𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 ✓

-17-

When I noticed Naaz’s sudden departure, the tension was palpable. Despite trying to focus on the conversations around me, my mind kept drifting back to her. When she slipped a note under the bowl, I resisted reading it, the hurt she caused me still fresh. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and needed to check on her.

Reading her note, I saw she wanted to meet me in her room. I hesitated at her door before knocking softly. She mistook me for her mother, her voice heavy with tears. Hearing her cry alone was unbearable. I knocked louder, called her name more firmly, and finally, she opened the door. She threw herself into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

She clung to me, apologizing, and explained she pushed me away out of fear and confusion, believing it was the right thing to do. She admitted she was afraid I’d see her flaws and leave. It was stupid of her to think like that. I would never do that. Never.

I pulled back, feeling a mix of concern and frustration, telling her she should have trusted me. She asked for forgiveness, and I hugged her back, promising no more secrets or pushing away. We needed to understand each other better. With hope in her eyes, she promised no more secrets.

We stood at our place, just holding each other, and I felt a sense of relief. This was the first step towards healing, and I hoped we could rebuild what we had lost.

After a while, we broke the hug, and I quickly grabbed the water bottle from her nightstand. "Sit," I said, pointing to her bed. Without arguing, she silently sat on the bed. I moved towards her and handed her the bottle. "Drink."

She took a few sips of water. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome."

She was about to get up to put the bottle back on the nightstand, but I stopped her with a gesture. I took the bottle from her hand and placed it back on the nightstand myself. Then, I sat down beside her.

"Go and wash your face with cold water," I said. I couldn't stand seeing her like this. Her face was red, and her eyes were swollen and puffy. It pained me.

"But—"

"Go. Now," I said firmly. It was more of an order. She didn't show any attitude and quietly went into the bathroom to wash her face. She came back a minute later looking better.

She sat beside me and grabbed my hands in hers. "Siddique."

"Shh!" I shushed her, putting a finger on her lips. "Before you explain yourself, let me tell you something. Okay?" She nodded silently.

"Good girl."

"Naaz, you're enough for me. You are more than enough for me. You are perfect in my eyes. I don't see any problem or any fault in you. I love you just the way you are, with all your good and bad traits. No one is perfect in this world, Naaz. Even I'm not perfect. But I do try to be a perfect human for this world. Alright?" I said.