"You made a mistake and you're going to pay for it." Aryan's sickening smile made her want to spit at him, she wanted to get up and teach him another lesson but her eyes went wide as she realised how her hands were tied, Mashal was suddenly very scared. She wanted to open her mouth and yell at him, but couldn't get herself to even speak a single word. It was too nerve-wracking and scary. This place was too dark and she had no idea where she was. That jerk seemed to be having fun at her expense and she wanted to throw something at him.
"Mashal!" She felt a sudden push, "Mashal, wake up!" The push was hard this time. But wait, she knew this voice. She could identify it anywhere and anytime. It was Murat. What was he doing here? She wondered confusedly. A wave of relief washed over her knowing Murat was here, for her. How did he go from being that jerk of a neighbour to this sweet prince charming, her forever knight in shining armour?
"Mashal, what happened?" He held her securely in his arms, trying to whisper sweet nothings into her ear. She blinked open her eyes, looking lost and confused. Wasn't she tied somewhere in the dark just some time ago? How could she come back to her bedroom, lying safely in her husband's arms in such a short period? She didn't remember much, but Murat seemed as confused as her. She could also see the concern in his eyes.
"Murat, what happened?" Her voice was groggy and tired, he made her sit up, "I was tied somewhere. How did you get me? How did you know where I was? Murat, did Aryan do something to you?" Mashal's eyes widened, thinking about the possibilities of her ex-superior at work causing any harm to her husband.
"Woah, hang in there. What are you talking about? I think you should drink a glass of water first," Murat leaned back to their bedside table and fetched the mug and glass as he poured her some water. Her breathing was uneven and her heart was pounding hard in fear. And drinking a glass of water seemed like a better thing to do.
"Thank you," She whispered shakingly while gulping it down, her husband looked at her with worry-filled eyes. She didn't seem to understand what was happening. But it looked it things made sense suddenly.
"It was a dream!" Finally, the realization dawned upon her. She was so scared and terrified over that stupid dream. It all seemed too real. All because of Aryan Hossain. He was the cause of all this. She felt good that at least he received two slaps. Her father taught her all about self-defence and safety but men like him are extremely crazy. She was sure she has hurt his fragile male ego and he'd be waiting for every possible chance to get back at her.
"Bad dream?" Murat held her shoulders in a comforting way, without a second thought she lunged into his arms, searching for protection from every nasty thing of this world. He was her comfort zone and she needed his warmth so badly at the moment. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her just as tightly. He was protective and equally confused.
"Mashal, babe? You're scaring me, what the hell is this?" He reluctantly broke the hug and made her look at him, "Murat, it's fajr time. Can we pray first?" She couldn't meet his eyes and he looked pissed because of her indifference. It was so stupid but she wanted to get back at him for what he did last night.
"Seriously? You won't share?" His deep black eyes bore daggers at her. She squirmed uncomfortably, trying to get up from the bed but his hold was firm and tight.
"Shall we pray, Murat?" The alarm began to ring just on time making Mashal sigh inwardly. She could feel his intense eyes upon her. But didn't look at them, probably making him angrier.
"You're impossible!" He grunted before throwing the blanket away and got up from the bed.
"Oh yeah? Who was not willing to share what happened last night that you became so closed off and annoyed?" She shot back, fuming in frustration. She sat still on the bed, feeling more annoyed as she thought about it again.
"It's not something you should be worried about." He ran his hands through his hair, walking towards the bathroom to do his ablution.
"This dream is also not your concern then," she yelled back to his retreating figure with a huff. She was stubborn alright.
But his mood did change completely ever since that text message from Chris and he won't share with her what was all that about. His reasoning was- 'it's nothing too important. Don't bother with it' Of course, she was curious after his stupid reasoning and he was persistent about not sharing about it at all, which was very strange. They went to bed in a sour mood. Guess the mood will still continue with her not sharing about her dream.
Both were stubborn and adamant. Mashal groaned inwardly as she followed him to the bathroom.
The morning prayer went in absolute silence and Mashal, Murat, both of them didn't like how things were moving. They were supposed to be happy and clingy because of his early return. Not fighting over who shares what first.
Mashal knew she was crazy. But she has no idea how else to get Murat to talk about what was bothering him. He wants to deal with things himself and it was definitely hurting her feelings. Weren't they supposed to be there with each other in both good and bad times?
At the same time, she knew she can't prolong this conversation with Murat. He deserves to know about this office incident. She just didn't feel like sharing it right away. And it was very hypocritical of him to expect the same from her when he was not ready to share something similar yesterday. He became so closed off and silent after whatever that Chris has sent.
God! She hates that guy and his guts. She just didn't find any positive vibes from him. She might be unreasonable but that's what she felt. She couldn't justify her emotions anyway.
"Coffee," His raspy voice made her go still. She took the mug from him, a surprised look appeared on her face as she gazed at its design.
The mug had a cute Mrs sign printed in calligraphy. He got himself a similar Mr mug. It was matching and screamed cliché. Mashal loved cliches.
"I got this for us, it was a surprise." Murat shrugged as he gazed at the sky. They were standing on the balcony, admiring nature's beauty. The sun was rising slowly and gradually. It was a magnificent sight. The birds began to chirp making him feel back at home. He missed this view for the past twenty-something days. And it felt good to be back.
"Are you alright now?" He asked glancing sideways at her. She was beaming slightly at the mug before sipping her coffee. But his question made her pause. She took a moment to compose herself and said, "I am."
The dream has definitely shaken her up. It felt so real and suddenly, Mashal was very nervous.
"Murat," she gripped his free hands, "I think I am being stupid by making this a game of ego. I just wanted to know what was bothering you so much yesterday. You can't lie to me by saying it's nothing. There's definitely something and your behaviour is so strange ever since that message came."
"Mashal, it's not like that. I didn't want to worry you when I can take care of this myself." Murat sighed while sipping his coffee.
"Exactly, I didn't want to worry you yesterday when you just came back. And today morning I was being petty because you didn't want to share things with me. I know I'm so stupid. Sorry." She paused, feeling overwhelmed.
"Well, this is definitely something serious... I want you to know about this coworker of mine. He's superior at work. He guides newbies like me. And yesterday, I was too distracted because of zero calls from you. I made plenty of mistakes while designing for a magazine's front cover. It was mostly my fault."
Her eyes watered recollecting the evil look Aryan had while cornering her and trying to touch her inappropriately.
"He- he was. He cornered me and scolded me for all the mistakes I did. And suddenly, he tried to touch me inappropriately. There was no one around me. It was an empty office. I was so scared. And I slapped him twice because he groped my waist. I felt so disgusted, Murat. I was so scared and angry. Thank you so much for coming back soon. I needed you so much yesterday." She placed the mug on the balcony's chair, not feeling in the mood for coffee.
She always wanted coffees but not today and that just told how messed up her mind was.
"And you're sharing this now?" Murat seethed in anger, his eyes completely red and furious. The mug fell off his hands, but thankfully it didn't break. It was too cute to break so soon.
"I didn't want to worry you right away yesterday and it slipped out of my mind after that." She felt guilty and couldn't meet his eyes. He cupped her face, making her face him. His face softened as he noticed her tear-filled eyes. She wasn't the one who cries. Mashal has always kept her vulnerable side closed off. But these days she's been showing all her vulnerability to him ever since his work trip. She's keeping all her emotions on her sleeve, like an open book.
"I was so terrified. His evil eyes still haunted me in my dreams. You don't know how relieved I was to see you back yesterday, Murat." He wiped off her tears gently, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, Mashal. I'll take care of whoever this guy is. He'll think twice before touching another woman." He was seething in rage. She leaned against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight.
"I'm still mad at you for not sharing this with me sooner." He glared at her at the end but his voice turned so soft and she melted right away. She nodded nevertheless.
"Well, I didn't want to spoil your mood yesterday when we were so happy but I guess it was spoiled regardless. Chris sent me something which you might have guessed already."
She glanced at him curiously, "I don't like that guy, what was it about anyway?"
Murat sighed inwardly as they broke the hug and she gazed up at him with her pretty brown eyes, "it was an article about us. Something like Eliza Hossain's ex-boyfriend finally moving on and how we both won't last long." He answered and noticed how she became stunned and speechless.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, "that's so mean. Why would they publish something like that?" She asked with a scrunched nose.
Mashal couldn't fathom what is it with the entertainment industry and their obsession with gossips and spreading rumours. It was such a pathetic way of earning money and she clenched her fist in fury.
"Relax. I'll make them take this down. I already asked my manager to take care of this. Don't worry." He squeezed her shoulders, she shook her head, "please do. I don't want mama and papa to find out about this, they'll definitely be upset you know."
"I will try my best, I was so used to being in the limelight and I almost forgot what is to be like not wanting to be on the headlines." Murat chuckled dryly. It wasn't like he is super famous or something, but being with a supermodel ex-girlfriend has made him very used to being in the headlines of the entertainment industry and to think he used to love this stupid fame once upon a time made him feel sick.
"So that's why you were so annoyed, huh?"
"Can we talk about something else?" He asked and she nodded whilst picking his coffee mug from the floor, "should I make another cup for you?"
"No, I'm not in the mood. I thought you liked coffee whenever you're angry, sad or annoyed. So I made some." His causal words made her smile softly.
"That's so thoughtful of you, Murat. Thank you. Maybe I'm being weird today. But I don't want coffee. I just want you to hold me close while I sleep." The wind ruffled through her hair, messing it up slightly. She sets it right with a frown and gazed at him with a cute pout.
"I think we should really sleep," he suppressed a yawn.
On usual days, they'd pray together, watch the sunrise from the balcony. Maybe even make out for some time and get started for the day ahead. But today was not anywhere near normal and sleeping seemed like a really good idea to get rid of this negative world for the time being. They badly wanted to escape from the real world.
"Come on, let's sleep." She clung onto his arms, dragging him to the bed, "God, you're so clingy." He swept her off feet and carried her to their bed. Mashal grinned cheekily forgetting about everything else.
"Don't tell me you don't like it."
Murat couldn't argue with that because it was the ultimate truth. He liked how clingy she gets at times. She has this wild and desire filled eyes every time she looks at him like he means everything to her and that just makes him feel so out of the world. Nothing beats the feeling of being desired and wanted by your spouse and he felt extremely lucky.
"I like everything about you, Mashal." He placed a soft kiss on top of her head as he laid her on their bed.
He was extremely lucky, to be given a second chance at love. And with the right person this time. He knew it was not long before he would fall head over heels with his wife. Maybe he has already fallen in love with her.
***
"I don't think it's the right idea," Mashal was apprehensive as they stood in front of her office building, feeling anxious.
"I want to meet this guy, who dared to touch you. Take me to him, Mashal." Murat's voice was stern and he was adamant about teaching Aryan some lessons. She wasn't very fond of this plan. Murat even wanted her to file a case against him for workplace harassment. But she thought it was too extreme and they were having disagreements ever since.
It was eleven in the morning and the roads were still busy as ever. A bike was almost going to hit her but Murat pulled her away on time and yelled at the bike driver, "are you blind?" But that guy was long gone.
"This road is always busy and we shouldn't be standing here like this, come on." Mashal started walking ahead but he intertwined her hands tightly and walked along with her. Almost as if fearing if he let it go, something would happen to her.
Mashal loved his overprotective side. It makes her feel like a pampered princess and she loved that feeling.
"Why am I nervous, Murat?" She gripped his arms tightly as they stepped into the elevator.
"You shouldn't be, it was not your fault and where did my bad-ass wife go?" He glanced at her sideways as they entered the elevator. She took deep breaths and gave him a tight-lipped smile. She has no idea what is he going to do with Aryan but she was here to quit. It didn't feel so safe here anymore.
"Mashal, why are you so late?" One of her co-workers named Aira, who was also present in the elevator, asked her curiously.
"I was sick," She lied, not wanting her to assume anything else. Aira nodded in understanding.
That girl had too many files in her hands, so she forwarded her hands, "give me some, I'll hold them for you."
"Such a sweetheart, thank you." The person placed some in her hands and stood straight, her eyes lingered a bit on Murat.
Mashal glared at her back while Murat stifled his laughter.
"Thanks again, I'll take it from here." The brunette took her files and walked away not before eyeing Murat once again. Mashal can't even blame her. Her husband was too charming to not look at.
"This way," She grunted annoyedly while Murat received many more appreciative glances.
"Why are you so handsome?" She whisper at him with mad eyes, not liking how all the ladies staff were looking at him.
"You do wonders to my ego, babe." He slid one of his hands around her shoulders, making her cheeks flush. She tried to get away, not wanting to be unprofessional at her workplace. Although she's going to quit within a few minutes.
"Ah, Mashal. You came. I didn't think you would be so daring to show up here," It was that familiar annoying voice that made her freeze on her spot. Her heartbeats rose frantically as she stepped behind but a wave of relief washed over her as Murat's protective hands came to hold hers. He gave her a small nod.
"Who is this? And why are you so late?" Aryan Hossain asked her with a smug expression but as he eyed Murat again, something like recognition passed through his eyes.
Murat too seemed shocked for a second but his eyes turned furious the next second.
"So the news was true after all," Aryan smirked in his direction but the next second he fell on the floor as a strong punch was landed on his nose.
Mashal and all others in the office gasped in shock. There was pin-drop silence for a moment before they all began to talk among themselves, expressing their surprise and shock.
"How dare you touch my wife?" Murat bent down and landed another strong punch, "the next time you eye someone inappropriately, I hope you remember this!" He tried to hit him again but Mashal came forward to stop him.
"Murat, that's enough. My boss is here." She hissed trying to pull him, he gave her a look and then eyed her boss, who was surprised with all the happenings.
"You? What the heck are you doing in my office?" Kaif Mir couldn't believe who was standing in his office.
Murat gave him a smug smile as he stood straight, it was the first time they're seeing each other face to face.
"Tell your brother in law to keep his hands to himself, he can't go around touching someone else's wife and expect no reaction."
Aryan winced in pain as he stood up as well. He passed furious glances to Mashal and Murat, "you'll pay for this! Both of you."
Mashal passed confused glances at Murat, Aryan and then at her boss. How the heck do they all know each other?
"Your wife works here? Why was I not aware of this?" Kaif's jaw clenched as he turned around, staring at all his staff. Trying to find out who that wife was.
"You're aware of it now, she's my wife and she'll be filing a complaint on your dear brother in law about sexual assault. How fun!" Murat smirked evilly. Mashal has never seen him like this before. So cold and evil. It was like he had some personal vengeance against both Aryan and Kaif, but why?
She wasn't even aware that Aryan was Kaif's brother in law but how does Murat know all this?
"So you are the reason we lost the recent projects, huh?" Kaif's eyes were now on her, his eyes were red in anger. She shook her head, trying to explain.
"What projects? I'm not understanding."
"Stop acting so innocent, I can't believe you let your wife spy on us. That AH project should have been ours, you are such a sneaky bastard." Kaif seethed in rage and then eyed Mashal again, "you're fired. I don't want you working here anymore, Mashal Murat Saeed. I can't believe you are so cheap."
"Not as cheap as you, sleeping with someone else's girlfriend shamelessly," Murat added bitterly and the murmurs and whispers increased among the staff. They all knew who Murat was and what was he referring to. The only clueless person was Mashal.
"I was going to resign anyway," She walked towards her desk and collected her things. Everyone's eyes were on the whole time while Murat waited patiently for her. But she was too hurt to care about that.
So Kaif was the new boyfriend of the famous supermodel Eliza Hossain? That's why Murat was stunned when she mentioned him the first time. Which only meant Aryan Hossain was Eliza's brother.
It all made sense.
Her simple and normal life is no longer normal anymore. She didn't know how to feel about this one. A little heads up about Kaif would have been nice but having too many expectations always hurts. Why did she think he should have told her this anyway? But he should have, right?
She deserved to know that.
They walked out of her office with no further words exchanged.
"Mashal?" He tried to touch her arms, but she flinched trying to get away.
"What happened? What's wrong?" Murat stopped her from walking and looked into her eyes.
"Nothing, can we go now? Carry them for me." She dumped all her office belongings into his hands and walked away from there. While he stood rooted to his spot, confused and sceptical.
"What did I do?" He asked himself while following her along.
"Mashal, I'm confused. Please enlighten me why you are so mad?" Murat asked her while keeping all her things in the backseat and sat in, she huffed whilst wearing her seatbelt.
"I'm not mad!"
"Oh yeah?"
"Please stop talking in circles. I like it when you're straightforward." He muttered while starting the car.
"Straightforward, huh?" She scoffed and looked away.
"What does that supposed to mean?" He made her face him and noticed the hurt in her eyes, he was genuinely confused now. What did he do?
"Is it about Kaif?" He cursed under his breath and eyed her guiltily.
"Didn't you think I should have been told about this?" Mashal wanted to stop talking with him for some time but she couldn't stop herself from asking.
"About Kaif being your ex-girlfriend's new guy. It really does feel like I'm spying for you all these days."
"But you didn't, and I didn't think it was a big deal," Murat muttered not sounding his usual self. He knew he was wrong here.
"It is a big deal. I know how much you hate that guy. Had you told me before I would have stopped working for him a long ago, It could have saved us from so much hurt." Mashal threw her hands up dramatically and looked away once again.
"Don't you think you're exaggerating this? I know I should have told you about Kaif. I'm sorry." He sighed while stopping at the signal.
A little boy who was selling roses knocked at his windows, Murat opened it with a polite smile and eyed all the roses he had with him. It wasn't much.
"I want them all," he told the kid, whose face lit up brightly.
"Thank you so much, sir. I haven't eaten for two days. Thank you," the boy gave Murat all of his roses and took the money, "but this is extra. I don't want it. I only want what's supposed to mine." He politely declined the extra money which Murat gave him.
Mashal's heart warmed seeing this kind act. She liked how Murat was so generous and also how the boy refused extra money. She prayed that he never goes to sleep without proper food. That little moment made her appreciate whatever luxuries her parents have given her all this while. And now her husband was doing the same.
"He seems like a good boy. I hope he finds proper food," Murat gave those roses to her, she smiled at it before taking it from him.
Mashal smells the bouquets of roses and a small smile appeared on her face but it didn't last long, "they all must be thinking I was your spy. Ugh. Why did my life turn so dramatic?"
"Who cares what they think? You know that you're not any spy. So what's the big deal?" Murat eyed her sideways while trying to hold her hands but she pulled them away, "I care about what they think of me. I do."
He groaned inwardly and gave her a disappointed stare, "you're such a people pleaser. It frustrates me sometimes."
Mashal opened her mouth to argue but couldn't find the right words. No one has ever told her she's trying to please people but maybe she was.
She can't tolerate if anyone would talk bad about her. Her little heart could never take that. And Mashal made sure that she gave zero chance for anyone to judge her or talk behind her back. She cared about others' opinions too much sometimes.
"Whatever, Murat. Still doesn't change the fact that you let me work for your ex's boyfriend. I should have given a heads-up at least this morning when you were driving here, knowing very well that he is going to be there."
"This argument seems so pointless to me. Do you want to fight with me because you want to?"
"Maybe I do." She snapped.
The ride to his parents' home went in absolute silence after that.
Mashal had no idea why she was being so unreasonable right now. It wasn't a big deal that he has hidden this from her. But for her, it was. She was still mad about the article thing. He wasn't going to share it with her if not for that dream. These days, she was starting to notice things about him which aren't just attractive but also plain annoying. No one is perfect anyway. It shouldn't matter so much.
Or maybe the honeymoon phase has ended so soon.
Relationships and marriages are not a piece of cake after all.