From the stars, to the stars

Comfort

Shahrzad lay in bed, her eyes closed to conceal the tears that threatened to flow any minute now. Her eyes were rimmed with red splotches and she wished most of all that Khalid could be here. As if he heard her, the door to her chamber creaked open and the Caliph of Khorasan stepped in.

He was wearing a simple black silk qamis and trousers and his hair were disheaveled into a dark mess. He was beautiful as ever.

"I thought you had a council meeting to attend to.", Shazi asked trying to normalize her voice but it came out thick and hoarse. Hearing it Khalid's brow furrowed in concern.

"I did but can you really blame me for leaving it knowing that you needed me?", he replied simply.

Without any word Khalid sat down beside her on the bed and reached down to engulf her in his embrace. She could smell the sandalwood and sunshine on him. The feeling of safety and serenity.

"I'm sorry for what happened. I wish it was me instead of your father for I do not wish for you to endure this pain. But you do not have to endure it alone Shazi jan. You can lay some of your worries on me."

Shazi held on tight to him. She did not want him to see her cry. How had she come to this? She was Shahrzad. She did not whine or sob or cry. She was better than this.

"You're only human Shazi. It's okay to cry and feel pain. You don't have to be strong all the time. Let someone else be strong for you just once."

And just like that, hearing the concern in his voice, Shahrzad felt a sob rack through her body. Her body was shaking and she did not know how to stop it. Khalid ran his hand over her hair again and again, whispering soothing words into her ear. Without letting her go, he removed his shoes and they both lay down on the bed. He held her close and somehow his presence comforted her.

"I'm so sorry Shazi. I wish it was me instead of him."

"Don't you ever say that! My father's death was his own choice, his own decision. It does not mean that I do not miss him but it's not your fault Khalid."

"I know but you are in so much pain. I don't know how to cure it."

"It'll be okay. I'll be fine. I have you."

And with that Khalid put the pads of his thumb on her cheeks to wipe away the tears and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep joonam. You need it. Remember I love you.", and that was the last thing Shazi heard before she drifted off into a much peaceful sleep than the one she just had, with Khalid's arms around her.