Jaan-e-Azlan❤

25

The next morning dawned softly, with sunlight filtering through the curtains of Mantasha's room. She stirred awake, her mind still lingering on the events of the previous day. A sense of peace had settled over her heart, though there remained an undercurrent of uncertainty about the future. Marriage was a monumental step, and though she trusted Azlan with every fiber of her being, the reality of the commitment still left her feeling a little off-balance.

After getting ready for the day, she made her way downstairs to find the house buzzing with energy. Her tayi ammi was in the kitchen, and her cousins, including Shahmeer, were lounging in the living room. As she entered the room, she noticed Azlan wasn't there, but before she could ask, Shahmeer leapt up from the couch with his usual grin.

"Good morning, bhabhi!" he exclaimed, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Mantasha froze mid-step, her eyes widening as her cheeks flushed a deep red. "Meer!" she scolded, but her voice lacked conviction, her embarrassment clearly showing.

The whole room burst into laughter at her reaction. Even her taya abu, who was sipping tea calmly at the dining table, let out a quiet chuckle.

"You better get used to that," Shahmeer teased, clearly delighted by her reaction.

Mantasha shot him a glare before turning toward the kitchen, hoping to escape further teasing. However, her tayi ammi had overheard the conversation and was now looking at her with an affectionate smile.

"Meri pyari bachi," her tayi ammi said softly, setting a plate of breakfast on the table. "Everyone is just so happy for you, you know that, right?"

Mantasha nodded, her heart swelling with warmth again. "I know, tayi ammi. It's just... so much to take in. It feels like everything changed overnight."

Her tayi ammi smiled and pulled her into a quick hug. "Don't worry, beta. These changes are good ones. Everything will fall into place, just like it always does. And remember, we're all here for you, every step of the way."

Mantasha took comfort in her words. As she sat down for breakfast, she noticed Azlan entering there, freshly showered and dressed for the day. He made his way toward her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning," he said, his voice warm and steady.

"Good morning," Mantasha replied, her heart fluttering just a little, still not used to the new dynamic between them.

After breakfast, Azlan and Mantasha stepped outside together, heading toward the car for their usual drive to the university. The ride was quiet at first, both lost in thought. But as they approached the university, Azlan broke the silence.

"Do you want to grab dinner again tonight? There's something else I want to talk to you about," he said, glancing at her briefly.

Mantasha looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "Another surprise?"

Azlan smiled but didn't elaborate. "Not a surprise, just... something important."

Mantasha's mind raced, wondering what else could be on his mind. She nodded, intrigued but trusting that he would tell her when the time was right.

The day passed uneventfully for Mantasha, though her thoughts kept drifting back to Azlan's cryptic words. By the time the evening came, she was both excited and nervous. Azlan picked her up from university just as the sun was setting, and they drove in comfortable silence to the same restaurant where they had dined the night before.

As they settled into their seats and ordered, Azlan's expression grew serious. Mantasha could sense that whatever he had to say was weighing on his mind.