Descent into Darkness:Rahim Shaikh Saga

31

After composing herself and wiping away her tears, Zara gently placed Sana on the bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

As she emerged, her resolve strengthened, she scooped up Sana and made her way to Leyla's room.

Leyla's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Zara standing before her, her usual air of quiet determination now tinged with a newfound resolve.

Leyla's heart swelled with pride as Zara spoke the words she had been longing to hear.

"I'm ready to face Jannat,"

Zara declared, her voice steady and determined.

Leyla's face lit up with joy, and she pulled Zara into a tight embrace, her excitement bubbling over.

Sana, caught in the middle of the embrace, let out an annoyed cry, protesting the tight squeeze.

Laughing at Sana's indignant expression, Zara and Leyla released her, showering her with kisses on her chubby cheeks.

Sana giggled in response, her laughter filling the room with joy.

Just then, Leyla's son Hamza, a lively toddler of one and a half years, appeared at the doorway, drawn by Sana's laughter.

Standing unsteadily on his own two feet, he gazed up at his mother with wide eyes.

Leyla scooped up Hamza, holding him close as she joined Zara and Sana. She lifted Hamza up to face Sana, their eyes meeting in silent recognition.

Sana, delighted to see her little friend, reached out to him with grabby hands, her face lighting up with joy.

Leyla moved Hamza closer to Sana, encouraging their interaction.

With a delighted squeal, Sana wrapped her tiny arms around Hamza, pulling him into a tight hug. Hamza, taken aback by the sudden embrace, grinned from ear to ear, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm.

The room was filled with the sound of laughter and joy as Zara, Leyla, Sana, and Hamza shared a moment of pure happiness.

In that moment, surrounded by the love of her friends and her precious children, Zara felt a renewed sense of hope and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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As the evening descended, Zara emerged from her room, a sense of purpose emanating from her as she joined Leyla in the kitchen to prepare dinner.

With Sana and Hamza safely in Zoya's care, the two women set to work, their hands moving with practiced efficiency as they chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and set the table.

The servants, initially taken aback by Zara's presence in the kitchen, soon warmed to the sight of their mistress rolling up her sleeves and getting to work alongside them.

They exchanged surprised glances but quickly rallied to Zara's side, eager to assist her in any way they could.

Jannat's arrival, however, cast a shadow over the warm atmosphere in the kitchen.

Her eyes narrowed in disdain as she took in the sight of Zara cooking, her voice dripping with venom as she addressed her rival.

"What do you think you're doing here?"

Jannat's tone was sharp, filled with hostility.

Zara, unfazed by Jannat's aggression, met her gaze with a calm determination.

"I'm preparing dinner,"

she replied evenly, her voice steady.

Jannat scoffed, her confidence faltering slightly at Zara's composed demeanor.