Obscured Affection (Slow Updates)

As soon as Arham and Ashar returned home, Ashar headed straight to his room. Arham had clearly noticed that Ashar’s mood was off. Concerned, he followed his son into the room.

Ashar stood in the balcony of his room, staring at the sky.

"What happened, son? You’ve been in a bad mood ever since you got back," Arham asked worriedly, placing his hand on Ashar’s shoulder.

"No, Dad. It’s nothing like that," Ashar lied.

"Son, tell me what’s bothering you. You know you can share everything with me," Arham questioned again with concern.

"I don’t know, Dad, what’s wrong with me... Ever since I went to the wedding, my mood has been completely off. I don’t feel good about anything. Even when I saw Safoora today, I didn’t feel any happiness. I’ve loved her for so many years, haven’t I? But I don’t see the same Safoora in her that I knew in childhood. She’s changed a lot. How can I recognize her in just one meeting? But maybe she loves someone else, and I don’t want to come between her and her love," Ashar said, thinking about Azlaan and Safoora.

"What are you saying, son? Who does she love?" Arham asked angrily.

"It’s just a guess, Dad... I can’t say for sure... Anyway, let it go... You should get some sleep," Ashar said, asking Arham to leave.

"My dear son... You’ve lost a lot in life, and I’ll never let you lose anything else. Even if Safoora loves someone else, I’ll still make sure she marries only you. Whatever you want, you will get. I’ve never taught my son to sacrifice anything, so never give up your happiness for someone else," Arham tried to convince him. But Ashar didn’t like Arham’s words at all.

He smiled faintly and nodded, not wanting to argue with his father. After Arham left, Ashar sat for a long time, recalling everything that had happened at the wedding.

***

Azlaan couldn’t understand Safoora’s behavior. She once claimed to love him, but after realizing he was her senior, she started ignoring him as if he were her enemy.

All night, Azlaan lay restless in bed, thinking about their conversations, unable to sleep. He wanted to say so much to Safoora but never got the chance. He wished to confess the Obscured Affection he had for her for years.

***

Safoora’s condition was no different from Azlaan’s. She couldn’t figure out what to do. She lay awake, remembering the days when she used to cry for Azlaan. She was angry at herself for not recognizing him earlier.

She tried piecing together Alex and Azlaan’s words, wondering how Azlaan could have changed so much in just a few years.

When she had fallen in love with Azlaan, he was a cold and serious man. But now, as Alex, he was the complete opposite—a flirtatious and carefree persona.

She spent the entire night wondering whether she should try to win Azlaan back or leave everything to fate. Yet, even by morning, she had no answer.

***

Ishaq was just as restless as his sister. He, too, tossed and turned all night, but the reason behind his sleeplessness was someone hardly anyone knew about.

Today, he had made a big decision—to introduce Safoora to Azlaan. Although he never wanted his sister to marry any man, believing no one was worthy of her, Azlaan had proven himself by taking a knife to protect Safoora from Ishaq’s enemies. This act made Ishaq decide to give Azlaan a chance.

He had known Azlaan for years, which was why he chose him for his sister. If it were up to him, he would have never let his sister be separated from him. But such is the way of the world—a girl is always meant to leave her home. Ishaq, too, was bound by these customs.