harassment

“Relax…” Seeing her unable to breathe, he rushed from the chair and came to her.

“Anum… it’s okay. Breathe… look at me, jaan… breathe… just look at me.” He cupped her beautiful face gently in his hands.

He was forcing her to look only into his deep, mysterious black eyes.

“Breathe… yes, that’s it… now let it out…” He inhaled deeply, then slowly exhaled, showing her what to do.

“Keep looking at me… everything is fine… jaan, everything is fine… relax… breathe… yes, just like that… don’t be afraid… nothing will happen…” His voice was drenched in tenderness, pulling her back from the edge of death.

His warm hands on her soft face, his nearness, his comforting words…

“Deep breath… now exhale… just copy me… keep your eyes on me.” His tone remained steady, guiding her.

“No tension… everything is fine… relax. You still have to see your mother recover, don’t you? That was your dream with Rukhsar, right? Believe me, that day will come. You will see your mother healed with your own eyes. But for that, you must hold on… breathe, yes, everything will be fine.” He tucked her hair gently behind her ear, speaking with quiet hope.

He didn’t stop for even a moment.

What a strange enemy of life he was—at that moment, he could have easily stolen her breath forever by frightening her further. But he didn’t. Why? Why was he pulling her back to life? Why was he awakening her hopes again?

The most dangerous enemy in the world is the one who knows your desires and fears better than you. And indeed, this merciless man knew them all.

Looking deep into her gray eyes, he was dragging her back toward life.

Caught in the grip of the attack, she could only do what this deadly foe commanded.

At last, after a long while, when she began to feel better, she closed her eyes for a moment. At the same time, he too shut his eyes and leaned his forehead against her luminous one…

As if finally exhaling relief.

His hands still cradled her soft cheeks.

He breathed in the fragrance of her fragile breaths.

“Anum…” he whispered—

And in the next instant, she collapsed unconscious.

As her body went limp, the handsome young man before her caught her firmly in his arms, holding her tightly against himself.

****

When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital room. Nearby, her aunt sat reciting prayers on her rosary.

“You’re awake?” Seeing her open her eyes, she quickly rose from the chair, held her hand, and asked with concern.

“Wh–where is he?” she asked nervously, her voice trembling.

“Who?” her aunt frowned in confusion.

“That monster…” She sat up in fear, her voice quivering.

“Noman?… How could he possibly come here?” her aunt tried to calm her gently.

“Aunt… he was here… he came… I saw him!” The terrifying image still haunted her—the moment the principal’s chair turned toward her, and that monster’s face appeared.

“No, dear… you must have imagined it. How could he come here?…” Her aunt watched her pale face and spoke softly, not wanting her to have another panic attack.

“He was there… sitting on the principal’s chair. I saw him with my own eyes!” she wept, insisting on the truth.

“Anum, child… you fainted in class while studying. You’ve let Noman consume your thoughts ever since hearing he’s back. You know very well he has nothing to do with you anymore. To the world—and to him—you’re dead. Even if he had returned, could he just walk into your college and directly enter the principal’s office? Be sensible, dear… Your teacher herself told me she found you unconscious in the classroom during break time.”

Listening to her aunt, she sat in shock. Nothing made sense anymore.

“No… The principal called me. I went to the office, and he was there! It wasn’t a dream… it couldn’t have been. Please believe me!” she screamed desperately.

“Alright, alright, don’t scream… relax. Everything is fine. Rest now, you need it.” Her aunt stroked her head with affection. She herself could not believe Anum had actually seen Noman in that office.

How could it be possible?

Her teacher had found her fainted in the classroom. Why would she lie?

And if Noman had truly come, why would he leave without harming her? Impossible. Surely it was only her imagination.

“Why don’t you believe me, Aunt? He was here!” Anum pleaded, her voice rising.

She feared her aunt thought she had lost her mind.

“Yes, yes, I believe you… now rest, dear. We’ll talk later.” Stroking her head with tenderness, her aunt coaxed her to lie back down.

“But Aunt—”

“Shh… rest now, child. Close your eyes. We’ll talk later.”

Under the effect of medication, she drifted back into sleep.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

“Are you sure you’ll be alright alone at home?” Faiza Begum was leaving with her neighbor Shaista, who was about to deliver her baby. They might have to stay all night at the hospital. She was worried about leaving her niece alone.

“Yes, Aunt. Don’t worry, I’ll manage. Besides, right now Shaista aunt needs you more than I do. If we don’t help her in this critical moment, who will?” she replied calmly, accustomed to staying alone.

“Alright then. But remember—only open the door when I call you first,” her aunt instructed carefully before leaving.

Later, while Anum was watching TV, the electricity suddenly went out, plunging the house into total darkness.

“Why didn’t the UPS switch on?” she muttered anxiously, rising from the sofa.

“Where’s my phone?” Fumbling blindly near her bed, she searched frantically. At last, she found it and quickly turned on the flashlight.

But the moment the light shone ahead of her, her heart nearly stopped.

He was standing right there.

Those mysterious black eyes glared at her from the shadows.

Her phone slipped from her trembling hand and fell. Darkness swallowed everything once again.

She curled up on the bed, burying her face against her knees, sobbing in terror. Her mind was frozen with fear.

The silence stretched endlessly—no voice, no footsteps leaving. The thought that he was still there drove her mad with horror.

Then, she heard the curtain shift.

Pale moonlight filtered into the room. She trembled uncontrollably, when suddenly, someone placed a sheet gently over her shoulders.

Startled, she raised her head—and there he was, sitting right beside her.

In the dim light, his pale, handsome face was now clearly visible.

“What’s wrong? Why are you always so afraid of me? I’m not going to eat you alive…” he said softly.

“You… wh–what… what do you want from me?” she stammered through trembling lips.

“I’ll tell you when the time is right. For now, I’m here to warn you. Don’t tell anyone about me. Otherwise, people will soon call you insane.” His voice hardened with menace.

“Wh–what harm have I ever done to you? Why are you after me?” she cried bitterly.

“What harm? Tell me instead—what have you left me with?” His eyes burned red with rage.

“You came here to kill me, didn’t you?” she whispered, horrified.

He only smirked coldly, his black eyes full of mysteries she dared not read.

Minutes passed like centuries for her fragile heart.

Suddenly, he leaned closer. Her soul seemed to leave her body.

“Stay away from Bilal.” He gripped her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his piercing eyes, his tone sharp and commanding.

She froze in shock. How did he know Bilal? And what problem did he have with her being close to him?

Without answering, he rose and walked out, leaving her shaken.

An hour later, when her aunt returned, she quickly switched on the UPS and entered Anum’s room.

“Why was the UPS off?” she asked worriedly.

“Aunt…” Anum broke into sobs and clung to her, telling her Noman had been there.

“Child… how could Noman come here? The house was locked, the keys are only with us. You’ve let him haunt your mind too much. Remove this fear or you’ll go mad.”

Her aunt’s final words echoed the very warning Noman had given her himself.

She couldn’t make anyone believe her. She lay awake all night, tortured by questions. Why had that cruel man returned after three years? Why wouldn’t he let her live in peace? What did he truly want from her?

💞Husny Kanwal💞

She grew more fearful, but time passed. Just as suddenly as he had appeared, the ruthless man disappeared again.

Two years later…

Her aunt was overjoyed. After ten years, her husband was finally returning. She and Anum went to Karachi airport to receive him.

“Assalamu Alaikum, Uncle,” Anum greeted Jameel uncle with a polite smile.

“Uncle? Oh no, I’m not that old. Think of me as your friend instead… you young people, isn’t that what you say?” He placed his hand on her shoulder, pulling her a little too close.

Startled, Anum jerked his hand off and stepped back quickly, deeply uncomfortable with his casual touch.

“What?” he asked innocently, glancing at his wife.

“Anum dear, why don’t you go meet your mother? We’ll wait for you at the hotel,” her aunt said gently. Nodding quickly, Anum left at once.

As soon as she was gone, Mr.Jameel whispered angrily, “What was that? I was treating her like my daughter, and she… you saw what she did to me!”

“Please, don’t be upset. She’s unwell, I told you. Forgive her like you would your own child. I’ll explain things to her later,” his wife pleaded.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

Later, when Anum visited her mother, she noticed a bouquet of flowers on the side table. She was surprised—her mother had no one else in this world.

“Nurse, these flowers? Where did they come from?” she asked curiously.

“A very handsome young man came to visit your mother before you arrived. He left these,” the nurse replied.

“A young man? Did he say his name?”

“No, I don’t know his name… but he comes often.”

“Often?” Anum’s curiosity deepened.

“Yes. Once or twice, he even brought along a little boy with grey eyes—just like yours,” the nurse said with a smile, looking at Anum’s striking eyes.

Her heart clenched painfully.

A child? Could it be… her own?

Faiza aunty had once told her that her baby had eyes exactly like hers, before a stranger had stolen him from the cradle.

Was this the same boy? And who was that man visiting her mother?

“Please, if he comes again, ask his name. And give him my number—tell him to call me,” she said, handing the nurse a slip with her number.

Something inside her whispered—those grey eyes belonged to no one else but her son.

She told herself she only wanted to see him once, just to be sure he was happy… but deep down, her heart ached with a mother’s longing.

No matter what she claimed, her soul craved to hold her child again.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

“Anum, have this too.” She was having breakfast when suddenly Jameel uncle grabbed her hand, forced a biscuit into it, and smiled.

“Y…yes…” she stammered awkwardly, quickly pulling her hand away from his touch.

She had begun to feel that he was deliberately trying to touch her—and she absolutely hated it.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

“Anum, I’m going out. Take care of the café.” After her husband’s return, Faiza aunty spent most of her time roaming around with him.

She looked happy and content all the time. But in contrast, Anum grew more worried and frightened with every passing day.

Bilal had noticed it for a while, but hadn’t gotten a chance to ask her directly.

“Hello…” After dismissing the tuition kids, he came to the counter, pulled up a chair, and tried to catch the attention of the beautiful girl with grey eyes.

“Hello…” she replied with a forced smile.

Over the years, their bond had grown stronger. He was now less of a teacher and more of a friend.

“What’s going on? Why do you always look so worried?” he asked gently, in a caring, friendly tone.

For a while, she stayed silent, debating whether to tell him or not. But finally, she decided she had to. At this moment, she badly needed help.

“Jameel uncle has started troubling me… he…” her voice broke as she burst into tears.

“Come outside,” he said softly, cutting her off halfway. He already understood what the matter was.

At his calm words, she wiped her tears and went to him.

“Sit down and tell me properly. What exactly did he do to you?” He was barely controlling the rage boiling inside him.

“H-he keeps touching me deliberately… sometimes he holds my hand, sometimes he puts his hand on my shoulder. Once, when I was in the kitchen, he came up from behind, stroked my back, and whispered, ‘It’s just the beginning, that’s why you’re scared. Later, you’ll enjoy it too.’” She broke down again after saying this.

A girl knows very well when a man’s eyes are filthy. And within just a week of living under the same roof, she had recognized the filth in Jameel uncle’s gaze.

She couldn’t bear staying in that house with him anymore. But apart from Faiza aunty, she had no one else in the world. Where could she go?

“Did you tell Aunty about this?” Bilal’s blood boiled hearing her words. He could barely stop himself from punching that vile old man.

“No… and I don’t want to either. He’s her husband…”

“So what if he’s her husband?” he snapped, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her.

“Why would she believe me over her husband? She already thinks I’m mentally unwell. She never believes my words anyway,” she muttered bitterly, wiping her tears with his handkerchief.

“So what’s your plan then? To silently endure the filth of that disgusting old man?” he asked angrily. “Listen, Anum—when you’re afraid, the other person turns into a lion. But if you stop fearing, no one dares to even touch you. Be brave, Anum. This world doesn’t belong to frightened girls anymore—it belongs to the brave. You have only two options: either keep living in fear and die inside… or stand up and terrify the one trying to scare you. Do you understand?”

“Look at me.” Gently placing his hand on her cheek, he tilted her face toward him.

The soft warmth of his touch sent shivers like an electric current through her body. And in his brown eyes, she saw concern and love.

She was already in love with him.

And for lovers, whatever the beloved says becomes law.

“Be strong. Learn to take a stand for yourself. There’s no need to fear. Only cowards live in fear—and my Anum is not a coward. If he ever tries to touch you again, break his hand instead of crying or panicking. Do you understand?”

The way he called her my Anum worked like balm on her wounded heart.

She gazed at him with eyes overflowing with love—filled with trust, faith, affection, and gratitude.

“Hm…” she nodded softly in agreement.

“Good girl.” He smiled warmly and affectionately ran his hand through her hair.

That touch on her hair stirred every string of her heart.

She lowered her eyes, blushing, and smiled shyly.

💞Husny Kanwal💞

Soon after, her aunt asked, “Anum, cook two rotis and take them to your uncle.”

Her heart sank, but she nodded.

As she cooked, she sensed someone behind her. Turning, she found him there.

“Oh, you startled! I just came to check if the roti was done,” he grinned, his lecherous eyes fixed on her.

“It’s cooking. Please wait outside. I’ll bring it,” she said firmly, surprising even herself with the strength in her voice.

He ignored her. Grabbing her delicate wrist, he tried to take the tongs from her hand.

“Leave my hand!” she cried, struggling.

But his grip tightened.

Bilal’s words rang in her ears.

With sudden force, she shoved him back. The tongs clattered to the floor. She snatched them up—still burning hot—and struck him furiously.

His screams filled the house as the hot metal seared his skin.

Faiza aunty came rushing down from the rooftop.

“Anum, what are you doing? Have you gone mad?”

“See! She’s crazy! First she burned the roti, then attacked me with tongs when I only tried to help! Get her out of this house!” Jameel howled, playing the victim.

“Aunt, he’s lying! He tried to touch me!” Anum sobbed.

“Did you hear her? She’s accusing me now! This mad girl is ruining my honor. I won’t keep her here another minute!” he roared.

“Anum, apologize to your uncle right now,” her aunt ordered.

“Why should I apologize?!” she protested.

“I don’t want her apology—just get her out of here!” He grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the door.

“A little mercy, she has nowhere to go…” her aunt begged through tears.

But he shoved Anum outside and slammed the door shut.

She stood trembling in the street, abandoned once again.

#ToBeContinued😊

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