RIGHTFULLY YOUR'S

Part 24

Layla's pov:

It had been a month, but in this time, not a single night passed without tears, regrets, or self-doubt. Not a night passed where I didn't question why I had fallen so deeply in love with Yusuf. The day I found out the truth, despite Yusuf's protests, I left home. He explicitly stated that if I took that step, our relationship would face turbulence. At one point, I contemplated turning back, embracing Yusuf, but my heart didn't heed to my desires, and I proceeded to leave.

I didn't know where to go. Returning home would distress my father and brother, and Yusuf was likely searching for me everywhere, even at Maha's place. At that moment, I only wanted distance from Yusuf. However, thoughts and feelings began stirring within me each time I moved away from him-feelings that had never fully faded away from my heart despite everything I thought I'd overcome.

Summoning courage, I found myself at the house of the woman who had raised me as a mother after my real mother's passing-Hayat Kazmi, my brother's estranged wife. Though my brother and Hayat have separated, the bond between her and me remains unchanged. I don't know the truth of their discord; my brother accuses Hayat of betrayal, but I know her character and believe she's incapable of such actions.

I knew Yusuf would never find me at Hayat's home; it's situated in a far corner of the city, an enclave secluded from the usual bustle. That day, seeking solace and answers, I arrived at Hayat's house. The sense of familiarity, comfort, and security enveloped me as soon as I stepped through the door. The scent of warmth and love, reminiscent of my childhood, embraced me once again.

I reached my sister-in-law's house and collapsed into her embrace, tears streaming down uncontrollably. She didn't ask me anything at first, letting me pour out my heart. I divulged the entire truth, how Yusuf had married me solely for revenge, how everything between us was built on lies. My sister-in-law consoled and advised me, suggesting that I talk to Yusuf once more, but I had already made up my mind; I knew all there was to know, and Yusuf's own words had confirmed it.

She offered me a place to stay at her home. I continued my online classes and a remote job, occasionally helping her despite her initial refusal. We engaged in conversations every night, but she never mentioned Yusuf after that night. My baby bump was noticeable now, five months into my pregnancy. One day, my emotions spiraled so high that I even contemplated ending my unborn child's life, seeing it as Yusuf's another tool to torment me. But the courage to take such a drastic step eluded me.

Throughout that month, I deliberated deeply. Despite everything that transpired between Yusuf and me, I couldn't bring myself to believe it. His gestures contradicted the idea of hatred; his acts of affection seemed genuine. He had convinced me that even a slight hint of pain from him would shatter me like a porcelain doll, yet in the end, he had crushed the purpose of my existence. Living without him was excruciating beyond words. Each night felt like I was sleeping in his arms, only to wake up to the harsh reality in the morning, intensifying my agony.

Yusuf's messages became a haunting routine, a daily reminder of our severed ties. His words were loving, caring, but they couldn't mend the abyss he had created saying "take care of yourself and our baby meri jan, i love you, we will meet soon" I couldn't decipher the intent behind these messages-was it remorse or manipulation? Yet, I chose not to respond, hoping that my silence would end his messages. Despite my silent responses, his texts arrived punctually at 10 every night, leaving me grappling with their purpose.

Every message of care and love invoked conflicting emotions-love for the man I thought I knew, anger for the man who shattered me, and confusion about his intentions. These messages became an agonizing ritual, a constant reminder of the shattered dreams and the haunting aftermath of a love that had turned into a nightmare.