In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 16: A Family in Bloom

The morning sun streamed through the windows, filling the dining room with a warm, golden hue. The scent of freshly baked parathas and spiced tea floated through the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and soft conversation. Zara sat at the breakfast table, her heart light and her face glowing with the happiness that had settled into the house since Sofia and Ibrahim's mother, MeharBano, had arrived.

"Pass the Paratha, Zara, please!" Sofia chirped, her hands busy building the perfect breakfast plate.

Zara laughed, handing the paratha over. "You always do this, Sofia. Isn't this your third paratha?" 

Sofia gave a playful shrug, not even pausing to feel guilty. "I have to make up for all the bland food I eat in Barcelona! No one cooks like this there."

Ibrahim, sitting at the head of the table, smiled faintly as he sipped his tea. His eyes lingered on Sofia's bright face, clearly pleased by the happiness in the room. "If I recall correctly, you were singing the praises of croissants and Spanish omelets not too long ago."

Sofia waved her hand dismissively. "Well, this is home food, Baba. Nothing compares to Zara's cooking."

MeharBano, seated beside Zara, raised an eyebrow but smiled in quiet pride. "At least you recognize good taste when you see it. You should learn something from Zara," she added, glancing at Zara.

Zara's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's nothing like that. I just followed your instructions, Ammi. You did most of the work."

"Nonsense," MeharBano replied, her voice softer than usual. "You're learning quickly, Zara. This is important."

Ibrahim watched the interaction closely, his heart feeling something rare—a quiet sense of contentment. He had been worried about bringing his mother and daughter together with Zara. But to his surprise, Zara had managed to win them over. His mother's strictness had eased into a reluctant respect, and Sofia... well, Sofia had embraced Zara fully, treating her almost like an older sister.

"Baba," Sofia interrupted his thoughts, tugging at his sleeve. "You're not going to the office today, are you?"

Ibrahim raised an eyebrow, putting his cup down. "And if I am?"

Sofia pouted dramatically. "But you promised! You said we'd spend the day together before I go back."

He smiled at her persistence, but there was a softness in his eyes. "I haven't forgotten. I'll be home early, Sofia. We'll have the afternoon together."

Sofia grinned widely, satisfied with his answer. "Good! Maybe we can go to the park, like old times?"

Ibrahim chuckled. "You're not going to let me sit on the bench this time, are you?"

"Of course not! You'll be running after me like you always do."

MeharBano shook her head, laughing softly. "Let the man rest, Sofia. He's not as young as he used to be."

Sofia stuck out her tongue playfully, making Zara laugh. Zara loved watching this side of Ibrahim, the playful father who indulged his daughter's whims. There was a gentleness to him when he was with Sofia, contrasting to the composed and often guarded man Zara had come to know, her heart warming at the sight. She had come to cherish these family moments, even though they often left her feeling like an outsider, watching from the sidelines. But the love between Ibrahim and Sofia was beautiful to witness, and it made her long for a family of her own with Ibrahim someday. He is the best father in the world, unlike her father.

As the laughter continued around the table, Zara couldn't help but glance over at MeharBano, who was quietly sipping her tea. There was a time, not long ago, when Zara had been unsure of her place in this family—unsure if MeharBano would ever truly accept her. But over the past few weeks, something had shifted. Ibrahim's mother had begun to open up, slowly but surely, and Zara could feel the budding of a genuine bond between them.