Embracing Love [✓]

ᶠⁱᶠᵗʸ✓

When the love calls me,
When I embrace the love
I am not the same person anymore
Even my painful memories
Are forgotten with your love
My precious person
Even if the long-longed dreams
Were to come down like a shower
I would embrace without hesitation, s
So trust me.
I'll put in the warmth of the crumbling sunshine
Into our times

~ Ayana Malik.

■■■

Imraan noticed the sudden change in Ayana's expression and frowned in concern.
"Ayana, are you alright?"

Ayana's voice was barely a whisper as she responded,
"I... I need to leave."

Without waiting for further explanation, Ayana hastily gathered her belongings and rushed out of the restaurant. Imraan's brows furrowed deeply as he watched Ayana's hasty departure. Concern and confusion mingled on his face, and he turned his attention back to Zafar who was standing there with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Is everything okay, Imraan?"

"Excuse me for a moment,"
Imraan said apologetically before quickly following Ayana out of the restaurant.

Outside, Ayana leaned against the car, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to shake off the memories that had been triggered by the sight of Zafar.

"Hey,"
Imraan's gentle voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Ayana opened her eyes to see him standing there, concern etched on his face. She forced a smile, although it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm okay, just a bit overwhelmed."

Imraan stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me."

Ayana's resolve wavered as she looked into his eyes, filled with genuine care and understanding. She knew she could trust him, but the fear of Zafar's presence lingered in her mind.
"It's just... complicated,"
she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Imraan's expression softened even more, and he pulled her into a comforting hug.
"Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here to listen."

Ayana held onto him, feeling a sense of safety in his arms. His words and his presence were a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. However, little did she know that Zafar was watching them from a distance, his gaze filled with a mixture of anger and frustration. Clenching his jaw, Zafar seethed at the sight of Ayana finding solace in another man's embrace.

Imraan pulled away slightly to look at Ayana, concern still evident in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're okay?"

Ayana managed a small nod, giving him a reassuring smile.
"I am now. Thank you for being here."

Imraan's hand gently brushed her cheek, his touch sending a warm shiver down her spine.
"Always,"
he whispered.

Unbeknownst to them, Zafar's anger intensified as he watched their interaction. He was determined to regain control over Ayana's life, and the sight of her seeking comfort in another man's arms was a blow to his ego. With a final, seething glance at the couple, he turned and walked away, his mind already scheming his next move.

♧♧♧

Ayana's mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she reflected on the past. She felt foolish upon realizing that Zafar had been observing their lives from the shadows. She couldn't help but think about all the times Imraan had mentioned Mr. B, unaware that he was actually referring to Zafar. Zafar had infiltrated their lives, pretending to be someone else, all the while plotting to harm them. The memories of their conversations and interactions took on a new meaning, and Ayana felt a surge of anger at Zafar's audacity to play with their lives in such a cruel way. She took a deep breath, mustering her courage, and decided to make a bold move. She dialed Zafar's number