The Enchanted Hearts

CHAPTER-14

During dinner, Haris couldn't resist teasing us about the internship topic, making jokes about how I would soon be working at Ayaan's company. I could feel my cheeks heating up as everyone turned to look at us, waiting for my response.

"Nothing is confirmed yet," I replied, trying to downplay the situation.

Abbu chimed in, asking me which company I was planning to join. I glanced at Ayaan, feeling a bit nervous about revealing our plans in front of everyone. "I haven't decided yet," I replied diplomatically, hoping to avoid any further interrogation.

Aunty seized the opportunity to insert her opinion. "Daughters-in-law should focus on their duties at home," she said with a pointed look at me. "Working outside the home is not suitable for someone like you."

Rania nodded in agreement, adding her own commentary. "Yes, we don't want any distractions from household responsibilities."

I felt a surge of anger rising within me, but before I could say anything, Ayaan spoke up. "Enough," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the din. "We are not here to discuss Zara's choices. She will decide what's best for her, and we will support her. If I am not saying anything to her then why are everyone interrupting in it?"

Just then, Ayaan's phone buzzed, interrupting the conversation. He excused himself, muttering something in Italian before leaving the table. Haris couldn't resist calling me "bhabhi" again, earning a playful glare from me.

"I hope you're prepared for office romances," he teased, winking at me. My eyes got wide and I shoot a glare at him indicating him to keep quiet although he said it in a lower tone but I don't want any more fight now.

As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the tension lingered beneath the surface. Despite the awkwardness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Ayaan's support and protective stance.

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During dinner, I couldn't help but notice Zara's discomfort as Haris teased us about the internship topic. Her cheeks flushed pink, and for a moment, I felt a pang of sadness. I wanted to see her succeed, but I also wanted to protect her from any unwanted pressure.

When she replied that nothing was confirmed yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment, even though I didn't fully understand why. Her response left me feeling a bit unsettled, as if something important had been left unsaid.

As Abbu asked her about her plans, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for her answer. When she hesitated and said she hadn't decided yet, I felt a twinge of sadness in my heart, though I couldn't pinpoint the reason behind it.

After stopping aunty from further taunts, but Before I could dwell on my emotions, my phone buzzed, signaling an incoming call from Mr. Francesco. I excused myself from the table, stepping away to take the call. After ensuring everything was okay on his end, we exchanged a few pleasantries before ending the call.

Returning to the table, I noticed the lingering tension in the air but decided not to dwell on it. After finishing dinner, I made my way to our room, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I couldn't shake off the sense of protectiveness I felt towards Zara.

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Later that night, I was in our room, scrolling through my phone, but my mind was elsewhere. Zara was sitting on the other side of the room, quietly reciting the Quran. Her voice was soft and soothing, filling the room with a sense of calm that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As she recited verses from Surah Al-Mulk, I found myself captivated by the beauty of her voice and the power of the words:

"He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving."