Kabhi main, kabhi tum, kabhi yeh, kabhi voh

Part 22: Pasand ka Khaana

As the day of bringing Mustafa's parents home approached, Sharjeena diligently prepared the guest bedroom for her in-laws. She instructed the house staff with precise details on how the room should be set up, and what kind of meals should be prepared to suit their health, ensuring that everything was comfortable and in place.

Meanwhile, Mustafa made regular trips to the hospital, taking packed meals for his parents, his sister Sidra, and occasionally even her husband, Waqas. Every time he came home, he noticed how Sharjeena would be waiting for him, her calm presence a constant anchor amidst the storm of emotions he was navigating. She would greet him with a small smile, ask him if he had eaten, and gently coax him to share his worries. While Mustafa appreciated her unwavering support, he also saw through her—he knew her too well.

He could see the inner turmoil she was hiding, the nervousness and discomfort she tried to push aside for his sake. Mustafa felt a pang of guilt every time he looked at her. It wasn't his fault, he knew that, but he couldn't help blaming himself for putting her in this situation. She didn't deserve this—not when she was carrying their child. She deserved a peaceful, joyous time, free from stress and worry. Yet here they were.

Despite her heightened emotions—fueled further by her pregnancy—Sharjeena tried her best to stay strong. She put her own feelings and conflicts on hold, choosing instead to support Mustafa in whatever decisions he made. She trusted him completely, knowing that he would always prioritize her and their family. And right now, Mustafa's parents needed him, no matter what they had done to him in the past.

The night before his parents were set to move in, Mustafa lay beside her in bed, his mind clouded with thoughts. Without a word, he shifted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her protectively, holding her a little too tightly. She immediately understood why he was holding her like this and silently fitted herself into his embrace, her head resting against his chest.

He spoke after a long pause, his voice filled with quiet regret. "I'm sorry, Sharjeena."

She tilted her head to look up at him, her brows knitting in confusion. "Tum kyun sorry bol rahe ho?"

His voice broke slightly. "Main kitna hi try kar lu, tumhein voh perfect life de hi nahi paata jo tum deserve karti ho. Har baar jab yeh sochta hoon ki ab finally sab kuch sahi hoga, kuch na kuch beech mein aa hi jaata hai. You deserve so much more than this, Sharjeena. So much more."

Her heart ached at his words, and she reached up to cup his face, gently stroking his cheek. "Mustafa, meri life tumhare saath se perfect banti hai," she said softly. "It's not about the circumstances, it's about you and me being together. That's what makes my life perfect."

He gazed at her, his eyes brimming with emotion. "Tumhein bharosa hai na mujhpe," he began, his voice low but firm, "Ki main kabhi kisi ko bhi tumhein hurt nahi karne dunga, kisi ko tumhein kuch galat nahi kehne dunga. I'll never let anything wrong happen to you or our baby. I swear, no matter what."

Her voice was steady, full of quiet conviction, as she replied, "I know, Mustafa. I know tum hamaari dhaal ban ke khade ho hamaare saath. And you know I'll stand by you, no matter what, hai naa?"

He tightened his arms around her and nodded. "Yes, I know."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, finding comfort in their shared love and understanding. Mustafa kissed her forehead gently, his voice a whisper as he said, "Tum meri taaqat ho, Sharjeena."

She smiled faintly, pressing her cheek against his chest. "Aur tum meri duniya ho, Mustafa."

The tension of the day melted away in their embrace, and they drifted into a peaceful sleep, holding on to each other tightly, ready to face whatever challenges the next day would bring—together.