A luxurious bungalow—
where comfort and grandeur were etched into every wall.
Nothing was lacking, nothing excessive.
Everything existed in perfect balance.
In the center of the spacious hall, a dignified man in his fifties, Haris, sat on the sofa, deeply engrossed in reading an Urdu newspaper.
Yet this morning…
was different from every other morning.
It felt as though an unnamed restlessness had settled into the air of the house—
as if every heartbeat within these walls had begun to race.
The reason was clear.
The most cherished daughter of the house, the apple of everyone’s eye—
Aram—
was waiting for her graduation result today.
“Here you go,”
said the graceful woman Ifrah, placing a cup of tea in front of her husband as she walked in from the kitchen.
A hint of anxiety rested on her face, while her eyes glowed with a mother’s quiet faith.
In a soft voice, she spoke,
“I don’t know why, but my heart feels restless today…
though I have complete faith in my daughter—
and in my God as well.”
Haris placed the newspaper aside and smiled reassuringly.
“My dear, you worry too much.
After all, the world survives on hope.”
At that very moment, someone was watching them from the upper floor—
eyes filled with strange arrogance,
a false authority plastered across her face.
It was Hiba—
the most arrogant and self-absorbed woman of the house.
She descended slowly and sat near them, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“So, have you shut down the company today?”
“Any special reason?”
She had no emotional attachment to Haris,
nor to this house.
The only thing she truly loved was money.
Haris replied calmly, maintaining his dignity.
“Aram’s result is being announced today.
I thought I’d go to the office a little late.”
Displeasure crept deeper into Hiba’s expression.
“Why so much concern?
She’ll pass anyway.”
With composed patience, Haris said,
“What can I do, Sister-in-law?
I’m her father… concern comes naturally.”
Ifrah heard every word,
but knowing Hiba’s nature, she chose silence over argument.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Elsewhere,
in another luxurious house in the same city—
It was already noon.
Yet someone was still lost in the valley of sleep.
A throbbing headache pulsed relentlessly,
and perhaps sleeping shirtless had long been one of his careless habits.
Suddenly, the shrill ring of a phone shattered his peace.
Annoyed, he picked it up without checking the caller.
“Brother!”
a loud voice echoed from the other side.
“I’m not deaf!” he snapped irritably.
“Who gave you permission to disturb me so early?”
“Early?” his sister laughed.
“Brother, it’s twelve in the afternoon!”
“This is ridiculous… why do you talk so much?”
he muttered while getting out of bed.
“My head already hurts.”
Concern crept into her voice.
“Headache?
Looks like you were in a club again last night!
Oh God, what will I do with you?”
He replied lazily,
“I’ll be ready and come down in ten minutes.
Tell Ammi to make coffee for me.”
“If this continues, Father will be really angry today—
he’s already furious!”
But the call had already ended.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Back in Haris’s house,
Hiba’s poisonous tongue showed no signs of restraint.
“You people have spoiled her with too much love!”
No one dared to respond.
Standing behind them, Marwan had heard everything.
The hatred Hiba held for Aram—
was matched by the boundless love Marwan carried for her.
A one-sided love.
With a gentle smile, he spoke,
“I think, Ammi, you’re the one truly worried—
that’s why you’re saying so much.”
Hiba shot him a sharp glare.
Calmly, Marwan continued,
“First of all, we haven’t spoiled her—
we’ve only given her a place in our hearts.
And someone so pure…
even thinking ill of her feels like a sin.”
Hiba’s hatred deepened further.
“It’s been quite a while… Aram still hasn’t arrived,”
said Haris, glancing at his watch.
It was already one in the afternoon.
Just then, a playful yet melodious voice echoed from behind—
“Alhamdulillah!
At least someone remembered me!”
Everyone turned toward the door—
smiles lighting up their faces instantly.
Everyone—
except Hiba.
“Rank first!”
Aram announced, her eyes sparkling with pride.
“I felt like you all doubted me.”
This was Aram.
A girl whose voice, manners, and beauty—
along with her pure heart—captivated everyone.
A girl whose faith in her Lord was unshakable.
Marwan spoke softly,
“I had faith in you.
It’s just Ammi and Abbu who worry unnecessarily.”
Only Ifrah noticed the love hidden in his gaze—
no one else even sensed it.
Aram handed her trophy and result to her father.
Ifrah stood up, kissed her forehead, and prayed,
“May you always remain happy, my child.
May Allah grant you every happiness in this world. Ameen.”
At that moment, Hiba’s bitter voice cut through the warmth.
“You’ve studied enough.
There’s no need to do anything further.”
Aram looked at her—
yet held her composure firmly.
“Baba, you know I’m interested in law…
May I take admission for further studies?”
Haris gently placed his hand on his daug
hter’s head.
“We’ll talk about this later.
I’m getting late for the office.”
He left hurriedly.
Aram’s calm determination shattered Hiba’s arrogance—
but her hatred multiplied many times over
---
End of Chapter One.
✧ Author’s Note ✧
This is my first chapter.
I hope your time wasn’t wasted.
If you liked this chapter,
your single vote means the world to me.
Your love is my strength.
—
Yours, Fab đź–¤
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