The night had slowly cast its shadow over Karachi. Danesh stood in his room, staring at the walls adorned with simple wooden frames showcasing photographs from the past. The dark gray hue of the walls amplified the sense of coldness and solitude in the air. The dim bedside lamp cast a soft shadow across his weary face. His gaze remained fixed on the photo of Foad and Adnan.

A soft knock broke the silence.

Without turning his gaze from the photos, Danesh said,

“Come in.”

Mukhtar Khan entered. Among the servants and bodyguards, he had always been the most loyal. His stern but worried expression betrayed that he had something on his mind. In a measured tone, he said,

“Apologies, sir. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Danesh turned, his tired eyes meeting Mukhtarkhan’s.

“Mukhtar, what is it?”

Mukhtarkhan took a step closer and replied,

“I just wanted to check if you were alright. And… to let you know that Anwar Khan expects to speak with you tomorrow about matters regarding the house.”

Danesh smirked faintly and replied,

“Matters of the house? This place is no longer my home, Mukhtar. It’s just a shadow, like me.”

Mukhtarkhan lowered his gaze and cautiously said,

“Perhaps you’re right, sir. But maybe, just maybe, there’s still something left here for you.”

Danesh paused, giving Mukhtarkhan a heavy look before coldly responding,

“The only thing left for me, Mukhtar, is revenge. And I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”

Mukhtarkhan sighed, nodding slowly. With a voice filled with concern, he said,

“I hope, sir, that one day this anger will fade. Good night.”

He quietly left the room. Danesh turned back toward the window, lit a cigarette, and with each drag, memories of the past replayed in his mind. The sound of the wind against the window and the heavy silence of the mansion drew him deeper into his bitter thoughts.

Hours later, when the house was still, Danesh lay on his bed. Staring at the ceiling, he murmured,

“Foad… Adnan… This time, everything will be different.”

And his eyes closed.

---

The next morning, sunlight softly filtered through the silk curtains, bringing warmth to the room. The chirping of birds could be heard outside, and the aroma of tea wafted through the mansion, giving the morning a pleasant charm. Danesh opened his eyes. For a fleeting moment, a strange lightness settled in his heart, as if the past had loosened its grip on him.

But suddenly, a voice broke the tranquility.

“Danesh! Good morning.”

Danesh turned in surprise. Zahra stood by the door, holding a breakfast tray. Her smile, tinged with pride, graced her lips.

Without waiting for permission, she entered and placed the tray on the table.

“I thought you might like to share your first breakfast here with some company.”

Danesh shook his head slightly and replied in a cold tone,

“Since when did my breakfast matter to you?”

Zahra let out a hollow laugh and said,

“I thought you might want a change. I know it’s been hard for you here, but I’m always here… for you.”

Danesh gave her a piercing look and said,

“Zahra, if you really want to help, forget one thing: there’s never been anything between us, and there never will be.”

For a moment, Zahra stood silent. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she forced a smile.

“You’ve become so heartless, Danesh. But I’m sure this phase is only temporary.”

Danesh rose from his seat, pushed the tray aside, and said,

“Temporary? Perhaps. But what’s not permanent here, Zahra, is you.”

Without sparing her another glance, he left the room.

---

When he reached the lower floor, the grand hall of the mansion, with its towering ceilings and crystal chandeliers, greeted him. The sunlight streaming through the thick curtains danced on the luxurious Persian carpets. Anwar Khan, with his stern face and furrowed brows, stood ahead of everyone. Fayezeh, standing beside him, looked at her son with a kind smile, while Zohreh’s proud and icy gaze observed from the sidelines. Asghar Khan, too, stood silently, his serious demeanor unwavering.Narges stood beside Fayezeh, her ever-present smile tinged with sorrow, waiting patiently.

The moment Anwar Khan saw Danesh, he said,

“Danesh, come here. We need to talk.”

Danesh stepped forward and asked,

“Is there anything left to say that hasn’t already been said?”

Anwar Khan, with a firm tone, responded,

“Yes, there is. It’s about the future of this house and this family. You need to take responsibility. While everyone is out working at the company, you’re just waking up.”

Danesh glanced at the other family members. All eyes were on him, waiting for his response. He paused for a moment before saying,

“Fine. I’ll listen. But know this—if you think I’m here to play your games, you’re mistaken.”

The atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Glances exchanged between Danesh and Anwar Khan carried the weight of unspoken challenges. The future of this family now rested in the hands of a man whose heart burned with anger and vengeance....