Seeking Her Forgiveness

22.She' My Wife

"Can't you see what I'm doing, you cruel woman? I'm cleaning!" Azlan grumbled as he swung the broom toward the ceiling fan, sending a cascade of dust raining down on himself. Shahana immediately covered her mouth with her dupatta, barely able to contain her laughter. Meanwhile, Azlan began coughing violently, his frustration evident as his eyes teared up from the dust.

"This is what you call cleaning?" Shahana raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Azlan, still recovering from the coughing fit, glared at her. Straightening up, he put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes. "And what exactly are you doing here? Weren't you the one who said you never wanted to see my face again? So, why are you here now? Are you perhaps... worried about me?" His lips curved into a teasing smile.

Shahana, caught off guard by his sudden question, fumbled for an excuse, her face flushing slightly. "Worried? You wish! I was just checking on my father's house and heard some strange noises. Thought I'd see what was going on, that's all..." She trailed off, her voice unconvincing.

"You're lying... you missed me, didn't you?" Azlan pressed, the teasing gleam in his eyes growing stronger.

Shahana stiffened. "I'm not lying! I didn't come here for you at all!" she said, her voice wavering, betraying her.

"Didn't I tell you before? Allah doesn't like liars," Azlan said casually, slinging the broom over his shoulder, that infuriating grin never leaving his face.

Shahana froze. As always, he had caught her lie. He always did, except for that one time when everything had gone wrong. If only he had reminded her then, like he was doing now, maybe... maybe they wouldn't be standing here with years of bitterness, regret, and separation between them.

Irritation flashed across Shahana's face. "Stop talking to me!" she snapped, throwing out her go-to line whenever he cornered her.

But Azlan remained unfazed, a smirk still playing on his lips. "No, I think I'll stay right here. You know why? Because this is *my* house too now. I paid your grumpy father a whole year's rent. I'm not going anywhere."

"Get out! Go stay at a hotel, or anywhere else, just *leave* this house!" Shahana's voice was sharper now, her frustration bubbling over. She needed him gone. Every moment he stayed reminded her of what they once had, and what they could have again. It was overwhelming. She couldn't afford to confront the truth—the truth that her heart still beat for him. She was terrified of admitting it.

Azlan stepped closer, his eyes locking with hers. "Why should I leave? I'm quite comfortable here. And if you're so concerned about space, I can just move into *your* room." His tone was casual, almost matter-of-fact, as if sharing a room was the most natural thing in the world.

Shahana stared at him, stunned. "Have you lost your mind?"

Azlan shrugged, completely unfazed. "You can carry my child, but you can't share a room with me? How does that make sense?"

His words hit her like a slap. Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, flustered. "Why are you so shameless?" she mumbled, trying to deflect, her heart pounding in her chest.

Azlan's grin only grew wider. "Because you're so prim and proper," he teased, leaning closer to her. "But tell me, what's so shameless about it? We're husband and wife. We've always shared a room, haven't we? Remember back in your village? We shared a room there too. And look what came of that." He winked, lowering his voice suggestively. "A little miracle on the way."

Shahana's face flamed redder than ever. She had been ready to fight, to argue, but now her words seemed to vanish. Her mind reeled from his boldness.

"You..." Shahana's voice cracked as if she were about to cry. Seeing her on the verge of tears, something inside Azlan softened. The mischief in his eyes vanished, replaced by a flicker of guilt.