ISHQ, EK IBADAT | (Completed)

Episode - 16

Zafar led everyone to Azka's apartment, where Amreen stepped inside and gazed around in wonder. "Ammi? Will we live here?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Azka smiled warmly. "Yes, beta. I left the city and moved here."

Shahnaz explained, "We asked Auntie to stay with us, but she refused. So we had to let her stay here."

Azka's expression turned into questioning. "Why are you both calling me Auntie all of a sudden? I'm your mother, aren't I?"

Zafar chimed in, "Now that Amreen is here, it's not okay for us to call you that. I mean it's okay."

Amreen looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Shahnaz clarified, "We mean that now why should we..."

Azka's face lit up with a gentle smile. "You both are my children. Call me Ammi, just like you used to."

Amreen nodded, her eyes shining. "Yes, you guys should keep calling her Ammi."

Shahnaz asked hesitantly, "Can we still call you Ammi?"

Azka's hands cradled Shahnaz's cheeks. "Of course, my child. Why not?"

As Azka hugged Shahnaz, Zafar joined in, wrapping his arms around both of them in a warm embrace.

Amreen said, "Someone should ask me too." They all laughed, and Shahnaz pulled Amreen into their hug. Zafar stepped back, watching Amreen smile.

Zafar thought to himself, "Amreen, I longed to see you. Your smile, your laughter. May Allah never give you sorrow again. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. I missed you so much."

He said aloud, "Shahnaz, stay with Ammi and Amreen. I'm going to the hospital to tell Dad that you're staying here."

Shahnaz replied, "Okay, bhai."

Azka cautioned, "Drive safely, beta."

Zafar responded, "Yes, Ammi."

Azka took Amreen's luggage and went to prepare her room with Shahnaz. Amreen and Zafar were left alone.

Amreen said, "Zafar bhai, thank you."

Zafar asked, "For what?"

Amreen replied, "For taking care of Ammi."

Zafar smiled, "You don't thank your family." He walked closer to her and added, "By the way, I missed you so much, Amreen."

Amreen's eyes widened as Zafar stepped closer, and she instinctively stepped back, panic setting in. Memories of Kamal's terrifying gaze flashed before her eyes.

Zafar asked worriedly, "Are...are you okay, Amreen?"

Amreen stammered, "Y-yes... I'm fine. It's just... I get nervous if...if someone of the opposite gender stands close to me."

Zafar reassured her, "Okay, okay! Calm down. Relax. Take a deep breath and calm down, I'm not stepping close anymore, okay?"

Amreen nodded, still visibly shaken.

Zafar tried to hold her hand, but she pulled away. He understood and said, "Don't worry, I'll keep that in mind. Relax, everything is fine now. No one will hurt you again. You're safe here, I promise."

Amreen nodded again, trying to compose herself.

Zafar smiled and said, "Good. Now rest, I'm going to the hospital, please be relaxed. Okay? Allah hafiz."

Amreen replied, "Allah hafiz."

Zafar waved and left the apartment. Amreen closed the door and went to her mother, still trying to process her emotions.