Love's Gentle Embrace

A Battle of Loyalty and Love

As the city outside began to hum with the sound of busy streets, Ruhaan's eyes slowly fluttered open. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced down and saw Noor peacefully asleep in his arms, her head nestled against his chest. A small, satisfied smile spread across his lips as he gazed at her. He had dreamt of this moment—holding her close, knowing she was safe in his care—and now, it had finally happened. He gently checked her forehead, relieved to find that the fever had broken. Letting out a soft sigh of gratitude, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead and whispered, "Alhamdulillah."

Carefully, Ruhaan shifted out of bed, making sure not to disturb Noor's sleep. He gently laid her down and pulled the blanket over her, ensuring she was warm and comfortable. He stood by the bed for a moment, watching her. She looked so peaceful, her face relaxed, the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. His heart swelled with affection, but he knew she needed rest. With one last glance, he quietly slipped out of the room.

As he descended the stairs, the familiar sounds of his family's morning routine reached his ears. His grandmother was seated at the dining table, engrossed in the newspaper, her reading glasses perched on her nose. His phupi (aunt) was casually watching television, flipping through channels, while Zarina sat on the sofa, eyes glued to her phone.

The moment Ruhaan entered the hall, he greeted everyone with a warm "Salam." His grandmother looked up, her face lighting up with joy as he approached. She put down the newspaper and opened her arms for him. Ruhaan leaned down to hug her tightly, feeling the comforting warmth of her embrace.

"My son, it's good to see you," she said, her voice filled with love.

Before Ruhaan could respond, Zarina put her phone aside and stood up from her seat. With a sharp tone, she approached him, her eyebrows drawn together in frustration. "Aren't you supposed to be back in two more weeks? And why didn't you inform me that you were coming back early?"

Ruhaan's jaw clenched, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. He had already grown weary of Zarina's possessive behavior. With a cold voice, he responded, "I told you before, Zarina, stay in your limits." His eyes were hard as he looked at her. "Phupi," he turned to his aunt with a respectful nod, "I respect you, but please tell her to watch her behavior in front of me. Otherwise, I will make sure to send you some where else and that will be the end of this nonsense."

Zarina's face turned red with fury. She stepped closer to Ruhaan, her voice rising in anger. "Who the hell do you think you are, deciding my future? You're not my father!"

Ruhaan didn't flinch. He took a step forward, his voice dropping to a dangerously low tone. "Shut up. Don't you dare raise your voice at me, Zarina. I've warned you before. Lower your voice and behave yourself."

Zarina's eyes blazed with resentment. She sneered, "I am your responsibility, Ruhaan. Don't forget that! Because of your family, I lost my father. For the rest of my life, you're bound to take care of me. Do you understand?"

Before Ruhaan could reply, Zarina's mother, who had been sitting quietly, stood up. With a sharp crack, she slapped Zarina across the face, her hand shaking with anger. "Enough, Zarina!" she snapped, her voice trembling with disappointment. "Have you no shame? How many times will you insult me and this family? Have we not given you everything you needed? And now, after all Ruhaan has done for us, you show nothing but disrespect!"