38.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of early morning light, the quiet hum of family voices filling the air. Anam sat in the center of the bed, her mind still reeling from the fragmented memories that refused to come together, but for now, she found solace in the presence of those who cared for her. Feras sat by her side, his hand lightly resting on hers, the warmth between them a stark contrast to the chill of uncertainty that had plagued her heart since she woke up.

Ahmed, moved toward her first, his face lined with both worry and affection. He was a man of few words. "How are you feeling, Anam?" he asked, his gaze softening as he took a seat beside her.

Anam offered him a small smile, though her eyes remained clouded with confusion. "I'm fine, Taya-abbu," she replied, her voice shaky but sincere. It was an answer that didn't fully convey her emotions, but it was enough to ease the concern in his eyes for now.

Just as the moment settled into an awkward silence, the door to the room creaked open, and a figure appeared in the doorway. It was Umul. The moment their eyes met, Umul broke down in tears, her body trembling as she rushed to Anam's side.

"I'm so sorry, Anam! I'm so sorry!" Umul's voice cracked with the weight of her guilt, and she collapsed into Anam's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Anam's brow furrowed in confusion. As Umul clung to her, Anam's soft voice spoke, unsure, "Who are you?"

Ayub, stepped forward, sensing the discomfort in the air. "Umul is your best friend, Anam Api. You two have known each other for years," she explained gently.

But Umul, still overwhelmed with guilt, barely seemed to hear Ayub's words. "It's all my fault! If only I had been there... maybe this wouldn't have happened to you," she cried, her hands trembling as she wiped her tears away, as if she could somehow erase the pain.

Anam, still grappling with her own pain, took Umul's hand and squeezed it, offering a sense of calm. "It's okay. Don't blame yourself. Whatever happened, it's not your fault," Anam said, her words gentle and healing in their simplicity.

With the heavy atmosphere beginning to lift, Pari, eager to change the subject and lighten the mood, piped up. "So, Taya-Abbu, what's the latest update with the wedding planning?" she asked, flashing a small smile at the room.

Ayan, who had been quietly observing from a corner of the room, seized the opportunity to jump in with one of his jokes.

The playful banter worked. Despite the heaviness in the air, a few chuckles erupted around the room. Even Ahmed, despite his seriousness, allowed himself a smile at his son's antics.

"We're doing Ayan's nikah in a week," Ahmed said with a nod, then turned toward Anam. "By then, you'll be feeling much better," he said with optimism, hoping that the passage of time would bring healing.

At the mention of Ayan's nikah, Ayub's chest tightened. A small, almost imperceptible pang of jealousy and longing stirred within her. She had always harbored a small crush on Ayan, a secret she'd never spoken aloud, not even to herself. But seeing him in the midst of all the wedding preparations, making jokes and being carefree, only made the feeling intensify. The ache was quiet, but it was real, and for a moment, it made her look away, her gaze falling to the window as she tried to conceal the rush of emotions that had nothing to do with the current conversation.

Ayan, oblivious to the effect he had on Ayub, leaned back casually, his usual unbothered expression in place. His gaze drifted out of the window, and it was clear that the mention of his nikah didn't faze him anymore.

But Anam, watching the subtle drama unfold between Ayub and Ayan, couldn't help but smile to herself. It was a small moment, but there was something undeniably entertaining about the way Ayub kept sneaking glances at Ayan while he remained completely unaware. It was like watching a silent play, a quiet dance between unspoken emotions, and Anam couldn't help but feel a surge of amusement.

As her eyes drifted back to Feras, she caught his gaze. His eyes were warm, watching her intently, and there was something unspoken between them... a connection that had grown stronger over the course of the evening. There was a spark in his eyes, a mixture of love and something else that made her heart flutter unexpectedly.

With a playful glint in her eye, Anam leaned in slightly, her voice low but teasing. "Aman bhai ke nikah ki planning start bhi hogyi, Feras Bhai?" she asked, her words deliberately mischievous, her lips curving into a sly smile. (Has the planning for Aman Bhai's Nikah already started, Feras Bhai?)

Feras froze, his expression immediately turning serious. "Anam..." he started, but the twinkle in her eyes made it impossible to stay angry.

He sighed, trying to maintain his composure, though the corners of his lips threatened to lift. "Yeh bhai bulana agar tumne band nahi kiya na, toh mujse bhura koi nahi ho ga," he said, his tone stern but laced with affection. His words held the weight of authority, but there was an undeniable warmth in his eyes. (If you don't stop calling me "Bhai," then no one will be worse than me!)

Anam looked down, pouting, though there was a mischievous spark still dancing in her eyes. "Thik hai, Feras sahab," she said, her tone playful. (Fine, Feras sahab)

Feras rolled his eyes, unable to contain the small chuckle that escaped him. "You're impossible," he muttered under his breath.

As he glanced around the room, he realized that it was these moments that made everything worth it. No matter how heavy the past had been, he knew they would get through it together. And in this small space, with Anam's laughter and lightness filling the air, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

.....

It was 11 AM, and the hospital room was quiet. The bustle of the morning had faded away, with the sounds of nurses' footsteps and distant conversations.

Anam lay in her bed, her eyes flickering between the clock and the window. The weight of the past everything still heavy on her shoulders, but the of Feras' presence by her side gave her a strange sense of peace.

Feras had been there with her since the night before, never leaving her side. Quietly ensuring she was taken care of, even when she resisted. Today, he had his work cut out for her; his phone pinged with messages from his secretary, but he ignored them for now. His attention was solely on Anam.

Anam shifted slightly, her face turning a little red as she gathered the courage to speak. "Feras..." she said, her voice almost shy. "I... I want to have a shower."

Feras immediately understood. "I'll call a nurse for you," he said gently, his voice calm but firm. He reached for the nurse's call button and pressed it, waiting for the response.

Anam nodded, but as soon as Feras left to call for help, she slowly made her way toward the bathroom, her steps a little unsteady.

The bathroom door clicked shut, and then, suddenly, the silence was broken by a loud scream. Feras' heart leaped in his chest, panic flooding his veins. He rushed toward the bathroom, his voice laced with concern. "Anam? What happened? Are you okay?"

He opened the door quickly, his eyes scanning the room until he saw Anam standing in front of the mirror, her hands on her hips. Her face was flushed with anger and disbelief, her gaze locked onto her reflection.

Anam's voice was tight with frustration as she spoke, "Look at me, Feras! Look at how... chubby I am!"

Feras froze, blinking in disbelief. His eyes softened as he quickly moved to her side, his tone now firm but filled with warmth. "Anam, you're completely fine, and beyond beautiful," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "This is nothing to get upset over. You've already lost so much weight in the past few months, and you're recovering. Agar tumne abhi thik tara khana khana shuru nahi kiya na, toh mujhse bhura koi nahi ho ga." (If you don't start eating properly from now on, you'll experience my wrath.)

Anam blinked up at him, her heart racing, still caught in her self-doubt and defiance, she quickly pulled away from him. "Ap se bhura koi hai bhi nahi," she muttered, more to herself than to him, her frustration still evident. (As, if.)

Feras raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something?"

Anam hesitated for a moment, then sighed, still feeling irritated but unable to stay angry at him for long. "Nothing," she said, avoiding his eyes. "Ap nahi samjhe the." (You won't understand)

Feras smiled softly, reaching for her hand and gently guiding her back from the bathroom. "I understand more than you think, Anam," he said, his voice low and sincere. "But you need to start taking care of yourself. You can't keep going like this."

Anam met his gaze, and for a moment, the tension between them eased. "Acha," she said quietly. "I'll try." (Okay)

Feras gave her a reassuring nod. "Good. I'll go and call the nurse."

.....

The nurse gently guided Anam out of the bathroom, her steps slow but steady as she adjusted to the weakness in her limbs. A towel rested lightly on her shoulders, and the fresh shower seemed to have washed away some of her frustration.

As she entered the room, her eyes landed on Feras. He was sitting on the couch beside her hospital bed, his laptop balanced on his knees. His brows were furrowed in concentration, his fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard.

The sight brought a pang of guilt to her chest. She had been so caught up in her emotions that she hadn't thought about what he might be sacrificing for her. He's skipping work because of me, she thought, her heart sinking. I'm making everything harder for him.

"Feras," she called softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

He looked up immediately, his expression shifting from focus to warmth as he closed the laptop and set it aside. "Feeling better?" he asked, standing up to help her to the bed.

Anam nodded, avoiding his eyes as she sat down. She clutched the edges of the towel around her shoulders, guilt gnawing at her. "You're... still working from here?"

Feras gave a small shrug, brushing off her concern. "Just catching up on a few things. Nothing I can't manage," he said casually.

But Anam wasn't convinced. Her gaze fell to the floor, and she fidgeted with the towel, her voice hesitant. "You shouldn't have to do this, Feras. Missing work, staying here all the time... It's not fair to you."

Feras frowned, his arms crossing over his chest as he regarded her seriously. "Anam, stop," he said firmly, but not unkindly.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his tone softening. "You're my wife. Your health comes first. Work can wait."

Her lips trembled slightly, but she shook her head. "But it's not right. You've already done so much for me... and I keep taking more of your time."

Feras sighed, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He looked at her intently, his voice low but steady. "Listen to me, Anam. I'm here because I want to be. Not because I have to, or because it's some kind of burden. Don't ever think that."

Anam's eyes filled with unshed tears. She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

Feras reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch was firm, grounding her in the moment. "If I wanted to be anywhere else, I'd be there," he said gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But I don't. I want to be here, with you."

His words sank in, and Anam felt a warmth spread through her chest. She nodded, a small, tentative smile breaking through.

"Okay," she whispered.

"Good," Feras said, squeezing her hand lightly before releasing it. He stood and picked up his laptop again, this time placing it on the side table. "Now, stop worrying about me and focus on getting better. That's an order," he added, his tone teasing but affectionate.

Anam couldn't help but smile. She leaned back against the pillows, her gaze following him as he moved around the room. No matter how fragile she felt, with Feras by her side, she couldn't help but feel stronger.

.....

Anam stirred awake. Her lashes fluttered, and her gaze shifted to the chair beside her bed. It was empty. She frowned slightly, a pang of disappointment settling in her chest.

Just as she was about to reach for the call button, the door creaked open, and Feras walked in. His tall frame exuded confidence, his white kurta slightly creased from the long hours. He placed his phone on the bedside table, glancing over at her.

"Tum uth gyi," he said, his voice calm, his gaze warm but observant. (You're awake)

"Kider the ap?" she asked softly, her voice carrying the sleepiness of her recent nap. (Where were you)

"I was praying," he answered simply, his tone gentle.

Her lips curved into a small smile, her heart inexplicably lighter at his words.

After a moment of silence, her expression suddenly brightened, and she pushed herself up slightly, her movements still careful due to the lingering pain. "Feras, I want something," she said, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

Feras raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he leaned against the bedframe. "What now?" he asked, his voice laced with mock exasperation.

"I want chocolate!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up like a child's.

He blinked, his lips twitching with an amused smile he tried to suppress. "Anam, you're still recovering. Once you're better, I'll bring you all the chocolate in the world. For now, it's a no."

Anam let out a small whine, her pout exaggerated as she clasped her hands in mock prayer. "Please, Feras! Just a little! I haven't had chocolate in soooo long," she insisted, her tone bordering on dramatic.

He sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose as if grappling with an impossible decision. "You won't give up, will you?"

Her eyes widened innocently. "Never."

Shaking his head, Feras finally relented, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. "Fine. Just one bar. But if the doctor finds out, it's on you."

"Deal!" she chirped, her grin wide and triumphant.

Feras grabbed his car keys, casting her one last look before walking out the door. As he stepped into the parking lot, the sunlight glinted off his sleek black BMW. The engine purred to life as he navigated the short drive to a nearby store.

Just as he stepped out, his gaze landed on a small roadside stall adjacent to the store. A colorful array of bangles hung on display, their glass shimmering like tiny rainbows. He paused. A memory stirred... Anam, mentioning once how much she loved bangles. He remembered the way her eyes had sparkled then.

Without thinking twice, he walked over to the stall. His fingers brushed over a multicolor set that seemed to catch the light just right, its vibrance a perfect match for her, now playful spirit. He bought them, slipping the delicate package into the same bag as the chocolate before heading back.

When he returned, Anam was sitting up in bed, her eyes lighting up the moment he walked in. "You're back!" she exclaimed, her tone brimming with excitement.

He placed the plastic bag on the bed beside her, his expression carefully neutral. "Here," he said simply.

She eagerly opened the bag, her face breaking into a delighted grin as she pulled out the chocolate bar. "You're the best!" she said, hugging the bar like it was a precious treasure.

But then her hand brushed against something else. She paused, her brows furrowing in curiosity as she pulled out the bangles. Her eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips.

"Feras!" she squealed, holding up the colorful bangles that shimmered in the light. "These are so beautiful!"

He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching her with a small, satisfied smile.

Anam looked up at him, her gaze softening. "How did you know I love bangles?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.

He shrugged, his expression deliberately nonchalant. "You mentioned it once, before your memory loss" he said, as though it were no big deal.

Her chest tightened at his thoughtfulness, her eyes glistening with unshed tears... not of sadness, but of gratitude. She slipped the bangles onto her wrist, their delicate jingle filling the air as she turned her hand to admire them.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Feras pushed off the wall, stepping closer to ruffle her hair gently. "Don't get too emotional over a few bangles," he teased, his voice light. "Now eat your chocolate before you start crying for something else."

Anam laughed, the sound pure and joyful. She took a bite of the chocolate, the bangles jingling softly as her hands moved. Feras stood by her side, watching her with a small smile.

A few fleeting flashes of hazy memories danced through her mind... laughter intertwined with tears... but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't piece them together.

A shadow of melancholy crossed her face. She placed the chocolate bar down, her gaze drifting to her wrist where the bangles gleamed softly in the hospital light. The cheerful clinking of moments ago now felt hollow. She looked up at Feras, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.

"I really want my memories back," she said softly, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.

Feras, straightened immediately. His brows furrowed as he stepped closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Anam..."

She shook her head, her frustration evident. "I've been trying the whole day, Feras," she continued, her voice cracking slightly. "I've thought about faces, places, moments... anything... but I can't remember. It's like there's this huge, dark void where my life used to be."

Her hands fidgeted in her lap, the bangles clinking softly as her fingers twisted around each other. "I feel like... like I'm failing myself, and... you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Feras's chest tightened at her words. He reached out, gently placing his hand over hers, stilling their nervous movements. His thumb brushed lightly against her knuckles, his touch steady and reassuring.

"Anam," he began, his voice low but firm, "your memories will come back when the time is right. Forcing them will only exhaust you... and you've already been through enough."

"But what if they don't?" she whispered, her gaze locking onto his. Her eyes searched his face, desperate for answers he couldn't give.

Feras exhaled slowly, his expression softening as he leaned in slightly. "Then we'll make new ones," he said simply, his tone steady and resolute. "Mai aur tum. Aik-sath" (Me and you, toghether)

Anam blinked, caught off guard by the conviction in his voice.

"But what about... what about the things I might've forgotten—"

"Anam," he interrupted gently, his hand tightening around hers just a little, "the things that mattered are still here." He tapped lightly on the side of her head, then touched her heart. "They're not gone. They're just waiting. And I'm not going anywhere... I'll be here every step of the way."

A single tear escaped her eye, sliding down her cheek. "Aap hamesha jaante hain, kya bolna hota hai aur kab bolna hota hai," she whispered, her lips curving into a faint smile. (You always know what to say and when to say it.)

He reached out, brushing the tear away with his thumb, his touch so gentle it made her breath hitch. "That's my job," he replied, his tone soft but teasing, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the distant hum of the hospital. Anam stared at him, her heart filling with gratitude. She might not have all her memories, but in that moment, she realized she had him... and that was enough.

"Husbands should exercise their authority with kindness, compassion, and fairness, while wives should strive to be obedient and compliant within the boundaries of righteousness and piety."

—Imam Ali as