Sahira woke to an empty space beside her. The storm had relinquished its fury, leaving behind an unsettling quiet. A sliver of pre-dawn light sliced through the darkness, casting long shadows across the room. Arsalan was gone.Her gaze darted towards the bathroom, but it was empty. A pang of concern flickered in her chest, extinguished by a flutter of anticipation as her eyes landed on the note on the bedside table.With trembling fingers, she unfolded the note. Sweetheart , it began, an emergency at the hospital. Had to rush in. But be ready, my love, for lunch at a fancy restaurant after I'm done.A slow smile spread across Sahira's lips. Memories of the previous night washed over her, bringing a heat to her cheeks that rivaled the blush of dawn. His touch, his warmth, his love - they all lingered, a sweet aftertaste. Last night, he had been so gentle, so tender, as if she were a delicate porcelain doll, one wrong touch threatening to shatter her into a million pieces."I love you, Arsalan," she whispered shyly, burying her face in her hands.She freshened up , took a nice warm bath and prayed the fajr salah. After praying salah, she went back to sleep again.The second time Sahira woke, a jolt of panic surged through her. Eight o'clock glared back at her from the bedside table. She was late, hopelessly late for university. Throwing off the covers, she dashed for the bathroom, grabbing her essentials on the way.Mary's gentle voice calling after her about breakfast went unheeded. Sahira would grab something from the university canteen, a familiar routine under time pressure.Hurriedly, she slipped into her hijab and abaya and rushed outside. Sliding into the backseat of the car, she met Samaira's gaze in the rearview mirror."Samaira, please drive fast," Sahira pleaded, her voice breathless.Samaira, a woman weathered by life but with eyes that still held a quiet kindness, nodded sympathetically. At forty, she had become a pillar of support for the household after her husband's passing. He used to be the one behind the wheel, but now, Samaira steered them wherever the woman of the house needed to go somewhere.Despite the age difference, an unlikely friendship had blossomed between Sahira and Samaira. A soft smile played on Samaira's lips. "Sahira, is everything alright? You look radiant today, like you're glowing."Sahira felt a familiar warmth creep up her cheeks, the memories of last night a secret smile playing behind her eyes."It's nothing like that," Sahira mumbled, flustered by Samaira's perceptive gaze.Samaira chuckled knowingly. "There's definitely something. A secret smile you can't quite hide. Allahumma barik alaihi," she said, her voice warm with sincerity. "May Allah protect your happiness from the evil eye.""Everyone will be back home by tomorrow, inshallah. I've been so bored staying home alone,," Sahira offered quickly, the excuse tasting faintly like guilt on her tongue. Arsalan's message was a secret she wasn't ready to share yet. "How are the kids' studies going, by the way?" she asked, expertly steering the conversation.A chime from her phone sliced through the air. Sahira's heart skipped a beat as she unlocked it, a flicker of anticipation dancing in her eyes. A message from Arsalan. Just a peek, she thought, unable to resist. Her lips curved into a secret smile as she began to read."Can't stop thinking about you already. Missing your smile like crazy! Are you missing me too?"Sahira didn't reply neither , seen it. She didn't know what to reply him. She just kept blushing.After class, Sahira practically skipped to the canteen.She opted for her usual vegan meal and joined her friends at their table. Sarah, Mariam, Genelle, and Sandy greeted her with a chorus of hellos.Sarah was an American-born Bangladeshi, and Mariam was a Pakistani girl. Sandy and Genelle were already Mariam's friends, and Sahira had quickly become close to them too. Soon after, Mehek and Christina joined them. Mehek was an Indian girl. "So, what topic did you get for the literature class assignment? I got Shakespeare. What a boring topic," Sandy asked, making a face."I got to write about Artificial Intelligence," Mariam said, she was already lost in a textbook, occasionally popping a chip into her mouth without looking up. A playful tug-of-war erupted between Mariam and Sandy, the self-proclaimed drama queen, over the last chip in the bag."Honestly, Mariam," Sandy declared with mock offense, "is that any way to treat a friend? Sharing is caring, you know!"Mehek, usually the quiet observer of the group, chuckled softly from beside Sahira. They'd all bonded quickly over their shared dedication to their studies, a fact that earned them the playful (and sometimes slightly self-deprecating) nickname of "The Nerd Herd." But beneath the textbooks and endless discussions, a genuine friendship blossomed.As the laughter subsided, Christina, usually the voice of reason, turned to Sahira. "So, Sahira, what topic did you get for the literature assignment?"Seeing Sandy and Mariam's playful bickering, Sahira stifled a laugh. Turning to Christina, she replied, "Actually, my topic's a little heavy - the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki." Her gaze drifted to her lunch tray, the plain rice and steamed vegetables looking particularly unappetizing. A pang of longing hit her for the spicy curries and tangy chutneys she was used to back home. Maybe skipping breakfast wasn't the best idea. Next time, she vowed to grab something before class."Wow, that's a really interesting topic," Christina said, genuinely intrigued. "What about you, Mehek?" she asked, turning to the quiet girl.Mehek, who usually preferred observing the group's antics to actively participating, surprised them all with a sly smile. "Organized crime," she replied, her voice a low murmur.Sandy's head snapped up like a dog hearing a whistle. "Organized crime? Seriously? Why didn't I get that topic?" she exclaimed, her voice rising an octave. The entire canteen seemed to turn towards their table."You...you like organized crime?" Mehek asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.Sandy threw her hands up dramatically. "Like it? Girl, I love it! Mafia stories are my jam. Every movie, every documentary, I've seen them all. My dream is to have a handsome Mafia boss fall for me, sweep me off my feet, and whisker me away to his luxurious mansion." Leaning forward, she rested her chin on her hands, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Just imagine, me and my hot Mafia Husband..."The room seemed to fall silent as Genelle, who'd been engrossed in her sketchbook moments ago, spoke up. "The life of a Mafia boss is a far cry from Hollywood, Sandy," she said, her voice quiet but firm. All eyes turned to her, a collective curiosity replacing the amusement that had colored the conversation."My dad works in the police," Genelle continued, a somber note creeping into her voice. "Just a few days ago, they found body parts scattered across the city. Parts of a man who used to be involved with the Mob, but wanted out. He became an informant, hoping to escape that world." A shiver ran down Sahira's spine as Genelle paused, letting the weight of her words sink in."They found him and finished him off," she finished, her gaze fixed on Sandy. "The world you see in movies? It's a brutal game, and the consequences are deadly."The air crackled with a newfound tension. Sandy swallowed hard, the dreamy glint in her eyes replaced by a flicker of fear.Genelle's voice, usually soft-spoken, took on a steely edge. "And the wives, Sandy? They're not part of some glamorous fantasy. They're trophies, kept hidden to maintain a facade of normalcy. Their husbands are notorious players, with a trail of broken hearts in their wake. And if things go south," she paused, letting the silence stretch, "the wives are simply forgotten. Disappearances with no questions asked."A collective gasp rippled through the group. Sahira felt a cold dread pool in her stomach. Mariam's face drained of color. Even the ever-exuberant Sandy sat stunned, the playful glint in her eyes extinguished."That's...horrific," Mariam finally managed, her voice barely a whisper.Genelle, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, continued, "My dad's in the police. He deals with this darkness every day. Just last week, a case crossed his desk - a brutal revenge killing. A Mafia leader, consumed by rage, threw his rival's children onto a burning pyre."The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Sandy, her face pale, stammered, "H-how do you know so much about this?""Criminal psychology fascinates me," Genelle explained. "Whenever I get the chance, I delve into my dad's case files." A shiver ran down Sahira's spine as the others murmured in agreement."So, Sandy," Mariam chimed in, a hint of teasing returning to her voice, "still dreaming of your Mafia prince charming?"A faint blush crept onto Sandy's cheeks. "Well, maybe not a Mafia boss anymore," she admitted sheepishly. "Perhaps a billionaire will do?"Mariam shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You're hopeless, Sandy," she said, and a wave of relieved laughter washed over the group.A wave of nausea washed over Sahira as Genelle's words painted a nightmarish picture. Silently, she offered a prayer of gratitude, thanking Allah (God) with a fervor she hadn't felt before. Her husband, Arsalan, was a doctor, a healer, the complete opposite of the ruthless figures Genelle described. Relief, warm and sweet, bloomed in her chest.-----------He was drenched in blood. As soon as he entered the bathroom, he removed the blood-soaked gloves from his hands and threw them into the dustbin. Taking off all his clothes, he stood under the shower, placing both hands on the wall,rigid as a statue, letting the relentless drumming beat down on him.The water was so hot that steam was rising from it, enough to scald anyone. But his steel-like body was accustomed to it. The water washed away the blood from his body.After a good shower, he put on a bathrobe and stood in front of the washbasin. His dark, thick hair was spread across his forehead. He picked up a lens case and took out the black lenses, putting them into his eyes. His bright blue eyes were hidden beneath the black lenses.He always did this. He always kept them hidden, a secret locked away beneath a facade.Otherwise, people might discover who he truly was.He walked towards the walk-in closet, which was the size of a small apartment, filled with designer clothes.He glanced over the clothes and selected his favorite ones.As he was buttoning his shirt, a faint melody reached his ears. It wasn't coming from a phone; it was emanating from the bracelet on his wrist. To onlookers, it appeared to be an ordinary, expensive bracelet. But it was a device he used to communicate with his men.A tap on the smooth surface, and a holographic figure flickered to life, a man rendered in shimmering light, so real it seemed he could step out of the shimmering image."Boss, the job is done without any hiccups. The entire shipment will arrive by noon," the man reported."Excellent. Make sure the entire shipment reaches the warehouse safely by tonight," he ordered in a low, yet firm voice."Yes, boss. Everything will be done by tonight. You don't need to worry," Viktor assured."I don't worry, Viktor. You should. Because Ezel does not forgive any mistakes. And one more thing, do not disturb me today. I will call you tomorrow myself," Ezel finished his sentence and ended the call.His voice was so cold that shiver ran down Viktor's spine. He had never learned to wait for anyone.Ezel, fully dressed, stepped out of the closet room. As soon as he entered the room, he saw his butler, Antonio, standing with the landline phone, waiting for him."Master Ezel," Antonio said, his voice as smooth as polished marble. "Sir Karim called. He expressed concern that your phone was switched off."Ezel grunted in acknowledgment, taking the phone with a predatory grace. Antonio retreated silently, leaving Ezel alone with the humming receiver.A growl rumbled through the line before Karim's voice, laced with barely contained fury, erupted. "Arsalan, where are you? Everyone at the hospital is waiting for you,"Ezel's lips curved into a chilling smile. Karim, his childhood friend, was the only one who dared speak to him in such a manner. Anyone else would have vanished without a trace for such disrespect."Tell them," Ezel spoke, his voice a silky threat, "that I won't be gracing the hospital with my presence today, nor tomorrow. Today, I dedicate myself entirely to my... new bride."Karim fell silent upon hearing this."You got married?" Karim asked in disbelief."Yes," Arsalan answered calmly, putting his hand in his pocket."To whom?" Karim asked, and the innocent face of Sahira appeared before Arsalan's eyes."My uncle's daughter," he replied thoughtfully. Sahira seemed like an innocent deer to him, and he liked her immensely from the very first sight. He didn't know what exactly he liked about her. Perhaps her innocence or her tearful eyes. Maybe that's why he married her immediately when his father suggested it."And Svetlana? What about her? She wishes to marry you," Karim asked the question that had been bothering him."Svetlana's past wishes don't change my present reality. I'm married now. Please inform her accordingly.Now, I have to go, Karim. My wife must be waiting for me."Arsalan hung up the phone with a mocking tone.As soon as he ended the call, Antonio reentered the room and took the landline from Arsalan."Tell anyone who calls for Arsalan that he's unavailable," Arsalan ordered, picking up his phone and leaving the room.---------After finishing all her classes, Sahira, along with Mariam and Christina, came out of the university, ready to head home."Who's that handsome guy?" Christina asked, gesturing across the street.Sahira's breath hitched. Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs as she followed Christina's gaze. A tall figure, broad-shouldered and impeccably dressed, leaned against a sleek black car. He turned his head just then, their eyes meeting across the distance. A slow smile spread across his face, sending a jolt of electricity through Sahira.Mariam and Christina watched, mouths agape, as Sahira, seemingly mesmerized, detached herself from the group and walked towards the man. He straightened, his smile widening, and a warmth bloomed in Sahira's chest."You?" she stammered, a shy smile gracing her lips."Remember our lunch date?" he chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Thought I'd surprise you. Ready to go?"Sahira could only manage a breathless nod. He held out a hand, and with a touch that sent a spark up her arm, he helped her into the passenger seat."Thanks," she murmured, the word barely audible.As the sleek car pulled away, Mariam and Christina exchanged bewildered glances.------Sahira was looking out of the window. Suddenly, a gentle pressure on her hand startled her. Her breath hitched as she realized their fingers were intertwined. A blush bloomed across her cheeks, hot and sudden."Lost in thought?" Arsalan's voice was a low rumble, his gaze intense. Sahira felt a familiar flutter in her chest, a mixture of nervousness and something else, something exhilarating. She looked away, unable to hold his gaze for long."No," she mumbled, the word barely a whisper."Then why the silence, Sahira?" Arsalan's amusement was a faint glint in his eyes. He couldn't help but be intrigued by her blush, a reaction so foreign to the steely resolve he'd cultivated for years. Throughout his life, emotions had been a luxury he couldn't afford. His sole focus - conquering the world - had left no room for such things.Yet, here he was, captivated by this shy girl who was now, inexplicably, his wife."It's nothing," Sahira stammered, stealing another glance at him."Are you... shy?" he asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.The question felt like a spotlight on her cheeks, turning them a deeper shade of crimson. She couldn't hold his gaze, the intensity of it making her feel both exposed and strangely safe.Arsalan's laugh, rich and unexpected, startled Sahira even further. "You know, you're absolutely adorable when you blush," he teased. He leaned in, brushing a kiss against the back of her hand, a gesture both intimate and strangely clinical.This made Sahira bite her lower lip and blush even more."Don't be shy, sweetheart," Arsalan murmured, his voice smooth as velvet. "We have a lot to learn about each other, wouldn't you agree?"Sahira managed a weak nod.Arsalan didn't push further and focused on driving. However, he didn't let go of her hand. He would never let go of this hand now. As Arsalan tightened his grip on her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers in a possessive hold,she smiled.Little did she know, the future that stretched before them was far more terrifying than she could ever imagine.---------If you are liking this story vote and drops some comments to motivate me ❤️❤️❤️