Umeed

Chapter 15

Noor left Ayesha’s room, her chest tight with the weight of memories crashing into her like an unrelenting storm. Each step felt heavy as if she were walking through quicksand, the guilt, the pain, and the echoes of her past dragging her deeper into despair. It was all too much, suffocating her with every breath. The air around her felt thick, and the world seemed to blur as she stumbled towards the living room, unaware of the vibrant life surrounding her.

Inside the living room, the atmosphere was one of warmth and joy—Faris and Hoor were huddled on the floor, surrounded by a sea of colorful blocks, laughing as they built imaginary castles. Across the room, Ayaan was nestled comfortably on Shahzain’s lap, his little face lit with excitement as he babbled animatedly, his hands moving in exaggerated gestures as he told his maamu one of his many stories. Shahzain listened intently, smiling softly, completely immersed in his nephew’s world.

But Noor saw none of this. Her mind was spiraling into a dark place, and all she could think about was Ayaan. What if she lost him too? The thought consumed her, gnawing at her, taking root in her heart. Without thinking, she rushed towards them, her movements abrupt, her panic rising like a tidal wave.

"Ayaan!" Noor’s voice was shaky, barely a whisper as she reached out, her fingers trembling. “Come to me, baby. Come to mamma.”

Shahzain looked up, startled by the sudden urgency in her voice, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Noor, kya hua? Are you okay?”

Noor didn’t respond. She couldn’t. Her eyes were locked on Ayaan, her heart racing wildly. He’s safe. He’s fine. But what if… what if… The thought was relentless, clawing at her. When Ayaan didn’t immediately come to her, remaining nestled in Shahzain’s arms, something inside her snapped.

With shaking hands, she tried to pull Ayaan away from Shahzain, desperation and fear fueling her actions. Her movements were too rough, and Ayaan, confused and frightened, began to squirm, his small face crumpling in distress.

“No! Mamma nahi!” Ayaan cried, his tiny hands clutching Shahzain’s shirt, tears welling in his eyes as he hugged his maamu tightly. “Mamma nahi!”

Shahzain’s confusion quickly turned to anger as he saw the fear in Ayaan’s eyes. His protective instinct kicked in, and he gently but firmly held Ayaan close, shielding him from Noor’s erratic behavior. His voice, usually calm and patient, now edged with frustration.

“Noor, bas karo. You’re scaring him!” Shahzain’s tone was sharp, cutting through the tension. “Ayaan ko chor do, jao apne kamray mein! Now!”

Noor blinked, his words piercing through the fog clouding her mind. She took a step back, her breath shallow and uneven. Shahzain’s anger stung, but the noise in her head was too loud, drowning out everything else. Her whole body trembled as she turned to leave, her vision blurring as the world closed in around her.

But then she heard it—Ayaan’s soft, broken voice, cutting through her haze like a beacon.

“Mamma…” His voice was so small, so full of pain, that it shattered whatever was left of Noor’s fragile control. He was reaching for her, his little hands stretched out, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Mamma. Please…”

Noor froze in place, her heart twisting painfully at the sight of him—her precious son, crying out for her, needing her. The fear that had consumed her moments ago melted away, replaced by an overwhelming wave of guilt and love. Her legs moved on their own, and before she knew it, she was back by his side, scooping him up in her arms.

“I’m here, baby. Mamma’s here,” Noor whispered, her voice cracking, her arms tightening around Ayaan as he buried his face in her shoulder, his little body trembling with sobs. She held him close, rocking him gently, her tears falling silently into his soft hair. “I’m so sorry, beta. Mamma’s so sorry…”