Jaan-e-Azlan❤

22

On Saturday, she decided to spend some time in the garden, hoping the fresh air and blooming flowers would help clear her mind.

She was gently pruning a rose bush when she heard the familiar sound of Azlan's footsteps behind her. She turned to see him approaching, a warm smile on his face.

"Hey," he greeted her, his voice filled with a comforting familiarity. "I thought I might find you out here."

She returned his smile, feeling a little flutter in her chest. "Yeah, I needed some air."

He nodded, coming to stand beside her. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," she replied, feeling grateful for his presence.

They worked side by side in comfortable silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Azlan broke the silence.

"Remember when we used to play hide and seek in this garden?" he asked, a nostalgic glint in his eye. "You always managed to find the best hiding spots."

Mantasha laughed softly, the sound lightening the atmosphere. "Yeah, and you were always so frustrated when you couldn't find me. You'd end up bribing me with candy to give away my hiding places."

Azlan chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess some things never change. I still can't resist bribing you with sweets."

She smiled at him, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Well, you know my weakness."

"Do you remember our daisy chain crowns?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

She laughed, a genuine, carefree sound. "How could I forget? We used to think we were royalty with those crowns."

"Well, only you, not me, let's see if we can still make them," he said, dropping to his knees and starting to gather daisies.

Mantasha joined him, and they both worked on their crowns, their fingers deftly weaving the flowers together. It felt like they were kids again, the worries of the world melting away in the simplicity of the moment.

When they were done, Azlan gently placed his crown on Mantasha's head, adjusting it so it sat perfectly. "There," he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "You look like a queen."

She blushed, feeling a shy smile tug at her lips. "And you, king," she said, placing her crown on his head.
They both laughed, the sound mingling with the rustle of the leaves and the chirping of the birds. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the garden and the warmth of their shared memories, Mantasha felt a sense of clarity. Maybe things were complicated, but with Azlan by her side, she knew they could face anything together.

Azlan reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Whatever happens, Misha, we'll always have this. Our bond, our memories, and our love for each other."

Shs nodded amd passed him a smile. She turned away from him and muttered, only for her ears to hear "Always,"

"Kuch kaha??" Azlan asked and she again turned toward him. "That's for me to know and you to find out," she said with a glint of mischief in her eyes and he chuckled.

"Acha g," Azlan said and she nodded. "Han g," she said, both passed a charming smile to each other and Azlans heart immediately melted seeing her smiling.

The house was quiet in the late evening, with most family members winding down for the night. Mantasha made her way to Dada Abu's room, carrying a tray with a cup of his favorite herbal tea. After his recent accident, he couldn't move much, and she wanted to spend some time with him.

She knocked softly on the door before entering. "Dada Abu, can I come in?"

"Come in, meri guriya," his voice, though weaker than before, still carried the same warmth and love.