Don't Leave Me Again

28- Brother's Return

The house was unusually quiet when Zaid walked through the front door. After being away for over a month due to his busy schedule at the dental clinic, he had expected the usual bustle of his family, the chatter, the laughter, the usual sibling banter. But tonight, silence echoed through the halls of the Saeed household, and Zaid couldn't help but feel something was off.

He set his bag down by the entrance, glancing around the familiar space. His father was in the living room, absorbed in his thoughts, while his mother sat on the sofa, fidgeting with the hem of her scarf. It was clear that something had been weighing on both of them, but neither spoke when he entered.

Zaid, with his usual taunting personality, raised an eyebrow. "What's this? A funeral I wasn't invited to?" he teased, trying to break the tension.

His mother gave him a weak smile. "It's nothing, Zaid. We're just glad you're home."

He shrugged, already suspicious. But if they weren't ready to talk, he wouldn't push. Instead, he made his way upstairs. He was determined to get a reaction out of at least one of his sisters: starting with Zanya.

He found Zanya on her bed, curled up with her phone, talking in a soft, almost childlike voice. He leaned against the doorframe, watching her with an amused smirk. "So, who's the lucky one getting that cute voice? Last time I checked, you weren't that sweet," he teased, making Zanya jump in surprise.

Zanya quickly ended the call, shooting her brother a glare. "Bhaiyya! You're so annoying."

"That's what I'm here for, little sis," he said with a grin. "But seriously, what's going on? Why is everyone acting like someone died?"

Zanya hesitated for a moment, biting her lip as if unsure how much to say. "I... I'll let Ammi and papa tell you. You should probably ask Dhee too."

Zaid's eyes narrowed, sensing there was more to this than just some family drama. Zanya rarely withheld information unless it was serious.

He left her room, heading towards Zafrin's. As he approached her door, he could sense the heaviness in the air, a kind of emotional weight that was unmistakable. Zafrin had always been strong-willed, but something was clearly bothering her.

He knocked once before pushing the door open. Zafrin was sitting on her bed, staring out the window, lost in thought. She didn't even look up when he entered.

"Zaaf," Zaid called out softly, his teasing tone gone. "What's going on?"

Zafrin turned her head slightly, acknowledging his presence but staying silent for a moment. She knew her brother well enough to know that he wasn't going to leave her alone until she told him what was on her mind.

"They want me to get married," she said finally, her voice heavy with frustration. "Ammi and Papa had this whole conversation tonight. They're pushing me, but I'm not ready."

Zaid frowned as he sat beside her on the bed. "They've been pushing that for a while now. What's different this time?"

Zafrin sighed deeply, the weight of everything bearing down on her. "Zan has found someone. She told Ammi and Abbu, and now they want me to marry first, because I'm the eldest. You know how they are about traditions."

Zaid's expression darkened. He knew their parents well, knew the pressure they could place on their children when it came to things like marriage and reputation. But this wasn't just about traditions, it was about more than that. He could sense there was something deeper going on with Zafrin.

"And?" he prompted, sensing there was more to her frustration.

Zafrin hesitated, but she couldn't hold it in anymore. "Danish," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's back. He's... he's my boss now."

Zaid's reaction was immediate. His eyes narrowed, and his fists clenched. "What?" he growled, anger bubbling up inside him. "Danish? The same Danish who broke your heart? The same one who disappeared without a word?"

Zafrin nodded, her face strained. "Yes, the same one. The restaurant was sold, and he's the new owner. I didn't even know until I saw him today. I'm supposed to work under him now."

Zaid stood up abruptly, pacing the room as his frustration boiled over. "I swear, if that guy comes anywhere near you..."

"Bhaiyya, calm down," Zafrin interrupted, though her own emotions were still raw. "It's not like I have a choice. It's my job. I can't just quit because he's back. But it feels like everything's falling apart. Ammi and Papa want me to marry, and now Danish is back, reminding me of everything I've been trying to move past. How am I supposed to focus on marriage when my engagement was broken, and my relationship with Danish ended in disaster?"

Zaid stopped pacing and turned to her, his expression a mix of anger and concern. "You don't have to marry anyone just because they're pushing you. And as for Danish, he doesn't get to waltz back into your life like nothing happened. You're stronger than that, Zaf. Don't let him control how you feel."

Zafrin shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's not just about Danish, Bhaiyya. It's about everything. My engagement fell apart, Danish left me, and now I'm supposed to believe that marriage is going to fix everything? How can I think about getting married when I feel like I'm cursed in love?"

Zaid's expression softened as he sat back down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Zaaf, you're not cursed. You've just had bad luck with the wrong people. But that doesn't mean you should give up on yourself, or on finding happiness. Marriage isn't something you should rush into, especially not because of family pressure. You deserve to make that choice when you're ready, not because they expect it."

Zafrin wiped at her eyes, trying to regain her composure. "I just feel so lost, Bhaiyya. Everyone has expectations, and I'm stuck in the middle of it all."

"You're not stuck," Zaid said firmly. "You're just at a crossroads. And as your brother, I'm telling you right now, you take all the time you need. Don't let Danish, or anyone else, make you feel like you have to rush into something you're not ready for."

Zafrin leaned her head against his shoulder, grateful for his support. "I just... I wish things were easier."

Zaid chuckled softly, though his anger still simmered beneath the surface. "Life isn't easy, Zaaf. But we get through it, one way or another. And as for Danish, I'm not letting him get away with hurting you again. He better keep his distance."

Zafrin smiled weakly, her heart a little lighter. "I don't think you can threaten my boss, Bhaiyya."

"Watch me," Zaid muttered under his breath, his protective nature in full swing.

As the two sat in silence, the weight of the evening's events began to settle. Zafrin knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Zaid by her side, she felt just a little stronger. She wasn't alone in this, and for now, that was enough.