Before we start this ch let me tell u a meme🤣😂 (author readers edition)

Readers 🗣️:why aren't you giving updates?

Meanwhile author:

She is busy flirting with her readers.

Proof:

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Ignore my grammer and eng today just like ur ex ignore ur text🪽😭😭 bohot bkwas likha h iss baar🥹🥹 maaafi in advance 🥺🥺 or thoda paced idhar udhar hua h toh let me know thik krdungi😭😭

(n guys dua kro tumahre author ko paisa mile so she can buy another laptop ya phir ipad dono khrb hogyi h😭 toh ph pe zyda ache se likh nhi pa rhi hu)

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HIS POV

She hugged me tightly and cried... cried like her soul had been holding it in for years. Her pain seeped into my bones, and before I knew it, my own tears slipped out.

"Rone do mujhe... bas aaj ke liye...please......" she whispered into my chest, clutching my shirt like it was her last anchor.

And I did.

I just held her.

Let her fall apart in my arms. That's all I could offer my silence, my warmth, my shoulder.

When her sobs faded into broken breaths, I gently lay her down on the bed. She looked so fragile, like one wrong move and she'd shatter again.

I sat beside her, fingers running slowly through her hair, massaging her scalp the way mom used to do when I was a kid. Her body slowly relaxed, her breathing evened out, and she fell asleep... like a newborn clinging to me, as if I was safety.

But sleep? It didn't come to me.

I stared at the ceiling, her soft grip still on my t-shirt, and a thousand thoughts screamed inside my head.

"Kya guzri hogi uspar... kaise jheli hongi yeh sab batein akeli..."

"Kitni baar pyaar maanga hoga usne sirf ek baar, bina shart ke..."

My chest ached.

"Main kyun nahi tha uske saath? Kyun nahi tha mein Uske sath bachpan se"

I don't know what hurt more seeing her break down, or realizing I wasn't there when she needed someone the most.

I looked at her-peacefully asleep, her face still stained with the traces of pain she tried to hide.

I leaned in, kissed her forehead gently and whispered,

"Izel... main tumhe har ek pal ka pyaar doonga."

My voice cracked a little as I added,

"Tumhare har ek aansu ka hisaab bhi. Yeh wada hai, khud se..."

My jaw clenched, and my hands curled into fists, anger rising beneath the calm.

"Khoon ke aansu rula dunga jinhone bhi tumhe iss haalat mein pohchaya hai," I muttered, teeth gritted.

"Cheen lunga unki khushiyan... har ek cheez jis par unhe sabse zyada ghamand hai."

But then I looked at her again... still holding on to me in her sleep, unaware of the storm inside me.

And I knew-my rage won't touch her peace.

Let them burn in their own sins. My war is not to destroy them... it's to rebuild her.

I picked up my phone and texted Zayn, my fingers moving quickly but carefully.

"Zayn... I need everything you know about Izel's family. Sab kuch."

I don't want to ambush her with questions. I don't want her to feel like she's being interrogated or watched.

She's already been through enough.

"Main nahi chahta ke woh sochay main uske zakhm khod raha hoon. Jab uska dil chahega... woh khud bolegi."

And I'll be there listening. Not asking. Just... listening.

Because some truths don't need to be dragged out into the light. They bloom on their own, when they feel safe.

I can wait for that.

"Uska bharosa jeetne ke liye mujhe waqt lag gaya, uska dard sunne ke liye bhi main utna hi sabr rakhunga."

Even if it kills me inside to not know what broke her... I'll still choose patience over pressure.

Because she's not just anyone.

She's my Izel.

......

The sun rose... and so did another layer of my restlessness.

I hadn't blinked all night. Sleep felt like a luxury I couldn't afford-not when she was lying beside me, her pain still echoing in the silence between us.

She shifted a little, her grip on my t-shirt loosening but not letting go. Her face turned slightly toward me, and that's when I saw it...

Puffy eyes.

Tear-stained cheeks.

And a tiny drool trail at the corner of her lips.

I couldn't help but smile soft, involuntary.

"mera bacha..." I whispered under my breath.

Even in this mess... even with swollen eyes and a heavy heart, she looked heartbreakingly cute. Like a little girl who'd cried herself to sleep and now just wanted to be held.

I tucked the loose strand of hair behind her ear and watched her breathing slowly, peacefully.

One breath at a time. One morning at a time.

.......

She woke up around 11.

I was already freshened up, sitting quietly beside her, scrolling through the documents Zayn had sent me. Page after page... family details get deepest.

Everything I needed to know was right here.

At first, I had started this... to settle scores. I had my own reasons. My own anger against her father. My own plan for revenge.

But now?

Now it's different.

Now, I'm not doing this for myself anymore.

I'm not doing this to prove a point anymore. I'm doing it because someone should've stood up for her a long time ago and no one did.

Her pain. Her stolen childhood. Her silenced voice.

Toh ab main karunga.

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

Just... quietly, piece by piece.

Unlogon se nahi ladunga.

Unhe samjhaunga bhi nahi.

Bas unka sukoon chheen lunga.

Jaise unhone uska chheena tha.

I glanced at her still drowsy, rubbing her eyes, unaware of the war I had declared in her name.

Not just revenge.

Redemption. For her. Through me.

......

She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, her hair a tangled mess still beautiful in the most unfiltered way.

Her voice was low and rough from all the crying last night.

"Tum... yahin the?"

"Haan. Kahin nahi gaya." I replied without looking away from the screen.

There was a pause. I could feel her watching me, quietly trying to read what I was up to.

"Kya dekh rahe ho?" she finally asked, a little hesitant.

I locked the screen and placed the phone face down.

"Kuch kaam ka tha," I said simply.

She didn't press. She never does.

But that silence between us?

It said everything.

She knew something had shifted. And I knew she wasn't ready to ask.

"Tum kuch alag lag rahe ho aaj," she mumbled, almost to herself.

And maybe I was.

Maybe she could already feel the shift. I wasn't just the guy who held her while she cried anymore. I was the guy who had quietly decided to burn the roots of her pain.

But I didn't say any of that.

glanced at her again. Her eyes were still swollen, face bare, vulnerable. But she sat upright, trying to act okay. Trying to be normal.

"Bhook lagi hai?" I asked, standing up.

She shook her head faintly, "Nahi... thoda bas thakawat hai."

"Fresh hojao," I said instead, standing up

I didn't argue.

"Breakfast mein kya khana hai?" I asked, trying to keep things light.

"Let me order room service," I added, glancing at the menu in front of me.

"Kuch nahi khana mujhe... maan nahi hai," she muttered, her voice still a little thick from sleep.

I felt the shift in her energy like a fragile quietness that needed time.

And then, after a long pause, she called my name.

"Irfaz..."

I looked up, sensing something different in the way she said it.

"Haan, jaan?"

Without another word, she opened her arms, a silent plea in her gesture.

"Huggie, please."

I didn't hesitate.

I moved towards her and wrapped my arms around her, but what happened next... I wasn't prepared for.

She pulled me down, guiding me to lie next to her. Her leg slid over mine like I was just part of her personal body pillow, her body warm against mine, her arms wrapping tightly around me.

"Thoda aur sona do," she murmured, sounding like a kid who didn't want to face the world just yet.

I chuckled softly, even though my heart skipped a beat at how easily she just... clung to me.

"Bilkul nahi... ghar jaake sona, abhi nahi. Jaldi khana khana hai, time up hone wala hai," I said, trying to peel myself out of her hold.

But even as I said it, I could feel the weight of her arms around me, the way she just needed this moment.

I chuckled at her clinginess but couldn't help myself. I gently lifted her in my arms, her body pressed against mine, warm and soft.

"Nehla du ab?" I asked, teasing her as I walked toward the bathroom.

Her face scrunched up, and she buried her head into my chest, mumbling, "

Dafa ho jao, baat na karo... Sone bhi nahi diya."

I laughed softly, the sound low and quiet. I loved how she could switch from being vulnerable to sassy in seconds.

"toh kya, ab humpe gussa krnege? Hume toh apke gusse mein bhi pyar arha h" I teased, but I didn't push her.

I just held her close, keeping my steps light as I made my way to the bathroom.

She smacked my chest lightly, but I didn't let her go.

"Shut up," she murmured into my shirt, but there was no real annoyance in her voice just a mix of sleepiness and contentment.

.......

After she freshened up, I ordered room service-cereal bowl, some fruits for her, and a strong cup of coffee for myself.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, she looked at me expectantly.

"Kapde hain?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.

I nodded and handed her the bags. She took them, giving me a quick smile before disappearing into the bathroom to change. When she came out, she was wearing a simple yet beautiful maxi dress, her hair still damp but loosely falling around her shoulders.

We sat down to have our breakfast. The cereal was crisp, the fruits fresh, and the coffee... just right. We ate in silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. There was a quiet understanding between us now.

She finally settled on the edge of the bed, letting out a small sigh. Her hair was still slightly damp, falling messily over her shoulders.

I walked up behind her and gently.

She looked back at me, surprised. "Kya kar rahe ho?"

"Tumhare baal suljha raha hoon," I said, running my fingers through the knots with care, "Aur choti banata hoon... warna tang karenge neend mein."

She smiled faintly, a little amused, a little shy. But she didn't stop me.

I took the comb and gently parted her hair, my fingers brushing her neck lightly. She shivered just a bit.

"Itni khamoshi kyun?" I asked.

"Aadat nahi hai kisi ke itne kareeb hone ki," she murmured.

I didn't say anything after that just quietly braided her hair, each loop a silent promise that she wasn...'t alone anymore.

....

After finishing, we packed up and checked out of the hotel. I grabbed the keys and walked towards the car with her by my side.

I opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat without saying much. I started the engine, the hum of the car almost soothing in its steadiness.

As we drove, she looked out the window for a while, before finally speaking.

"Irfaz, yeh kahaan ja rahe hain hum?" she asked, turning to me with a curious expression.

"Humare ghar," I replied, eyes on the road, not looking at her directly.

Her brow furrowed a little as she glanced at me again. "Par humare ghar toh doosre side hai," she said, the confusion clear in her voice.

I smiled softly, keeping my focus on the road. "Sabr karo, begum. Poch ke pata chal jayega."

Her eyes narrowed for a moment, but then she leaned back into the seat, not asking any more questions.

I drove peacefully, the sound of the tires on the road a steady rhythm, while Izel sat next to me-still quiet, but not distant.

......

We reached the penthouse. I parked the car and stepped out, then went around to open her door.

"Aajao," I said, extending my hand to her, a slight grin on my face.

She looked at me, a bit puzzled but stepped out of the car. We walked inside, and as soon as we entered, she looked around, still unsure.

"Kiska ghar hai Irfaz?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

I paused for a second, watching her, before responding casually. "Kya matlab, kiska ghar hai? Of course, humara ghar hai. Personal..." I hesitated a little before adding, "Aaj se yahi rehenge hum."

Her brow furrowed. She wasn't buying it just yet. "Par waha kya kharabi thi? Ammi abbu ke saath? Dewan bhi toh waha hai."

I opened the door to the living room, motioning for her to come in. My words came out flat, but with an edge of something deeper.

"Wohi toh masla hai, na begum... sab apko cheen lete hain mere se, phir mere paas waqt hi nahi bachta."

I said it lightly, but there was a weight behind the words. I wasn't just talking about time-there was something more to it. Something I didn't want to explain yet.

.....

She stepped inside slowly, taking in the space. It was warm, quiet, untouched-like it had been waiting just for her.

She turned back to me, arms crossed loosely. "Tum aise kyun bol rahe ho? Tum toh khud sabke favorite ho... Ammi, Abbu, Dewan..."

I sighed, shutting the door behind me. "Haan, hoon. Lekin jab baat tumhari aati hai na... main selfish ho jata hoon."

She blinked. "Selfish?"

"Haan," I said, stepping closer. "Tum sabke saath ho jaati ho... sabke beech banti ho... aur mujhe lagta hai main peeche reh gaya hoon. Tum mere ho kar bhi kabhi poore mere nahi lagte."

She looked stunned for a moment-softened, but unsure.

"Aur isiliye yeh ghar?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

I nodded. "Yeh jagah humare liye hai. No distractions. No expectations. Sirf tum aur main."

She didn't reply immediately. Just walked to the window, looking out at the skyline, arms hugging herself.

"Tum itna sochte ho mere baare mein?" she whispered.

I moved behind her, slipping my arms around her waist, resting my chin on her shoulder.

"Sochta nahi, mehsoos karta hoon. Har waqt."

She leaned back into me, just a little. Silent. But the kind of silence that doesn't need words anymore.

"Kuch zyada nahi bolte ho tum," she said softly, almost like a complaint.

I looked at her with a half-smile. "Anyway... yeh mera penthouse hai. Main yahan rehta tha, bohot saalon se. Ab nayi nayi shaadi hui thi toh socha ghar pe rakhunga... lekin kal wale incident ke baad..." I paused, the memory still stinging. "Chhodo... tum aaram karo."

She didn't argue.

......

Just quietly walked to the bed and sat down. For a moment, I thought she'd stay silent.

But then-

"Irfaz..."

"Haan, jaan?" I said, turning towards her.

She looked at me, eyes uncertain. Vulnerable.

"Agar main nahi hoti... ya phir tumhe pasand nahi hoti... kya tum bhi mujhe apne gharwalon ke paas chhod ke yahan rehte?"

That question didn't come out of nowhere-it came from a place inside her that still wasn't sure if she truly belonged.

I walked to her, knelt down in front of her so we were eye level.

"Agar tum nahi hoti, toh main bhi nahi hota Izel"

I took her hands in mine.

"Aur agar tum mujhe pasand nahi hoti... toh main iss duniya mein kisi aur se mohabbat karne ka khayal bhi nahi aata. Tum ho toh sab hai. Warna yeh penthouse bhi ek khaali makaan hota."

She looked at me with that innocent, curious expression, her fingers playing with the edge of the bedsheet.

"Waise... tumhe pata hai? Tumne abhi tak mujhe yeh nahi bataya ke tumne mujhse shaadi kyun ki?"

I raised an eyebrow, a soft smirk playing on my lips.

"Acha? Tumhe nahi pata?" Trying to played dumb.

She rolled her eyes. "Matlab mujhe khud hi guess karna pade?"

I sat beside her, leaned a little closer.

"Guess karo..."

She turned her face slightly, pretending to think.

"Mujhe laga tumhare Ammi Abbu ne force kiya hoga."

I let out a small laugh.

"Force toh kiya tha... lekin tumse milke, woh zabardasti khud se zarurat ban gayi."

She blinked, caught off guard.

I leaned closer, voice low.

"Tumhe dekha, toh laga... yeh ladki mujhe samajh jaayegi, bina zyada bole. Aur mujhe zindagi mein shor nahi, sukoon chahiye tha."

She looked at me, softer now.

"Aur tum us sukoon ka wajood ho, Izel."

"Jhooth," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Kyun? Bhool gaye apni plane wali mulaqat?" I raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Tumhe lagta hai main itna idiot hoon jo aise hi behave karta?"

She crossed her arms, sass in full swing.

"I don't know," she shrugged casually. "Mujhe toh tum pehle din se hi idiot lagte ho."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

Then she added,

"Aur haan... maine tumhein dusri ladkiyon se interact karte hue bhi dekha hai. You're so mean and rude, Irfaz."

I leaned in with a grin, voice playful.

"Mean and rude unke liye... idiot sirf tumhare liye, jaan."

She blinked, trying to hold back a smile failed miserably.

She was about to open her mouth again, to say something....

But I stopped breathing for a second.

Because I knew… whatever was about to come out could change something.

And I was scared.

Scared to answer.

Scared to hear.

“Irfaz…” she began again, voice barely a breath.

"Sona nahi hai ab?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Trying to distract her.

"Hmm," she hummed lazily, eyes half-closed.

"Sula do," she whispered, stretching her arms toward me like a sleepy kitten.

I smiled, heart melting a little at her innocence.

I leaned in anyway, pulling her gently into my arms.

She nuzzled into my chest, her breath warm against my skin.

“Tum mil jaate ho na, toh neend khud chal ke aa jaati hai…” she murmured.

I lay back, letting her rest on me like she always did like I was made to be her pillow.

.......

After a while,

I thought she was asleep.

Her breath had settled, her grip on my shirt had loosened. I stared at the ceiling in the dark, listening to the silence between her breaths. But just when I was about to drift off…

"Irfaz..."

Her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hmm?" I replied, my hand automatically moving to her hair.

"Kya tum kabhi… chhod doge mujhe?"

My heart stuttered.

I looked down, but couldn’t see her face in the dark. Just her soft outline against me.

"Kya hua jaan?" I asked gently.

She didn’t answer right away.

Just shifted closer, her fingers curling into my shirt again tighter this time, like the thought itself scared her.

“I just… kabhi kabhi lagta hai jaise yeh sab khwab ho. Aur tum… bas ek lamha ho jo guzar jayega.”

Her voice cracked so quiet, so raw, like she was trying to hide the storm behind it.

I pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, holding her like she might vanish if I let go.

“Nahi, jaan,” I murmured, my voice firm but soft. “Main koi lamha nahi hoon. Main tumhari har subah hoon… har raat… har saans tak hu...Aur main sirf marne ke baad hi kahin jaaunga"

She didn’t reply. Just ..

She blinked, her eyes shining even in the dark.

"Tumhare bina kabhi socha bhi nahi," I added, kissing her forehead. "Tum meri adhoori zindagi ka wo hissa ho jo aake zindagi ban gayi."

She didn’t say anything after that just held me tighter.

But I felt the way her body eased against mine, like my words stitched something back together.

(Reb: How could

I write such lies and deception? Seriously, mein kaise ek watermelon jaisa banda likh sakti hu bahar se green, andar se pure red!)

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Guys do you want the flashback ch of irfaz's pov? When they meet for the 1st time. (Refered to CH1)

IF YES THEN COMMENT FOR ME TO KNOW.

(Jaldi btana atleast 5 comments "yes" toh i will post in the evening inshallah 💕)

OTHERWISE I'M DELETING THAT CH.

BOHOT DRAFTS LIKH DIA H MEINE 😭😭 (BOHOT TOH ASE CH H JAHA PE MEINE USELESS CHEEZE LIKH RKHI H)