Serenity: A Journey Within

Chapter 3

In the early hours of the morning, Mubashira finally arrived at her destination, greeted by the soft rays of the rising sun illuminating the horizon. Despite travelling in the comfort of her private jet, she found herself exhausted from the relentless stress that had kept her awake throughout the night. Stepping out of the airport, she was met by a waiting car, a welcome sight after the long journey.

Deciding to head straight to her holiday home, Mubashira sank into the plush leather seats, feeling the tension slowly dissipate as the car began its journey. Peering out of the window, she was immediately captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Iceland. The landscape unfolded before her in a majestic display of rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. It was a sight to behold, far more stunning than any photograph could ever capture.

As they drove deeper into the heart of Iceland, Mubashira couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnificence of her surroundings. The crisp, fresh air filled her lungs, invigorating her weary spirit with a newfound sense of vitality. With each passing moment, she felt the weight of her worries slowly lifting, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquillity that she had been yearning for.

As Mubashira arrived at holiday home, she couldn't help but be awestruck by the majestic mountain views that greeted her. Despite the turmoil swirling in her mind, the property's promise of tranquillity offered a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of her daily life. Situated just 15 km from The Pearl, it seemed to promise a temporary respite from the overwhelming challenges she faced.

Exiting the car, Mubashira found herself enveloped in a sense of peace and serenity, though the weight of her troubles lingered in the background. The inviting terrace beckoned, and she eagerly anticipated unwinding in such a picturesque setting, if only for a momentary escape from her thoughts. Inside the holiday home, she discovered a ground-floor layout featuring three spacious bedrooms, each offering the promise of restful nights away from the chaos.

The living area exuded warmth and comfort, with a flat-screen TV and a welcoming fireplace creating an inviting atmosphere. The fully equipped kitchen was a delight, providing all the amenities necessary to whip up delicious meals with ease, though her appetite for enjoyment was tempered by the turmoil within.

As Mubashira settled in, she appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout the home, from the plush towels and bed linen to the presence of two dedicated housekeepers and a chef. Their attentive care offered a glimmer of comfort amidst the uncertainty of her current situation.

With a car and driver at her disposal for tours and excursions, Mubashira looked forward to exploring Iceland's natural wonders at her own pace, hoping that the beauty of the landscape would provide a temporary distraction from the chaos within her mind. From cascading waterfalls to dramatic landscapes, she knew that the possibilities for adventure were endless, though her heart remained heavy with the knowledge that tomorrow would bring new challenges to face.

Overall, the holiday home promised to be the perfect haven, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled natural beauty. Despite her inner turmoil, Mubashira eagerly anticipated immersing herself in this enchanting escape and creating cherished memories amidst Iceland's breathtaking scenery.

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It was quite late when Zaid returned from the office, finding Asif already retired to his bedroom. Upon entering the house, he was surprised to see Ayra waiting for him, given that she had earlier mentioned staying at her brother's house for a few days. Confusion clouded Zaid's expression as Ayra approached him, mentioning dinner together. Her demanding tone about his lateness irked him, considering her prior statement about not being home for a while.

Controlling his rising anger, Zaid explained, "I had some work at the office." Ayra nodded but then insisted he join her for dinner. "I already ate," Zaid responded curtly. "You can have yours."

With that, Zaid turned to leave, but Ayra followed him into the bedroom, her frustration evident. "I waited for you, and you're not going to have dinner with me?" she questioned, her voice laced with irritation.

Feeling the tension escalate, Zaid replied in irritation, "I didn't ask you to do that. You're the one who said you're staying at your brother's place. So, I had a light dinner."

Ayra snapped back, "You could have asked me again!"

Without another word, Zaid stormed out of the room in a fit of anger. However, as a few minutes passed, his initial rage subsided, replaced by a wave of guilt. Realizing he had overreacted, Zaid mustered the courage to apologize to Ayra. Upon hearing her voice in conversation on the phone, he paused, overhearing her words.

"I came back as you said Mubashira's absence will help me make my place permanent," Ayra was saying. "But Zaid isn't talking to me and had dinner without me."

Zaid's anger flared up once more at the realization that Ayra was strategizing while he was feeling remorseful. Without a word, he left the scene, finding himself standing before Mubashira's bedroom before he even realized it.

He entered the bedroom, greeted by a faint hint of Mubashira's favourite perfume lingering in the air, a scent that stirred a mixture of longing and nostalgia within him. With a sigh, he made his way to the bed and settled himself upon it. Memories of their shared past and their wedding day flooded his mind, each moment playing out vividly in his thoughts.

As he reflected on their history, Zaid couldn't shake the nagging feeling that perhaps he had been too quick to find fault in Mubashira's actions, oblivious to the toxicity that lurked in Ayra's behaviour as well. Yet, dismissing his concerns as mere overreaction, he reasoned that Ayra's desire to assert her place in the household was natural, especially with Mubashira's absence potentially creating an opportunity for her.

Lying back on the bed, Zaid pondered the sudden irritation he felt towards Ayra's questions and tone. Why did her words now grate on his nerves when he had endured far worse from her in the past? The question gnawed at him, lingering in his mind as he drifted into an unintended slumber.

Unbeknownst to him, Ayra eventually succumbed to sleep after patiently waiting for him, her concern about his potential tardiness to their shared bedroom alleviated by the absence of Mubashira. With Mubashira not present, Ayra found herself feeling less anxious about Zaid's return, allowing her to relax and eventually drift off into slumber.

However, unbeknownst to her, this moment marked just the beginning of a subtle fracture in their relationship. As she slumbered alone in their bedroom, the silence of the night surrounding her, she remained unaware of the growing tensions simmering beneath the surface.

To be continued...

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Sorry for the late update. For the past few days, I was sick with a lung infection and had a high fever because of it. But I'm feeling better now; I just have a bit of a cough & chest pain as it will take a while to recover fully. Thank you for your patience! 💕

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───