Eternity

Chapter 16

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow across the room where Ayzal lay asleep. It was early morning, the world outside was just beginning to stir. Zayan, already awake, moved quietly around the room, preparing for the day ahead. He had to leave for work soon but found himself drawn to the couch where Ayzal was resting.

She had fallen asleep on the couch after last night's tumultuous events, her quilt now mostly on the ground. Zayan approached her with a mix of frustration and something softer he couldn't quite name. He bent down and carefully adjusted the quilt over her, ensuring she was warm.

As he straightened up, he noticed a single strand of Ayzal's hair had fallen across her forehead, causing her to frown even in sleep. Zayan hesitated, a long moment of contemplation stretching out before him. He wasn't sure why he cared, but something compelled him to act. With a gentle touch, he tucked the hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary. He moved with such care, trying his best not to wake her.

After last night's incidents, Ayzal had tended to her injured wrist, wrapping it with the first aid supplies she had. But despite her exhaustion, sleep had eluded her for hours. Somewhere in the middle of the night, Zayan had returned to their shared room. He had spared a quick glance at her, lying there on the couch, her face etched with the remnants of their confrontation. Though a part of him wanted to feel guilty for his actions, the anger he harbored towards her overshadowed any regret.

Now, as he stood there, looking down at her, a storm of conflicting emotions swirled within him. He silently cursed himself for caring, for feeling anything at all. Yet, despite his best efforts to harden his heart, a small part of him couldn't deny the guilt that gnawed at him for hurting her.

He sighed quietly and stepped back, stealing one last glance at Ayzal before heading towards the door.

The sunlight grew brighter, gently nudging Ayzal awake. She stretched her exhausted limbs, feeling the familiar ache from a night of restless sleep. As she glanced around the room and noticed Zayan’s absence, she let out a sigh of relief. At least, she could start her day without the immediate tension of their strained interactions.

She got up and made her way downstairs to the kitchen, her stomach growling softly in anticipation of breakfast. Upon entering the kitchen, she found her mother-in-law, already busy preparing the morning meal. The older woman moved with practiced efficiency, a serene expression on her face despite the early hour.

Ayzal approached her quietly, gently taking the spatula from her hand. “Mother, you don’t have to worry about the chores now. I am here to take care of it.”

Her mother-in-law looked at her with adoration, patting her head affectionately. “You can’t handle everything, Ayzal. I need to do some work too. Handling too much on your own can lead to exhaustion.”

“Trust me, Mother. I can handle it,” Ayzal insisted, her voice firm despite the weariness she felt.

Her mother-in-law knew Ayzal’s stubborn nature well and decided not to press further. However, as she was about to leave the kitchen, her eyes fell on Ayzal’s wrist, noticing the bandage wrapped around it.

Taking Ayzal’s hand gently in her own, she asked, worry etched in her voice, “What happened, my child?”

Ayzal carefully pulled her hand back, trying to downplay the injury. “I was taking out my bangles yesterday, and some of them broke because of the pressure. It is just a minor injury, Mother. You don’t have to worry.” She tried her best to sound convincing, even though she desperately wanted to confide in her mother-in-law about the troubles with Zayan.

Her mother-in-law’s eyes softened with understanding, yet there was a hint of sadness too. “You always downplay your injuries, Ayzal. Just because others suffer more doesn’t mean your pain isn’t valid.”

Ayzal bit her lip, struggling to hold back the tears threatening to escape. She lowered her head and replied quietly, “I understand, Mother.”

Her mother-in-law gave her a gentle smile, hoping to lighten the mood. “I will leave you alone now, hoping you won’t hurt yourself anymore. Can I trust you on that?”

Ayzal let out a small chuckle, nodding her head. “You can.”

As her mother-in-law left the kitchen, Ayzal felt a wave of emotions wash over her. Her mother in-law's kindness and concern contrasted sharply with the coldness she often felt from Zayan. She busied herself with preparing breakfast, her mind drifting back to the events of the previous night.

Ayzal wished she could find a way to reach Zayan, to break through the walls he had built around himself. But every attempt seemed to push him further away. She sighed, focusing on the task at hand, determined to make the best of the day despite the turmoil in her heart.

After having her breakfast, Ayzal retreated to her room, eager for a moment of quiet. The sudden ringing of her phone interrupted the stillness. Glancing at the caller ID, a surge of joy washed over her—it was her mother. They hadn't spoken in weeks, and the familiar voice on the other end was a comfort she'd been missing.

"Ayzal, dear. How are you? It has been so long!" her mother exclaimed.

"Hi Mumma, I am good. Just busy with life, you know how it is," Ayzal replied, a smile spreading across her face as they caught up on each other's lives.

After sharing updates and laughter, her mother finally said, "Before I forget, Ayzal, I called to invite you and your family for dinner tomorrow. I will talk to your mother-in-law as well. Could you please talk to Zayan about it?"

"Sure, Mumma," Ayzal replied warmly, but inwardly she felt a pang of reluctance. Talking to Zayan was the last thing she wanted to do today. Their recent arguments had left a strain that she wasn’t ready to address.

With a sigh, she turned her attention to the household chores, each task a welcome distraction. The hours slipped by, and as evening fell, she found herself growing anxious, anticipating Zayan's return.

The doorbell rang late in the evening, breaking her from her thoughts. She went to open the door and saw Zayan standing there, looking exhausted. Wordlessly, she stepped aside to let him in. He walked past her, muttering a tired greeting to everyone in the corridor before heading straight to their room.

Inside, Zayan began unbuttoning his shirt, his mind still preoccupied with the day’s work. A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called out, his voice tinged with weariness.

Ayzal entered hesitantly, a glass of water in her hands. She watched him for a moment, unsure of how to begin. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Stretching her hand out, she offered him the glass of water. Zayan looked at it and then at her, his expression unreadable. She knew he wasn't going to take it but hoped for the impossible. When he didn't move, she took her hand back and placed the glass on the side table.

"Zayan," she began, clearing her throat, her voice almost a whisper, "Mumma called today. She invited us for dinner tomorrow. She said she will speak to your mothe—"

Meeting her gaze for the first time that evening, he interrupted her, “I am busy tomorrow.” His tone was cold.