Eternity

Chapter 9

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room where Ayzal woke earlier than usual. As she lay there, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of her new home, a mix of determination and unease settled in her heart. She stretched languidly, feeling the weight of the day ahead, and quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Zayan who was still asleep.

Glancing towards him, who lay peacefully unaware, Ayzal couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. "How can he sleep so peacefully?" she muttered softly, a mix of admiration and envy tinting her voice. With a resigned sigh, she tiptoed out of the room, her mind already racing with plans for the day.

In the kitchen, she busied herself preparing breakfast, the rhythmic clinking of utensils and the gentle sizzle of food in the pan providing a comforting background noise. Her movements were methodical, each action a deliberate step to keep herself busy and focused despite the emotional turmoil bubbling within. However, her efforts did not go unnoticed as her mother-in-law, catching sight of Ayzal bustling about, immediately voiced her concern.

"You shouldn't be working, Ayzal," her mother-in-law admonished gently, worry lines creasing her forehead. "Today is your first day here; you should have rested properly."

Ayzal smiled warmly, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It is alright, mother. I couldn't sleep much, so I thought I would do something productive. You should take some rest; I have got this," she insisted, gently guiding her mother-in-law towards the couch in the nearby hall.

"Where is father?" Ayzal inquired, noticing the absence of her father-in-law.

"He is getting ready. He will be down shortly," her mother-in-law replied with a nod, a mixture of appreciation and concern flickering in her eyes as she watched Ayzal with both admiration and a touch of concern for her stubbornness.

Returning to the kitchen, Ayzal continued her culinary tasks, focusing on each dish with meticulous care. By the time she had set the table and everyone had gathered to eat, her efforts were met with grateful praise from her new family.

"The food tastes delicious, Mom," Yusra exclaimed with genuine appreciation, casting a grateful glance at her mother.

"It is thanks to Ayzal; she prepared everything this morning," her mother-in-law interjected proudly.

Zayan, who had been about to take a bite, paused mid-motion, his expression flickering briefly with surprise before he regained his composure. Pushing his chair back abruptly, he excused himself with a hastily muttered explanation about an urgent meeting, leaving the table in an awkward silence.

Ayzal's heart sank as she watched him leave, understanding all too well the unspoken message behind his sudden departure.

Gathering her composure, Ayzal resumed eating, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. "After you both finish eating, go to your room and get ready. Some guests are coming to see you, Ayzal," her mother-in-law announced gently, breaking the tense silence.

Reluctantly, Ayzal accompanied Yusra to her room, her mind racing with apprehension. Yusra, oblivious to her sister-in-law's inner turmoil, chatted excitedly about the upcoming visit.

"Bhabi, do you have anything in white? Wear that please, bayi loves that color," Yusra asked eagerly, pulling out dresses from Ayzal's wardrobe.

Reluctantly, Ayzal selected a white dress, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery as memories of happier times flitted through her mind. She dressed slowly, her movements mechanical yet deliberate, as if each action required careful consideration.

"You look beautiful, Bhabhi!" Yusra exclaimed with genuine delight as she surveyed Ayzal's appearance. "Evil eyes off, you are stunning," she added, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she tried to lighten the mood.

Ayzal managed a weak smile, grateful for Yusra's unwavering support despite the underlying tension in the household. "Thank you, Yusra. Who is coming today?" she asked softly.

"Zara Di is coming with her family" Yusra continued "She is Dad's brother's daughter."

Ayzal nodded slowly, a flicker of recognition crossing her features. "Yes, Murad had mentioned her," she replied quietly, her smile fading as she realized the weight of her words. She quickly looked away, regretting the unintentional reminder of Murad.

Yusra sensed the change in Ayzal's demeanor and hesitated, sensing the need to tread carefully. "It is okay, Bhabhi," she said softly, moving closer to offer a comforting hug. Ayzal accepted the embrace gratefully, feeling a wave of warmth and reassurance wash over her despite the underlying tensions within the household.

As Yusra left to assist her mother downstairs, Ayzal remained in her room, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her mind racing with memories of happier times before the death of Murad, and the challenges that now lay ahead in navigating her new role within this unfamiliar family dynamic.

The sound of footsteps approaching outside snapped her out of her reverie. Ayzal took a deep breath, steeling herself for the visitation ahead. She smoothed down the folds of her dress and carefully adjusted her hair, striving to present herself with grace despite the turmoil churning inside.

When Yusra returned, she found Ayzal deep in thought, staring out of the window with a contemplative expression. "Bhabhi, they are here," Yusra announced softly, breaking the silence that hung heavily in the room.

Ayzal turned to face Yusra, her expression composed yet tinged with uncertainty. "Alright," she replied evenly, her voice betraying none of the trepidation that churned in her stomach.

Together, they made their way downstairs, where the family awaited their guests. Ayzal could hear the murmur of voices and the clinking of tea cups as they approached the living room. Her mother-in-law greeted them warmly, ushering them in, with genuine hospitality.

Zara Di, greeted Ayzal with a warm smile that momentarily eased the tension in the room. "Ayzal, I heard a lot about you from Murad. It is wonderful to finally meet you." she said sincerely, her voice carrying a gentle warmth that Ayzal found surprisingly comforting.

Ayzal returned the smile, her nerves beginning to settle as she exchanged pleasantries with Zara Di and her family.
Ayzal couldn't get enough of Zara's daughter, Idah, who was just a year old. Idah captivated Ayzal with her infectious energy and cuteness and it didn't help the fact that Ayzal loved kids.

Throughout the conversation, Ayzal felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. She was grateful for Zara's kindness yet acutely aware of the expectations resting upon her as the newest member of the family.

As they shared stories and laughter over tea, Ayzal found herself gradually relaxing into the warmth of their company. Despite her initial reservations, Ayzal couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within her—a hope that perhaps, in time, she could find her place within this family.

As the afternoon wore on, Ayzal found herself drawn into their lively conversation, her earlier anxieties melting away in the face of genuine connection. She listened intently to their stories, sharing glimpses of her own experiences with a newfound sense of openness, while holding Idah, who had fallen asleep as soon as she was in Ayzal's lap.