Pyar Ki Love Story | Short Stories | 1st Book |

8) 🌙

"Bhaijaan, Humne toh bas Aunn to toka tha ki woh bhabhi jaan ko ammi bulaya karein. Humara aisa koi maqsad nahi tha unhe upset karne ka." Kainat explained to Zaigham in a low but confident tone, defending her reason for bringing up the stepmother issue with Aunn.

(I only told Aunn to call bhabhi 'Ammi,' that's all. I had no intention of upsetting him,)

"Hum Aunn ka bura nahi chahte. Yeh humari hi family ki izzat ki baat thi jab bahar walo ke samne bhi Aunn bhabhi jaan ko Zee bulate hain." Though her words were directed at Zaigham, Kainat's wary gaze kept darting to Azeen, who stood beside him. No one had ever questioned her intentions before.

(I never wanted to hurt Aunn. It was about maintaining our family's respect, especially when he still calls bhabhi 'Zee' even in front of outsiders.)

After Zeeniya left them, Zaigham had been too lost to care about anything, not even Aunn. It was Kainat who took care of Aunn during those difficult times, and now, Zaigham was doubting her intentions? It was nothing short of an insult.

"Kainat, Aunn abhi chota hai, ussey kaise handle karna hai yeh Azeen ya mujhpe chorh dijiye. From now on, no one will speak to him about Zeeniya or Azeen in this house," Zaigham declared his decision firmly, with no room for discussion.

(Kainat, Aunn is still young. Let Azeen and me handle how he should be raised.)

"Ji, Bhaijaan, behtar." Kainat nodded, mumbling her response.

(Yes, Bhaijaan, understood.)

Even though she was two years younger than him, Zaigham had never spoken to her so sternly before. He was usually a man of few words, but his words were always kind and considerate.

Aunn was just a child, and such matters never stayed in his mind for long. Within two days, he had forgotten all about Kainat’s remarks, and the thought of Azeen being a stepmother had vanished too. Azeen was once again his closest friend.

But Zaigham wasn’t a child, and Azeen’s words had left an imprint on his heart.

The real injustice was his. He had brought a woman into his home with the expectation that she would be a mother to his child, yet he had done nothing to make her feel at home, nothing to bring her happiness.

The seasons were changing—winter was fading, and summer was slowly setting in.

The cold winds that once held the air still had begun to soften, hinting at the approach of warmer days. It was as though the chill that had settled between Zaigham and Azeen was beginning to melt, leaving room for warmth and renewal.

For the first time in a long while, Azeen felt as though she had found her old friend again. Zaigham would come home on time, spend his evenings with Aunn and Azeen, and even laugh occasionally.

Azeen should have been happy, but she couldn’t shake off the unease building within her. As long as Zaigham’s attention was on Aunn, it was fine—but why was he paying attention to her? She knew Zaigham too well; she could sense that he was doing all this because of what she had said. But Azeen didn’t want his sympathy.

•••

"How about we go for a walk after dinner?" Zaigham suggested suddenly, catching Azeen off guard as she turned to look at him in surprise.

“Kya maine koi anokhi baat kehdi? You usually walk in the lawn. I’m only suggesting we step out for a change.” A slight smile tugged at the corner of Zaigham’s lips at her bewilderment.

(It’s not that unusual of a request, is it?)

“No, I’ll just walk here. I need to keep an eye on Aunn too,” Azeen avoided his gaze, looking away.