Roaming around the house in the middle of the night wasn't his hobby, but sometimes it was necessary to clear out the laziness during work, and it was one of those days. When everyone was sleeping peacefully in the Main House, he was wandering around like a lost soul just to divert his mind. Suddenly, his steps turned towards the kitchen to grab something to eat. He found it odd that the lights of the kitchen were still on, and his pace fastened when the aroma of tea hit his senses. 

However, upon reaching the kitchen, a sudden urgency took over his mind. He involuntarily rushed towards Shahina, who was standing just beside the stove in a daze, watching the burning corner of her dupatta. Instantly, Yawar grabbed her arm, took off her dupatta, and threw it on the floor. And before Shahina could realize what had happened, Yawar was stomping on it to set out the fire, and luckily, he succeeded. 

"Are you out of your mind?" He almost yelled at her. But in response, Shahina just stared at the piece of burned cloth underneath his feet. 

Following her gaze, Yawar also glanced at it and kicked it aside in rage. While Shahina stood still, unable to fully grasp the situation.

"What were you trying to do?" Yawar shook Shahina's arm, and she finally gazed at him. She looked completely lost, unaware of the fact that her body was in contact with a man, and she was without any scarf or dupatta. 

"Oye!" Yawar held her by both shoulders as she blinked twice before losing her balance. Yawar abruptly held her tight and prevented her from falling. Shahina fainted, and no matter how much Yawar called her name or shook her, she didn't respond. 

~*~

Within fifteen minutes, the whole Main House was wide awake. The doctor was called instantly, and Shahina was taken to Amma-bi's room, as she wanted to be by her side. Especially since she was told about the dupatta burning incident. For once, she got suspicious of Yawar and voiced her thoughts before Moosa, but he instantly dismissed her concerns. No matter how far his pranks go, Yawar will never do something that could harm her.

 Still, the situation was unclear. Therefore, Yawar was called by Moosa for an explanation. Both of them were standing in Moosa's office when Yawar told him the details. They were too agitated to sit, as the conversation eventually reached the point where the idea of self-harming was discussed. 

"I heard bizarre news today regarding Shahina's family visit, and I think it's safe to consider that something might've happened to her." Moosa's eyes stayed on Yawar's face for a few seconds before replying. 

"I noticed that you are speaking your mind lately when it comes to my sister's personal matters." Yawar abruptly averted his gaze and didn’t respond. It may sound like a simple statement, but Yawar didn't miss the hint of annoyance.

Moosa had always cherished both Shahina and Yawar equally, that's why he was unable to understand Moosa's displeasure towards his interest in her. Though the thought of asking him the reason often popped up in Yawar's mind, he never gathered the courage to speak it.

Yawar was confident that he could bring Shahina to his side one way or another. Not forcefully, but with her consent. However, he feared that this person could be the biggest obstacle between him and Shahina. 

"I will request Nats to talk to Shahina." Said Moosa. 

"Why Nats Api, why not Amma-bi?" 

"Not everyone is capable of doing everything. Amma-bi may be a mother-like figure to her, but she doesn't share the past trauma like Shahina." Yawar inhaled a deep breath and nodded.

 It pained Yawar that no matter how much he cared for her, this was something he couldn't do anything about. At times, he felt utterly useless. He was unable to save her sister, and he was unable to soothe the girl he liked. All the hard work he had done with all the power and authority he possessed seemed futile. 

Moosa was reading Yawar's face keenly, while he was preoccupied with thoughts. Moosa could relate to his situation right now because the sourness of the past was still fresh in his heart. He was just like Yawar, unable to protect his sisters, and this agony will remain forever. 

"Go to sleep now. It's already too late." Yawar nodded and was about to leave when Moosa called him again, "And one thing Yawar, keep your distance from her." A ghostly smile appeared on his lips as he left without answering Moosa.