The days at the beach had passed in a blissful haze. Zoha and Zafar spent their mornings together, playing with Ezra and enjoying the quiet moments of family life. It felt like they were in a perfect bubble, untouched by the outside world.
But Zoha knew this peace couldn't last forever.
Zafar had been quieter than usual, his gaze often distant. She could sense the weight on his shoulders, the worry that seemed to cloud his thoughts.
One evening, as they were getting ready for dinner, Zoha noticed Zafar staring at his phone, his face pale. His fingers hovered over the screen before he finally put it down, his jaw tightening.
"Zafar?" Zoha asked, her voice gentle but full of concern. "What's wrong?"
He looked at her, and for the first time in a while, she saw fear in his eyes—something she had never thought possible from him.
"It's my brother," Zafar said quietly. "Imran."
Zoha's heart skipped a beat. She had known this was coming—the past always had a way of catching up with them.
"What happened?" she asked, stepping closer.
Zafar's voice dropped to a whisper. "He's back. And he's not alone. He's brought people with him—dangerous people."
Zoha's breath caught in her throat. She had never imagined this day would come, but here it was—Zafar's past was about to collide with their future.
"What do we do?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Zafar looked at her, his expression torn. "I don't know. I've been trying to keep you and Ezra out of this, but Imran won't let go. He's threatening everything I've built."
Zoha felt a wave of panic surge through her. She had never seen Zafar so vulnerable, so helpless. The man who had always been her rock was now facing something he couldn't control.
"We need to leave. Go somewhere safe," Zoha said, her heart racing. "We can go back to the city, or even farther if we need to."
Zafar shook his head, his voice low. "I can't keep running. Not again. Not after everything I've worked for."
Zoha felt a deep ache in her chest. She understood. Zafar had built a life for himself, for her and Ezra, and the thought of losing it all to his brother's madness was something he couldn't bear.
"We'll figure this out," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "Together."
Later that night, after Ezra had gone to bed, Zafar sat on the edge of their bed, his face in his hands. Zoha sat beside him, rubbing his back gently.
"I can't let him hurt you," Zafar said, his voice strained. "If Imran comes after us, I don't know what I'll do."
Zoha leaned in, her heart full of love and determination.
"You don't have to do this alone," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere. You're my family now. I'll stay by your side—no matter what."
Zafar turned to her, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper—something that went beyond words.
"I don't deserve you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'll spend every day of my life proving to you that you're everything to me."
The next day, Zafar's worst fears came true.
A message arrived—an ultimatum from Imran.
"You think you can hide from me, Zafar? I know where you are. If you want to keep her safe, if you want to keep your precious family alive, you'll come back to me. I'll give you one chance. Come alone, or I'll take everything from you."
Zoha stood beside Zafar as he read the message. Her stomach twisted in fear. She had known this day would come, but to hear it so directly… it was like a nightmare come to life.
Zafar's hand tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning white.
"I can't risk your safety," he said, his voice cold and decisive. "I have to go alone."
Zoha's heart sank. "Zafar, no. We don't have to do this your way. We're a family. We face everything together."
He shook his head. "Imran won't stop until he gets what he wants. If I go alone, it might buy us time. Time for you and Ezra to get out of here and be safe."
Zoha's mind raced. She couldn't lose him. Not like this.
"I won't leave you," she said firmly, taking his hand in hers. "We'll face him together. We'll figure it out. You're not alone in this."
Zafar's eyes softened, but the weight of the situation still lingered.
"I can't lose you, Zoha," he said, his voice filled with raw emotion.
"You won't," she whispered, kissing his cheek. "We're in this together. Always."
As the hours passed, Zoha and Zafar prepared for the inevitable confrontation. Zafar's mind was racing with strategies, but in his heart, he knew this would be the hardest decision of his life.
As they loaded the car, ready to leave, Zafar paused, his eyes locking with Zoha's.
"I want you to promise me something," he said quietly. "No matter what happens, promise me you'll stay strong. Promise me you won't give up on us."
Zoha's heart ached as she nodded. "I promise. I will always fight for us."
Zafar kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he stepped back. "I won't ever let you go, Zoha. Not now, not ever."