8 - Stab at Almeer's sanity.

I'm posting this chapter hopefully anticipating that you guys will be a little supportive and responsive.

*:..｡o○ ONE YEAR LATER ○o｡..:*

A year had passed since Aynoor joined the Khan family. Little by little, everyone got used to her lively chatter filling the house. It felt like she brought an extra dose of joy to their home. Dilawer Khan, especially, began treating Aynoor like she was his very own daughter, especially after a particular event. Khanum, too, showered Aynoor with love and care, treating her as if she were her own child. Yazdaan, on the other hand, proudly proclaimed Aynoor as his best friend, and the two of them were often seen causing a ruckus around the house, always up to some mischief.

Zoya, however, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the attention Aynoor received from the Khan family. It seemed like she was getting more love than Zoya herself. However, after Zoya gave birth to a baby boy, her focus shifted towards her newborn, and she didn't pay as much attention to Aynoor anymore. Nevertheless, Almeer remained a stalwart protector for Aynoor, always ready to defend her from any harm.

Almeer Khan Aafandi, in particular, became deeply involved in Aynoor's life. It was as if she had become an indispensable part of his daily routine. He took care of her every need, and though he rarely admitted it, he was deeply attached to her. Conversely, Aynoor found herself drawn to Almeer's constant presence, finding solace and security in his companionship.

Almeer once had to go on an important trip, even though Aynoor pleaded with him not to leave. But just two days into his week-long journey, he got a call from Khanum. She told him Aynoor was really sick, her fever so high she fainted from crying too much. Almeer hurried back right away. Since that day, he changed his routine. He makes sure to finish all his important tasks during the day. Before, Almeer used to have sleepovers with his friends at least once a week, but now, he stays home every single night.

»»---->

"Phir shuru hogyi tum?" Almeer placed his hands on his waist, looking at Aynoor with a mixture of amusement and exasperation as she lay on the floor, whining.

"Khan!!!!!!!!! Please naaaaa..." Aynoor's plea filled the room, her tone a blend of desperation and playful annoyance. Almeer couldn't help but chuckle at her antics, finding her antics endearing despite the inconvenience they sometimes caused.

Almeer was dressed in a white Kameez shalwar, with a grey shawl draped over his shoulders. Over the past year, he had noticeably grown taller and broader, his stature commanding attention wherever he went. Despite these changes, his mesmerizing electric blue eyes remained unchanged, drawing people in with their captivating allure.

"Noori, kabhi toh tum aise zidd nahi karti, toh aaj kyu?" Almeer queried, gently pulling Aynoor up by her shoulders and guiding her towards the washroom. He couldn't help but wonder why Aynoor was being particularly stubborn that day, especially when she was usually more agreeable.

"Mera mann nahi hai aaj school jaane ka." Aynoor pouted, her gaze fixed on Almeer as she leaned against him while he led her away. Despite her protests, there was a hint of mischief in her eyes, suggesting that she was enjoying the attention she was receiving.

"Toh kya mann hai aapka, Mohtarma?" Almeer teased playfully, lifting Aynoor effortlessly and placing her on the sink while he prepared her toothbrush. He couldn't help but admire her adorable antics, finding himself drawn to her infectious energy.

"Aapke saath ghoomne ka." Aynoor replied with a cute smile, reaching for the toothbrush as Almeer applied toothpaste to it. Despite her reluctance to go to school, the prospect of spending time with Almeer brought a bright smile to her face, reminding him of the special bond they shared.

"Haan, toh thik hai na, mai tumhe aate hue lejaau ga," Almeer said with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting genuine affection as he gently unraveled the knots in Aynoor's hair.

"Khan! Mai bol rahi hu na aapse! Nahi jaana mujhe!" Aynoor's protest was fervent, her words slightly muffled by the foam from the toothpaste in her mouth. Despite her resistance, Almeer couldn't help but find her endearing. Her playful whining served as a reminder of the deep trust she had in him, a bond he cherished dearly.

"Nahi," Almeer's response was firm yet gentle, causing Aynoor to pause her protests. She understood that if Almeer denied her request, it was for a good reason. So, she chose to acquiesce quietly, offering a nod of acceptance.

"Ye hui na baat," Almeer's tone softened with affection as he carefully secured Aynoor's hair, ensuring it stayed in place throughout the day. His actions were tender, a reflection of the love and care he held for her.

"Mera mann nahi jaane ka, lekin aap k liye jaa rahi hu," Aynoor's words were tinged with reluctance, her pout evident as she expressed her inner conflict. Almeer responded with a gentle gesture, affectionately booping her nose, a silent reassurance of his love and understanding..

»»---->

Almeer Khan's G-wagon came to a halt near the graveyard, the somber weather matching the heaviness in his heart. Despite it being a school day, Almeer had made the decision to skip classes just to be here. As he glanced at the car parked in front of his own, he suspected it belonged to Dilawer Khan, but before he could confirm, the vehicle sped away, leaving him alone in the silence of the cemetery.

"Wo yaha kyu aayengy?" Almeer muttered to himself, a frown creasing his brow as he tried to make sense of the unexpected visit. Shaking his head to dispel his thoughts, he stepped out of his car, his footsteps echoing softly against the solemn surroundings.

Opening the passenger door, Almeer retrieved a basket filled with fresh flowers, a customary offering for his weekly visit to the graveyard. Today held a special significance, marking the first anniversary of their passing. However, as he approached their gravesite, Almeer's heart skipped a beat at the sight before him – fresh red flowers adorning their resting place.

Surprised and touched by the unexpected gesture, Almeer couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. Who could have left these flowers, and why? With a sense of reverence, he knelt down beside the graves, his mind swirling with questions yet his heart filled with the mysterious tribute.

He settled on the ground, gently scattering the fresh flowers he had brought onto the earth. Leaning back, Almeer allowed himself to sink into the soil, feeling its cool embrace beneath him. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, letting the earthy scent wash over him, grounding him in the moment.

"Aynoor ko bata nahi paya mai," Almeer murmured softly to the mound of dirt before him, his voice heavy with regret. He brought a hand to his face in frustration, then lifted his gaze to the sky above, feeling the sting of tears threatening to spill from his eyes. Adjusting his shawl on his shoulders, he clenched a fistful of mud in his hand.

"Darr jaata hu..." a tear escaped despite his efforts to hold them back. Harshly wiping his eyes, he managed a sad smile, his heart heavy with a mixture of emotions.

"Wo toot jaayegi, mai ye nahi seh paauga. I'm sorry," Almeer whispered softly, his voice trembling with emotion. Despite his best intentions, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities and the fear of letting Aynoor down.

"Aap chale gaye hai lekin Aynoor.... mai uska puura khayal rakhta hu, uski har khwahish puuri karta hu, wo mujhe bohat azeez hai," he continued, his gaze fixed on the mud in his hands. Despite the ache in his heart, Almeer found solace in the knowledge that he was doing everything he could to honor the memory of those who had departed, while also fulfilling his duties towards Aynoor, whom he held dearer than anything else in the world. His electric blue eyes glistened with unshed tears, the pain and love resided within his soul.

»»————>

Aynoor and Yazdaan lounged in the playground, taking advantage of their P.E. class to soak up the sun. Yazdaan retrieved two candy bars from his pocket and offered one to Aynoor.

"Tum football nahi khelte?" Aynoor inquired, her eyes gleaming with admiration as she watched the boys engaged in a game of football. She held a special place in Yazdaan's heart, and her admiration meant something to him.

"Nahi, mai basketball khelta hu," he replied, returning her gaze with a fond smile.

"Toh jaake khelo na!!" Aynoor encouraged him, nudging him playfully. However, Yazdaan responded with a disapproving look.

"Mera man nahi kar raha. Aur mere uthne ki derr hai, aur ye saare k saare mendak tumhare aas pass tarr tarr karne lag jaayenge," Yazdaan explained, gesturing towards the boys who were casting admiring glances in Aynoor's direction. Such behavior was to be expected from teenagers, especially with someone as cute as Aynoor around.

Before Aynoor could inquire further about Yazdaan's remark, a cute girl with brown hair and green eyes approached them, diverting their attention.

"Hi!!" she exclaimed, her gaze shifting between both Aynoor and Yazdaan. Aynoor greeted her with a warm smile, but Yazdaan eyed her with a hint of suspicion. He wasn't accustomed to making female friends and felt uneasy about the newcomer.

"Helloo!!!" Aynoor responded cheerfully, her enthusiasm evident as she welcomed the girl. Seizing the opportunity, the girl squeezed herself in between Aynoor and Yazdaan, completely disregarding Yazdaan's presence.

"I'm Kiara, mai abhi abhi yaha shift hui hu," the green-eyed girl introduced herself, extending her hand towards Aynoor and Yazdaan, her cheerful demeanor not faltering despite Yazdaan's apparent discomfort.

"Mai Aynoor hu, aur ye Yazdaan hai," Aynoor introduced, shaking Kiara's hand with a friendly smile. Yazdaan observed the exchange, feeling an inexplicable irritation towards Kiara, though he couldn't pinpoint the reason why.

"Ye iski shakal bachpan se he aisi he hai ya koi naya naya haadsa hua hai??" Kiara inquired, pointing towards Yazdaan with a playful grin.

Aynoor snorted at the remark, glancing at Yazdaan before leaning in to whisper to Kiara, "Aisa hai toh nahi. School mai he koi virus lag jaata hai is daaku ko."

Kiara struggled to contain her laughter, shooting Yazdaan a mischievous smile. Both Yazdaan and Kiara were thirteen, on the cusp of their teenage years, while Aynoor was twelve. However, for Kiara, Yazdaan held a special significance – he was her first crush. It had happened the moment she laid eyes on him at school, and from that moment on, he had become the source of her infatuation.

Kiara was not the shy type; she exuded boldness and a zest for life, unafraid to pursue her dreams and passions.

"Kya??" yazdaan asked her with a snark because she was looking at him non stop. Despite Yazdaan's snarky remark about her persistent gaze, Kiara remained unfazed.

"Kuch nahi," she replied casually, diverting her attention to Aynoor, who was engrossed in watching the football players nearby. Suddenly, a senior player struck the ball with tremendous force, sending it hurtling in their direction. Before they could react, the ball collided with Aynoor's head, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Her head made contact with a nearby rock, and blood began to pool around her unconscious form.

»»————>

Almeer returned home to find Guley waiting for him in the kitchen. As soon as she spotted him, she rushed over with a warm smile.

"Khan baba, aap k liye khana laga du," she offered, gesturing towards the food laid out on the dining table. However, Almeer shook his head, his demeanor curt as he declined the offer.

"Nahi, mujhe nahi khana," he replied tersely, his bloodshot eyes betraying a sense of unease that gnawed at him.

"Ji, behtar," Guley responded obediently, understanding his mood. As Almeer made his way towards his room, Guley stopped him with a gentle reminder.

"Chote khan, aap ko Khanum bibi ne bulaya hai," she informed him. Almeer simply nodded in acknowledgment before continuing on his way.

Almeer took a moment to steady his racing heart before approaching his mother's room. He gently knocked on the door, and upon hearing her response, he entered. There she was, engrossed in her prayers, holding the vermillion in her hands. Almeer's heart warmed at the sight of his mother, her loving gaze meeting his as he entered.

"Asalamualikum maa," Almeer greeted her warmly, and she reciprocated with equal affection. "Walikum asalam, bache. Yaha aayein," she invited him, motioning for him to sit beside her on the bed. Almeer complied, settling down gracefully at her side.

Khanum tenderly caressed his face, concern evident in her eyes as she asked, "Kaha thy aap bache? Subah k gaye hue hain." Almeer hesitated, not wanting to burden his mother with his troubles. However, he knew she could sense his unease, her maternal intuition cutting through his defenses.

"Wahi gaye thy na? Kab tak chupaogay uss se?" Khanum's words pierced through Almeer's heart, her pain reflecting his own. Despite his reluctance to share, he knew he couldn't keep his struggles hidden from his mother, who saw through him with such clarity and compassion.

"Jab wo sach sunne aur samajhne layak ho jaayegi," Almeer uttered with pain evident in his voice, his hands running through his hair in frustration.

"Mai aapko samajhti hu, chote Khan. Lekin aap usey samajhdaar hone nahi de rahey," Khanum gently chided him, her words hitting Almeer like a harsh reality check. Deep down, he knew she was right. He had been shielding Aynoor from the harsh truths of life, unwilling to accept that she was growing up. Almeer had showered her with love and indulgence, not ready to let go of the innocence and purity she embodied. But reality couldn't be kept at bay forever; sooner or later, time would catch up with them.

"Mere rokne se waqt rukega nahi, ek na ek din waqt aa he jaayega," Almeer acknowledged, his gaze meeting his mother's with a mixture of fear and resignation. Khanum could sense the turmoil raging within her son, and it unsettled her deeply.

"Chote Khan?" Khanum whispered softly, reaching out to him, but Almeer simply sighed in response.

"Maa please...." Almeer's plea was a desperate attempt to avoid confronting the questions and fears he wasn't yet ready to confront.

"Kyu uski kar zidd puuri karte hai aap??" Khanum questioned, disregarding Almeer's protests as she sought answers.

Almeer sighed, his gaze meeting his mother's with a mixture of vulnerability and uncertainty. "Darr lagta hai maa, kabhi wo naraaz hojaye aur wapis jaane ki zidd kare toh mai kya karu ga?? Kaha jaaunga mai?" he confessed, his voice tinged with a sense of helplessness and fear.

Hearing her son's response, Khanum couldn't help but shiver, realizing the depth of Almeer's worries. Despite her concern, all she could offer was a sad smile as she gently placed her hand on his head, a silent gesture of comfort and reassurance.

Just then, Almeer's ringtone shattered the tense atmosphere, interrupting their conversation. He reached for his phone, his brows furrowing in confusion as he glanced at the unknown number flashing on the screen. With a hesitant swipe, he accepted the call and brought the phone to his ear.

"Hello?" Almeer greeted, his tone laced with confusion, as a feminine voice responded from the other end.

"Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Almeer Khan??" The voice on the other end inquired, prompting Almeer to nod in confirmation before replying, "Yes."

"Sir, I am contacting you from the City Hospital and.................." The words hung in the air, and Almeer's heart clenched in dread as the phone slipped from his trembling hand, his whole world crashing down at the ominous silence that followed.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

Short chapter, I know.

Also, I'm not well so I'll try my best to post but somehow if I don't make it on time, I expect understanding❤🌻🤝

Thank you for reading🏷