Writer: Husny Kanwal

Novel: Heart’s Love (Qalbi Mohabbat) 🔥

Her eyes opened… her head was pounding heavily. For a couple of seconds, she sat there holding her head.

When her senses returned a little, she saw the blood-soaked body of her elder sister lying nearby… her soul felt like it was shattering.

She was at home… in her elder sister Rukhsar’s room.

Her body lay sprawled on the floor, blood still gushing out…

Seeing the knife stabbed in her stomach, she ran to her in panic, screaming.

“Api… Api… Api… what has happened??…” She tried to pull the knife out of her stomach. Her whole body was trembling.

Throwing the knife away, with trembling hands she started patting her beloved sister’s face.

“Api… open your eyes… Api…” Her body had already turned cold. Seeing this, she cried out in hysteria.

Her hands and clothes too were now drenched in Rukhsar’s blood.

She was only fifteen. Seeing her sister drenched in blood in front of her, she had no idea what to do.

Her mind was paralyzed.

“Ah… you killed your sister…” She was still sobbing when suddenly the room’s door opened, and her stepmother, Romaisa Begum, entered, gasping with her hand over her mouth.

“No… no… no… I didn’t do anything… when I woke up…” she stammered in fear, but before she could finish, Romaisa Begum screamed,

“You did it! Who else is here besides you?? I’ll call the police right now…” Saying this, she quickly left.

“Police?” The word police made her panic.

“Api get up… look, Ammi is handing me over to the police… Api get up… save me… Api…” She kept patting her sister’s face, trying to wake her up.

But do the dead ever wake up…

She kept screaming until the police arrived.

---

On the other side, he was standing before the mirror, putting on his coat.

The navy-blue coat over his white shirt looked perfect. A big smile was dancing on his face.

He picked up the perfume his beloved had gifted him and sprayed it on himself…

The fragrance reminded him of that beautiful girl…

“Sir Noman… Miss Rukhsar…” His trusted servant rushed into the room, but fear of his reaction froze the words on his lips.

“What??” Everyone knew how fierce his temper was.

“Miss Rukhsar has been murdered…” Hearing this, he was stunned.

“What nonsense are you talking about??” He turned sharply, staring at his servant Zubair with his dark eyes full of disbelief.

“Sir… it’s true…” Zubair replied softly, looking down.

His words fell on Noman like a bomb.

“Do you even know what you’re saying??” He grabbed Zubair’s collar and roared.

His eyes burned like red embers.

His handsome face turned into a mask of fury.

“Yes, Sir… it’s true…” As soon as Zubair confirmed it, Noman felt life drain from his limbs.

He collapsed to the floor.

He couldn’t believe his ears.

Rukhsar’s beautiful gray eyes spun before his eyes…

Those were the eyes he had fallen in love with…

---

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

“I didn’t do anything… believe me… I’m telling the truth… Api… why would I kill my Api… Ammi at least you believe me…” She kept crying in front of the police, but there was no one to believe her.

“The knife has no fingerprints other than yours… no one else was at home… then how can I believe you’re telling the truth?” Romaisa Begum screamed at her, wiping her tears with her dupatta.

Everyone there had already believed that she was the killer.

Just then Noman Waleed entered through the open door, with Zubair following behind.

“Believe me Ammi… I’m not lying… I loved Api so much… why would I kill her… please believe me…” She clung to Romaisa Begum’s feet in despair.

“Love?? You selfish girl… you didn’t love her… you were jealous of her good fortune. I myself read it in your diary…”

At these words, Noman’s ears perked up.

“What diary??” he asked sharply.

His sharp gaze was fixed on Anum’s trembling figure.

“Her personal diary… the one she writes every day…” Romaisa said quickly.

“Diary?? I don’t even keep a diary… why are you lying Ammi?” Anum protested immediately.

“Bring me that diary…” Noman commanded, and Romaisa brought it from her room.

He stood still. Zubair knew this silence was just the calm before the storm.

Noman wouldn’t spare her.

He had fought his family for the girl he loved… he would make the killer die every moment. He was sure of it.

He was only staring at Noman’s red and white face.

“Here… Noman…” Romaisa handed him the diary. The moment he saw it, Anum screamed, “This isn’t mine…”

“Today I met Api’s fiancé… he’s so handsome and rich… I’m furious… why does Api get everything good… Ammi Abu love her too… no one cares about me…” He began to read.

The very first lines of the diary fanned the lava of rage inside the 22-year-old young man.

He flipped through a few pages:

“Brother Noman is so sweet… Api isn’t worthy of him… I’m prettier than her… but he never looks at me… I don’t know what he sees in Api… while eating ice cream his eyes never left her… my blood boiled… dressing up was useless…”

Reading this, Noman turned, his eyes blazing at the crying Anum.

Hatred and bitterness rose in his eyes.

“I wish I could kill Api… Ammi Abu and Brother Noman all love her… no one cares for me… surely if she dies, everyone’s attention will be on me… even Brother Noman will be mine… my prince of dreams…”

Reading this, Noman handed the diary to Zubair.

“This isn’t my diary… I’m telling the truth Brother Noman… you know how much Api loved me… she called me her life…” She rushed to him, trying to convince him of her innocence.

“Yes… she called you that… and you took her life…” Noman grabbed her delicate face with his fingers and roared.

“I’ll get the handwriting checked… the truth will be out…” Zubair said seriously.

“The handwriting matches…” When it was proven the diary was Anum’s, blood filled Noman’s eyes.

“Let’s go… the truth will come out of you in jail…” The lady officer handcuffed her.

“Wait… she’s my culprit… I’ll punish her myself…”

That delicate soul was already devastated with grief, when Noman’s announcement fell like a bomb on her head.

She knew how powerful that rich man was.

“You wanted Noman Waleed, didn’t you? In your desire to have me, you brutally killed your own sister…” He spoke through gritted teeth, unlocking her handcuffs.

“Congratulations… Noman Waleed is yours from today… but… some desires bring death to a person… I’m one such desire… having me, you’ll beg for death every moment… I’ll give you a punishment that will make your soul tremble… you snatched my love from me… I’ll snatch every color and joy from your life…” He stared at her with blazing eyes, his tone full of hatred.

“Let’s go…” He dragged her delicate hand, taking her outside.

No one dared stop Noman Waleed.

“Son… won’t you see Rukhsar one last time?” Romaisa Begum’s words at the door stopped his steps.

“No… never…” He didn’t have the strength to see his beloved one last time.

He was crying tears of blood over Rukhsar’s murder.

“Api… Api save me… Api…” She kept looking back, calling for help.

Rukhsar wasn’t just her sister… she was her mother… her father… her friend… her everything.

“Let go of me Brother Noman… I’m telling the truth… I didn’t do it… that diary isn’t mine…” She kept trying to defend herself, but no one believed that poor girl.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

“Let me go… where are you taking me?… I want to go to my Api… I said let go…” That delicate girl tried with all her might to free herself from Noman Waleed.

He had brought her to his house.

Suddenly, bringing her into his room, he threw her onto the bed.

She fell face down, weak and fragile.

When she gathered herself and sat up, she saw Noman locking the door from inside.

Her soul trembled.

“Brother Noman I’m telling the truth… I didn’t do it…” She cried out with red eyes and wet lashes.

“What are you doing??” Noman’s fiery gaze fixed on her as he started removing his coat. Seeing him undress, terror seized her. Gathering courage in her trembling body, she asked,

“What are you doing??”

“Preparing to make your life a living hell… a hell where you’ll die every single day…” He stepped toward her as he spoke.

“Don’t come near me… stay away from me…” His devilish intentions drained her soul. She threw the lamp from the side table at him, screaming.

“Let go… please… don’t do this to me… believe me… someone is framing me… I didn’t do it…” The lamp struck his leg.

Her foot was injured, but the pain was nothing compared to the wounds in her heart.

Ignoring it, he pounced on her delicate body.

Her screams echoed through the house, but no one felt a shred of mercy.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

She lay on Noman’s bed like a lifeless corpse.

Her entire life had turned upside down in just two days.

Her beloved sister’s sudden murder… the blame falling on her… then Noman treating her worse than an animal…

In his rage and thirst for revenge, Noman had destroyed her life.

For a girl, her honor is everything.

Noman had crossed all limits of cruelty.

Love was never there… but now only deep hatred and disgust had replaced it.

She stared blankly at the ceiling, blood on her lips.

She felt neither among the living nor the dead.

Tears kept streaming from her eyes.

Such a life was worse than death. Thinking this, she got up with her trembling body. Pieces of the broken lamp lay nearby.

She wrapped the bed sheet around her wounded body and stepped down.

She picked up one of the glass shards.

There was nothing left in her life now.

Her mother was in the hospital… but Rukhsar was no longer there to earn and pay the bills.

After Rukhsar’s death, she had no one in the world.

She picked up the glass shard and slit her wrist.

Within moments she fainted.

Blood flowed continuously from her hand, staining the white sheet wrapped around her body red.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

It was the first time he was shouldering someone’s coffin.

At the graveyard, after everyone had buried Rukhsar and left, he sat there crying uncontrollably.

His soul was leaving him from grief.

He had punished the killer with a fate worse than death with his own hands… yet his heart still found no peace.

“Control yourself Noman… have patience…” Zubair placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“It’s raining… we should leave…” He somehow managed to bring him back and sat him in the car.

When they reached home, the maid rushed to inform them of Anum’s suicide attempt.

Hearing this, he ran upstairs.

When he entered the room, he saw the girl lying unconscious on the floor.

A lot of blood had already flowed from her body.

Her face was pale.

Anyone else might have pitied such a delicate, young girl in this state… but his heart was already dead. Where would mercy come from?

“Call the doctor quickly Zubair… she won’t get such an easy death…” he roared.

In his eyes there was nothing but hatred.

#ToBeContinued 😊

2

When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital room.

She looked around in surprise…

Had that cruel, stone-hearted man really set her free?

“How are you feeling now?” As she sat up, the nurse standing nearby asked with a smile.

“I…I’m fi…fine…” Her throat was dry, her body weak and exhausted—she managed to utter the words with great difficulty.

“Hmm, good…” The nurse was about to leave after asking about her condition, when Anum quickly inquired,

“W–where am I right now?” At her question, the nurse turned back and looked at her in surprise.

“What do you mean? You’re in a hospital in Karachi…”

The moment she heard that, Anum’s wide eyes grew even wider in shock.

“Karachi??… How did I get here from Islamabad? My…my mother…was she brought here too?” Her first thought was for her mother—she asked anxiously.

“Yes…she’s upstairs. A donor has taken full responsibility for your mother’s treatment. Don’t worry now.”

“Can I…can I meet her? Please…I want to see her right now…” She hurriedly got down from the bed as she spoke.

“You’re too weak, child. Rest…you only just woke up after two days of unconsciousness. Your mother is fine…” The nurse immediately tried to seat her back on the bed.

“No…no, I need…need to see my mother…” She had already begun crying.

“Alright…come, I’ll take you.” The nurse knew how frail and broken this young girl was. Without support, she would surely collapse.

“Ammi…” The moment she saw her mother lying in a coma, she let go of the nurse’s hand and clung to her mother’s chest, weeping.

Perhaps her mother could not hear her, according to the doctors. But still, Anum kept crying, shaking her, begging, “Ammi…please wake up…Api has left us…look, Ammi…please…please get up. I’m so scared…hold me in your arms like you did in childhood. I need you so much…Ammi…”

She was terrified. She didn’t even want to live anymore. But upon seeing her mother, the desire to live stirred again in her heart.

She had not forgotten that Rukhsar’s only wish—her first and last—was to see their mother recover from this coma and live a normal life again.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

How had she reached Karachi? Where was that cruel man? Had he really let her go? Or would he return for her? That entire night, lying on her hospital bed, she was haunted by these questions.

Every time footsteps echoed outside her room, she trembled with fear.

She couldn’t run away even if she wanted to—she had nowhere to go. And how could she leave her mother behind?

That night became one of the longest nights of her life…one that simply refused to end.

When morning finally came, and she saw people walking around the hospital, she breathed in relief, thinking, At least in this crowd, that cruel man can’t just come and drag me away.

After breakfast, she asked the doctor about being discharged.

“You’re fine now…you can leave today if you wish. But make sure to eat well. You’re very weak. And remember, no matter how hard life gets, never think of suicide again. It’s forbidden in Islam.”

“Doctor…could I please borrow your phone? I need to make a call…” she asked pleadingly.

“Of course…here.” The doctor pulled a phone from his coat pocket and handed it to her.

“Hello…can I speak to Fiza Phuppo?” she said quickly.

Her father had passed away years ago. At his funeral, she had met her aunt Fiza for the first time—who had come from Jhelum. She had run away to marry years ago, and even after fifteen years, had no children. She had wanted to take Rukhsar and Anum with her, but Rukhsar had refused, choosing instead to stay with their stepmother.

Before leaving, Fiza had given Rukhsar her number on a slip of paper, telling her to call if she ever needed her. Rukhsar had not even bothered to look at it.

If Father never acknowledged her in his lifetime, how could I accept her after his death? she had thought, and thrown the paper into the dustbin.

But Anum had picked it up, glanced at it once—and thanks to her sharp memory, it was imprinted forever. She never forgot anything she read even once. That gift was the reason she had always been a top student.

Today, she silently thanked God for that.

“Who’s this?” a voice asked immediately from the other side.

“Phuppo, it’s me…Anum.”

The voice on the other end froze.

“Anum?? That’s impossible. Don’t joke with me…Anum committed suicide after killing her sister. She’s dead. Just two days ago, I attended her funeral with my own eyes.”

Anum’s heart stopped.

What was happening around her?

She was alive. Then whose body had they buried? And that too, two days ago?

The doctor had told her she was admitted two days ago as well…

So who saved her? And why?

More importantly—why had she been trapped in all this? Why was her sister killed?

She remembered…she was alone at home with Rukhsar that night. She had been studying in her room when Rukhsar brought her a glass of milk. She drank it—that much she remembered.

But then? How had she lost consciousness? How did she end up in Rukhsar’s room? Where had that diary come from?

The more she tried to recall, the more tangled everything became.

Questions—nothing but questions. No answers anywhere.

To the world, she was already dead. But she was alive, lying in a hospital bed in Karachi for three days.

And she didn’t even know whether the person who had saved her had good intentions or bad. Was it a blessing—or another trial waiting for her?

“Hello…” the voice pulled her back to the present.

“No, Phuppo…it’s really me, Anum. I’m alive, believe me. After Api’s murder…” Her mind froze with fear. Her breathing turned shallow.

“H–he raped me…that cruel…that monster. Believe me, I’m alive…I’m in a Karachi hospital. Ammi is here too…”

The memories of those days with that beast flashed like a film before her eyes.

She broke down again, telling her aunt of her ordeal with great difficulty—before fainting from the weight of grief.

The phone slipped from her hand.

“What?? Rape?? Anum, where are you?? Send me the address—I’m coming to get you and Bhabi right now!”

The doctor, who had overheard, quickly informed Fiza Begum of the hospital’s location and Anum’s condition.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

Fiza Begum brought Anum to Jhelum with her, leaving her mother in Karachi, as doctors insisted her treatment would be better there.

Her husband worked abroad, visiting only once a year, so she lived alone in a small but cozy home with a big garden outside. A railway station nearby meant the constant sound of trains filled the air.

Anum told her everything that had happened. But beyond consoling her, Fiza could do nothing.

After all, Noman Waleed wasn’t an ordinary man. He was the only son of a famous politician and businessman. His mother too was in politics. Everyone knew their immense power.

Life in Jhelum was simple but peaceful, the people kind-hearted.

Fiza owned a small café she had opened years ago for income and to pass the time. Each morning, she would leave for work.

At first, Anum remained terrified, clinging to her aunt’s side, even sleeping in her room at night.

She woke up screaming in the dark, crying, “I didn’t do anything…leave me, Noman Bhai…I didn’t do anything…”

She spent her days silently at the window, neither speaking, nor eating, nor walking around—as though her will to live had died.

Instead of improving, her depression only worsened.

Concerned, Fiza took her to a psychiatrist, who prescribed calming medication. Under their effect, Anum would sleep through most of the day.

After two months, she improved slightly.

Fiza began taking her to the café, hoping meeting new people would help her begin a new life.

But the slightest crash of a dish sent her into hysterical screams.

Fiza feared people might think her niece insane. Eventually, she had to leave her at home, checking on her constantly by phone.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

Winter arrived in Jhelum.

One evening, left alone as usual, Anum trembled at the sudden flash of lightning. Terrified, she ran from the window to her aunt’s room, curling up under the blanket on her bed.

Soon rain poured heavily outside.

That night, she developed a fever, slipping into a faint state.

Half-conscious, she felt something damp on her forehead—someone was placing a wet cloth there.

Opening her eyes, she saw her mortal enemy sitting right before her, his dark, mysterious eyes fixed on her face.

She instantly shut her eyes in terror.

When she opened them again, her aunt was holding her hand.

“Sorry, beta…I couldn’t come home last night. A child went missing near the café, and then the rain started…I completely forgot about you in the chaos…” she explained apologetically.

“Did they find the child?” Anum asked with concern.

“Yes, thank God…otherwise the parents were threatening to shut down my café. I was terrified…spent the whole night praying the police would find him.”

Her fever subsided gradually.

“Now rest, I’ll get your breakfast. I don’t understand why you’re getting weaker every day,” Fiza fussed over her with a mother’s care.

Anum stayed silent, lost in thought.

The memories of last night haunted her.

“Surely it was just a dream…but why would I dream of that beast caring for me? Shouldn’t I have dreamt of Api instead? Dreams really are strange…”

She was troubled by how real it had felt.

But how could it be real? The one who had destroyed her life—why would he show up just to tend her fever? Impossible.

She was certain Noman didn’t even know she was alive. Otherwise, he would have killed her long ago.

She could never expect kindness from him. In her eyes, he was nothing but an executioner.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

Fiza handed her a cup of cardamom tea. Its smell instantly made Anum nauseous—she rushed to vomit.

Alarmed, Fiza took her to the doctor.

“Congratulations…your niece is going to be a mother.”

The words hit Fiza like a storm.

And Anum froze in shock.

How many more calamities awaited her?

She hadn’t even healed from the past—and now this?

The memory of Noman’s face, his cruelty, her own screams, her torment—all replayed like a nightmare.

O Lord, erase my memory—these memories are a curse.

She gasped for air.

“Breathe, Anum, breathe!” The doctor and Fiza tried to calm her as she went into a panic attack.

“Deep breaths…with me, child…inhale, exhale…” The doctor guided her until she finally stabilized, exhausted.

Fiza’s heart ached at her state.

“Can we abort it? We don’t want this child.”

The doctor shook her head. “No…the pregnancy is nearly four months. Termination now would risk Anum’s life. Please think carefully.”

“I don’t care—just get it away from me…” Anum cried brokenly.

“Don’t make such emotional decisions. You can give the baby to a childless couple after birth. But don’t kill it—or endanger yourself. And no doctor will take such a risk at this stage,” the doctor explained gently.

It was clear Anum had been assaulted. The doctor could see the trauma written all over her.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

She was devastated. Whether she wanted it or not, she would have to bring Noman’s child into the world.

She cried endlessly, growing weaker by the day, cut off from the world.

Finally, the day came.

Through a major surgery, she delivered a baby boy.

She had begged her aunt beforehand not to let her see the child.

While most mothers prayed for safe delivery, she had prayed for death—for herself and her baby both.

But fate had other plans.

When the nurse handed the baby to Fiza, her heart nearly stopped.

The tiny infant was breathing, fragile and innocent.

What was his fault?

Yet, as his father’s son, he would bear the punishment for his father’s sins.

Anum was only sixteen. At an age when girls dream of weddings and fairy-tale princes, she had lost her sister, her honor, and even her place in society.

With a heavy heart, Fiza took the child outside the hospital.

She left him in a cradle at the nearby orphanage.

For fifteen years she had longed for a child. Her heart broke, but for the sake of her niece’s dignity and future, she forced herself to do it.

If the baby stayed, Anum would never heal.

As she turned away, the infant woke and began crying from hunger, his eyes exactly like his mother’s.

Fiza wept too. “Forgive me…” she whispered, walking away.

But halfway down the road, she stopped. What if I leave, and the child keeps crying, starving alone?

She returned, hiding behind a tree.

Just then, a Pajero stopped. A young man in a suit stepped out, face hidden behind a black mask.

He walked to the cradle, picked up the baby, and spoke softly to him.

Then, cradling the infant, he got back into the Pajero and drove away.

From the shadows, Fiza Begum watched silently, trembling.

#ToBeContinued 😊

3

When she regained consciousness… the cradle beside her was empty.

She didn’t know why, but a heavy guilt began to weigh on her…

A strange sorrow settled deep within her…

She kept trying to console herself by thinking again and again that the sin was now far away from her…

But no matter what she did—after all, a mother is always a mother…

Even with all the hatred… still her heart felt pain… a pain she was unwilling to admit.

With time, the wounds began to heal slowly…

Three or four months later… when she was a little better… Faiza Begum started taking her back to the café again.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

He used to come there every day to give tuition…

Anum would just stand at the counter silently… watching him.

His innocent, handsome face… those bright hazel eyes…

The silky hair fell across his radiant forehead… which he kept brushing aside with his hand every now and then…

He was a thin, lean boy… but for some reason her eyes found him very appealing…

“Why don’t you restart your studies too… Look, all these girls are your age… they take tuition here. You can join them as well…” Faiza Begum had already sensed what Anum’s eyes were focused on. She said with a smile.

“Me??… How??” She grew worried.

“What do you mean how? Just like the other girls study, you study too… Don’t worry about the fee—I’ll pay it.” Faiza Begum deliberately ignored her hesitation… because she wanted Anum to come out of her painful past.

“But…?” She became anxious even over small matters…

That incident had left a very bad impact on her mind…

“No buts… Come with me.” Holding her hand, Faiza Begum led her towards Bilal.

“Bilal, son… this is my niece.” She introduced her.

As soon as Bilal looked up at her… her body turned cold.

She swallowed with difficulty…

“ Salaam ,” Bilal greeted first.

But instead of replying… she stood there, confused and nervous… just staring at his handsome face.

From close, that wretched boy looked even more handsome and captivating… which made her fall into a strange state.

“Anum, reply to the salam, child.” All the other students were staring at her curiously… while she, instead of replying, clutched the ends of her dupatta tightly in her fists… frozen like a statue… only gazing at their teacher.

At Faiza Begum’s gentle reminder, she finally gathered courage and answered softly, " Salaam.”

Her voice was so faint that no one but she herself could hear it.

“Louder, dear…” Faiza Begum knew very well how hard it was for her to talk to new people.

“ Salaam ,” Anum repeated, this time in a clearer voice.

“She’s very shy… don’t talk to anyone… I wanted her to study with you. She’ll be taking the 9th exams this year too…” Faiza Begum explained to Bilal.

“But… Aunty… the year is already ending. The board exams are in a month. How will she cover everything? Besides, I teach group study—I can’t give her a separate time.” He spoke apologetically.

“She’s very intelligent… I’ve already filled out her private exam form. She can’t attend school regularly due to her health. When I already have children studying here in my cafe, why should I send her far away? You know how today’s conditions are… Just give her some separate time… you can even charge more fees for her.” Faiza Begum signaled him aside, so he told the students to keep studying and then walked with her.

“It’s not about the fee… it’s about how she’ll cover the syllabus in so little time. If the result isn’t good, you’ll hold me responsible.” He explained carefully.

“That won’t happen… I’m telling you, my niece is very intelligent. Just teach her once and see.” She pleaded softly, but her voice carried confidence.

She truly believed in Anum’s intelligence.

“If you insist this much, then fine… I’ll teach her,” he finally agreed quietly.

“Thank you,” she said quickly.

“Sit down…” When he returned, Anum was still standing. He glanced at her as he took his seat and said gently.

“Where?” She panicked, for all the chairs around the round table were occupied—except the one right next to Bilal.

She didn’t want to sit that close to him…

“Here… this seat is free.” Bilal casually moved the chair beside him.

Hesitantly, she sat down.

“Hmm… First let me take a small test to see how much you know…” He spoke seriously, pushing a chemistry book towards her.

“Here, you have one hour. Prepare, then I’ll test you.”

“How many chapters?” she asked softly.

“As many as you can… but memorize them so well that you don’t make a single mistake. Even if it’s just one chapter.” He instructed firmly.

“Hmm.” She nodded and opened the book.

Bilal kept watching her flip through the pages… as if she were playing. Every minute she turned two to three pages.

Her actions irritated him. Was she mocking his instructions?

Just because she was beautiful didn’t mean she could do whatever she pleased.

Wasn’t it enough that on the very first day, she dared to play with the pages in front of him? If she thought her beauty gave her special rights… he wanted to break that illusion right away.

When it came to studies, he was extremely strict.

He had no interest in girls’ beauty. Only those who truly wanted to learn could study with him.

He hadn’t even wanted to take her as a student; he agreed only because of Faiza Begum’s insistence.

So he just waited for the hour to pass, so he could test her properly and dismiss her on the first day itself.

But before the full hour was over… she shut the book and placed it in front of him.

That annoyed him even more.

“If you don’t want to study, why are you wasting my time?” he said angrily.

“Sorry??” She didn’t understand why he was mad at her.

“I said, if you’re not here to study, then are you just here to stare at me?” he asked in a sharp, mocking tone. She trembled.

It was true she had often secretly watched him because he pleased her eyes… but she was serious about studying.

“N… no… I… I came to… to study…” she stammered, gathering whatever courage she had.

“You came to study?? How? By closing the book like this?” His tone was still harsh.

All the other students were staring at her now, making her more nervous.

She couldn’t understand why Bilal was angry with her.

“Y-you… you asked me to memorize… I… I did it… so I closed the book…” she whispered, eyes downcast, her words broken and stammering.

“So how many chapters did you memorize?” he asked mockingly.

“Complete…” she replied in a single word.

“I mean, how many chapters are complete?” He forced himself to stay calm.

“The complete book…” she answered quickly out of fear. She didn’t want to anger him further.

“What??” Bilal was stunned at her reply.

“The whole book??” He looked at her in shock, needing confirmation.

“Yes.” She nodded firmly.

Not just Bilal, but all the students stared at her in disbelief—as though she were some eighth wonder of the world.

“Then give the test.” He still couldn’t believe her, so he opened the chemistry book and began asking questions.

The beautiful girl answered every single question word for word, exactly as written in the book. Bilal was left speechless.

“Impossible… How?? You memorized this whole book in just one hour??” It was beyond belief… but she had done it, right there in front of everyone.

Bilal was immediately won over by her intelligence.

“Hmm.” She just nodded.

For her, this was nothing extraordinary.

That was how she always studied. That’s why she used to top the entire school. Everyone admired her brilliance.

Rukhsar had so many dreams tied to her future… Remembering that often brought tears to Anum’s eyes.

Bilal, embarrassed, apologized to her in front of everyone: “Sorry… I got angry at you for no reason.”

“Hmm.” She only nodded in response.

“Didn’t you forgive me?” He was puzzled when she gave no direct answer.

“No… I mean… I did.” She replied shyly, her gaze lowered.

She couldn’t tell him that just being the center of his gaze made her nervous.

“Okay… thank you.” He felt sorry for having misunderstood her.

Yes, she was breathtakingly beautiful, but not arrogant at all.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

She returned home from college and headed straight to the kitchen.

Taking a bottle of water from the fridge, she walked to her room.

She switched on the TV, dropped herself onto the sofa with the remote in her left hand, and opened the water bottle. Just as she brought it to her lips, the news on TV made her ears sharpen.

“Our channel brings you breaking news… Noman Waleed, son of the famous politician Mr. Waleed, has completed his studies and returned to Pakistan today. Our correspondent lives at the airport. Let’s go to Mr. Faisal… Yes, Faisal, can you confirm if Noman Waleed really arrived in Karachi today? And what about the rumors of his engagement to Alishbah Miraj? Did she come to the airport to welcome him?” the anchor reported in her sharp tone.

The moment she heard Noman's name, fear gripped her.

In her panic, the water bottle slipped from her hand and spilled all over her clothes—and the remote.

“Ahhhhhhh!” she suddenly began screaming loudly.

Three years had passed since that tragedy. Her life had almost returned to normal.

But at the very news of Noman’s return, all those painful memories came rushing back.

That wild beast had ruined her life, and yet here he was—promptly returning from abroad after finishing his education.

Her sister had been killed.

Her Honor stolen.

She had been declared dead in front of the world.

Her child—God knows where it was growing up, whether alive or dead—she didn’t even know.

And in contrast… he was living a lavish, carefree life. His engagement to the daughter of a well-known businessman, Alishbah Miraj, was about to be announced. Not a single trace of grief touched him.

Bitterness boiled inside her heart. She wanted to kill him. The cruel man who had stripped her life of every ounce of happiness.

“Anum… what happened, child? Why are you crying?” Faiza Begum had been waiting for her at the cafe, as she did every day. When Anum didn’t come, she grew worried and returned home. There she found the girl on the floor, curled into a corner against the wall, her delicate face buried in her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Seeing her like that left Faiza deeply troubled.

“Phupo… h-he’s back…” Hearing her voice, Anum threw herself into her aunt’s arms, trembling as she cried.

“Who’s back?” Faiza asked, puzzled.

“That monster… him…” Even his name was enough to fill her with terror.

“Noman? But child, why are you so afraid just because he returned to Pakistan?”

“Because h-he’ll find out… that I’m alive… h-he’ll come back for me…” She couldn’t even finish her sentence before breaking into louder sobs. Fear gripped her so tightly that words wouldn’t form.

“He can’t harm you. In his eyes, you’re already dead. He’s moved on with his life. Why would he search for a girl the world believes is gone? Don’t be afraid, Anum. Don’t let this fear rule you. It only weakens you. Be strong—so strong that if fate ever brings you face-to-face with him again, the fear will appear in his eyes, not yours. Because he is the sinner, not you. Be brave, my child. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to begin a new life. Don’t let his shadow darken you anymore. He can’t take anything else from you. The most precious thing a woman has is her honor—and that beast already stole it. What else is left to fear? He can’t destroy you anymore. So relax. There’s no reason to be scared.”

Her words gave Anum courage.

And yet… no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake Noman’s shadow from her heart and mind.

That night, after a long time, she slept in Faiza Begum’s room.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

The rain was pouring heavily outside.

Bilal had sent all his students home early.

That simple-hearted boy was in his final year of engineering. Alongside studies, he also worked small jobs.

His father owned a small barber shop—but Bilal never once felt ashamed to tell anyone.

It was difficult for him to travel house-to-house for tutoring. So he had spoken to Faiza Begum, who allowed him to use the café during the quiet afternoon hours.

Since customers rarely came in the afternoons, she agreed.

And the arrangement benefitted both—students often bought something before leaving, giving her a little profit too.

Just as Faiza Begum didn’t charge him for the space, Bilal never charged Anum any fee for tutoring either.

Over those three years, Bilal had become very dear to Anum.

He wasn’t some wealthy prince—just an ordinary boy. Yet for the hazel-eyed girl, he was extraordinary.

What the heart loves can never be ordinary.

Whenever he was around, she felt a strange pull, a quiet happiness.

As long as he was in sight, her heart felt free from every sorrow.

“Take this umbrella, you’ll get soaked otherwise.” After dismissing the students, he started walking outside. Seeing him leave, the girl hurried after him with an umbrella. She opened it and held it out to him. But instead of taking it, he spread his arms wide under the open sky, letting the rain drench him.

“In weather like this, what’s the use of an umbrella?” Closing his eyes, he tilted his handsome face upward and smiled into the downpour.

The raindrops gliding down his face stirred something deep in her heart.

He wore a simple yellow hoodie and white pants.

In just a few moments, he was drenched.

An overwhelming desire rose in her to reach out and touch him. But the next instant, she tapped her own head playfully and smiled.

Maybe… she was falling in love with this simple-hearted boy.

“What fun could an umbrella give? The real joy of rain is getting wet.” He could feel her admiring gaze on him. With a gentle smile, he looked her way and spoke softly.

She had always been afraid of the rain. But in her rush to hand him the umbrella, she had forgotten her fear.

For the first time in her life, rain looked beautiful. She wondered—why had she ever been afraid of it? The rain was so sweet.

She stretched her right hand out from under the umbrella. Instantly, cool drops soaked her palm.

Then she couldn’t resist anymore. She pushed the umbrella aside.

From the counter inside, Faiza Begum watched through the glass doors. Seeing Anum step into the rain with Bilal, a wide smile spread across her face.

Just like Bilal, Anum closed her eyes and lifted her glowing, moon like face to the sky.

In imitating him, she felt an unfamiliar happiness.

Lost in her joy, she had no idea that a Pajero stood parked nearby… and inside it, someone’s piercing gaze was fixed only on her.

When that man saw Anum copying Bilal’s every move, he smiled.

💞 Husny Kanwal 💞

“Anum… you are called to the principal’s office.”

She was sitting in class during the break, reading, when the in-charge teacher came and gently informed her.

“Okay… ma’am…” she replied, a little worried.

Why was she suddenly being called to the principal’s office?

Still, she had to go. She placed her pen inside the book, closed it, and stood up, walking toward the office.

At the principal’s door, she knocked politely and asked permission to enter.

A soft voice came from inside: “Come in.”

She stepped in. The large white door behind her closed suddenly, making her turn around in alarm.

“Who closed the door?” her voice trembled with fear.

The principal’s desk stood in front of her, but the chair was turned the other way, hiding the person’s face.

Struggling to steady her nerves, she moved closer. “Sir, did you call me?”

The chair slowly spun around—

and all the color drained from her face.

What she had never imagined… happened.

It wasn’t the principal. It was noman

He was dressed in a white t-shirt and black jeans.

His mysterious black eyes were fixed on her fragile existence.

The sight of this sworn enemy stole her breath.

A wave of terror struck her delicate soul. Those days of torment began replaying before her eyes like a film.

Her mouth opened, gasping for air…

Her gray eyes widened in horror, red veins visible.

She was having a panic attack.

#ToBeContinued 😊