Flashbacks are in bold*

It is said times heals and heals well. Wrong. Time just puts dusts over the wound hiding them from the world outside. Beneath that veneer, there's that same old tale of heartbreak.

Two weeks had it been. Two weeks since he'd left her. Two weeks she'd lost herself somewhere. Sitting in the living room, Harram looked around. Everyone was here for her. Her parents had also come once again to tell her she wasn't alone. Soha was sitting right next to her while Hamail stood close to his grandfather, father and Obaid. Mrs. Aneesa and Khadija were busy in small talk with Zara.

The whole family was here. Every face. Every person.

Harram's eyes roamed around the large expanse of the Duraid house living room, but it was just wishful thinking. Her eyes were searching for someone who wasn't there in first place. Still her heart wished, wished silently for him to be there in any nook. Standing tall no matter if looking at her or not. No matter if aware of her presence or not. Just there. Close. Alive. Vivid. Not a memory.

But not every wish can be granted. Not every sigh can be heard and not every desire can come true. Here, among all these people, all of them her well-wishers, all of them aware of her pain, still she was looking for someone who'd never come. It wasn't new. It had always been this way. Harram Obaid could forget everything and everyone when it came to Zaviyar Ali.

Harram pushed her long locks behind her ear and took another step leading to the terrace. Her lips were curled up in a teasing smile. She had bunched her dress at sides so she wouldn't slip. Once reaching the door, she peeked through it and sure enough that tantrum king of a husband of hers was standing close to the railing enjoying the night calm.

She tried to be discreet but damn these bangles which had announced her arrival before she could even say a word.

His back had stiffened and the side profile which was in her direct view had formed into a stern expression. Ha. How cute he was throwing tantrums.

"Someone said an angry and attention deprived husband of someone is on terrace. Didn't take me one second to know whose husband this could be."

She said playfully and reached his side. He had looked away.

"Seriously, Major? You'll show me this attitude of yours?"

"I'm enjoying the night view and you are being a nuisance."

"I'm the night view, you are being a dunce."

He stifled his smile knowing too well how right she was. In her peach and white dress with those hair open she was a vision. A vision he couldn't stop looking at.

"Go away, Harram. I'm sure someone needs you downstairs."

"Someone needed me upstairs more. That's why I'm here."

She had now come right in front of him. Her shinning eyes and the happiness etched on her face were the telltale signs of how contented she was. This satisfaction was his happiness.

"Oh Really? I can bet Dado needs you settle some problem in her dress, Maa needs you to decide the decorations, Hamail needs you to know how much of a lady killer he must be looking, Soha being the bride needs you 25/8. What about this no body of a husband of yours? He's never in the picture."

His rant was making her burst in laughter but now wasn't the time. It was true though. She was so stuck in Soha's wedding preparations that she couldn't even give time to this husband who had come back home after almost three weeks and he was going back straight after reception.

"How well my husband knows me."

She pulled him towards her wounding her arms around his neck. Her bangles clad wrist were on his nape while her fingers were playing with the perfectly cut hair there.

"You are really angry, aren't you?"

He nodded like a grumpy kid. Harram wanted to laugh out loud. Who could say this man was an army major?

"I'm sorry. I know this was ignorant of me but Soha's wedding came on such a short notice we all were surprised. And then the never ending preparations. Chaos, Zaviyar. Utter chaos."

His eyes were glued to her face taking their own fill of her. He had missed her. He always missed her.

"But the good thing is everything came out so good. It's a win win."

She was talking animatedly and he swore all his annoyance had left him the moment she'd started with her talks. This was his heaven. His personal heaven.

"That sister in law of Soha was trying to sit with her but I was like no Miss this is my seat since middle school. You can't sit there. Like whom the hell does this? I'm the best friend and I'm also the Bhabhi. You just can't snatch my spot."

He chuckled and tried getting away. It was getting cold.

"Hey! I'm yet to make it up to you, handsome."

"No, need. It's all good."

"Just like this?"

"Just like this."

His faint smile was infectious. His hand had enclosed around her and he was about to turn towards the stairs when she stopped him by holding him from his bicep. He was looking at her questionably when she placed her hands right on his white jacket kurta clad chest. Her eyes looked right in to him.

"Harram, what?"

She came close so that their faces were just few inches apart.

"Aap to aap hain, aap to sab kuch hain

Aur to aur hain, aur to kuch bhi nahi."

(You are you, you are everything

Others are other, others are nothing.)

It was just a whisper. But the emotions behind it had reached him. Her eyes were filled with so much love and just love. Zaviyar pulled her hands from his chest and hugged her close, burying his face in the side of her neck. Harram clutched his jacket and sighed.

It was her heaven as well.

And now that heaven was lost. Leaving behind just an echo. Harram shook her head. Her glassy eyes didn't look around after that. Because, he was the one. He was him. He was everything. And he was nowhere. Others were others. Others were nothing. Still others were everywhere.

Wo to khushboo hai hawaon mein bikhar jaye ga

Masla phool ka hai, phoor kidher jaye ga

(He's a fragrance, he'll infuse into wind

The dilemma is of flower, where will it go?

_____________________

After lunch Harram was asked to get some rest and she had agreed. She herself needed it. Her usual social self had never thought she'd have to be a part of these gatherings as well. Life had taken her here and she could do nothing.

Her idea was to go see her father first. She couldn't meet him properly because everyone was around. So thinking on those lines, she took a turn and started walking towards the guest room to the west side of the house.

"Obaid, I can assure you. She's fully secure here. It's been two weeks and there hasn't been any problem so far. Told you Duraid house is the safest place for her."

Zara's voice had hit her in the silent hallway. Harram's brows scrunched and no matter how unethical this was she didn't enter inside. Her instinct was to listen to what they were talking about.

"I'm at peace now, Zara. I know Harram is safe here. But I'm a father who's only daughter's life has been through a tornado. On top that phone call still haunts me. I want to protect her not only because she's my daughter but also because it was his last request out of me."

Harram's hand shook on the door handle. What her parents were talking about? She immediately knocked startling both Obaid and Zara.

"Amma, Baba!"

Her voice had urgency to it. Obaid glanced in his wife's way. Both had the same fear. How much she'd heard and what should they tell her now?

Zara opened the door and a worried Harram came inside.

"Harram, Shirin. I was waiting for you only. Come here."

She kept on standing there looking from Zara to Obaid.

"What phone call you are talking about?"

She had chosen not to beat about the bush. Direct approach was needed here.

"Harram..."

"No lies, no hidden truth. Just tell me what it is. I've heard you guys talking about and if you try lying to me I'll know."

"It's not important now."

"I can tell it's about me and I don't know about it so yes, it's important."

Zara sighed while Obaid looked gloomy.

"Come here, Bacha."

He patted the seat next to him. Harram took it without any further questions.

"Now, you'll have to listen to me very carefully."

"Obaid!"

Zara tried intervening but Obaid gestured her not to. He patted Harram's head and hugged her sideways.

"I'm concerned about your safety, Shirin. Because I'm not sure if you are safe anywhere or not."

"Why, Baba?"

"Zaviyar. His last call was to me. A day before his martyrdom."

Harram's face expressions had gone stunned.

"It was very precise. To the point. He just asked me to take you away. And keep you safe."

"Why?"

"That he didn't tell me but I think, actually both your mother and I think that he meant your house."

"But I wasn't there when Zaviyar..."

She didn't want to complete the sentence.

"Yes, we know. Khadija had taken you here the day Zaviyar had gone to his duty. But your baba is still unsure if you are safe here or not. Though I think this house is the safest place for you but he's not that sure. May be Zaviyar got protective and called up your father."

Zara completed. Harram felt her head spinning. So much was unknown. And the known was tangled in a mess she didn't know from which end to start sorting. Zaviyar's hints to safeguard that key. She'd thought it was just that but this new set of information had opened another Pandora box.

But all that was to be contemplated later on. Right now she had to assure her worried parents that she was safe here. Leaving with Obaid for the haveli wasn't an option now. She could think about it few weeks back but not now. Had she gone there with him, could she still be able to get that key? No. So being here was important. She had no idea what Zaviyar must've gone through and what was the problem that he asked her father to take care of her. May be he felt end was near and called the only person he could trust with her? Who else? Her own father. This was the emotional aspect she knew her mother was thinking on. But Harram knew her husband. He was never emotional when he was on duty. She had seen him in that state. Clad in army uniform with hard expressions and recusing people. He used to think from his mind not heart under stress situations. But it was about her and maybe he did listen to his heart over his mind?

Harram?"

Zara's voice had brought her out of her thoughts.

"Baba, I think Amma is right. Zaviyar must've felt that something was about to hit him so he did what he thought was best. Asking you to keep me safe. The only person after him who'd do it with all his heart without any problem. But baba, I can't leave from here no matter what. We've discussed it. I'm not sure why Zaviyar asked you to do it but I'm fine here, Baba. Safe. I have Khadija auntie with me. Hamail, Dado, Dada and now even Soha is here. I'm always surrounded by people who care for me. So you should't worry, Baba."

Obaid hadn't said anything but his face was telling he was convinced. Harram smiled at both her parents but inside there was chaos in her.

_____________________________

Harram glanced at the clock and then at the slumped form of Khadija. Soha to her side was also worryingly pacing around. It was almost 1 AM and there was no sign of Zaviyar. He had told Khadija auntie he'd be back by seven and now hours later she was on the verge of losing her mind. Everyone knew he was at the final stage of his mission for which he was here and this absence meant nothing good.

Harram had come here in the evening after she and Sohaira went shopping for the coming wedding of Jiya. Yahya Duraid and Mrs. Aneesa were there at their daughter's house finalizing marriage preparations while Mr and Mrs. Ismail Ali were off to god knows where. Hamail also was absent. Under such circumstances with only Harram and Soha around Khadija it was difficult to make her calm.

"Auntie, I think we should inform Hamail. He might know where Zaviyar is."

"No, Harram. No one knows where he is. This is the problem with these army officers. They are so secretive and when it comes to an secret operation? They are the worst. This boy hasn't done his the first time but what do I do? I'm a mother. I get scared easily. Please pray wherever he is he must be safe."

Harram's heart sank seeing Khadija's condition. She immediately took the seat next to her side and rubbed her cold hands.

"Auntie, he must be around somewhere. Please don't panic. You'll get sick."

Khadija kept on nodding but Harram could tell she was so down with worry. It kept on going on like this for next half an hour. It was almost 1:30 when the main gate opened and they heard the commotion outside. In few moments Zaviyar's disheveled but safe and sound form was in front of them.

Kgadija auntie had started sobbing hugging him. He wasn't looking taken aback. Slowly he was rubbing her back as if telling her was fine. His mission had also been completed that too successfully. Today was the last raid that's why he was this late. It was a tough call but his team had made it. He had mumbled all this while trying to comfort Khadija auntie. It had worked. She had calmed down and was now looking worn out and sleepy. Soha took her to her room.

It was complete silence in the living area once they both had gone. Harram folded her arms on her chest while Zaviyar leaned against the couch. His posture was screaming tiredness.

"She was a mess today if you must know."

"I know."

"You shouldn't have lied to her."

"I didn't mean to. I just didn't know the last raid would be today."

Harram nodded and then silently took a seat next to him.

"Look, I might come out like an overpreacher to you but you should start taking your mother seriously."

"Excuse me?"

"Excused. Now listen. Khadija auntie is protective of you. More than any family member of yours. They all have their own lives but she? She only has you that's why she freaks out when you are in some kind of a dangerous situation."

"My job description reads dangerous."

"I know. She also knows and still she lets you do whatever you want. In return he least you can do is informing her about your whereabouts may be? I know I'm totally pissing you off right now but I can understand this situation because I'm also the only person in my mother's life and I might not have a life as dangerous as yours but I face the same as you sometimes. Mothers can be a bit difficult to handle at times. I always text Amma where I'm and when I'll be back. Like I texted her two hours ago that I'll be late and that's it. She will be relieved right now. Just a bit of care, Zaviyar. I know you love your mother more than anything in this world. Just be a little mindful about her emotions as well. Hm?"

He was lost in her sweet words and understanding tone. Like she was talking to a friend. They were never friends but still he could understand her point and could see he had made a mistake by telling her mother the half-truth. He should've told her he might get extremely late because there were chances of final showdown tonight but he ignored it causing his mother to go all worried and anxious.

"I understand. I'll take care next time."

Harram was taken aback. He understood her this easily?

"Harram? I think you should stay here tonight. It's so late."

Soha entered the living room again. Harram shook her head.

"Can't. University tomorrow and my assignment file is on my table. Have to leave. Is auntie asleep?"

"Yup she is now. Bhai, are you okay?"

Soha's attention had now gone towards him. He nodded with closed eyes still leaning against the sofa. His condition was telling the raid didn't include much of fighting, if it had he wouldn't be this relaxed.

"Can you drop her home?"

"Only I can at this hour."

He got up.

"I have my car."

Harram informed him on which he made a face.

"Can we use my car? I'll have problem getting back. You can take your car home tomorrow or better Hamail will drop it off."

Harram was getting shock after shock. His tone was never this friendly with her.

"Yeah, sure."

Both sat down inside his sleek vehicle which smelled of him and something Harram could remember all her life. There was no talks flowing in the ten minute drive but there wasn't any awkward silence as well. Stopping the car in front of her house, he turned to her.

"Thank you, for everything today."

"No need. That was the least I could do. Good night."

"Good night."

She got out when something hit her.

"Listen!"

He looked out of his window.

"My car should be back by tomorrow."

"You are worried as if you bought it from your own neat clean money."

"So what? My Baba bought it and his money is also clean. You aren't the only one here with neat money, Major."

"Noted."

The banter had continued for mere seconds but it had the lasting effect. The effect which lasted all night. As Harram looked outside her window because she couldn't sleep. While Zaviyar kept on tossing and turning on his bed because sleep was evading him even though he was dead tired.

Love had happened long back. It was marking its territory. One was accepting the invasion with open arms. The other was going by his nature. Invasion is something army men didn't take easily. Same was happening with him.

_____________________________

He could feel the handcuffs loosening and his hands getting rid of those. The cloth with which his face was covered had been taken off now. Last two days had been hell in truest sense. He was drugged and dragged from that dungeon to a new place which he hadn't seen yet. But now his hazy eyes were slowly getting accustomed to the new surroundings.

It was like a whole new world from that cellar. The hardwood floors and the well-furnished interior was screaming money. He had been upgraded. Congratulations to him.

Zaviyar looked around with hawk like eyes examining everything he could see. This was a bedroom of some lavish house. The one he had never been to before. He didn't even know if he was still in Islamabad or not.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Sheraz asked with approval written on his face. Zaviyar didn't say anything.

"You can say it's boss's present for you. Now he has your car keys with him that's why he's being generous. Everything's under control."

You wish. Zaviyar wanted to say but couldn't. He had no desire of even talking to this clown.

"Now, coming to the terms, you can roam in here freely. Kitchen is also no restricted area so is the lounge. There is no TV because you don't need to be aware of what's happening in the world. You are no longer a part of it anyway."

He had laughed at the last sentence as if he had cracked a joke. Zaviyar's duh expressions didn't even flinch a bit.

"You should go and tidy up yourself. This uniform is so damn old now and your face needs attention as well."

Sheraz didn't want to tell him that he had retaliated even in his unconscious state. That's why hitting him had become necessary. The gash on his forehead was a proof. No matter how strict the not even a scratch instructions were but a guy gotta do what he gotta do.

"The security around the house is at its finest, Zaviyar. There are no loopholes in the boundary and other ways. You can't get out and if you try, then your well-wisher aka my boss will also not be able to save you. You'll straight reach the hell he's protecting you from. So with a sane mind, stay put."

"What do you take me for? A freaking kid? That you'll set up a doll house for me and I'll forget everything and start enjoying? That can be you, Sheraz. Not me."

Sheraz shook his head.

"I'm amazed seeing your spirit still. This attitude is the reason I hate army men. I mean what's there for you anyway that you are showing me your arrogance? Your family has recited fatiha for your countless times. It was your prayer gathering yesterday. For your magfirah. Tears and heartbreak is everywhere. And your wife..."

Before Sheraz could complete his sentence Zaviyar had held him from the collar.

"Not even her name from your filthy mouth. Don't even dare."

Sheraz freed his collar and took a step back.

"Whatever. This is your reality now. Accept it and move on. Till then, ciao."

He left the room. Zaviyar shook his head when he looked to the side.

CCTV camera. This couldn't get any better.

______________________________

The setting sun on the horizon was taking away another day with it. Harram gazed at it for as long as she could. The complication that her life had become wasn't letting her stay in peace. Those clues, that revelation her father did and that key. All this was linked up.

If she'd go by her parents' desire then leaving it all and moving to Haveli was the safest bet. But she didn't want the safest option anymore. Zaviyar was surely dealing with something before time felt short on him and now that was catching up to her. She had checked all her options and running away and hiding out wasn't one of them. She'd try for as long as she could. She was a woman who had never backed down from anything, raised by another iron lady who never let her single mother status get in the way. All her youth Harram had been the one with courage and then she became the wife of an army soldier. She faced the ordeal of losing him even when she was pregnant. She'd stayed firm in everything life had put her through and now wasn't the time to back down. She would fight not like Zaviyar but like her. Like she'd always fought.

"Where are you lost?"

Hamail took the seat next to her making her come out of her thoughts.

"Nothing much. Where were you?"

"Home."

A soft expression had settled over Harram's face.

"How's Meeral?"

"She's fine. She wants to come and see you."

"Tell her I know she feels for me. But there's no need to get herself in trouble. No one knows about your and her Nikkah and it should stay this way for as long as you aren't ready to disclose it. Her coming to see me will only prove another problem. So just ask her to pray for me."

Hamail didn't say anything. His and Meeral's Nikkah and them living together in a rented apartment close by was a secret only Harram, Zaviyar and Soha knew. They had hidden it from the whole family. The circumstances demanded it and when he had confided in Zaviyar, he being the best elder brother had showed him this way. So they got the Nikkah done was now married both Islamically and lawfully.

"Hamail?"

"Hun?"

"Do you know the officer under whom Zaviyar was working?"

"You mean Colonel Bukhari?"

"Who?"

"Bhai once told me that he was the kind of in charge of their team. All the off field missions of Bhai, they were done under Colonel Bukhari's captaincy. He even came to give his condolences."

"When?"

"A day after the burial. You were asleep."

"Is there a way I can contact him?"

"I don't think so. I can look up and find his official number."

"That'd be great, Hamail."

"Why you want to contact him though?"

Harram sighed.

"Hamail, your brother is gone. But it feels like he was up to something which was left incomplete. I'm just joining those dots. May be I can help his cause and may be in this way I can help myself."

Hamail didn't understand much.

"Whatever it is, If you ever need me, you'll find me close."

"I know."

She mumbled. Hamail stood there for some time and then slowly made his way inside the house to meet his mother and Sohaira.

Harram didn't get up from her place. The evening was getting darker into night but she didn't want to get inside the fully lit Duraid House. She was fine here.

But not for long. Her eyes found the same dark shades man outside of the gate. He was still looking at her intently.

But she was done being on the receiving end of these things. Putting her duppata over her head she started moving towards the gate.

She'd know what the hell was his problem

_____________________

The mirror had showed him who he was after so long. The beard and messy hair with scratches and a deep gash on his forehead. He was finding it difficult to recognize his own self. His first instinct was getting rid of the beard. Being in army had made him every regular about his trimmed look. Once it got back to light stubble he pushed his hair away from his forehead to check the gash. The medical box which he had found in one of the cabinets was opened in front of him. He dabbed cotton over it. This was just a cut. Nothing serious about it. Still it was hurting because may be now no one was here to sooth out the pain.

Zaviyar pulled his arm back on the pillow and leaned against the head rest. The bullet wound was not even twenty four hours old that's why it was hurting immensely. He had gotten to CMH straight after he was shot. They had bandaged him and asked him to stay but he was adamant to get home. He had called Hamail who was there to get him and seeing his arm Hamail had left a loud swear.

That was the easiest part. He hadn't gone to Duraid House because that wasn't where he lived anymore nor he wanted to worry his mother anymore. He'd visit her after getting a bit better in a day or two.

Harram had opened the door and seeing his state her hand had gone to her mouth. It was really unjust. Scaring his almost a month old wife like this but he was helpless. She'd gotten over her initial shock and had indulged into her wifely duties. His dressing, his food, his comfort, things for his pain. She was doing everything she could. She hadn't said anything to him but he could see a fear in her eyes seeing his wound. And when few times he had hissed on even minimal movements, he had caught her eyes widening.

Tired of staying at the same place, Zaviyar left the bed. He was clad in his sweats with his half sleeved shirt the comfort clothes he deserved in such condition. The house was silent as it could be with just the two occupants. Harram was nowhere in sight. Zaviyar sighed. Must be in the kitchen. He crossed the TV lounge and looked into the kitchen but she wasn't there. He was about to go back to his room when he saw the glimpse of her duppata behind the pillar in the backyard.

Taking slow steps he stood behind the pillar. She was crying badly. Her heaving form was like a knife piercing into his heart.

"Harram?"

Him calling out her name had intensified her cries.

"Oh, come on."

He stood in front of her. Her nose was turning red with all the crying. The tears were drenching her cheeks. He didn't have to ask why she was crying. The bottled up emotions were all coming out right now.

She looked up at him and one look at his wound and her eyes had again filled up. That was the moment he felt totally unarmed. Unprepared. The raw innocent emotions in her eyes seeing his pain had uncoiled something within him. Something he had always tried burying under his hard façade.

Holding her in his arms his had cupped her face. She was still letting the tears run wild but he wasn't that generous. The first touch was his fingers touching the sides of her cheeks. But when it hadn't soothed her he had replaced his fingers with his lips.

This was his way of telling her she was close to him. He was close to her and they were never getting away from this. Her fingers clutched his shirt almost bunching them. Neither her tears were stopping nor his attempts at providing the barricade. The lips had tried providing solace for years of longing. Forehead, cheeks, that small nose. The lips weren't that lucky. Because they would have a time of their own. Right now he was just making sure she knew he was there and he'll always be. To sooth her pain. No matter how much pain he himself was in.

The memory had broken igniting a fire within him. Two weeks had it been he wasn't there with her. Two weeks she was in so much pain and suffering that too in such a delicate condition. Two weeks when he been snatched away from her. He knew she needed him. More than any time right now. But he was unable to reach out to her. The fact that she was calling him, crying for him and he wasn't there, was enough to make him push everything away in agony.

They couldn't keep him here for long. He'd do anything to get out. He hadn't ranked up to an army major for nothing. He'd show them they had chosen a wrong enemy thinking he was just a pawn.

He would never be a pawn. He would play their game and would be the only one to say checkmate at last.

__________________________

The guard had looked at her weirdly when she told him she was just taking a round of the area as evening walk. Her duppata was fully covering her. The guy was walking way ahead of her. The light coming from the houses around was illuminating the clean street so there was no problem of watching where she was going. He had turned a corner and she had also increased her pace. She was satisfied that it was a filled neighborhood. Not a dark and abandoned alley. That's why if the guy tried anything she could gather a crowd in minutes. But it wouldn't come to this. She needed answers and for that she'd have to talk to him.

She was rounding another corner when suddenly he was out of her sight. She frantically looked around when she felt a shadow behind her. Her breath got stuck in her throat.

"Mrs. Zaviyar Ali."

She knew it was him. The same guy she was following.

"I mus say you have a courage just like your husband. Following a stranger like this."

"I'm not alone. The houses around aren't empty."

"But the people inside are apathetic. You sure if you'll cry they'll even open their window to see what the matter was about? This is the most lavish area of Islamabad, Mrs. Zaviyar. Here those people live who have back balance piling but hearts devoid of any emotions. You say they'll come to your rescue?"

Her face had hardened.

"I don't need anyone's rescuing. My Allah is enough. Right now all these talks are waste of time. Tell me the truth. Why are you following me?"

He saw the blaze in her eyes. Smirking he took off his shades. The face was totally unfamiliar for her.

"I've had the honor of working with your husband as his mission partner. Major Waleed Ibrar."

She looked on still confused.

"These clueless expressions don't go well with an intelligent woman like you. Who can decode all her husband's clues he'd so discreetly left."

Her eyes widened. How the hell he knew?

"I know it all because I had seen it all. You are intelligent but not that intelligent. How can you be? The woman who even after being an army man's wife doesn't know that a man can't be considered dead as long as you haven't seen his dead body wth your own eyes. Did you see your husband's body, Mrs. Zaviyar?"

She took a step back. Her ears were buzzing. His face was not in her focus anymore.

"They can't show the face. It is totally unrecognizable."

The voice had rung in her ears. The voice from the burial day. And that very moment she felt she was turning into a stone.

_________________________