At that moment, Meher found herself genuinely liking Hakim. She didn't know why, but her heart wanted to thank him sincerely. Hakim had already left.
The next morning, Yusuf was the first to enter her room. After checking on her health, he shared a piece of news that left Meher Sultan unsettled—it sparked a strange restlessness inside her, and soon, anger began to rise.
"I called Fateh. He's coming to see you today," Yusuf chacha said gently.
But Meher's expression immediately hardened. "Why did you call him? How did you even manage to? He doesn't even answer my calls!" Her voice grew sharp.
Without wasting another second, she called the four men standing outside.
When they entered, Meher turned to Nawaf first.
"Nawaf, I need a new phone," she said firmly.
"Your command is my duty, Sultanm. You'll have it today," he replied without hesitation.
Then Meher looked at Zoran, Azlan, and Shahraam.
"I have a task for the three of you," she said.
With visible pride, they replied in unison, "Order us, Sultanm."
Meher glanced toward the IV drip in her hand and said quietly, "Fateh is coming... bring him from there."
The moment Fateh's name was spoken, Nawaf stiffened in surprise.
"Meher Sultan, what are you saying?"
Meher's voice was calm, but her eyes held a deep sorrow.
"He has to answer for what he did."
The pain in her heart was still fresh. But the love that once lived there... it was gone.
Evening had fallen. Meher was in her room, getting discharged from the hospital. Nawaf walked in, holding a mobile phone.
"How are you feeling, Meher?"
"I'm fine, Nawaf. But I want to go home," she replied, a quiet stubbornness in her voice.
"But you're not fully recovered yet," Nawaf said with concern.
Meher took a deep breath. "Exactly. That's why I need to leave."
Nawaf looked troubled. "But Meher Sultan—"
She made an innocent face. "I can't breathe here anymore. If I stay, I might go mad."
And Nawaf, who could never refuse her, once again gave in silently.
"Everyone will kill me... Sultanm, how can I take you like this?"
Her soft laughter filled the room. "No one will do anything, Nawaf. Just leave it to me."
With a reluctant nod, he turned and left to prepare the discharge papers.
As soon as he stepped out, Meher dialed Hakim's number—but his phone was off. She wasn't surprised. Hakim was always like this.
Meanwhile, Zoran, Shahraam, and Azlan had gone to bring Fateh. They were given a picture for identification.
Azlan asked, "Man, who do you think this guy is to Sultanm?"
Shahraam glanced at Zoran. "Doesn't matter. We only do what we're told."
As they talked, Fateh stepped out carrying a small bag. The three of them approached swiftly, grabbed him, and took him away to an unknown location.
When Meher arrived home, Yusuf was sitting, sipping tea. He stood up immediately at the sight of her.
"Meher beti, you're here?"
Hearing her name, Areeba came out as well.
"How are you feeling, Api?"
"I'm fine, Areeba. And you?"
Areeba was silently looking at the fading bruises on Meher's face. Meher extended her hand, the IV still attached. Areeba carefully held it.
"Will you help me to my room?" Meher asked.
"Of course, Api."
They walked together slowly, but Meher was having trouble walking—her head felt light, slightly dizzy.
Suddenly, Meher asked, "Areeba, is there something you want to tell me?"
Areeba looked startled. "What do you mean, Api?"
"I know everything, Areeba," Meher said softly.
When Hakim had come to see her, he had revealed the truth—that Areeba had never been kidnapped. The evidence from her blood and other details had confirmed that she had been meeting the same boy repeatedly. A university student.
"Areeba, whatever it is, just tell me the truth."
The two of them had now reached Mehr's room.
Areeba lowered her eyes hesitantly. "Actually... I like a boy."
Mehr looked at her in surprise, then gently said, "Alright, call him. Let's see who he is."
Mehr had just sat down on the bed when she noticed tears in Areeba's eyes.
"What happened, Areeba?"
But Areeba didn't wipe her tears. In a low voice, she said, "He left me..."
Hearing this, a wave of pain surged through Mehr's heart.
"He left you? But why?"
Areeba's voice trembled. "He said... you can feel sympathy for a servant's daughter, but never love..."
Mehr took a deep breath. A heavy silence settled between them for a moment.
"Don't worry," she said calmly. "Give me his picture and the name of his university. We'll handle it."
Her words weren't just consolation; they carried strength. The truth in her eyes and the care she felt for Areeba were both unmistakable.
Just then, Nauf came in with Mehr's luggage from the car. Yusuf took the bags from him and said, "Son, go make some tea."
Nauf smiled, "To be honest, Yusuf, I was just thinking the same. I could really use a cup of tea."
They both chuckled at that.
Nauf was still there when Zoran and Shahraam entered the house. Spotting him, Shahraam immediately asked:
"What are you doing here?"
Before Nauf could answer, Zoran snapped angrily, "Did you leave the Sultan alone again?"
Nauf quickly responded, "No, no! She's upstairs in her room!"
They exchanged glances, then headed upstairs. Nauf followed behind them.
Areeba was just stepping out of the room when Zoran asked, "Can we meet with the Sultana?"
Areeba glanced at the three men, then turned back inside. "Api, the guards have come to see you."
Mehr, who had been reclining, sat up immediately. "Let them in."
Areeba came back out, gave Zoran a cautious glance, and said, "You may go in now."
The three men entered. Mehr smiled at them, but their expressions remained serious.
"Sultana, how can you smile? You've witnessed everything with your own eyes. Don't you feel pity for yourself? We do!" Zoran said, his voice weary.
Mehr replied calmly, "I'm fine, Zoran. You're all talking as if something irreversible has happened."
Shahraam said solemnly, "Sultana, we've completed the task you assigned."
Zoran was still glaring at Nauf.
"Thank you, all of you," Mehr said sincerely.
"Thank you? Sultana, it was your command," Shahraam replied, placing a hand over his chest in loyalty.
Zoran finally looked away from Nauf and turned to Mehr. "Sultana, you're so stubborn. What would have happened if you stayed in the hospital just four more days?"
There was a mild complaint in his tone.
"Zoran, I'll recover faster here. And don't worry about my face—these scars will vanish under makeup," Mehr said with a soft laugh.
Sleep was now settling into her eyes.
"We'll talk later," she whispered.
Zoran nodded respectfully, "Yes, Sultana… we certainly will."