Pressure can burst a pipe,

Or pressure can make a diamond.

{Diana Ross}

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"So, what's the answer going to be, dear" he said after a couple seconds of silence. My mind was racing with thoughts as my entire body experienced a hot and cold sweat. I looked away from his eyes, which seemed to be glaring daggers at this point.

My sole attention was on running my hands through the end of my scarf, a habit I had when under scrutiny or really focusing on something.

The answer was on the tip of my tongue. I just needed the confidence to say it.

"No" I finally whispered out, and in that precise moment, everything felt sharper. Time seemed to be going slower. If a pin dropped at this point, I would be able to hear it. I didn't have enough balls to look at the demons face, but the eery silence said it all. Silence was always louder than words, and god, were they right.

But then it happened. The demon strides towards me and in an instant lifted me from the chair and onto the rough table. I shrieked in surprise and pain with the way I was being handled.

His hands trapped me from each side ontop the desk forcing me to look into his eyes, which seemed to be displaying many emotions. But most of all, anger.

"I gave you enough time, princesa, I think you're being quite selfish with your constant failure to realise who has whose life in their hands" he sneered out in disdain. His hands raked up my arm, leaving goosebumps in it's trail, and stopped at my shoulders. His face reached forwards and rested against my hijab clad neck.

"B-but, this isn't fair!" I tried to explain. "you don't understand, you're not Muslim. I will not marry a non-muslim!" My reasonings fell on deaf ears, as his other hand snaked around my throat applying light pressure. I sniffled back my tears, but didn't have enough control as they fell freely. Gosh, this was humiliating. Why did I need to fixate this burning curiosity. If only I could go back and change my mind. If only.

"Well if you're so hell bent in your answer" his face was inches away from mine "looks like I'll have to do something about that" I didn't realise he'd called someone until I could hear the ringtone blaring in the quietness. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

But that confusion banished the second my mother's greeting voiced through the phone. I was full on sobbing behind Rafael's rough hand. He smirked down at me, looking rather proud of himself that he could get me this worked up. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him!

"Hello" she said again for the second time. Her voice came out fine and just like I last heard it, which meant she was safe, for now. I shook my head desperately at Rafael, pleading him with my eyes to stop this foolishness. But my begging only fueled his sick and twisted actions.

"Hello, is this Mrs Bakhash I'm speaking to?" He exclaimed.

"Yes, who is this" confusing was clear in mamas tone.

"Nice to speak to you, this is Laila's..." He left the statement in the air for a couple of seconds causing me to shake my head rapidly. I shouted and screamed behind his tight hand, effectively blocking my cries, but I doubt my mother heard me.

"Fiance" mama gasped, no doubt in shock.

"I'm s-sorry, you must be mistaken, our Laila wou-"

"It's true, I'm afraid. I wanted to announce this to you under better circumstances, but poor Laila" he looked directly at me, looking past my defeated and tear stained face. "was too afraid of your reaction. I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about, mother" oh but she did, you demon. She did! And stop calling her mother! I internally raged.

It was silent on the other line for a couple of tense minutes. I'd thought mama ended the call thinking it was a prank call, but she replied.

"Okay, if that's the case, I want to speak to my daughter. She must be around you, so give her the phone" no. I didn't want to talk to her. My wavering voice would give away my current state. Rafael glared at me to take the phone, as he smiled charmingly whilst answering my mother.

"Yes, of course"

"H-hello, mama" I said with fear in my voice. Partly because of her reaction, but also partly because of the demon, situating himself between my legs. I attempted to close them but his strong hold pushed them apart. His hands now rested on my waist, as he bought his face closer to my ears and whispered.

"Now be a good girl for me, my dear" I felt the sob coming up, but I held it down, thankfully soon, as mama replied.

"Laila, what is this I'm hearing?! Are you involved with someone without telling us?!" She exclaimed suddenly in Urdu. I wanted to breakdown then and there but the hands tightening on my waist told me to do the opposite.

"I-it's the t-truth mama. I-ive been wanting to tell y-you for some ti-time now" I hiccupped involuntarily. I hope my mum detected something was wrong, but to my complete surprise she said something I was not ready to accept.

"Oh Laila, I'm upset you didn't even think to tell me about this" she tutted sighing heavily. I could detect a waver in her voice no doubt already tearing up about me leaving. Or perhaps she didn't like Rafael's cruel surprise. I hope it was the latter. "But that's in the past. When it's possible, I want you to come to the UK after your three months are over and introduce me to this man. I will tell your father about this, but do not expect the same reaction as me. He will be livid that's for sure" what?! This wasn't what I planned. This wasn't how I wanted this to go! I wanted her to scream down my throat and hit me through the phone but not bloody this!

"Mother, y-you can't be this c-calm. You s-should shout at m-"

"Oh hush" she cut me off. "I knew this day would come, but not this suddenly. My little girl is all grown up" ugh! I wanted to scream and tell her this is not supposed to happen. I was more than surprised at her reaction. I felt like all hope was lost.

I could literally sense Rafael smirking from next to me, as he continued rubbing his hands gently along my waist. This is so wrong. So bloody wrong.

"O-okay then, mother. But please do think about my decision. You are free to decline if you have to. You and Abu g both, I wouldn't mind at all" I added for extra hope. But Rafael didn't like that, as his sinful caresses stopped. His hands encircled my waist in a tight told, just like that of a snake wrapping itself around it's prey.

"It'll be fine dear, if Allah wills for you to meet someone at this stage in your life, then who are we to stop this. If anything, it's more halal this way! By the way, do the Mukhtars know about this?"

"No!" I exclaimed loudly. "Ple-please don't tell them!" I rushed out.

"Okay, but do let them know soon enough dear. They also have a right to know since they've treated you no less than their own daughters" I nodded but then replied back.

"By the way, Laila how are you with your supposed fiance right now? Are you two alone?" Her tone was suspicious. Oh damn!

"N-no mama! I-im at the hospital, and he somehow dropped by to inform you of this m-mmarriage infront of me" I lied silkily through my teeth. Tears excaped my eyes and I let them this time. My tears went out to all those I'd wronged. They went out for the constant lies, for the constant betrayal, but most of all, because I was utterly trapped.

"If you say so, jaan. I'll talk to you later your father's just arrived from work. I'll call you tomorrow regarding this decision. Khuda hafiz"

"Allah hafiz" I whispered just wanting to sleep this nightmare away. Rafael took the phone from my hand, ending the call before resuming his previous position with his hands around my waist.

"That was easier than expected, now no one will be harmed, that is unless you decide to go against me" his tone came out teasingly, but I could've easily mistaken it for a conversation between the snake and Prophet Adam (as).

I didn't reply. There was nothing to say. Perhaps not for today, because my mind was all over the place. How would baba react? Would he be really angry? I hope so. Would he think less of me after this sudden decision? Was I really going to marry a Mafia King? What now?

"Don't look so upset, my dear" he tutted, his finger jutting my chin upwards. "Now that we're soon to be married, I think you should quickly accept that. It'll be better for you... and those that you seem to care about" I ripped away my chin from his hold,

attempting to push him away.

He didn't let me.

My dried up tears were replaced by fresh ones, as my body let out an earth quaking sob. Ya Allah, what are you testing me with?

I didn't have time to render when i'd been pushed into a rock hard yet warm chest. Rafael soothed me by repeating a load of crappy sweet nothings. No amount of coaxing would help me with accepting my fate. The demons touch burned me with fire, but it didn't do any harm to him, unfortunately.

I pushed him away with all my might, walking away. His hold on my arm stopped me midway. I didn't turn around, but kept my head towards the door, attempting to free his hold.

"You'll sleep here tonight. It's too late to be out" he voiced his false concern. I didn't have any energy in me to fight, so I nodded once. Only then did he let go of my arm, leading the way.

I followed behind like a lost puppy. In a couple of seconds we'd reached a door. He opened it for me, waiting for me to enter first. I did without hesitation. It was the same room as last time, much to my surprise.

"Maria will be up to provide you with anything you need" he called out into the silence.

"No need. Now if this is all, I want to sleep" I rubbed my tired eyes, facing the window. After a couple of seconds, I hard the closing of a door. Only then did I allow myself to let out a huge sigh.

I went straight to bed, not caring about anything else and attempted to rub away the growing headache.

It didn't take long for sleep to find me, but it wasn't peaceful. My mind was unable to rest even in my dreams, and somehow I deserved it. This was all my fault, and now I was paying for those mistakes. The only feeling that filled me was guilt. And a lot of it.

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