4.7|Ishqa • Trust me|

You loved someone endlessly.

But the same person distrusted you?

Won't ask you how you will feel, because you can't imagine what she felt.

She was sitting in a deserted park. Soft grass beneath her was making her feel a bit calm despite the hurricane she faced some time ago. In the shimmery white Garara, she looked ethereal. However, her smudged Kohl, which was tracing the path of her tears, was a clear indication of her heartbreak.

It was mid-afternoon, the time when people usually sulk in their offices or chill in their homes. But this one girl was sitting amidst a park, crying over her ill fate.

Regret is what she felt. She regretted loving him. She regretted trusting him. What did she get in return? The accusation of having affair with her cousin's love. And the one who accused her was the man she loved.

Sun was nowhere to be seen in the sky. The contrast of white and blue was invaded by greyish layers. A perfect description of what she was feeling. Her whites and blues of happiness were displaced by the shadows of gloom.

She was lost in her imaginary world of grief when she felt warm clothing being wrapped around her shoulders.

"Nia." She heard his voice.

Her distress was now replaced by fury at his audacity to come in front of her after what he did.

"Nia, let's go home" the sincerity in his tone was fueling her rage. Why he was not lashing at her now the way he did before?

"Leave me alone." The hatred in her voice was expected and the pain he felt was yet again expected.

He didn't speak again and quietly sat down at a distance. Not caring about the cold wind piercing through his skin, his whole attention was towards her.

🤍🤍🤍

In the Raazdani house, the atmosphere was filled with silence. Aram and Ahsan were still there.

Qainaat and Ahsan were still sitting on the same couch. Qainaat holding his hand as if assuring him that she is with him no matter what. And Ahsan was feeling two opposite emotions at once.

He felt fortunate to have Qainaat and unfortunate to hide his life's biggest secret from her.

"Dad, can I go out with Ahsan?" Qainaat asked.

Zaid Raazdani nodded understandingly.

Qainaat gently held Ahsan's arm and gestured him to come with her. And he, like a clueless navigator in the middle of a sea followed her, as if she was the shining moon in the sky and was his only hope to find the right direction.

As Qainaat and Ahsan left, Zahra stood up, like she was waiting for this moment.

The Raazdani couple and Aram looked at her interrogatively.

"I am going to Clarissa's place."

As these words left her mouth she immediately went to grab her overcoat and rushed outside in a hurry.

She and Aram had overheard Qaran and Zania's conversation.

Aram followed her.

"Can I accompany you as well? I may ease things for you."

Zahra understood what exactly he meant. Firstly, it's his brother who was accused of having an affair. And secondly, Aram is powerful, he has his ways.

"Yes, you can."

"Good."

🤍🤍🤍

"Weather is so pleasant, right?" Ahsan looked at Qainaat weirdly as she said this.

The sky was invaded by layers of dark clouds. The already cold weather was getting colder. The scene was no less than a horror movie. Only horrific background music was needed to make you feel like a headless man in black clothes is standing behind you.

And this madam was saying weather is pleasant?

But Ahsan knew she said it to cheer up his sour mood.

"Yeah, it's quite pleasant weather for vampires to drink human blood and do chill."

"Very funny." She commented sarcastically.

"Qaina, have I ever told you that you have a terrible sense of humour?"

"No..."

"Then I am telling you today."

"Ahsan, at least I am trying. And you should be grateful that I am unlike other women who distrust their partners."

He smiled.

"That I have to agree. You still haven't asked me why I didn't tell you where I was last night."

"Do you know why I love you?"

"Because I look very cute when I smile." He said while displaying his cute dimples on both cheeks.

"Wrong. Because you are loyal, chivalrous and down to earth."

"And what does it have to do in this current situation?"

"It implies that you are not cheating on me. And there must be some valid reason to not tell the truth."

"How can you trust me so blindly? What if I am cheating on you?"

"Okay, for once I can believe that you are cheating on me. But Zania will never betray me. We have our differences. We argue for no reason. But I trust her with my life."

"So what next? Our engagement is ruined."

"Let's get married."

🤍🤍🤍

It felt awkward to wear overcoats over traditional outfits. But Zahra and Aram could care less about it at that time.

They were standing in front of a flat. After few moments of ringing doorbell, a young British girl opened the door.

"How can I help you?" She smiled.

"Clarissa?"

"Yes, I am Clarissa. But I don't remember if I know you both."

"Cuz you don't. I am Zania's sister."

Hearing Zania's name she stiffened a bit.

"Za... Zania? What about her?"

Aram interrupted her.

"Look, Miss Clarrisa. Just straightforwardly tell us the truth and I promise I won't take legal action against you."

"Legal action? I have not done any crime."

"That doesn't matter. Who will not believe in a person as powerful as me? Just once think about your future and your child before lying."

And that's it.

She broke into tears.

"Someone gave me money and told me to keep Zania at my place last night at any cost. And later deny that she was with me. I was given a huge amount to do this. I couldn't refuse because I am pregnant and I needed money to raise my child."

"Do you know anything about the person who is behind all this?" Aram asked.

"It was a woman, I have met her to get the money. She must be around 40 or more. I haven't seen her face, but yes, I remember her voice. She had an Indian accent. Through her clothes, she appeared quite rich."

"Do you know anything else? Anything specific?" Zahra asked.

"Sorry, I don't think so."

"Okay then." Aram pulled his wallet and gave his credit card to Clarissa.

"Take care of your child."

And he left even before Clarissa could thank him.

Zahra was perplexed. First, he threatened to take legal actions against her but later, gave his credit card to her so she can take good care of her child.

He is weird, but in a good way.

🤍🤍🤍

Aram and Zahra were on the way back to Raazdani house. Both were silent as if trying to solve a puzzle.

Aram was thinking about the woman Clarissa referred to. Zahra was thinking about Aram itself.

"Mr Aram, how you know my name?"

"Zahra, I have told you before that I saw your profile on Twitter."

"Twitter? But previously you said Instagram."

"Umm... Yeah, Instagram."

"Mr Aram, please stop your stupid mind games. Am I a fool to believe your baseless arguments?"

"Then what you want to believe? That I am stalking you?"

"That we are cousins."

••••••••••••••••••••••

Neither Zahra nor I am dumb to not know that readers already have an idea that Aram and Zahra are cousins. And predictable things should be revealed sooner or readers stop reading your book, is what I think as a writer and do as a reader.

I hope you liked the chapter.