16

Chapter 16

At college

Once she was far from Ahmed, Ameena let it out
“Why is he so ill-mannered?” she fumed, pacing back and forth.

“Yaar, just forget him,” Ayesha replied, trying to calm her down. 


“But did you hear what he said?” 

“Yes, I did,” Ayesha sighed. “He doesn’t know how to talk to girls. Just leave him alone.” 

Ameena folded her arms, biting her lip, then finally nodded. “Fine, maybe you’re right. He’s not so important to talk about.”

Hmm.” Ayesha smiled, grabbed her hand, and said, “Now let’s go!”

Prayer room

The quiet hum of the prayer room was a sharp contrast to the world outside. Ayesha and Ameena were deep in prayer, their heads bowed in devotion.

From the dimly lit corridor, Chawoon’s eyes lingered on Ayesha. His chest tightened as he whispered to himself, “Why do I end up loving her more every time I see her praying?”

Suddenly, a hand landed firmly on his shoulder. He jumped slightly, his heart skipping a beat as he turned around to find Ahmed and Umer standing behind him. 

“What are you doing here?” Ahmed asked with a mischievous grin. 

Chawoon hesitated, trying to compose himself. “Hmm
 actually, I was just passing by when you two came along,” he replied with a forced smile. 

“Oh, really?” Ahmed raised an eyebrow. “You were just passing by? Or were you watching someone?” 

“No, no, I wasn’t!” Chawoon stammered, his cheeks heating up. Desperate to change the subject, he quickly added, “Tell me, why are you two here?” 

Umer smirked. “We were looking for you.” 

“Yeah,” Ahmed chimed in. “You told us the people here are nice, right?” 

“So?” Chawoon asked, unsure where this was going. 

“Well, I think you might be wrong,” Ahmed continued. “I met this girl...
In our department... Her name is
..hmm, yes, Ameena.!” 

Chawoon’s expression shifted instantly. “wait..Ameena?!” 

Ahmed and Umer exchanged a glance. Ahmed leaned closer. “So you know her?” 

Chawoon hesitated but finally nodded. “Yeah, she’s a nice girl.” 

Ahmed snorted. “Nice? I think you’ve met a different Ameena.

Chawoon replied "There’s only one Ameena in our department.... SH.. "

Ahmed cut him off and continued
"you know what she told me? That I’m "STALKING her"! Like I don’t have anything better to do.” 

“What did you say to her?” Umer asked, his curiosity piqued. 

Ahmed crossed his arms and launched into a detailed explanation of the encounter, recounting every word and gesture as Chawoon stood silently, his expression unreadable. 

“You know,” Chawoon said calmly, “I think you were a little rude to her. You shouldn’t talk like that.” 

Ahmed frowned, his expression turning defensive. “Now you’re taking her side?” 

“No,” Chawoon replied. “I’m just being honest.” 

Ahmed opened his mouth to argue, but Umer cut in, clearly impatient. “Alright, that’s enough. Just drop the topic, man. I can’t listen to this anymore.....I’m starving!” 

Ahmed groaned, throwing his hands up. “Seriously? We’re in the middle of a serious conversation, and you’re talking about food?” 

" Grrrgl
"

Umer clutched his belly as it growled loudly.

Chawoon chuckled softly. “He’s got a point, though. Calm down, Ahmed. Let’s eat first and talk later.” 

Ahmed sighed in defeat. “Fine. Let’s go.” 

"Hash ..." Umer  said and ran towards canteen

Time skip

After finishing their prayers, Ayesha and Ameena headed to the canteen. There, they spotted Chawoon, Ahmed, and Umer sitting together.

Ameena noticed Ahmed almost instantly but tried her best to ignore him. Seeing this, Ahmed followed suit and avoided looking her way. 
This all scene was noticed by chawoon

Moments later, Chawoon grabbed Ahmed’s arm and tugged him toward Ayesha and Ameena’s table. 

“Wait, what are you doing?” Ahmed protested, trying to pull back. 

“Just come with me,” Chawoon insisted. 

As they approached, Ameena looked up at Chawoon, then shifted her gaze to Ahmed. “Is he your friend?” she asked Chawoon, her tone skeptical. 

“Yup, he is,” Chawoon replied with a nod. 

Ameena rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable. You’re so polite, and he’s
 well
” Her words trailed off with a scoff. 

Ahmed raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

Before he could say anything more, Chawoon placed a hand on Ahmed’s shoulder to stop him. “Actually,” Chawoon said quickly, “Ahmed’s here to apologize for being rude earlier.” 

Ahmed blinked in confusion, his eyes darting to Chawoon. "When did I agree to that?"

Chawoon leaned in and whispered, “Just do it, please.” 

Ameena turned to Ayesha, her voice dripping with disbelief. “See? He doesn’t even want to apologize.” 

Chawoon sighed and addressed both Ameena and Ahmed. “Listen, I’ve heard that Muslims are supposed to forgive one another. You both should do that show some brotherhood.” after saying this he looked at ayesha

Her eyes briefly met Chawoon’s, because she was the one who had said this and for a moment, she was startled by the warmth in his gaze. She quickly looked away, her eyes dropping to the floor. 

Ahmed and Ameena exchanged glances, both unsure. 

Chawoon smiled, his tone gentle. “Come on. Ameena, Ahmed isn’t a bad guy. And Ahmed, Ameena is genuinely a nice person. You’ve both misunderstood each other.” 

Umer chimed in, nudging Ahmed. “Yeah, man. Just apologize already.” 

After a pause, Ahmed relented with a deep sigh. “Alright, fine. I’m sorry for my behavior and
 for peeking at your book.” 

Ayesha leaned toward Ameena, softly encouraging her. “You should forgive him. It’s the right thing to do.” 

Ameena hesitated but eventually nodded. “Okay, I forgive you. And
 I’m sorry too for how I acted.” 

Ahmed smiled, his expression lightening. 

Umer and Chawoon immediately erupted in cheers. “Yeahhh!” they exclaimed, laughing and clapping each other on the back. 

Ayesha smiled faintly, watching the scene unfold.

“So,” Chawoon said, his voice still cheerful. “Will you two join us?” asking from the girls

Ameena shook her head. “No, thanks. We’ll sit here.” 

“Alright, your call,” Chawoon replied, his smile unwavering. 

As they walked back to their table, Ahmed muttered under his breath, “You’re lucky I didn’t argue more.”
 
Chawoon chuckled as he felt that Ahmed was saying something  about him in his mind

At chawoon house

Kim Min Kyu finally returned home after spending the entire night out. As he stepped inside, he was met with a surprising sight guards standing at every corner of the house, their eyes sharp and alert.

He paused for a moment, taking in the scene, then approached one of the bodyguards. “I’m Min Kyu,” he said, extending his hand slightly. “I assume you’re here to protect my family?”

The guard nodded respectfully. “Yes, sir. We’ve been assigned to ensure your family’s safety at all times.”

Now what happened after he Reloaded his gun

Flashback later on that day...

The Jones turned around, fear etched on his face—but with a flash of confidence, he raised his hand. Min Kyu reloaded his gun, his hands steady even as his mind raced.

"WHY DO YOU WANT TO KILL ME?! I
 I don’t think it’s because of a business rivalry!” Min Kyu shouted, his voice shaking with anger and disbelief.

John smirked. “1
2
—”Suddenly, Min Kyu’s phone buzzed. An unknown number flashing on the screen.

John chuckled, dark and low. “Now
 you’ll get your answer.”

The voice on the other end was cold, chilling “She was lucky
 but not everyone can be protected, Mr. Fake . So let him go.... If you kill him, be absolutely sure
 because you know I can do whatever I want. I will not spare you ...or your precious family.”

He lowered his gun slightly.
“Why are  doing all this? Who the hell are you?!”Min Kyu’s voice shook, but his eyes burned with fury, gripping the gun tighter.

He chuckled darkly. "Do you remember that incident? The one where you killed someone?"... I'm that someone son"!

Min Kyu froze, his breath catching in his throat. Shock crept into his voice. "W-what...?"

The call ended abruptly, leaving Min Kyu staring at the black screen.

And thought

“That boy
 his son? The same boy who ran that night when I pulled the trigger? So he survived
 and all these years, he’s been waiting...growing stronger ..just to come back for revenge?”

John saw him busy thinking so he tried to run again but the police stormed in.

Min Kyu had called them earlier, anticipating trouble. The man who had shot Ji Won was dragged into custody.

Under interrogation, the shooter confessed everything. "It was Mr. Jones. He paid me to do it. He wanted kim min dead."

The police quickly acted, taking both the shooter and Mr Jones also his accomplice a burly bodyguard into custody.

As the officers hauled them away, the Mr Jones sneered. "Kim Min Kyu, you’ll never find him!"(he was talking about the men in the video call earlier) His evil laughter echoed .

Min Kyu stood still, fists clenched. The mention of the name brought back memories. That incident...

It wasn’t just a memory—it was a scar, one that had left a deep mark on him. It haunted him, changed him, and the weight of it never left his mind. Because of that, he hadn’t been able to sleep properly

He couldn’t go home, he simply couldn’t let them see him break. He was supposed to be the pillar of the house, the one who held everything together. If they saw his weakness, they’d only feel fear. And if that man was truly hunting him, he’d come looking so staying away, even just for today, was the only way to keep them safe.

The need to find the man behind it all consumed him, and until then, he couldn’t let his guard down.

"That’s why he didn’t show up that night."

Determined to protect those he cared about, he grabbed his phone and called a trusted ally. “Hire a bodyguard for house security and  for my family, too. Make it quick.”

As he hung up, his mind raced. "That man had tried to disguise his voice
 but
 that tone, that cadence ....I’d heard it before. Where? Where had I heard it? I need to remember.

Present time

In the present, Kim Min Kyu enters inside the house . His mother who is unaware about this  she greeted him warmly. "How was the meeting?"

“Huh? Oh... it was fine,” he replied distractedly, his mind elsewhere.

She raised an eyebrow. "What’s wrong with you? You seem off."

“I’m just tired,” he said, forcing a weak smile. "By the way, is Ji Won okay now?"

His mother laughed softly. "You don’t know? Are you serious?!!..
Well She’s fine now and will be discharged soon."

“What? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Min Kyu’s face lit up with relief. He turned to leave, but then paused.

“Mom,” he said seriously, “if anyone comes to the house, don’t open the door without asking me first, okay?”

His mother looked at him, puzzled. “Why? What’s going on? You even assigned bodyguards?”

He hesitated. “Nothing... just worried about thefts in the area.”

“Alright,” she said reluctantly. “But at least eat something before you go.”

“I’ll eat later,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Take care.”

With that, he hurried out, the weight of his mission pulling him forward.

Min Kyu drove through the street his thoughts racing. I have searched everywhere but if I want to catch him I need a clue .."ahhhgghh..!!.That voice!!!... It’s there, buried in my memory. I just need to dig it out.

His mission was clear: find the person behind it all. He couldn’t rely on the police they weren’t trustworthy. This time, he wouldn’t stop until the truth was uncovered.

At hospital,

Kim Min Kyu stopped outside Ji Won’s hospital room and spoke quietly with the bodyguard  there. His tone was firm but cautious. 

“Anything suspicious while I wasnt here ?” he asked. 

The bodyguard shook his head. “No, sir. Everything has been quiet.” 

“Good. Stay alert,” Min Kyu instructed before stepping inside the room, his demeanor softening as he held a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand. 

He extended it toward her with a faint smile.

“So, how are you now?” he asked softly as he handed it over.

“I’m fine,” she replied with a warm smile. “Thank you for this. They’re lovely.” said while admiring the flowers

She tilted her head slightly and looked at him. “What about you? You look tired.”

“No, I’m fine,” he said quickly, almost too fast, as if he didn’t want her to worry.

After a brief pause, he hesitated before speaking. “Ahmm
 I’m sorry. Because of me, you ended up in this situation...actually he wanted to kill me! ...

Ji won startled "what!"
but shook his head. “but It’s not your fault. why would someone want to kill you?” she asked, her curiosity laced with concern.

He sighed. “Yes, it’s true. Someone wanted me dead.”

Ji Won gave him a pointed look. “Well, maybe because. You do have a lot of enemies being a bit rude to people  Anyone could try to get back at you.”

She suddenly stopped, realizing how blunt she’d been. “I didn’t mean it like that
 but with so many possibilities, how will you ever find that man?”

He smiled faintly, appreciating her honesty. “I get it, and you’re right. It won’t be easy. But I will find him soon.”

Her expression lightened. “Do you have any idea when I can get discharged? I’m so bored here. And the food? It’s just horrible.”

Min Kyu chuckled at her dramatic tone. She’s so cute, he thought to himself.

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk to the doctor and make sure you’re discharged soon,” he reassured her.

“Please do!” she said excitedly, holding the flowers close to her face and taking in their fragrance.

As she admired the bouquet, Min Kyu couldn’t take his eyes off her. His thoughts wandered. I don’t know if you’ll accept my proposal or not... but I hope someday you will.

Time skip
At chawoon house                                    

"Aneyoo... Mom, has brother come home?" Chawoon called out as he entered the house.

“Yes, he’s in his room,” his mother replied from the living room.


Chawoon hurried to his brother’s door and knocked.

“Yes, come in,” Kim Min Kyu’s voice called out.

The door opened, and Chawoon stepped in, his face a mix of frustration and concern. “Bro, why didn’t you pick up my calls? I was so worried! You didn’t even tell me where you were and then cut the call. Do you know how tense I was?”

Kim Min Kyu sighed and gave a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Chawoon. I was busy.”

Chawoon crossed his arms, still frowning. “Busy with what?”

Min Kyu’s expression softened. “I have some good news.”

Chawoon’s angry face melted into curiosity. “What is it?”

“The man who tried to kill me... he’s in prison now,” Min Kyu said calmly.

“What?”,who was he?!"Chawoon’s eyes widened,

"Mr. Jones, the CEO of the rival company," he said firmly. But deep down, he knew Jones wasn't the true mastermind behind it all. Yet, he couldn't reveal the truth not until he caught the real mastermind.

Chawoon let out a heavy sigh."So, rivalry can drive someone this far..."He murmured, shaking his head. But in the next moment, his expression softened, and without hesitation, he threw his arms around his brother. 

"But That’s such a relief!"he breathed, his voice laced with emotion. "I was so tense, thinking about what might happen if he came after you again. I can’t lose you,..."

As Chawoon hugged him tightly, Kim Min Kyu’s mind drifted into a flashback.

Flash back

The sound of desperate pleas filled the air. “No, Kim Min Kyu, don’t kill me! No! I’m your____”

A gunshot echoed, cutting the voice short.

Blood pooled on the ground, and a woman’s voice trembled behind him. “Why have you done this? Let me clean the blood.”

“Don’t tell anyone about this,” the woman whispered urgently, her voice low but firm.

The people’s cries echoed, their wails full of sorrow and anguish.

End of the falshback

Chawoon’s voice pulled Min Kyu back to the present. “Bro, are you okay? You seem lost.”

“Yes,” Min Kyu said, shaking off the memory. He smiled faintly and hugged his brother back.

At the hostel

Ayesha and ameena sat cross-legged on their beds, chatting after dinner.

“Ahmed isn’t that bad, you know,” Ayesha said, trying to sound neutral.

Ameena shrugged. “Maybe, but I don’t want to talk about him. I’ve forgiven him, but that doesn’t mean I like him.”

Ayesha nodded. “Hmm, okay...but when I said you like him!”

Ameena gave her a dead look

(The routine of girls)

The girls settled into its usual routine. They studied for a while, prayed Isha together, then ate a light snack before calling their parents. After their phone calls, they drifted to sleep.

At prison

Inside the interrogation room, the atmosphere was heavy—not with effort, but with failure.

One police officer stepped out of the cell, sleeves rolled up, frustration etched across his face.
“Sir
 he admits he gave money to that person to kill Kim min kyu....
"But he refuses to tell us who ordered it. Won’t say a word about the mastermind.”.”

The Chief officer clicked his tongue, rubbing his temples. He looked more tired than angry.
“Anything else?”

One officer let out a helpless sigh.
“We asked around, sir, but no one claims to have seen him. The phone number we traced turned out to be fake.”

Another officer continued, shaking his head.
“And the phone Jhon had —it isn’t even his. No matter how much we pressed, he just won’t say a word.”

The Chief leaned back in his chair, unimpressed.
“Hmph. Figures. If there’s nothing more, then drop it for now. What about the other cases?”

An officer flipped through a thin file and shrugged.
“Yes, sir. The man who committed the murder
 was caught yesterday. Case closed.”

“Good,” the Chief muttered, already turning his attention to the next stack of files.

At chawoon room

Back at home, Chawoon at his desk, his laptop glowing softly in the dim light. Recently, he had developed an interest in learning about Muslims, sparked by conversations with Ayesha.

He opened a search engine and typed: "Tell me some miracles of Allah."

Scrolling through the results, he read about various stories and events people described as miracles. Intrigued, he searched further: "Do Muslims really forgive each other?"

The more he read, the deeper his curiosity grew. He remembered Ayesha mentioning something about forgiveness being a big part of their faith.

Fascinated, Chawoon kept searching. His mind buzzed with questions about what Ayesha had said and the new things he was learning.

***********************************
.
.
.
.
.
Next part will be đŸ€Œ
Vote and follow me . đŸ©·
So sparkles how's my story till now?tell me in the comment section...
I'm so curious to know  and if you want something in my story please suggest..

Take care â˜ș

Write a comment ...

Author-esha 𐙚

Show your support

Hope you will support me! 💗 Thank you ♡

Write a comment ...