FORCED TO BE HIS

24| Healing together

The tension in the air was palpable as Murtasim sat by the bed, his eyes softening as he looked at Ayaan and Saad. His heart ached at the thought of everything they had gone through—his protective instincts overpowering the anger he still held inside. They were his babies, and he had failed them by not being there when they needed him the most.

Saad lay on the bed, still recovering from the trauma, while Ayaan sat curled up next to him, his tiny frame snuggled under Murtasim’s strong arm. The older man caressed Ayaan’s head, his fingers running gently through his hair, offering silent comfort. Ayaan, despite the emotional turmoil, smiled softly at his baba’s touch, feeling safe once again.

“I missed you, Baba,” Ayaan whispered, his voice muffled by Murtasim's chest. His tiny hands clung to his shirt as if he was afraid of losing him again.

Murtasim’s heart clenched. “I’m so sorry, Ayaan. I should have been there sooner. I’ll never let anything happen to you again.”

Saad, though quieter, felt the warmth of Murtasim’s presence too. His eyes fluttered open, still hazy with exhaustion, but the soft glow of the room and the gentle conversation between Murtasim and Ayaan made him feel at ease. Murtasim noticed Saad’s movements and immediately shifted his attention to him, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Saad’s forehead.

“How are you feeling, love?” Murtasim asked, his voice thick with concern.

Saad managed a small smile. “Better… because you’re here.” His voice was barely a whisper, but the sincerity behind his words made Murtasim’s heart swell with emotion. He wrapped both of them in his arms, holding them close, as if their closeness could erase all the pain they had endured.

“You’re my everything,” Murtasim murmured, his voice soft but firm. “I’ll make sure neither of you ever have to face anything like this again. You’re safe with me, always.”

Asim and Rayyan arrived shortly after, their faces filled with relief. They had been worried sick, especially Asim, who hadn’t let go of his fears since Murtasim had told him everything. He rushed over to Ayaan, pulling him into a gentle hug.

“Are you okay?” Asim asked, his voice trembling as he looked into his brother’s eyes.

Ayaan nodded. “I’m fine now. Baba is here.”

Rayyan stood quietly by the door, watching the reunion with a mix of emotions. He had been the one who had kept his feelings in check, the one who had tried to stay strong, but seeing his brothers like this, vulnerable and hurt, made his chest tighten. He quietly walked over to Saad, brushing a hand against his hair in a rare display of tenderness.

“You’re strong, Saad. I’m proud of you.”

Saad blinked up at Rayyan, his eyes watery but appreciative. “Thank you… bhai,” he whispered, the word feeling foreign yet comforting as he addressed Rayyan.

As the day wore on, the family stayed close, finding comfort in each other. Murtasim never once let go of Saad or Ayaan, keeping them both under his protective watch. He pampered them, feeding them small bites of food, adjusting their pillows, and even tucking them into bed like children. Ayaan giggled, feeling his baba’s protective nature come out full force, while Saad felt warm and secure in Murtasim’s care.

It was late, and Murtasim was still fussing over the two when Rayyan finally spoke up, a teasing grin on his face. “You’re spoiling them, Murtasim. At this rate, they’ll never want to leave your side.”

Murtasim shot Rayyan a playful glare, his possessiveness flaring. “Good. They’re mine, and I’ll spoil them all I want.”

Asim laughed softly, watching the interaction with amusement. “I think they deserve a little spoiling after everything.”