Murtasim, after a few minutes of contemplation, let out a heavy sigh and spoke, breaking the silence that hung in the air. "Malik, mujhse nahi jin logon par zulm kiya tha tumne unse maafi maango," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and authority.

As Murtasim's words reverberated in Malik Zubair's mind, a wave of remorse washed over him. Flashbacks of his past misdeeds flooded his thoughts, each memory serving as a painful reminder of the harm he had inflicted upon others. He remembered the times he had threatened lives, sabotaged lands, and even set fire to crops. It was as if his past transgressions were being laid bare before him, a divine punishment for his sins.

He sat there, consumed by guilt and shame, his soul heavy with the weight of his actions. The realization of the pain he had caused others, the lives he had irreparably damaged, weighed heavily on his conscience. The consequences of his choices had finally caught up with him.

In the midst of his contemplation, the sound of payal reached his ears. He recognized that it wasn't Maryam, for he knew the sound of her footsteps all too well. The sound mocked him, a cruel reminder of the love he had lost and the pain he had brought upon himself.

As the footsteps drew nearer, a woman stood before him, her face strangely familiar, mirroring the sorrow that had enveloped his own being. He looked at her, his eyes filled with curiosity and a glimmer of hope. "Mujhse humdardi karne aayi ho?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

She knelt beside him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and shook her head in response to his question. "Khuda itna zaalim kyun hai, pehle bandon ko sang dil banata hai, fir unki zindagi mai adhuri mohabbat daldeta hai," she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of anguish and frustration.

Omar, who had been silently observing the scene, spoke up, his voice filled with wisdom. "Bibi ji, quffarey ka waqt kabhi khatam nahi hota," he said, reminding her that the time for forgiveness is never-ending.

Haya, growing angry at Omar's words, shook her head in defiance. "Maine konsa gunnah kardiya?" she muttered, her voice laced with bitterness.

Malik Zubair, still on his knees, met her gaze and spoke, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and longing. "Ek shaadi shudah aadmi ke peechey padhna, dushman ki behen se mohabbat karna, ye hai humarey gunnah. Sab kehte hai mohabbat aur jung me sab jayez hai.. Yahi jung, dushmani insaan ki mohabbat ka gala ghot deti hai," he confessed, his words tinged with regret.

The weight of his words hung in the air, a testament to the complexities of love and enmity. In that moment, Malik Zubair and Haya shared a connection, bound by their individual burdens and the consequences of their choices. They were both victims of a war where love and hatred clashed, leaving behind shattered hearts and unfulfilled desires.

As they remained knelt together, the clay horse adorned with pearls held by Haya served as a symbol of her pain, a fragile emblem of her broken heart.

Malik Zubair and Haya sat there, their hearts heavy with remorse and regret. They spoke softly, exchanging their thoughts and unraveling the moments where they had veered off the path of righteousness.

"Meri hiris ne mujhe andha kardiya tha", Malik Zubair confessed, his voice trembling with self-realization. "Apne gusseh aur badle ki aagh me mujhe dusron ke dard ka kabhi ahsas hi nahi hua, logon ko takleef pohchaney ke baad kabhi peechey hi nahi muda. Balkey unke aansuon ka mazaak udaya karta tha mai, ab mujhe unki aah lag gayi"

Haya nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Mai gumrah hogyi thi," she admitted, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Pyaar me andhi hogayi thi, apne samne kisiki pareishaani dikhayi hi nahi di mujhe."

As their words hung in the air, an unspoken understanding passed between them. They both realized that the path to redemption lay in making amends, in seeking forgiveness from those they had wronged. With newfound resolve, Malik Zubair rose to his feet, his gaze firm and determined.

"Main apni galtiyon ki bharpayi karunga ," he declared, his voice filled with conviction. "Main un logon ki talaash karunga jinhe maine nuqsaan pohanchaya hai aur dil se maafi mangunga"

Leaving Haya behind, Malik Zubair gathered his men and set out on his journey of atonement. He sought out those he had threatened, deceived, and harmed over the course of twenty-four years. He went to the lands he had sabotaged and the people he had brought misery upon, determined to make things right.

One by one, Malik Zubair met with those he had wronged, his apologies sincere and heartfelt. He sought forgiveness, taking responsibility for his past actions, and offering restitution where possible. With each encounter, a weight lifted from his soul, as he began to witness the healing power of true remorse and the potential for redemption.

In his quest for forgiveness, Malik Zubair found himself drawn to the house of the Almighty, a place where he could seek solace and guidance. He entered a dargah, the atmosphere heavy with spirituality and serenity. There, he bowed his head, seeking forgiveness from his Lord for the crimes he had committed.

"Maulvi Sahab," Malik Zubair spoke, his voice filled with humility. The darkness of his past was evident, but he had embarked on a journey of transformation and sought the path of righteousness. "Mai maafi aur hidayat talash karne yahan aya hu. Meri guzishta karwaiyon ka bojh mujhe daba raha hai." (I am ready to seek forgiveness for my past sins, crimes, and atrocities. I am willing to do whatever it takes to change myself and gain the pleasure of Allah).

The Maulvi, recognizing the sincerity in Malik Zubair's voice, nodded with a compassionate smile.

"Malik Sahab," the Maulvi began, his voice gentle yet firm. "Bahut acha, Toba aur maafi mangne ka safar asan nahi hai, lekin jab dil saaf ho aur irada pak ho, toh Allah ta'ala apne bande ko hamesha maaf karta hai. Aapko maafi talab karne ke liye kin amalat par amal karna chahiye, mai batata hu." (Toba and seeking forgiveness is not a simple journey, but when the heart is cleansed and the intention is pure, Allah always forgives His servants. I will guide you on the actions you should take to seek forgiveness. Listen carefully).

He continued, "Allah aapko hidayat aur taufeeq de, Malik Sahab. Is safar mein, namaz padhiye, Quran ki tilawat karey aur duaon mein Allah se maafi talab karye. Taakey aapki tauba qubool ho aur aap apne purane jurm se nijat paa sakey." (Every day, offer your prayers, recite the Quran, and humbly beseech Allah for forgiveness. Through these acts, may your repentance be accepted, and may you find release from the burden of your past transgressions).

Malik Zubair nodded, his resolve firm. He understood that true repentance required not only words but also consistent actions. He vowed to seek forgiveness from Allah every day, to transform himself so that his soul could find peace and his pain could be alleviated.

"InshaAllah," the Maulvi concluded, his voice filled with hope. ""Malik Sahab, agar aap sahi irade aur puri imaan ke sath chaley toh Allah aapko zaroor hidayat dega. Chalo, aaj se aapki nayi zindagi ki shuruat karte hai. Allah aapka madadgar hai." (If you walk this path with sincerity and unwavering faith, Allah will surely guide you. Let us begin, for today marks the start of your new life. May Allah be your helper).

With every tear that streamed down his face, a cleansing release occurred within him. They were no longer tears of despair, but tears of surrender, as Malik Zubair submitted himself entirely to a higher power. His prayer was no longer centered on personal desires, but rather on the strength to follow the path of righteousness and find solace in the embrace of Allah.

In this surrender, Malik Zubair discovered a newfound sense of purpose and resolve. The flame of hope burned brightly in his heart, igniting his determination to embark on a journey of transformation. He understood that seeking forgiveness and walking the path of righteousness would require unwavering commitment, but he was ready to face the challenges ahead with unwavering faith.

As Malik Zubair rose from his prostration, he felt a renewed energy coursing through his veins. The weight that had once burdened his soul was replaced by a sense of liberation and a renewed connection with the divine. With each step he took, he carried within him the strength and resolve to rectify his past wrongs, to seek forgiveness from those he had harmed, and to embody the principles of love, compassion, and justice.

The failed love story that had once consumed him had now become a catalyst for his personal growth and transformation. Malik Zubair set forth on his path with a firm belief that inner peace and redemption awaited him. With every breath, he committed himself to becoming a better person, guided by the teachings of his faith and the mercy of Allah.

As he walked into the world, Malik Zubair carried the lessons of his past with him, using them as stepping stones toward a future defined by righteousness and compassion. He knew that his journey would not be easy, but he embraced the challenges that lay ahead, for he had found solace in surrender and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

***

In the span of a few weeks, Haya found herself transformed into a breathtaking vision as she donned an orange lehenga. The vibrant hues adorned her, while the intricate tikka set upon her forehead added an ethereal glow to her face. Lost in the reflection before her, she was interrupted by Maa Begum's arrival. As she entered the room, Maa Begum gently handed Haya a phone, connecting her with Hasan, her beloved brother. Overwhelmed with emotion, Haya couldn't help but cry out in joy as her brother showered her with blessings. Alongside the phone call, Maa Begum presented Haya with the precious necklaces left behind by her departed parents. Although radiating beauty, Haya's heart remained shattered within her, a bittersweet juxtaposition of her appearance and her inner turmoil.

Meanwhile, in Murtasim's room, Mahjabeen adorned herself in a resplendent pink suit. Her eyes fixated on Murtasim's entrance, emerging from the bathroom in a golden suit that accentuated his striking features. Neatly trimmed stubble and an enigmatic moustache added an irresistible charm to his countenance. Mahjabeen's gaze locked onto him as he approached, his presence eliciting a newfound flutter within her.

For the first time, his proximity caused her cheeks to blush, the rosy hue a testament to the emotions coursing through her. Drawing nearer, he softly rested his chin upon her neck, lazily admiring their reflection in the mirror. "Shaadi me jaaney ka man nahi karrha," he confessed, his warm breath caressing her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Overwhelmed, she handed him the necklace, the delicate touch of their fingers sending a thrill through her. With elegant grace, he secured the necklace around her neck, eliciting a genuine smile upon her lips. Turning towards him, she tenderly patted his attire before encircling her arms around his neck, stealing a stolen kiss. As their lips met again, sealing their passionate connection, Murtasim abruptly pulled away, leaving the romantic moment shattered. Unwilling to let him escape without explanation, Mahjabeen called out his name, pursuing him until she cornered him in the corridor.

"Murtasim, aap aise kyun bhag jaatey hain?" she demanded, her voice tinged with indignation, as if wounded by his apparent aversion to her touch. "Haya ka nikah shuru horaha hoga—," he began, but she interrupted, "Haan, lekin aapke saath nahi hai. Thodi der hogayi toh koi farak nahi padega." A sigh escaped Murtasim's lips as he gently cupped her cheeks, his touch met with her unwavering gaze.

"Maho, please yaar, mere liye bhi ye sab mushkil hai. Mai chahta hu ke tum kuch ban jao, tumhara diploma pura ho fir hum nazdeek aaye hai. Abhi tum bas aikkis saal ki ho," he pleaded, his words a testament to his sincerity.

Overwhelmed by his selflessness, Mahjabeen asked, her voice laced with a mixture of surprise and emotion, "Aap ye mere liye kar rahey?" In response, he simply nodded, his eyes conveying his unwavering commitment. "Haan, Mahjabeen. Maine tumhe pehle bhi kaha tha. Mai chahta hu ki tum itni kabil ho jao ke log mujhe tumharey naam se jaaney," he whispered, evoking a joyous giggle from her.

With a mischievous smile, she playfully replied, "Phir Khan sahib puri zindagi beet jayegi intezaar me aapki." Murtasim's words then resonated with profound depth, "Jaani mein tumse mohabbat nahi ishq karta hu, aur ishq mein toh sirf intezaar hi hota hai."

As the two of them eventually arrived at the exquisite wedding venue, Mahjabeen's mind was filled with nostalgic memories of her own wedding day. Glancing at Murtasim, she found him smiling back at her, his eyes brimming with love and adoration.

However, amidst this blissful moment, Haya's gaze fell upon Murtasim, and something deep within her shattered. The bride, seated in the hall, moments away from her own marriage, was suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of memories, reminding her of the profound love she had once harbored for him. Despite her groom's absence, the weight of suffocation gripped her tightly within the confines of the hall. Naurez Khan, a noble man in his own right, seemed undeserving of a woman who belonged to another, a woman whose heart still whispered the name of another. The pain of unrequited love, aching and raw, gnawed at her soul, pushing her towards an audacious decision.

With tears streaming down her face, Haya tightly clutched her lehenga, summoning the strength to break free from the chains of a suffocating life. Inhaling deeply, she rose from her seat on the stage and made a daring escape, leaving behind the impending marriage, the agonizing pain, and the stifling expectations. As the fresh breeze brushed against her tear-stained cheeks, a newfound sense of liberation embraced her spirit. Yet, relentless pursuers chased after her, determined to bring her back to the path she had abandoned. Seeking refuge, she found solace in a rickshaw, its wheels propelling her away from the entangled web of her past. Witnessing her distress, the compassionate rickshaw driver skillfully maneuvered through the streets, skillfully outmaneuvering the persistent cars that followed.

Finally, the rickshaw came to a halt at a crossroad. Haya stepped out, relinquishing her chain as an emblem of her past, a symbolic shedding of her former self. In front of her stood a dargah, its magnificent presence exuding an aura of tranquility and divine intervention. Desperate for a safe haven, Haya entered the sacred space, surrendering herself to the solace of dargah.