Umeed

Chapter 34

The morning arrived earlier than Noor had expected. After spending much of the night thinking, she had finally decided to give everything a fresh start. She wanted to forgive Ayesha, but more than that, she knew she needed to talk to Shahzain. Yet, the thought left her confused. He was the same Shahzain, wasn't he? So why was she so hesitant, so shy? She didn't know how to begin the conversation, and the thought of it made her stomach twist with nerves.

Noor dressed carefully and, after taking a deep breath, made her way to Shahzain's room. She hesitated for a moment outside the door before knocking softly.

"Come in," his voice called out from the other side.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, feeling her heart race. Shahzain was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard, his phone in hand. He looked up as she entered, his eyes immediately softening.

She stood by the door, her hands nervously clasped in front of her. "Ab aap thik hain, na?" (Are you fine now?) she asked quietly, her voice almost a whisper.

"I'm fine," he replied, watching her closely. Shahzain could see how tense she was, the way her eyes flickered around the room as if searching for something to hold on to. He knew she wanted to say more but couldn't find the words.

Gesturing with his hand, he encouraged her, "Come closer, Noor."

She hesitated, taking a small step forward but still keeping her distance. Shahzain gave her a gentle smile and said, "Saamne aao, Noor." (Come closer, Noor)

Again, she moved a little closer, but her nervousness kept her at bay. Shahzain, sensing her hesitation, shifted in bed, letting out a small wince as if he was in pain. Noor immediately rushed to his side, concern flashing across her face.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her worry evident as she leaned over to check on him.

Before she could react further, Shahzain reached out and, with a playful grin, pulled her gently to sit beside him on the bed. Noor gasped in surprise, realizing he had been acting all along. Her wide eyes met his, and Shahzain chuckled softly.

"Ab batao, kya kehna hai," (Now tell me, what do you want to say?) he asked, his voice low and coaxing.

Noor felt her face heat up, and she stammered, "Woh... mujhe... main aapko..." (That... I... I you...)

Shahzain took her hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "Shaant ho jao, Ain," (Calm down, Ain) he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Main itna bhi daraona nahi hoon, Ain." (I am not that scary, Ain)

His use of her nickname made her smile a little, easing some of her nerves. Gathering her courage, Noor looked at him and said, "Main chahti hoon ke aap ammi se baat karein... sab kuch bhool jayein. Aur... main tayar hoon ek mauqa dene ke liye." (I want you to talk to Mumma... let’s forget everything, and I am ready to give a chance.)

Shahzain raised an eyebrow, pretending not to understand. "What chance?" he asked teasingly.

Noor blushed, her cheeks turning a shade darker. "Woh... aap... main..." (That... you... me...)

Shahzain grinned, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Haan toh? Aap aur main kya?" (Yes? So you and me, what?)

Noor, now thoroughly flustered, whipped her head towards him, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Main nikkah ki baat kar rahi hoon!" (I am talking about marriage!)

Shahzain couldn't hold back his laughter. The sight of her shy, stammering, and nervous was something new to him, and he found it utterly endearing. He felt he wanted to hide her in his embrace... He looked at her with such warmth that it made Noor want to hide her face, but at the same time, she felt comforted by it.