"So all this while you were in contact with Ahad?" Kanwal asked Ayan.
Dinner was served and while others were busy eating, Ayan was going through an inquiry session by his Bhabi. Ahad had left them alone so Kanwal could open up to Ayan.
"Not at the start. I had the same impression of Bhai as others. I also didn't want to talk to him. Yet I was sure that he didn't join Black Eagles just to make money. If that were the reason, he could have done many dreadful things, without joining it. Therefore, when I recovered from the shock of him leaving us, I tried to dig into the circumstances of when he made the decision. So far, I have not succeeded, but one day I am sure to find the truth."
After hearing Ayan's determined voice, Kanwal asked, "Ayan, even if you were to find the reason, how would you justify the wrongdoings of the Black Eagles?"
"Bhabi,... There might be no justification for it. But somewhere in my mind, I want to believe that my brother wasn't after wealth and power. I am doing it for self-satisfaction."He said, looking at Ahad, who was busy talking to a man.
Yes, Ahad wasn't after wealth and power. That was what she also thought, at first. But after seeing his huge lavish house and his lifestyle, she finds it hard to believe.
"How are Aunty and Uncle?" Kanwal asked timidly.
"They are fine. I heard from Ami that your family is about to move out of the city?" He whispered the last part and Kanwal nodded.
"It's better for them. I asked my cousin to convince them and help them in moving out."
"Do you think it can be done?" He said, looking in Ahad's direction.
"Black Eagles should not have anything to do with my family. And I definitely don't wish for such a future for Alina." She answered, gazing at her Henna designed hands.
"Ayan, won't you eat anything?" Kanwal raised her head on hearing Ahad's voice.
"Going. What about you and Bhabi?"
"We will eat later. Right now there are a few guests I have to introduce to Kanwal."
Ayan nodded and left. Soon after, Natasha came to Ahad and Kanwal, along with Yawar who had a look like he was forced to come.
"Assalam o Alaikum Nats, you are quite late." Ahad said.
" If you are referring to dinner then don't bother. I can always eat later. Anyways, Wallaikum Assalam and Assalam o Alaikum to you." She turned to Kanwal who was silently watching the two of them talking.
"Wallaikum Assalam." Kanwal mumbled with a gentle smile.
"She is cute. Mubarak ho Ahad (congratulations)." Natasha said, giving Ahad a side hug.
Kanwal's eyes went wide looking at the sight of how comfortable her husband is by the hug of a non-mahram woman. But she quickly regained her composure, remembering that it could be normal in the social circle where he belongs now.
"Kanwal, this is Yawar. My un-official son." Holding his arm, Natasha dragged Yawar to her.
"Assalam o Allaikum." Said a tanned skin teenage boy.
He must be the same age as Kanwal or a little younger, but his build is way better than the average boy of his age.
"Wallaikum Assalam." Kanwal answered.
"Speaking of the son, where is my official daughter?" Ahad said, looking towards the guests as Kanwal's head snapped towards him.
Daughter???
She thought in disbelief and looked at Natasha and Yawar for an answer, but Natasha was looking in the same direction as Ahad and Yawar were busy glaring at him.
What is going on???
Ahad has a daughter????
~*~
A strange feeling kept Kanwal restless the whole time from the Walima venue to home, yet she didn't ask the question which became the cause of this state. On the other hand, Ahad was rather enjoying himself. He was aware of Kanwal's condition but didn't try to clear her confusion. He rather liked her being in this situation. Her puzzled expressions clearly show her concerns, giving Ahad a satisfying feeling. The bitterness from this morning is completely faded because of a simple stupid comment Ahad made to irritate Yawar. He didn't think it would affect Kanwal more than its original target, but Ahad is glad.
He didn't approach Kanwal after coming home and Kanwal silently went to sleep after being irritated on her own restlessness.
"Silly girl." Ahad murmured, sitting beside her on the bed and kissed her forehead. When he pulled back, he found Kanwal looking at him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you up." Ahad said, stroking her hair.
Kanwal stared into his eyes for a moment before turning to the other side and closing her eyes.
Little patience...
Ahad thought, inhaling a deep breath and wrapped his arm around her after lying beside. Kanwal's body stiffened and relaxed slowly when his arm remained in the same place. Watching her relaxed, Ahad buried his face in her back and closed his eyes.
The line between hate and love is thin and Ahad had already made his mind to bring her back to his side of the line, back to him.
