Jaan-e-Azlan❤

08(edited)

The past week had weighed heavily on the Khan family, their beloved princess falling ill, casting a shadow of worry over them all. Each member fretted over her condition, their collective concern palpable in the air.

A week of rest, with everyone doting on her, had proven beneficial, and she was now on the road to recovery. Azlan, ever vigilant, escorted her for a follow-up check-up after lunch, ensuring she remained under the watchful eye of medical professionals.

The doctor's reassurance brought a sense of relief, confirming her improved state, albeit with a cautionary reminder to tread carefully for the next couple of days. Returning home, they were greeted by Farah, whose presence brought a warm embrace of familiarity.

With Azlan excusing himself to allow the two friends some uninterrupted time together, Farah regaled her with tales of the university happenings during her absence. Expressing her longing for her friend's company, Farah eagerly handed over her notes, determined to aid in her swift catch-up with missed coursework.

The day of her full recovery dawned, and for the past three days, she had been back at university, embracing the routine she had temporarily set aside. As she sat in class, her phone buzzed with a message from Farah, beckoning her to the cafeteria after her lesson. With a simple "okay" in response, she eagerly awaited their rendezvous.

Exiting her class, she made her way to the cafeteria, where Farah awaited her arrival. They settled in together, conversation flowing effortlessly between them.

"How are you feeling now?" Farah inquired, concern evident in her eyes.

"Better than ever," she replied with a smile, grateful for the concern of her friend and family.

"Mumma was eager to visit you, but her health..." Farah trailed off, a hint of guilt shadowing her features.

"Don't worry about it, Farah. I understand," she reassured, having spoken to her mother and sensed her longing to be by her side.

"Oh, I almost forgot why I called you here," Farah exclaimed, shaking her head with a sheepish grin.

"What is it?" she asked, intrigued by Farah's sudden change in demeanor.

"I was thinking, we could go to a café tomorrow after classes. I found a new one nearby and thought it would be fun to check it out. Please say yes!" Farah pleaded, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Alright, we can go," she agreed, prompting Farah to squeal with delight before composing herself.

"Wait, there's more," Farah added, her expression shifting, and she knew instinctively that trouble loomed on the horizon.

"When I mentioned it to Saad bhai at home, he insisted on joining us. I couldn't say no, and besides, he's your friend too, right?" Farah explained, observing her friend's sudden change in demeanor.

Her heart sank like a stone at the mention of Saad's inclusion, her mind immediately flooding with memories of his past misbehavior towards her. Despite her apprehension, she nodded in a daze, her thoughts consumed by uncertainty and unease. She knew deep down that Azlan would never approve of her spending time with Saad, given their tumultuous history. Yet, unable to muster the courage to refuse Farah's request, she resigned herself to the inevitable discomfort of the upcoming encounter. As she sat there, her mind raced with the knowledge that she would need to broach the subject with Azlan, steeling herself for his inevitable disapproval.

In the evening, upon Azlan's return from work, he entered his room to find Mantasha asleep with her head resting on the table, surrounded by scattered books. She sat on the floor beside the sofa, her form radiating an air of peaceful exhaustion.