Forever His

Chapter 79: Written In My Soul

Shahmeer's POV:

The baby is warm in my arms, so tiny, so weightless—but his presence feels heavier than anything I've ever held. His chest rises and falls in soft, steady breaths, his fingers curled into delicate fists.

It's been years since I've held someone this small.

The last time was Sameer.

I remember the first day I cradled him, just a child myself, staring down at my baby brother in awe, promising to protect him. I remember his tiny fingers wrapping around mine, his bright eyes blinking up at me, trusting me without question.

And then, I remember the last day I held him.

His body lifeless. His blood soaking through my hands. His warmth slipping away.

The memory flashes like a strike of lightning, scorching through my chest, but then—

A soft coo pulls me back to the present.

The baby stirs in my arms, his little lips curling up in the faintest smile.

Mahnoor looks up at me, eyes glimmering. "Look," she whispers, pressing her head against my bicep. "He's smiling in his sleep."

I exhale a quiet chuckle, my fingers gently brushing over his soft cheek. His tiny expression of peace, of innocence—it's almost enough to settle the storm inside me.

Almost.

"So," Mahnoor hums, still leaning into me. "Have you guys thought of a name for this cutie pie?"

I barely register the question until Farjaad and Ayesha exchange a look.

Ayesha smiles softly and says, "Sameer."

My breath catches.

I blink up at her, not sure if I heard right. "What?"

She repeats as she looks up at me, knowingly, "Sameer."

The name echoes in my head, weaving through every broken part of me. I feel my chest tighten, my throat burn. My vision blurs for a second, but I refuse to blink the tears away.

I look down at the baby, my voice barely above a whisper. "Sameer."

As if hearing his name, the baby stirs again, slowly blinking open his tiny eyes. He lets out a little yawn—a small, innocent sound that shatters something inside me.

I let out a shaky breath, my lips pressing together as I stare at him, still trying to comprehend this moment, this gift, this second chance.

Mahnoor cuddles closer, her arms looping around my own, her warmth grounding me.

I look at her briefly, then back at the baby.

Carefully, I lower my head and press a soft kiss to his forehead, closing my eyes for just a second.

This time, I won't fail.

This time, I'll protect him.

This time, I'll keep my promise.

                                                                                       _____________

The hospital room is warm, filled with quiet laughter and the soft hum of conversation. Mahnoor is completely absorbed with Sameer, cradling him in her lap, pressing delicate kisses to his tiny fingers and forehead. She looks radiant—like she was made for this. The sight of her, so gentle, so loving, tugs at something deep in my chest.

Ayesha's voice breaks through the moment. "So, when are you guys planning to have a little one?"

I freeze.