The call ended abruptly from the other side.
Maya stared at the dark screen of her phone for a few seconds before letting out a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
At least I survived this time.
Her chest rose and fell as relief washed over her. Whatever had been about to begin—ended before it could truly start. Or so she hoped. But relief didn't last long. Fear crept back into her thoughts, colder and sharper than before.
From now on, I have to be careful. One mistake… just one… and everything could fall apart.
She had already made a mistake once—and that single slip had revealed something terrifying.
This house was under surveillance.
Hidden cameras. Everywhere.
And not just ordinary security cameras—this place was protected by an advanced security system, far beyond what a normal household would have. The realization sent a chill down her spine.
If there were hidden cameras, then there had to be a control room.
But where? Maya wondered.
Inside the house?
Or somewhere else entirely?
Lost in thought, she slowly walked toward the bed and sat down on the edge of it. Arif's bed.
Her mind raced, trying to connect the pieces, when suddenly—
The bathroom door opened.
Maya looked up.
Arif stepped out, towel-drying his wet hair. He was wearing nothing but a pair of trousers, his upper body bare, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. He tossed the white towel aside carelessly; it landed on the floor without a sound.
Then he stopped.
Right in front of her.
Maya froze.
For a moment, she forgot how to blink.
He's… tall.
That was the first thought that crossed her mind. Tall, broad-shouldered, intimidating without even trying. His presence alone made the room feel smaller.
One punch from him and I'd probably disappear from this world, she thought nervously.
Arif stood there, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. His face was calm, but his eyes were sharp—too sharp. There was no denying it. Arif Khan was a handsome man. Fair skin, nearly six feet tall, well-built, with thick, silky hair styled in a way Maya couldn't quite describe. It reminded her of something European, yet not entirely.
His gaze locked onto hers.
In a deep, serious voice, he asked,
"What are you doing here?"
Maya startled.
Is he serious?
Did he hit his head or something?
He was the one who brought her here.
Trying to stay calm, she replied softly,
"You're the one who brought me."
"I'm not talking about this house," Arif said coldly. "I'm talking about America. How did you come to America?"
Maya paused for a second, then answered casually,
"By plane."
Arif's jaw tightened.
"People come to America by plane, not on a horse cart," he snapped. "I'm asking—who helped you come here?"
"Studies," Maya replied immediately.
That did it.
Arif was clearly losing his patience. None of her answers were direct. Questioning her like this was getting him nowhere. He needed a different approach.
He crossed his arms.
"Then tell me this. How did you recognize me?"
"From your face."
Arif clenched his teeth.
"Does my face have my name written on it?" he demanded. "How did you know I'm Arif Khan?"
Maya tilted her head slightly, then said in a tone far too casual,
"Oh please. Can I not recognize my own husband? We've been married for fifteen years."
Arif let out a short laugh, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh? So you admit I'm your husband?"
"We said qubul in front of hundreds of people," Maya replied calmly. "I have to accept it."
Arif stepped closer.
Too close.
Maya could hear his breathing now. Feel it. His lips curved into a dangerous smile.
"Then, wife," he said softly, "shall we complete our wedding night?"
Maya immediately moved back, startled.
"Astaghfirullah! Shame on you!" she said sharply. "Stay away, you shameless man!"
Arif straightened, his tone suddenly mocking.
"Calling your husband shameless? You could've just said you're not ready."
Maya glared at him, fury blazing in her eyes.
They weren't strangers—but they weren't truly close either. Years had passed with barely any real interaction, yet they knew too much about each other. And that knowledge… was dangerous.
Suddenly, Maya stood up from the bed.
"I'm not staying here another minute," she declared. "I'm going back to my hostel."
She turned to leave.
Before she could take a step, Arif grabbed her wrist and pulled her back in one swift motion. Losing her balance, Maya fell onto the bed, leaning back slightly. Arif followed, placing both his hands on the bed on either side of her, effectively trapping her between them.
Maya shrank back instinctively.
Arif leaned closer, his voice dark and commanding.
"Tell me the truth," he said. "How did you recognize me?"
Maya stayed silent.
"Answer me!" Arif shouted.
She flinched.
Her voice trembled as she finally spoke.
"I… I know about you. I've known for the last five years. I've seen your pictures. Your videos. I knew you lived in America. I knew you were a university professor."
Arif pulled back slightly, stunned.
"Who showed you my pictures?" he demanded. "Who told you all this?"
Maya hesitated.
"I'll tell you," she said quietly, "but promise you won't say anything to him."
"Fine. Speak."
"Really? You won't do anything?"
"I said I won't. Now tell me."
Maya lowered her head. After a long pause, she whispered,
"I learned everything from Labib bhaiya."
Arif stepped back, running a hand through his hair.
His temper exploded.
"That Labib—!" he cursed under his breath, clenching his fists. "If I get my hands on him—"
Maya quickly interrupted,
"Please don't say anything to him! I forced him to tell me!"
Arif turned back toward her, eyes blazing.
"Oh, really?" he said slowly. "Fine. If he's innocent… then you'll take the punishment."
Maya's heart skipped.
"Punishment? What punishment?"
"Stand on your hands," Arif replied calmly. "Both legs up."
Maya stared at him in shock.
"What? How can I even do that?"
Arif smirked slightly.
"Try it. You'll understand."
Maya swallowed hard.
His eyes held something dangerous—something unreadable.
And for the first time since entering this house, she truly understood one thing:
This place was not just full of cameras.
It was full of secrets.
And Arif Khan was the most dangerous secret of all.
To be continued…