Diminutives

A lone Stranger- Part 4

"Azaan, can we please talk?", Noor begged to get attention while he was busy packing his stuffs. He has decided to pursue his education in an elite college in city. Despite qualifying for a seat, he had compromised to study in a nearby mediocre college. Because he wanted to stay close to Noor. But he realised that it was a mistake. Noor never valued him. "My ears are open even when I am packing, so speak", he replied coldly. "That day...Serhat and me...It happened...", she stammered unable to finish. "I didn't tell anything to your Ammi ", he threw his cloths into the suitcase and told her plainly, "And don't stress about me. When Mr. Serhat and you are getting marrying, I will not create any problems". She looked onto him when he closed his suitcase and spoke, "you are free from me". Her heart squeezed when she realised his eyes were cold and empty. They no longer bore any feelings for her. The very moment she realised the fear of losing Azaan and his value.

"It was a mistake, Azaan", Noor apologized, "I got swayed and lost my way. Please forgive me". "I bet Mr. Serhat put some sense into you. Else I am sure you wouldn't even consider me", she couldn't deny his accusation. Noor could easily lie but she no longer wanted to be dishonest with Azaan. "He helped to see properly. But it was my decision to honour our engagement", she spoke truthfully. "Well, then hear from me as well", he spoke angrily, "Now I am not ready to honour it". "Azaan!!", apprehension captured her senses. "I was always around you. Mayhap a bit too much that you took me for granted", he said to her, "but I deserve better". "Don't you love me anymore?", she asked tearfully. Her words shook him. Finally his mask fell down and she was able to see the pain in his eyes.

"I can never stop loving you, Noor", Azaan confessed his truth angrily, "but you lost my trust. I don't think that you will ever earn it back. So there is no point being stuck to one another". "I will regain your trust, Azaan", Noor was determined. "It's not as easy as you think, Noor", he discouraged her. "But not impossible", she smiled softly, "I realise my mistake and want to make amends". "You don't have to", he spoke softly, "you are free to live your life as per your choices. So am I". His words hurt her. It was difficult to come it terms with his numb attitude. Moreover, it pained to imagine Azaan moving on with another woman. Yet she knew she had lost her privilege to stall him.

Serhat was right. While being on verge of losing Azaan, she realised her folly. "No need to feel guilty", Azaan still consoled Noor. "Be happy. Just try to be honest and loyal to the man you choose. I wish you well". "I am not giving up, Azaan", she spoke determined, "I realised my mistake and regret it. But it is not just the guilt that making me trying to make amends. I have realised that my Love for you". Azaan scoffed but she couldn't complain. "You are angry and hurt. I can only hope for forgiveness one day", ", she held his palm, "But I am not giving up". Azaan was surprised by her decision. A hint of hope was born in his mind but he shut it off. He was not going to get hurt again. So when Noor took her leave, he didn't accompany her till the door.

"You should go back", Noor told Serhat vehemently. He was baffled when she barged into his house and asked him to leave. "Is there a problem at home, Noor? Has Azaan or your family members caused any issues ?", he asked anxiously. She shook her head, "Stop worrying about me and think about yourself. You have to win back Zumrut". He smirked, "She won't take me back. It's not easy for her to love me again". "Are you so stupid to understand that she never stopped loving you?", she snapped at him, "She can never love anyone else Serhat. I know she still loves you". Her confidence from Azaan's recent words brought a ray of hope for Serhat. "But you lost her trust", his face fell when she spoke again, "for a relationship to work you need trust and understanding along with love". She kept her hand on his shoulder, "you need to earn her trust back, Serhat. Stop running away. Go back, face Zumrut and do everything in your power to  win her again". "I am not sure whether I will ever be able to succeed", he spoke dubiously. "Then die trying", she sneered at him, "don't you think it is far better than sulking in another corner of the globe?".

Many of his friends and family members have advised Serhat. But none had the conviction of Noor. He gazed at the young girl who stood before her. "What have you done to naïve Noor?", he humoured. She smiled at his words. "Nothing happened to her. She is lucky enough to have many good people around her", she held his arms, "even a lone stranger who guided her to the right path". "I wished I had someone to guide me when I went astray", he sighed. "Now you have", she pointed to herself, "so stop whining and listen to me". He agreed.

"Good Bye, Serhat", Noor bid farewell to him. "Will we meet again, Noor?", Serhat asked her. "Let's leave that to fate", she smiled at him, "Whether we meet or not, be assured that I will not give up until I win back Azaan. I hope you will also fight for your love". "I will", he promised. Noor smiled and waved at him cheerfully before exiting his house.

Many years later Azaad and Noor got married amidst blessing of their families and friends. True to her words, Noor won Azaan. She didn't give up and finally Azaan's anger has to melt away. They both were always in Love. Now along with it, they share respect and understanding for one another. "If we have a son, I don't mind naming him as Serhat. What do you say?", Azaan pinched her palms and asked her with a tint of taunt. "Serhat is a good name", she replied haughtily, "But I don't know". "What kind of answer is that?", Azaan mocked her. "It is my kind of answer. Honest and straightforward", she answered confidently, "But I do know something for sure". Her eyes gleamed with pride while Azaan tried hard to decode her humour.

Miles Away. Serhat dashed through the corridors of the hospital. He was on a business trip when Zumrut was admitted into hospital. He had cut short his trip and rushed to her side. "Serhat", she called out his name tiredly. "Are you okay, Love?", he kissed her forehead, "I heard she gave you quiet the trouble". "She did", she agreed. He cursed himself that he was not beside Zumrut when she needed him the most. 

"All pain faded away when I saw her face", Zumrut smiled and gestured to the baby girl sleeping in the crib near her bed, "Meet your daughter".  Serhat's eyes moistened when he held his daughter in his arms. "She is so pretty, just like you", he told her. "She has your eyes", she told him. Both young parents were in tears but out of joy. "What are we going to call her?", Zumrut asked him. He smiled and looked at his daughter. He tenderly came close to her ears and called out her name, "Noor"