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Part 24: Carpe Diem

Mustafa decided that before his parents moved back into their home, it would need some essential renovations. He wanted it to feel like a fresh start for them after everything they had been through. Also, as Sharjeena had stopped working, he requested Sharjeena's mother, Salma, to stay with them for a while to help and support them during this transitional period. While Mustafa framed it as a request for help, in truth, he was as eager to have Salma around as Sharjeena was.

Over the last month, especially during their stay at Sharjeena's parents' house, Mustafa had developed a deep bond with her family, particularly with Sharjeena's mother. Growing up in an environment that was more materialistic than affectionate, Mustafa had never truly understood what a loving, healthy family dynamic looked like. His childhood had been riddled with comparisons to his elder brother, Adeel, leaving him feeling inadequate and undervalued. But living with Sharjeena's family had shown him a different kind of life—a life where love and warmth took precedence over everything else. Now that he was about to become a father himself, Mustafa found himself reflecting on the kind of atmosphere he wanted to create for his child. Salma's presence had played a significant role in reshaping his perspective. Her love, patience, and unwavering support reminded Mustafa of the kind of family he wanted to build. She treated him as one of her own children, effortlessly understanding his vulnerabilities and insecurities. Her quiet, non-judgmental nature and genuine warmth made her the perfect anchor for someone like Mustafa, who had never experienced such care.

As she stayed with them, her nurturing demeanor didn't just extend to her daughter—it encompassed Mustafa as well. She reminded him to eat properly along with Sharjeena, emphasizing that as a father, he needed to stay healthy and strong too. She listened patiently when Mustafa came home from work stressed and gave him calm, practical advice. Mustafa, who rarely opened up to anyone outside of Sharjeena, found himself trusting her completely. He even sought her counsel on baby preparations and what he could do to make things easier for Sharjeena.

Mustafa now understood where Sharjeena's purity, patience, and warmth came from—it was all her mother. And though he didn't openly admit it, he cherished the bond they shared. Somewhere deep down, he felt she understood his emotional struggles in a way no one else in his family before Sharjeena ever had.

For Mustafa's mother, Shagufta, these few overlapping days with Salma were a stark contrast to her own strained relationship with her son. While Mustafa had forgiven his parents and there was no animosity, Shagufta couldn't ignore the effortless bond Mustafa shared with Salma. She watched Mustafa confide in Salma about his day, seek her advice on Sharjeena's health, and discuss their baby's arrival with her. Salma's warm, loving presence felt like a light that illuminated the stark absence of motherly affection Mustafa had experienced growing up. Shagufta couldn't help but reflect on the years she had spent prioritizing Adeel and overlooking Mustafa, and the weight of that guilt grew heavier each day.

Even though things seemed fine on the surface, Shagufta found herself struggling to bridge the emotional gap with Mustafa. The warmth that Salma shared with her son was something Shagufta feared she might never be able to replicate. Her regret was silent but profound, as she began to realize the depth of the love and understanding she had failed to give him.

Even as Shagufta grappled with her guilt, she couldn't help but notice how much better Mustafa seemed with Salma around. Salma's advice, her ability to calm him, and the way she treated Mustafa with the same love and care she gave to Sharjeena—it was everything Shagufta wished she could have done for her son.

One morning, Shagufta was on her way to the kitchen to fetch some water when she heard laughter and cheerful voices coming from the baby's nursery. She paused for a moment, curiosity piqued, and then made her way to the room. As she entered, she saw Mustafa hammering away at a crib, a determined look on his face, while Sharjeena and her mother sat nearby, chatting happily and occasionally teasing Mustafa about his handiwork.