It was some unknown hour of the night when Jannat's eyes fluttered open. Glancing around, she realized it was almost 3 a.m. She rose from the sofa, her gaze instantly meeting Arhan's — he was lying on the bed, restless in sleep. Silently, she observed him, a strange warmth and protection radiating from his presence.
Arhan got up and went to the bathroom to perform wudu. Meanwhile, Jannat, draped in Arhan's black shawl like a hijab, made her intention for Tahajjud. Standing there in the dim light of the room, her rosy face glowed softly, the water droplets from wudu highlighting her delicate features, making her look even more radiant.
The faint creak of the floorboard stirred Arhan, and as his eyes fell upon Jannat, he momentarily forgot to breathe. Perhaps, for the first time, he was seeing a girl like this — ethereal, composed yet vulnerable. Jannat offered salam, feeling the weight of his gaze over her, sensing his silent admiration.
After finishing her prayer, Jannat turned to leave, but Arhan had already dozed off again. The morning sunlight was beginning to creep in. Arhan's sister, Hadiya, appeared in her usual cheerful manner. She knocked lightly, and without overthinking, Arhan opened the door. Shirtless, Hadiya teased with a mischievous smile, "I came to call you for breakfast."
Arhan, understanding her intention, quickly slipped into a t-shirt and whispered, gesturing towards Jannat, "This girl… she doesn't have proper clothes here. Give her an old suit of yours."
Hadiya glanced at Jannat and chuckled softly, "Who is she?"
Arhan's voice turned sharp, protective. "She is not your bhabi, Hadiya. Bhabi is Alizey. This girl is just… here. And whatever you call her, keep your mouth shut, or you'll regret it."
With that, he left for breakfast, trying to push Jannat from his mind, though her glowing presence lingered stubbornly. At the dining hall, everyone sat down for breakfast. Arhan, unable to concentrate, left without eating, heading to the office.
Meanwhile, Jannat noticed only Sadia Begum at the table. Hadiya, dressed in a stunning green suit with golden embroidery, radiated charm. Sadia Begum's eyes widened at the sight of Jannat, anger flashing immediately. "There's no need for breakfast. First, go clean the kitchen, prepare food for twenty, wash the rooms!" she barked.
Jannat, frustrated, protested, "I can't even have tea before doing work? And my nails will be ruined if I wash dishes!"
Sadia Begum slapped her hard, and Jannat fell to the floor, blood trickling from her lip. "How dare you speak back to me? Come with me!" she shouted, dragging Jannat into a dark, abandoned storeroom.
The room was ghastly — cobwebs, lizards, and a strange stench filled the air. Jannat shivered, memories of her uncle's threats rushing back, tears rolling down her face. She pounded on the door, but no one answered.
At that exact moment, Alizey entered the mansion. Her beauty, poise, and radiant style contrasted sharply with the gloomy situation inside. Sadia Begum, still sipping tea in the lounge, informed her that Arhan had gone to the office, leaving Jannat locked in.
Arhan, meanwhile, was informed of the situation. Realizing the gravity, he sprinted to the storeroom. Unlocking the door, he found Jannat lying there, soaked and trembling. Her wet clothes clung to her, her hair stuck to her glowing skin.
Without a second thought, Arhan lifted her gently and carried her to his room, laying her on the bed. His eyes kept wandering, overwhelmed by her beauty, yet concern and protectiveness dominated his every movement. Jannat's hair, damp and sticking to her face, framed her delicate features.
Unable to resist, Arhan leaned close to her rosy lips, letting her feel his breath, a mixture of warmth and silent assurance. Every moment was heavy with emotion — desire, care, and unspoken connection blending seamlessly in the quiet morning light.