Umeed

Chapter 9

As the flight began its ascent, Noor gazed out of the window, her heart heavy with a mix of apprehension and resolve. The familiar hum of the engines and the sensation of lifting off brought a flood of memories and a deep sense of reality crashing back into her life. She was heading back to face something she had been avoiding for years, and it was clear that this journey was more than just a physical return—it was an emotional reckoning.

Sitting beside her was her young son, Ayaan, whose innocent curiosity and concern only added to Noor’s emotional burden. He looked up at her, his wide eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and concern as he noticed her tear-streaked face.

"Mamma, where are we going? Aur ro kyun Rahi hai?" Ayaan's voice was filled with the simple, yet poignant curiosity of a child trying to understand a complex adult situation.

Noor took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly but striving to remain calm. "Aapke naani ko araam nahi hai beta aur ham unse milne jaa rahe hai. Aap milna chahte hona naani se?"

Ayaan, still grappling with the seriousness of the situation, nodded earnestly. "Mai unhe kiss karunga phir woh thik ho jayengi mumma jaise mai aapko thik karta hu."

Noor’s heart ached at her son's innocent, hopeful belief that a simple kiss could make everything better. Despite her tears, she managed a gentle smile, touched by Ayaan's pure intention. "Jee bilkul beta, aap naani ko thik kar dena."

As Noor gathered her thoughts, she turned to her son with a more serious tone. "Ayaan, mai aapse kuchh kahana hai. Jaise aapke Azaan maamu hai, aapke aur bhi family members hain waha jaise ke Faris maamu," she hesitated slightly before continuing, "Shahzain maamu aur bhi kayi log hain. Aap sab se milenge na beta. Aur agar koyi kuch kahe toh aap mujhe batana."

Ayaan nodded solemnly, though the full meaning of her words was still beyond his young grasp. "Thik hai mamma. Lekin woh sab hamare sath kyon nahin rahte?"

Noor anticipated the question, her voice softening as she tried to explain in the simplest terms possible. "Beta, kuch cheezein hamare haath mein nahi rehti. Aap jab bade ho jaaoge toh aapko samajh aayengi."

Though the answer was vague to Ayaan, he accepted it with the trusting simplicity of a child. Determined to comfort his mother, he took her hand and gently wiped away her tears with his small, delicate fingers. "Mai bada hokar aapka bahut khayal rakhunga ab aap mat roye mamma."

Noor’s heart swelled with a mixture of pride and sadness as she watched Ayaan’s loving gesture. She embraced him tightly, feeling the warmth of his small body against her own. As the flight continued its journey, Ayaan snuggled close to Noor, the comfort of her presence easing him into sleep. The gentle rise and fall of his breathing was a soothing rhythm amid the turbulence of her emotions, marking a bittersweet transition into the unknown challenges that awaited them.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

After the flight landed, Noor and Ayaan quickly made their way out of the airport. Noor, focused and anxious, hurried alongside Ayaan as they headed straight to their hotel. Upon arrival, Noor quickly checked in and deposited their belongings in their room.

Once settled, Noor picked up her phone and dialed Sarah. After a brief conversation, she confirmed the hospital's location and got directions. Without wasting any time, Noor and Ayaan left the hotel. Noor locked their hotel room with a decisive click and they both headed to the hospital, determined to get there as quickly as possible.

Noor arrived at the hospital, her face etched with concern as she hurried towards the emergency room. The sterile, cold hallway seemed to amplify her anxiety. When Noor saw Faris sitting outside the emergency room, her breath caught in her throat. Faris’s gaze lifted, and his eyes widened in surprise as he recognized her. The years had sculpted Noor into a striking, mature woman, but the essence of her childhood innocence lingered, especially in the way she held the small boy by her side.