In the bustling atmosphere of the Khan family breakfast, laughter and conversation flowed freely. Ayaan and Abeer, blissfully unaware, were cradled in the arms of their mothers, sharing tender moments. Yet, amidst the apparent harmony, Rayyan keenly observed Maha's silent longing as her gaze lingered on the children.

Days had passed since the rift between them, and Rayyan had chosen silence, hoping it would awaken a realization within Maha. However, the unexpected consequence was the ache that resonated in her eyes when she thought no one was watching. The distance between them weighed heavily on Rayyan's heart, a palpable absence in the shared moments they once cherished.

It wasn't that he wanted to ignore her; love had tethered them, and he yearned for the rekindling of that connection. Yet, the hurt in Maha's eyes, the unspoken plea for understanding, tugged at his soul. The heartbreaking irony lay in the fact that the very act of withdrawal intended to mend had only deepened the fractures between them.

As the clatter of dishes and familial laughter surrounded them, Rayyan grappled with the silent agony of their unspoken turmoil, aching for the day when their shared glances would no longer be filled with unshed tears and the void between them would be bridged by a healing touch.

Maha keenly felt the weight of Rayyan's silent withdrawal, and the realization of her own role in their strained relationship pierced her heart. The hurt and anger simmered within her, intertwined with the ache of unfulfilled dreams.

Yet, in the midst of her own turmoil, a silent plea resonated within her: Could he not understand the depths of her yearning? She longed to be a mother, to revel in the laughter and joy of raising their children together. Her desire wasn't merely for any child but for Rayyan's children—her unspoken declaration of love etched in the fabric of her actions.

She grappled with the unspoken confession that danced on the fringes of her heart. Unable to articulate her feelings verbally, her actions whispered louder than words ever could. The ache in her eyes, the lingering gaze on other children, all painted a canvas of longing and love that she hoped Rayyan would decipher.

Amidst the clatter of family life, Maha yearned for a bridge between them, a connection that could transcend the unspoken and mend the rift between two souls entwined in the silent dance of unfulfilled desires and untold emotions.

Rehana Begum, while content with Hadia's happiness and grateful for Rayyan's presence in their lives, couldn't shake the growing concern for Maha and Rayyan's strained relationship. The sudden surge of baby fever in Maha wasn't inherently problematic, as she understood the natural yearning for motherhood.

Observing Maha's changing demeanor, Rehana noticed a stark shift in her daughter's behavior. The once amiable Maha now harbored a curt disposition, responding with snarky remarks and terse replies. The warmth that once defined her interactions was replaced by an uncharacteristic sharpness, evident even in her dealings with family.

Rehana, sensing an underlying turmoil, harbored hopes that Maha would realize Rayyan's absence and perhaps understand the silent plea in his withdrawal. Yet, the broader concern lingered in the air—the emotional distance that seemed to be growing within the family, casting a shadow over the once harmonious bonds they shared.
___________

As the family bustled with preparations for a close friend's son's wedding, Maha adorned herself in the solitude of her room. The air held a palpable tension, a silent testimony to the unspoken grievances between her and Rayyan.

He entered the room without a glance, a subtle yet piercing blow to Maha's fragile emotions. Oblivious to her gaze reflected in the mirror, he proceeded with his own preparations, choosing not to acknowledge her presence. The silence between them echoed louder than any spoken words, marking the painful distance that had taken root in their once-shared sanctuary.

For the first time in months, Maha felt the weight of Rayyan's indifference, a subtle hurt that manifested in the quiet moments of solitude. The impending celebration served as a backdrop to the dissonance within their relationship, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.

In the midst of the lively function, Maha found herself isolated in a corner, a quiet observer to the festivities. The whispers of relatives reached her ears, discussing her apparent change in demeanor. A woman, draped in a facade of concern, approached and settled beside her.

"Tum to Rehana ki sab se bari bahu ho na," she remarked, feigning surprise at Maha's subdued state. Maha nodded, sitting upright, unsure of how to respond to the unsolicited attention.

(You are rehana's eldest bahu right)

The woman continued with a venomous tone, "Dekho, Mashallah se kaise khush hai... tumhari devraniyan apne bacho ke sath. Or tumhe kuch nahi hai kya abhi tak?" The insinuation hung in the air, leaving Maha unsettled.

(Look your devranis are so happy, you dont have anything yet?)

"Nahi, woh... abhi nahi hai," Maha stammered, taken aback by the invasive inquiry. The woman gasped dramatically, turning the conversation into a weapon.

(No...no, not now)

"Haye, tumne ab tak bacha nahi jana... Mere Rayyan ki kya umar nikalne ka irada hai tumhara. Kis bat ki der hai tumhe?" The venom-filled words struck Maha, her eyes welling up with tears. The woman continued callously, "Nahi, aisa nahi hai—"

(You still dont have a baby? Do you wanna make my rayyan old? What are you waiting for?)

(No, its not like that)

"Ab roo to mat hi tum. Aisa kya kaha hai maine... Pata nahi aisa bhi kya dekha Rayyan ne tum mein... Jo sabke rishte mana karke usne tumse shadi ki. Bura mat manna, magar mujhe to tum banjh hi lagti ho."

(No dont cry, I have said nothing! I don't even know what he sees in you that he denied every other alliance, dont mind but I dont think you can conceive)

The heartless words pierced through Maha's soul, leaving her gasping for breath, tears streaming down her face. In a moment of vulnerability, the venomous judgment of others became a cruel reminder of the pain she carried within.

As the venomous words hung in the air, Maha anxiously scanned the crowd for Rayyan, yearning for his presence and support. To her relief, his voice cut through the tension like a lifeline.

"Aunty, I'm very thankful k apko meri personal and marital life mai itna interest hai lakin... Mai or meri biwi k kamre hai jo hota wo hum apne pass hi rakhna chahte hain," Rayyan's stern words echoed, his expression unyielding. The lady, flinching under his cold gaze, nervously laughed and tried to justify herself.

(What me and my wife does in our bedroom, we would like to keep it with us)

"Arey bache... Mai to bas aise hi," she stammered, attempting to downplay her intrusive comments. Rayyan, without a word, held Maha's hand and swiftly led her away, leaving the woman with nothing but his piercing glare as they retreated from the unwarranted scrutiny.

(Oh...I was just)

In that moment, Rayyan's protective stance became a shield against the heartless words, a silent declaration that their personal battles were meant to be fought within the sanctity of their own space. The warmth of his grasp provided a small sanctuary, a refuge from the judgmental eyes that sought to tarnish their private struggles.

He gently threw her inside the car and drove away, the car moved in a tense silence, each passing moment echoing the weight of unspoken words and raw emotions. Maha, her heart heavy with hurt and humiliation, struggled to hold back tears that threatened to betray her composure.

Rayyan, glancing at her from the corner of his eyes, remained stoic as he drove. The air in the car felt charged with an unspoken tension, a palpable reminder of the intrusion they had just faced. Finally, he pulled the car over to a quiet spot, the engine silenced. With a deep exhale, he leaned back on the seat, covering his eyes with one arm.

The car became a sanctuary of scared auras, the silence enveloping them in a shared vulnerability. Maha, fearing the fracture in their relationship, hesitated to break the silence, uncertain of what the next words might unravel in this fragile space.

Maha's gaze darted towards him, but she flinched as he abruptly struck the steering wheel. Rayyan, after a composed inhalation, questioned with intensity, "Maha, WHY ON EARTH WERE YOU LISTENING TO THAT WOMEN?" His voice crescendoed, and he gripped her chin delicately, coercing her to meet his gaze. "W-where was s-she wrong, R-rayyan? I cannot f-fulfill the role of a g-good w-wife or m-mother... I am an i-incomplete woman, Rayyan. she was right," Maha confessed, tears punctuating her words. In response, he regarded her with disbelief, a sardonic laugh escaping his lips.

In a moment charged with toe-curling anger, Rayyan exclaimed, "How can you have such a low opinion of yourself, Maha? I suggested waiting for Allah's wish to conceive, yet you disregarded that. Now, you're heeding the words of a peculiar woman, likely fueled by jealousy," his disbelief palpable. Maha, tears streaming down her face, shook her head in response.

"Tum-tumhe dusri...dusri shadi kar-karleni cha-chahiye—" her words were abruptly silenced as Rayyan forcefully pressed his lips onto hers, a turbulent kiss marked by a biting intensity that drew blood. She winced, a sharp hiss escaping her.

(You should re marry)

"Don't even think about it, Maha. I love you for who you are, not for a baby or your physique," he declared fervently. Overwhelmed, Maha gazed at him, tears flowing freely as she started to cry, her fists hitting his chest.

"I'm so bad, Rayyan...so bad... I failed to be the perfect wife for you... I'm sorry," she confessed amid hiccups. He embraced her tightly, soothing her with comforting pats on her back. Making her meet his gaze again, he tenderly kissed her, this time with a softness that aimed to heal the wounds inflicted by the earlier intensity.
________________

Breathing heavily, he pulled Maha onto his chest and placed a quilt over their naked forms. His chest rose and fell softly as she nestled her head against him, listening to his calm breathing. "Rayyan," she called out, and he hummed, kissing her bare shoulder.

"I have decided something," she stated. "We will wait and see when we will be blessed. I will not rush anymore. I've caused you and everyone else enough pain, but not anymore." Rayyan looked at her in surprise, then suddenly hovered over her, giving a gentle peck on her lips.

"That's right, meri jaan. We should wait. We have each other now. Let's love for now," he said, peppering her forehead, both eyes, cheeks, and finally, her lips. The kiss lingered for a few moments, making her blush. He smiled at her cuteness.

"Mujhe pata hi nhi chala... Kab itna sir charhaliya in sab baton ko... K ye hi bhul gai k har cheez allah k hathon mai hai... Un ki kari Hui par ungli uthane lagi.... Im so bad rayyan"

(I didn't even realize when I got so worked up about all these things, forgetting that everything is in Allah's hands. I started raising my finger at His creation, forgetting that everything is in His control. I feel so bad, Rayyan)

She said quietly, and Rayyan, without uttering a word, rose from the bed. He gently lifted her into his arms before heading to the washroom. "Let's shower... Then we will pray and ask Allah for His forgiveness, okay, baby?" She nodded in agreement.

After completing their prayers, they exchanged glances. Rayyan embraced Maha, expressing remorse. "Sorry... I ignored you." Maha shook her head, placing a gentle peck on his covered chest before closing her eyes. Finally, she felt a sense of peace being in his arms.