" I can't Dad, he's guilty. All the evidence pointed towards him that he really hit the car in drunken state and ran away " (a firm voice of a woman rang into the living )

* Thap *

A loud sound of Slap echoes in the room. Her hand involuntarily rest on her check as she looks at her father in quiet eyes.

" Don't you dare try to argue with me. If I say you take his side & release him from this matter than you will do. Otherwise, you know the consequences very well. " (the yelling, angry voice of RAFIQ AHMED rang in the living room)

For a while no one answers. Silent follows. Then :

" Fine. But in return, I'm leaving for Pakistan after this case. " (her quiet voice rang)

" How long ??? " (Rafiq Ahmed did not have any issues. As long as she fulfils her promise)

" Few months as long as I want. " (she replied in a careless voice and walk out of the house)

Rafiq Ahmed also walks towards his study to make an assuring call to his sister that her son soon released......

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In the season of June July, One of the bustling city of Pakistan" Karachi" is feeling like a hot pan. The weather is hot, dry & sweaty. In roads people giving water bottles, juices & aids for those who are weak enough to get heat stroke.......

In such heatness of the afternoon.one of the room of SHAH INTERPRISES have a chilly atmosphere.

Because today is the day the location team needed to show their final presentation directly In front of the President......

"Soo, in order not to get people's opposition & prevent for any heated issue to be arising we think this is the best place to build the restaurant. " (the team leader confidently ended his presentation with a small smile even tho his eyes holds the fear)

" I don't think you your opinion matter in here. Isn't it's a client whose opinion is matter the most. " (a cold yet questioning voice rang made everyone around feeling alright with the presentation stilled)

" But, still President, if we try to push people around the area they might become rebellious. In that case, our company's is the one that holds the responsibility....." ( one of the team members said in a hesitant voice)

" As much as I remember, the client wants a small area because the restaurant isn't that big. The location that I told you to search & try to get hold onto is literally the easiest one to get no ??? " (he suddenly spoke with stern voice make team leader flinch in displeasure)

" You are right secretary Ayan but still, that location isn't the best one. If we try to get that location it's indeed easier to get but, in order to clean it, make it presentable our few months got wasted......." ( Team leader replied with a smile but deep down burning with anger and displeasure)

No one spoke, everyone try to think pros & cons........than suddenly The voice rang:

" you should try to get hold onto the location that secretary Ayan suggest..... We present both locations In front of the client and let them decide...... " (at president final words everyone feels satisfied and start leaving the meeting room but, team leader still sitting in his desk looking at the place of the person who just left behind the president with hateful gaze )

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!! In president's Office room !!!!!!

" Are you sure you didn't try to steal his girlfriend or punch him once to make him oppose you that much ??? " (Asfand, the moment sits on his president seat ask in a teasing voice)

" As long as remember. " (Ayan replied with tired voice and slightly massage his temple)

" Take it easy bro, he might hate you because I favor you over him....." ( Asfand said with A proud smile and opens his laptop )

" If favor means, makes me run around to get an information about a café girl & cut half of my This month's salary with bonus over the fact she offers me a pastry. Then I'm Afraid, it's not a favor President Asfandyar Shah. " (with in a normal tune Ayan sarcastically said and frown)

" Are you taunting me ??? Me ?? Your boss ?? The president ????? " (Asfand looks at him with disbelieve and anger shows in his voice)

" Stating a fact I guess ......" ( Ayan respectfully replied and walks out of the room)

because he hears the sound of mobile ringing in the room & knows very well that the Cafe girl has called..........

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" After receiving & reviewing all the evidences,And in the presence of witnesses, it is proven that "Saad Raza" is innocent... The court acquits him of the charges.....He can return to his home with full dignity...

The court dismissed....... " (the moment the voice of judge rang into the court room. She exhale a sharp breath. She feels her throat dry as she looks towards the victim family )

" I'm sorry. " (she muttered under her uneven breath and walks out of the room)

As she moves throughout the corridor of the court and make way to her office....... The wailing cry of victim's family rang into her ears like a thunderstorm......

" DUAA RAFIQ AHMED" one of the great & successful lawyer of London now feeling the weight of guilt in her heart........

People once used to call her" JUSTICE QUEEN" now, when they saw her only calls her the biggest mistake in the name of justice. A liar. Cunning lawyer who only knows how to protect a criminal.......in just few months after graduation she became" CRIMINAL LAWYER "

And not just any criminal layer..... A very cunning and bold one.......her specialty always been how to twist lies with truth......so she gradually became fond of law & justice. End up gets The degree of Bar - at - law with the highest marks in his university......

She immediately close the door of the office and collapse into the floor..........

It's 7th time.......she had to protect a criminal just for the sake of the safety.......

Isn't it strange in the eyes of the world she has everything...... parents, money, beauty, a perfect fiancé & a successful career......

Her friends say they were jealous of her perfect life..........

But, only caged bird knows the pain of living behind the Bars made by gold.........

The voice of the mobile phone rang into the office. With shaky hand she attends the call.....

" Good you did well.... Enjoy your life. I will treat your mother well. " (Rafiq Ahmed satisfied voice rang into her ear made her want to push away mobile phone from her ears in disgust)

" Remember to came back soon...." ( he again spoke in a voice that seems like a concern father but only Duaa Knows it's a warning, a possession of the person who created her, raise her like a doll & now wanted to possess her for the rest of his life)

The phone hangs up and tears start falling form her jet black eyes........her body start shaking violently & her painful sobs echoes within the wall of the office

She might get the permission to fly in the air for a while but, never be able to freed herself from this cage..........

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When the hot, dry breeze of Karachi touches her body. A sudden peace spread all over her body........

She finally got away even though it's just for a while........

Duaa is currently standing in Karachi airport waiting for the person who promise to pick her up.....

" Ahmmmmmmm " (a sudden throat cleaning voice rang she turns her head)

The man standing in office formal black dress, his brown hair messy but kinda looking great on him, his honey-brown eyes shines brightly within sunlight and few beads of sweat on his Tan skin forehead makes him looks absolutely stunning, hot & handsome.....

"MISS DUAA RAFIQ ??? " ( The voice that like a deep to ears seems like holding the mysterious Aura spoke in a formal away maybe try to conform her identity)

" Yes, you ??? " (after admiring him for a while duaa spoke in a gentle voice with a small smile on her painted lips)

" Asfandyar Sir Send me to pick you up . Please this way....." (he again spoke formally and took her luggage, guide her towards the car)

Without a word she starts walking with him.....after settling into a car she looks outside the window with a gentle smile....... Then, as if remembering something she took out her mobile phone, discard her old sim car and put her new one and smile in satisfied Manner.........

She came here to fly for a while not to stuck in the horrifying earth of cage......

So let's enjoy while can........

" Let's straight go towards the Shah Enterprises......they needed to know whose back" ( she ordered with a mischievous smile and closed her eyes for now she's in peace at least)

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!!!!!!!SHAH ENTERPRISES !!!!!!!!!

The tall building shining brightly in the sunlight..... Asfandyar is sitting in his respective room, reading some file with full focus when the room door open suddenly and the chaos entered.......

" you are the lier... You can't even came to pick your friend + cousin how rude...." (the moment she entered she start whining & complaining like a baby )

" But, didn't I send my secretary to pick you up? It's not like you're dead yet. " (asfand spoke in a mocking voice & got up)

" I know if i die you definitely came running......... " ( duaa replied in a smiling tune )

" Don't talk nonsense....." ( Asfand approach her and pat her head gently said in a sulking voice)

" How have you been ??? " (she asks and walks towards his President seat and sits on it)

" as handsome as i am when you first leave me ....... " ( he only shook his head on her old habit & sits on one of the chair opposite side of the table)

" it's been a long time....... " ( she suddenly said in a nostalgic voice )

" very long indeed......you finally came no ???" ( he said in a knowingly tune)

" hmmmmm "( that's all she replied)

The door opens and Ayan entered with some documents in his hands.......

" Boss, this one needed to approve until tonight. For tomorrow's meeting....." ( Secretary ayan voice holds professionalism)

Duaa froze...... isn't he the same person who picks her up from airport......than, she smiles....... The kind of that seems suspicious yet not at the same time......

" Stop whatever you're thinking....." (the commanding voice of asfand makes her frown)

" What" ( she asked feeling redness spread over her face)

" i know you duaa rafiq more than you know your self ..... & I swear I will kill you for this...." (asfand replied in a annoying voice & threaten her dangerously )

Ayan only looks between those two people, respectfully takes permission and walks out of the room.....

" Stop looking at my secretary with those damn eyes. " ( asfand said in a warning manner)

" What eyes ??? " (she asked innocently)

" The kind that says I want him. " (asfand roll his eyes and replied annoyingly)

She didn't reply.....just staring in a space...... thinking about something........

Meanwhile, asfand is looking at his file so he didn't get to see the rosy smile on her lips......

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THANK YOU FOR READING 💕

Hope you like it.........

" Dada Jan I miss you so much "(she immediately hugs a man tightly the moment she entered the house)

" Ohh my beautiful Granddaughter. I miss you too...." (the voice of an old man filled with love)

" Aunty Zainab.....how are you" (next she runs towards the woman standing in the corner with a lovely smile)

" As beautiful as i am when i was young "(the woman replied with a teasing shy smile )

" Ahmmmmmmm..... shouldn't you as me too how am i duaa darling....... " (the voice of another man rang in the air)

Duaa turn her head to see her uncle[ the you get brother of her father ] and immediately walks toward him with respect......

" How could I forgot such a cool & handsome Uncle of mine......" ( she reached near him, he gently patted her head and smiles at her teasing tune)

" How long are you going to stay.......you came back after moving to another country first time........." (the voice of Aziz shah rang)

" Probably around 3 to 2 months......" (duaa replied happily)

" Good than I will teach you how to cook, wash clothes and be a good girl okay....." ( Zainab begum suggest in a mocking tune)

" Ohhhh no....I should book my tomorrow's flight than ........" ( duaa immediately protest against her suggestion)

Everyone laughs at her scared white face......the living room filled with duaa's teasing, happy voice and everyone's laughter.......

Suddenly......a wave of peace spread all over duaa........

FINALLY, SHE'S HOME.....ONLY FOR A WHILE BUT STILL.......

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The door of the Café open with * DING * and she looks at the person entered.......

Wearing a blue and while combination apron, hair tied in a ponytail..... without makeup face..... Noor is really a beautiful 22 years old owner of the" LIGHT Café"

" What ???? " (she raised an eyebrow the moment she saw him entered)

" You should greet me rather than looking at me with those eyes. " (asfand complain in a sad voice)

" I will. If you came here as a customer. Not as a man who came to flirt again...." (Noor said sarcastically)

" Not my fault tho..... I just miss you so much that's all. " (asfand replied with a gentle voice and a lovely smile on his lips)

" You came all the way just to tell me this ? You should message me than. " (Noor said in a teasing voice but the smile & brightness of her eyes says the true story)

" Fine, I'll leave......" (asfand said sadly and about to walks away)

Noor took a deep breath.......

" If you came here all the way. Then, let me treat you coffee. I also try a new vanilla cake recipe want to try ???? " (she said in a gentle voice, and the teasing smile)

" Really.....sure....you know how much I love sweets..." (the sad boy immediately turns into happy one and smiles brightly)

" Yeah, (Noor replied softly and motion him to take a seat)

" Ayan bhai, Assalam u alaikum !!!! What would you like to order ???? " (she finally turns towards ayan standing in the distance )

" WalikumAssalam !! Nothing much a latte will do. " (ayan gives a small smile and order his drink)

Noor nodded and disappear behind the counter........

Within an hour...... Ayan quietly Sitting in a far away table from Both Asfand & Noor.... watching the bustling road, walking people, and sometimes he glances at the two people in love sitting and talking, sharing jokes and drinking their coffee......

For a moment life really feels peaceful.......

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" I want your secretary for a day....." (the room door burst open and duaa entered like a hurricane and declare loudly)

" No...... (Asfand replied without even looking at her....he is currently sitting on the bed lazily, working on his laptop)

" Asfand SULEMAN SHAH ! If you refuse, then I should tell aunty about those" TU NOOR H" songs you listen these days......." (her threatening voice rang and finally asfand looks at her with raised eyebrow)

" Miss lawyer do you ever realized how evil you are........." (asfand commented in a disgusting voice)

" Thanks for praising me now say....yes or no ????? " (she replied without any effect and ask again)

" Why do you wants him ??? Why not calling your shitty fiancé......???? " (Asfandyar said lazily)

" Who care.....I needed your secretary......not that shitty Peace of trash........" (duaa shoot back with care)

Asfand finally turn off his laptop......motion her to sit in the sofa...... Duaa obediently sit...

" what you needed him for ??? " (asked in a serious voice)

" You remember that Pakistani singer named" BILAL KHAN" he's also my friend... He has a concert.... I also got the tickets..... I want to take your secretary.....want to get to know him better........." (duaa finally tells him about her intentions she's been planning this for a week)

" What makes you think he will go with you ???" (Asfandyar again ask in a serious tune)

" If you told him. I needed someone to guard me. He will listen...." (duaa replied innocently)

" You shouldn't be messed with him. He's a simple man without any family. And you, i don't think I needed to tell you about your messy life....." (asfand start saying in a serious yet gentle voice)

" Also, He's my friend Duaa. I don't want my friend to drag into the mess he's not even related too...." (asfand again added)

Duaa looks at Asfand with a understanding expression.......

" But, i like him really, sincerely. No joke, no messing around......" (in such a low voice she confessed)

" Do you think you have a right to like or love Duaa ? ........ "(it wasn't a question, nor did it are sarcasm it was just a simple sentence)

But duaa knows very well........ it's reality.....

after that no one spoke.....both sits on their respective places.....lost in their own thoughts.....

" Fine, I'll told him to go with you.... but, remember if you try to do something. Think carefully..........." (asfand finally said his part in a serious voice and opened the laptop)

Duaa smiles at her friend+ brother+ cuzn and got up......

" i won't drag him into my mess......" (she said firmly and walks away)

Behind her asfand only sight slightly......

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The Arena is filled with crowd.....people are screaming, jumping....... Obviously why not....the famous singer " BILAL KHAN " performing today.......

Within the crowd.....two people also joins....the girl wearing simple blue frock with jeans...... Her dress is not tight at all.... it's mostly baggy.....

Behind her, within few steps distance.... he's standing wearing simple t shit and pants.....

He's basically forced to be here. He doesn't want to. But Asfand ask him with hope.....he couldn't bring himself to refuse......

Ayan never said that but, in this whole month that girl" DUAA " always try to find her way to annoy him. Last week she drags him into shopping mall. This time she wants a concert......

She's just too loud. To bright.....& not to mention the way she always stares at him like try to reach his soul...........

But, he couldn't do anything..........

" Are you okey ? " (her voice rang and Ayan finally looks at her)

" Yes....." (he replied in a normal voice)

" you don't like concerts ???? " (duaa ask in a soft voice. She's now standing beside him)

" I just don't like crowded places. " (Ayan replied honestly)

" Ohh I see, wait a minute...." (she said in an understanding and then suddenly walks away)

Ayan quietly stare at the place she disappears........

After a while........she came back and gently tap on Ayan's shoulder to get his attention.....

" Let's go" ( as Ayan looks at her, she said)

" Where??.... It didn't end yet "(ayan asked confused manner)

" I inform my friend. He said it's okay. Now, let's leave. I want to eat. I'm hungry...." (her urgent voice makes him frown but, slightly relieve as he finally leaves this loud, crowded place)

" ........WITHIN A RESTAURANT......... "

they're now sitting in the table, order their food....ayan refuses many times and insist on staying in the car until she's done but, she drags him saying I CAN'T EAT ALONE.

So, at the end, he has to eat with her.....

" Do you hate me ??? " (Duaa suddenly ask )

Catch off guard he choked on his food and start coughing.......

Duaa offers him water.....he took a sip and then looks at her with confused expression on his face.....

" What does it mean ??? "

" I just ask did you hate me? You always look annoying and irritated when you're with me but with others like aunt, uncle, Dada Jan and Asfand you look okey ........." (duaa voice out her month of observation)

Ayan looks at her in surprise manner. Did she really notice him.....that much????

" No it's just that......." (he tries to find words but couldn't)

" You finds me annoying. " (duaa complete his sentence and put a piece of chicken on her mouth)

Ayan again looks at her. But, didn't say anything........

" I want you to observe me....." (after a while she again said)

The spoon of rice about to entered in his mouth.....stops in middle......Ayan looks at her......

Duaa also looking at him with serious expression......

" I want you to pay attention to me. Maybe after you observe me you realize I'm not that bad......." (she complete her sentence and put a small piece of chicken Tikka in his plate of Fried rice)

" Why does it matter what I think or not ??? " (ayan ask with raised eyebrow, but his tune didn't hold any kind of meaning)

" I don't want you to hate me. That's it...." (for a while Duaa wanted to say I Like you but than she remembered Asfandyar words and stops immediately)

Again silence.........

" Fine, from now on I will observe you....." (Ayan suddenly said in a low voice )

After that they eat in silence and left.......

When she was about to sit in the car suddenly, the hem of her sleeves pull by someone......

Duaa turn her head to see a girl around 8 to 9 years old. Tears in her eyes. Staring at her.....

Ayan when realize Duaa didn't sits in the car....walks out of the car and saw her....bent down on her knees, holding the hands of a girl.....and talking with a gentle voice and lovely smile on her lips..........

For a moment, A small smile also appear on Ayan lips, his heart skips a beat at the scene. But, he immediately controls his emotion and walks towards him.

Duaa when saw him. Looks at him and said in a serious voice......

" This beautiful little child. Somehow lost her mother....can you help to look around...." (when she mentions the child her voice holds softness)

Ayan Nodded and start looking around....

Duaa is still busy talking and coaxing the girl......

" Ohh my Sara....what are you doing here....uffff why did you run away i told you. I will buy you cupcakes than why being stubborn..... Did you get hurt ??" (after few minutes the voice of a lady run out as her breath is heavy because she's running around try to find her child )

" It's alright, she's okay.....just got scared...." (duaa greeted the lady and replied with a smile )

" Thank you so much....for looking after her for me..." (the Lady said in a grateful voice)

" It's alright....(than, she bent down again and hold a hand of the girl, put a small mango flavor toffee in her hand and said gently) next time even if you want to be stubborn, don't run away. Your mother will suffer or else okey??? "

The girl nodded her head..... Duaa patted her head and then the girl walks away with her mother.......

She Also Sits in the back seat of the car.......As Ayan started the car......

" You Are Not that bad..... "(his gentle voice rang in the car)

Duaa looks at his back in surprise manner but he already focused on driving......

Finally, a rare, precious smile appear on her lips............❤️

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Next part soon🤍