𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 ✓

-26-

Returning home from the hospital was a relief, but it also felt strangely empty. The house was bustling with the usual sounds of family life, yet it felt quieter without Naaz around. Her absence created a void that I couldn't ignore.

As I settled back into my room, my thoughts kept drifting to her. Her smile, her laughter, the way she got flustered when I teased her—all of it played on a loop in my mind. I found myself reaching for my phone multiple times, tempted to call or text her, but I held back. She had her own family obligations, and I didn't want to seem too desperate.

"Missing someone?" My mother's voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up to see her standing in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face. She walked in and sat beside me on the bed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"What are you talking about, Mom?" I tried to play it cool, but I could feel my cheeks warming.

"Don't try to fool me, Siddique. I can see it all over your face. You miss Naaz, don't you?" she teased, poking me in the ribs lightly.

"Mom, please," I groaned, turning my face away to hide my embarrassment. "Can we not talk about this right now?"

She laughed, a warm, melodic sound that always made me feel at ease. "Oh, come on. It's perfectly normal to miss someone you love. Especially after everything you two have been through."

I sighed, knowing she was right. "Yeah, I do miss her," I admitted, and out of habit ran a hand through my hair. But then I remembered I have no hair. I felt bad. I wanted to cry but I controlled. My mother was sitting in front of me. "It feels strange being here without her."

My mother placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "That's love, my dear. And it's nothing to be embarrassed about. You two are practically inseparable now."

Her words brought a smile to my face. "Yeah, I guess we are."

"So, when are you going to see her again?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know," I replied honestly. "Maybe tomorrow? I am going to tell her to wear something green and come over."

"Ah, planning ahead, I see," she said, clearly amused. "Well, just don't forget to let her know how much you miss her. Girls like that sort of thing, you know."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Thanks for the advice, Mom. I'll keep that in mind."

She gave me a quick hug before standing up. "Alright, I'll leave you to your thoughts. Just remember, love isn't something to be shy about. It's something to cherish. Show it to her through your words and actions."

As she left the room, I leaned back against my pillows, feeling a bit more at ease. My mother's words echoed in my mind. Love isn't something to be shy about. She was right. I didn't need to hide my feelings for Naaz. If anything, I should embrace them.