LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 10

Sitara sitting with Imran, spoke with a tone of slight annoyance during the call.
"Shanaya Bhabhi, this isn't right. You didn't even tell us that Zain beta has shifted to Islamabad."

Shanaya, on the other side of the call, responded calmly, "Oh, it's not like that. Actually, Zain himself insisted that we not tell you all. He said he didn't want to trouble you unnecessarily."

Before Sitara could say anything, Imran, sitting nearby, interjected firmly, "Trouble? What trouble, Shanaya bhabhi? He's our son, after all. How can he manage everything on his own there?"

Shanaya tried to reassure them, her tone steady but caring.
"Please don't worry. Zain will handle everything just fine. You know how independent he is and what his nature is like. He's always been determined."

Imran still seemed concerned, but the conversation shifted as Shanaya asked, "By the way, how is Dua beti doing these days? And Kamran-how is his education going?"

Sitara's voice softened as she replied, "Dua is doing well, and Kamran is busy with his studies."

Shanaya nodded on her end, even though they couldn't see her, and asked again, "And Amal? How is she doing? Is she still pursuing her hobbies?"

Sitara gave updates on Amal, and the conversation continued as they exchanged updates about their families and discussed the small challenges and joys of life, despite being in different places.

---

Zain was in his apartment, arranging books in the bookshelf.
The room was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner.

As he reached for another book, his phone buzzed on the side table.
He glanced at the screen and saw "Mom" flashing on it, followed by the video call notification.

A small smile appeared on his face as he swiped to answer.
"Just a second, Mom," he said, setting the phone on the table.

He adjusted the screen to face him and sat down on the sofa, picking up his cup of tea.
On the screen, Shanaya's warm, smiling face appeared.

"How's my son doing? I miss you, beta," she said, her voice full of affection.
Zain leaned back, a soft smile on his lips.

"I'm doing well, Mom. How are you? And how's Dad?"
Shanaya's smile widened.

"We're both fine, beta. Everything is good here. Just missing you.
Oh, by the way, Imran Bhai and Sitara were just on a call with me. They were asking about you."

Zain raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really? What were they asking?"

Shanaya chuckled.
"Just the usual-how you're doing, how you're managing everything in Islamabad. You know how they worry about you being alone."

The conversation shifted to updates on family matters and Zain's routine.
After a while, Shanaya leaned a bit closer to the camera, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"By the way, did you get what you were looking for?"
Zain frowned slightly in confusion, then realization dawned.

"What do you mean, Mom?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"You know exactly what I mean," she replied with a laugh.

"I'm talking about Amal. Did you manage to win her over yet?"
Zain sighed dramatically, though his tone was playful.

"Oh, Mom, not yet. Your future daughter-in-law is incredibly stubborn.
But don't worry, I'm Zain Khan. I don't give up so easily. I won't rest until I make her your bahu."

Shanaya laughed heartily at his determination.
"I like your confidence, beta. But remember, patience is key. She'll come around eventually."

Zain grinned.
"I got everything under control. Just wait and see."