HIS DOLL

*** ZAVIYAAR SHEIKH ***

I was in a dimly lit, deadly basement, surrounded by my ten men to ensure no one could enter or leave. They served as guards followed by another man on the ground, writhing in inexplicable pain.

That fucking journalist who made a futile attempt to smear my name.

“Ahh! Let me go, please...”

His screams echoed in the basement when my right hand, Hashir, broke both his ankles, torturing his body.

Where is that courage now?

Indulging in the whole painful sight, resting my one leg over the other. In a black suit jacket, I leaned back on the chair. Slowly opening two buttons of my shirt, revealing my toned chest.

Ashes from the cigar in my mouth were falling slowly accompanied by an intimidating smirk, watching the man being tormented with amusement.

“What were you saying about our Boss in the media, hmm?”

Growled Hashir, teaching him a lesson for making me his enemy.

Grabbing his hair and kicking him until he was bloody and unable to take the pain anymore.

“P-Please, I am sorry! I will delete that video!”

He sobbed, salty tears making his bruises sting, gasping for air but his scream wiped my smirk.

“Delete it, huh?”

My deep, husky resonance echoed in the basement. Running my rough fingers through my brown hairs, my hazel eyes lifted, raising one eyebrow perfectly.

“Sir- Sir, please,”

Rising from my seat, I held the cigar between my index and middle finger, letting the ashes fall on his bloody cheek to make it hurt more.

“Please, please, please...” He whimpered, trembling before me like he should.

“You see. It’s not about it coming in public. It’s aboutwhyit came to the surface in the first place. Do you know how much uproar it could possibly cause if it got leaked on social media?” I hissed, putting my foot over his head, pressing it harder on the ground.

“Please, give me a chance-”

The poor journalist sobbed, praying that I would give him a chance only to be cut off by me dominantly.

“I don’t give second chances.”

Enunciating, I released my cigar, making it fall on his skin, making it burn.

“Have mercy, Zaviyaar Sheikh, people look up to you, they call you their savior.”

When he whispered that desperately, a malevolent glint flashed in my eyes, pumping my blood in thrill as I took out my customized gun made out of pure gold.

“And you tried to ruin that image.”

Growling seriously, I shot him in the head, killing that man who dared to cross his path with mine.

I didn’t reach the ranking of a Mafia Ace by doing nothing.

“Because of you I had to hold a whole fucking event to clear my name. Do you know how much I am respected here?”

Scoffing, I ruined my expensive shoes by kicking him, throwing his lifeless body against the wall. Putting my gun back, I raised my hair in the air, taking a deep breath to regain my composure.

“Oh, how will you answer? You are dead.” I chuckled breathlessly, ruffling my hair to push them behind and moved back.

“Take care of him, Hashir, his name, his existence, everything should vanish along with that video. And find out who else was involved with him. I shall eradicate them all myself.” I ordered, wearing my shades with my men following me from behind.

“Yes, Boss.” Hashir nodded as I left the basement, allowing him to clean up the mess as I went to my hotel.

From outside, I was seen as a 28 years old business tycoon. They adored me as I had created such a noble image and I won’t let anyone smear that name I had built.

No one from my domain knew that I was a Mafia Ace of the middle east, known as Heathen.

I was living an immaculate life.

Upon reaching the hotel, I was about to enter but the organizer of my charity event came to me. Gritting my teeth, I curled my hands in a fist that I had to act now.

“Sir! Sir! Since you are here, please attend the function. You are the one who funded this charity event.”

‘Relax, Zaviyaar, act normally.’Mentally preparing myself, I put my hand over my heart, flashing my most charming smile.

“I deeply apologize, I am here for work, I don’t have time. The people are happy, right?” I asked sweetly.

“Of course! You are doing so much for us!” He grinned, he was looking up to me, like I was so above him.

Of course I was.

“Then their happiness is my happiness. If I could, I would have come but my flight is in the morning. Sorry.” I apologized and was about to leave but his words stopped me.

“It’s in the morning, Sir. Please, for a few minutes. The event is in the evening. People should see their savior.” He pleaded with me.

Savior, hmm? “... Sure.” Returning a faint smirk, I agreed.

“Thank you, thank you so much!” Grinning, he was about to leave but I called him strictly.

“Asim.”

“Yes, Sir?”

“I am kind to those I help, but.” Taking a pause I took a step closer, taking the handkerchief from his front pocket.

“I am not merciful towards those who betray me.” I said seriously.

“I-I don’t understand, Sir.” He chuckled nervously.

“Nothing, I was only teasing you. Go.” I flashed a charming smile, motioning to him to leave.

“Okay, okay.” Beaming, he left quickly.

The second he was out of sight, my smile faded quickly, rolling my eyes off at the act I had to maintain all the fucking time to ensure no one could smear it.

“Tsk, nuisance.” I muttered, wiping the blood on my shoes from beating that journalist Brando and was about to leave only to be followed by a laughter from Hashir who patted my shoulder.

“It’s your fault for creating such an immaculate and clean image that nobody suspects a thing and considers you a saint.” He smirked, teasing me.

Hashir was not only my right hand but my most trusted, my best friend.

“Humans are so easily manipulated. Fake a few tears, smiles or words and they melt. They will consider you a saint. How pathetic.” I sighed, giving him the dirty handkerchief which he passed onto another man to take care of it.

Truly, human emotions are so fragile. Hit a few sensitive spots and there you go, you hold their feelings in your palm.

“You and your habits, Boss.” He sighed, knowing I won’t change.

“Also, Hashir. Keep an eye out for this man. Monitor him and his activities for the next month. I don’t trust him.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Let’s go. When is the event?”

“Around 8pm.” He informed, bringing back my devious smirk, ready to create an example out of my existence again.

“Good. Let’s use it to clear our image that fucking journalist tried to smear.”

*** AALIFA NIYAZ***

“You are the charm of the evening, Noor-e-Jaan.”

A graceful smile came to my lips, applying red lipstick on my thick lips when my manager said it. Looking at his reflection through the mirror with my gray eyes.

“I am well aware of my position, Javaid. I know,”

Replying in my sugary tone, I rose from the seat, pushing my long black hair behind. Holding my head high in pride.

For someone who gathered fame at eighteen with my skills and beauty, I became the heart of events now when I am 24.

“Should I consider it pride or confidence?” He smirked, folding his arms at his chest.

“Both. I deserve to hold both.” I whispered temptingly.

Almost bringing my hand closer to his but stopped and turned away, gesturing to him to leave.

“Oh you.” He chuckled, shaking his head and left.

After he left, I sighed, fading those seductive expressions and putting my hand over my waist.

“Tsk, nuisance.”

Shaking my head and beginning to get my things set so I could be ready on time for the event.

Humming to myself, I was busy until the door knocked.

“Ahem, ahem, can this mere man have your time, Madam Noor-e-Jaan?”

Glancing from my shoulder, I saw my fiancé, Asim, leaning against the door on his shoulder handsomely. My face glowed, shaking my head at this call. His shining black eyes, long black hairs flowing, increasing his features.

“Asim, how many times do I have to tell you not to say this?” I giggled, clearing the couch in the room quickly to let him take a seat hastily.

“I don’t have time to sit, Aalifa. Stop. I am here to deliver good news.” He called, stopping me.

“What?”

“Since you were dying to have a chance so I...”

Pausing, he took my hands, my heart skipped a beat, not used to sharing intimacy. Blushing at his action, I stared intensely at him.

“You won’t believe it, Zaviyaar Sheikh is coming to our event. I insisted and he finally agreed!”

Grinning, he told me the most anticipated news. Giving his hand a tight squeeze from felicity, I almost jumped from excitement.

“Really, Asim!? He is coming!?”

My voice raised unintentionally, holding the urge to hug him inside me. A sparkling grin came to my lips.

“Yes!” He nodded.

“Oh my God, It was my dream to see him. He is my ideal! Do you think I could meet him? Do you think he knows me?”

My series of questions came happily. Pulling away slowly and placing my hand over my heart to control myself.

It was a dream of mine to meet him.

He was such a kind-hearted person, all his interviews, his voice, his talks- ah, all of them had won my heart.

“I think so. He should. You have organized and performed in many of his charity events.” He smirked but I doubted it.

He had met endless people, why would he keep a dancer like me in mind?

“But, I had never got a chance to meet him except that one time when I came and he left quickly.” I mumbled, that golden chance which I lost but not anymore.

Asim made my deepest wish a reality.

“Don’t worry, I think I could manage two minutes.” He winked.

“I just want to thank him personally for all the efforts he had done for poor people, making orphanages, old homes, facilities for the poor. It feels silly, he had no idea how much I admire him, how he had saved me without knowing it.” I whispered, taking a seat, lowering my gaze shyly.

He had no idea how much he meant to me. I was a girl on a strayed path, I was in depression but his words gave me hope.

I still remember what he said in his interview.

‘Ups and downs are a part of life. How will you face the almighty after losing this trial we call life? Trust the plans made from above. Your better is still waiting for you.’

He was right, the Almighty had better plans, the best was waiting for me... If I had given up on life back then, I wouldn’t be here.

In fact, he had given too many people a new life. I was not an exception.

“I am sure one day he will know.” Asim smiled, he was delighted to witness my thrill.

“I wish. He is on an unmatched level. But, If I could see him in person for once.” I breathed out, pouring admiration in my words.

“He is coming today. Make sure to shine in the auditorium with your grace. Show him, show this world why you are called Noor-e-Jaan.” He encouraged me, giving me a thumbs up.

Inhaling sharply, I lifted my gaze, gathering my grace again and nodded, holding my head high in pride as I whispered with determination.

“Don’t worry. I will.”

Later, the time to perform came. I placed all my efforts in performing an Indian classical dance tonight. I was glad I changed the Dabke to a solo performance. Now I could have his attention too, I hope.

Moving to the music, I had all the attention as my eyes scanned around the crowd, my expectations vanishing when I didn’t find him there.

‘No, Focus on your dance only, Aalifa.’

Mentally scolding myself, I continued, earning a cheering crowd, making me feel proud.

Grinning after I was done, I went backstage, rushing to Asim, dying to know when he would let me meet my ideal.

“Asim! How was it? Did he come? Did he see my performance?” I asked excitedly.

He chuckled, “Yes, yes, he did. Come with me.”

He took my hand and led me with him. My chest boasted, inexplicable happiness began to take over me. With a never ending smile, I went with Asim as he took me to the VIP lounge.

“Sir, thank you so much for coming.”

My steps halted instantly when I saw The Zaviyaar Sheikh before me. My legs gave up on me, my throat dried when I saw an undeniably handsome man.

‘Oh my God, he is here, he is here.’I thought, swallowing hard. Breathing heavily through my nostrils to maintain my posture.

Wearing an eye-catching brown suit jacket, sitting on the couch, with his one leg over the other. Without his smile, he looked highly intimidating.

“Hmm.”

Lifting his hazel eyes slowly, he rose from the seat, shaking hands with Asim as his heartwarming smile came back.

“Sir, if you have two minutes, please, my fiancée would like to meet you. She is a fan of yours.” Asim requested politely, pointing his hands towards me. My breaths hitched for a moment.

How many people in this world get a chance to personally meet their ideal? Rarely. I am one of them!

“Hello, Sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am so glad that I could finally meet you.”

Barely controlling my exhilaration, my heart thumped like it would leap out of my chest. I moved my cold hands behind and smiled as elegantly as possible.

“Pleased to meet you too.”

His velvet but deep tone came out as his eyes scanned me from bottom and stopped at my eyes.

My body felt fluttering, blushing madly when his tall form stopped before me.

“Have I seen you before?”

His heavy, husky voice made me grin from excitement, nodding quickly.

“Yes! I am Aalifa Niyaz, they call me Noor-e-Jaan. I have performed in many of your events. Just never got a chance to meet you personally.” I grinned, explaining to him delightfully until Asim glared from behind, motioning to me to stay calm.

Lowering my gaze quickly, I licked my lips nervously, gradually coming to myself from an annoying fangirl. I didn’t want to behave that way but it was difficult to hold my excitement.

“Well, here I am now, Noor-e-Jaan.”

He chuckled at my reaction and offered me his hand, wiping my grin. Baffled, I didn’t know how to react.

Hesitant, I looked at Asim for permission because I kept my physical contacts minimum, I only held hands with Asim. When he nodded, I weakly took his large but rough hand in mine.

“It’s a pleasure to meet someone who admires a small man like me.” He continued in a tempting tone, kissing the back of my palm!

“Don’t say this. We are small people before you.” Chuckling nervously, I pulled my hand back quickly.

I knew I was admiring him but that didn’t mean I could get too close or intimate. I knew my limits, only my Asim could kiss my hands.

“Are you from Lebanon?” He asked nonchalantly, still looking so dominant while resting his hands in his pockets, moving back from me.

“No, I am Abu Dhabi. I came here for the event only.” I nodded, the tone becoming tempting gradually, gaining my Noor-e-Jaan character.

“I see.” He hummed, flashing a mischievous yet bewitching smile.

“Well, If written in destiny, then we would definitely meet again,”

With this, my two minutes with my ideal ended and he left with his men.

I thought those were the most beautiful and memorable moments of my life but I was wrong.

I had no idea that these two minutes were going to change my life...