Seeking Her Forgiveness

8. Her betrayal

The soft glow of dawn shattered the lingering darkness of the night, carrying with it the bitter memories and heartbreaks of the past. The distance that had been bridged in the darkness of the night was once again evident in the harsh light of day.

Both Shahana and Azlan were wounded by the betrayal of their hearts. They avoided each other's gaze, their silence a testament to the unspoken words that hung heavy between them. The love story they had woven in the heat of the night now seemed like a distant dream, replaced by an uncertain future filled with questions of love and hate.

A week had passed since their fateful night, and they had returned to Dhaka, accompanied by Shabnam, who was scheduled to fly to America the following Friday.

The past week had been marked by an icy silence between Shahana and Azlan. They were both lost in their own thoughts, unable to find the words to express the turmoil within them. They both knew that they had succumbed to a moment of weakness, a lapse in judgment that had left them both scarred.

Upon hearing of Azlan and Muiz's arrival, Ismat Ara, Azlan's grandmother, was the first to rush to greet her grandson and great-grandson. Despite her age, Ismat Ara exuded an aura of grace and dignity. Dressed in an elegant light-colored saree and adorned with a golden hijab, she embraced her grandson with a warmth that belied her initial shock and disappointment.

Ismat Ara had been away in her village when Azlan had returned from America. She had then traveled to London with her husband Tarek to visit relatives. This had prevented her from seeing Azlan upon his return. However, hearing from her daughter Maya that Azlan had taken Shahana and Muiz to Shahana's village, she was apprehensive.

The news of Azlan and Maria's divorce had been the first blow, and now this. She feared that Shahana might once again ensnare Azlan in her web of deceit. With great difficulty, she had helped her grandson move on from his obsessive love for Shahana, and she did not want to see him fall back into the same trap.

Shabnam, who had decided to stay in Dhaka with her son, did not accompany them to the house. She knew that her presence would only complicate matters.

Arriving at the house, they were greeted by Ismat Ara and Haya, who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Muiz, upon seeing his great-grandmother, rushed towards her and embraced her warmly. Ismat Ara showered her great-grandson with love and affection. Muiz then went to his grandmother, Haya, who scooped him up in her arms.

Shahana, after greeting everyone, headed towards her room, her steps heavy with unspoken emotions.

Ismat Ara's face hardened at the sight of Shahana, but she turned to Azlan and embraced him with love. Azlan, with respect and affection, inquired about her well-being. The grandmother and grandson engaged in a conversation, their voices filled with warmth and reminiscence.

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Azlan was engrossed in his work when his father, Towsif, entered the office.

"Father, why did you bother coming here? You could have called me to your cabin," Azlan said respectfully.

"It was no bother at all. I'm not that old yet, young man," Towsif replied with a smile.

Azlan chuckled.

After discussing some business matters, Towsif gazed at Azlan with a penetrating look, as if trying to decipher his innermost thoughts.

"What are you looking at, Dad?" Azlan asked.

"I'm trying to see if you're truly happy or just putting on an act."

"And what did you find out?"

"Nothing. I can't quite understand you," Towsif Amin admitted defeat.