[جیون رائیگاں] 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐍

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫³

Hayat rose from his plush, cream-colored couch, his bright, light brown eyes sparkling with excitement, and walked to the cozy living room filled

Asma sat surrounded by this warmth, her gentle, heart-shaped face radiant. Her silver jewelry glinted

"Assalamu alaikum, Aunty," Manahil greeted warmly, her melodious voice filled with love and respect. Her dark, brown eyes shone through the laptop screen, radiating warmth.

"Walaikum assalam, Manahil," Asma replied, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are you, beta? You look lovely today." Her brow furrowed with concern, her voice laced with motherly love.

"I'm fine, Aunty. Just a bit tired," Manahil said, her brow furrowing slightly. Her short, dark hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, framing her delicate features.

"I'm fine too," Asma said, her eyes sparkling. "What have you been up to?" Her hands clasped together, her silver bangles jingling softly.

"Nothing, I'm talking to you all right now," Manahil replied,Her eyes shone with warmth, her full lips curving into a gentle smile.

Hayat chimed in, "Aunty, I told Manahil we're coming to Pakistan!" His face beamed with excitement, his light brown eyes shining like stars.

Asma's eyes widened. "Really? That's great! Are you attending Arham's wedding, Manahil?" she asked, her tone curious.

Manahil's smile faltered, her eyes dropping. "Y-yes," she stammered, forcing a weak smile. Her voice trembled, her shoulders sagging.

Asma didn't notice. "Have you prepared?" she asked, her brow raised.

Hayat changed the subject. "Aunty, where's Arzen? Manahil wants to talk to him too." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I don't know where he is," Asma replied, shrugging her shoulders slightly, her expression tinged with concern.

Manahil interjected, her voice laced with desperation, "I'll talk to you all later, okay?" Her voice cracked, the sound echoing through the silence like a fragile glass shattering.

After closing the laptop, Manahil's tears flowed uncontrollably, streaming down her face like a river. She muttered to herself, "I loved him, but he's going to belong to someone else. What happened to my love?" Her cracked voice echoed through the silent room, the only sound besides her ragged breathing.

She grabbed her pillow, as if holding onto a lifeline. "Arham, why can't you be mine?" Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking violently, her shoulders convulsing with each sob.

"I lost him without finding him," she sobbed, her heart aching with a deep, hollow pain. Exhausted, Manahil drifted off, her heart heavy, weighed down by the anchors of sorrow.

After some time, she composed herself, her tears subsiding into sniffles. "I loved him, but he didn't. He didn't even know I loved him. One-sided love. No cry, just nothing more." Her barely audible whisper spoke volumes, a poignant acknowledgment of her unrequited love.

Manahil's eyes fluttered closed, her chest rising and falling with each deep breath. Tears continued to fall, her heart aching, but her body slowly relaxing into the silence.

The room fell silent, except for Manahil's gentle sobs, the only sound in the stillness. Moonlight cast a silver glow through the window, illuminating the tears on her cheeks, and the sorrow etched on her face.

☆☆☆☆☆

The next morning, Mahreema entered Rohi's room, pulling back the curtains to let sunlight flood in, illuminating the dusty corners and scattered textbooks. "Rohi, get up! It's late for university," she scolded, her voice firm and irritated, with a hint of concern.