Unexpected But Mine

chapter 15

As they stepped back into the house, the familiar scent of home wrapped around them like a warm shawl. Alize’s voice could be heard from the kitchen, and the clink of tea cups echoed faintly.

"Finally!" Ahmed’s voice came louder, teasing from the living room. “Did you two shift to the hotel or what?”

Emira blushed immediately, tugging her dupatta tighter around her. Shaheer just chuckled, slipping off his watch.

Before Emira could sneak away, Ammi appeared from the hallway.

Emira quickly stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Ammi… we should’ve told you properly.”

Ammi sighed, her expression softening as she gently cupped Emira’s cheek. “You scared me, beta. Shaheer said you were overwhelmed... I understand. But you have to take care of yourself. Don’t bottle it up.”

Emira’s eyes welled slightly, but she blinked it back and hugged her.

Behind them, Alize emerged, her eyes scanning them both. “Okay, now that the missing couple is back… can we all pretend to be a normal family and sit together for chai?”

Shaheer smirked. “We were never a normal family.”

Ahmed flopped onto the sofa dramatically. “Especially with you two disappearing like teenage lovers.”

Emira’s cheeks turned pink again, and Alize grabbed her hand, dragging her toward the cushions. “Come sit, I missed you. Also, you’re telling me everything over tea.”

As she nestled into the warm chaos of their quirky family, Shaheer sat close beside her, their shoulders brushing. The house was alive with voices and clatter, but her heart felt still — safe.
And for the first time in a long, long while… Emira felt truly home.

The living room hummed with late afternoon comfort — the kind that only a shared pot of chai and light-hearted banter could bring. Cushions were fluffed, the low table held a tray full of snacks — samosas, biscuits, and slices of cake Ammi had brought from the bakery — and everyone had found their spot in the cozy chaos

Shaheer leaned back on the couch, half-listening, half-watching Emira as she sat beside Alize, cupping her tea with both hands, her cheeks still glowing faintly from earlier.

"So, Mrs. MIA," Alize began, raising an eyebrow at her sister-in-law with mock sternness.

"Where were you two hiding? The entire weekend? Kya scene tha, hmm?

Ahmed chimed in before Emira could even respond. “They clearly went off the grid. No texts, no calls—Ammi was about to file a missing persons report.”

Shaheer raised a brow at him. “Jealous, Ahmed?”

“Of course,” Ahmed scoffed dramatically. “I want a hotel breakfast too!”

Everyone laughed.

Alize nudged Emira gently. “Come on, spill. Where did he take you?”
Emira smiled, eyes lowered as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Umm… he took me to the beach for a while… just to get some air. We had dinner nearby and stayed overnight.”

Alize gasped. “You didn’t even call me to tell me what you wore!”

Emira laughed softly. “There wasn’t much to tell. I wore that teal dress you chose.”

“Ughh, and you didn’t even let me see how it looked on you?” Alize pouted. “Emira, I feel betrayed.”

“You’ll get another chance,”

Shaheer said, sipping his chai coolly. “I’ve got plans to take her out again anyway.”

“Ohooo,” Ahmed smirked. “Man’s already booked the next trip?”