Umeed

Chapter 35

Three days after Shahzain’s recovery, peace and joy filled the home, signaling a fresh start for everyone. It was finally the day when Hoor would return to her playgroup after the holidays, and Ayaan would start school.

As Noor prepared to drop both kids off, Shahzain unexpectedly decided to join her, perhaps sensing how emotional she might feel about this milestone. They reached the school together, where Noor, overwhelmed by the occasion, seemed a little anxious. Sensing this, Shahzain placed a steady hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile as they moved through the required formalities together.

When they finally walked the kids to the gate, Ayaan threw a small tantrum, not wanting to go. Noor crouched down, meeting Ayaan’s teary eyes with her own gentle gaze, coaxing him with soft words and promises that she would be back soon to pick him up. After a bit, Hoor toddled over and slipped her tiny hand into Ayaan’s, her presence seeming to comfort him. Ayaan, after a moment’s hesitation, took on the role of the responsible older brother, holding Hoor’s hand and glancing back with newfound determination.

As Ayaan and Hoor turned and waved goodbye, Noor felt an unexpected surge of tears. It seemed like just yesterday that Ayaan had been a tiny bundle in her arms, and now he was stepping into a new world on his own. Shahzain, noticing her emotion, reached out, his fingers finding hers in a comforting squeeze. With a gentle pull, he brought her closer, his arm wrapping around her as he shared her bittersweet moment.

Shahzain felt a quiet peace settle within him as he watched the two children walk away. For a moment, he marveled at the bond he felt, particularly with Ayaan, a connection he hadn’t anticipated but that filled him with pride. He could see so much of Noor in the children, and he sensed a deep responsibility that brought an unexpected warmth to his heart.

Noor leaned her head on Shahzain's shoulder, feeling both comforted and thankful for his presence. Together, they lingered a few moments longer, watching as Ayaan and Hoor disappeared into the schoolyard, their small figures hand in hand, waving one last time.

Once back in the car, Shahzain reached for his phone, canceling his day’s meetings and informing Faris he wouldn’t be in the office. He turned to Noor with a warm smile. “Let’s take a break today,” he suggested gently. The past few days had been overwhelming, and he knew a bit of time away would do them both good, especially if it helped bridge the distance that had grown between them.

Noor looked at him, surprised yet appreciative of the thoughtful gesture. As they pulled away from the school, Shahzain guided the car toward a quiet spot where they could spend the day together, away from the usual chaos, letting the warmth of their shared moments linger just a bit longer.

-ˋˏ ༻✿༺ ˎˊ-

Shahzain guided the car out of the bustling city, heading toward the peaceful outskirts. The drive was long, but the scenery made every mile worth it. Majestic mountains lined the horizon, their peaks glinting in the golden sunlight, and fields of wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze as they passed. It was a route that brought back memories, and Shahzain felt a subtle sense of nostalgia settling in as he glanced at Noor, who was gazing quietly out the window, her eyes distant yet content.

After some time, they arrived at a familiar spot—a secluded bridge overlooking a slow-moving river below. This place had always been a refuge for them, a sanctuary they had visited whenever life felt overwhelming. Back then, Noor would accompany Shahzain whenever work pressures weighed on him, offering her quiet presence as they found solace in each other’s company. Now, as they parked near the bridge, Shahzain felt the weight of old memories, and he noticed Noor’s gentle smile, as though she, too, remembered.

They left the car and walked along the side of the bridge, following the path that led down toward the water’s edge. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows along their path, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and earth. When they reached the riverbank, Shahzain, without a second thought, pulled out his handkerchief, just as he always did, and spread it on the ground for Noor to sit. It was a small, familiar gesture, but it carried with it the weight of years spent looking after each other.