Tales Of The Heart

(47)

Shahzaib pushed open the door of their cottage, his shoulders slumped in defeat. His cloak was dusty, and his hair was slightly tousled from the long day of fruitless job hunting.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Inaya kneeling by the hearth, her soft eyes lighting up as she looked up at him. She immediately stood, brushing her hands on her apron, and walked over.

"You are back", she said softly, her voice soothing in the quiet space. "How was today?", she asked, as she poured a cup of water for her husband which he accepted gratefully.

Shahzaib sighed, dropping his cloak onto a nearby chair.
"Another wasted day", he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We tried everything, Hayati. No one will give us a chance", His frustration seeped into his voice, though he tried to keep it in check. "I am failing us",

Inaya stepped closer, resting her hand on his arm, her soft touch filing him with warmth.
"You are not failing us, Shahzaib. You are trying, every day, y are out there trying. That’ is what matters",

He looked down at her, his chest tight with disappointment.
"It does not feel like enough. I can not even provide for you properly", he said dejectedly.

Inaya smiled softly, reaching up to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing against his skin. "You have already given me everything that matters", she whispered, her voice tender. "We are together, are we not? Against all odds, that is more than enough",

Shahzaib's eyes softened at her words, the tension in his body slowly melting away. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.
"You always know how to calm my storm", he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

Inaya smiled, leaning into his warmth. "That is because I believe in you. And I know you will find something soon. You always do",

He closed his eyes, the simple comfort of her presence easing the burden on his shoulders.
"I do not deserve you", he whispered the familiar phrase.

Inaya chuckled, her fingers threading soothingly through his hair.
"That is where you are wrong. We deserve each other", She tilted her head up, brushing her lips softly against his jaw. "We shall make it through this...together",

Shahzaib kissed her forehead, his frustration melting into the tenderness of the moment. When they parted, he smiled, more at peace.
"I love you, my heart",
"And I love you", she whispered, resting her head against his chest. "Now, let us sit by the fire and forget the world for a while",

●○●○●○●○

By the end of the week, the toll of the constant rejections had started to wear on them. Shahzaib and Zaid sat by the roadside, wiping the sweat from their brows. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the town, and their pouches were still almost empty.

"We have got to find something", Shahzaib muttered, his frustration evident in his tone.
"We will find something, my prince. It is only a matter of time", Zaid  said with a sigh as he felt solemn for their situation.

Shahzaib shook his head, rubbing his palm over his face.
"We cannot keep trying and failing. Inaya needs warmer clothes and proper food", he sighed, his gaze dropping, the stress of his responsibilities pressing down on him. "And Eira... she is my responsibility too",

At the mention of Eira, Zaid inhaled sharply. His usual calm demeanor flickered with something hesitant, almost shy.

"My prince, about Eira…" he started, his voice uncharacteristically cautious.
"You donot… you donot need to worry about her so much",

Shahzaib frowned, glancing at Zaid with a curious arch of his brow.
"Of course I do. She chose to come along on this journey for Inaya's sake, just as you did for mine. That is not something I can take lightly",