The air in the small portion felt heavy, as if it carried the weight of Shahla's growing turmoil. Rehman sat at the table, flipping through a stack of papers, his face lined with exhaustion but tinged with hope. He had finally secured a part-time job and was determined to make things work for them. Yet, behind him, Shahla stood near the window, her arms crossed, her gaze distant.
"Shahla," Rehman said, breaking the silence. "I know it's been hard, but this is a step forward. Things will get better now."
Shahla turned to face him, her expression blank. She wanted to feel the hope he carried, but the struggles they had endured seemed insurmountable. Liaqat's words echoed in her mind, planting seeds of doubt and discontent.
Before she could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. Rehman stood and opened it, revealing Nawab Liaqat standing there, his usual confident smile on his face.
"Good evening," Liaqat said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His presence filled the small room, making Shahla's unease grow.
Rehman frowned but kept his tone polite. "Nawab Sahib, this is unexpected. Is everything all right?"
Liaqat glanced at Shahla before addressing Rehman. "I thought I'd stop by to see how you both are settling in. It's important to ensure my tenants are comfortable."
Rehman nodded, though he felt a flicker of annoyance. He noticed the way Liaqat's eyes lingered on Shahla, and a knot of suspicion formed in his chest.
As Liaqat sat down, Shahla remained standing, her hands fidgeting nervously. Rehman watched her, his concern growing. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice soft but firm.
Shahla hesitated, her gaze flickering between Rehman and Liaqat. Her heart pounded as she prepared to say the words that had been haunting her. "Rehman," she began, her voice trembling, "I need to talk to you."
Rehman's brow furrowed. "What is it?"
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "I want a divorce."
The words hung in the air, sharp and cutting. Rehman's face paled, his mind struggling to process what she had just said. "What?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"I can't do this anymore," Shahla continued, her voice gaining strength. "I don't want this life. I don't want to struggle every day. This isn't what I signed up for."
Rehman's hands clenched into fists as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "And you think divorce is the answer? After everything we've been through? After everything I've done for you?"
Liaqat, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, his tone calm but firm. "Sometimes, it's better to accept when something isn't working, Rehman. Shahla deserves to be happy."
Rehman's anger flared. He turned to Liaqat, his voice sharp. "This isn't your business, Nawab Sahib. This is between my wife and me."
Shahla stepped forward, her expression resolute. "No, Rehman. This is my decision. I've thought about it for a long time, and I can't keep pretending everything is fine. It's not."
Rehman felt his world collapsing around him. The woman he had given everything for, the woman he had fought for, was now walking away. He looked at Shahla, his voice breaking. "Was it ever real for you? Or was I just a stepping stone?"
Shahla didn't answer, her silence speaking volumes. Liaqat placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture of support that only deepened Rehman's pain.
"You've made your choice," Rehman said finally, his voice filled with bitterness. "I hope it's worth it."
Shahla turned and walked out of the room, Liaqat following close behind. Rehman stood there, alone, the weight of his heartbreak pressing down on him.
At Liaqat's estate, Shahla tried to settle into her new reality, but the cracks in Liaqat's charm soon began to show. His generosity turned possessive, and his promises of security came with strings attached.
One evening, as Shahla sat in the lavish living room, a woman entered the room, her presence commanding. It was Bilqis Begum, Liaqat's wife. She looked at Shahla with a mixture of pity and disdain.
"So, you're the one," Bilqis said, her tone sharp.
Shahla stood, her heart racing. "I… I don't know what you mean," she stammered.
Bilqis laughed, a bitter sound. "Don't play innocent. I know exactly what Liaqat has been up to. You're not the first, and you won't be the last."
Shahla felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. "I didn't mean to—"
"To what?" Bilqis interrupted. "Destroy a family? Take advantage of someone else's greed?"
Before Shahla could respond, Liaqat entered the room, his face darkening as he saw the confrontation. "Bilqis," he said, his voice low, "this isn't your concern."
Bilqis turned to him, her eyes blazing. "It became my concern the moment you brought her into my home. You've lied, manipulated, and betrayed me for the last time."
She pulled a folder from her bag, tossing it onto the table. "I've spoken to my lawyer. Everything you own, every bit of wealth you've flaunted, will now be under my control. Let's see how much charm you have without your money."
Liaqat's face fell, his confidence crumbling. "You can't do this," he said, his voice desperate.
Bilqis smiled coldly. "Watch me."
Shahla watched the scene unfold, realizing the extent of Liaqat's deceit. The life he had promised her was built on lies, and now it was unraveling before her eyes.
Meanwhile, at the Malik home, Hassan's journey of growth continued. She had begun taking small steps toward independence, learning skills that would allow her to support herself and Farwa. With each new accomplishment, her confidence grew.
One evening, as she sat with Fatima and Tahir, she spoke about her plans for the future. "I want to create something for myself," she said, her voice steady. "Something that will give Farwa and me a better life."
Fatima smiled, her pride evident. "You've come so far, Hassan. I know you'll succeed."
Tahir nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You've shown strength I didn't know was possible. Whatever you choose to do, we'll support you."
Hassan felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of gratitude and hope. For so long, she had felt alone, carrying the weight of her struggles without direction. Now, with the support of her family and her growing sense of self, she finally felt capable of building something meaningful—not just for herself, but for Farwa too.
Meanwhile, Shahla's illusions of a glamorous life with Liaqat were crumbling rapidly. The days that followed Bilqis Begum's confrontation were filled with tension and humiliation. Liaqat's confidence was gone, replaced by a desperate attempt to salvage what he could. His wealth, once flaunted so openly, was now tied up in legal battles with Bilqis. The estate that had seemed so grand now felt empty and cold.
Shahla sat in the ornate living room, staring at the walls that once symbolized the life she thought she wanted. Liaqat entered, his expression tense and his movements hurried. "Shahla," he said, his voice lacking its usual charm, "we need to talk."
She turned to face him, her eyes dull with exhaustion. "What now?"
Liaqat hesitated before speaking. "Bilqis has taken control of most of the assets. Things are... complicated. We might need to leave the estate for a while."
Shahla stared at him, her disbelief evident. "Leave? Where would we even go?"
"I have some contacts," Liaqat replied, avoiding her gaze. "It's temporary, just until things settle down."
Shahla stood abruptly, her frustration boiling over. "This isn't what you promised me, Liaqat! You said you would take care of everything, that I wouldn't have to struggle anymore. And now you're telling me we're losing everything?"
Liaqat's face darkened. "Don't blame me for this, Shahla. You chose this life just as much as I did."
His words stung, but they also brought clarity. Shahla realized that she had traded one struggle for another, giving up a life of love and trust for empty promises and fleeting luxuries. She felt a wave of regret wash over her, but it was too late to undo the choices she had made.
As Liaqat's world continued to collapse, Shahla found herself increasingly isolated. Bilqis's disdain for her was clear, and Liaqat's attentions had turned to his own problems. She spent her days wandering the estate, haunted by the emptiness of her decisions.
At the same time, Rehman was grappling with his own realizations. Left alone after Shahla's departure, he was forced to confront the mistakes he had made. He spent long hours thinking about Hassan, about the life they had shared and the family he had abandoned.
One evening, Rehman sat in his small, dimly lit apartment, staring at an old photograph of him, Hassan, and Farwa. His heart ached with regret. He remembered Hassan's quiet strength, the way she had supported him through every challenge without complaint. He thought of Farwa, her laughter and innocence, and felt a deep longing to be a part of their lives again.
"I failed them," he whispered to himself, his voice heavy with sorrow. "But I can't let it end like this. I have to make things right."
Driven by this newfound resolve, Rehman began taking steps to rebuild his life. He focused on his work, saving every penny he could. He avoided distractions and made an effort to reconnect with the values he had once held dear. Though he knew it would take time, he was determined to prove that he had changed.
At the Malik home, Hassan's journey of empowerment was taking an unexpected turn. One afternoon, she received a visit from Bilqis Begum. The older woman's presence was commanding but not unkind. Hassan greeted her cautiously, unsure of the reason for her visit.
"I've heard about you, Hassan," Bilqis said, taking a seat in the modest living room. "Your strength, your resilience. You remind me of someone I used to be."
Hassan was taken aback by the compliment. "Thank you," she said softly. "But I'm just doing what I have to for my daughter."
Bilqis nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's exactly why I'm here. I'm making changes in my life, and I want to surround myself with people who understand the value of hard work and integrity. I have a family business that needs managing, and I believe you're the right person for the job."
Hassan's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? I don't have any experience running a business."
"You have more experience than you think," Bilqis replied. "You've managed a household through difficult times, cared for your family, and shown remarkable determination. Those are the qualities I need."
Hassan hesitated, overwhelmed by the offer. "I don't know if I can do it," she admitted. "But I'm willing to try."
Bilqis smiled. "That's all I ask."
The days that followed were a whirlwind for Hassan. She began learning the ropes of the business, attending meetings, and understanding operations under Bilqis's guidance. It wasn't easy, but every step she took filled her with a sense of accomplishment. Her days were busy, but the thought of creating a secure future for Farwa kept her motivated.
Each evening, Hassan returned home exhausted yet fulfilled. Farwa would greet her with open arms, her laughter filling the room and melting away any doubts Hassan carried. Tahir and Fatima noticed the change in her, proud of the woman she was becoming.
One evening, as Hassan sat reviewing some documents, Fatima joined her at the table. "You've come so far, Hassan," Fatima said, her voice warm. "Seeing you like this gives me hope for the future."
Hassan smiled, looking up from her work. "I never thought I could do this. But now, I feel like I'm finally taking control of my life."
"You're not just taking control," Fatima replied. "You're building something extraordinary. Farwa will grow up knowing her mother was strong and capable."
Meanwhile, Shahla's life was spiraling further into chaos. Liaqat's charm had long faded, replaced by frustration and desperation as his financial troubles worsened. The lavish estate that had once been a symbol of his power now felt like a hollow shell. Shahla spent her days in isolation, each passing moment reminding her of the choices that had brought her here.
One afternoon, Shahla overheard an argument between Liaqat and one of his staff members. His voice was raised, his words sharp and cutting. She peeked into the hallway and saw Liaqat pacing angrily, his face flushed with frustration.
"Do you have any idea how much I've lost?" he snapped. "Everything I built is slipping away, and I'm surrounded by incompetence!"
The staff member muttered an apology before hurrying away, leaving Liaqat alone. Shahla stepped into the hallway cautiously. "What's happening, Liaqat?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Liaqat turned to her, his eyes narrowing. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with," he said curtly. "I'm handling it."
But Shahla could see the cracks in his composure. The man who had once seemed invincible now looked tired and defeated. She felt a pang of fear, realizing that the foundation of her new life was crumbling beneath her.
Days later, Bilqis returned to the estate to finalize her departure. Shahla stayed out of sight, unable to face the woman who had exposed Liaqat's deceit. But as she watched from a distance, she saw the strength and dignity Bilqis carried, even in the face of betrayal. It was a stark contrast to her own feelings of regret and humiliation.
Liaqat's temper grew shorter as the days passed. His financial troubles mounted, and the respect he once commanded disappeared. He began spending long hours away from the estate, leaving Shahla alone in the empty halls. She wandered aimlessly, her thoughts filled with regret.
One evening, Liaqat returned home, his face grim. He threw his coat onto a chair and poured himself a drink, avoiding Shahla's questioning gaze.
"What's going on, Liaqat?" she asked, her voice shaking. "You've been distant for days."
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I'm leaving," he said flatly. "There's nothing left for me here."
Shahla's heart sank. "Leaving? What about me? What am I supposed to do?"
Liaqat looked at her, his expression cold. "You made your choices, Shahla. You wanted this life. Now you'll have to deal with the consequences."
His words cut deep, leaving Shahla speechless. She watched as he gathered a few belongings and walked out the door without another word. The sound of the car starting and driving away echoed in the silence, leaving her utterly alone.
Shahla sat on the edge of the couch, her head in her hands. The weight of her choices pressed down on her, suffocating her. She thought about Rehman, about the life she had left behind, and about the emptiness she had chosen in its place. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered to herself, "What have I done?"
At the Malik home, Hassan's life was moving in the opposite direction. Her confidence grew with each passing day, and her business responsibilities became a source of pride. She had built a strong support system around her, and her focus remained on creating a stable and loving environment for Farwa.
One afternoon, as Hassan sat in her office reviewing contracts, she felt a deep sense of gratitude. She thought about the journey that had brought her here—the pain, the struggles, and the growth. She realized that every challenge she had faced had shaped her into the woman she was becoming.
Hassan smiled to herself, thinking of Farwa waiting for her at home. She knew that her daughter would grow up surrounded by love and strength, a testament to the resilience Hassan had discovered within herself.
As Shahla sat in the silence of the empty estate, and Liaqat disappeared into obscurity, Hassan's world stood as a reminder that strength comes from within. The contrast between their lives was stark, each shaped by the choices they had made and the lessons they had learned.