Eternity

Chapter 51

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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The morning was quiet and calm, the kind that made Ayzal feel grateful for the small moments of peace that had gradually become more frequent in her life with Zayan. They had settled into a new rhythm, one marked by tentative conversations and shared silences that no longer felt so heavy. The air was crisp, with the early signs of autumn beginning to show in the trees that lined their neighborhood. It was in this serene moment that the doorbell rang unexpectedly, jolting both of them out of their respective thoughts.

Zayan was the first to reach the door, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild surprise. When he opened it, he was met with the bright, familiar smile of Zara Di, her arms full with a small bundle of energy that was her one-year-old daughter, Idah. Ayzal, who had followed Zayan to the door, gasped in a delighted surprise at the sight of their unexpected visitors.

“Zara Di!” Ayzal exclaimed, rushing forward to greet her. Her eyes quickly darted to the little girl, who was already wriggling in her mother’s arms, eager to explore her surroundings. “And look at you, Idah! You have grown so much!”

Zara Di laughed, a sound that filled the hallway with warmth. “She is a handful now, but I couldn’t wait to bring her over when I heard the news.” She glanced meaningfully at Ayzal’s stomach, her smile widening. “I wanted to congratulate you both in person.”

The warmth in Zara Di’s voice was infectious, and soon the initial surprise melted into a comfortable, familiar feeling as they all moved into the living room. Zayan took Idah into his arms, a soft smile tugging at his lips as she immediately reached for his face, her tiny fingers exploring his features with innocent curiosity.

“She always liked you,” Zara Di commented, her tone teasing as she watched Zayan interact with her daughter. “Not many can say they have earned that honor.”

Zayan chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked at the little girl. “She has got good taste,” he replied, his voice light but with an underlying tenderness that surprised even him. The affection that had gradually grown between him and Ayzal seemed to extend effortlessly to this small, curious child.

As Idah continued to play with Zayan, her little hands now tugging at his shirt, Zara Di turned her attention to Ayzal. “How are you feeling? You look radiant, but I know it can be tough.”

Ayzal’s hand instinctively moved to her stomach, a small smile playing on her lips. “I am doing well, actually. It has been… an adjustment, but we are getting there.” There was a quiet confidence in her voice, a strength that had been hard-won over the past months.

"How far along are you?" Zara Di asked, her voice warm and full of care.

Ayzal glanced down at her hands before looking back up at Zara Di, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Three months," she replied, her tone both proud and a little shy.

Zara Di’s eyes lit up with excitement as she reached over to squeeze Ayzal’s hand. "That is wonderful! The journey is just beginning for you two."

The conversation flowed easily between them, while Zayan took charge of entertaining Idah who, now comfortably settled in his lap, began to babble incoherently, her tiny fingers playing with the buttons of Zayan’s shirt. Zayan smiled, brushing a stray curl from her face as she looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Zayan’s patience with Idah was unexpected. He let her tug at his shirt, pull at his hair, and even drool on his sleeve without a single complaint. Every now and then, he would glance up at Ayzal, who was watching them with a soft expression, as if sharing this moment with her was something he hadn’t realized he wanted until now.