Chapter 17
Ever since Rumesa saw the unspoken love and concern in Shehroz's eyes for Tania, she had been longing to lighten this burden. She knew her brother always prioritized the happiness of others, but now it was time for someone to enter Shehroz's life like a breath of fresh spring. Walking up to Tania, she took her hand and said mischievously, "Brother and Tania! You two are standing here talking as if everything is normal. May I remind you that my wedding departure is tomorrow? Aren't you going to help me with anything, or will these emotional dialogues just keep going?"
A faint smile appeared on Tania's lips at her remark, while Shehroz gave her a mock stern look. Shahab Sahab, who had been busy preparing for their departure inside the farmhouse, came out. He wanted to take Tania with him so they could meet the lawyer the next morning. Jameel Sahab (Shehroz's father) said affectionately, "Shahab Bhai! Let Tania stay here; it will help Rumesa and cheer her up as well."
Shahab Sahab let out a cold sigh. "Jameel! I would have definitely left her here, but I have a meeting scheduled with my lawyer friend tomorrow morning. We have to file Tania's case and complete other legal formalities. We will meet again at your house for the function tomorrow evening, InshaAllah." As Tania walked toward the car after saying goodbye to everyone, Shehroz carried her handbag to the vehicle. Before opening the car door, he said in a very soft tone, "Tania! Remember, I am with you. Whenever you need help or feel overwhelmed, you can talk to me. I hope we stay in touch on WhatsApp?" Tania looked at him with eyes full of gratitude, said "Allah Hafiz," and got into the car. Shehroz's gaze remained fixed on the car until it disappeared into the distance.
The journey back from the farmhouse began in a heavy, stifling silence. Tania stared out the window at the trees racing past, but her gaze didn't settle anywhere. Driving the car, Shahab Sahab glanced at his daughter's withered face in the side mirror several times. He could feel the silence that settles within Tania after a storm has passed. He wanted to say something but silently fixed his eyes back on the road; he knew that at this moment, Tania needed peace more than words.
On the other hand, when Almeer reached home, he found his mother, Aasiya Begum, sitting on the prayer mat. He had never seen her weeping like this before. When she finished her prayers and turned to him, Almeer sat beside her. His eyes were red from crying. Aasiya Begum took his face in her hands and asked, "Did you meet Tania?" Almeer silently bowed his head. There was deep regret in Aasiya Begum's eyes. "Almeer! Take me to Shahab Bhai. My son should not suffer for my sins. I am ready to do anything for your happiness now."
Almeer, who had come to argue with his mother, could not say anything after seeing her condition. He took her and set off toward the farmhouse again. When the car reached the gate, Aasiya Begum was startled. "This is the same place where we came when a wedding was happening? Why have you brought me here?" Almeer explained that Tania and her father were staying here. Almeer got out of the car and asked the gatekeeper to call Tania. The gatekeeper replied that she had already left. Almeer thought he was lying, and an argument broke out between them, bringing Shehroz outside.
"What is all this noise?" Shehroz asked. The gatekeeper said, "Sir, he is trying to force his way in and is asking for Madam Tania. I told him she has left, but he says I'm lying. " Shehroz recognized Almeer. "You already got your answer this afternoon; why are you making a scene here now? Tania has left with her father. "Almeer said angrily, "My mother is with me; she wants to meet Tania." Shehroz replied sternly, "You can come inside and satisfy yourself; no one is lying here. And listen carefully, Almeer! Tania is filing her case tomorrow; she will soon be free from this relationship. Whatever you have to say now, say it in court."
Almeer returned to the car with broken steps. Aasiya Begum understood everything by looking at his defeated face. "There is blessing in everything Allah does, Almeer. We will fight the case too and prove that we can give Tania the respect, trust, and luxury she deserves. No one can point a finger at my son because of the past, nor can anyone separate his love from him. My friend is a famous family court advocate; I will talk to her."
Meanwhile, Almeer's phone was buzzing with dozens of calls from his manager. Almeer called back, and the manager said worriedly, "Sir! Where are you? Because of your absence, the German client has canceled the deal; we are facing losses of millions!" Almeer felt as if the ground were slipping from beneath his feet.
The next morning, Tania sat with her father and Shehroz in the lawyer's chamber. When the talk of the divorce (Khula) began, the lawyer placed an old file on the table. "Shahab Sahab! Before filing Tania's case, you must see this will. " Everyone was stunned. The lawyer explained, "Tania's grandfather entrusted this will to my father, with instructions that it should only be given to Tania when she makes a major legal decision in her life. According to the will, Sofia Begum's factory and the bungalow have now been legally transferred to Tania's name."
Tania touched the file with trembling hands. She felt as if her mother and grandfather had strengthened her for this day long ago. A proud smile played on Shehroz's face; he knew that Tania was no longer just a victimized girl but would now stand before Almeer as an empowered woman.
The lawyer looked at Shahab Sahab seriously and said, "Shahab Sahab, another important thing! Since only the Nikkah took place and the departure (Rukhsati) never happened, our case is legally very strong. However, according to the Nikkah contract, Almeer had pledged 50 Lakh Rupees as Haq-Mehar, which is 'Payable on Demand.' If Almeer demands the waiver of the Mehar in exchange for the Khula, that is a different matter; otherwise, he is legally bound to pay this amount."
Tania let out a cold sigh. She had no interest in the money, but she felt a sense of peace knowing that the man who had played with her like a pawn was now being broken financially and morally by the grip of the law.
End of this Chapter
Copyright © 2026 by Ishrat Khanum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.