Eternity

Chapter 13

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

---

Spending even a single second in the same room as Zayan had become excruciatingly difficult for Ayzal. It felt as though she was perpetually walking on eggshells around him, the tension between them thick and suffocating. After the horrendous incident earlier that day, she lay on the couch, trying in vain to fall asleep. Every time she closed her eyes, the events replayed in her mind, leaving her trembling with fear.

She missed Murad more than ever. She longed for his comforting presence, but it was a lost cause. Somewhere deep into the night, exhaustion finally claimed her, and she drifted into a restless sleep.

The next morning, Ayzal was jolted awake by loud knocks on the door. Disoriented, she glanced at the clock, which read 10 a.m. Realizing she was late, she dashed towards the door and flung it open. Standing there was her mother-in-law, an expression of concern on her face.

"Mother, I am so—" Ayzal began to apologize, but her mother-in-law stepped forward and placed a hand on her forehead, noticing how flushed she was.

"You don't look well, my child," her mother-in-law said, feeling the heat emanating from her.

"I am perfectly fine, Mother. Just give me a moment to get ready and come downstairs," Ayzal replied, taking her mother-in-law's hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I would prefer you take some rest, Ayzal. I will send Zayan up with some medicine," her mother-in-law insisted, her tone leaving little room for argument.

"Mother, I assure you, I am fine. I will feel even worse if I stay in bed all day," Ayzal protested, desperate to avoid another confrontation with Zayan after the previous night’s events.

"Are you sure, Ayzal?" her mother-in-law asked, searching her face for any sign of deceit.

Ayzal nodded emphatically. "Yes, I am sure. Are you going somewhere, Mother?" she asked, noticing her mother-in-law's attire, which was far too elegant for a day at home.

"We are going to Zayan's uncle's house. It is his daughter's engagement today. I came to let you know so you can get ready, but I think it is best for your health if you stay at home. I wil inform Zayan; he can stay with you, alright?" her mother-in-law suggested.

"Can I come too, Mother?" Ayzal asked, hoping her mother-in-law would relent.

"But Ayz—"

"Staying at home alone will make me feel worse, and I desperately need some fresh air," Ayzal interrupted, her plea earnest.

"Okay, if that is what you want. Go and get ready quickly then, we will be waiting downstairs," her mother-in-law conceded, turning to leave.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ayzal hurried to the restroom to freshen up. She decided on a red satin saree, letting her hair fall in soft waves around her shoulders. Her makeup was light but elegant, and she finished the look with a pair of stilettos.

When she descended the stairs, everyone was already waiting for her. "I am sorry for the delay," she apologized bowing her head down.

Her mother-in-law stepped forward and hugged her. "You look beautiful, evil eyes off," she said, her tone affectionate.

"Thank you, Mother," Ayzal replied gratefully.

"You should eat something and take your medicine first. Yusra, bring her something to eat," her mother-in-law instructed, feeling her forehead once more.

Yusra soon returned with a tray. "Are you okay, bhabhi? Why do you need medicine?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"It is nothing major, just a slight fever," Ayzal reassured her, quickly downing the juice and swallowing the medicine.

She felt Zayan's gaze on her the entire time, making her more nervous than ever. Determined not to show it, she smiled at Yusra and handed back the empty glass.

Looking around, she noticed her father-in-law's absence. "Where is Father?" she asked.

"He left early to reach there. They had some important matters to discuss beforehand," her mother-in-law explained.

In the car, Yusra and her mother-in-law took the back seat, leaving Ayzal no choice but to sit beside Zayan. The ride was long and silent, the tension palpable.

When they arrived, it was nearly afternoon. The house was bustling with familiar faces from her wedding. Her mother-in-law proudly introduced her to everyone, and Ayzal smiled and exchanged pleasantries, though her mind was elsewhere.

As the day wore on, she did her best to engage with the guests, all the while acutely aware of Zayan's presence. She could feel his eyes on her, but she avoided meeting his gaze. The memories of the previous night haunted her, but she masked her anxiety with a polite smile.

Throughout the event, her mother-in-law hovered, ensuring she was comfortable and well-fed. Despite the underlying tension with Zayan, Ayzal found a semblance of comfort in the familiarity and warmth of the extended family.