Chapter 15
Written by: Ishrat Zahid
Shanze looked at her reflection in the mirror. Today, her eyes didn't hold the old helplessness; instead, there was a newfound resolve. Her father's illness had taught her many things ahead of her time. As she picked up her car keys to head to the factory, Arsalan's stinging words echoed in her mind: "What is your worth?" Today, she wanted to show him that a woman's worth is defined by her character and courage, not by an identity bestowed upon her by a man.
Fully prepared, she entered her father's room. Mr. Hammad gave her his blessings as he bid her farewell. "My daughter, I have called Mr. Faisal. From now on, you will represent me in all meetings. You have to manage everything after me." Shanze replied affectionately, "Papa, I am only going because of your health. You must recover quickly and reclaim your seat yourself." Pride shone in Hammad's eyes. As she left, he reminded her, "Do think about Arsalan and yourself too; don't lose yourself entirely in work." Shanze nodded, but internally she thought, "Let me build myself first, then I'll decide whether to stay or not. There is a huge difference between forgiving and forgetting wounds. My soul is scarred; how can I forget everything so easily?"
Upon reaching the office, Mr. Faisal welcomed her and sent her to the boardroom with Rameez for company updates. The meeting went exceptionally well; all members appreciated Shanze's seriousness and interest. Afterward, Mr. Faisal offered her coffee and, impressed by her educational background, suggested she come to the office daily. "Shanze, you have great potential. You can use your father's office, or I can set up a new one for you." Shanze thanked him and looked at her father's room, which had been waiting for him for ages. Leaving the office, she felt that she was no longer just a victimized wife but an empowered woman.
On the other hand, silence reigned in Arsalan's house. Shama Begum tried to speak during her physiotherapy, but only tears escaped. When Arsalan returned home, he felt a sense of desolation everywhere. He missed Shanze every single moment. When he went to his mother, she struggled to utter, "Ma... for... forgive." Arsalan kissed her hand and consoled her, though he was broken inside. He was waiting for a single call or message from Shanze so he could make amends for his mistakes and start life anew in a different "fortress."
That same evening, Arsalan met Farhan. Farhan inquired about Mr. Afzal's health and then brought up Shanze. "Arsalan, if you think it's appropriate, should I talk to Shanze?" Arsalan replied despondently, "Perhaps she might listen to you." Farhan was determined to save Arsalan's marriage. He contacted Shahina Baji and informed her of the situation. When she asked for Shanze's number, Farhan provided it immediately, hoping a way forward might be found.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Maria's parents came to visit Mr. Afzal. Jamila sat aside, her face pale and silent. Mr. Afzal thanked Maria's parents, who casually mentioned the children's future (marriage). After they left, Mr. Afzal asked Mohsin about Maria. Mohsin replied bluntly, "Papa, Mama knows, but she doesn't agree to this alliance." Mr. Afzal assured him, "I will let you marry of your choice. I have lived my life according to Jamila's wishes, but now I will give you the chance to live yours."
Lying on a nearby sofa, Jamila heard everything. She realized that the husband she considered her property had actually been tolerating her out of compromise. She stood up, went to Afzal, and broke into tears. "Afzal, I am ashamed. I considered everything my ownership, but true happiness was in sharing, not in snatching." Afzal held her hand, forgave her, and instructed her to try and bring Arsalan's wife back as well.
As evening fell and Shanze headed home from the office, there was a strange sense of peace on her face despite the fatigue. For the first time, she felt she had her own identity. She recalled how Arsalan had once humiliated her. She slowed down the car and took a deep breath. She was no longer the old Shanze who would crumble at someone's words. When she reached home and shared the meeting details with her father, seeing the spark of pride in his eyes made her feel that her life was finally on the right track. She had decided that she would never hand over the reins of her life to anyone else again.
Your opinion matters to us! Please let us know in the comments: What should Shanze do now? Should she forgive Arsalan or move forward with her new life? Stay tuned for upcoming episodes. Thank you all for your love and support!
© 2026 Ishrat Zahid. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the author.