Pyar Ki Love Story | Short Stories | 1st Book |

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It took some time for Aunn's young mind to accept that his mother was gone. For two days, he remained silent, not speaking to anyone. On the third day, he broke down and cried his heart out in Azeen's arms, unable to come to terms with the reality. Azeen held him close, comforting him, even though her own heart was shattered. How could a mother be so heartless? If she didn't love Zaigham, she could have left him, but she shouldn't have abandoned Aunn like this. Could she really not even co-parent for the sake of her own child? Was she so overwhelmed by everything here that she didn't even consider her son before leaving?

The next day, Aunn had somewhat regained his composure. He had accepted the truth that his mother wasn't coming back. Suddenly, there was a noticeable change in the five-year-old. He no longer misbehaved, and he had learned to control his anger and stubbornness. He also realized that Azeen was truly his stepmother, but he said nothing. To him, she was still "Zee."

•••

Azeen was sitting on a lawn on a chair, not far from where Aunn was playing with Haleema's two-year-old daughter, Mahrosh. Azeen's attention was entirely on them. Haleema had gone inside to attend a call, which made Azeen even more alert, as Aunn was still just a child, and she feared he might accidentally hurt Mahrosh.

It was late in the evening, and the sun was setting, casting its golden light all around. The sky was painted with red clouds, making the atmosphere even more beautiful.

Azeen didn't notice when Zaigham quietly took a seat in the chair next to her.

While Azeen was watching Aunn, Zaigham was observing her face. It had been a long time since he had seen such calmness on her face. This time, she didn't interrupt him with any comments, but Zaigham knew that she was still upset with him for lying to Aunn.

Zaigham himself didn't realize when he began searching for memories of their past in Azeen's face. They had been such good friends, always together, and that was why their families often talked about their marriage. But Zaigham never really had any romantic interest in Azeen, so he never considered it seriously. Azeen was a good friend, and he had no issue with marrying her, but that was a thought for the future. Before anything like that could happen, Zaigham had moved abroad, and that's where he met Zeeniya. Zeeniya was his first love, the first dream that filled his eyes. During those times, when he returned to India for holidays, Azeen seemed different, but he didn't pay much attention. Instead, he started feeling irritated by her. How could Azeen, who was once so innocent and kind-hearted, become so rude and harsh? He started avoiding her altogether. Today, looking back, Zaigham realized he shouldn't have been so blinded by love that he forgot his friend. And now, that same friend was standing by his side during such a difficult time. Before Zaigham could dwell on the bitter memories of the past, Azeen realized he was sitting beside her.

Zaigham snapped out of his thoughts when he felt her eyes on him.

With a soft smile, he greeted her. "Assalam-Alaikum."

"Walekum-Assalam," Azeen replied, lowering her gaze before turning her attention back to Aunn.

"Aunn aaj kafi khush lag raha hai." Zaigham remarked, looking at his son, who indeed seemed happier and healthier than usual.

(Aunn seems quite happy today.)

"Bachhe bachho ke sath khush rehte hain." Azeen nodded in agreement, but something seemed to flash in Zaigham's eyes.

(Children are happy with other children.)

"Achha?" he asked with a hint of surprise, causing Azeen to turn and look at him.

(Really?)

"Humne kuch galat kaha?" She was puzzled by his comment.

(Did I say something wrong?)