LET ME HATE YOU

Farewell

Asmaira sat in her usual spot, the place where she used to hide from Amaan at the beginning of their marriage. Even though she was physically safe in the mansion, the trauma of the previous night clung to her. The chilling thought that she could have been one of those women living a life worse than death, if not for sheer luck, left her terrified.

A wave of revulsion washed over her as she remembered the man who had tried to force himself on her. She shivered in disgust. She remained on the floor, her uneaten food forgotten, staring blankly into the distance as Coco and Kitty's warning words echoed in her mind.

Closing her eyes in despair, a soft mumble caught her attention. At first, she dismissed it as an illusion, but her eyes snapped open when she distinctly heard, "Mumma."

She blinked, taking a deep, hesitant breath as the realization dawned on her. Something internal compelled her to turn towards the source of the giggle, finally breaking the heavy gloom that surrounded her.

What greeted her was the heartwarming sight of Kabir standing, holding onto Amaan's finger for balance. Having secured her attention, he giggled again and tried to take a step. When Amaan didn't move, Kabir looked from his father to Asmaira, as if urging Amaan to take him to his mother.

Asmaira held her breath, captivated by Kabir's determined effort to reach her. When Amaan remained stationary, Kabir let go of his finger and stumbled towards her. Instinctively, she dropped to her knees, ready to lunge forward and catch the staggering child.

Kabir raised his little arms, delight evident as he discovered his ability to walk on his own, repeating the word, "Mumma."

His two bottom teeth peeked out in a wide grin, accentuating his already chubby cheeks. Though it had been days, in that moment, Asmaira felt as if she had never been away from him. Unsteady on his feet, he hurried, eventually tumbling safely into Asmaira's open arms.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she showered his face with kisses, prompting a fit of laughter from him. Amaan stood quietly, watching the tender exchange. In that moment, he finally understood why Raina had wanted them to marry. He realized that no other woman in the world would love Kabir as selflessly as Asmaira, who would do anything to protect him.

"Kabir," she murmured, holding him tightly to her chest, feeling her distress finally recede.

Her gaze never left Kabir, as if they were the only two people in the room. It was then that Amaan realized even if he hadn't married Asmaira, she would never have married anyone else. This small woman had decided to fulfill her sister's dying wish without a second thought for her own future.

He inwardly chuckled at his foolishness for believing she had married him for the title of Mrs. Amaan Hashmi. The true foundation of their marriage was held together only by the name 'Kabir.' Asmaira had kept her promise and become Kabir's mother, as Raina had wished. Now, it was time for him to fulfill his own responsibility and become Asmaira's knight in shining armor, as Raina had also wanted.

He silently backed away, leaving the mother and son to their moment. Closing the door with a soft click, he leaned his head against it, eyes shut. The past 24 hours had been a struggle, forcing him to confront and accept reality.

Raina was, and would always be, a part of his soul. However, for Kabir's sake, he had to let go of her memory. He took comfort in the knowledge that his son had a loving, caring mother. As for love, he was firm that no one would ever take Raina's place. Asmaira was a wonderful woman, but their relationship would be limited to respectful co-parenting. That was the extent of their bond.

"Amaan."

Feriha's voice drew his attention. Before he could open his eyes, he felt his mother wiping away tears he hadn't known he was shedding.