Umeed

Chapter 38

After dinner, Hoor’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she announced, “Today, we can all sleep together, with you, Mumma, and Baba!”

Noor and Shahzain exchanged surprised glances, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected suggestion. Hoor continued, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, “I heard my friend say that they sometimes sleep with their parents, and it’s so much fun!”

Noor looked to Shahzain for his reaction, and he nodded, understanding the importance of this moment. It was a perfect opportunity to bond with the children, and the idea warmed his heart.

Just then, Faris returned home, his presence filling the room with familiarity. Noor moved to serve him dinner, despite his protests. “I can get it myself, Noor. You don’t need to fuss over me,” he insisted, though he looked tired from the day’s work.

“I can’t let you go to bed on an empty stomach,” Noor replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She knew well that the maids weren’t there so late, and Faris often tried to sleep without having food. She set the table with care, arranging the plates and utensils, while Faris chuckled softly at her determination.

Hoor, filled with energy, dashed to Faris, her little feet pattering against the floor. “Faris Chachu! I missed you!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him.

Faris smiled warmly, lifting her up into his lap. “I missed you too, Hoor,” he replied, genuinely happy to see her.

Ayaan, who had been watching closely, asked curiously, “Is Faris Maamu my Chachu now?”

Noor sighed softly, knowing how many questions Ayaan had. Before she could respond, Shahzain stepped in. “Yes, he is both your Maamu and your Chachu,” he explained, his voice reassuring.

Ayaan bounded over to Faris, repeating Hoor’s sentiment. “Faris Chachu! I missed you too!” he said, climbing onto Faris’s other knee.

Faris chuckled at their enthusiasm, feeling a rush of warmth at their affection. He enveloped them both in his arms, a protective smile gracing his lips. Noor gently reminded them, “Now, let your Chachu eat his food,” but the children were far too engrossed in their conversation, excitedly chatting about the games they had missed playing with him.

Hoor leaned in, her face lighting up as she exclaimed, “Chachu, you know today, me, Mumma, Baba, and Bhai are having a sleep… um…” She stumbled over the word, unsure of how to express herself.

Ayaan jumped in, correcting her, “It’s a sleepover!”

“Yes! That’s it, Chachu!” Hoor said, clapping her hands.

Faris’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he glanced at Shahzain, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. Shahzain shot him a glare, but Faris only smirked back, clearly enjoying his brother’s discomfort.

Faris smiled smugly, as if to say that Shahzain's glare didn't scare him anymore.

Noor felt a light blush creep up her cheeks as she caught Faris’s teasing gaze. She couldn’t help but wonder what there was to tease about—after all, it would just be a cozy family night with the children.

As she stood to clean up the kitchen, Hoor and Ayaan eagerly grabbed Faris’s hands, tugging him toward his room. They were determined to spend some quality time with their beloved Chachu.

Shahzain, sensing Noor’s shyness and wanting to keep an eye on her, decided to follow her into the kitchen. A playful smile danced on his lips as he entered, his expression filled with mischief.

Noor busied herself at the sink, washing the dishes, but she could feel his presence behind her. The warmth of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine. “You know,” Shahzain began, leaning against the counter with an amused smirk, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a sleepover quite like this before.”