CHAPTER 5.

With a low groan, she woke up, rubbing her eyes until they ached and got red. She was wide awake the whole damn night until it was time for the Fajr prayer. After praying she finally got some sleep but woke up in a few hours.

The morning was bright and a blessing for everyone but for her, it was another day to face the world with blind eyes. She wasn't hungry and skipped it. Making a draft for the bakery shop.

" As-salamu Alaykum. Auntie. " She greeted her, who replied.

" Wa Alaykumu s-salam. " But she paused for a second before adding in a worried tone. " What happened, my girl? Didn't sleep well? " She felt a warm hand brush her face and her cheeks were cupped by auntie. " Look at you, how pale you're. Your eyes aren't bright but red and swollen. Is everything okay? " Worries soaked in her voice when caressed her head tenderly.

" Yes, Auntie, I'm fine. Just couldn't sleep last night and didn't get the idea when it was time for the Fajr." It was a half-lie and half-truth.

" Oh! My girl, take some rest. You can take leave, I can handle it for today. " She held Auntie's hands.

" No, Auntie. I'll be fine. What will I do in the house if I take leave? It's boring. " She whispered, resting her bag on the place.

" Fine. If you say so. " She smiled but it faded soon when an intense gaze roamed over her. She swallowed while walking inside the kitchen but the eyes were still punching her back until she was inside.

" Oh! Thank God. You're here. I was in trouble, the handsome man is here again and we have to serve him fresh cake and cookies. Even though he said he doesn't mind eating stale cookies, it was almost embarrassing. You're a lifesaver. " She was engulfed by Amy but she didn't reciprocate the feeling. Her mind was too busy to catch up with the words Amy blurted out.

" Okay! I should leave you so you can do your work. I'm going to grab a chance to have a talk with him. Best of luck. " Her last line faded because she was already out of the kitchen.

Her palms catch the edge of the counter and let go of her breath. Her mind was swathed with the fog and she felt dizzy.

He was here again, in the early morning.

A small rage peppered in her heart towards him, How dare he? She quickly did her job and the cookies had been taken by Amy to serve him. She just wanted him to go, quickly.

After almost an hour she heard the bell ring, and a relieved breath left her mouth. She couldn't even take a long breath when heard Amy whisper to Auntie.

" Did you hear about the murder occurring near the second sector of the town? " Her blood froze in her veins, she whispered Kalma for the dead person and kept herself busy. Unknowingly her ears were hearing each word Amy was saying to Auntie. " I heard, the dead body is brutally ruined. His face has been ruined like someone has poked it to death and his neck was slit multiple times. Zain told me, the identity was clarified by the ID he had, fortunately. "

" Oh! My Allah. How cruel? It never happened before in the town. " She sighed at the statement of Auntie, " This town is horrible and it's not the first time someone has been killed.” She didn't say it out loud but her eyes turned even red, clutching the counter she drew a long breath.

Her heart clenches remembering the sweetness and bitterness of this town.

A sob was on her lips but she held back. A spark of rage cracked inside her and she didn't feel sorry for anyone, for a mere second.

" Who was he? “ Auntie asked Amy who sighed before throwing a bomb on their head.

" Mr. Farooq. " She furrowed and turned on her heels.

" Uncle Farooq? " She asked with hope, Amy denied it but remained silent. A gasp left her mouth and slapped her mouth to prevent the scream. He has been her tutor. He was her father's friend. It was hard to believe he was gone.

" Allah protects our town from evil eyes. He was a good man. " Auntie said in a sympathetic tone, feeling sorry for the family who lost someone.

She was still resting her hand on her chest with heavy breaths. Trying to compose herself with the new information.

There was a long pause of silence when Auntie spoke. " Well! Let's get back to work. I'm going home but I'll head to Mr. Farooq's family first. " She took off the apron and left the shop.

" Well? It's awful. " Amy murmured, leaning on the counter but the chimney was so heating up she couldn't stand much longer than a few minutes. " So, hot. I can't stand here, how are you bearing it with that hijab on? " She just smiled at her concern.

" I'm fine, Amy. " But her forehead was soaking with sweat beneath the hijab.

" No. It's too much. Why don't you take it off? " She was about to refuse when Amy insisted, " I can close the door if you're scared someone will peek inside. I won't come too until it's necessary. Go ahead, girl takes it off. It's too hot here. " She heard her voice fading as Amy paced out of the kitchen, closing the door behind her.

She sighed in contentment, partly glad to take it off and partly not wanting to. She took it off anyway, it was really hot here. A relieved breath left her mouth when her hair breathed in the fresh air.

They were soaking in sweat.

She was making dough, got busy-too busy to almost forget she was bare head. She was done with her work and was wrapping up everything. A cold breeze touched her back neck along with a small thud.

" I'm almost done..." Her words stuck back into her throat when two arms wrapped around her waist. A mix of fruity and smoking smell swathes her lungs. Her scream faded in shock and fear when heard a familiar voice.

" I miss you, Cupcake. " Her eyes widen in realisation and her stomach clenches, along with his grip. His face was buried in her long and thick locks. " Don't scream, sweetheart. You surely won't like it if your friend comes and finds us in this state, will you like it? " He breathed in her scent. The heat raised from his body and absorbed in hers.

She tried to jerk his hands off but they just tighten painfully. A gasp was about to leave her mouth when pinch her waist and she claps her mouth to muffle it.

She was dying in shame. Her eyes started to burn with the content when he was busy inhaling her.

" Please. " She whispered in a hoarse voice, it cracked at last but it seems her begging to be free left an opposite effect on him. Something was poking her from behind and she wasn't fooled to understand what it was? A low sob left her mouth as she panicked.

" Shush. Stay still. Let me just hold you. " He understood her fear, his tone was irritating yet soft. She shook her head vigorously struggling under his grip.

" Being wild won't take you anywhere but even close to me. " His husky voice melted into her ear like melting glass. A disgusted feeling rushed through her heart, pursing her lips together.

" Leave me. " It was a firm order making him chuckle in amusement.

" Or if I won't? " He buried his head against hers.

" Then..." She paused, gulping hard. " I'll...I'll... " She thought for a second then her hands went on the counter and held the first thing she got.

Pastry roller.

" I'll hit you. " His eyes widened in amusement, even a small smile drawled on his lips. He spins her with one twist and she gasps. One palm landed on his shoulder and the other which was holding the roller stuck in the small space between their chests.

Her heart ached in pain and fear. Her small Adam apple bobbed visibly. Her eyes were going here and there like they could see the views and the playful glint in his eyes.

" That's my girl. " He whispered and ended up chuckling when she widened her eyes upon hearing him. " But you can't hit me, Cupcake. Even if you do, still I won't let you go because. " He caressed the length of her neck and the pad of his thumb rubbed the spot where Adam's apple was bobbing. " I didn't hold you to let you go. "

She pushed him with her all night because his heated body was making her legs feel jelly. Her nostrils were only in his fruity scent, she hated it. Each cell was burning in disgust.

How dare he claim her his.

When they're not even married or in any other relationship.

This man was insane and had no fear of Allah. It was wrong to touch a woman this way, but she could sense that everything was wrong. He wasn't a normal man. His obsession over her was too toxic and unhealthy she could feel the radiation of whiff.

" Stay away from me. Mister. You got the wrong idea about me. You can't just come here and order me to be yours. You're doing wrong. You shouldn't be here in the first place. Don't you know, it's haram to touch a girl if she's not your wife. " She furrowed when he laughed and laughed.

Panic rose in her veins, what if Amy heard them? She hashed him but he laughed out loud, it sounds like mocking and evil laughs.

" Please, keep quiet. " She pleaded, finally he suppressed his laugh and drew a long breath.

" Don't worry, we're alone. She had to head back home, as something urgent came up. And about haram and halal! " She was still composing the news about Amy when felt him close.

" Don't worry, Cupcake. Everything is halal when it comes to us. " He twisted the hair string which was kissing her face. Sort of jealousy maybe.

" Even if I f**k you here. " He patted the counter behind her. " On the counter. Or on the floor. Or the table of the shop, or the cash counter of the shop. My touch. " He was scanning her pale face when his back of finger caressed her soft and red cheek. " My desire for you. My intention towards you. Nothing is wrong..."

Slap!

After a hard sound, his words cut off, and silence swaths the whole shop along with the kitchen. His face was one-sided. His cheek was reddish with the impact of a hard slap.

Her chest was falling back and forth in sync with the process of intake of a large amount of air.

She couldn't see but could feel the dangerous aura around him. His ego has been torn apart by her. She teased a man's spot where no girl would dare to touch.

A man can bear anything but being hit by a woman always hurts his ego and heart more than the physical hurt.

" Did you just slap me? " A tone heard by her which was deadly dipping into the blood. Her whole body shook with the thought of consequences but still, her eyes were burning in rage.

" You made a mistake, Cupcake. You shouldn't hit me. " His hot breaths were fanning her face when he came closer and she backed off but unfortunately there was no way left. Her back hit the marble counter.

" How are you gonna make it right? Cupcake. " His hand went to her neck and slowly it gripped her neck deadly tight. She yelped when he jerked her head up. " Make it right? Right now. Soothe my rage. Calm the beast you have just woken up. " It was a deep and raspy voice, throbbing in her heart with each pump.

She visibly gulped, facing ahead.

" C'mon. You like to take risks, right? Now here are the consequences. " His nose nuzzled on the line of her jaw. " Kiss me. " The small strength which was left inside her to struggle, drained. She was stiff.

" C'mon. Kiss me or see the disaster coming into your life. " He smirked when her figure didn't make a move in shock. His demand was like a sharp knife slitting her heart throat.

" It'll take one call to destroy your whole life. Cupcake. Not only yours but your loved ones too. Amy. Rosha. Your lovely cousin Zain. Your whole damn family. Everyone will cry tears of blood. "

Her cries echoed suddenly, screaming in agony. Her heart was beating fast and she heard the throbbing of veins in her head.

Her body was tired and she was feeling dizzy. She wanted to plead with him but he seemed like a merciless man who had no place for pleadings.

" Do it. " He said, impatiently leaning closer to her shivering figure. Her softness pressed against his bold chest and he let out a beastly groan, she shook her head in no but only sobs coming out of her mouth.

Her chin wobbled, mouth let out a cry of helplessness. He didn't give a shit about her crying mess and leaned even closer. His nose touched the peak of hers when hot breaths started to turn her black along with her heart. Between hiccups, she tried to speak, tell him to stop but he was dangerously close.

Reality hits her hard even to flinch and her mouth opens to scream. " HEL... " The word HELP muffled against his rough palm when he put pressure on her mouth.

" Save your screams for something else. Cupcake. My dick will eventually fuck your pretty mouth one day. I bet your sore throat won't let you scream. " Hot and flat tears fell from her eyes and rolled down to his back palm.

She let out a muffled sob shutting her eyes tightly like inwardly she wanted him to disappear like a nightmare.

Eden. A coax of chanting was echoing in her mind as she just waited for a miracle to happen and she died before being touched by him.

He was stiff.

A pause.

An awkward silence.

The sound of a clearing throat.

And he backed off but she was still in the same position. Wrapping arms around herself with shut eyes, until they hurt.

" You will pay for this slap. Soon. Cupcake. " A monotone and a couple of footsteps until there was no longer any noise but her heartbeats and harsh breaths.

She snapped open her eyes but it didn't matter, still, she greeted darkness just like her life.

Pitch dark.

Her past.

Her present.

Her future.

Now her soul was soaking with darkness too. He was breaking the remaining last pieces of hers. She has been broken by this town and her family but this man...Something inside her was telling her he will break her entirely. Until she fell on her knees for mercy.

She knows Allah was watching her misery.

Is it a test?

Is it another path decorated with thorns instead of flowers?

Her feet were bleeding because of the past journey.

Still, she was healing but...

She has another test to pass.

She can't disappoint herself and Allah.

That's it.

That is all that matters.

" Dianna. I brought the new canvas. " She heard a soft and sweet voice which almost made her feel it was she other than he.

A melodious giggle sang in the air when she let herself engulf in the excitement and glee.

" Why are you laughing? " He was curious but kept his voice sounding angry.

" I'm sorry. You just sound like sweetcakes. " Again coaxing a laugh one after one.

" Should I consider it a compliment or insult? " He sat beside her on the wet and fresh grass. It has been months now since he shifted to the town. As he mentioned he hated the school but Zain and Dianna helped him a lot. Zain and Dianna visited his house two times and guess what? His parents were oddly cool like Eden said, Cool more than necessary.

The first time when they visited his house, his parents were cooking together and talking sweetly. Dianna felt comfortable because they didn't let her realise she was blind, unlike her father. It was fun. Especially with Eden's mother. She talked with Dianna like she was a teenager telling her about her first crush and how she ended up with an old ass -but definitely handsome man. Eden was a shadow of his father, handsome and sweet. It was like watching the same man in the old and young versions.

The second time when they visited, it was awkward as hell. They were having sex on the couch. Eden was shouting at them like he was the parent there. She was blind but could feel the awkward atmosphere. Zain was red like a tomato.

Back to the point, Eden's family was good but frank. Dianna never told the accident to her family neither did Zain because they knew where it'll go. They'll be restricted from even seeing Eden or his family.

" I just love your sweet voice. So yes, it's a compliment. " She blushed, facing the lake.

A low hum melted in her heart just the way the sweet wind was doing it. She could feel his gaze on her face and it didn't shift anywhere even after a long pause.

" You're beautiful. " Words slip from his lips like butter, he didn't even realise what he said but after seeing her red face with widened eyes.

She was stiff, but her heart wrapped around the warmth of his words. He was practically hearing her pounding heart beneath her ribcage. Their heart was beating in sync and there was an unspoken spell that took him under. His hand came forward to grab her hand while his face was getting close to her mouth.

She was breathing heavily not processing the fact, he was going to kiss her.

When he was just a few inches far she pushed him.

It happened so suddenly no one got an idea what happened next and Eden fell into the lake. A splashing sound of water echoed. He was at the edge of the lake not deep but still, his jeans were soaked.

Astonish still lingered on his face but her face was pale, with her mouth hanging on the ground.

" Are you okay? Are you hurt? Eden? " She walked forth throwing her hands here and there in his search as she came into the water. All she care if he is okay? Other hands, anger raised in his cell and he backed off when she was close enough to grab him. She fell into the water stumbling with the rock. He clenched his fists wanting to grab her who was struggling to get up but calling his name, he might be hurt.

" Why did you push me? " He asked, yelling at her who finally left a relieved breath standing after him. Totally drench. If it was other circumstances then he would be red seeing the layers of cloth sticking to her delicate figure. But he was hurt. Not physically but emotionally.

" Eden. " She held her hand forth to catch him but he backed off with a clenched jaw.

" Don't touch me. " He growled, making her flinch. Her eyes were already burning with the need to cry but they couldn't hold it anymore and broke down. " I thought you liked me too. " His growls turn into a low tone at last. The hurt was shining beneath the darkness, his eyes gathered the salty water just like hers.

" Was I stupid to think we have something between us? " He whispered, at last his voice cracked. " Was it even real? Was I the only one who felt the spark? " He seems broken and sounds even more. She was sobbing hard, shaking her head in no.

" It's not like this? " Her voice was trembling, coming close but not enough to touch him or feel him.

" Then, what is it's? " He shouted out of the blue, making her flinch back. Her eyes were popping out of her sockets. Her cries died in her throat hearing his yelling but he seemed broken too.

" You push me, Dianna. " He said he still didn't believe the facts and truth. She pushed him.

" I just panicked. " She said, lowering her head.

" Am I that horrible? " He blinked looking at her , her eyes widened, shaking her head. Even her hands were shaking along with her head.

" No. It's just wrong. " She whispered, gulping hard.

" Wrong? Excuse me. I like you and you seem to like me too then what is wrong to kiss? " He bites his bottom lip staring at her innocent face wearing a wet hijab.

" It's not right because in Islam. It's Haram. " She whispered, twirling her fingers nervously. Now he was, even more, confused, he had seen her making a decent distance with him even with other boys, and Zain thought she was just not comfortable and shy but it seems there was something else. The reason he is definitely dying to know.

" I can't touch or kiss the opposite sex because it's Haram in Islam. I'm Muslim, Eden and I love to follow Allah's path. I can't kiss you or touch you. Not only you but other boys too. " He flinched as an electric current passed through his body.

She can't touch anyone who is the opposite sex!

" Wait...Wait a minute. " He cleared his throat coming one step closer to her with disbelieving eyes. " So, you're telling me you never have sex with anyone? Cut crap you didn't even kiss anyone? " His mouth was ajar at the mere thought of her. She was pure and untouched. " I'm almost nineteen and I lost my virginity at age sixteen. Are you being real? " If she had not been red in embarrassment he would have laughed at taking it as a joke.

She just nodded and a curse left his mouth.

His mouth was ajar but this time emotion was something else. A desire to wreck her right there and claim her.

" So you're a virgin." It wasn't a question. He took a step closer to her and water splashed beneath him.

She nodded.

" You never kiss someone. " Again it was a statement, taking another step along with the water-making sound.

She nodded again.

" You never even hug someone. " A gulping sound was heard by her and a wave of water touched her when he was standing close to her.

She nodded again but it was tiny. She could feel him close, it wasn't good.

She could feel the heat rising from his body and piercing her bones. Something made her walk backward as water sounded cheerful.

She swallowed.

He was standing closer than necessary and she could feel his shaky breaths along with his rapid heartbeats.

" Who will be lucky to touch you? " He whispered with a gulping sound, clenching his fist at the mere thought of her being touched by someone else. It was oddly relieved to know she was innocent but yet something pinged in his heart thinking about the man she wanted to be touched by.

" My husband."