When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

96. R E U N I O N

A H A D

"Umair?" I started when the line was connected. I heard a clearing of the throat before the voice came in, "Yes, Mr. Qureshi."

I searched for words but decided to converse without wasting time instead. "I believe in straight conversations. Did you know Samra Khan was alive?"

Silence filled the device, my fist balling as I awaited his response. He replied, "Wh... what are you saying? Samra aunty... She's... She's alive?"

I shut my eyes with a loud exhale, running a hand through my hair. "Yes, did you know about it?"

"No, of course I didn't. If I knew, why'd I keep quiet? I'd have informed Inu api! Where was she? Is she fine?" He declared, my chest heaving with a relieved breath.

I hummed under my breath, asking further, "Yes, everything is fine. I'm hoping Ahmed told you everything about Hassan."

Ahmed hadn't informed Umair of anything when he came for the first time because I had wanted to speak to him directly. But when I saw things escalating, I knew it was better if Ahmed did it in person.

"He did, I even saw the proof. And I think that's strong enough against them."

At this point, I wasn't sure if we could trust him. After contemplating for a while, I spoke up, "We'll meet back in India then, two weeks later."

"Sure. Can I... speak to Inu api?"

I looked back into the room, finding Inaya laying her head against the headboard, and the tears that hadn't stopped flowing. I sighed, knowing she couldn't handle anymore emotions.

"She's asleep now, I'll call you when she's awake."

"Okay." We ended the call and I walked back in, a small smile spreading across my lips as a deep breath left me.

Amidst the distress, the sadness and pain, this revelation had brought so much happiness and peace. The shock was obvious, but once that would settle, I could only see happiness waiting for my wife.

Walking over, I settled on the bed beside her, smiling when she inched closer instantly. She rested her head against my shoulder, her voice a soft mumble as she said, "thank you for everything, Ahad."

I pressed my lips to her forehead in a reverent kiss. "I love you."

She looked up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she drew me into a breath-stealing kiss. I smiled against her, feeling the weight on my chest dissipate slowly.

"You carried so much alone, I'm mad at you for that," she hissed cutely, grabbing my jaw in anger.

Hot.

Biting in a smile, I caressed her cheek lovingly as I whispered, "Just wanted the best for you."

"And what about you? What about the nights you spent awake, the stress, the uncertainty and weight you held in?" She asked, her breaths rising with each word being said.

I hummed low in my throat, answering, "Doesn't matter, Ina. It all feels easier when I look at you, so don't worry."

She whined helplessly, dropping her head back on my shoulder before muttering, "Why do you have to love me so much?"

"Just as helpless as you are," I murmured teasingly into her hair, smiling when she chuckled.

Pulling away, I watched as she made me lie down. I frowned, raising my eyebrows in question before she explained, "Now, rest. Or... is there any other person you're bringing out of the shadows?"