For Zameer, marriage never really meant much.

It was just another step up the hierarchical ladder. If it meant that he would gain a lot of advantage from any action then he was more then willing to do it. As long as the MMM, which was his whole life, stood to become even more powerful from those actions then he would certainly do it. And he never cared about his own individual self.

He was a nobody. He was an orphan, a street rat when the Ghulari twins had found him. And then he became somebody. He became their second in command. That's why he never hesitated in making the MMM a great mafia. His efforts were always centered around getting the job done no matter what it cost him.

But still, as he stared at the blank space which required his signature at the bottom of the marriage certificate, he couldn't help but feel hesitant.

Would I be feeling like this when I will have to sign it again? He thought to himself, thinking that would be feel the same way when he would be marrying Sarah Khwarizmi. He treated marriage as a game, just a show that he needed to put on. But as his eyes went up to Sadia who sat in the hospital bed, her face crestfallen, He couldn't help but think of what she had said to him.

'does the sanctity of marriage mean so little to you?'

Does it? Why am I even bothered with this anyway? Zameer thought as doubt threatened to plague his mind.

'Always protect her Zameer.' Shahzeb's words echoed in his head.

No, remember why you need her. He reminded himself and without further hesitation, he jolted down his name on the contract, thus entering into another opportunistic venture.

She's just Dr. Sadia to me. Nothing more and nothing less. He told himself.

***********

She was married now.

She tried not to think about it but her thoughts seemed to wander in that particular direction ever since she had signed her name on the marriage contract.

It had been two days since then. She had been on edge, her thoughts going haywire. There was a constant feeling of guilt nagging at her, almost mocking her.

This wasn't how she had ever imagined getting married. But then again, she was someone who never gave any thought to men or marriage. She was always so goal oriented. And not to mention, she always knew that she had to marry her cousin so she never concerned herself with the topic of marriage until recently.

But still, she had never decorated any bright dreams about marriage. It never held much of an importance. She was still too young to be thinking about something as serious as marriage. But she valued the sanctity of marriage. However, she had to stop herself from feeling guilty about it.

And right now, her situation wasn't normal or ordinary. Her morals were not accepting her situation.

Please Allah, help me. She thought. This much she knew, she had to come up with a plan to escape and fast.

She jerked out of her thoughts when she heard the door open.

She didn't need to know who it was for she already: it was Zameer, her husband.

Husband? She scoffed lowly to herself.

Zameer was quick to notice.

"Everything alright?" He inquired. He had been checking up on her and so far her treatment was going well and she was better enough to leave.

"Y-yes," Sadia whispered, feeling self conscious.

Come on Sadia, hold yourself together. She reprimanded herself as she slowly sat up but found it a bit difficult since her body was fatigued from lack of exercise.

Zameer noticed and without a word, he approached her. Sadia immediately went rigid when she felt Zameer's arms around her shoulders as he helped her up.

"Um, you-"

"It's fine. I know you're still healing so no need to be uncomfortable about it." Zameer said and quickly maintained his distance from her once she was seated properly.

"The doctor gave me your report. You'll be discharged within another two days or so." He told. "You'll be under my supervision from now on. Your accommodations have been arranged." He informed in monotone.

Sadia nodded.

"What....will you have....me do then?" She inquired in a low voice.

Zameer released a slow sigh. "Your job, Dr. Sadia."

***********

Sadia looked around herself. Right now she was standing in a bedroom. There was a large clear glass door that allowed warm sunshine to filter into the semi dark room.

Carefully, she walked ahead and approached the door, wanting to go outside into the balcony, only to be disappointed when the handle turned out to be locked.

Sighing, her forehead fell forward and pressed against the glass.

"Figures." She murmured under her breath. It was to be expected. When she was discharged from the hospital, Zameer had immediately taken her to a confined SUV which had black shaded windows and screen that didn't allow her to have any access to the windshield. She was confused but didn't say anything. But her confusion went to panic when they stopped and she saw that they were on plane grounds and heading towards a Jet. Sadia felt like panicking. She had no idea where he was taking her but she had little choice in the matter so she quietly went along. It was silent throughout the flight. Zameer paid her no attention and for that she was grateful. And as soon as they landed, Sadia saw that they were again in a plane field but this time, it was surrounded by the mountains. Sadia knew immediately that she was brought to the north.

Sadia was escorted to a large, heavily guarded mansion deep within the hills. Even now, she could see the woods surrounding the property through the glass of the door.

This place must be close to Islamabad. Sadia thought as her eyes viewed the scene outside.

But more then anything, she wanted to go outside and have some fresh air. All this time, which she couldn't tell, for how long she had been confined within walls. And all she wanted was a little bit of space.

Hissing to herself upon moving, Sadia gently rubbed the healed scar on her leg and went back to sit at the edge of the bed.

Sadia rubbed her forehead and tried her best to keep her feelings at bay. There's got to be a way out of this place. She thought to herself. But she was startled out of her thoughts when then bedroom door burst open and in walked Zameer along with an elderly woman.

"I hope that you find your accommodation satisfying." Zameer said.

Aasia adjusted her scarf and stood up.

"Yes." She replied meekly.

"This is Syeda ama," Zameer introduced the elderly woman to Sadia who looked at her and smiled a warm smile. Sadia nodded. "She will be your ward during your stay here in this mansion. You need anything, please ask her." He relayed. Sadia only nodded, not wanting to say anything else.

"Please, follow me." Zameer said and headed out of the bedroom. Sadia sighed, her hand involuntarily rubbing on her leg as it burned from walking and standing. But she had little choice. For the time being, she had decided that she would comply and plan her moves smartly. Without knowing anything about her location or her situation, there was no way that she could think of escaping. And more so, she hadn't even healed properly so she had no choice but to be patient.

She followed behind Zameer. But she noticed that he was walking almost at her pace even though he was a few steps ahead of her. Was he actually being considerate to Sadia's walking condition? Even when they were taking the stairs, Zameer's pace was slow. But Sadia didn't pay it much attention. Instead, she started to look around her environment.

The mansion was grand. From marble floors to wallpapered walls and large glass windows, the place looked like it was built for a King.

They came to a hall. Zameer walked until he stopped in front of large double doors. Judging from the intensive delicate decorations and carvings of the door, Sadia assumed that this room was the heart of the mansion but why was she brought here? She couldn't help but feel worried.

Zameer knocked and waited.

Sadia kept her eyes low. She didn't want to look at Zameer because his mere presence intimidated her.

The door opened after a few seconds to reveal Shehryaar. He looked exhausted, his features hard yet dull.

"I've brought her." Zameer informed. Shehryaar gave him a stiff nod and took a side.

"Doctor." Zameer gestured for her to move inside the room. Sadia's dread came to an end when she saw that it was a grand master bedroom and Anissa Ghulari was sitting in the middle of the room on an elegant arm chair. Like always, she was dressed in fine clothes and jewellery.

"What am I, uh, suppose to do?" Sadia inquired in confusion.

"I want you to tell me if she's pregnant?" Shehryaar said. Zameer's brows creased in bafflement but he kept his neutral mask on. Bhabi? Pregnant? Dear God. He thought in dread. For he knew, this was probably going to be a big new change in Shehryaar's life and he knew that his boss never took to change very nicely. And he was very right if only he knew what has happened in the months he was away.

Sadia was confused. But then again, she was being used as their private physician so she simply shook her head in the affirmative.

***********

Zameer and Shehryaar waited in the main office. Zameer wanted to ask a lot of things but he knew that he couldn't. Shehryaar was busy on a call, giving various instructions for the arrangement of the meeting that he was hosting. When he was done, he noticed Zameer's stiff form.

"Go on, I know you want to say something." Shehryaar said, throwing his phone on the desk.

"Nothing boss."

"Are you sure?" Shehryaar rubbed his eyes, fighting a yawn.

"It's not my place to ask about your private life."

"Don't give me that bullshit, Zameer. I know you want to know a lot of things." Shehryaar said in monotone. Zameer turned and looked at Shehryaar. And this time, he really looked at him. Shehryaar looked weary. And Zameer sensed as if his guard was completely down. He almost looked vulnerable. And it was surprising for Zameer but he had seen a lot of things about Shehryaar in the past few weeks that had surprised him about his cold hearted boss which was completely out of character for him.

"Do you want to tell me something?"

Shehryaar narrowed his eyes at Zameer. But he had to admit, he really did want to tell Zameer about his situation. What he was going through was too burdening and he wanted to share it with Zameer, someone who was close to him like a brother. And even if he had lost his trust in Zameer, he couldn't help but seek his advise. Zameer has always acted as his conscience.

"I want her to get pregnant." Shehryaar confessed, leaning back into his leather chair.

"Why?" Zameer couldn't help but be cold. After seeing what kind of state Anissa was in and his being absolutely ignorant of what had occurred, he couldn't help but despise Shehryaar for it.

"Because, I think that might help to bring her back." He murmured, more to himself. Zameer had heard him. And it took everything in him to not pass a snide remark.

"What exactly happened that caused her to become like that?" He manages to ask, exercising control on his emotions.

Before Shehryaar could answer, a light knock on his door distracted him.

"Enter!"

The door opened and Sadia came inside.

"I assumed you're done." Shehryaar's voice had turned cold all of a sudden. And for some reason, Zameer didn't like it one bit.

"Y-yes," Sadia kept her eyes downcast. It was one thing that she refused to look at a potential sociopath in the eyes because she wasn't wearing her contacts but she feared that if she looked at Shehryaar then her resolve might break.

"She doesn't......appear to show any physical signs. But with-"

"That's enough. Leave." Shehryaar flicked his wrist at Zameer who only nodded and escorted Sadia out of the office.

They were walking down the hall when Sadia stopped by a large wall window. She became captivated with the view almost immediately, not able to take her eyes off at all.

It was a beautiful garden: full of blooming flowers and fountains.

Without realising, Sadia had moved towards the window, her hand coming up and resting against the cold glass.

Zameer noticed that Sadia wasn't following him and when he looked back, he saw Sadia gazing out of the window.

The look on her face was one of longing. And why wouldn't it be? He understood completely. It had been three weeks since he had abducted her and made her a prisoner. So it was only justified that she would want to take a breather.

"Dr. Sadia?" He called. But Sadia was just lost in her daze. Zameer was amused. Normally, anyone would ignore such frivolities but knowing her situation, he realised that she was appreciate the little things.

But that wasn't all. She looked so focused, so lost. And the look of innocence on her face only made him feel more for her. More then he should. The way that her eyes just looked ahead, the daylight reflecting in her blue brown eyes had him wanting to touch her. And again, he was reminded that he was getting sidetracked with this unwanted attraction. He knew that what he felt for her right now wasn't respect or pity, it was something else.

And this feeling made him feel alive. It rejuvenated him somehow. He couldn't quite understand it but it was liberating. He felt his control slip.

Why? Why did she make him feel this way?

But perhaps, for the time being, he wanted to give into a little freedom. He wanted to allow himself to feel alive.

But why? He wanted to know.

"Dr. Sadia." He gently patted her shoulder only to startle Sadia as she jerked away from him.

"Y-yes?"

Zameer smiled a small smile. "Would you like to join me in the garden for some tea?" He asked.