CONNECTED HEARTS

35: The Weight Of Guilt

In less than fifteen minutes, the family managed to find three potential donors for Afeeya. Hope, thin but real, finally filled the room.

Meanwhile, Afdal bandaged and bruised but smiling insisted on being by his sister's side. His concern for her was written all over his face. The bond between them was rare, something that pulled at everyone's heart.

Khairiya stayed glued to Afdal's bedside, wiping his forehead every few seconds and fussing over him in that soft, worried way that only gave her away more. The chemistry between them wasn't subtle anymore; even the parents had caught on. But for now, no one said a word the only focus was on Afeeya's recovery.

Afdal was told his sister was doing fine, though no one dared tell him how critical her situation really was. He didn't need that weight.

Across the room, Kaltoom sat quietly, trying to center herself. She'd decided to keep her distance from Adyan at least for now. She wanted to process her feelings instead of chasing his. But that resolve wavered each time she glanced his way.

He looked... different. Restless. His composure was gone, replaced by something dark and unsettled.

She watched him, heart sinking with every second. Something about his worry for Afeeya went beyond concern. It gnawed at her —
a thought she tried to silence, but couldn't.

Was he in love with her?

Her inner voice mocked her insecurity, and she hated it. You're overthinking. But the unease didn't fade.

Amani's gentle touch pulled her back. "Hey," she whispered. "Let's get some air."

Kaltoom nodded, grateful for the escape.

Outside, the evening breeze hit her face soft, cool, grounding. Amani crossed her arms, studying her closely. "Okay, spill. What's going on with you?"

Kaltoom blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb. You've been off. And Adyan's been acting like a whole stranger. So..."Amani leaned in. "What's up with you two?"

Kaltoom sighed, rubbing her temple. "You should be asking him, not me. He's the one acting weird."

Amani raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Weird how?"

Kaltoom hesitated. "He's distant. Like... emotionally unavailable type of distant. He barely looked at me. And I know there's a lot going on, but it feels like something else."

Amani nodded slowly. "You're not crazy. I noticed too. But don't spiral. We'll figure it out together, okay?"

Kaltoom smiled faintly. "Okay."

Back inside, Amani excused herself. "Hey Adyan," she said, her tone casual but curious. "I'll leave you two to talk. Bye."

And just like that, she was gone.

The silence that followed was... thick. Kaltoom sat across from Adyan, who hadn't even looked up yet. After nearly ten minutes of silence, he finally spoke.

"How are you?" His voice was neutral, calm ..too calm.

Kaltoom stared at him. Seriously? "Don't worry about me," she said softly. "How are you?"

He nodded, eyes fixed on the floor. "Alhamdulillah."

Another long pause.

Then, before she could stop herself, she asked, "What's with you and Afeeya?"

That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes wide. "Apart from her being my cousin?" he asked, his tone edged with disbelief.

"Yes. Apart from that," she pressed.

Adyan exhaled, his jaw tightening. "Kaltoom... I don't know if I should even tell you this, but.."He paused, searching for words. "I used to like her. A long time ago. And... she liked me too. But that was before everything. We moved on. I'm just really concerned about her health right now"

"Kaltoom, my concern for Afeeya isn't emotional, it's human," Adyan said quietly, his tone steady. "She's family. She's been through enough already — losing her parents, adjusting to a new home, fighting her own battles. I just can't stand seeing anyone in pain, especially someone I practically grew up with. It's not about feelings; it's about empathy. That's all."

Kaltoom froze, his words slicing through her. "Oh," she said quietly. "So did you like me because we're similar?"

Her voice was soft, fragile, almost breaking.

Adyan leaned forward, his tone urgent. "No. Yes, you remind me of her in some ways,you both have this calm strength but I love you because you're you."

Something inside her loosened. Relief. Maybe even hope.

"I'm just glad I'm not a replacement," she murmured.

Adyan's gaze softened. "You're not a replacement, Kaltoom. You're the one I want to be with."

Her heart fluttered. But before she could say anything, he continued, voice low.

"I just... feel bad for her, that's all. She went through a lot. She grew up in an orphanage. No real family. Aunt adopted her after losing her own child, and it took years of therapy for her to adjust. Afdal was in Italy then, and Aunt was always traveling. Sometimes Afeeya stayed with us — she needed people around. That's why I care. I just don't want her to suffer again."

Kaltoom's expression softened instantly. Guilt washed over her. "I had no idea," she whispered.

Adyan nodded. "Yeah. It wasn't easy for her. But she's strong."

Then his voice dropped, almost teasing. "But I only love you, my queen."

Before she could process that, his cold lips brushed hers — quick, soft, shocking. A brief kiss, but it sent her entire world spinning.

She froze, heart racing, skin tingling, mind blank.

Then his phone buzzed.

He answered quickly, "Okay, Mom. I'm coming."

Kaltoom blinked, still dazed, as he took her hand and guided her toward the hallway. Her lips still tingled, her thoughts looping like a broken record.

By the time they rejoined everyone — Khalid, Laila, Khairiya, and Kaltoom's mom — she could barely hide her goofy grin.

Her mom gave her a side hug. "You look... happy," she said knowingly.

Kaltoom laughed softly. "I am," she admitted, her smile refusing to fade.

The moment was short-lived. The doctor returned, his face serious. "Afeeya needs another dose of blood," he said.

Everyone tensed again — until Khalid stepped forward. "I'm a match," he said calmly.

Relief flooded the room. Kaltoom exhaled. Of course. She mentally kicked herself. "Typical me," she muttered under her breath. "Too busy in la-la land to remember basic details."

As the transfusion began, the family's tension slowly eased. Afdal was finally resting, Khairiya still hovering protectively beside him. Adyan refused to leave, insisting he'd stay until Afeeya was fully stable.

Kaltoom lingered near the door, guilt and warmth swirling inside her. When Afeeya was finally wheeled out — pale, fragile, but alive — Kaltoom's eyes filled with tears.

She rushed forward, taking Afeeya's cold hand. "I'm so glad you're okay," she whispered.

Afeeya blinked weakly, her lips curving into the faintest smile. "I'm glad I am too."

Something in that moment cracked open. Kaltoom felt it — that strange, quiet bond between them. A connection that wasn't rivalry or jealousy anymore, just... empathy.

Adyan's hand rested gently on her shoulder, grounding her. She looked up at him, then back at Afeeya, whispering a silent prayer of gratitude.

For the first time that day, everything felt still.

Everything — for just a moment — felt right.

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