running around, probably destroying the garden I'll try to grow. And you'll still be yelling at me for being annoying, but you'll secretly love it."

She smiles, her eyes misty. "I don't deserve you."

"Naya" I say, reaching for her other hand, "it's the other way around. You've given me a reason to dream bigger, love harder, and be better. You're my future, my everything. I was a playboy with no seriousness of future but now I do want a perfect life with you."

The world outside the stall fades, leaving just the two of us in our bubble of rain and chai. I can see our future so clearly, and in this moment, I know—there's nothing we can't face together.

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

The faint rumble of thunder grows louder as we step out of the tea stall. The air is thick with the scent of rain, and I instinctively glance up at the darkening clouds. Inaya pulls her dupatta over her head, laughing softly.

"We should hurry," she says. "It's about to pour."

"Race you to the car," I tease, nudging her playfully.

But before she can respond, the world shifts.

A sharp pain explodes in my jaw as I'm punched and shoved backward. I stumble, barely catching myself before hitting the ground. My head spins, and I blink rapidly to focus.

"What the..."

"Ayan!" Inaya's scream slices through the chaos.

I look up just in time to see two men in black suits grabbing her. She struggles, her eyes wide with terror, her voice hoarse as she yells my name.

"Inaya!" I yell, surging to my feet.

The men shove her into a sleek black car. My blood runs cold as realization hits me like a freight train. Her father.

"Shit, shit, shit!" I curse under my breath, sprinting toward the car as its engine roars to life.

Inaya's frantic voice echoes as she pounds on the car window. "Ayan! Help me!"

The car peels out onto the slick road, tires screeching. Without thinking, I break into a full sprint after it, my shoes splashing in the puddles that have already formed. The rain begins to fall, heavy and relentless, drenching me within seconds.

But the car is faster.

"Damn it!" I shout, veering toward my own car parked nearby. My hands tremble as I fumble with the keys, finally yanking the door open and sliding into the driver's seat.

The engine roars to life, and I slam my foot on the accelerator, tires spinning wildly on the wet pavement.

The rain pounds against the windshield, blurring my vision, but I don't care. My only focus is the black car ahead, its taillights glowing like angry eyes through the storm.

"Inaya," I mutter, gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turn white. "I'm not letting them take you."

I press harder on the gas, the speedometer climbing dangerously high. The car fishtails slightly on a sharp turn, but I correct it, my heart hammering in my chest.

The black car swerves onto a narrow road, and I follow without hesitation. The rainwater splashes up like waves, drenching the sides of my car as I cut through it. My wipers struggle to keep up, the sound of their frantic rhythm matching the pounding in my chest.

Up ahead, the black car slows momentarily to navigate a flooded stretch of road. I seize the opportunity, accelerating until I'm nearly bumper to bumper with them.

"Inaya!" I yell out the window, though I know she can't hear me.

The car suddenly veers left, attempting to lose me in a maze of side streets. My jaw clenches, and I follow, my tires screeching as I take the turn at breakneck speed.

The rain intensifies, lightning illuminating the road for brief, blinding moments. My heart leaps into my throat when the black car skids slightly, but they recover quickly and press on.

"Come on, come on," I mutter, my eyes darting between the road and the car ahead.

They're trying to shake me, weaving through traffic and narrowly missing other vehicles. Horns blare, and I grit my teeth, my focus razor-sharp.

I edge closer, inch by inch, until I'm nearly parallel with them. I glance to the side and catch a glimpse of Inaya, her tear-streaked face pressed against the window, her eyes filled with fear.

"Ayan!" she screams, her voice muffled by the glass.

My chest tightens, a fire igniting in my veins. I swerve slightly, forcing the black car toward the shoulder of the road. They honk angrily, but I don't relent, inching closer and closer.

The rain continues to pour, thunder rumbling overhead, but I barely notice. My world narrows to this moment, to this chase, to her.

The black car suddenly swerves, trying to cut me off, but I anticipate their move. I slam on the brakes, then hit the gas again, positioning myself directly behind them.

"I'm not giving up," I mutter through gritted teeth.

The black car veers sharply onto a private road lined with towering gates and armed guards. We're here at the mansion of Hassan Shehryar... The underground devil.

Whosoever he is I'm here as Inaya's Ayan.

I grit my teeth, accelerating as the gates begin to close behind the black car. The screech of metal on metal rings out as my car slides through the narrowing gap, scraping against the edge but making it inside.

"Stop him!" one of the guards yells, his voice barely audible over the pouring rain and roaring engine.

I don't stop.

My car skids to a halt in the massive courtyard, and I leap out, soaked to the bone, rain plastering my hair to my forehead. The guards, armed with rifles, rush toward me, their guns raised and ready.

"Get down!" one shouts.

I raise my hands briefly but keep walking, my eyes locked on the mansion's imposing doors. My voice is steady despite the chaos. "I'm here for Inaya. Stand down, or you'll regret it."

"Drop to the ground, now!" another guard barks.

Ignoring the command, I stride forward. The cold barrels of their guns press against my chest, but I don't flinch. My voice rings out, cutting through the storm.

"Go ahead. Pull the trigger if you must. But understand this—no bullet, no wall, and no army can keep me from her. You can stop me from breathing, but you will never stop me from reaching her."

A ripple of hesitation passes through the guards. The rain cascades down, mixing with the tension thick in the air.

The mansion doors creak open, and there he stands. Hassan Shehryar, larger than life, his presence commanding the space. His cold smile is venomous as he descends the marble steps. "Ayan. Ansari."

"You thought you could be with my daughter?" he sneers, his voice like thunder. "You, a boy with nothing to offer but misplaced bravery? No."

His laugh is sharp, mocking, echoing through the courtyard like a cruel symphony. "You're out of your depth, boy. You've stumbled into a world where you don't belong."

I take a step closer, the guards parting slightly but keeping their weapons trained on me. My voice is low, a growl of pure determination. "Your world? Your rules? They mean nothing to me. The only thing that matters is Inaya. And I'll burn this entire place to the ground before I let you keep her from me."

His smile falters for a fraction of a second, replaced by a flash of irritation. Behind him, Inaya's brother, Nauman, steps forward his expression a mix of contempt and amusement.

"Bold words," Nauman says, folding his arms. "But you're just one man. You really think you can take on all of this?" He gestures to the guards, the mansion, the empire.

"I don't think," I reply, my gaze unwavering. "I know. None of this scares me. None of this will stop me."

Hassan claps slowly, his laugh returning. "Fine. No guns, no violence. Let's see if you can back up your words, boy. I'll give you a chance...a challenge, if you will. Reach her. If you can."

The guards lower their weapons, stepping back but not entirely retreating. The air buzzes with electricity, the storm raging above us matching the one brewing in my chest.

Hassan gestures toward the mansion. "She's inside. Locked away where you can't touch her. If you're so determined, go ahead. Try. But don’t forget... There's no guarantee you'll return alive"

I don't respond. I don't need to. Instead, I step forward, my heart pounding in my ears. The mansion looms before me like a monster waiting to devour its prey. But I don't falter. My hands clench into fists, and I push through the ornate double doors.

My heart pounding against my chest and the tears threatening to spill down. Where are you Naya?

The inside is eerily silent, the storm outside muffled by thick walls. I take a deep breath, my chest heaving as I glance around. Chandeliers hang above me, casting an almost mocking glow. This place is designed to intimidate, to remind outsiders they don't belong.

P..lease God d.. don't t..t..take my Inaya from me.

"Inaya!" I shout, my voice echoing through the hall. "Naya! Can you hear me?"

Footsteps thunder from the corridor ahead, and I brace myself. The first guard appears, his towering frame a wall of muscle. "You've gone far enough," he growls, lunging toward me. "You'll regret messing with me."

He laughs thinking I'm bluffing, "you a funny boy will make us regret?"

Maybe he doesn't know that I've knocked down man double his sizes under minutes.

My body moves on instinct, years of boxing training kicking in. I duck under his swing, delivering a sharp uppercut to his jaw. He stumbles, but another guard takes his place.

I dodge, counter, strike—my movements fluid despite the chaos. Fists connect with my face, splitting my lip, but I don't stop. My knuckles throb, my breath comes in short gasps, but I keep fighting. "Stop me again from meeting my love and I'll simply stop your breaths"

"Inaya!" I scream again, desperation lacing my voice. "Answer me!"

I don't hear her reply, only the sound of more guards closing in. My chest tightens as fear creeps in. What if I'm too late? What if...

No. I shake the thought away. There's no time for doubt.

I knock another guard to the ground, my fists bloodied, my body aching. My vision blurs, but I press on, my focus unyielding. Each punch, each step, is fueled by one thought: her.

Through the haze of pain, I catch sight of a woman...her mother...standing at the edge of the chaos. Her face is pale, but her eyes soften as they meet mine. She hesitates, then points toward a door at the end of the hall.

I don't wait for an explanation. I shove past the remaining guards, sprinting toward the door with every ounce of strength I have left. My fist pounds against it, my voice raw. "Naya! It's me! Open the door!"

There's silence, a heartbeat of stillness that feels like an eternity. Then, the door creaks open.

She's there.

Her hazel eyes are red and swollen, her face streaked with tears. "Ayan?" she whispers, her voice trembling.

I don't think...I pull her into my arms, holding her like she's the only thing anchoring me to this world. "I'm here," I murmur, my voice breaking. "I'm here, Naya. They can't take you away from me. Not now. Not ever."

Her hands find my face, her touch gentle despite the bruises and cuts. "You're hurt," she says, tears spilling over. "Ayan, you're bleeding."

"I don't care," I say, pressing my forehead to hers. "I thought I lost you. I thought… I" My voice cracks, and for a moment, I can't speak.

Her tears fall faster mingling with mine, her fingers tracing the wounds on my face. "Why did you do this? Why would you..."

"Because I love you," I interrupt, my voice fierce. "Because you're worth every bruise, every drop of blood. I'd go through hell a thousand times just to keep you safe."

She clings to me, her sobs shaking her body. "I was so scared, Ayan. I thought they'd take me away, that I'd never see you again."

I tighten my hold on her, my own tears falling freely. "They'll never take you from me. Never. I don't care what your father thinks, or what anyone says. You're mine, Naya. And I'll fight the whole damn world if I have to."

For a moment, it's just us—two broken souls clinging to each other amidst the storm. Her fingers curl into my shirt, her face buried in my chest, and I know one thing with absolute certainty: I will never let her go.

I gently cup her face, brushing her hair back with trembling fingers. Her hazel eyes, still glistening with tears, hold so much fear that it carves a hole in my chest. "Naya," I whisper, my voice breaking as I rest my forehead against hers, "I will fight your father's kingdom, burn it all down if I have to but I assure you that no one's keeping you from me."

She clings to me, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist, as if letting go would mean losing me forever. "Ayan," she murmurs, her voice trembling. "I... I was so scared. They said I wouldn't see you again, that they'd take me far away."

My heart twists at her words. "They were wrong," I say firmly, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "No one, not your father, not the guards, not the entire damn world, can keep me away from you. Do you hear me?"

She nods slowly, but the tears don’t stop. Her hands curl into the fabric of my shirt, holding on for dear life. "Promise me," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Promise me you won't leave me."

I lift her chin, making sure she meets my gaze. "Naya, look at me. I'm not leaving. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Wherever you go, I go. I'll always be right here with you. Even if I'm dying tonight I'm glad I'm next to you."

Her tears fall harder, and I pull her back into my arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "But I need to ask you something," I murmur against her hair. "Are you going to come with me? Away from them? Away from all this?"

She freezes for a moment, her breathing uneven. Then, slowly, she nods. "Yes," she says, her voice steady despite her trembling frame. "Take me away, Ayan. Take me somewhere they can't reach us."

I tighten my grip, relief washing over me like a wave. "Then let's go."

I glance toward the door and see her mother standing there, her face a mask of sorrow and love. She approaches us, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Inaya," she whispers, cupping her daughter's face. She presses a kiss to her forehead, lingering as if trying to pour a lifetime of love into that single moment. "Go with him, my love. He'll protect you in ways I never could. He'll give you the life you deserve."

Inaya's tears fall anew, and she hugs her mother tightly. "Mama…"

Her mother shakes her head, her voice breaking. "No more tears, my child. Just go. Be happy. Be free. That's all I've ever wanted for you."

I step forward, my chest tightening as her mother turns to me. Her gaze is fierce, despite the emotion clouding her features. "Take care of her," she says, her voice firm. "Take her far from this place, this life. Protect her, love her… as much as she deserves."

"I will," I promise, my voice unwavering. "With everything I have."

She nods, stepping back, her hands trembling as she lets her daughter go.

We run down the grand staircase together, her hand firmly in mine. The storm outside rages on, but it feels like nothing compared to the chaos we're leaving behind.

"Inaya, hold tight," I say as we burst through the front doors, the rain drenching us instantly.

The storm roars louder as Inaya and I step out into the chaos, her hand locked firmly in mine. The rain is relentless, soaking us to the bone, but it feels secondary to the fire burning inside me. As we sprint toward the car, a group of guards blocks our path, and then I see them—Hassan Shahriyar and Nauman, standing under the mansion's grand awning, shock and fury etched into their faces.

"Inaya!" her father's voice booms like thunder, commanding the guards. "Stop them. Now!"

Before we can react, hands grab at us, pulling us apart. I fight back instinctively, but there are too many. Inaya screams, her voice slicing through the chaos as she struggles against their grip.

"Ayan!" she cries, her hand still clinging to mine. "Don't let go!"

"I won't," I grit out, my fingers tightening around hers. But as the guards shove me to the ground, I see her wince, her wrist twisted unnaturally in their grasp. My heart lurches. I can't hurt her.

"Inaya, your hand," I say, my voice trembling as I meet her tear-filled eyes. "I'll find another way. I promise."

"No, Ayan!" she sobs, shaking her head violently. "Don't you dare leave me!"

With a cry that feels like it tears me apart, I let go. The guards drag her back toward her father and brother, while fists and boots meet my body in brutal succession. Pain flares in my ribs, my jaw, my chest, but it's nothing compared to the sight of Inaya being pulled further away.

"Ayan!" she screams, her voice raw. "No! Stop!"

I look up at her through the rain and blood, forcing a smile. With every ounce of strength I can muster, I give her a thumbs-up. "I'm fine, Naya," I say, though my voice is shaky. "I'm fine."

Her face crumples, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Fight back, you idiot!" she shouts, her voice breaking. "You never listen to me anyway. Don't stop now!"

A hoarse laugh escapes me as I wipe the blood from my lip. "You hate seeing me fight, remember?" I reply, my words slurred but defiant. "You said it makes me look stupid."

"Ayan for the love of god run from here! Just think I'm not the one you were meant to find."

"I'm meant to find you in every universe Naya. What am I supposed to do with a life without you by my side."

Her cries grow louder, her struggles more frantic, as Nauman grips her arm tightly. "Enough of this!" Hassan shouts, his voice slicing through the chaos. "Stop!"

The guards back off instantly, leaving me on the wet ground, bruised and bloodied but still breathing. Hassan steps forward, his expression cold and calculating. "You think you can take my daughter?" he sneers. "You think you can humiliate me like this and walk away?"

"Yes," I manage to say, my voice weak but steady. "Because I love her. And nothing you do can change that."

Hassan scoffs, his laugh bitter. "Love? Is that what you call this reckless foolishness? Nauman, take her inside."

"No!" Inaya screams, pulling against her brother's grip. "Don't you dare touch me! I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"Enough, Inaya!" Hassan roars, his patience snapping. "You don't know what's best for you!"

"And you do?" she fires back, her voice shaking with fury. "You think locking me up, tearing me away from the only person who truly cares about me, is what's best for me? You're wrong, Baba. You've always been wrong!"

Her words hang in the air, cutting through the storm like a blade. Nauman hesitates, his grip loosening slightly as he looks at his father.

"Inaya..." Hassan begins, but she cuts him off.

"No, Baba," she says, her voice trembling but resolute. "You can control everything else, but you can't control my heart. I love him, and I always will. No matter what you do."

Hassan's face darkens with rage, his voice booming as he turns to Inaya. "You think this love of yours will save him? You think your defiance changes anything? You're my daughter, Inaya. You belong to this family, and I'll never allow this disgrace!"

Nauman, emboldened by his father's fury, turns to Inaya, his expression cold. "Stop embarrassing us," he growls before his hand swings through the air, attempting to assert control.

"Inaya!" I shout, my vision turning red as she stumbles back. Without hesitation, I lunge forward, fury coursing through my veins. My voice cracks as I bellow, "Nauman don't you dare touch her!"

The guards rush forward at Hassan’s command, grabbing me before I can reach her. They hold me back, my arms pinned tightly as I thrash, trying to break free.

"Let him go!" Inaya cries, her voice desperate, her hands reaching out even as Nauman blocks her path.

Hassan steps closer, his voice calm but menacing. "You've made a mistake, boy. And now, you'll pay for it."

I glare at him, refusing to show fear, even as I struggle against the guards. "Is that so?" I say, my voice rough but steady. "Mark my words Hassan Shahriyar... Inaya will become Inaya Ayan Ansari even before you realize it."

Hassan's jaw tightens, and he signals to the guards. They tighten their grip on me, and I feel the weight of their restraint pressing down on my chest.

"You should've run away" Hassan says, his tone low and dangerous as he pulls out a gun from his pocket. The click of metal proves that the trigger has been pulled.

"No baba don't!" Inaya screams, "please no."

"Inaya remember what I said even if I'm dying right here just know I love you"

Hassan raises his gun and aims it one, his eyes seems to contain no emotion. I'm not afraid to die but by the look of Inaya's face.

The shot rings out, the bullet pierce my skin and the pain explodes in my side like fire. I stagger, my breath hitching as I fall to the ground.

"Ayan!" Inaya's scream is the last thing I heard before my vision begins to blur. Darkness begins to surround me...shit! Shit! I can't faint.. I need to protect her.

I feel the cold drops of rain mingling with my blood and the helplessness to hand my Inaya over. Gathering every ounce of strength I have I utter, "I sw..swear on Inaya"

"Hassan Shahriyar I'll take her with me Infront of you and your army and no one would be able to stop me."

The last thing I see before my world darkens is Inaya being dragged away.

God please save me. I'm dying?

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

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