Shree's eyes lingered on the empty plate, her stomach growling with hunger. She wanted to eat more, but a wave of fear washed over her. What if Khurram scolded her for asking for more food? What if he locked her up and starved her like they did in the brothel?

Her mind racing with these thoughts, Shree hesitated, unsure of what to do. She didn't want to risk facing Khurram's anger or disappointment. But at the same time, her hunger was gnawing at her, making her feel lightheaded and weak.

She glanced up at Khurram, who was watching her with a gentle expression. For a moment, their eyes met, and Shree felt a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Khurram would be different. Maybe he would understand her hunger and not punish her for asking for more food. But the fear and uncertainty still lingered, making her hesitant to ask.

Khurram's actions caught Shree off guard. She watched in surprise as he got up and headed into the kitchen, returning with a fresh batch of parathas. He placed three thick, fluffy parathas on her plate, and Shree's eyes widened at the generous serving.

"If you want, don't hesitate to ask for more, okay?" Khurram said, his voice warm and reassuring.

Shree's eyes met Khurram's, and for a moment, she felt a lump form in her throat. No one had ever offered her food with such kindness and generosity before. The brothel's rules had always been strict, with food rationed and portioned out carefully.

The idea that she could ask for more, without fear of punishment or rejection, was almost too much to comprehend.

Shree's face felt hot, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. But as she picked up a paratha and took a bite, she felt a sense of gratitude towards Khurram. Maybe, just maybe, this man was different.

Maybe he truly cared about her well-being, and would treat her with kindness and respect. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying, and Shree didn't know how to process it.

As Shree entered the kitchen to put away the plate, she was struck by the mess that surrounded her. But instead of being overwhelmed, she felt a sense of purpose.

She began to wash the plates, the warm water and soap a comforting sensation on her skin. As she put the plates to dry, she felt a sense of satisfaction at having accomplished a small task.

Just then, she heard Khurram call out to her. "Shree?" His voice was gentle, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She felt a lump form in her throat as she realized that he had called her by her real name. It was a name she hadn't heard in years, a name that her mother had given her.

As she walked out of the kitchen, she saw Khurram standing in the hall, buttoning up his uniform. He looked up at her and smiled, but his expression quickly changed to one of concern as he saw the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Shree, what happened?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle. He reached out and grasped her arms, holding her firmly but not roughly. "Why are you crying?"

Shree looked up at him, her eyes overflowing with tears. She closed her eyes, letting the tears escape, and felt a sense of release wash over her. It had been so long since anyone had called her by her real name, so long since she had felt like herself.

As she stood there, surrounded by Khurram's gentle concern, Shree felt a sense of happiness that she hadn't felt in years. It was a small thing, but it felt like everything.

Khurram's hands gently cupped Shree's slender face, his thumbs tracing the curves of her cheeks. Her eyes, red-rimmed from crying, looked up at him, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

Shree's gaze drifted to the name plate on Khurram's uniform, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Yeh?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Khurram smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeh, yeh mera naam hai, Haider," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Shree's eyes snapped back to his face, confusion written across her features. Malika had called him Khurram, but the name plate on his uniform read Haider. Why the different names?

Haider's words were laced with a hint of amusement as he said, "Don't pressure your little brain too much." He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Haider is my real name, and about the other things, I will tell you when I feel the right time."

Shree's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing with questions, but Haider's expression remained enigmatic. He put on his cap, and with a nod, bid her a bye. As he turned to leave, he called out, "Listen, Shree, lock the door from inside and don't open it for anyone until I arrive, okay?"

Shree nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and concern. She watched as Haider kicked his bike to life, the roar of the engine filling the air. With a final glance at her, he sped off, leaving Shree alone in the small house.

To be continued..............................

How is the chapter readers, tell me in comments........