Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 38

Author's POV:

As the moment of separation arrived, the atmosphere grew heavy with emotion. Zia's tears flowed uncontrollably as she clung tightly to her mother. The reality of leaving her family behind hit her with full force, and her sobs echoed through the room. Her brothers, their own faces wet with tears, gathered her in a tight embrace, unable to mask their heartbreak.

Through her sobs, Zia tried to lighten the mood, her voice trembling, "Didn't you all say you'd be happy when I got married? Then why are you crying? Go play your favorite songs, na." Despite her attempt, her brothers only held her closer, their tears falling harder as they struggled to find words.

Her friends, equally emotional, took turns hugging her. "Zia," one of them said, her voice thick with emotion, "we're so happy to see you marrying such an amazing man. But remember, whenever you're tired, or need advice or help, we're always here for you."

Their reassurances only made Zia cry harder. The overwhelming warmth of their words and the weight of this life-altering moment filled her heart to bursting.

Her parents enveloped her in a final hug, their voices filled with love and bittersweet pride. "Zia," her mother said softly, "you've always made us proud. Even though you have a house of your own, this will always be your home as long as we're alive. After we're gone, we can't guarantee it will remain the same. But remember, child, you must make your husband's house your own, too. Only when you consider it yours will it truly become your home. You're welcome back here whenever you want, but don't leave there over petty fights or misunderstandings. You'll gain another set of parents; treat them with the same love and respect you show us."

They held her for what felt like forever before finally sending her off with their best wishes. Even as she sat in the car, Zia's tears didn't stop. Her thoughts clung to her home and the family she was leaving behind.

Azlan, sitting beside her, tried his best to console her. His voice was gentle as he spoke, "Zia, please don't cry. Your family will visit for the reception the day after tomorrow. And don't worry—your aunt is accompanying you. She's in the other car. Should I ask her to come here? I thought you were comfortable with me, so I let her go separately and told her I could take care of you."

He tried everything to calm her down, but her tears showed no signs of stopping. Bewildered, he leaned closer and asked softly, "Are you okay?"

Zia finally lifted her tear-streaked face, clutching his sleeve tightly. In the dim light of the car, her sobs turned into an unexpected confession. "I'm hungry," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I couldn't eat anything before the nikah, and now I'm starving. I need food."

Azlan blinked in surprise, processing her words. Flustered, he immediately jumped into action. "Let's find food! No, wait, I'll get you food. What do you want?"

Zia thought for a moment before shrugging and saying, "Anything. I don't know."

Without a second thought, Azlan pulled over at the nearest café. In his mild panic, he ordered nearly everything on the menu. Moments later, they were back in the car, and Zia was devouring pizza, her tears slowly drying. Azlan, sitting beside her, dabbed at her cheeks with a tissue as he watched her eat. Overwhelmed but amused, he couldn't help but chuckle. "You cried because you were hungry?"

Between bites, Zia nodded sheepishly. "Food is serious business!" she mumbled, wiping her face.

Azlan stared at her, a mixture of exasperation and affection crossing his face. Under his breath, he muttered something unintelligible. Zia looked up, her teary eyes questioning him silently. "What did you say?"

He hesitated for a moment but then admitted, "I was thanking God that I didn't let your aunt ride with us. If she had seen you like this, she would've had endless teasing material, and you'd probably be embarrassed. I'm praising my own brilliance for making sure it's just us here—with the driver, of course."

Zia nodded thoughtfully before replying, "If someone else had been with us, I wouldn't have behaved like this. I said it because you're here."

Her words stopped him in his tracks. He stared at her, his heart tightening with emotion. She had unknowingly answered the question that had plagued him all day—whether she felt comfortable with him. And now, she had made it clear.

Azlan cursed softly under his breath, overwhelmed by the moment. Without a word, he took her hand, cleaning it gently with a wet wipe. But even after her hands were clean, he didn't let go. He held her hand the entire way to their destination, the quiet warmth between them speaking volumes.

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