Umeed

Chapter 41

The night stretched deep and silent, a quiet broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves outside the window. Yet for Shahzain, sleep was an elusive comfort, nowhere within his reach. He lay in the dim glow cast by the bedside lamp, staring into the shadows as his mind circled through the events of the day. Two terrifying incidents had tested his patience, pushing him to the edge, igniting a protectiveness over Noor that felt primal, fierce, undeniable.

Noor is mine. The thought replayed in his mind like a vow, a promise that sank deep into his bones. He clenched his fists, anger rising like a tide at the idea of anyone threatening her—of someone daring to claim her as their own, to tear her away from him. She was his, and he would protect her from anything, even from shadows themselves.

Turning his gaze toward her, he felt a flicker of relief soften his rigid stance. She lay beside him, finally resting, her face peaceful under the gentle glow, her breaths soft and even. But as he watched, that peace began to crumble; a crease appeared between her brows, her lips parted, trembling, as her sleep fractured into distress.

“Please… leave me…” she murmured, her voice fragile, choked with fear. “I don’t want to go anywhere… don’t take me away.”

A pang shot through him, and he reached out immediately, his hand landing gently on her shoulder. “Noor,” he called softly, the gentleness in his voice contrasting with the tension simmering inside him. Her body tensed further, her breaths becoming shallow gasps as her distress grew.

“Noor,” he repeated, his voice more insistent this time, his hand firm as he gave her a gentle shake. “Wake up, Noor. It’s me, Shahzain. I’m right here. You’re safe.”

With a start, her eyes flew open, wide and glazed with fear. She looked around, disoriented, her gaze finally landing on him as if grounding herself in reality. She said nothing, only leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in the curve of his neck, her whole body trembling as though she feared he’d vanish if she loosened her hold.

Shahzain held her close, one hand instinctively moving to her back, tracing slow, calming circles between her shoulders. “Shh… it’s okay, Noor,” he murmured, his voice soft, soothing, each word a balm for her frayed nerves. “I’m here. I won’t let anyone take you away.”

Gradually, her trembling began to subside, her breathing evening out as she stayed close, resting her head against his chest. After a moment, she let out a shaky sigh, her voice barely a whisper. “Why is this happening now?” she asked, her tone filled with a sadness so raw it cut through him. “Everything was finally okay. I don’t want to be taken away from you.”

Hearing the depth of her fear, Shahzain felt an ache that settled heavy in his chest, a helpless pain he could only express through the intensity of his embrace. He tightened his hold around her, his hand gently slipping up to cradle the back of her head, his touch a silent vow. “Nothing will take you away from me, Noor. I won’t let it,” he promised, his voice low, carrying an unbreakable resolve. “You’re safe with me. Always.”

She nodded, but the fear lingered in her eyes. After a long, silent pause, she drew back just enough to look up at him, her gaze shimmering with unspoken worries. Her voice wavered, hesitant, as she spoke. “Today… someone sent a package,” she began, her words broken and uncertain. “Inside it was… a finger.” Her voice faltered on the last word, her face paling as the memory resurfaced, horrifying and vivid. “I don’t know who it was from, but… they’re dangerous.”

A chill washed over Shahzain, and anger flared inside him at the thought of someone tormenting her like this, preying on her fear. He brushed a gentle hand through her hair, his touch grounding, protective. “You don’t need to be afraid,” he assured her, his tone firm yet calming. “I’ll protect you, Hoor, Ayaan. No one will lay a finger on any of you while I’m here.”