Tales Of The Heart

(45)

As they began walking toward the waiting horses, Aqwa stood ready with her saddle already prepared. Shahzaib couldn't bear to leave her behind. Aqwa had been by his side through every battle and journey, a constant presence when everything else felt uncertain. Without a word, he gently stroked her neck and mounted her. His face was hard, but Inaya could see the misery of his thoughts in the tense lines of his shoulders.

Inaya was seated in the carriage beside him, her eyes silently observing the stretch of road ahead. The air between them was heavy with unspoken words, and the rhythmic sound of hooves on the dirt road only emphasized the tension. The moon bathed the landscape in a soft glow, but despite the peaceful night, Inaya's heart grew heavier with each passing mile.

She glanced at Shahzaib, his silhouette was sharp against the night. He had not said a word since they left the palace, and she could feel the silent storm brewing within him. His pride, his sense of duty, it all burdened so heavily on him, and it pained her to watch.

After what felt like hours, Inaya finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet filled with concern. "Shahzaib", she began,
"we could stay with my parents for a while. They would understand our situation, and it would not be forever", She paused, searching for the right words.
"It is not just about us now… I am carrying our child. I need rest too", she added.

Shahzaib's grip on the reins tightened, though he didn't immediately respond, Inaya saw his jaw clench. His eyes remained fixed on the horizon, the flicker of pain and frustration barely visible in his rigid posture.

"No, Inaya", he finally said, his voice low and strained with emotions.
"I will not live off someone else's charity. Not even your parents'. As your husband, it is my responsibility to provide for you and our child. I would not let people say I have given up… that I can not stand on my own two feet", his voice grew firmer with every sentences.

Inaya sighed softly, feeling the sting of his pride but also understanding the depth of his conviction.
"It is not charity, Shahzaib", she insisted, leaning slightly forward in her seat.
"They love us. They wish to help. My father would be heartbroken to think we are struggling when he could offer support", she tried to coax softly without hurting his pride.

"I know...But it would tear me apart, Inaya. I have already lost my title, my home, everything I knew… I can not lose my dignity, too. Not like this", Shahzaib replied through gritted teeth.

Inaya's heart ached at his words, knowing how deeply he had suffered. She reached through the window of the carriage and took his hand in hers. He glanced down at her, surprised by her sudden action. Her grip was firm, her eyes searching his for understanding.

"You have not lost me", she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
"And you have not lost what truly matters. We can not live in the past, Shahzaib. We have a future, and we still have each other. That is worth more than any title or palace", she whispered.

Shahzaib's gaze softened for the first time since they had left the palace. He sighed, his brow furrowing.
"You are right. But, I feel ashamed because your health conditions required as much comfort as possible and I cannot offer you that at the moment", he inhaled sharply as he matched her soft gaze.
"It is fine-",

"No, it is not. I wish for you to stay with you parents just until I find a shelter for us and work for our living expenses. I am trying to protect you… to give you a better life. If you stay with me now, it will be hard...really hard. I can not let you suffer like that", he muttered.

Inaya presses his hand firmer, refusing to let go. She had a hard resolve in her eyes which clearly shows her displeasure for his suggestions.

"I would suffer more knowing that you are out there, struggling alone while I sit in comfort. I do not care about wealth or titles or comfort comfort. I care about you. You are my husband, and I will follow you wherever you go, even if the road is difficult", she said, voice unwavering and firm.