"Yes, Sultana, we will definitely talk about this."
Mehr understood what Zoran wanted to say. She simply said, "Okay."
The three of them left the room. As soon as they stepped out, Zoran grabbed Nawaf by the arm.
"Where is Hakim?"
His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried bitterness. There was anger, though not in his voice—but in his eyes. Why were they arguing over a girl? They had just met Mehr, but they'd known Hakim for years.
Hakim had already received the news that Mehr had safely returned home.
Azlan was with Fateh. Fateh was tied up, with tape over his mouth. He was trying hard to speak, but Azlan neither understood nor wanted to listen. He was too absorbed in his mobile. Darkness had now taken over the sky, and only the moonlight shone above.
Mehr sat by the window in her room, staring at the moon. After so long, she felt at peace. There was no more storm within her heart. Only one regret lingered: that she hadn't seen her parents one last time.
Dreams.
Always remember your dreams.
Dreams show you the way.
Dreams are signs.
But not every dream is the same.
Suddenly, a frown appeared on Mehr's forehead. Someone was outside her room. She could hear footsteps. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't locked the door. Just as she stood up to go toward it, a voice called softly:
"Mehr, don't be scared. It's me—Hakim."
Her body went cold. She opened the door.
"Hakim? You wanted to take my life?"
Her face turned pale. Her hands trembled. Yet, hearing Hakim's voice, she tried hard to remain calm.
Hakim's heartbeat quickened at her words.
In his heart, he thought,
"You're the one taking my life, Mehr..."
Mehr opened the door and turned back into the room. Hakim, clutching his chest, whispered to himself,
"What is happening to you, Hakim?"
Mehr sat on the bed, looking at Hakim, who was still standing at the door.
"What's the matter, Hakim?"
He snapped out of his thoughts. "Nothing, just remembered something."
He left the door open and sat on the sofa beside the bed. Now they were sitting across from each other.
"This isn't exactly a good time to visit someone's house, is it?" Mehr said with annoyance. She was scared, and her anger was justified.
Hakim smirked, "It's Hakim's time."
Running a hand through his hair—his old habit—made Mehr laugh out loud.
Seeing Mehr laugh made Hakim's heart pound. His blood raced through his veins.
Why am I feeling like this for the first time? he wondered.
And then, unknowingly, he said,
"You look very beautiful today, Mehr Sultan."
Mehr stopped laughing, surprised.
"Really? Look at my face! Anyone who sees me wouldn't look back again. These scars... and you think I look beautiful?"
Hakim nodded silently. He didn't speak.
They both fell into silence. Then Mehr spoke.
"I have to tell you something."
She looked disturbed. Hakim leaned forward,
"Yes, Mehr Sultan?"
She was nervously twirling her fingers.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, sensing her unease. This wasn't like her.
"Fateh has returned."
"So?"
"I had him kidnapped," she said bluntly.
Hakim shot up.
"Kidnapped?"
He stared at her in disbelief.
"Mehr Sultan, are you in your senses?"
Mehr stood too.
"I was angry. He had to pay for what he did."
Hakim's voice hardened,
"Mehr Sultan, when someone leaves, you let them go. You don't look back."
His chest tightened with concern.
"You're right," Mehr began, but before she could continue, her head spun, her vision blurred.
Hakim rushed to catch her.
"Mehr Sultan, sit down. Let's talk calmly."
He helped her sit and brought a glass of water from the side table, placing it in her hands.
"Drink this first."
Hakim knelt in front of her.
"I just want one thing—that you never go through that same pain again. I never want to see you crying in the car again."
Hearing that, Mehr's eyes widened. She stared at him.
"How do you know about that, Hakim?"
Hakim knows everything about you, Mehr.
She was still looking at him, surprised.
Had Hakim really changed?
Could this still be the same Hakim?
"And what will you do about Fateh?" Hakim asked while getting up.
"I need answers from him. That's all."
"So… are you going to meet him?"
Saying it out loud made Hakim uneasy.
Mehr took a deep breath, "Yes. Will you come with me?"
The moment she asked, Hakim replied without hesitation,
"Of course."
"Then it's settled. We'll go."
Hakim was still staring at her. When Mehr noticed his intense gaze, she asked,
"Hakim, is there something you want to say?"
Hakim closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then opened them slowly and said,
"You look beautiful even like this."
And he walked out.
That day, he had come to meet Zoran. It was around noon when Hakim got a message—it was from Zoran.
"Hakim, can we meet? I need to talk to you."
Seeing the message, Hakim smiled.
"Now he's on the same page."
He left the house. Outside, Zoran was sitting on a chair near the door, and Shahram was sitting beside him, scrolling on his mobile.
Seeing them, Hakim said,
"Wow, wow… what's this? Guard duty, huh?"