Umeed

Chapter 17

Everything was set according to plan. Ayesha had instructed Faris to arrange a meeting for Shahzain at the café near the park in the afternoon. Faris was confused, but when his mother waved him off, he didn't dwell on it. The air was thick with anticipation as Ayesha prepared to execute her strategy.

Meanwhile, in his office, Shahzain sat in his cabin, tension etched across his face. He was still angry about Noor's actions and her recent behavior. Ayesha's words echoed relentlessly in his mind: "Noor apni zidd mein kuch galat na kar baithe. Use apne tareeqe se nikkah ke liye raazi karo." (Noor, in her stubbornness, might do something wrong. Convince her to agree to the nikkah in your own way.)

The thought of Noor being so headstrong weighed heavily on him. Alongside this, Noor's declaration that she would leave with Ayaan plagued his thoughts. Shahzain had formed a unique bond with Ayaan, and he couldn't quite understand why the idea of Ayaan leaving felt so unbearable.

As the afternoon sun filtered through the window, Shahzain tried to push aside his swirling emotions. Finally, he resolved to think things through. He had a meeting to attend, so he left his office and headed to the car waiting outside. The driver greeted him with a nod, and as they pulled away from the curb, Shahzain gazed out of the window, lost in thought. The city whizzed by, but his mind remained focused on the impending meeting at the café.

Each passing moment brought him closer to an uncertain confrontation, and he could feel the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. What would he say to Noor? How could he convince her to stay? She didn't want to listen to him. She didn't even want to see him, let alone talk to him. The questions lingered as the driver navigated the familiar streets toward the café, where everything might change.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

Shahzain entered the café, unknowingly stepping into the plan Ayesha had carefully orchestrated. He scanned the room for the client he was supposed to meet. As he sat down and began the conversation, something-or rather, someone-caught his eye. Across the room, Noor and Ayaan were sitting at a table, but it wasn't just their presence that shocked him. It was the man with them.

Noor, smiling warmly, immediately hugged the man. He, in return, wrapped his arms around her and then gently lifted Ayaan in his arms. Shahzain watched as the man lovingly kissed both Noor and Ayaan on their foreheads.

Jealousy swirled within Shahzain, sharp and unrelenting. He didn't like anyone touching Noor. Noor seemed relaxed as she talked to the man, smiling. The man said something to her, and Noor laughed in response.

Azaan could feel the weight of Shahzain's gaze from across the room, but he didn't falter. Instead, he continued playing his part, as though nothing was amiss.

Noor sat down, and Ayaan eagerly climbed onto Azaan's lap, bubbling with excitement as he shared stories of his playful antics with the Khan family. Azaan listened attentively, nodding and laughing at all the right moments, making Ayaan feel valued. After a while, their conversation shifted to something more serious. Azaan's tone softened, his concern evident as he turned to Noor and gently asked, "Noor, tum kaisi ho?" (Noor, how are you?)

Noor offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Main theek hoon, Azaan bhai, bas thoda stress hai." (I'm fine, Azaan bhai, just a little stressed.)

Azaan nodded, his voice reassuring. "Main London ka ticket arrange kar lunga. Don't worry." (I'll arrange the ticket to London for you. Don't worry.)

Noor nodded again, her shoulders relaxing slightly as Azaan's words brought her some comfort. She appreciated how he always managed to ease her worries during difficult times. For a brief moment, it felt like everything would be okay.