Excerpt:

Her eyes widened in surprise, her lips parted slightly, and disbelief washed over her. It took her several moments to convince herself that what she was reading was true.

Summary:

Episode 8 picks up with Haya in a terrifying situation as Sikandar Shah continues to strangle her, convinced that she is a spy. Just as Haya is about to lose consciousness, the door flies open, and Jehan rushes in. He angrily pulls his father off Haya, scolding him and reminding him that Haya is “like his daughter.” Sikandar Shah, still delusional, steps back, and Jehan drags Haya out of the attic, reprimanding her for going up there despite being warned. He is visibly upset, and Haya, shaken and crying, follows him down the stairs.

Once they are outside, Jehan tries to calm Haya down, apologizing for his father’s behavior and explaining that his father’s mental state has been deteriorating for years. Sikandar Shah, once a respected military figure, had betrayed his country by selling sensitive documents, leading to his disgrace and permanent exile in Turkey. The trauma of his actions has haunted him, causing him to become paranoid and delusional over time. Jehan tells Haya that this is why their family can never return to Pakistan, despite their longing for home.

As Jehan opens up about his family’s painful past, Haya feels a mix of sympathy and confusion. The revelation that Jehan’s family is tainted by betrayal leaves her reeling. Jehan’s demeanor softens as he shares his inner struggles, but their conversation is cut short when he abruptly leaves for work, leaving Haya alone with her thoughts.

Later in the episode, Haya and DJ encounter a group of Palestinian exchange students, who invite them for tea. Although hesitant at first, Haya and DJ decide to join them, leading to a lighthearted and enjoyable interaction. The Palestinians, particularly two of the boys, treat them kindly, making them feel like family.

However, the episode takes a mysterious turn when Haya receives yet another bouquet of white roses and a note for Valentine’s Day. She becomes increasingly disturbed by the persistent attention from an unknown admirer. The episode closes with Haya uncovering a cryptic message, “ARP,” hidden beneath the note’s surface using lemon juice and a flame, deepening the mystery of her stalker.