Journey to Faith//JJk FF

PART 30

ZARA POV

I placed the Qur'an back on the shelf, my fingers lingering on its cover before I sighed and looked at the prayer mat lying on the floor. My gaze was blank, my mind clouded with unspoken worries. After a moment, I folded the prayer mat and placed it neatly in the drawer, composing myself as best as I could.

Stepping out of my room, I saw Ammi in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. A faint smile tugged at my lips as I walked toward her and wrapped my arms around her from the side, leaning into her warmth. I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of comfort I desperately needed as she softly patted my cheek.

"What happened, Zara, my baccha?" she asked gently, her tone filled with concern.

I quickly shook my head, hiding my emotions behind a small smile. "I just missed you so much, Ammi," I said, my voice lighter than I felt inside. A pout formed on my lips as I tried to ease her worry.

Ammi chuckled, placing the spoon aside and turning to face me fully. Her eyes, however, lingered on my face longer than usual, and her soft smile faded into a sigh.

"Zara," she said softly, cupping my cheeks with her hands, "what's wrong? What are you hiding from me?"

Her words made my heart clench. I knew I couldn't fool her; she knew me too well. Yet I forced another smile, shaking my head. "Nothing, Ammi. What could be wrong with me?" I said, but even I didn't believe my own words.

Ammi sighed deeply, pulling me into her warm embrace as she rubbed my back soothingly. "You're worried about the nikah, aren't you?" she asked, her voice laced with understanding.

Her words hit the exact spot I had been trying to avoid, and I found myself looking away, my emotions slipping through my defenses. "Ammi... why so suddenly?" I whispered, my voice barely audible as I tried to fight back the tears burning in my eyes.

She held me tighter, as if shielding me from my own fears. "I know, my bacha. I know it feels sudden, but you have to trust Allah's plan. Someday, you'll have to get married. It's part of life," she said softly, her words meant to reassure me.

I buried my face into her shoulder, snuggling deeper into her embrace. "Ammi..." I murmured, unable to say more..

"Shhh, your phuppo and sister are coming soon," Ammi whispered, brushing her hand affectionately against my back. Her soft voice had a calming effect on my restless heart. She pulled away slightly, looking into my eyes with a tender smile.

I sighed, trying to shake off the unease in my chest, and offered her a small smile in return. "Where is Abbu?" I asked, hoping for a distraction from the thoughts swirling in my mind.

Ammi wiped her hands on her apron and pointed toward the garden. "He's outside with Zain. Go to him; it'll make you feel better."

I nodded silently and turned toward the door leading to the garden. The moment I stepped out, I was greeted by the soft hum of nature. The gentle breeze carried with it the scent of freshly watered plants, and the sun cast dappled shadows on the ground through the branches of the trees.

From a distance, I spotted Abbu and Zain sitting under the shade of a large neem tree. They were seated on wooden chairs with a small table between them, and their laughter echoed softly in the serene garden. Zain was animatedly gesturing as he spoke, and Abbu's hearty laughter filled the air, bringing a fleeting smile to my lips.

As I walked closer, Abbu noticed me. His face lit up with a warm, familiar smile that always managed to ease the heaviness in my heart, even if just a little. He raised his hand and waved me over. "Zara, princess, come here," he called out, his voice brimming with affection.