Author POV
The hum of the engine and the gentle rhythm of the tires on the road was only sound they can hear as the road was empty. It's been an hour since the journey started.
Shafiyya gazed out of the window, watching world pass by in a blur of colors and shapes lost in her own contemplation. There he sat beside her in the comforting presence of her and his concentration on the road.
As miles stretched before them he found solace in her silence. And he found peace in her unspoken words in her presence.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The white clouds were on there way to go home to let the night sky to spread. And he decided to break the silence.
"As you didn't like my second option , I will go with first. And remember if you deny then I will make you end up as my mistress for sure". He said glancing her but she remained calm like his words didn't affect her.
"I'll drop you now but I will be coming again tomorrow with my mom and sister to ask your hand for marriage". he said without any emotion and she just kept gazing through the window as her hand clutched the bag on her lap.
She was wearing a white frock with matching hijab which enhanced her beauty more, to look like an angel.
Arsh didn't talk anything after that neither she. After two hours of long drive his car halted in front of her house and she let out a sigh in relief seeing her house.
He unlocked the door and she dashed out of the car and ran inside and he followed her.
Shahil was busy watching his favorite cartoon Masha and the bear when he noticed Shafiyya's. Presence.
Seeing his didi he ran towards her spreading his both hands for a hug. She hugged him back tightly and sobed in his small embrace.
"I missed you so much didi" his voice was cracking with the heaviness in his heart.
"I missed you more Shahil" breaking the hug Shafiyya kissed him on his cheeks. Seeing their reunion Arsh stood near the entrance feeling jealous.
Hearing voices, her mom and dad entered the hall. Mariyam ran towards Shafiyya and hugged her tightly. Sulaiman's eyes landed on the man who is standing emotionless watching the scene.
"Beta, where were you? Where did you go? You know how much we were worried about your disappearance". Sulaiman patted her head lovingly, his eyes were teary.
"Dad.... He ..." she tried to say something but she couldn't as it was so much for her to go through in a single day.
"I took her with me, she can't escape me". Arsh said oppressively which made Sulaiman angry.
"How dare you can do this to my daughter?" Sulaiman questioned him with feeling helpless.
"I have already warned you all about that. Despite my warnings you planned her escape, that too when you are aware of my capabilities. I want her and I promise to take care of her with my all life. I will be coming tomorrow at 4 with my family to discuss about the marriage. Think about your family's happiness and peace, if anything goes wrong I will not hesitate to snatch them away from you all". Arsh spoke casually hands inside his pant pockets.
"I hope you don't forget what I told you" he asked looking sternly at Shafiyya which made her hold her dad's arms in out of nervous.
Shuffling Shahil's hair by passing him he left there not waiting for her reply.
.....................
It's been a mix of emotions for Shafiyya. Relief and joy at being reunited with her loved ones, but also fear and trauma from the experiences being with him.
She felt trapped and helpless. The way he behaved with her sent shiver through her spine making her legs go weak. After he went she told everything which happened in the train how she ended up at his home. But didn't tell how he manhandled her. Because she knows they will worry more if she say that.
She felt disturbed thinking he stole her first kiss forcefully. She didn't like how he emotionally manipulated to convinced her to do what he wanted. She was uncomfortable whenever him kissing her flashes in her mind. She hated how he made her feel very weak caging her between him.
She was very sure on one thing which she has no escape from him, he will have her hook or by crook. What he threatened her made restless.
It was 8 at night she did her isha prayer and asked forgiveness from her lord that she let a non mehram to touch her. She asked her lord give strength and power to fight him back. She prayed for her family's happiness and wellness. Folding her prayer mat she went to her parent's room.
Her parents were discussing something when she entered inside. Seeing her state her mom spoke.
"Beta, didn't you sleep? You must be tired. Take rest we can talk in the morning" Mariyam said with a sad face. Seeing her daughter dull and upset made her upset too.
"No mom, I have to talk about something" Shafiyya sat on the bed beside her dad looking at her fingers which were on her lap.
"We know you don't want this to happen. Don't worry. I will try my best to protect you from him"
Sulaimam dad seeing his daughter's sad face.
Shafiyya's eyes became teary hearing what her dad just said. "No dad, I am afraid that he will hurt any one of you, and if anything happens to my family I won't be able to bear it. That too when it's only because of me. He said that he will never leave me. If we didn't agree for the marriage he will keep as his mis...." Her voice cracked as tears rolling down her cheeks.
Seeing her daughter's condition Mariyam and Sulaiman felt empathic.
"Just give up dad. I will marry him. Atleast I will have some respect". She said wiping her tears.
"No beta, there must be a way we can bring you out of this trouble". Her dad tried to console her.
"Please dad. He will harm you all If I again tried to escape him. He threatened me saying this and I have no energy to fight him back. Let's meet his family and agree to the marriage. Please for the sake of your daughter's respect and reputation".
She said clasping and unclasping her hand feeling heavy in her heart.