Jaan-e-Azlan❤

20-(Surprise)

It had been two days since the accident, and Mantasha had become very distant from Azlan and even other family members. She didn't fully understand why she was acting this way, but she knew one thing for sure: she couldn't imagine her life without Azi. She was deeply attached and comfortable with him. Deep down, she knew she was in love with him, that her feelings ran much deeper than she had ever admitted.

Azlan was struggling with her sudden distance. He repeatedly tried to talk to her, but the circumstances at home made it difficult. Everyone was preoccupied with taking care of Rehman, who needed constant attention after the accident. Mantasha, too, was receiving special treatment, even when she was throwing tantrums. Azlan felt helpless, yearning to bridge the gap between them but finding himself thwarted by the demands and tensions surrounding them.

The doctor signed the discharge papers, and the entire family buzzed with excitement at the thought of having their dada abu back home. Azlan insisted on bringing him home himself, along with Izhaan. Given their reputation as the most responsible men in the house, nobody objected; trust ran deep among family members, allowing them to defer to each other's judgment.

Meanwhile, Mantasha planned a surprise for her dada abu. Together with Shahmeer, she adorned the hall with welcome back banners, balloons, and flowers, ensuring everything was just right for his return. She even consulted with the cook to prepare dishes that were suitable for her dada abu's health.

With all the preparations complete, Mantasha dashed upstairs to get ready. Opting for a casual outfit, she returned to the hall and settled down, her gaze fixed expectantly on the main door, eagerly awaiting her dada abu's arrival.

As soon as Mantasha saw the car approaching, she leaped from her seat and quickly turned off all the lights. She had already briefed everyone on what to do and how to do it, so the whole family sprang into action mode.

"Why is it so dark in here?" Izhaan wondered aloud, looking around in confusion. Azlan, however, just shook his head with a knowing smile. He was well aware of Mantasha's playful nature and knew she must have planned something. The mere thought of her brought a small smile to his face, which lingered there until Izhaan gently nudged him back to the present.

"Tum kider kho gaye ho?" Izhaan asked, noticing Azlan's distraction. Their dada abu smiled knowingly, recognizing where his grandson's thoughts had wandered. "Kahin nahi. Chalyn andar," Azlan replied, clearing his throat and wiping the smile from his face.

As soon as they stepped inside, the lights flicked on, and, as Azlan had anticipated, the youngsters popped crackers and yelled, "Welcome back!" in unison. Azlan smiled, seeing Mantasha laughing and enjoying herself after two difficult days. He observed how everyone's face lit up with smiles whenever she was around.

She had an uncanny ability to keep everyone happy, yet she always doubted herself and her capabilities.

Azlan silently made his way inside as the others helped Rehman. He glanced at Mantasha one last time, a look of longing in his eyes, then, without uttering a single word, he left. He retreated to his room, not letting anyone know.

But one pair of eyes noticed everything. Mantasha's eyes never left him, filled with a mix of sadness and regret. She desperately wanted to go to him and talk, but she hesitated. She knew she was being childish, denying her true feelings. Now, as she began to see things clearly, she realized how much she needed to make amends and restore their bond. Living without Azlan was unbearable for her, and she wasn't accustomed to his cold distance.

"Kya hua?" Shahmeer elbowed Mantasha, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Huh?" She looked around, disoriented, before shaking her head. "Kuch nahi. Chalo dekhtay hain ke sab ready hai ya nahi khane ke liye."