Focused on the road ahead, Mahad put the car on the way to the hospital. Now that he was done for the day, he couldn't wait to grace Aahil with his company. Diminished physical capabilities wouldn't deter Aahil from ensuring Mahad knew his presence was not helping, but these trivial matters were nothing to Mahad Lashari.

His phone flashed with an incoming call. His brows scrunched in an expression of concentration. Then he smiled lightly. Just what he needed.

"Is it the right time to hit you up?" Haleh asked, of course, without any greeting. Mahad stifled his chuckle.

"Even if it weren't, I don't think it could've stopped you from calling me."

"Get your facts straight. I'm not dying to call you. Desperate situation and all that."

"Desperate how?" He asked, stopping at the junction. He tapped on the steering, waiting for the traffic to move.

"I might or might not need an immediate mode of conveyance." She stated confidently.

Mahad laughed. "By now, I should put my chauffeur expertise on my resume."

"By all means, do that and you might have one area where you are actually competent. If you have a resume, for that matter."

Ah, always a ray of sunshine, this one. Mahad shook his head, with the smile intact. "Be ready. I'll pick you up in about twenty-five minutes. Where are we going exactly?"

"We?" Haleh asked pointedly. Mahad snorted as if challenging her to deny that. She wasn't going to. What was the point?

She sighed. "Margaret's."

Her defeated tone wasn't in response to his cheek. He knew her that much. She genuinely sounded hurt. How did he decipher that by just one word? he'd ponder it later.

"Is everything alright?" His gentle query, her shuddering breath. And suddenly, his day was not so bright anymore.

"I'll tell you on the way. Can we stop by to get the cupcakes?"

Amal and Reen were onto something when they told him he was getting the hang of Halehlore. If she asked him something, it meant they were definitely going to do that.

"Of course. I'm on my way." v

"Thank you." She mumbled softly and cut the call. So lost was Mahad in its after-effect that he didn't even realize when the signal turned green.

And when he did, the flower vendor across the road was too far away.

Next time. He told himself. And he believed it wholeheartedly.

𝄞

He had been here just once before but the stark contrast in the air was telling. Haleh hadn't divulged much, just that Monty was sad and she was going there to cheer him up. She wasn't big on talking when subdued and he didn't try to pry. They got the cupcakes and then drove to Margaret's Home.

Matron Elise and the kids were as ecstatic to see Haleh as ever, and he was also welcomed but even through the normalcy of it all, it didn't take him long to know the reason for the shift in the mood for the whole house.

Monty had been turned down in the last stages of the adoption process.

The thing was in the works for weeks and Matron Elise, being the kind and mindful woman she was, had only let Monty know about the potential change when everything was confirmed. He had been over the moon. At just 8 years of age, the idea of parents was life-changing for him. The rest of the kids were as excited and looking forward to seeing Monty getting a proper family. It was exhilarating.

Only that never came to be.

Matron Elise told him, with her head hung and heart broken. The kids were indulged in the Pizza party. That left the Matron, Haleh, and Mahad to discuss what had happened. Haleh discussed it, for the most part. She was seething and rightfully so. The couple had checked all the boxes for the adoption deed. They had won over Matron Elise's trust with their good conduct and she had even introduced them to Monty as the proceedings entered the final stage.

But the couple made one big mistake: not taking their immediate family into the loop. They were tired of waiting and trying. Fourteen years of marriage without the blessing of a child—the one thing that they wanted the most. They started looking for other options, medically and practically, and the best-case scenario was adoption. They had come to Matron Elise for the purpose. They knew they had found their miracle baby when they saw Monty on the swings, his nose pressed between his book and his glasses too big for his small face.

Monty was to leave Margaret's home in a couple of days, but today, they were informed that the deed was off. The family hadn't taken the couple's decision to adopt very well. Their elders were livid that they had to put their foot down.

Mahad leaned into his seat at the far corner of the main hall and watched Haleh surrounded by the kids. They circled her, and Monty was perched in her lap, grinning at her as she narrated a funny story.

Monty's bright eyes and full smile. Mahad felt a pang in his gut. Thinking this baby was rejected because of someone's last-minute change of mind. No matter your problems, you don't abandon a kid when you're nearly done with a long and difficult process.

The kid looked away from Haleh and settled his gaze on Mahad. He gave him a big smile which Mahad reciprocated wholeheartedly.

"Thank you for the Pizza, Mahad!"

Monty shouted, smacking his lips. Mahad chuckled, tipping his head. "Pleasure's all mine, big guy."

Haleh watched the exchange with a smile but the concealed frustration and hurt behind it wasn't hidden from Mahad. Mahad shook his head at her and she immediately looked away, wiping her tears. He was right. She needed to pull herself together. The kids shouldn't see her like this.

After an hour or so, Haleh and Mahad took their leave. The kids and Matron Elise saw them off, grateful for their visit. Haleh's departure was full of warm hugs and proclamations of love and Monty was at the forefront.

Mahad had parked his car at the other end of the lane. They were walking toward it, silence between and around them when Haleh bunched her fists by her side and took deep breaths to calm herself down. Mahad stopped in his tracks, looking at her with concern.

"Haleh—"

She stood there, her face contorted into anguish. "It's not fair."

Mahad took a step forward, unable to decide if he should hold her. The uncertainty hanging between nothing and everything.

"How can people do this? Monty? He's so small. Just a baby. How could they break his heart this way? Give him the hope of something he's always yearned for and then take it away. How is that just?"

A sob finally slipped past her lips. She looked at Mahad. So helpless and broken. Never had he expected to see her this way.

"He's loved here. He's always going to be but that doesn't mean he isn't an orphan. His childhood isn't normal. Nothing in the world can change that. Is it wrong for him to wish for otherwise? To wish for a proper family? And who gave that couple the right to snatch it away from him? After giving him hope of a better and more fulfilling life, they left him heartbroken. Family obligations? They should've thought it through before coming here and giving false hopes to a child who never had what they made him dream of! Not having this normalcy in life is already bad enough but to have someone give you the idea that it's there somewhere for you and take it away? That's cruel, Mahad."

She couldn't help it then. God, she had tried but the hurt was too much.

The uncertainty left him the next moment. He took a determined step forward, and then another. Pulling her close, he wound his arms around her.

Haleh froze for a moment. But then, slowly and gently, she rested her head on his chest, bunching his shirt.

"It's not...."

She mumbled through her sobs, not being able to complete it. Mahad caressed her hair, trying to soothe the ache but easier said than done.

Who knows, she was just crying for Monty. This had hit her close to home.

"I know."

He said. Inadequate words. But he hoped his actions weren't.

Her hold on him tightened.

They weren't.

𝄞

"I didn't think it'd take this long."

Zeb said apologetically, earning a displeased look from Osama. "I'm not going to repeat it, Mama. It's fine. You have a thriving social scene. That's not something to be ashamed of."

He said busily as he set the table. Zeb smiled sheepishly. The dinner plans for tonight were delayed because she was held up at the charity gala but Mikaal and Osama didn't seem to mind it. They had always encouraged and admired her for her extrovert personality, something the father-son duo couldn't relate to.

"And you're here to enjoy mine and Baba's cooking. That's all that matters." He gave his father a secretive smile.

Mikaal groaned. "Just be grateful that we didn't burn your kitchen down."

"It's not like they didn't try," Jodi added. Zeb looked between Mikaal and Osama but no denial came from either side. Yeah, she was happy that they hadn't been successful.

"Whatever. I don't want to know."

"Good call," Osama said matter-of-factly.

Zeb nudged him. His response was a chuckle. "I'm just happy to have you here. The last couple of days were not easy."

That was the truth. Aahil's accident had shaken Osama more than he let on. He was not holding up fine and only when Aahil opened his eyes and evaded the cloud of coma, did Osama release a breath.

Zeb and Mikaal had gone to see the boy. He was not in an ideal condition but he would be, with proper treatment and rehabilitation. That was comforting.

The dinner was going well, the conversations flew and the food was tasty enough. Worth the effort.

"Osama, are you going to the hospital?"

He nodded, taking another spoon of his Biryani. "As soon as I'm done here."

"I'll pack you some dessert." Jodi offered. Osama hid his smile but she saw right through it.

"It's Aahil's favorite." She said defensively.

"I will take it to the hospital, Jodi but Aahil can't eat it. Mahad will, though."

Jodi muttered under her breath. For someone who had been tired of Aahil's shenanigans all through the years, she was way too worried about him and his favorite dessert. Osama had always known she had a soft spot for his hooligan friends. She acted tough just to keep them in the line.

They were collecting the dishes when Osama's phone rang. He picked it up without even looking at the screen.

"How did it go?"

He asked eagerly. People around him didn't have to guess whom he was talking to. His face gave him away instantly.

"I told you it'd be a smooth ride. You have got to start taking my word for it, Alina." He feigned hurt, which must've earned him an earful from the other side but he still looked gleeful.

Zeb watched him move to the lawn, his phone was still connected. Zeb didn't feel left out. She had talked to Alina in the morning, and her conviction that Alina would do a tremendous job for the show today mirrored her son's.

She came to the kitchen and found Jodi immersed in packing the dessert. This dinner was going to be the highlight of her day. Lately, Osama had been busier than ever. He was working on his next venture, all the while accepting accolades for Kolachi. His days were committed to being a dedicated director, faithful friend, and doting boyfriend. But in all that, he hadn't forgotten his duties as a son.

Happy. Contented. Grateful.

Words that describe Osama the best these days. Zeb didn't know when was the last time she had seen her son happy like this. The long distance wasn't a problem. He and Alina were breezing through it. Not a difficult thing to do when you're head-over-heels for each other. They were always connected over the phone. Always a call away. Always there for each other.

That's what they had always deserved. But the circumstances and their inhibitions weren't in their favor.

But they were able to break those shackles and find each other.

People who are meant to be always do. Osama and Alina were no exception.

𝄞

Palms sweaty, even though the wind was chilly outside, trembling fingers despite trying to appear in control of the situation, and tucking her hair behind her ear in an attempt to distract herself—Sila was all over the place and she hated to be in this predicament.

She had known Faseeh and Sabah were coming to Murree but their arrival had still taken her off guard. She rushed to the kitchen. A confused Billu asked her if she was alright. She couldn't even reassure him.

That'd be lying.

She was not fine.

Even though she should've been. Why was she afraid of facing his parents? She hadn't done anything wrong.

Or was she afraid of the judgment? After all, Sabah was the one person who'd never hold Aahil accountable for his deeds. If that weren't the case, Sabah wouldn't have given her a cold shoulder.

Sila filled a glass of water and downed it in a go. That helped her parched throat but did nothing to soothe her frayed nerves. The million-dollar question once again made itself known. What had love done to her? What had she let it do to her? This was not how she went about her problems.

But she had never imagined he'd become one. Yeah, maybe that's why.

She gave Billu an apologetic nod and slowly, skulked out of there. Bits of conversation reached her as she made her way to the backyard. Her Abu and Faseeh were in a civilized discussion. The topic of which was most probably her and Aahil. They could discuss it all they wanted, she had conveyed her decision to Aahil. They weren't getting back together anytime soon. Not when both of them needed time to figure out what to do with this relationship.

No matter how hard this was turning out to be. At least, somewhere she had clarity. She chuckled. Small mercies in life, as Rameen would say.

But soon her ironic amusement gave way to dread. She heard footsteps. Her mind yelled at her to run and don't put herself in this situation but she wasn't a quitter.

Turning around, she faced Sabah with a steely determination. Ready to face any accusation that would come her way.

What she didn't brace herself for was the same motherly aura she had always associated with the woman.

That made her stumble.

Sabah reached her side and stopped close. Sila held the railing, looking anywhere but at her. The hope that she hadn't lost this was reignited. One of the best things her marriage with Aahil had given her. She had accepted that it had vanished into the thin air, as everything that relationship entailed.

But Sabah's countenance said otherwise and that crumbled Sila's armor. The hopelessness was acceptable but the faint hope was excruciatingly painful.

Sabah intently looked at her, days of sleeplessness, mental anguish, and physical weakness. Sila knew it was written on her face.

"Beta, ye kya haal ker liya hai apna."

Just a simple sentence, a few words, uttered with utmost care. Sila's eyes widened. And they were filled with tears.

Sabah wasted no time providing her with the motherly embrace she had always associated with her. And Sila let her be.

If life was merciful to her, she wouldn't question it. No one would ever know what this meant to her.

She hadn't lost everything, after all.

𝄞

Silence stretched between them, not for the lack of things to say. They didn't know where to start.

Sabah watched Sila's lost form, staring into the void. It reminded her of her son these days. The physical wounds weren't there but Sila's mental and emotional anguish mirrored Aahil's. Both were suffering.

It was a shame that Sabah couldn't understand it before.

"Won't you ask me anything, Auntie?"

Sila's voice pulled her out of her musings. Sabah looked away, not having the strength to face her. "I have demanded all the answers from the one who is accountable."

This reply alone should've given Sila the satisfaction but all she found within her was a gaping hollowness. She remained silent, playing with her fingers. The lack of her ring hit her right in the gut, as would Aahil's memory. No regard for time and place. Insufferable as he was.

"You should be the one to ask for an explanation from me, Sila."

Sila looked up at her. The words were at the tip of her tongue. It was okay, Auntie. I understand.

But she didn't say that.

It was not okay.

And Sabah agreed with it wholeheartedly. "As usual, I thought of myself as Aahil's mother. The one who's devoted to overlook his mess-ups. Committed to his side of the story. But this time around, I was mad at him, Sila. And at you too. I had seen you two navigating your way through your relationship. And you two were doing so well. I was oddly sure that if your marriage hadn't happened under those circumstances, it would've been for love. That beautiful your progression was to me. I thought my son had finally found his happiness. I thought you had found your happiness in him. But then..."

Then. What a glorious duster happened then. Sabah sighed, caressing her hand. "It took me a while to get here. I'm not proud of how I dealt with this situation. I was mad at him and you. But someone made me see sense. That you didn't deserve my wrath or my cold shoulder. You were the one who tried till the very last to salvage the fall but there was just so much you could do when he was determined to ruin it all."

Someone. Only a fool would have a hard time figuring out who that was and Sila was no fool.

"My biggest regret is that I listened to his side but didn't do the same for you. They're right, I think. Saas to saas hi hoti hai."

Sila closed her eyes momentarily. Sabah's hold on her was comfortably firm. "But you have my word, Sila. This was my first and last slip-up. It won't happen again. You and Aahil together are one of the biggest happiness of my life but it's not mine or anyone's place to decide what you two do with it. Aahil needs to work on so much and you need the time to recover from this heartache. Both things are not easy. Both will take time. And the best that we can do as a family who claims to love you both is to give you that, time. And our support. Not judgment. Definitely not the cold shoulder."

Family. What a beautiful word. An even better emotion. Where you slip up but own up to your lapses. And your people support you in it.

Sila held her hand and smiled, probably the first genuine smile she had in days. It stayed when they were joined by Faseeh.

His mannerisms and gestures were as warm as ever. He didn't mention her disappearing act. Sila had an idea he wouldn't. The shame the Jahangirs felt on not noticing her absence that night even when she had been gone for hours was still a sore subject. She hadn't made a big deal out of it. At least, their lapse hadn't been life-changing for her.

Unlike.

She stopped herself immediately. No. She wouldn't go that way. Sabah went inside to Naheed. She was trying to be a helping guest. Sila wanted to wish her good luck. Naheed was also nothing but a stubbornly good host.

Faseeh glanced at the dense vegetation around the house. They stood facing the steep incline that surrounded the house. For such a successful business tycoon, Faseeh's right then looked aged beyond his years. Sila had never seen him so worn out.

"Did you inform Elma that you're taking some time off work?"

Sila nodded. "I did, Uncle. She was understanding about it but she's an employer after all. I don't expect her to wait for me. I've told her the same. I don't know how much time it's going to take me to get back to the grind."

She felt no qualms in accepting that in front of him. She was not ready to present herself out there just yet. Her mental well-being was her priority which had taken a huge hit.

"Prioritizing your health is important, betay. I'm glad that you're not exerting yourself. As far as the job is concerned, you can always join Jahan Bhurbhan."

She stayed quiet. He took this as a sign to go further with this conversation. "I've always said that the Jahangirs look out for each other, Sila. We might have done a shitty job at it but the fact remains. You're part of the family and the doors of any settlement with the name plaque of Jahan are always open for you. Take a month, two, six. Whenever you feel that you're ready to be back, go straight to the hotel and they'll know what to do."

His words hung in the air for Sila to contemplate. Faseeh and Sabah weren't wrong when they told Naheed and Ikram that they were coming to meet their daughter. They had proven their word. It was comforting but still a bit heartbreaking.

And Faseeh's suggestion. A few months or weeks back, she would've refused straight away as she had done back then.

But this ease was needed. Her circumstances were not the same. Nor was she. Murree was her pitstop right now but who knows, if it'd become her permanent residence. Nothing was impossible in life. She would be a fool to still believe in a set trajectory when her life had taken a 180 in five minutes.

Having this option wouldn't hurt her. It could be her new beginning amidst these hills. The future of her and Aahil's relationship was very bleak but Faseeh wasn't driven by just emotions to come to this decision. Before and after becoming his daughter-in-law, she had been an asset to him during the two mega events for his conglomerate.

She'd had to go back to her domain. She might be down and in a constant fight with her heartache but she wouldn't give up on the career she had built painstakingly. Her struggles right now didn't define her whole life. This was a phase, no matter how permanent it felt right then.

"I'll definitely think about it, Uncle."

She told him. He looked visibly relaxed to hear her response. This felt right. But at the same time, Sila felt the familiar ache making its presence known.

Their families were going out of their way to make it up to her. But the one person, who needed to do that the most and at the earliest, she hadn't heard from him for days.

It was her choice. As she had made it clear.

But some choices, no matter how right they feel, or how necessary they are, shatter your heart to pieces. And there's nothing you can do about it.

𝄞

The lunch break was around the corner. Normally, Rameen would be rummaging through her options. The scrumptious beef patty burger or the pasta platter from her favorite restaurant. But today, instead of the several menus she had saved on her phone, she was scrolling through again and again through a text she had received just a while back.

"Lunch? Have found a new place. Their lunch deal looks good."

Precise and to the point but still the sentiment shown through—so very Danish. Usually, her response would've been prompt but today, she had a hard time giving an affirmative answer.

She needed time to evaluate things. Things that were escalating fast. Things that she had never let happen but now, she didn't know how to stop them.

Danish and her proximity. They had always been comfortable enough around each other but lately, there was a shift in the air. Something palpable. Subtle enough to ignore. Visible enough to shine through the room.

She had mastered the art of the former. But she was afraid she was no longer an expert.

And that terrified her. It had always been under control. Then what happened now?

Him.

That happened. His oblivion was slowly morphing into the awakening that threatened to turn Rameen's world upside down.

She'd have to prevent that. With a deep sight. She opened the chat.

"Sorry. Already ordered. Colleague's treat. Some other time, k?

The three dots immediately appeared. She waited, her heart thudding.

"That's a bummer. Tomorrow?"

Not some other time. Tomorrow.

She locked her phone and placed it on her work table. It would take some time for her heart rate to get back to normal.

And a long while for her to figure out how to refuse his hopeful suggestion.

𝄞

His muscles ached by the end of the physiotherapy session even though it was nothing compared to the gym regimen he followed. But that was when he was healthy and fuck-ups of the highest degree weren't part of his repertoire.

But the rehabilitation had started to show its effects. His physical capabilities had shown improvement. His stutter was not that evident anymore. It was still too slow for his liking. He was told he was being unreasonable with his expectations but they didn't know this was less of treatment and more of a hindrance.

He was in his wheelchair, looking through the window. The monotony of his days was jarring but he couldn't do much about it.

Yeah, his proclivity for destruction left his tendency to mend far behind.

He was immersed in his troubled thoughts when the chair next to him was occupied. He didn't have to look to know who it was.

Sabah had seen, the tension in his shoulders, his taut jaw, and his lack of eye contact. He was nervous. He had to be. She had just returned from Murree.

"Easy, Aahil."

Sabah unclenched his fists and pulled them close to her, kissing his fingers gently. His gaze at her was imploring. She caressed his forehead, missing the feel of his silky strands.

"Is she fine?"

He finally asked. Sabah sighed, gave him a sad smile, and shook her head.

"She's not fared better than you."

Aahil knew he'd hear this but still, he had a tiny hope that she wasn't wasting her time and energy on the mess he had created.

"Bohat nuqsan ho gya hai, Aahil."

He looked down, nodding his head. "I know, Mama."

"But we can't let it stay that way."

He refused to look at her. Sabah continued. "What's stopping you from doing anything about it?"

He took his time but then, slowly, faced her. "She doesn't want me to. And it's not like I can do much. Look at me. I'm useless."

His helplessness, the sheen of tears in his eyes, it all hit Sabah in the heart. The urge to protect him from everything was daunting but he had to deal with what he had destroyed with his bare hands. There were no excuses for it.

"This is not the Aahil I know."

"Maybe your idea of him was misleading. Maybe he was always a fucker who deserves what has been dished out to him."

Sabah ignored his self-loathing. "Are you saying I don't know my son? That's not the best thing to say to a mother, Aahil Jahangir."

He chuckled humorlessly. Sabah cupped his face and made him look at her. "The Aahil I know will never disregard someone's boundaries but will always know how to make up to them. I need that Aahil back. And need his return, especially for my daughter-in-law. This defeated man isn't who she deserves. She deserves the Aahil who will do everything in his wake to let her know what she means to him."

"But...I've been so cruel to her, Mama. I've destroyed more than I afford."

"Then start from where the damage has been the most. Do something, Aahil. This isn't the time to sit down defeated when you haven't even fought your case yet."

She was right. Despite her refusal to hear from him, she deserved better than absolute silence from his end. And where was his effort in it all?

Heck, he hadn't even told her the words he hurled at her meant nothing. They were far from his truth.

When it came to his false angry proclamations, he was the loudest but now when she needed his truth declarations, he was practically mum. What had he even learned from his accident? Was the fickleness of life lost on him? Did humans have the kind of time at hand to make those who mean the absolute world to them wait?

Oh, Aahil.

𝄞

Ammi and Abu weren't subtle with their reactions after Faseeh and Sabah's visit. Where Ammi was subdued yet hopeful, Abu had accepted it with a grimace. Faseeh had apologized to them for the inconvenience caused but he had, in very clear words, told them that this was going to be Aahil and Sila's decision. They would not use their family card and interfere with that.

Sila was grateful for their mindfulness. She herself had lots to contemplate. Faseeh and Sabah's dealing with the situation, their trust in her, and Faseeh's offer to join Jahan Bhurbhan. That was all on her mind as she stirred her coffee. She was lost in the task at hand when her phone popped with a notification.

And that's when her nonchalance about her day ended.

She eyed the screen, her coffee forgotten. Naheed saw the shift with concern. "Puttar, is everything okay?"

Sila rubbed her sweaty palms against her jeans and nodded at her. "Yeah....Ammi, I'm going upstairs."

Mumbling the excuse, she hurriedly left and stopped only once she was inside her room.

She has got a text. From him.

Aahil (The Rich Husband): I'm going to call you at 5 o'clock sharp. You're free to ignore it. I deserve nothing more after you asked me to not contact you and agreed to it. But among all my flaws, not sticking to my word is probably the worst. I'm not proud of it. I just need to talk to you.

Aahil (The Rich Husband): I won't take long. 2 minutes top. Please, Sila.

His trademark style of texting. The infuriating endearment she had saved his number with. The floodgates of the fond memories burst open and left Sila staggering. She didn't know whether to cuss him out or block him completely.

The clock on her phone caught her eyes the next instant. 4:58 PM.

Just two minutes for her to decide.

But it might as well be two days and she'd still be as clueless as what to do with him and her treacherous heart.

4:59 PM.

Sila turned away from her phone as if that would solve this conundrum for her. She chewed her bottom lip. Her coffee was getting cold on the table but she paid it no mind.

5:00 PM.

She saw with baited breaths and the next moment, her phone flashed with his call. Sila bunched her fists by her side and let it ring.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

She closed her eyes, cursing God knows whom, herself the most, and picked it up. Some other day, she'd be a better person, stronger enough to not pay any heed to her heart but today wasn't that day.

"Sila."

Her name from his lips was such a foreign territory, even though once it had been her sweet homecoming. She opened her mouth, ready to cuss at him for doing this to her.

"This marriage was never ... a compromise for me, Sila."

Her outburst lodged in her throat. Not a word came out.

"It stopped being one the moment you gave me your hand on our Nikkah day. Don't believe Aahil from that night. Never on this."

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"None of it, my past, Zarrar's actions, whatever happened that night—absolutely nothing is your ...fault. Aahil from that night was a raging mess. How could you be responsible for something you were never involved in? It's on him. All on him."

Sila held the wall and sat down on the wooden floor. Her eyes were staring at her phone screen. He took a deep breath.

"I bloody well care. More than I'll ever be able to tell you. It matters to me. The most important thing in my life. You. Don't ever let Aahil from that night make you believe otherwise. What did he know anyway? He was out of it.

Sila's breath hitched. She knew what was coming. She shook her head, as tears profusely fell down.

"And...I...I love you, Sila."

She dropped her head in her palms. His voice broke. "It's a privilege to be the man you love. Aahil who told you otherwise was not lucky enough to have it. But nothing he said changes the fact. I love you, and I'm so sorry."

Sila glanced at her phone with her vision clouded by tears. He composed himself. "That's it. The 2 minutes are over."

Sila immediately looked at the clock. Yes, they were.

Was he going to hang up?

Was he—

"Bye, Sila. I've taken more of your time than I deserved, anyway. Take care of yourself. I just....I...Yeah."

And just like that, the call ended.

But Sila's tears didn't.

Just two minutes weren't enough, for the people who were irrevocably in love with each other, they never were.

Two minutes was a lot. For the people standing on the precipice of nothing, they definitely were.

And it was just their luck that they were a bit of both.

𝄞