Umeed

Chapter 56

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Wishing you a wonderful day and happy reading!

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The next morning, Noor woke abruptly to the sound of loud knocking on the door. Panic shot through her as she glanced at the clock-it was only 4:00 a.m. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness. She looked around the room, realizing that Shahzain was not there. Her heart raced as the knocking grew more insistent.

Quickly, Noor got out of bed and hurried to open the door. Standing there were Ayaan and Hoor, both half-asleep. Their little faces were groggy, their eyes barely open. Without a word, they reached out with grabby hands.

"Mamma, we're sleepy," Ayaan murmured, his voice drowsy. "We want to sleep with you," Hoor added softly, her head already leaning toward Noor's shoulder.

A warm smile spread across Noor's face as she scooped them both into her arms, despite their growing size and weight. She carried them to the bed and gently placed them down. Tucking them under the blanket, she kissed each of their foreheads tenderly.

"It's okay, my loves. Go back to sleep," Noor whispered, her voice soothing. She settled herself on the bed beside them, patting Ayaan and Hoor gently. Her hands moved through their soft hair in rhythmic strokes, lulling them back into peaceful slumber.

Once they were fast asleep, Noor carefully got up, ensuring she didn't disturb them. She went to the washroom to perform ablution (wudu) and then returned to her prayer mat. In the quiet serenity of dawn, she offered tahajjud (the late-night prayer), pouring her heart out in gratitude and supplication.

By the time Fajr (the pre-dawn prayer) arrived, the first light of day was beginning to creep over the horizon. Noor completed her prayers and sat in silence for a moment, finding solace in the stillness.

Just as she was about to return to bed, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up and saw a message from Shahzain:

"Thank you for the invitation, biwi (wife). I slept well. But tonight, I won't let you sleep, biwi. So complete your peaceful rest now."

A deep blush crept over Noor's cheeks, the heat spreading all the way to her ears. She stared at the message for a long moment, her heart racing at his teasing words. Without replying, she placed the phone back on the nightstand, her thoughts swirling.

Though they were married and living under the same roof, the thought of their impending ruksati (bridal departure) filled her with both anticipation and nervousness. She couldn't shake the flutter of nerves building in her stomach. Shahzain's message lingered in her mind, bringing an involuntary smile to her lips.

Her eyelids grew heavy as her thoughts continued to drift. With Ayaan and Hoor sleeping soundly beside her, Noor eventually surrendered to sleep, her dreams laced with the hopes and uncertainties of the day ahead.

The next time Noor's eyes fluttered open, Ayesha was gently shaking her awake.
"Mamma, thodi der sone dijiye naa," Noor murmured groggily, burying her face back into the pillow. (Mom, let me sleep a little longer, please.)

Ayesha sighed and shook her head. "Noor, it's your ruksati (bridal departure) today. Wake up now, or later you'll complain about not having enough time to get ready!"

Ayaan and Hoor, who were sitting on the bed beside her, giggled at their mother's scolding tone. Ayaan whispered to Hoor, "Ammi bilkul hamari tarah behave kar rahi hai." (Mom is behaving just like us.)