Umeed

Chapter 30

Noor was busily preparing both Ayaan and Hoor for the party. Her hands moved deftly, tying bows and smoothing out creases, while the children bounced around her, brimming with excitement. Their giggles filled the room as they ran around, tugging at Noor's clothes in their eagerness. Ayaan, in his semi-formal outfit, looked like a little gentleman, while Hoor twirled in her gown, delighted by the way the fabric flared around her ankles.

"Ammi, do I look like a prince?" Ayaan asked, puffing out his chest proudly, while Hoor, still mesmerized by her gown, spun in place, making Noor laugh softly.

Noor finally stood back to admire them. "You both look perfect," she said, her voice warm with affection. She knelt down, brushing a stray curl off Hoor's forehead and adjusting Ayaan's collar. The sight of the two of them made her heart swell with both pride and tenderness. This was her family-her joy.

After making sure they were all set, Noor turned to get herself ready. She chose a modest yet elegant gown, one that was simple but accentuated her grace. As she dressed, a flutter of nerves settled in her stomach-not because of the party, but because of the thought of facing Shahzain again. Her heart had been in turmoil since their last encounter, but tonight, she would have to put it all aside, if only for the sake of the children.

Once she was ready, Noor made her way downstairs, where Faris and Shahzain were waiting. Ayesha was not accompanying them, as she hadn't been feeling well for a few days. Ayaan and Hoor, each holding one of Noor's hands, chattered excitedly as they walked, their joy contagious. Despite her own unease, Noor smiled, glancing down at the two of them. They looked so happy, so innocent. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget everything else and simply enjoy their presence.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Ayaan, unable to contain his excitement, suddenly let go of Noor's hand and ran ahead, calling out, "Maamu, look at my outfit!" He bounded toward Shahzain, who was standing near the entrance, looking every bit the part of a man in control, his usual well-tailored suit enhancing his imposing figure.

Noor's gaze followed Ayaan, and as she did, her eyes met Shahzain's. For a moment, the world seemed to pause. He was watching her, his expression unreadable, but there was something intense in the way his eyes lingered on her. Noor felt her heart skip a beat as she stood there, Hoor still clinging to her side.

Shahzain's eyes swept over her, taking in the soft lines of her gown, the way it draped modestly yet gracefully over her figure. She looked beautiful-stunning, even-and he couldn't seem to tear his gaze away. The tension between them was palpable, but they both remained silent, their eyes speaking the words they were too afraid or too stubborn to voice.

"Maamu, look!" Ayaan's excited voice broke the moment, and Shahzain finally tore his gaze away from Noor to focus on the boy. He crouched down, examining Ayaan's outfit with a warm smile, making a small show of straightening the boy's shirt, all the while Noor stood in the background, her thoughts swirling.

Hoor, still holding Noor's hand tightly, looked up at her and whispered, "Phuphu, are we going soon?" Her small voice brought Noor back to the present, and she forced a smile for Hoor's sake, nodding softly.

"Yes, sweetheart, we'll be going soon," Noor replied, smoothing down Hoor's dress one last time. But even as she tried to focus on the children, she could still feel Shahzain's lingering presence across the room, like a weight she couldn't quite shake.

The three of them-Noor, Ayaan, and Hoor-looked like a perfect family. Hoor clung to Noor with all the affection of a daughter receiving the motherly love she so craved. And though Ayaan had run ahead, Noor's heart remained tethered to both children, who filled her life with a sense of completeness despite the complications swirling around her.