"In the end, her happiness was just a cruel reminder that she was never enough, no matter how hard she tried."

Happy reading....

Naim returned to the jewelry section with a brisk stride, his phone now tucked away in his pocket. He immediately noticed Shaziya’s pale face and the way her hands were clasped tightly together. Concern flickered in his eyes as he approached her.

"Why do you look so startled?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Shaziya hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering to the spot where the unsettling incident had taken place.

She took a deep breath and recounted the ordeal with as much calm as she could muster. "While you were on the call, a man tried to approach me in a very inappropriate manner. Fortunately, another young man intervened and took care of the situation."

Naim’s expression darkened with concern and guilt. "I’m so sorry, Shaziya. If I hadn’t left you alone, this wouldn’t have happened."

Shaziya shook her head, trying to reassure him. "It’s not your fault, Naim. You can’t be with me every moment. I’m an adult, and I need to handle situations like these on my own."

Naim nodded, appreciating her understanding. "Still, I feel responsible. If you’re up for it, would you like to get something to eat? We can grab a bite before heading home."

Shaziya shook her head gently. "I’m not really in the mood right now. Maybe another time."

Naim’s brows furrowed slightly. "Alright. There’s something else, though. My mother would like to speak with you in person if you don’t mind."

Shaziya looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Naim took a deep breath, trying to ease her concerns. "My mother wants to meet with you to discuss a few things. I can take you to our home if you're comfortable with that. I’ll get your mother’s permission first."

Shaziya’s eyes widened in surprise. "I wasn’t informed about this beforehand. I’m not sure."

Understanding her hesitation, Naim nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Let me call your mother and explain the situation. If she agrees, would you be okay with coming to my home?"

Shaziya thought for a moment, her mind weighing the options. "Okay, if my mother permits me, I’ll go. But I need to speak with her first."

Naim pulled out his phone and dialed Shaziya’s mother. After a brief conversation, he turned back to Shaziya with a reassuring smile. "I spoke with your mother. She’s given her permission for us to go to my home. If you’re still comfortable, we can head over whenever you’re ready."

Shaziya nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "Alright, let’s go then. I’ll just let my mother know."

Naim escorted Shaziya to a quiet corner of the mall where she made a quick call to her mother. Hoor, though initially surprised, gave her blessing, understanding the importance of this meeting.

When Shaziya ended the call, she turned to Naim. "My mother said it’s fine. Let’s go."

With a reassuring nod, Naim guided Shaziya out of the mall and towards his car. As they drove, Shaziya couldn’t shake off the anxiety mingling with anticipation. She wondered what awaited her at Naim’s home and how the conversation with his mother would unfold. Yet, a small part of her felt hopeful, holding onto the idea that perhaps this unexpected turn could bring new possibilities and understanding into her life.

-------

As Naim’s car pulled up to the grand entrance of his home, Shaziya’s eyes widened in awe at the opulence before her. The house was a testament to wealth, with its manicured lawns and elegant façade.

But as they approached the entrance, a commotion shattered the calm.

Shaziya’s heart raced as she saw a group of people standing outside, visibly distressed.

A young woman, her face contorted with frustration, faced Naim’s mother. beside her, a young man tried to intervene, his body language showing evident agitation. Naim’s mother, Gulshan, her face set in a stern line, seemed to be at the center of the argument.

Shaziya’s steps faltered, a sinking feeling in her stomach as she strained to hear the conversation.

“How could you let your son marry another girl while his first wife is still alive?” the young woman’s voice rang out, laden with distress.

Shaziya’s heart dropped, her breath catching in her throat. She turned to Naim, who stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the young woman’s back. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by a look of deep discomfort.

Gulshan responded sharply, her tone resolute, “You are dead to him. Do not interfere in his life again.”

The young man, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his voice firm and authoritative. “Chachi, what you are doing is wrong. How can you play with your own son's life like this?”

Gulshan's face hardened. “I am not doing anything wrong. It’s been incredibly difficult for him to move on from Fariya. Now that he likes someone else, regardless of her skin color, age and looks, you should support him as an older brother.”

Shaziya’s heart pained as she heard the words. The comment about Naim’s new interest being “not good-looking” felt like a knife twisting in her chest. She had hoped, even dared to believe, that she might find acceptance and love despite her insecurities. But fate seemed to mock her hopes.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she glanced at Naim. His focus was solely on the young woman, who was now the center of his attention.

He hurried toward her, calling out, “Fariya!”

Shaziya’s world seemed to collapse as she heard Naim’s voice. The realization that her presence was ignored in favor of his previous love was painful. She felt the weight of her own perceived flaws and failures pressing heavily upon her.

As she struggled to hold back her tears, the young man turned towards the scene. His face was a mix of anger and resolve, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of justice. Recognizing him, Shaziya’s heart skipped a beat. It was the same man who had intervened at the mall.

The young man’s eyes locked onto Gulshan. “You are nobody to comment on others’ looks. Almighty Allah does not forgive those who look down on others,” he said, his voice firm.

"You are ruining an innocent girl's life by hiding all these important things of your son's life from her and her family. This is so wrong chachi.", he said clearly furious at her and his cousin.

Naim’s attention was momentarily diverted by his cousin’s words. As he turned to face him, Shaziya saw a glimmer of acknowledgment in his eyes. The man’s words had struck a chord, and Naim seemed to be processing the gravity of the situation.

Shaziya took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. She turned away from the chaos, feeling utterly disheartened. Her emotions were a tumultuous mix of sadness, disappointment, and resignation. The hope she had held onto seemed to crumble in the face of harsh reality.

Gulshan, noticing Shaziya’s distress, glanced at her with a fleeting expression of regret. She seemed to realize the impact of her words, but the damage was already done.

Fariya, seizing the moment, turned and slapped Naim. Grabbing his shirt, she demanded, “How could you move on so easily? How could you not try to find out if I was alive or not?”

Naim’s eyes watered as he stared down at her, speechless. He looked around, his gaze shifting to his mother with a mix of anger and frustration. It was clear that he felt caught between the pain of his past and the expectations of his present.

Shaziya, overwhelmed by the unfolding drama and the weight of her own heartache, could no longer bear the scene. She turned on her heel and walked away, ignoring Gulshan calls as she left.

The young man, understanding the gravity of the situation, immediately followed her. “Let me give you a ride,” he offered, concern etched on his face. Shaziya initially refused, but he persisted. “You’re not looking well. It’s not safe for you to be alone right now.”

Shaziya, feeling defeated and vulnerable, nodded. The young man guided her to his car, offering a comforting presence as they drove away from the tumultuous scene. As they left, Shaziya glanced back one last time, reflecting on the painful revelations and the small glimmer of hope that someone still cared.

*****

😢 I feel so bad for Shaziya.

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Who's fault is this? Gulshan or Naim?

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Allah Hafiz ✨