EHSAAN

Future

As Hazem stood in the doorway, Anya’s breath hitched, her heart pounding violently in her chest. A wave of nervousness and dread surged through her as she approached him. When she tried to slip past, he grabbed her wrist with a firm grip, shoving her against the wall inside her room. The suddenness of his movement sent her pulse racing; she felt cornered, anxiety rising with each passing second.

"What did you say to my mother?" Hazem's glare was sharp and accusing. Anya’s throat tightened, fear swelling inside her.

"I—I didn’t say anyt—"

“Anya, what did I tell you before?” His voice was cold, demanding. Anya blinked in confusion. He had said so many things, and in her panicked state, she couldn’t guess what he was referring to.

“Do not lie to me!” Hazem's tone cut through her thoughts like a blade.

“I’m not lying,” she whispered, shaking her head frantically. Stumbling over her words, Anya explained the situation—how she had innocently asked for a sleepover, how he’d refused, and how Samira had inadvertently exposed their separate sleeping arrangement. Her voice trembled as she recounted the conversation, struggling to stay composed.

Before Hazem could respond, Samira’s voice echoed from downstairs. "You left the guest alone!"

Hazem let out an exasperated sigh, his anger softening as he turned away. “Come along,” he muttered, stepping out of the room. Anya followed, her legs weak with relief, but her heart still heavy with the weight of the encounter.

As they made their way downstairs, Hazem’s demeanour shifted. The harshness he’d directed at her faded, replaced by a gentler tone as he spoke to Samira. The transformation was startling—Anya watched him, longing to hear him speak to her with the same softness. But she knew better. That tenderness was not meant for her. She was thrust into his life, an obligation. The fact that he kept her by his side, that he provided for her, was more than she could expect. And she was grateful for that, even if it came wrapped in coldness.

No matter how harsh his treatment, it was still kinder than the cruelty she had endured from her uncle’s family. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder why she hoped for more. Perhaps it was because the rest of the Gillani family had treated her with warmth and compassion, making her foolishly expect the same from her husband.

But Hazem was different. Everyone in his family was kind to her—everyone except him.

“Bhai,” Samira’s voice was soft, teasing. Anya recognized that tone; it was the one Samira used when she was fishing for family gossip. Anya couldn’t understand why Samira would ask Hazem of all people, considering how guarded he was.

Hazem hummed in response, encouraging his sister to continue as he took another bite of food. Anya, who had been sneaking glances at him, froze as his gaze suddenly met hers. Her heart leaped into her throat. Though his glance was fleeting and accidental, her embarrassment flared. She quickly looked away, choking on her own breath in her flustered state.

Hazem didn’t seem to react, either unaware or unwilling to show that he had noticed her discomfort, his attention was already back on Samira. Though his glance was fleeting, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he did notice—but chose not to acknowledge her.For a moment, Anya silently scolded herself, wondering why she let her emotions get the better of her.
Samira poured a glass of water for Anya, who was now coughing lightly. Handing it to her, Anya took it at once, eager to hide her embarrassment and shift the attention away from herself.
"You were saying?" Hazem asked, his tone making it clear he had no interest in Anya. His indifference stung, though she felt foolish for feeling hurt. It was nothing more than a reality check—he simply didn’t care.
Samira, settling back into her seat after helping Anya, resumed the conversation with the same curious, mischievous tone. "I’ve heard Zanfi Bhai is getting married?"
"You were eavesdropping?" Hazem's previously gentle voice sharpened, a frown forming on his forehead.
Samira immediately defended herself. "No! They were talking in front of me," she protested, her voice already carrying a pout, disappointed she hadn’t caught the full drama. Her eyes sparkled with playful frustration, the corners of her lips tugging into a slight frown.