The soft hum of activity filled the house, a melody of comfort and life that had come to define their days together. The smell of fresh-baked cookies wafted from the kitchen, where Zara and Mina were busy "helping" the house staff with their small aprons askew. Naira sat in the living room, her notebook open as she worked on a translation exercise, the quiet sound of her pen scratching against the paper filling the air.

Ahad walked in, his tall frame casting a shadow over her for a moment before he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. She looked up, her lips curving into a smile.

"You're back early," she said softly, setting her pen down.

"I wanted to check on you," he replied, settling into the seat beside her. "And the girls."

She studied him for a moment, her gaze tracing the faint scar near his jawline. It was a mark he had explained to her weeks ago, a result of his first failed rescue attempt many years before. The memory had been hard for him to share, but it had brought them closer, giving her a deeper understanding of the man who now sat beside her.

"Everything okay?" she asked, resting her hand on his.

He nodded, though his expression was thoughtful. "I tied up the last of the loose ends today."

Naira's heart clenched slightly. She knew exactly what he was referring to but had chosen not to ask. From the moment they'd begun to share their pasts with each other, she had made one thing clear-she didn't want to revisit the people who had caused her pain.

"I told you I didn't need that," she said softly, though there was no accusation in her tone.

"I know," he said, his voice low. "But I needed it. For you. For the girls."

Her fingers tightened around his, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "What did you do?"

"I ensured they can't hurt anyone else," he said simply, his words carrying a weight she didn't need to question. "And I made sure your name won't ever come up in any investigation connected to them. It's done, Naira. You're free from them."

She exhaled slowly, the knot in her chest loosening. "Thank you," she murmured, closing her eyes for a moment.

His arm came around her, pulling her closer. "I know you didn't want to deal with it, but I couldn't let it go. Not after everything you've been through."

She tilted her head to look up at him, her gaze soft. "And what about you? Are you free from your past?"

He was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled faintly. "I think I am. Thanks to you."

That evening, after Zara and Mina were tucked into bed, Naira and Ahad sat together on the patio, the cool night air brushing against their skin. A soft breeze carried the scent of jasmine, mingling with the warmth of the tea in their hands.

"I never thought life could be like this," Naira admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Like what?" Ahad asked, his tone equally soft.

"Peaceful. Safe. Full of love." She glanced at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "You gave me that."

He reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You gave it to me too, Naira. Don't forget that."

She leaned against him, her hand resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

"Do you ever think about the scar?" she asked suddenly, her fingers tracing the faint line near his jaw.

"Sometimes," he admitted. "But it doesn't bother me anymore. It reminds me of why I started doing what I do. And now, it reminds me of how far I've come."

"With us?"

"With us," he confirmed, his lips brushing against her hair.

Epilogue

Two years later

The garden was alive with laughter and activity. Zara and Mina chased each other around the freshly mowed grass, their giggles echoing through the air. A small picnic was laid out under the shade of a large tree, complete with sandwiches, fruit, and a cake that Mina had proudly declared she "helped" bake.

Naira sat on a blanket, her laptop set aside as she watched the girls. She was smiling, her face glowing with happiness that had become a permanent part of her.

Ahad walked over, holding a bouquet of handmade flowers in soft lavender and white. He crouched beside her, offering them with a faint smirk.

"Another one for your collection," he said.

She laughed, taking the bouquet and brushing a kiss against his cheek. "You're spoiling me, Khan."

"That's the plan," he replied smoothly, sitting down beside her.

Zara and Mina ran over, their faces flushed from running.

"Baba, Baba! Can we have the cake now?" Zara asked, tugging at his sleeve.

"Please!" Mina chimed in, her wide eyes pleading.

Ahad sighed dramatically. "Fine. But only because you asked so nicely."

The girls cheered, diving toward the cake as Naira and Ahad exchanged amused glances.

"You've created little monsters," she teased.

"They get it from you," he shot back, his voice warm.

Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Naira leaned against Ahad under the tree. Zara and Mina had fallen asleep in the grass, their small bodies curled up under a soft blanket.

"Do you ever wonder what's next?" Naira asked softly, her hand laced with his.

He glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "I don't need to wonder. As long as I have you and the girls, that's enough."

Her throat tightened at his words, and she rested her head against his shoulder. "You've given us everything, Ahad. A home, love, a future... I don't know how I'll ever thank you."

"You already have," he said, his voice steady. "Every time you smile. Every time you let me in. That's all I need."

As the stars began to twinkle overhead, the family sat together in the quiet, wrapped in the kind of peace they had fought so hard to achieve.

And for the first time in years, Naira felt whole.