Destined Strangers

Chapter 21

"Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is trusting where it will lead."

🌙

When Hassan enters the house, the outside world is already cloaked in darkness. The weariness etched into his features reveals the strain of the day, and there's a certain tension about him, like a tightly wound string waiting to snap.

As he moves further inside, his gaze naturally drifts toward Sania, sitting quietly on the sofa. A steaming cup of tea rests in her hand, and though the TV hums softly in front of her, it's clear she isn't watching. Her eyes are distant, lost somewhere in her thoughts.

Hassan walks slowly toward her, the silence of the house settling around them. He sits beside her, close enough for her to sense his presence. Sania, already aware he's there, turns to him. Hassan offers her a faint, tired smile before gently taking the cup from her hand.

Sania, slightly taken aback by the gesture, looks at him, but she remains quiet, allowing him to sip from her tea without protest. The warmth of the cup seems to soothe the edges of his tension.

"Nour didn't come?"

Sania's voice finally cuts through the quiet, signaling the beginning of the conversation.

"She'll come in a few days..."

Hassan replies, his lips still curved into the same subtle smile, though his eyes hold something unreadable.

"Why didn't she come now?"

"She was tired. Said she wanted to rest and then meet you properly."

Hassan, still holding the cup in his hand, continues to drink, lying effortlessly but with a calmness that betrays no guilt.

"Did you tell her about our Nikkah?"

"Hmm..."

She watches Hassan closely, searching his face for any sign of hesitation. His expression calm as he avoids looking directly at her.

"What did she say?" Sania presses, her restlessness evident as she shifts in her seat

"She was really happy."

Hassan's answer is smooth. Sania, unconvinced, and her unease makes her inch a little closer to him, wanting to hear more.

"What did you tell her?"

Hassan casually places the cup down on the table, as if brushing the matter aside.

"I didn't tell her the full story-how you convinced me to marry you, and why. After all, you told me not to."

A subtle smile tugs at the corner of his lips, though he tries to suppress it. His tone is light.

"You can tell her yourself when you meet her tomorrow... but like I said, don't mention anything about divorce just yet."

His voice lowers slightly, the reminder laced with a hint of seriousness, even as he maintains his calm demeanor.

Sania stays quiet, her thoughts swirling, so he speaks again.

"Are you worried?"

"No, just a little nervous..."

Sania's response is hesitant. Hassan chuckles softly, the sound easing some of the tension, and she can't help but smile in return.

"You look tired,"

Sania blurts out, finally voicing the observation that's been on her mind since he walked through the door. Something is off... maybe.