Taabindagi (Sequel Of Sharar)

What Ayat feared the most finally happened. Outwardly, the issue seemed small, but Shahnan's reaction revealed that he was experiencing something much deeper. As calm as he appeared on the outside, inside him, there was a storm brewing.

Ayat and Hanan had never expected that Shahnan would react this way, and it took them by surprise. The silence in his eyes hid a restlessness and anger that was now fully coming to the surface.

It was Ayat's day off, and Hanan was home too, but the house was peaceful because Shahnan and Sharfa had gone to the Arcades. Shahnan often took Sharfa there around noon since she loved the place.

Ayat thought of cooking dinner today. Usually, after returning from the hospital, she neither had the time nor the energy to cook, so the cook prepared most meals.

After feeding Berry, Ayat walked into the kitchen. Blueberry was aging, but he still remained closest to her heart. They had other cats as well-some had followed Ayat home, while others were elderly cats abandoned by their families at her hospital. Ayat had brought them home, ensuring they spent their last years with a loving family.

Though she loved all her cats equally, Blueberry had a special place in her heart because he was her first cat. Berry never ate without Ayat nearby, and now, after his meal, he quietly followed her into the kitchen, hopping onto a chair and calmly cleaning his paws while watching her.

The aroma of spices and the clattering of utensils filled the kitchen as Ayat gave instructions to the maid. Hanan entered the kitchen with a serious look, squinting at Ayat, whose back was to him, oblivious to his presence. He then motioned for the maid to leave, which she did quietly.

"Could you pass me... Hanan?" Ayat turned to ask for something but froze in surprise when she saw him standing there.

Hanan approached Ayat, gently taking her hands and placing delicate rose gajre around her wrists. "Thora waqt apne masoom shohar ko bhi de do," Hanan said in a serious tone, but with the warmth in his bright eyes.

(Spare a little time for your poor husband too,)

Being interrupted while cooking didn't sit well with Ayat, and she narrowed her eyes, giving him a pointed look.

"Hum apka ghar dekhein, apke bachho ko sambhale ya apko waqt dein?" She asked with a hint of irritation.

(Should I manage your house, look after your kids, or give you time?)

Unfazed, Hanan stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Woh sab mujhe nahi maloom," he murmured, his breath warm against her neck. "Mujhe bas itna maloom hai bohot rare occasion hote hain jab hum akele ho, aur aise main mujhe tumhari puri attention chahiye."

(I don't care about all that,)

(All I know is that there are very rare occasions when we're alone, and during those times, and I want your attention.)

Ayat stifled a laugh as his breath tickled her neck, and her irritation melted away.

"Hanan, hume khana banane dijiye, bachhe nahi hai toh aram se bana lenge warna phir Momo..." Ayat's words trailed off as Hanan gently turned her around to face him and cupped her face.

(Hanan, let me cook. The kids aren't here, so I can do it in peace.)

"Tum mujhe romance karne do kyuki bachhe nahi hain warna phir..." His sentence was left incomplete too because Sharfa's excited voice echoed through the house.

(Let me romance you while the kids aren't here, or else...)

"Mom, Mom! Look what bhai got!"

Hanan groaned, closing his eyes in frustration as Ayat chuckled softly. He had been hoping for some alone time, but now, with their daughter around, even a moment of peace seemed like a distant dream.