Morning light slipped quietly into the room, brushing against the curtains in pale gold.
Roshaane woke first. For a moment, she stayed still, lost in the comfort of warmth around her. Then awareness settled in and her heart skipped.

She was close.

Very close.

Her face rested near Aarib’s, her cheek just inches from his chest, his arm still around her waist. His breathing was slow and even his face relaxed in sleep.

She didn’t panic.
She didn’t pull away.

Instead, a small, soft smile touched her lips.
This was real.

She lifted her head slightly, her eyes tracing his features, the calm lines of his face, the quiet strength in his closed eyes. Her hand rested gently over his chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath her palm.

And then, as if her touch had reached somewhere deeper, his lashes fluttered. Aarib woke up.

For a brief second, confusion crossed his eyes.
Then he realized how close she was.
Too close.

His heart jumped, but before he could move or think of stepping away, he met her gaze.

She was smiling.

Not shy.
Not nervous.
Just warm… and certain.

“Good morning,” she whispered, her voice soft but steady.

He didn’t answer right away. His arm stayed where it was, his body still, as if moving might break something fragile.

“I think,” she said quietly, still close, still looking at him, “I startled you, didn’t I?”
He watched her, silent, but she giggled.

“Did you pull me toward you, or I jumped on you?” she continued with giggles.

“Sorry?" That's all he could say at that moment.

She laughed, looking at his confused face. This girl was beyond his thinking. He never knew he would feel this amused in her company. Her hand rose to his face to touch his beard. 

"Seviyorum, Aarib,” she said simply. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Not because I expect anything… but because it’s the truth.”

His breath deepened.

"I'm startling you again early in the morning. I should move back." With giggling, she said, moving a bit back from his chest enough to lay on her pillow.

“Roshaane…” he murmured, her name leaving his lips like a warning, to himself.

"You were always like this or this is aftereffect of marrying me." He said, turning to her to face her, placed his hand under his cheek but eyes on her glowing face somewhere giving peace to his heart.

"Its aftereffect of marrying you. I never thought I would be this comfortable with you." She said with a smile.

"And its all because of you. That you accepted me in your life. Give me a reason to smile and looked at me as you wife forgetting your own pain, own lose. I'm sorry again." She said, her eyes all of sudden glistened.

"Its not like that." He said, tried to say something but couldn't.

"I've a question." She asked looking at him, her face ready to start a new chapter.

"Yes." He asked wanted to know what was going on, on her mind.

"What will be your reaction if Maliha aapi came in front of you again?" She asked making him numb, his mind stop thinking for a second on her question.

"I...don't know." He said and this time she could see his eyes going wet.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you again. I was just asking." She said to lightened his middle but he stayed quite.

"What you think will I do?" He asked her.

"You'll lost yourself in looking at her. That's I know for sure. As I know somewhere deep in your heart she's still there." She said while he kept his eyes on her who was younger than him in age but has the ability to read him, to know him from his heart.

"And you won't mind?" He asked, hoping for an answer.

A tear slipped from her right eye but a smile on her lips too. She looked at him as she wiped the tear.

"The Aarib she had is gone long ago. This Aarib is mine. And what I've with you, she couldn’t,  ever. So yes I won't mind you looking at her as I know I was the one hurting your heart and its not easy to forget the deep love you had once. I believe one day you'll be crazy for me. But it still has time. Let me help you to heal your pain, from your lost love and finding me." She said sitting up, rolling her hair into bun and turned her head to look at him with a smile.

"Now get up. I'm hungry." She said stepping down the bed while he straightened on bed, his mind tangled with past and present. With Maliha and Roshaane.

---------

Morning had fully settled into the house by the time they moved to the dining area.

The quiet of the early hours had softened, replaced by the gentle clink of cutlery and the low hum of the city outside. Parathas, eggs, tea, juice on table.

She cleared her throat.

“So,” she began, taking a bite and then leaning back slightly, “I’ve decided something.”

He looked up at her, lifting his cup. “That sounds dangerous.”

She smiled. “Very.”

He waited.
“We’re going out today,” she announced. “A proper day out. No restaurant inspections, no calls, no serious face.”

She didn’t wait for an answer.
“We’ll go shopping first. I need a few things. Then we’ll walk around the city, maybe near the old streets, you know, the ones with cafés and music. And then ice cream. Or coffee. Or both.”
She spoke faster, her hands moving as if already planning the route.

“And we can have lunch outside. Somewhere crowded. I want to feel normal. Like a couple living in the city, not hiding inside the house.”

Aarib watched her quietly.
She kept going.

“And if you get tired, I’ll still drag you along. You can complain, I’ll ignore you. Fair deal.”

He took another sip of tea, his lips curving slightly.

She noticed the smile and leaned forward. “You’re smiling. That means yes.”

He didn’t argue.
He just nodded once.
“Fine,” he said simply.

Her face lit up instantly. “Really?”

He nodded again. “Really.”

She clapped softly, barely able to sit still. “Best decision you’ve made today.”

He shook his head, amused, watching her excitement.

She went back to her breakfast, still talking about shops she wanted to visit, streets she wanted to see, things she wanted to try.

He didn’t interrupt.

He just listened.

And every now and then, he smiled and nodded, quietly agreeing to every plan she made, without realizing that he was already looking forward to the day, simply because it included her.

--------
The engine of Aarib’s cruiser bike roared softly as he brought it onto the road.

The black beauty gleamed under the pale winter sun, his favourite possession, the one he trusted the most.

Roshaane climbed on behind him, holding the seat for a second before settling. As the bike moved forward, cold air rushed past her face. She closed her eyes briefly, smiling as the wind brushed her cheeks, sharp yet refreshing.

The city moved around them, streets alive but calm, winter wrapping everything in a quiet charm.

“Where do you want to go first?” Aarib asked, his voice steady over the sound of the engine.

A sudden gust of wind made her shiver. Instinctively, she leaned forward and hid herself behind his broad shoulders, her arms wrapping around his waist. Her teeth chattered lightly; winter had grown harsher than she expected.

“Shouldn’t we buy a car?” she asked, her voice muffled against his back.

A small smile curved Aarib’s lips.

“As you say, ma’am,” he replied casually.

Without another word, he turned the bike toward the car showrooms.

She realized where they were only when he slowed down and parked in front of a large glass-fronted showroom.

Her eyes widened.
“I didn’t mean it now,” she said quickly as she stepped off the bike, looking at him almost nervously.

Aarib removed his helmet and looked at her.
She stood there wrapped in a long purple coat, a muffler snug around her neck. Her hair was loose, peeking out from beneath a woollen cap. The tip of her nose was red from the cold, making her look even softer.

“You’re not used to bikes,” he said calmly.

He stepped down, took off his gloves, and without thinking, held her hand as he started walking toward the showroom entrance.

Roshaane froze for a second.

Her gaze dropped to their joined hands.

His and Hers.
Warm. Steady.

Her fingers tightened slightly around his, as if afraid the moment might slip away.Inside, bright lights reflected off polished cars lined neatly in rows. Roshaane looked around, overwhelmed and amused at the same time.

Aarib turned to her.
“Which one should we buy?”

She blinked, then laughed softly. “You’re serious?”

He nodded. “Completely.”

She walked a few steps ahead, stopping near a white sedan. “This one looks right,” she said thoughtfully. “Not too big. Not too flashy. Comfortable… safe.”

He followed her, listening carefully as she spoke. She pointed out details, the interior, the color, the space. He watched her more than the car, the way her eyes lit up, the way she grew confident while explaining.

“You really notice details,. I must say your brother has taught you well about the cars.” he said.

“He loves cars.” she replied lightly. “You know him. How he is.” She said, love in her voice for her brother Aarham.

He smiled at that.

They moved through a few more options, but somehow kept coming back to the same one. The decision felt easy. Shared. Natural.

A salesman approached. Papers were brought. Questions were asked.

Aarib didn’t rush. He waited for her nod before signing.

When the final signature was done, he handed her the keys.
“You chose it,” he said. “You should have these.”

Her breath caught slightly as she took them.
When they stepped back outside, the cold air welcomed them again but it didn’t feel as sharp.

Roshaane looked at the parked car, then at him.
“We really bought it,” she said, disbelief mixed with joy.

“Yes,” he replied simply. “We did.”

"Shall we?" He asked passing the bike keys to salesman and took the car keys from Roshaane.  He unlocked tge car, waited fir her to sit. Smilingly, she sat inside.

"Your bike?" She asked.

"They'll delivered my bike till evening at home." He informed as he started the car.

"Where are we going now?" She asked when again he stopped the car in front of mall.

"You needed something right?" He asked and she nodded.

Both stepped ahead, roamed together in the mall.  She bought some dresses, gift for Zainab,  perfumes and some other girly things. When she found him startled by passing an Indian boutique.  His eyes stuck on a banarsi Saree. In Golden and parrot colour.

"Should I buy this?" Her voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Huh! No I was just..."His words couldn't complete but she opened the door of the boutique to buy it.

"Why are you buying this?" He asked almost in a whisper.

"I never wore saree. Let's see if I can be successful." She said with a smile and also bought two frocks and patiala suit.

"Enough or need something more?" He asked stepping ahead.

"Some jewellery." She said walked to a jewellery store and he just sighed.

As they shopped the jewellery, she walked toward the shoe stores,  to explore the heels suits with her dresses.

He didn't stop her, he kept paying the bills while she kept doing the shopping. "Anything else?" He asked.

"Your bank account is going to empty today ." She said, giggling.

"I'm a poor restaurant owner. Have mercy on me." He said making her laugh.

Not today.” She said with a smile.

They finally sat in the food court with coffee and brownies, biscuits. She looked around happily while he replied to Hikmat’s messages.

Then she coughed.
Once.

Twice.

Her face reddened. She scratched her neck, then her arms. Aarib looked up sharply.

“What happened?” he asked, concerned.

Her cough didn’t stop.

It grew harsher, deeper, as if something was tightening inside her chest. She lifted her hand to her throat, eyes suddenly unfocused. The color drained from her face.

Aarib’s phone slipped back onto the table as he leaned toward her.

“Roshaane?”

She swallowed hard, her breathing uneven now. Her fingers trembled as she scratched at her neck, then her arms, as if the itching was spreading too fast to control.

Her eyes turned red, filling with tears.

“W-was there… peanut… in them?” she asked between coughs, her voice weak, her head feeling unbearably heavy.

His heart slammed against his ribs.

“What?” He looked down at the plate, realization hitting him like a blow. “They’re peanut biscuits,” he said, horror creeping into his voice.

He grabbed her hand, rubbing it instinctively, but her skin already looked irritated, red patches spreading.

“Are you allergic to peanuts?” he asked urgently.

She nodded faintly, another cough wracking her body.

“Yes…” she whispered. “Badly…”

Her breaths grew shallow, labored. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she struggled to inhale properly.

Aarib felt panic claw through him.

“What should I do?” he asked helplessly, his voice breaking as he searched her face. “Roshaane, look at me. Please...”

Her eyes fluttered.

“No… Aarib… I..” Her words faded as her head fell back slightly, her body going limp.

“Roshaane!” he shouted.

He didn’t think.
Didn’t hesitate.

In one swift movement, he lifted her into his arms. Her body was frighteningly light, her head falling against his shoulder. With his other hand, he grabbed the shopping bags from the chair and rushed out of the food court, ignoring the startled looks around him.

Cold air hit his face as he reached the parking area.
His car.

He unlocked it with trembling hands, carefully placing her in the passenger seat, adjusting her head, checking her breathing again.

“Stay with me,” he whispered desperately. “Please stay with me.”

He slammed the door shut, threw himself into the driver’s seat, and started the car. The engine roared as he sped toward the hospital, every second feeling like a lifetime.

His hands gripped the steering wheel tight.
Fear sat heavy in his chest.
He had never been this scared before.
Not of danger.
Not of loss.
But of losing her.

-------

The hospital entrance came into view far too slowly for Aarib. He parked the car carelessly, barely shutting the door before rushing around to her side. Calling for help, his voice sharp with panic, he lifted her again into his arms.

“Emergency,” he said, breathless. “She’s having a severe allergic reaction. She’s unconscious.”

The staff reacted instantly.

A stretcher was brought. She was placed on it gently, oxygen mask fitted over her face. Aarib walked beside them, his hand never leaving hers as they rushed through the corridor.

Her skin was pale now. Red patches still marked her neck and arms. Her chest rose unevenly under the mask.

“Please,” he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. “Please be okay.”

Doctors surrounded her in the emergency room. One of them turned to him.

“Is she allergic to peanuts?” the doctor asked quickly.

“Yes,” Aarib replied, his voice tight. “She ate peanut biscuits by mistake.”

They nodded and moved fast. An injection was administered. IV line attached. Monitors began their steady beeping.

“Wait outside,” a nurse said gently but firmly.

Reluctantly, he stepped back.The doors closed.
Aarib stood frozen in the corridor, staring at the closed door as if he alone could protect her. His hands were shaking. His hand ran through his hair, breathing heavily, trying to steady himself.
Minutes felt like hours.

He paced. Stopped. Sat down. Stood again.
His eyes kept drifting to the door, his heart thudding painfully in his chest.

“This is my fault,” he muttered under his breath. “I should have asked… I should have known.”

He leaned against the wall, eyes closing for a brief second as guilt washed over him.Finally, the door opened.A doctor stepped out.

“She’s stable now,” the doctor said. “It was a strong reaction, but you brought her in time. We’ve given her medication. She’ll regain consciousness soon.”

Aarib exhaled shakily, relief crashing over him so suddenly his knees almost gave way.

“Can I see her?”

The doctor nodded. “Just for a few minutes.”

He entered the room quietly.

Roshaane lay on the bed, oxygen mask removed now, IV still attached. Her face looked tired, pale, but peaceful. The redness on her skin had faded slightly.

Aarib moved to her side and sat down, carefully taking her hand in his.

“I’m here,” he whispered. “You’re safe.”

A few moments passed.Then her lashes fluttered.Slowly, her eyes opened.She looked around in confusion, then her gaze settled on him.

“Aarib…” she murmured weakly.

He leaned forward instantly. “I’m here. Don’t talk. Just rest.”

She swallowed, her throat dry. “Hospital?”

“Yes,” he said softly. “You had an allergy attack. You scared me.”

Her brows furrowed slightly as memory returned. “The biscuits…”

“I know,” he said quickly. “It’s my fault. I didn’t ask.”

She shook her head faintly. “Not your fault.”

Her fingers tightened weakly around his hand.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I ruined the day.”
His eyes stung.

“You’re more important than any day,” he said firmly. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

She looked at him then really looked at him.
There was worry in his eyes.
Fear.
And something deeper.
A small, tired smile curved her lips.

“You care,” she whispered.

He didn’t deny it.
He just held her hand a little tighter and stayed right there, watching her breathe, silently promising himself that he would never let anything happen to her again.

------
A/N:: Assalam-o-Alaikum, dear readers!

Finally, I’m back with the update of Fated Roads. How are you all? I know I made you wait for quite a long time, and I’m truly sorry for that.

Sometimes I get stuck while writing like my mind just refuses to move forward at a certain point. This chapter was one of those phases. I actually wrote it three weeks ago, but I couldn’t find the right ending, nor could I gather the energy to edit it. It honestly took a lot of effort to bring myself back to it.

But Alhamdulillah, I finally did. I pushed myself, rewrote parts, and managed to gather almost 3000 words to present this chapter to you.

I really hope you enjoyed reading it. However, I’m once again stuck in this hospital phase and I’m not sure how to smoothly lead the story back to the main plot.

I would truly love your suggestions  where do you think the story should head next?

I’ll be waiting for your comments and votes. And please don’t forget to share my story with others.

With love,

Your Author,
Kiran Hafeez