Mahjabeen stood beside the window with a solemn expression, the wheels in her head were turning as she thought about the incidents that took place a week ago. Murtasim didn't leave her side he would tend to all her needs and reassure her.

"Itni khamosh kyun ho?" Murtasim asked worried by her silence, he longed for the Mahjabeen he had known, the one who radiated joy and brought laughter to their lives. She didn't reply, just tucked her hair behind her ear, in the process he saw her wrist. There was a bruise forming there, Murtasim frowned and questioned her about the mark.

But she didn't speak up, as if she never heard him. He didn't understand the reason behind her silence, of her different behaviour all of a sudden. Her eyes that would light up whenever she talked seemed empty, and that magical smile that had brightened up his entire world was gone.

Murtasim watched Mahjabeen's silent struggle, his heart heavy with the weight of her pain. He understood that her silence was a manifestation of the battle she felt she had lost, a deep sense of defeat that had settled within her. Instead of pushing her to speak, he decided to offer her the solace of his presence.

Gently, Murtasim guided Mahjabeen to the sofa, where a crackling fire danced in the fireplace. He led her to the plush couch, wrapping a soft blanket around her shoulders and settling beside her. Without uttering a word, he simply held her hand, intertwining their fingers, the bruise on her wrist still visible.

It was as if someone had twisted her hand and it seemed a little old. He had failed to protect Mahjabeen, from his own people.

The room was enveloped in a peaceful silence, broken only by the rhythmic crackling of the fire. Murtasim understood that sometimes words were not enough to heal wounds or soothe a tormented soul. He knew that in this moment, Mahjabeen needed his unwavering support more than anything else.

As they sat together, Murtasim reminisced about their fondest memories—the laughter they shared, the adventures they embarked upon, and the love that blossomed between them. He hoped that revisiting these beautiful moments would help rekindle the flickering flame within her.

In the stillness of the room, Murtasim's mind wandered to a beautiful  place he had heard of—an enchanting island hidden away from the chaos of the world.

With a newfound determination, Murtasim gently lifted Mahjabeen's chin, encouraging her to meet his gaze. "Mahjabeen hum yaha se dur chaltey hai," he whispered softly. "Mai ek jagah jaanta hu, hum waha gayenge, nachenge aur jo tumhara man karega woh karenge."

Mahjabeen's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope, her lips parting slightly as she took in Murtasim's words. The idea of leaving their troubles behind, even if just for a little while, held an irresistible allure.

"Theek hai," she finally murmured, her voice fragile but filled with a hint of exhaustion. "Hum jaha jaarhey uska pata Hasan bhai ko nahi lagna chahiye"

"Nahi lagega", he responded, promising her that he would protect her. This haveli wasn't safe her anymore, he needed to take her somewhere far, away from the shadows that haunted her. Murtasim knew he had to create a haven where Mahjabeen could find peace and he along before the results of investigation came back. Murtasim had his own speculations, but he didn't wanted to act on them without any proof. But he couldn't leave Mahjabeen in this haveli that was eating away her joy.

Together, they started making preparations for their escape. Murtasim carefully planned their journey to the magical island he had heard of, where the whispering waves and golden sands held the promise of a fresh start. He arranged for their travel, ensuring utmost secrecy, and packed their bags with essentials for their rejuvenating adventure.

The day of departure arrived, and as they left the haveli behind, a mix of apprehension and excitement filled the air. Mahjabeen clung to Murtasim's hand, finding solace in his unwavering presence and the anticipation of what lay ahead.

"Kya soch rahi ho?" Murtasim asked as they turned a corner, she was lost in her thoughts.  He played her favourite song in the background but he gained no reaction, she would usually start singing and smiling repeating the chorus.

Murtasim couldn't help but notice the somberness in Mahjabeen's demeanor. Her gaze was distant, and her steps lacked the usual lightness he had come to expect. It seemed as though a cloud of sadness had settled upon her.

He decided to bring a touch of his own joviality into the moment, hoping to coax a smile from her lips. "Mahjabeen, suno na," he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Tumhari favorite ice cream shop humare raste mein hai. Chalo, mera bhi man karrha khaaney ka!"

However, instead of the usual excitement that would ignite within her, Mahjabeen's expression remained unchanged. She looked at him with a faint glimmer of appreciation, but her eyes still carried a weight that he couldn't shake.

Undeterred, Murtasim continued to try and lift her spirits as they walked along the bustling streets. He pointed out the colorful storefronts, telling stories about the shop owners and the unique items they sold. He even attempted a few lighthearted jokes, hoping to coax a laugh from her.

But each attempt seemed to fall flat, met with a half-hearted smile or a fleeting moment of amusement that quickly dissipated. It was as if the roles had reversed, with Mahjabeen carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, while Murtasim struggled to fill the void left by her vanishing joy.

As they walked hand in hand, Murtasim couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in their roles. Mahjabeen, once known for her infectious laughter and buoyant spirit, now carried a heavy air of melancholy. On the other hand, Murtasim, usually the more introspective and contemplative one, seemed to radiate a newfound vibrancy, his steps light and his smile contagious.

He paused for a moment, peering at Mahjabeen with a curious expression. "Mere baarey me soch rahi ho, jaan?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Mahjabeen looked up at him, her gaze distant yet longing. A soft sigh escaped her lips. "Haan, Murtasim," she responded, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness. "Aisa lagraha hai ke mai raasta bhatak gayi hu aur... Koi nahi hai meri awaaz suney wala, mera yaqeen karne wala aap bhi nahi"

Murtasim squeezed her hand gently, his eyes brimming with empathy. "Mahjabeen mai tumhari baaton par yaqeen karta hu, isliye tumhe haveli se durr laaya hu"

Mahjabeen's words struck a chord within Murtasim's heart. He realized that his efforts to bring back her laughter and joy had fallen short. He understood that her silence and distant demeanor were not easily shaken off, and he couldn't simply fill the void she felt.

With a tender expression, Murtasim leaned closer to Mahjabeen, their shoulders touching as they continued walking. "Mahjabeen, tum mere liye sabse ahem ho," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "Mai jaanta hu tumhe raasta firse milega ek din, wapsi ka"

With an unexpected buoyancy in his step, Murtasim twirled Mahjabeen around, their laughter filling the air. He pointed to the blooming flowers along their path, urging her to take notice of their vibrant colors. He recited poetry with exuberance, filling the space around them with his passionate words. His infectious cheer began to lift the shadows that had clouded Mahjabeen's spirit.

"Murtasim, dekho, yeh phool kitne pyaare hai," Mahjabeen remarked, her eyes twinkling with newfound joy.

"Har pankhudi apni kahani lekar saath chal rahi hai, bas tumhari tarah", Murtasim said as he gazed at Mahjabeen, his voice filled with admiration. "Mahjabeen, tumne mujhe hasna sikhaya, meri zindagi me dubara rang bharey"

Mahjabeen's heart swelled with love, her voice filled with tenderness. "Murtasim, aap meri zindagi ka roshan sitara hain ," she whispered, her words carrying a soft melody.

Hand in hand, they strolled through the vibrant streets, immersed in their shared moments.

Mahjabeen couldn't help but be captivated by Murtasim's transformation. A flicker of hope sparked within her, and she allowed herself to be carried away by his contagious enthusiasm. Step by step, she felt the weight of her troubles lessen as they embarked on their journey together.

As they reached a tranquil meadow, Murtasim twirled Mahjabeen in a carefree dance, his laughter blending with hers. They spun around, their roles reversed, with Murtasim leading the way and Mahjabeen following his lead. The melodies of their laughter intertwined, filling the air with a symphony of joy.

In that serene moment, Mahjabeen realized that she didn't need to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders alone. Murtasim had become her anchor, providing her solace and support in her time of need. Their roles had subtly reversed, and together they would navigate the ebbs and flows of life.

As the day drew to a close, they found themselves under a vast, starlit sky. Murtasim gently wrapped his arms around Mahjabeen, and together they watched as the stars shimmered above them, casting a soft glow upon their faces.

"Mai tumharey saath hu," Murtasim whispered, his voice filled with tenderness and desperation. He wanted his joyful, sweet and talkative Mahjabeen back, it was breaking his heart, her silence was killing him.

Mahjabeen leaned into his embrace, her heart filled with gratitude and a newfound sense of hope.

"Hum yaha humesha ke liye reh jaaye?" she asked hopefully , he saw the light in her eyes and the change in her tone.

Murtasim smiled, his eyes twinkling with affection as he whispered "Jab tak tum chaho, hum yaha reh sakte hai"

Mahjabeen's lips curved into a soft smile, a glimmer of hope and contentment returning to her eyes. She didn't say anything just brought his face closer to hers, she saw her face reflecting in his eyes, the love he had for her was clear. She felt safe here far away from the haveli in his embrace, she took his hand and kissed it. 

As the soft breeze rustled through their surroundings, Mahjabeen's heart fluttered with a mix of boldness and anticipation. Feeling a surge of courage, she gently placed her hands on Murtasim's chest and leaned in, her eyes fixed on his lips.

Murtasim's breath hitched as he felt Mahjabeen's touch, her delicate hands igniting a spark within him. He met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and delight. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as their unspoken desires hung in the air.

Mahjabeen's playful and childish nature merged with her newfound boldness, her innocent yet determined spirit shining through. With a mischievous smile playing on her lips, she closed her eyes and pressed them against Murtasim's, initiating the kiss with a gentle, tentative touch.

The world around them faded into the background as their lips met, and a rush of emotions enveloped them both. It was a moment filled with tenderness and vulnerability, an exploration of their burgeoning love.

Murtasim's hands instinctively found their place on Mahjabeen's waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss with a mix of passion and affection. He reveled in the sweet taste of her lips, savoring the moment that felt both exhilarating and tender.

Mahjabeen, emboldened by the connection they shared, let herself be fully immersed in the experience. She embraced the sensation, her fingers lightly caressing Murtasim's cheek, relishing the feel of his stubble against her skin.

As they slowly parted, their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them. The air crackled with electricity, and a sense of wonder filled their hearts. In that brief pause, their eyes locked, reflecting the depth of their feelings.

A smile played on Mahjabeen's lips as she looked into Murtasim's eyes, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and bashfulness. "Murtasim," she whispered, her voice filled with a newfound confidence, "Aapki aankhen bohot khubsoorat hai , aap bina boley hi apni aankhon se itni saari baatein krlete hain."

Murtasim, captivated by her boldness and overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection, tenderly kissed her cheek. "Mahjabeen," he replied, his voice laced with admiration, "I really love you,  pata nahi khuda ko meri konsi baat acchi lagi jiske badle tum milgayi"

They sat there, their hearts pounding, in awe of the beautiful bond they had forged. In that romantic moment, Mahjabeen's initiative had brought them closer, solidifying their love and igniting a fire that would continue to burn brightly.

Wrapped in each other's arms, they reveled in the beauty of their shared kiss, knowing that it was just the beginning of their story.