From Pain to Paradise

CHAPTER 20

Hannah's mother arrived at the hospital, her eyes filled with concern as she made her way to Sarim's room. It was her first meeting with Faris's family, and she was greeted warmly by Faris's mother. They chatted for a while, exchanging pleasantries and discussing Sarim's recovery.

Faris noticed that Hannah seemed off, her usual bubbly personality subdued. She was quiet, not speaking much, and Faris wondered if she was just tired or overwhelmed.

As Hannah's mother prepared to leave, she turned to Hannah and said, "Your father is out of city for two days, but after that, you need to be at home. I don't think I can handle this situation anymore." Hannah nodded, her eyes downcast, and said, "Okay, Mama, I'll come home after Sarim gets discharged."

With that, Hannah's mother left, leaving Hannah sitting in the chair outside Sarim's room, lost in thought. Faris came outside and saw her sitting there, her eyes staring into space. She didn't sense his presence, too caught up in her own world.

Faris sat beside Hannah, his presence a gentle intrusion into her thoughts. She seemed lost in a world of her own, her eyes fixed on some invisible point ahead. He watched her for a moment, his concern growing with each passing second.

"Hannah, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Hannah startled, her eyes fluttering towards him. "When did you came here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Faris's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze filled with concern. "Just now. You seemed troubled, lost in thought. Is everything alright?"

Hannah's gaze faltered, her voice laced with a hint of desperation. "I'm fine, Faris. Just tired, that's all."

"Don't dismiss me, Hannah. I know you, too well. Something's eating away at you. Share it with me."

Without waiting for a response, Faris gently pulled Hannah to her feet and led her to a separate room, away from the bustle of the hospital. The door closed behind them, enveloping them in a quiet cocoon.

"Now, tell me," Faris said, his voice firm but gentle. "What's troubling you? Hannah."

Hannah's resolve crumbled, her tears flowing like a river. Faris enveloped her in a warm embrace, his words a gentle balm to her frazzled nerves. "Let it out, Hannah. I'm here for you."

As her sobs subsided, Hannah's words tumbled out in an anguish-filled rush. "It's all my fault, Faris. If I hadn't entered your life, Sarim wouldn't have been shot. Your family wouldn't be suffering..."

Faris's face contorted in anguish, his voice firm but gentle. "Hannah, stop this self-blame. You're not responsible for Shehryar's actions. It doesn't have anything to do with you, not with anyone else. He's a monster, driven by his own demons."

Hannah's eyes searched Faris's, seeking solace in their depths. Faris's thumbs caressed her cheeks, wiping away the remnants of her tears. "You're not alone in this, Hannah. We'll face it together, as one."

Days passed, and Sarim was finally discharged from the hospital, beginning his journey towards recovery. Hannah, too, returned to her home, but the warmth and comfort she had felt in Faris's presence lingered, refusing to be extinguished.

As she settled back into her routine, Hannah couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness that had crept in. Everything seemed dull and mundane without Faris by her side. She missed his gentle smile, his reassuring touch, and his comforting words.

The days blended together in a haze of monotony, with Hannah going through the motions of her daily routine without any sense of purpose. She felt like a part of her was missing.