Ibrahim, leaning forward with a serious expression, rested his hands on his knees. "You don't even have any burn injuries. Isn't that odd? Unless... unless you started the fire?"
Ava was taken aback. She choked on water and started to cough.
When the her coughing subsidised, she demanded, "What are you talking about? Why would I start a fire?"
Ibrahim remained calm as he became to know all about Ava's plan. "I'm not a fool, Ava. If you attempted such a dangerous act, you would have planned it well. Now tell me, why did you start the fire?"
Ava couldn't believe Ibrahim had caught her so easily. This time, she decided not to play games. Arms crossed, she confessed, "I got angry because you didn't let me go to my apartment."
Ibrahim enjoyed the moment. It was like playing a game with Ava. He asked, "How?"
With a resigned sigh, Ava shifted her gaze to the ceiling. She didn't know what would Ibrahim do next.
Ibrahim again asked, "How did you initiate the fire, Ava?"
Ava looked at Ibrahim, "I got a lighter inside of a drawer. Initially, I ignited the curtains, then proceeded to the mattress."
"Impressive. What motive fueled this act?" Ibrahim praised her.
Gripping the blanket tightly, Ava hesitated before revealing, "I wanted to prove that not only you, I can issue threats too. If you persist in keeping me from my apartment, I will... I will set the entire Rahman mansion on fire."
Ibrahim began to laugh. Ava didn't expect Ibrahim to laugh at her admission. His amusement only fueled her frustration.
He leaned forward, asking, "What did you want to achieve by threatening me like this, Ava?"
Ava tried to find the right words. "I wanted my freedom."
Ibrahim was looking puzzled, "Haven't I granted you freedom? You attend university, socialize at cafes and restaurants with friends."
However, Ava's definition of freedom extended beyond these visible aspects, "Freedom is more than that. It's about being able to go anywhere alone, without the constant surveillance. You track my phone, scrutinize every message and phone call—there's no privacy in my life."
Ibrahim was getting angry inside. But he wasn't kind of those men who show his anger on their women. He was doing those for her safety. But He couldn't let her know all.
A heavy sigh escaped Ibrahim's lips, "After your discharge, you can reside in your apartment with Elara, but....."
And Ava's expression suddenly changed from angry to joy. She happily exclaimed, "Really? When will I be discharged?"
Ibrahim chuckled by her reaction. She was looking like a child as if she got her favourite toy. Then Ibrahim said, "Let me finish first, Baby Girl."
Ava nodded, "Okay."
Ibrahim continued, "However, there are conditions. You must stay in constant communication with me, and your phone should never be switched off. Whenever I'll call you have to receive quickly."
.....
The next afternoon bathed the hospital room in soft sunlight. Farah, armed with a tray of food, approached Ava, "Come on, Ava, you need to eat more."
However, Ava was in no mood to comply, "Farah, I appreciate the effort, but I'm really not hungry,"
Farah adopted a mock stern expression. "You can't escape my feeding mission. Open your mouth wide!" she declared, wielding a spoon like a seasoned warrior.
Ava chuckled, "Farah, this is not a battle. I just don't want to eat right now."
Farah persisted, "Oh, it is a battle, my friend. A battle against an empty stomach, and I refuse to lose!"
Ava rolled her eyes, "Farah, you're not my mom. I can feed myself, you know."
Farah retorted, "But where's the fun in that? Let your best friend pamper you a bit."
Ava sighed, relenting a little, "Fine, just a few bites, and then you leave me in peace, okay?"
Farah beamed, "Deal!" She loaded the spoon and approached Ava, ready for the grand feeding ceremony.
As the spoon approached Ava's mouth, she mockingly said, "I feel like a child again. Are you going to make choo-choo train noises too?"
Farah laughed, "If it helps, I might consider it."
There feeding session continued.
"See, wasn't that bite amazing?" Farah teased.
Ava nodded, "Truly life-changing. Now, can I eat the rest in peace?"
Farah exclaimed, "Oh no, this is just the beginning of the feast! Next up, gourmet hospital cuisine."
Ava groaned, "Farah, I thought you were my friend."
Farah winked, "Real friends make sure you eat well. Now, brace yourself for the main course – hospital-approved delicacies." she declared, presenting a tray with a variety of dishes that seemed to defy the typical expectations of hospital food.
Ava raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure the hospital chef approved this?"
Farah winked, "Absolutely! I may have negotiated with them a bit."
Ava laughed, "You negotiated with the hospital kitchen staff? What did you promise them?"
Farah leaned in with a mischievous grin, "Let's just say they might be getting free tickets to the next comedy show in town."
Ava shook her head in amusement, "You and your negotiation skills. I don't know whether to be impressed or worried."
Farah urged her to try a spoonful of a mysterious-looking dish. "Trust me, this is the hospital's best-kept secret. Rumor has it, it even rivals mom's cooking."
Ava took a cautious bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Okay, that's not bad. What is this magical concoction?"
Farah grinned, "I call it 'The Wonder Stew.' Top-secret recipe."
....
Under the moonlit sky, the beach unfolded like a silver carpet. The waves whispered secrets to the shore. The sea breeze carried the scent of salt.
Elara and Farah sat on the sandy shore. Farah's gaze was fixed on the view before them, "Why did you bring me here?"
Elara was looking tired. He was still in police uniform.He came here with Farah after finishing his shift.
He told, "My mind has been troubled lately, and I just wanted to spend some time with you."
Farah smiled, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. She teased, "Should I consider this a date?"
Elara chuckled and shook his head. "No, never. I brought you here to clear our minds a little."
Farah got disappointed, "God knows when you'll realize the value of my love."
Elara took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to the sea. He spoke, "I can't offer you a good life. I've already lost those close to me—my parents, and now my sister Ava, forcefully married to a monster. I can't even protect her, so Farah..." Elara looked at her, "It's better not to involve romantically. I don't want to lose you too. It's better to keep a distance."
Farah's eyes welled with tears, but she held them back. It was not new for her that Elara was rejecting her for the first time. But she felt pain everytime by his rejection.
Focusing on the sea view, Elara continued, "My only motto now is to rescue Ava from Ibrahim. I can't think of myself."
Farah placed a comforting hand on Elara's shoulder. "Ava is getting better. Don't think too much. Whatever is happening, she's handling it well."
"That's the problem, Farah. I know my sister is facing many challenges, but I can't help her. All my plans against Ibrahim are failing." Elara responded.
Farah suggested optimistically, "Maybe Ibrahim and Ava are improving their relationship. I saw them today at hospital. Ibrahim really cared for Ava a lot."
Elara shook his head in disagreement , "There's no normalcy in their relationship, Farah. They are still in the same stage. Ibrahim is just creating a false image of a perfect couple, where Ava is forced to play a part."