Umeed

Chapter 49

Shahzain paced anxiously outside the hospital room, his hands running through his hair as he fought to keep himself together. Every second felt like an eternity, and panic clawed at his chest with a force that made it hard to breathe. He could only pray Noor would be safe—he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. The memory of their last words weighed heavily on his mind, each regret amplifying his helplessness. He had failed to protect her, and the guilt gnawed at him, unrelenting, reminding him of every moment he’d let her down, every word left unsaid.

Just as he began pacing again, Faris entered quietly, having left the children in Ayesha's care. He had seen the fear in Shahzain’s eyes and knew his brother needed him now more than ever. Approaching carefully, he placed a reassuring hand on Shahzain’s shoulder, his voice gentle but filled with concern.

“Please, bhai, sit down for a moment. You haven't rested since yesterday—you've been searching for Noor without a break. You’ll make yourself sick,” Faris urged, coaxing him toward a nearby chair. He tried to keep his tone calm, but the worry was evident.

Shahzain stopped pacing but didn’t sit. Instead, he looked up at his brother, and Faris saw the vulnerability in his eyes—the raw, unguarded emotion Shahzain had never let him see before. It was the first time Faris had ever seen Shahzain this broken. This was the same brother who had always been a pillar of strength, who’d shouldered the family’s burdens when they lost their father, who had never allowed himself to falter even when the world around him seemed to crumble. He had become a father figure to both Faris and Maheen, taking care of everyone, sacrificing sleep and comfort as he worked day and night. Yet now, in this quiet moment of vulnerability, Faris saw something he’d never fully understood—just how deeply Shahzain loved Noor.

Without hesitation, Faris wrapped his arms around his brother, holding him in a reassuring embrace. “Bhai, woh theek ho jayegi,” ("Brother, she will be fine.") he murmured, hoping his words would provide some comfort.

Shahzain’s voice broke as he spoke, his words a whisper filled with pain. “Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha, Faris... Mai use mehfooz nahi rakh paaya. Bahut din ho gaye, maine usse acche se baat bhi nahi ki... kabhi ye nahi kaha ke woh kitni ahem hai mere liye.” His voice shook as he confessed, “Ruth gayi hai woh mujhse... Agar usse kuch hua toh... toh mai nahi reh paaunga.” His breath hitched, and for a moment, he was swallowed by his fears, regrets, and the crushing weight of words he had never spoken.
("I don’t understand, Faris... I couldn’t keep her safe. It’s been so many days, I haven’t even spoken to her properly... never told her how important she is to me." His voice shook as he confessed, "She’s angry with me... If something happens to her... I won’t be able to live.")

Faris held his brother tighter, his own heart heavy with worry yet filled with compassion. “Bhai, woh strong hai,” ("Brother, she is strong.") he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction. “She’s fought everyone and everything for you; she’ll fight for her life too. Aur woh aap se pyaar karti hai.” ("And she loves you.") Faris spoke with the certainty of someone who had witnessed their bond, who knew Noor’s resilience, and believed she would survive this, if only for the man standing before him.

Just then, the sound of footsteps made them both turn. Then Zaviyaar, stepped out of the operating room, his face calm but serious. Shahzain’s heart raced as he approached him, every fiber of his being consumed by the need for reassurance.

“Kaisi hai woh?” ("How is she?") Shahzain’s voice trembled, barely steady. He held his breath, dreading the answer.

Zaviyaar gave him a reassuring nod, a faint smile softening his face. “The operation was successful. Woh theek hai, lekin abhi anesthesia ke influence mein hai, aur abhi hosh nahi aaya usse. She’ll be okay, but she needs time to recover.”