Author's POV

"Saim!"

Saim heard the voice he least expected.

He was behind bars. Looking up, he found Reema standing there.

"Why did you come here?" he asked suspiciously.

"Just wanted to see how you'd look behind the bars," she said, her tone laced with accusation.

"Are you happy to see me here?" he asked, a wave of sadness washing over him as he realized Reema was speaking to him with such hatred.

"I don’t know... I loved you, and it hurts to know my choice wasn’t right," she said, wiping the corner of her eyes. Something shattered inside Saim at her words.

"The man I chose turned out to be characterless and a womanizer," she added, her eyes burning with contempt.

Saim gripped the bars tightly.

"Aina was right... You raped her and tried to escape, but your family forced you to marry her. Otherwise, she would have never agreed to marry a man like you!"

"Shut up! Just shut up!" he yelled, banging his hands on the bars.

"Don’t you dare take my Ain’s name! She would never say such a thing. She trusts me—she believes me! She doesn’t think so low of me like you do!" His face flushed with emotion. He refused to believe Reema’s words—that Aina would ever see him that way.

"Now I’m glad I didn’t marry you. I’m thankful Aina is my wife!" he spat with fury.

Reema gritted her teeth, holding back the storm of words she wanted to unleash. She needed to play it smart.

"I trusted you too. That’s why, even after Aina’s constant warnings, I didn’t quit the office. Aina used to visit me in the office or my flat, telling me I wasn’t safe around you... that I should leave the country. And now I feel lucky I wasn’t doomed to be the wife of a womanizer like you!" She took a breath before continuing.

"But after you harassed that girl, my trust shattered. How could I trust a man whose own wife says such things? I saw that woman crying in your office for her dignity!"

"If you’re trying to shake my faith in my Ain, then remember one thing," Saim said, stepping closer with a mocking smile,

"My trust in her is stronger than anything. I trust my wife—she would never tarnish my name, not even in front of my ex."

Reema turned away, but a wicked smirk spread across her face.

I will shatter your trust, Saim—so brutally that you won’t even be able to think straight. I’ll turn you into a wounded lion who destroys Aina in the cruellest way possible,

she thought. Her hatred for Aina now surpassed her love for Saim. The more Saim trusted and cared for Aina, the deeper Reema's hatred grew. She knew Saim didn’t love Aina—he only trusted her. And it was that trust Reema was determined to destroy.

••••••••••••••••••••

Aina's POV

I was waiting—hoping—someone would come and tell me Saim had been proven innocent. I knew he hadn’t done anything wrong. That girl had framed him.

"Aina..."

Mama sat beside me on the sofa.

"Eat something, beta (dear). You haven’t eaten since morning," she said gently, caressing my cheek.

"No Mama... I just want Saim. Please bring him back. Mama, he didn’t do anything!" I sobbed as she embraced me.

"Calm down meri jaan (my life). Everything will be fine. Saim will come back," she comforted, patting my back.

I was finding solace in my mother's arms when my phone buzzed. Pulling away, I searched for my phone. It was an unknown number. I didn’t want to answer it, but then a message popped up:

"It’s urgent, Aina. About Saim."

That made me pick up the call.

"How are you?"

A woman’s voice came through. Standing up, I moved to the corner—it felt important.

"Who is this?" I asked, not recognizing her voice.

"Let’s have a talk. I’ll send you the address. Don’t tell anyone if you want Saim out of jail."

My eyes widened—it was Reema.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"I have proof that Saim is innocent... that the girl framed him."

My eyes widened even more.

"Don’t you dare tell anyone about this or say my name. Meet me first. Come to the address I'll send. If you open your mouth, forget about Saim ever being declared innocent."

With that, she hung up.

I stood there in shock, the phone still pressed to my ear.

"What happened, beta? Who called? Was it your father?" Mama voice snapped me out of it. I looked at her.

"No... a friend. I need to go."

I quickly went to my room and grabbed my purse.

"Aina beta, where are you going?" mama followed me.

"Mama, I have to go... InshaAllah (God willing), I will prove Saim’s innocence." I patted her shoulder and stepped out of the house.

Tayi Ammi (aunt) also questioned me, but what could I say? I didn’t even know what was happening myself. I just knew I would do anything to save my husband. His reputation was at stake. I wouldn't let anyone tarnish it.

-----------------

Author's POV

Aina rang the bell and stood outside the flat Reema had told her to come to. It wasn’t far from their house, but she felt nervous.

"Welcome, dear."

Reema opened the door with a wide smile.

"Why did you call me here?" Aina asked nervously, glancing around.

"Come inside. Don’t worry, I won’t harm you." Reema stepped aside to let her in. Aina took a deep breath and entered.

"Why did you call me here? And what proof..." Aina began, but Reema cut her off.

"It’s beautiful, isn’t it? This flat?"

She gestured around the room with a soft smile.

"Saim and I chose this together. He wanted to spend some quality time with me here after our marriage—away from the family."

She spoke fondly, remembering their visit. Saim was a reserved man, but sometimes he’d surprise her with small romantic gestures that made her day.

Aina felt her heart clench at Reema’s dreamy expression. She looked around the cozy 1BHK flat. It was beautiful—but to Aina, it had just become the most hateful place in the world. Her husband had chosen this place... for another woman.

"But you destroyed our dream!"

Reema suddenly turned and shouted. Aina stumbled back in fear.

"And I will never forgive you!" she declared like a vow. Aina’s eyes filled with tears.

"Reema aapi, please forgive me. I would have never done that if Saim loved you too. I asked him... and he said you’re a very nice girl and he liked you, but he hadn’t fallen in love. That’s why I took that step. I’ve loved him for as long as I can remember. I’ve only ever imagined my life with him. Please, forgive me and leave us alone."

Aina joined her hands, pleading.

"Forgive you?!"

Reema grabbed her arms tightly.

"Didn’t you hear me? I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!" she screamed. Aina flinched, trying to wriggle free from her grip. She finally jerked her hands away.

"It’s okay if you don’t want to forgive me," Aina said, rubbing her arms.

"But please... give me the proof of Saim’s innocence. You said you had it?"

"Yes, I do," Reema smirked, crossing her arms.

"But I have one condition."

Aina swallowed hard.

"What condition?"

*****************

Life is unpredictable. One moment, you’re happy with the way it’s going, and the next—you feel like life is slipping away.

Aina and Saim had been happy with their lives. They never imagined it would take a 360-degree turn like this.

She didn't know how long it had been she was walking on the road, unaware of the speeding vehicles around her. Her eyes held fear—fear of losing something more precious than life itself.

Because he was her life. Her breath. Her heartbeat. Her everything.

How could she lose him?

But she couldn’t let his reputation be ruined. She couldn’t let him suffer because of her. She couldn’t choose a life where he would be as good as dead. She remembered the last time it happened—how long it took for Saim to pull himself out of that dark place. That accusation... that guilt... it haunted him for months.

She couldn’t let him be destroyed again. Even if it meant destroying herself—she would save him.

She stood at the door of her house and stepped inside. She was shocked to find everyone gathered in the living room. And there he was—Saim—wrapped in Shamim’s arms. She was crying.

Aina stepped forward. Saim looked up and exhaled in relief. He rushed to her and pulled her into his arms.

"I was looking for you!" he whispered, holding her tightly.

"You’re back!" she wrapped her arms around him instantly. She still couldn’t believe it.

"Hmm... they got a video of my office room. It showed that the girl had framed me. They released me and took her into custody. Whoever trapped me... also saved me before the case went to court," he explained.

He knew someone else was behind all of this. It wasn’t the girl—because if it was, she wouldn’t have handed over the footage that proved her guilty. He wanted to know who was really trying to destroy his reputation. That’s why he told the police: if that girl confessed who made her do this, they could release her.

***************

"Aina beta, have something."

Aina was staring at her plate when Zubaida called her, but she was too lost to hear anyone. Saim looked beside him and frowned. Aina looked far too detached to even notice her surroundings. Everyone turned toward her.

"Ain?"

Saim gently held her cold hand, startling her. She looked up at him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, squeezing her icy hand.

"Wo... haan... I’m okay," she replied, stammering.

"I think Aina is still shaken by everything that happened this morning," Hameed said, clearly worried for the little girl.

"Yes, Aina cried so much when the police took you," Shamim added, concern in her eyes.

"But Aina, you didn’t tell us where you went in the evening?"

Aina felt herself trembling. She grabbed the glass of water and gulped it down in one go before rising from her place. Without responding, she turned and walked away. Her eyes were burning, and her steps were unsteady. She just wanted to get away. She didn’t know what she might do in this state of fear.

Saim watched her retreat back. He could see her stumbling as she walked. He stood up and followed. Aina gripped the staircase railing, slowly climbing, while Saim walked just behind her, as if ready to catch her the moment she fell.

She silently climbed the stairs, her heart in turmoil. And just as Saim feared, her foot slipped. But before she could fall, he caught her. He was shocked to see Aina so numb—she didn’t even react to the slip.

She stared at him for a few seconds before steadying herself.

"Can you... give me a few minutes alone?" she asked without looking at him. Her eyes were burning, desperate to release the pain she was holding in.

Saim could feel the plea in her voice. Without saying anything else, he agreed.

"Okay... I’ll come in a few minutes," he said softly and turned back downstairs.

Aina watched his back for a few seconds, then rushed into her room.

She shut the door behind her.

"Okay... sirf aaj raat hai tumhare paas. Kal subah sab khatam ho jayega."

(Okay… you only have tonight. By tomorrow morning, everything will be over.)

She started trembling. She looked down at her hands—they were shaking. A tear fell on her trembling fingers. Before the second drop, she shut her eyes tightly—but a few more still slipped through.

She sat on the floor, wrapping her arms around herself. She was shaking.

She couldn’t cry. Not now. Not today.

Saim could come in at any moment. She had to hold herself together. She couldn’t fall apart.

She started taking deep breaths, fanning herself with her hands, trying to calm down. She began recalling moments—moments when she had first dreamed of becoming his bride. That dream had never left her heart.

Aina had once been running around the house, snatching Zaid’s ludo piece. Affan was with Zaid, and they both chased after her. They were playing, and when she asked to join, they refused—so she took the ludo piece and ran.

They were furious—someone was about to win or lose in that moment, and she had ruined it.

"Aina!!! We won’t spare you!"

Affan and Zaid yelled behind her.

She turned to them, grinning.

"Catch me first!" she called and ran straight into Saim’s room.

Saim, who had been studying, snapped his head toward the door. Twelve-year-old Aina, her haircut flying and mouth open in laughter, looked so cute—anyone’s heart could melt.

"Saim bhai, save me from these monsters! They want to drink my blood!"

She dashed behind his chair and sat down.

"Aina, we won’t leave you today!" Affan and Zaid barged in. Saim stood up.

"Arrey arrey, kya hua?"

(Hey hey, what happened?)

He stepped in between them. He could tell from their eyes that Aina was hiding behind his chair.

"Bhai, she ruined our game!" Affan said, glaring at his little sister.

"We were playing ludo. The loser would become the winner’s slave. I was about to win, but she snatched the piece and ran off!"

"Oye! I was going to win!" Zaid argued.

"Your sister knew you’d lose, that’s why she took the piece—to save you from becoming my slave!"

"No! I was going to win! Don’t blame me for her actions. She did it—blame her!" Affan countered.

"Why did you do that, Ain?"

Saim gently pulled her up.

"They were playing without me. I wanted to join, but they ignored me. Saim bhai, please ask them to let me play too." She said pouting.

"We’ll never play with you!" both boys shouted.

"Then I won’t let you play either!" Aina shouted back, determined.

"Aina, we will—"

"Stop it!" Saim shouted, silencing them all.

"Aina..." he was about to say something, but her frightened eyes made him pause. He turned to his brothers.

"You both should include her. You know she doesn’t have a sister. She only has you two to play with."

He tried to make them understand, but 14-year-old Zaid and Affan scowled.

"No! We won’t let her go this time!"

Affan moved to grab her, but Saim instantly wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close protectively.

"Stay away, Affan!" he warned in a firm tone.

Affan and Zaid stepped back, startled by their 22-year-old brother’s voice.

"You always take her side! It’s not fair!"

Zaid stomped his foot in protest.

Their grandmother, who was still alive at that time, walked into Saim’s room. Her room was next door, and she had heard everything.

"Saim, don’t spoil her too much," she said, smiling.

"What will she do after going to another house?"

"I won’t go anywhere!" Aina declared proudly.

"Then you’ll have to marry Saim or Zaid," she teased.

"Yuck!! I’ll never marry this witch!"

Zaid screamed in horror.

"Eww! I’ll never marry you either, you bandar!" (monkey!) Aina yelled back.

"Then you’ll have to marry Saim if you want to live here," her grandmother said, teasing with a twinkle in her eyes. She looked lovingly at her grandchildren. Saim had his arms around Aina.

The dream of seeing them married was born in her heart at that moment.

"Saim bhai is okay. I’ll marry him—but not Zaid bhai," Aina said innocently.

"InshaAllah, InshaAllah! May Allah bless you both and keep you happy always," their grandmother smiled and hugged them both.

Saim and Aina glanced at each other over her shoulder. Zaid and Affan stared at them, confused, until they heard Saim’s laughter.

Saim heard, he laughed, he forgot.

But Aina heard... her heart felt... and she never forgot.

In the months that followed, Aina began seeing Saim in a different light. Her grandmother was the first to notice. She often referred to Aina as "meri Saim ki dulhan" (my Saim’s bride).

But before she could help ease Aina’s path of love, she left the world—suddenly, due to a heart attack one night.

Aina came out of her memories.

"Kaash aap hoti dadi... to main wo sab na karti..."

(I wish you were here, dadi... then I wouldn’t have done all this...)

She covered her face and started crying, despite trying hard to control herself. She was scared. Terrified of losing her love—her husband. Scared of losing the family’s trust. Scared of losing Saim—her everything.

She had gained so much from this marriage, that losing it felt like death.

She never thought this day would come—where she would regret her actions so much. Everything would be ruined, and she knew...

She couldn’t stop it.

She was scared.

*************