Umeed

Chapter 42

This section begins a flashback and will continue over several chapters, narrated through multiple perspectives to enrich the story.

----------------------------------------–----------------------------------

Flashback

Author's POV

Noor – 17, Faris – 20, Shahzain – 29.

It was just two or three months before Noor's eighteenth birthday, yet, despite her usual bright spirits, a heavy sadness had settled over her. Shahzain, with whom she had once shared an effortless bond, seemed distant, as if a silent wall had risen between them. She reassured herself that it was due to his demanding work schedule; he had been deeply engrossed in a major project that seemed to consume him entirely.

As the days slipped by, Noor clung to the hope that once the project ended, things would return to how they once were. Finally, the day arrived when Shahzain's hard work paid off, and his family planned a grand party to celebrate his success. Noor’s heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation—maybe now, at last, she could spend time with him again.

Ayesha, who was well aware of Noor’s growing affection for Shahzain, had even assured her that she would bring up the idea of a nikkah on Noor’s eighteenth birthday. The thought alone filled Noor with quiet hope, and she eagerly looked forward to the evening of the party.

When the evening arrived, Noor took extra care in getting ready, choosing a dress that shimmered elegantly under the soft lighting of her room. Her hands trembled slightly as she applied a touch of makeup, a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. Maybe tonight would be the night she could finally share a special moment with him.

As she descended the stairs, she saw Faris waiting at the bottom, leaning casually against the railing with a mischievous grin. His eyes sparkled with humor as he looked her over, nodding in approval. "Well, well, someone’s looking like a dream tonight. Hoping Shahzain bhai notices, huh?”

“Faris bhai!” Noor’s cheeks flushed a warm crimson, and she swatted him lightly on the arm. “Don’t say such things!”

“What? I’m just being honest,” Faris replied, smirking. “After all, it’s obvious to anyone with eyes how hopelessly you’re in love with him.”

“Stop it!” Noor whispered, her eyes darting around in embarrassment. “Someone might hear you.”

Faris chuckled, his teasing smile softening. “Relax, Noor. Ammi already knows, and… come on, it’s not like you’re subtle about it.” His expression softened further as he said, “You deserve happiness, Noor. And if that happiness is with Shahzain bhai… well, I’d be lucky to have you as my bhabi.”

Noor smiled shyly, her heart swelling with hope as she glanced toward the party hall, where guests were already mingling, laughter and music filling the air.

Once inside, she and Faris found a quiet spot to sit, and the two shared lighthearted banter, their laughter a welcome distraction from Noor’s nervousness. But soon, her gaze drifted across the room and landed on Shahzain. He was standing near a group of business associates, his posture confident and his expression focused. But what made Noor’s heart twist painfully was the woman standing beside him.

Tall, poised, and with a model-like elegance, the woman looked effortlessly perfect. Noor felt her stomach drop as she recognized her: Rania, the secretary from the other company that Shahzain had been working with closely. Shahzain’s family was nearby, and she watched as he introduced Rania to them, his arm casually placed by her side, her hand resting on his in a way that seemed all too familiar.