PHIR MOHABBAT

The Duality of Hearts (7)

[Surprise, surpriseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! a surprise chapterrrrr!]

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(MAHEER'S NEW HOME - KITCHEN - MORNING)

The sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating the space where Maheer stood, stirring a pot of chai. She had tried to embrace this new chapter of her life, yet today felt different. Areeb's laughter echoed from the living room, but instead of comfort, it grated on her nerves.

AREEB
(Calling from the other room)
Maheer, could you pass me the remote?

Maheer bit her lip, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She placed the wooden spoon down, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. Areeb was sweet, attentive, and everything her family had wanted for her, but something felt amiss.

MAHEER
(Sighing, mumbling to herself)
Why do I find this so exhausting?

She walked into the living room, the remote in hand, forcing a smile as she approached Areeb, who was sprawled comfortably on the couch.

MAHEER
(Holding out the remote)
Here you go.

AREEB
(Taking it with a grin)
Thanks! Did you make any chai?

MAHEER
(Nodding, hesitantly)
It's brewing.

Areeb leaned back, the TV blaring an action movie that did little to hold her interest. The noise filled the room, but all she could think of was how easily Saad had made her laugh, how he had always understood her without needing words.

MAHEER
(Softly, almost wistfully)
Saad always knew when I needed a break from the chaos.

Areeb glanced at her, a slight frown forming on his face.

AREEB
(Confused)
What's that about?

Maheer shook her head, brushing away the thought.

MAHEER
(Quickly)
Nothing. Just thinking out loud.

But the truth was, she found herself missing Saad's quiet demeanour, the way he listened without judgment, the gentle way he had treated her. Areeb's boisterousness, while entertaining at times, felt overwhelming.

AREEB
(Turning back to the TV)
You should really loosen up, Maheer. Enjoy life a little!

Her smile faltered, and she nodded absentmindedly, her mind drifting to moments spent with Saad, how his calm presence had been a balm to her frayed nerves. She missed the simplicity of their friendship—how easy it had been to share thoughts without fear of being misunderstood.

(SAAD'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER THAT DAY)

Meanwhile, at Saad's home, the atmosphere was light and filled with laughter. Sehr sat on the floor, sketching away as Saad hovered nearby, curiously watching her work.

SAAD
(Grinning)
You've got a knack for this, you know? What are you drawing now?

Sehr looked up, her cheeks slightly flushed with pride.

SEHR
(Bashfully)
It's a scene from my imagination. A peaceful landscape.

Saad settled beside her, peering at the paper.