Aaban's eyes reluctantly moved away from the countenance of beauty that was displayed before him. With a heavy sigh he realized now was not the time to appreciate aesthetics. The girl laid unconscious before him and the moonlight offered limited visibility, making it difficult to assess the extent of her injuries. Aaban had made a decision, he knew he had to act and bring her to safety.
Aaban fished out a small torch from his pocket and placed it firmly between his teeth. Aaban carefully slid one arm under her knees and another around her back, lifting her tenderly, making sure not to jostle any hidden injuries.
The light from the torch illuminated her face just enough for him to see a handprint forming on her high cheekbone, the angry red mark was a stark contrast against her pale skin.
The torch in his mouth casted flickering shadows on the foliage and trees around them, guiding him through the darkness of the thick forest. Despite the situation, Aaban couldn't help but notice how light the girl felt in his arms. In the gym, He could effortlessly bench press what she weighed without breaking a sweat.
Suppressing a smile at the thought, Aaban focused on the girl's breathing. He listened intently, making sure it was steady. It was weird, how the rhythm of her faint breathing provided a small reassurance amidst the wave of concern that had washed over him.
Soon enough, his small cabin was in view. Aaban shifted her slightly and supported her with one arm as he swiftly unlocked the door. Aaban's cabin consisted of three rooms only. The first room served as his bedroom, The second room was his working space doubled as a study, The third room was a makeshift small gym, containing all necessary equipments for his workouts.
As Aaban stepped inside, he decided to take the girl into his bedroom, to provide her with a comfortable place to rest and recover.
Gently, he laid her down on the fresh sheets of his bed. A sense of relief washed over him as he remembered doing the laundry a day before. For some reason, giving off a nice impression to the unconscious girl mattered to him. He didn't wanna come off as a messy, dirty guy.
Aaban turned on the lights to assess her injuries properly but stopped in his tracks, his intentions momentarily forgotten as he stood there, transfixed by the sight in front of him. It was as if the full radiance of her beauty had unfolded in the bright light, leaving him astounded. Aaban's gaze was drawn to her hair which cascaded in rich honey brown ringlets, the color and luster had been concealed in the dark forest but now that he could see it, it only accentuated her allure.
Overwhelmed by the sheer beauty, he couldn't help but marvel at Allah's divine craftsmanship. Mashallah.
A thought struck him, imagining a tower like rapunzel's where such exquisite beauty could be shielded from the world's filthy gazes and harmful intentions.
Amidst his admiration, Aaban reminded himself that the girl needed to get taken care of. He gathered his thoughts and focused on his initial plan of tending to her injuries. Aaban walked towards the living room where he had kept a small first aid kit.
Aaban returned to the room with a first aid kit and positioned himself a few inches away from her unconscious body. His concerned gaze fixated on her leg, where her white ensemble was stained crimson. After a few moments of hesitation, he took a deep breath and rolled up the fabric covering her frail forelegs, Revealing a long gash on her pale skin but it looked like the cut was shallow. Aaban tended to her wounds. Disinfecting it, then applying a sterile bandage. After he was done, he spread out the duvet over her and turned off the lights except for the small night lamp on the bedside table. As Aaban stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, his mind clouded with questions about the young girl. His desire to delve deeper into the girls arrival in the forest and the circumstances that lead her there heightened.
Whom was she running from?
~
As the morning sun filtered through the glass windows, Hira Noor stirred in her sleep. Her grey eyes opened and landed on the unfamiliar ceiling. Confusion washed over her as her gaze shifted from the ceiling to her surroundings and like a scene from a horror film, memories of last night flashed in her mind like blaring sirens. Kabeer khan's assault, his demise, the tragic loss of her mother, the maliciousness of her brothers, the escape through the forest, the kind gentle voice that she heard before losing consciousness.
A painful sob etched on her lips as the weight of her mothers death hung upon her, fear and uncertainty coursed through her as she realized that the stranger with kind voice had saved her and this was probably his house. The idea of being alone with a man, even one who had helped her was unsettling. It was a natural, given the traumatic experiences of her life revolving around men.
Feeling a strong impulse to leave, Hira Noor hurriedly got up from the bed. She groaned at the pesky headache and lightheadedness she felt. She noticed the bandage on her leg and her anxiety rose, at the thought of being touched by a man.
Taking one last glance around the room, she found a muffler lying haphazardly on the rocking chair. Fishing the muffler, she wrapped it around her shoulders and covered her veil less form.
She understood that leaving meant, venturing into the cruel world and now she was all alone. But she was determined to face it, her fear of living with a man outweighed every other risk.
As Hira Noor cautiously stepped into the living room, her eyes filled with panic and uncertainty. They quickly settled on the broad, muscular back of a man standing in front of the stove. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling food filled the air, making Hira Noor acutely aware of her hunger. Despite the gnawing pangs in her stomach, she tried to push her hunger aside and focused on taking a few hesitant steps forward.
However, before she could proceed any further, a familiar, gentle voice reached her ears.
"Why did you leave the bed miss? I was gonna come with the breakfast and painkillers"
Aaban turned off the stove and faced the girl who instantly halted her in her tracks. Was she trying to leave? Bemused by the thought, Aaban walked closer to her frozen form.
"Miss? Are you okay?"
Aaban's voice resonated with genuine concern as he questioned. Hira Noor hesitated for a moment, then turned around to face him. Her eyes landed on his grey shirt, and she couldn't help but notice his towering stature.
Aaban's breath caught in his throat as their eyes met. Her eyes. Grey. Like the stormy clouds, Like the mist that blur peoples visions and muddles with their sense of direction. But the depth of pain and melancholy he saw in her beautiful grey eyes tugged at his heartstrings. It was as if her eyes had the power to enhance her beauty even further, leaving him captivated.
"I... I would like to leave, sir. Thank you for your help"
Hira Noor murmured, her gaze shifting away to avoid prolonged eye contact with his intense dark eyes. She could feel a flush creeping onto her cheeks, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her.
Aaban chuckled softly, his eyes tracing the rosy hues on Hira Noor's cheeks.
"Do I really come across as a 'sir' to you?"
he mused, a warm smile playing on his lips.
Hira Noor shook her head, her gaze averting once more. She noticed that he wasn't exactly old, just a few years older than her. His smooth, alabaster skin and warm, dark eyes exuded a youthful energy. He possessed a conventionally attractive appearance.
"Can I at least know your name miss?"
Aaban playfully teased Hira Noor, a triumph smile gracing his lips as he asked. His warm eyes had a gentleness akin to a winter sun. Hira Noor contemplated for a minute, considering whether sharing her name would bring any harm or not.
"H-Hira Noor"
Hira Noor muttered, her eyes once again avoided direct contact with him as she twisted her knuckles. There was something about his face that made it difficult for her to maintain eye contact.
"Hira Noor. Hmm. You're Noor personified indeed...I am Aaban israr"
Aaban tested the name on his tongue. It seemed to fit her perfectly. She truly embodied the essence of light. Like an aurora, a scintilla.
Both Aaban and Hira Noor were startled by the sudden, forceful knocking on the door. The loud voices that accompanied it sent shivers down Hira Noor's spine, as they bore an uncanny resemblance to those of her stepbrothers. Overwhelmed by fear, she instinctively took several steps back, her eyes filled with panic as she pleaded silently with Aaban not to open the door. Aaban observed her reaction and furrowed his brow, a concerned expression crossing his face. He could clearly see the fear in her eyes, further intensifying his curiosity of the events that might have occurred in her life.
Aaban's determination overshadowed Hira Noor's fear as he reached for his shotgun, which hung on the wall nearby. Despite the apprehension in the air, he understood that he had to face whatever awaited outside. Steeling himself, he took a deep breath and made his way toward the front door, clutching the shotgun in his hand.
Aaban slowly opened the door, revealing two men who appeared to be closer to his own age. However, it was the sight of the cleaver held by one and the Glock grasped firmly by the other that sent a wave of caution through him.
Aaban raised the shotgun pointing it at them. Startled, the two men instinctively lowered their weapons, realizing they stood no chance against the power of the shotgun and the fierce determination reflected in Aaban's eyes.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Aaban questioned , his tone firm and unwavering as he confronted the strangers.
"Listen, man. We don't mean any harm. We're just trying to find our sister. She's wearing white-"
The strangers hesitated for a moment before one of them spoke, attempting to explain their intentions while the other discreetly tried to peer through the partially open door of Aaban's cabin.
Aaban abruptly shut the door, cutting off their view, and stepped outside, keeping a watchful eye on both men.
"No I haven't seen your sister. Or any girl for that matter. This is a forest. Only spirits and wild animals roam in the night. And...the ground you're standing on is my property. If you both won't scurry away in a few seconds. I'll be obliged to call the police or use force. I tend to get handsy. Just saying"
Aaban jerked his chin towards the ground beneath their feet, reminding them of their trespassing. Though his words carried a threatening undertone, his voice remained calm as his gaze bore into them, exuding a rather menacing aura.
"Uh...okay we're leaving-"
One of them stammered, voice tinged with unease as both of them took hurried steps backward.
Aaban kept his intimidating stare fixed on them until they were a safe distance away from his premises.
A sense of worry and confusion lingered in Aaban's mind as he stepped back into his house, ensuring the door was securely locked. He drew the curtains, obscuring the view of the outside world, and hung the shotgun back on the wall. However, his frown deepened when he realized Hira Noor was nowhere to be found. The stranger's words echoed in his thoughts. A girl wearing white. Could they truly be her brothers? Unanswered questions swirled in his mind, adding to the uncertainty of the situation.
His attention was suddenly drawn to a small hand clutching the arm of the couch. Delicate fingers trembled as they tightly gripped the fabric. Aaban approached slowly, crouching down in front of Hira Noor's hidden form. Her sobs filled the air, her bedewed grey eyes clouded with fear as she trembled uncontrollably.
"Hira Noor, you're safe. I won't let them take you away"
Aaban spoke softly, his voice filled with genuine concern. He longed to comfort her, to pull her close and let her find solace in his embrace, but he knew he couldn't. So instead, he chose his words carefully, hoping to offer reassurance to the distraught girl before him as best as he can.
"P-Please sir. Hide me somewhere...t-they will take me...t-they will k-kill me...just like my mother...t-they will..."
A pang of anguish shot through Aaban's heart as he listened to Hira Noor's pleading words, her voice trembling with fear. Her desperate pleas and painful sobs sent shivers down his spine. The gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent, and Aaban realized the urgency of protecting her.
"P-Please S-Sir..."
Hira Noor's hyperventilation and sobs wracked her body, her grip on Aaban's arm tightening, her nails digging into his skin. Yet, he paid no attention to the discomfort, his focus solely on her well-being. His mind raced, contemplating the implications of her words.
Did those two men truly have a hand in her mother's death?
The desire to delve deeper into her story stirred within him, but he recognized that she was in no condition to withstand further questioning.
"Sshhh Noor I'll keep you safe You're not alone anymore,"
Aaban whispered, his voice filled with empathy. He understood that her immediate need was comfort and security, and he vowed to provide just that.
The visible anguish she displayed tugged at his heartstrings. He contemplated the extent of her sufferings and the desire to protect her, to be her shelter, to hide her away from the harsh world surged within him. Despite meeting her a few hours ago, he yearned to alleviate her pain.
Once Hira Noor had calmed down a bit. Aaban engaged in small talk, telling Hira Noor about his job, his age. Gently attempting to divert her mind from the distressing events that had unfolded. While maintaining a respectful distance, he provided her with food, attentively ensuring that she was eating. As they sat together on the small dining table, silence enveloping them, he chided that she was welcome to stay here as long as she needed.
Reflecting on her words, Aaban couldn't help but feel immense sorrow for Hira Noor. To think that she was merely nineteen, yet had already endured so much in her young life. She belonged to a small village located an hour away from the forest, a detail that deepened his curiosity. Yet, he refrained from bombarding her with questions just yet.
~
Darkness swirled above, reminiscent of ink and charcoal, as if an abyss had swallowed the world around her. Within the shadows, she could see faces ascending beyond. The ground beneath her was covered in thorns, causing a shiver to run down her spine. The icy cold of the air bit her skin. Insects buzzed incessantly, their collective hum filling the eerie atmosphere.
Her gaze shifted upward, drawn to a looming shadow that revealed the faint outline of eyes, peering down upon her with a haunting intensity. The murky green hue of those eyes sent a chill coursing through her veins. As the shadow transformed, it took on a ghostly form, its stomach marred with gaping holes, oozing blood that resembled thick tar. The grotesque entity seemed to merge with her surroundings, its shadowed hands slithering up her body, tightening around her neck in a suffocating grip.
It tightened
tightened
tightened
The piercing sound of Hira Noor's haunting screams pierced through the peaceful silence of the night, jolting Aaban from his reading. Startled and deeply concerned, he swiftly abandoned his book, rushing to her room. As he entered, his eyes were immediately drawn to the distressing sight before him. Hira Noor was writhing in her sleep, tossing and turning her head, her cries getting louder.
With urgency, Aaban called out her name, his voice filled with worry as he tried to wake her up from the torment of her nightmare. However, she remained trapped within the clutches of her sleep, unresponsive to his pleas.
In an effort to bring her back to reality, Aaban reached for the light switch, flooding the room with light. Hesitantly, he extended a hand towards her, gently shaking her shoulder, hoping to wake her from the depths of her distressing slumber.
With a sudden, shrill scream, Hira Noor's eyes snapped open, her chest heaving with rapid breaths. Her hands instinctively flew to her neck, searching for any signs of the grip that had suffocated her in her sleep. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with her expressions of fear and confusion, as the remnants of her nightmare clung to her consciousness, leaving her visibly shaken.
"Sshh. It's okay Noor-"
Aaban sat beside Hira Noor, and extended a gentle hand, placing it on her trembling shoulder, offering a comforting touch to reassure her that she was no longer in danger.
"D-Don't touch me..M-Monster..."
Hira Noor screamed, her words laced with fear. Her hands flailed as she clawed at Aaban's outstretched hand, startling him. Aaban quickly retracted his hand, giving her the space she needed.
She looked the utmost terrified. Her teary gaze was unfocused as she stared at Aaban, as if she was still within the depths of her nightmare. Aaban's heart sank as he realized that she did not recognize him in her disoriented state.
"It's okay Noor. I wont touch you...but I want you to know that I'm Aaban and I'm here-"
Aaban spoke softly, his voice gentle and soothing. He maintained a cautious distance, understanding that his presence might only exacerbate her distress.
"Sshhh. I want you to take deep breaths with me. Can you do that for me? Come on"
Aaban whispered softly as he encouraged her to inhale slowly. With each breath she took, he hoped that her mind would guide her back to a tranquil state.
"You're safe now. I wont let anything harm you"
Aaban murmured, his voice was barely audible as he stared at her with tender warm eyes. Hoping to provide Hira Noor with a brief respite from the turmoil that had consumed her.
As the night shifted. Hira Noor's sobs continued. Aaban stayed patient and understanding, allowing her the space she needed to process her emotions. While giving her the room to breathe, he chose to stay close, offering his silent comfort.
In the depths of the night, exhaustion finally overcame Hira Noor, and she drifted into sleep once more. Aaban was still concerned for her well-being, he sat by her side. With a sigh, he gently pulled up the duvet. He didn't turn off the light when he left the room in case she woke up again.
As Hira Noor slept, Aaban's head throbbed with a tension headache. The mystery that enveloped her, the depths of her suffering, weighed heavily on his mind. What had transpired in her life to inflict such pain? Aaban was determined to uncover the truth, but it wasn't the time. For now, he could only hope to help Hira Noor find peace and solace.
___________________________________
Hey everyone. I know you all think that I stall after updating once a month but I promise I planned to update last month but got busy with Ramadan. So, here it is. A decent length chapter isn't it? Are you guys enjoying this so far? I know they literally just met but Aaban is such a gentleman isn't he?
Anyways. Do share your reviews and don't forget to vote. It literally takes a second man.
For those who are celebrating. Eid Mubarak xoxo 🫶🏻🫀❤️❤️