“So, what do you want?” Mahnoor asked, taking a sip of coffee.

“My ever so sharp Bhabhi.” Yawar grinned.

“Speak.”

“What is MB thinking?” 

“About?”

“Shahina.”

“Hm! So, this coffee is because of Shahina?” Yawar only shrugged in response.

“He believes Shahina should go back?”

“Why?” Yawar frowned.

Mahnoor sighed and said, “According to Moosa, her family cannot be blamed for her abduction in any way. The reason they quit her school was that her father lost his job a few months ago, and he couldn’t afford the private school fees for three children anymore. Shahina was the youngest among them, they probably thought that skipping a few months wouldn’t affect her studies. Therefore, they stopped sending her to school.”

Yawar didn't respond, and Mahnoor also went quiet. Sometimes, in life, silence itself becomes the conversation. Both of them kept drinking their coffee, probably consoling each other on a tragedy that happened long ago. 

“The future is only known to God, but promise me.” Choosing her words carefully, Mahnoor continued, “If Shahina ended up becoming your responsibility, let her study as much as she wants.” 

Yawar nodded and said, “It’s a promise.”

“...Are you going to tell me what you are planning?” 

“You will find out soon enough, Bhabhi, and I am expecting you to support me while facing MB.” 

“It goes without saying. But to inform you beforehand, if I sense a bit of hesitation from Shahina, I will stand against you even before Moosa could."

“Nats api said the same thing. Why are you guys threatening me? Write down on a paper, Bhabhi, she will accept me wholeheartedly.” 

“I am amazed by your confidence.” Mahnoor shook her head, unable to voice her concerns. 

~*~

“Samreen, Tooba will be coming tomorrow to stay.” Announced her mother when she came home from her job.

“When?” Samreen asked, taking off her shoes.

“Probably in the morning.”

“Should I take a day off?”

“There is no need for that. She will be staying for two or three days.” Samreen nodded in response and went to her room to change.

She was expecting this visit. Her mother must have told Tooba about Shahina's visit, and obviously, she would have many questions as well. Samreen can’t blame her, not anyone else in the family, as she was once on the same page. However, now she regrets it. Since the day she received that unknown call, her world had turned completely dark. The next day, Samreen called back the lady after recovering from initial shock. But after hearing the details of Shahina’s struggles, Samreen forgot the meaning of happiness. Although it has been days, she has calmed herself to the point where her family would not get suspicious. But she couldn’t control the tears in her eyes whenever she thought about her little sister. 

Samreen wanted to tell everyone what happened to Shahina, so they would stop questioning her. But she didn’t dare to do so. She had cursed herself many times for being useless. She was Shahina’s elder sister, but she couldn’t comfort her. Her baby sister wanted to go to school. Her innocent wish snatched her childhood and scarred her soul for the rest of her life.

‘No, I couldn’t tell this to anyone. Not even api.’ Samreen mumbled, looking at herself in the mirror. 

‘I couldn’t protect you back then. But now, I will be your strongest shield.’ Samreen promised herself.