On the wet sand beside the seashore, the strong, tall man was laying with a cigarette in his hand. His bike parked a few feet away from him. The environment there was serene and noiseless as no one was allowed then on the beach that he owned. It was...
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Daneen watched her one-and-a-half-year-old trying to run across the park. Ruby's white dress was smeared with mud, a testament to her boundless energy and curiosity. Despite her wobbly steps and the occasional tumble, her face radiated tranquillity and pure joy. The gentle breeze ruffled her curls, and her laughter filled the air, a sweet melody that brought a smile to Daneen's lips.
As she sat on the park bench, a wave of contentment washed over her. Watching Ruby, Daneen couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought them to this moment. It had been a long and painful road, one marked by a devastating loss that had forever changed her life.
In those dark days, being heartbroken and lost in that tragedy, she had wondered if she would ever find happiness again. The decision to adopt had been fraught with fear and uncertainty. Could she love a child that wasn't biologically hers? Would she ever feel like a real mother?
Yet, as she watched Ruby's joyful play, Daneen felt a profound sense of healing and purpose. She had made the right choice, and Ruby had become the light in her darkest hours. Every smile, every giggle, every muddy footprint on her dress was a reminder that love transcended biology. Ruby was her daughter in every way that mattered, and nothing could ever change that. Nothing else mattered but the happiness of her little girl, her daughter, in every sense of the word.
Suddenly, a laugh escaped her lips as she watched Ruby scolding the man on the picnic blanket a foot ahead. He was in charge of braiding the hair of her doll, but the poor man had failed, disappointing the little one. His attempts at creating neat braids had resulted in a tangled mess, and Ruby's serious expression as she pointed out his mistake was both adorable and hilarious. Unable to resist, Daneen stood and walked over, sitting beside her husband. She gave him a pitiful pat on the shoulder, along with a side hug.
"No good, Daddy," Ruby exclaimed in sheer disappointment, her tiny voice filled with innocent candour.
Daneen couldn't contain her amusement at Lily's earnest proclamation. Her laughter bubbled up, infectious and unrestrained, echoing across the park. Daniyal grinned sheepishly, joining in her laughter.
"I swear I tried my best, baby," he said mock-defensively, before playfully tackling his Mehrooba to the ground. He tickled her gently, eliciting squeals of laughter that filled the area. Daneen's heart swelled with affection for her little family. It was moments like these that reminded her of the beauty in their journey.
***
His car abruptly jerked to a stop. Badr, seated in the passenger seat, became alert and looked at his boss, noticing Hamza's gaze lingering on a figure a little distance away, just outside the hospital. She stood there, a silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun, her presence serene and unaware of the turmoil brewing within Hamza's heart. Her gaze was fixed on something in her hand, a slight furrow in her brow.
