Mehmal

Chapter 40 ( part 2)

Mehmal and Sana were deeply engrossed in their shopping when Mujtaba's call interrupted the moment. "Where are you, Mehmal?" he asked, his voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and concern. Mehmal glanced at Sana, who was absorbed in inspecting a vibrant dupatta. "I'm at Centaurus. I'm almost done here. I was just about to head upstairs to find a place to eat. Are you nearby?" she replied, trying to keep her tone light.

"Yeah, I'm just parking the car. Wait, did you call me to help with your shopping?" Mujtaba teased, a playful note in his voice.

Mehmal couldn't help but chuckle. "No, the shopping's done. I just wanted to see you," she admitted, a soft smile touching her lips.

Later, the two women found themselves seated in a cozy café. Mehmal had already sent Mujtaba the name of the restaurant, anticipating his arrival. As they waited, Mehmal noticed that Sana's back was turned toward the entrance. He'll approach from behind her, Mehmal thought, a nervous anticipation building inside her.

"Sana, I'll be right back. Just going to the restroom," Mehmal said, trying to keep her voice steady. Sana, her focus still on the menu, simply nodded.

As Mehmal stood up, she saw Mujtaba entering the café. His eyes immediately found hers, and a warm, familiar smile spread across his face. "Mujtaba," she greeted him softly, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and unease.

Sana, hearing the name, froze. Mujtaba? Here? she thought, her heart skipping a beat. She turned quickly, her breath catching in her throat, and there he was—standing right before her. The sight of him made her feel as though the world had shifted beneath her feet. Mujtaba's eyes, once warm and welcoming, turned cold as they settled on Sana, the color draining from his face.

"I'll be back in a moment. You go ahead and sit with Sana. I'll join you soon," Mehmal said, trying to sound casual, though she could feel the tension thickening the air. Mujtaba's gaze remained fixed on Sana, his eyes filled with unspoken questions and a hint of anger. Mehmal bit her lip, regretting her decision. Mujtaba sighed deeply, his expression a blend of confusion and frustration.

"Why, Mehmal?" he asked quietly, his voice tinged with pain and disappointment.

Before Mehmal could respond, Sana abruptly stood up, grabbing her bags and wallet with trembling hands. "Sana, wait!" Mehmal called out, her voice desperate, pleading.

But Sana turned to her, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting the storm inside her. "Mehmal, I don't think you should interfere. I know you feel guilty, but believe me, this isn't your fault. Everything happens for a reason," she said, each word deliberate, as if she was trying to convince herself as much as Mehmal. Mujtaba, hearing her words, clenched his jaw, his face hardening.

"Yes, Mehmal, this isn't your fault. Our love was weak. We weren't meant for each other," he said, his tone heavy with resignation. The last sentence was directed at Sana, who turned to him with a sharp, incredulous look.

"What do you mean, 'our love was weak'? Surely, you mean from your side," Sana shot back, her voice laced with bitterness. Mehmal stood between them, her heart aching for both of them, but unsure of what to say or do.

Mujtaba let out a bitter laugh, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and pain. "My side?" he repeated, his voice rising as he reached out to grab Sana's arm, preventing her from walking away. "My side?" he echoed again, his voice trembling with the emotions he had been trying to suppress.

Sana glared at him, her eyes filled with anger and hurt. "Yes, your side," she retorted, pulling her arm out of his grasp. "You were the one who couldn't make it work."

The tension between them had now drawn the attention of other café patrons, who were discreetly watching the unfolding drama. Mehmal, standing helplessly between them, could only watch as the unresolved emotions between Mujtaba and Sana threatened to explode, the weight of their shared past pressing down on all of them.