Unexpected But Mine

chapter 22

It was their last morning in the city - the bags were packed, tickets printed, and the car was already waiting downstairs.

Emira stood near the window, taking one last look at the quiet street outside, her fingers nervously playing with the ends of her scarf.

Baba sat at the edge of the couch, sipping his tea slowly, as if by delaying the last sip he could slow time itself.

Shaheer emerged from the bedroom, rolling the last suitcase out.

"Everything's set," he said gently, glancing at Emira, then at Baba.

Emira moved toward her father, sitting beside him. For a moment, she didn't speak - just leaned her head on his shoulder the way she had so many times growing up.

"You'll take your medicines on time?" she asked softly.

Baba smiled, placing his hand over hers. "Yes, doctor sahiba. I'll even eat the boring soup you lectured me about."

She let out a small laugh, blinking back tears. "And... and if you ever feel unwell-"

"Emira," he interrupted gently, turning to face her. "I'm not alone anymore. You left me with hope again. That's more healing than any doctor can give."

Shaheer stepped closer now, quiet, respectful of the bond between father and daughter. Baba looked up at him and stood.

"I'm proud of you," he said, placing a hand on Shaheer's shoulder. "For giving her what she's always deserved."

Shaheer nodded, touched. "She gives me more than I could've ever asked for."

Baba chuckled. "Good. Then you both keep giving each other that - always."

Just as they were about to step out, Baba pulled Emira into one last hug, tighter this time.

"My door is never closed to you. Wherever you go, this city, this home... it will always wait for you."

"I'll come back," Emira whispered, clutching him tightly. "Soon. I promise."

As she pulled away, wiping her cheek discreetly, Baba turned to Shaheer again with a teasing smile.

"And beta - next time, no hotel stays. You'll stay here, with me. I need to see if you snore."

Shaheer laughed, "Deal."

With one last wave, Emira and Shaheer stepped into the hallway, the door gently clicking shut behind them.

The airport buzzed with its usual chaos - rolling suitcases, overhead announcements, and scattered conversations. Yet amid it all, Emira walked silently beside Shaheer, her fingers laced tightly in his. Her eyes were slightly red, but no new tears spilled; she had already cried everything out in the morning.

They moved through check-in and security with quiet efficiency, but neither spoke much. Sometimes, goodbyes settle in the chest like a heavy stone, making every word feel unnecessary.

Once they reached their gate, Shaheer set their carry-ons down and looked at her.

"Are you okay?"
She nodded, biting her lip. "I just... I didn't think it'd feel this heavy leaving Baba again."

He reached out, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "It is heavy. Because it matters. But we'll come back. And he knows that too."

They sat side by side, and Emira rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes briefly. "Thank you for letting me have these days with him," she whispered.

Shaheer placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head. "I didn't let you. I wanted it for you. And I wanted it for me - to see you this close to someone who loves you the way you deserve."