Umeed

Chapter 1

As Noor-ul-Ain was bustling around the kitchen, preparing breakfast, her 4-year-old son, Ayaan, was concocting a playful plan to surprise her. With a blanket draped over his head, he tiptoed silently towards her, trying to create a spooky effect. The sight of her son trying so hard to be scary brought a warm smile to Noor's face, and she decided to play along. She let out an exaggerated scream, pretending to be terrified.

Ayaan’s eyes lit up with excitement as he quickly yanked the blanket from his head and beamed with pride. “Mumma, you got scared!” he exclaimed, his face glowing with triumph. Noor, still amused by his enthusiasm, scooped him up in a loving hug, savoring this sweet, playful moment.

She kissed his forehead and, noticing he was still in his pajamas, gently said, "Baby, you’re not quite ready yet."

Ayaan, with his babyish tone, protested, "Oh, Mummy, I’m not a baby. Today’s my last day at playschool. Soon I’ll be going to school, and I won’t be a baby anymore. I’ll be a big boy."

Noor smiled softly, her heart full of love. "No matter how big you get, you’ll always be my baby."

In response, Ayaan wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, his little face pressing against her. Noor understood immediately what he was trying to do. He wanted to come with her to the bakery instead of going to playschool. “Mumma, today I’ll miss you. Can’t I come with you to the bakery?”

Noor hugged him back, her voice gentle but firm. “Sweetheart, you said today’s your last day at playschool. You shouldn’t miss it. I promise I’ll pick you up early, and we’ll go to the bakery together afterward.”

Ayaan nodded, looking reassured but still a bit wistful.

After getting him ready for his last day at playschool, Noor dropped Ayaan off. She gave him one last hug and told him to have a great day. Once he was settled, she made her way to her bakery. Located in a bustling part of London, her bakery, "Delight," was a beloved spot in the neighborhood, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious treats. Running the bakery was demanding but rewarding, and it provided just enough to cover their expenses.

As Noor walked into "Delight," she was greeted by the familiar scent of fresh bread and pastries, a comforting reminder of the small joys in her busy life.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

In Karachi, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling house as little Ain dashed around with infectious excitement. Her chachu, laughing heartily, chased her, swinging a school bag playfully. Ain’s giggles filled the air as she darted around, clearly enjoying the game. Just as her father, Shahzain, walked into the room, Ain froze mid-run, her face lighting up with a mischievous grin.

“Chachu, meri bag de do. Main school ja rahi hoon,” she declared, her words bubbling with childish enthusiasm.

Shahzain watched the scene unfold, a mix of affection and amusement crossing his face. He noted how Ain's demeanor shifted the moment he entered, instantly becoming the model little student. He couldn’t help but smile. Despite being strict with her, Shahzain had a soft spot for Ain. He had always hoped for her to grow up to be a good person, and while he occasionally scolded her, he understood that her antics were just part of her growing up.

Sitting at the breakfast table, Ain looked up at her father with wide, round eyes, her lower lip jutting out in a half-hearted pout. “Baba, aap mujhe miss nahi karenge? Main school chali gayi toh, isliye main aaj nahi ja rahi hoon,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and determination.

Faris, Shahzain's younger brother, gently interjected, trying to strike a balance between firmness and kindness. “Ain, tumhe school jaana hoga. Hum tumhe bahut miss karenge, lekin agar tumhe bada hona hai, toh school jaana zaroori hai. School jaake padhayi karo, aur phir tum jaldi badi ho jaogi.”