His silence his pride ( continuation)

Good News???

A few weeks later, Zaid's aunt pays a visit. She's an older woman with a knack for prying, especially when it comes to young couples. She sits in their living room, sipping her tea with a knowing look, her eyes flicking between him and Mahra, who is seated stiffly beside him, her gaze focused on the floor.

"So," his aunt begins, a hint of mischief in her tone, "it's been two years now, hasn't it? No news yet?" She raises her eyebrows, giving Mahra a pointed look.

Mahra's cheeks flush, and she glances uncomfortably at Zaid. He feels a surge of protectiveness, noticing the way she folds her hands tightly, her discomfort palpable. He feels a flare of anger at his aunt's bluntness and realizes that he's partly responsible for Mahra's unease. For so long, he'd disregarded her, failed to build a foundation of trust and care, and now she's left to bear the weight of these uncomfortable questions alone.

"No, Auntie," he says firmly, meeting her gaze. "There's no news, and we're not in any rush. We're taking our time to understand each other better first."

His aunt's expression falters, surprised by his direct response. "Oh, but..." she begins, trying to recover. "It's just that, you know, everyone expects—"

"Auntie," he interrupts gently but firmly, "I understand, but please, let us have our own pace. Mahra and I are happy as we are."

She purses her lips, sensing that she's being asked to back off. With a disapproving huff, she finishes her tea, clearly dissatisfied, but says no more on the matter.

Once his aunt leaves, the silence between him and Mahra grows heavy. She avoids his gaze, her fingers twisting together nervously. Zaid feels the weight of unspoken words pressing down on him.

"Mahra," he says softly, trying to ease into the conversation. "I know this is... uncomfortable. But I'd like us to talk openly. About everything."

She doesn't respond at first, her expression unreadable. Finally, she looks up at him, her eyes guarded. "Why now, Zaid? Why try to understand me now, after all this time?"

He takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "Because I know I've made mistakes. And I know it'll take time for you to believe me, but I want to change. I want us to start again, if you're willing."

Mahra's gaze softens, but there's still hurt lingering in her eyes. "You can't just decide you're ready for something and expect me to feel the same, Zaid. Do you know how long I waited for you to even see me, to acknowledge me as your wife?"

His heart aches at the truth in her words. "I know I can't undo the past, but I want to make it right, Mahra. And part of that is being honest with each other about what we want and what we're willing to work on."

Mahra looks away, her voice low. "You say that now. But what if, later, you realize you're still waiting for something else?"

Her words cut deep, but he's not going to hide from the truth anymore. "I know I've hurt you. I spent so long waiting for something that was never going to happen, ignoring the gift I had right in front of me. And I know it'll take time for you to trust me. But I want us to have a real partnership, if you're willing."