Umeed

Chapter 33

As Noor sat waiting for Shahzain, her thoughts wandered restlessly. How had things ended up this way? She had never anticipated such a turn. In her heart, she blamed Shahzain, and now, she was filled with regret. Shahzain had stormed out earlier that night, his temper flaring, and he still hadn't returned. It was already past midnight, and knowing how intense his anger could get, worry gnawed at her.

She had never confessed her feelings to him—never given him any sign. How could he possibly know? Their nikkah had been a result of Shahzain’s rage, a decision made in the heat of a moment, but long before that, she had kept her distance. After her return, she had ignored him, misbehaved even, her fear driving her actions. It wasn’t her feelings for him that dictated her behavior—it was her fear, her overwhelming motherly instincts that told her to protect Ayaan. She had done everything she could to make sure Ayaan wouldn’t be taken away from her.

Now, the silence around her felt even heavier. Faris sat across from her, just as quiet, though she could feel the weight of his unspoken concerns. He, too, was waiting for Shahzain’s return, but Noor knew his loyalty was torn. Faris had always been like a brother to her, but Shahzain—he was Faris’ real brother, his blood.

The minutes dragged on, each one intensifying Noor's unease. She wondered what would happen when Shahzain finally came home. Would he still be angry? Or would there be something else in his eyes, something she could no longer deny?

The silence in the living room stretched endlessly between Faris and Noor as they awaited Shahzain’s return. The tension hung in the air like an invisible weight, growing heavier with each passing second. Noor’s heart raced at every small sound, her thoughts spiraling with worry, while Faris sat beside her, composed on the outside, but his furrowed brow betrayed his concern. He kept glancing toward the door, hoping for any sign of Shahzain.

Finally, the door creaked open. Shahzain stumbled inside, bloodied and bruised. Noor’s breath hitched at the sight. “Oh God!” she gasped, immediately rushing to him. He was a mess—his clothes disheveled, dried blood streaked across his forehead where a deep cut marred his skin. The sight of him in such a state made her heart clench with panic.

Faris was already on his feet, quickly moving to support his brother. He slipped an arm around Shahzain's waist, steadying him. “You’re hurt,” Faris said, his voice tight with concern. “We need to get you to a hospital.”

But Shahzain, stubborn even in his weakened state, shook his head. “I’m fine,” he muttered, though the strain in his voice was evident. His face was pale, his movements slow and pained. “Just take me to my room.”

Faris hesitated for a moment, glancing at Noor’s tear-streaked face, then back at Shahzain, whose eyes were filled with a mixture of exhaustion and defiance. Faris knew there was no point in arguing. Shahzain wouldn't listen. Without another word, he wrapped his arm tighter around Shahzain and led him towards the bedroom. He cast a worried look over his shoulder at Noor before leaving them alone.

Noor wasted no time. She knelt beside Shahzain, her hands trembling as she reached for him. “Aapne kya haal bana liya hai?” she whispered, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. She gently touched his face, her fingers ghosting over the cut on his forehead. Her heart ached at the sight of him in pain, her worry mounting.

Shahzain, his eyes heavy with both exhaustion and sorrow, looked at her. His expression hardened as he spoke. “Kyun? Kya hota agar main marr jaata? Tumhari pareshani khatam ho jaati na?”

Noor froze, her breath catching in her throat. His words cut her deeply, and she was horrified by the thought. “Aap aisi baatein kaise kar sakte hain? Hoor, Ayaan, Mamma, Faris bhai—un sab ka kya hota?” Her voice trembled, disbelief and fear mingling in her tone.