Tales Of The Heart

(49)

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the village, filtering through the trees and illuminating the small cabin where Shahzaib and Inaya were settling into their new lives.

In the modest kitchen, Inaya and Eira worked side by side, chatting softly as they prepared breakfast. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, giving their humble home an inviting warmth.

Outside, Shahzaib and Zaid were by the well, filling water tubs to carry back for cooking, bathing and cleaning. Shahzaib had learned to carry the tubs with care, he had his fair share of spilled water and amused laughs from Inaya.

"My prince", Zaid chuckled, watching Shahzaib wobble under the weight, "you are holding it like you are going to tip the entire tub over",

Shahzaib grunted, sweat beading on his forehead. "Easy for you to say, 'to-be-groom'",

Zaid shook his head, grinning as he adjusted his own tub. "Here, tilt it back a little-",

But before he could finish, Shahzaib, who was determined to make it to the house in one go, took a step forward and immediately tripped on a stone, sending water splashing everywhere. He staggered, drenched with a shocked face as he looked up at Zaid, who burst into laughter.

From the doorway, Inaya and Eira had heard the commotion and came to see what was happening. Inaya's hand flew to her mouth to stifle a laugh as she saw her husband soaked and frowning. Eira couldn't hide her amusement and burst into laughter, hands on her mouth to suppress the sound.

"Oh, Shahzaib", Inaya teased.
"I thought you were supposed to be helping us, not watering the garden",

Shahzaib gave her a mocking scowl, wringing his shirt out.
"No one's seeing the effort", he sulked and Inaya bit her lips to stop the laugh bubbling in her stomach.

Eira fetched a shirt for Shahzaib before handing it to Inaya who offered it to Shahzaib, he snatched the clothe with a scoff and pretended to be angry at her which had Inaya to chuckle in adoration.

Zaid was still chuckling, as be patted Shahzaib's shoulder.
"It is alright. I think the plants appreciated the extra water", his comment was enough to make everyone laugh yet again.

As they shared a laugh, a faint sound of hooves approaching caught Shahzaib's ear. He straightened in alert before glancing toward the path leading into the village.

Three familiar figures on horseback rode into view, and Shahzaib's temsed posture loosened as he recognized the men. Sahir, Sarim, and Haroon, his closest companions and trusted generals, had found him.

Sahir was the first to dismount, his gaze locked onto Shahzaib with an expression that was mixed with relief, frustration, and a hint of hurt.

Haroon followed suit, but his eyes held a glint of humor as he looked at the scene in front of him, Shahzaib still dripping,  Inaya and Eira laughing, and Zaid with a half-full water tub.

Sarim, who had always been a quieter presence, was the last to dismount, his face held a mixture of worry and weariness.

"Well", Sahir began, folding his arms as he approached Shahzaib, "it took us a lot longer than it should have to find you, seeing as you did not bother to tell us where you were going", his tone was light, but his eyes betrayed the frustration beneath.

"Did you really think you could just disappear without a word?", Sarim added.
"Certainly, he did", Haroon chipped in.

Shahzaib's shoulders stiffened, guilt flickering across his face. "Sahir, Sarim, Haroon… I did not mean to worry you. I thought-", he hesitated, glancing at Inaya, who was now watching the reunion with silently.
"I thought it was better to start fresh without dragging anyone else into this mess",