Anissa stared outside her window as the jet flew swiftly across the horizon. Her eyes looked at the fluffy white clouds in fascination. This was the first time that she was in a plane and that too a private jet owned by Shehryaar. They had left immediately after the waleema for Karachi were Anissa was told they would be staying until they would depart for Dubai in a week. Anissa was slowly beginning to grasp how rich her husband was. It would take for a billionaire to own such a luxurious jet and Shehryaar was just that: in top of that, he was a Mafia boss, the most powerful in all of South Asia.
She glanced at Shehryaar who was busy talking in his phone, his attention totally in the conversation. Just a few hours ago he held her to his chest as she cried her heart out and now he was back to his cold self, not even sparing her a glance. Just a few moments ago he coldly dismissed her and left her pondering.
How could this man be the leader of a Mafia? How can he kill and cause terrorism in the country knowing how badly it is influencing the people and region? I shouldn't be surprised. When he cannot even treat his own wife as an equal then what should I expect from him? Why did I ever forget that he's a criminal and a killer.
She sighed and rubbed her temples.
But I have vowed to change him. Monster or not, he has to change and I'll work hard for it. I need to be patient. He's going to be a jerk to me, pulling my leg and twisting me around with whatever whim he wants but I need to bear with it. I need to be patient. I cannot possibly expect him to change overnight. It'll take time.
She had time. Slowly, she would get to know him and change his ways. She knew it wasn't going to be easy especially since the man displayed psychotic tendencies but she will try her level best: after all, he was human and bound for change sooner or later.
Just trust yourself and pray to Allah for strength. Oh Allah, please give me the strength and endurance to face the trials ahead. She made a silent prayer. If there is anything that can cure the impossible, then it's prayer.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when the captain announced that they would be landing in a minute. Anissa quickly fastened her seatbelt. Shehryaar hung up on his call and fastened his seatbelt as well.
When they landed, Anissa was escorted to a separate black Mercedes Benz while Shehryaar left in another black Mercedes Benz. Zameer escorted Anissa to the Karachi estate that was located by the Clifton beach.
Anissa was fascinated and gawked out the window while they passed through the large metropolis that was known as Karachi.
"This is your first time coming to Karachi?" Zameer inquired.
Anissa nodded, her hazel eyes twinkling with excitement and her smile bright as she looked at Zameer. "Yes. The farthest I've ever been from Islamabad is Lahore. This is my first time visiting Karachi." She replied solemnly.
Zameer resisted the urge to chuckle. He found Anissa to be so incredibly naive and innocent. The way he saw her eyes light up, he felt a surge of pity overwhelm him. He knew what kind of man Shehryaar was and he didn't deserve a soft and kind hearted woman like Anissa but he was loyal friend and second in command. If Shehryaar chose Anissa than Zameer would gladly accept her as his First Lady. After all, she was the wife of his boss and therefore deserved utmost respect and protection.
"Where is Shehryaar?" She inquired after a long pause.
"He had some business to attend to so he left. He'll be back in the evening."
Anissa nodded and drew her attention back at the tall buildings as they passed out of down town Karachi. The sun was low and the evening sky was clear.
When they reached the estate, Anissa gasped in awe. The estate was a huge white mansion with white pillars and marble floors and this was just the porch. It was large multi-storey building with the large front windows rimmed with metal railings that were simple yet elegant in design. When she went inside, it was even more breathtaking. The corridor was set with pots of beautiful plants and a few cages that housed parrots and cockatoos. They were quiet and Anissa stared at them in awe.
"These belong to Shehryaar's Amma." Zameer informed her. She nodded. Her fingers itches to touch the beautiful colourful creature sitting in front of her in the cage. It looked so sad that even it's head was bowed down a little.
Is that how you feel when your freedom is take from you? She couldn't help but see herself in the same predicament as the parrot. Even the cockatoo was feeding quietly.
"Come, his Amma is waiting for you." Zameer said and led her upstairs. Anissa was glad that she saw another familiar face here.
The old lady beamed at her and patted the side of her bed for Anissa to sit. She complied and sat next to the cute little off lady.
"How was the waleema? I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there. I was called back here for my treatment." She explained. Anissa smiled and gently grasps her delicate wrinkly hand. Now that she thought it through, the only person present from Shehryaar's side was Zameer.
"It's alright Amma I understand. Your health is more important." She said.
With a low throaty chuckle, Amma patted her hand top of hers. "I wanted to see my Chanda get married and now that he's settled, I'm content and happy." She claimed. Anissa saw the same happiness shine in her for Shehryaar that shone in her parents' eyes for her.
Anissa felt her responsibilities increase and their burden on her heart almost suffocated her.
"Don't worry. Shehryaar is very good to me. Im sure he'll treat me right. And I'll make him happy." She said. It was half a lie and half true. A lie on the part where he treated her right when he mistreated her and caused her to leave her family. The only reason she lied was because she didn't want to disappoint the old lady who was already suffering. But perhaps his warm gesture from earlier today had warmed her heart a bit. But she was truthful when she said that she'll make his happy. She would try her hardest.
Shehryaar was a tough and hard man who knew nothing of love and Anissa was determined to give him love and make him happy so that he may have a different perspective that would ultimately lead to change.
"You should go and freshen up." Amma told. Anissa nodded and left. A maid escorted her to the master bedroom.
Again she was left in awe of the beautiful room. The furniture was posh and retro styled. There was large king sized bed in the middle. The walk behind the bed was painted a smokey grey. There was a large window at the left side of the bed which gave a clear view of the Arabian Sea outside. The air was salty and humid.
Her baggage was already present in the room. Sighing, she went and opened up a bag. She found all her essentials present. Even though she didn't ask for it but Shehryaar had taken care of all her needs: bought her new clothes and shoes without her even knowing. Now she understood why he didn't allow her family to send anything with her after the wedding. He had already taken care of it. Her heart warmed at the gesture but the feeling was fleeting as she recalled.
So he wants to control this too? He had everything brought for me out of his liking, not even bothering to ask me about what I wanted. She crossed her arms across her chest and glared at the cloths in the bag. Indeed they were beautiful colorful dressed. She had to admit he had good taste. With a huff, she took out a random white cotton suit of a kameez and black tights with a black dupatta.
At least he isn't here to pick out my clothes for me now. She smirked to herself and looked around to find the bathroom. Again she was in awe of the magnificent bathroom that had cream coloured tiles and utilities. There was huge bathtub in the centre of the room. She longed to take a warm soak in the tub but her excitement to see the Sea while there was still little day light outside was greater. So she decided on the shower instead. Peeling her clothes off her body, she carefully took off the worn out bandages from her wounds.
After a cool refreshing shower, she inspected her injuries on her arm and chest.The pain was dull now under her collarbone. The injuries has scabbed and closed.
When she saw his name, she felt the same pain and anger that she previously felt. But she pushed it at the bad of her head. She was in Karachi for crying out loud. She wasn't about to let anything ruin her good mood.
Rubbing some ointment on the scars and dressing the bullet wound, she decided to leave the scar on her chest open. Anymore bandaging on it was starting to itch. She quickly dressed up and hung her dupatta loosely around her neck. Her wet hair hung down her back, the water still tickling down and soaking her clothes but she didn't care.
She went downstairs where a maid escorted her to the beach at the back.
The sun was set, causing an auburn pink shade to form over the sea. Anissa slipped her shoes off and strode to the beach. Her toes curled in the warm sand. The night breeze was cool and comforting. She breathed in deeply, letting the salty humid air airate her lungs. Slowly, she strode towards the water. She giggled cheerfully when the cold water touched her feet. It tickled her ankles and she couldn't help the smile that graced her lovely face. As if all her worries were over and she felt a little relief. She closed her eyes and faced the sky.
Shehryaar witnessed it.
Shehryaar saw her smile for the first time and it was breathtaking. He was standing right beside her just a few feet away. Even under the dim evening sky, he could clearly see her face. She was smiling with no care and it made her look all the more beautiful. His heart jolted with a first. He felt a carnal urge to approach her and kiss her senseless. He felt himself going hard. Her petite and slim figure with the right curves at the right places, her small waist and long legs whose shape was clearly cut in the tights she wore was driving him crazy with lust. Her long wavy hair, that was still damp hung loosely to her waist. He loved her long hair: they were so beautiful just like her.
He wanted her badly. He longed to have himself buried deeply inside of her. He longed to know the feeling of holding her tightly while he f****d her roughly, her long legs wrapped around his waist, her slender delicate fingers playing with his hair has they kissed.
He longed for it all. He thought that that was all he wanted but now, seeing her smile, he wanted to always see that beautiful innocent smile that was so pure.
He had never thought that her smile, a simple curve of the plump lips, would tug at the strings of his heart. He didn't understand why Anissa brought this warm feeling in his heart. It was her body that he lusted after then why was his heart getting involved?
Because the warmth brought it with vulnerability and weakness and if there was something that Shehryaar loathed, it was weakness.
No! You need to get a grip on yourself you i***t. It's her body that you want and nothing else. He mentally reprimanded himself. Get a f*****g grip on yourself. You need to make her suffer and you cannot go soft on her just because of a goddamned smile! Do not forget why you are going to do what you want to do.
With that, he pushed his feelings aside and locked them away. Shutting down his heart, he put on his stone cold mask on. It was easier this way; he didn't have to feel anything when he was in his ruthless and cruel persona of Shehryaar Ghulari, the fearless and cold hearted leader of the MMM party.
"Enjoying The sea?" He said.
Anissa jumped at the sound of his deep voice. Her smile wiped clear from her face as her head lowered. Even in the noise of the waves crashing against each other, she heard his voice clearly. She turned around and came face to face with her husband.
She swallowed when she glanced at his face: his hair was disheveled like he had passed his hand through it many times. His features were hard, his brows brought together to form his infamous frown while his steely grey eyes stared at her coldly. His hands were tucked into his pant pockets, his tie gone and the upper three buttons of his white dress shirt open giving way to reveal his toned pecs.
Anissa noticed that his shoulders were tense and the air around him exuded power and dominance.
"What's wrong." She inquired softly.
He strode towards her, closing the distance. His eyes were firmly set on her. Anissa felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze and lowered her eyes. Her cheeks brightened as she remember the kiss from earlier that day and their argument that brought back her agitation.
"Come with me." He said in his deep voice, grasping her fingers tightly and lead her back inside. Anissa's heart dreaded but then calmed when she realised that Shehryaar was leading her towards the dinning room.
Amma was already present and seated at the table. The three of them shared a light dinner. No words were exchanged between the three except for the causal chatter of the cute little old lady that was Shehryaar's nanny. When she was done, she excused herself and retired to bed early.
Anissa still sat in her place and didn't move as Shehryaar wiped his mouth with the handkerchief and finished his dessert.
"Come," he said and stood up. His extended his hand towards her, catching Anissa off guard. Her had always caught her arm or her hand without her permission and for him to actually offer his hand to her had her gobsmacked.
With a racing heart and a shaking hand, she took his hand softly and stood up. All the while, Shehryaar's eyes were on her, calculating her moves. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he lead her upstairs to the master bedroom. Her heart beat quickened.
Maybe he's just tired and wants to sleep. We've had a long day after all. She told herself. He released her hand and headed towards the bathroom.
She sighed with relief and removed the dupatta from around her neck and tossed it to a nearby armchair. Sitting at the edge of the bed, she brought her slightly damp hair to her shoulder.
The click of the door had her back tensing. She didn't dare look behind although she could fee his intense gaze boring holes in her back.
Her heart slammed against her chest when she felt his presence behind her. She shuddered when his fingers lightly caressed the skin on her exposed neck.
Gulping, she flinched away from his touch and jumped to her feet. Without looking at him, she tried to retreat to the bathroom but failed.
Shehryaar pulled her from behind, hugging her closely, his chest to her back. Anissa stiffened in his embrace. Shehryaar nuzzled in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply her soft scent of vanilla.
Anissa saw his bare arms around her, his muscles in his forearms were bulging out as the wound around her waist.
"What do you say? Care to be mine tonight?" He whispered in her ear alluringly that it sent cold shivers down Anissa's spine.
Turning her around, Shehryaar captured Anissa's lips in a quick passionate kiss, his hands roaming at her back.
Anissa whimpered when he caught her hips and squeezed tightly, rubbing his hardened bulge at her pelvis. She was surprised at how much aroused he was. When he released her lips and latched onto her neck, Anissa feared the worst as his hands slowly began to pulled her kameez up. Her heart jolted and her mind panicked.
"M-maybe not tonight. I-I'm tired." She stammered and brought her hands to his shoulders and tried to push him away.
Shehryaar faced her, his eyes ablaze with fury and another emotion which Anissa couldn't decipher. He didn't say anything and released her and went towards the bathroom. Anissa sighed with relief, although guilt but at her for refusing her husband a second time. But she was glad that he didn't lash out in her like she had expected him to. But she was okay as long as he let her go. She wasn't ready; she had no idea whether she'd ever be ready or not.
Shehryaar quickly reemerged in a half sleeve casual black polo shirt and dark denim jeans. His hair was in the same tousled mess as earlier.
"We need to head out. You're coming with me." He announced and took her hand again. Anissa quickly grabbed her dupatta and covered her shoulders as Shehryaar dragged her out of the house and towards the awaiting black Mercedes Benz.