𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

فطرتِ عشق ۸۔

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time~

Time's essence is in moving forward, and so, it has gone beyond our reach.
With time, Daneen grew stronger and found comfort in her own company.
Time indeed acts as both a great healer and a ruthless destroyer, teaching worthy lessons in harsh ways.

It had been four months since Zarmeen's death, and during this period, many things changed for Daneen. Her attitude towards life transformed.

Throughout those challenging months, Murtaza played an important supporting role, though not the leading one. He would occasionally join them for dinner and lighten their moods by cracking jokes. Murtaza had shown sensitivity towards Daneen when she mentioned feeling alone during walks, and thus, they often started going on walks together. During these walks, they didn't talk; rather silence spoke a thousand words.

As time passed, Daneen's perspective for Murtaza changed. Initially, she strongly disliked him, but as time passed, her feelings shifted, and she no longer held any strong negative emotions towards him. Instead, he gradually became her friend.

With time, they all gradually returned to their routines. Daneen successfully secured admission for her master's degree.

Everything was progressing smoothly.

That day they all were sitting around the dining table having dinner.
Haider occupied the armchair, while Murtaza sat to his left. Mahrosh, who was six months pregnant, sat next to Murtaza, and Zaim sat beside her. Daneen took her seat on Haider's right. Daneen and Murtaza sat opposite to each other.

"Dad, would you accompany me for shopping tomorrow?!"

Daneen asked with hope in her walnut eyes.

"Bache, tomorrow I have to go out of town for an important task, and the driver will accompany me., aap Zaim ke saath chali jaao!"
Her father said apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Dano, tomorrow is Mahrosh's doctor's appointment, and afterward, I'll be taking her home. Maybe some other day, alright?"

Zaim explained, and Daneen nodded in understanding.

"I wanted some company. I need to buy some hoodies and stuff. November has already started, and I don't have any winter clothes!"

Daneen complained.

"No, you shouldn't go alone for shopping!"

Haider said, to which Murtaza proposed,
"Uncle main le jaata hun Daneen ko kal!"

"Yeh toh bohatt achi baat hai, mera kaam asaan kardi! Do you have any problem with that Daneen?"

Haider asked, and Daneen shook her head, indicating that she had no problem with the plan.

______________

Only love can hurt like this~

Daneen and Murtaza walked side by side towards the mall's entrance. It was the first time she had come shopping with him.

Daneen was a choosy girl. She didn't easily like things, but once she did, she would buy them, even if they were way too expensive.

As they ventured through almost half of the mall's shops, Murtaza found himself carrying eight shopping bags already. He persistently offered to pay for her purchases, but Daneen graciously declined, insisting on taking care of her expenses herself.

"Daneen, enough now! Do we have to explore the entire mall? I'm really hungry, let's go to the food court!"

Murtaza exclaimed, feeling extremely tired. He was regretting his idea of proposing uncle for accompanying Daneen in the shopping.