Epilogue 1

[so finally here is the epilogue you're all waiting for so long]

"Arzam, Elha!" Zayna yelled looking at her children who had created a mess in the living room.

A 8 years old boy named Arzam and a 4 years old girl named Elha were playing around, they stopped and looked at their mother with big eyes, feeling a bit guilty

"We were just playing..." Arzam said

Zayna couldn't help but smile at their innocent expressions, but she also had to address the situation.

"I can see that, but playing doesn't mean making a mess, does it?" she replied, her voice firm but gentle.

Elha, with her innocent puppy eyes, looked up at her mother.

"We didn't mean to mess up...we were just having fun" she said, trying to sound apologetic.

"Arzam bhai, say sorry to mama." Elha said

Arzam glanced at his little sister, then looked at his mother.

"Sorry, Mama," he said, slightly pouting.

"And I hope you'll help me clean up?" Zayna added, folding her arms, trying to maintain her stern face but her expression softened as she looked at her little ones.

"Okay," Arzam responded, nodding his head.

Elha chimed in, "We will help, Mama!"

Zayna's heart melted at her children's cooperation. "Alright then, let's get to work and clean up this mess," she said, her stern demeanor replaced with a warm smile.

The three of them started tidying up the living room, with Arzam and Elha doing their best to put things back in their place. There were giggles, a few more messes, and some playful pushing, but they managed to restore some order within the room.

Aahil, entered in living room, with a bit of tiredness on his face.

"Looks like they've been having a bit of an indoor party," he joked, taking in the sight of the mostly cleaned-up living room and his wife and children doing the final touches.

"Dad" Elha said and ran to him, Aahil smiled at her. Aahil scooped up Elha in his arms, holding her tightly.

"Hey there, princess," he said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Arzam, not wanting to be outdone, tugged at his father's trousers. "Hey, what about me?"

Aahil chuckled and ruffled Arzam's hair. "Of course, my little warrior." Then he glanced at Zayna, his eyes gleaming with love and gratitude.

Zayna smiled at her family together, her heart filled with contentment.

"We've got our hands full with these two, that's for sure." she said, watching as Arzam and Elha clung to Aahil, already plotting some mischief for their next playtime.

Aahil laughed, "They are a handful, but I wouldn't have it any other way. And look at them, already planning their next adventures."

He put Elha back on the ground and wrapped an arm around Zayna's shoulders, pulling her closer.

Zayna leaned into Aahil, appreciating his presence after a long day.

"They're growing up fast," she said, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "But you're right, we're lucky to have them."

Aahil nodded, understanding the bittersweet feeling of watching his children grow.

"We are blessed," he said, then looked at Arzam and Elha, who were now having a whispered conversation. "What are you two whispering about?"

Elha and Arzam looked up at their parents, their faces a picture of innocence.

"Nothing," they said in unison, but their eyes gave away that they were indeed up to something.

Aahil narrowed his eyes, "That's a lie if I've ever heard one."

He looked at Zayna, who was trying to suppress a laugh, clearly thinking the same thing.

Zayna rolled her eyes playfully. "Those two could be professional liars if they wanted to."

Arzam and Elha giggled, knowing they were caught in their little secret.

Zayna rolled her eyes playfully. "Those two could be professional liars if they wanted to."

Arzam and Elha giggled, knowing they were caught in their little secret.

Aahil and Zayna exchanged bemused glances, amused by their children's innocent ambition.

"Is that so?" Aahil said, trying to hide a smile. "And how exactly did you plan to start this business, hmmm? A toy shop? A candy store?"

"A game store!" Arzam said excitedly, eyes sparkling with imagination.

Elha's eyes widened as she thought of her own answer.

"No, a pet shop! All the cute animals."

Arzam and Elha looked puzzled for a moment, but then they nodded as if they understood. They were too young to grasp the finer details of business yet.

"We'll make lots of money!" Elha chimed in, her small hand balled into a determined fist.

"Oh, no doubt about that," Aahil replied, playing along with their little game. "You two are on your way to becoming quite the entrepreneurs."

Elha and Arzam beamed at their father's praise, their faces full of pride in their nonexistent business. Aahil smiled, enjoying this innocent moment with his children.

"But remember," he added, looking at them seriously, "A good businessman or woman needs honesty, integrity, and hard work. Can you promise mama and me that you'll keep those things in mind?"

"We promise," Arzam and Elha answered together, their voices filled with determination.

Zayna couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope for her children's future. Aahil looked at her, and their eyes met, sharing a silent moment of understanding and love. They both knew they had their hands full, but these little moments made it all worthwhile.

Aahil nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, how about bed?"

Arzam and Elha groaned, not wanting their playtime to end.

"But we're not tired," Arzam protested, trying to suppress a yawn.

Aahil chuckled at his son's attempt to sound tough.

"Your yawn betrays you, little warrior."

Zayna put her hands on her hips, feigning sternness.

"Bedtime means it's time to get some rest. You can continue plotting your business ventures tomorrow."

"But can we stay up for just a bit longer?" Elha pleaded, looking up at her parents with her big, innocent eyes.

Aahil and Zayna glanced at each other, silently communicating, trying to decide whether to give in to their children's plea or stick to the routine.

Zayna relented, "Alright, another 15 minutes, and then it's lights out."

The children cheered, but Aahil gave Zayna a look that said 'you're too soft.' Zayna just shrugged, giving him a knowing smile.

The kids decided to spend their extra time playing a board game, "Settlers of Catan". They were surprisingly good at it, almost like little businessmen making strategic trades and settlements. Aahil and Zayna observed them, enjoying the moment of family time.

As the minutes ticked away, Aahil knew it was getting late.

"Alright, that's 15 minutes. Time for bed, kids."

As expected, Arzam and Elha protested, but this time Aahil was firm.

"No buts," he said, trying to maintain a straight face. "You two need to rest."

Zayna took Arzam in his room, whole aahil took elha in her room to make them sleep.

In Arzam's room, Zayna tucked him into his bed. He looked up at her with a pouty face.

"Mama, can you read me a story?"

Zayna smiled, knowing it was a last-ditch effort to get more play time. "We already agreed on 15 minutes. Now it's bed time, sweetheart."

Arzam, although obviously still not entirely convinced, didn't argue any further.

"Can I have a glass of water, please?" he tried again.

Zayna chuckled, knowing it was just an excuse for him to prolong the bedtime routine. "Alright, one glass of water, and then you're going to sleep, okay?"

"Okay," Arzam mumbled, knowing that he had almost reached the end of his bargaining chip.

Zayna patted his head affectionately and left the room to get the water.

Meanwhile, Aahil was dealing with a similar situation in Elha's room.

"Just one more story, Papa," Elha begged, her eyes wide and pleading.

Aahil tried to be firm, but her cuteness was hard to resist.

"No more stories, little one. It's late, and you need to sleep."

Elha tried some more convincing tactics, but Aahil managed to stay resolute.

"Papa, my plushie is lonely," she said, holding up a stuffed rabbit.

Aahil couldn't help but laugh at her adorable excuse. "Your plushie will survive one night without you, I promise."

Seeing that her attempts weren't working, Elha resorted to pouting, her little lower lip trembling. But Aahil was immune to the manipulation now.

"No more excuses, sleepy princess," he said, giving her a firm yet tender smile.

Elha looked like she was about to cry, but Aahil quickly gave her a big hug.

"Now, don't be upset. It's time to sleep, and we'll play more tomorrow," he told her, trying to comfort her.

Slowly, Elha nodded, reluctantly admitting defeat. Aahil kissed her forehead and tucked her into bed, making sure she was comfortable.

Elha looked like she was about to cry, but Aahil quickly gave her a big hug.

"Now, don't be upset. It's time to sleep, and we'll play more tomorrow," he told her, trying to comfort her.

Slowly, Elha nodded, reluctantly admitting defeat. Aahil kissed her forehead and tucked her into bed, making sure she was comfortable.

Just then, Zayna appeared in the doorway with a glass of water for Arzam.

"Is everything okay in here?" she asked, seeing the situation with Elha.

Aahil smiled and replied, "Just dealing with a couple of tired but stubborn little ones."

Zayna chuckled, nodding. "I know that feeling all too well."

She said her goodnights to Elha and left the room. Aahil followed, turning off the lights before closing the door gently behind them.

Aahil and Zayna quietly closed the door of their room, letting out a sigh of relief. Aahil collapsed onto the bed, letting out a deep breath.

"They really know how to wear us out, don't they?" he said, looking over at Zayna with a tired smile.

Zayna nodded, sitting on the bed beside him.

"They definitely have a lot of energy. But at least they'll be asleep for a few hours."

She leaned her head on Aahil's shoulder, appreciating the calm after the whirlwind of parenting.

Aahil put his arm around Zayna, pulling her close and kissing her forehead softly. "I don't know how you handle them so well."

He teased, "You're too soft with them sometimes."

Zayna rolled her eyes playfully. "You say that as if you're not just as wrapped around their little fingers as I am."

Aahil laughed, not denying the truth. He couldn't resist his children's cute pleas any more than Zayna could.

"Alright, you got me there," he admitted, pulling her even closer. "But still, sometimes they need to learn that no means no."

She smiled at him, as she pulled back from his hold and took off her hijab as she kept it on the couch. Aahil watched as Zayna took off her hijab, appreciating her natural beauty. He had always loved seeing her like this, free and unburdened.

He ran his fingers through her hair, enjoying the feel of it.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" he said, his voice filled with affection.

Zayna blushed slightly at his compliment. "You always say that."

She laid her head on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat.

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing it, though," she added, wrapping her arms around him.

They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the quiet solitude of their room, the tiredness from the day slowly settling in. Aahil felt content, with Zayna in his arms and the sounds of their children sleeping nearby.

He gently caressed her back, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her skin.

"We've come a long way, haven't we?" he whispered.

Zayna hummed in agreement, her eyes closed, enjoying the soft touch of Aahil's hands.

"Yes, we have. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

She looked up at him, her gaze filled with love and gratitude. "I'm glad we're on this journey together."

He smiled down at her, then pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, either," he repeated.

They continued to hold each other, quietly enjoying the moment until the tiredness fully took over, and they slipped into a peaceful sleep.

The rest of the night passed quietly, the little ones sleeping peacefully in their rooms, while Aahil and Zayna slept next to each other, dreaming of the bright future they were building together.

Next morning they woke up, the children of the house were ready as the younger sultan clan Arzam, Elha, Izwa, ahad and Zavian was sitting on the dining table waiting for their breakfast.

Aahil and Zayna walked into the dining room, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Aahil sat at the head of the table, Zayna taking a seat beside him.

"Good morning, young ones," Aahil greeted, his voice a little groggy.

The children at the table gave cheerful responses, already full of energy despite the early hour.

Ashinoor came  with their lunch's while Asher, packed their bags. The table was soon filled with the aroma of food and the lively chatter of the children.

Aahil thanked Asher and Ashinoor for their help, always grateful for their support.

"You two spoil them," Aahil teased Ashinoor, referring to the amount of food she had prepared.

"And that's exactly why we do it," Ashinoor replied with a smile.

With their bellies now full, the children quickly got ready, putting on their shoes and jackets.

As they gave their parents all a last hug and kiss, then watched as Asher and Aahil ushered them out the door. Once the children were gone, Aahil and Zayna looked at each other for a moment of peace and quiet before the hustle and bustle of the day fully began.

"We should cherish these quiet moments," Aahil said, chuckling. "Once they're back, the chaos resumes."

Zayna nodded, laughing.

"I wonder if they'll come home with more business ideas to pitch to us."

"Time passed so quickly, few years back we were dealing with our life and now we are looking after our children. It feels like every hardship is worth it." Asher said and smiled softly remembering their past years

Aahil smiled, nodding in agreement.

"It does, doesn't it? It's all part of the journey of life."

He looked over at Zayna, then back at Asher and Ashinoor.

"We've come a long way, all of us. From the challenges to the triumphs, it's all been worth it to have this family," he added, his eyes glimmering with love.

Ashinoor and Asher shared a look of understanding, both nodding in agreement.

"Yes, it has," Ashinoor said, her voice filled with warmth.

"And there are still many more adventures ahead," Asher added.

They all sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, appreciating the peace that came in these rare moments without the kids.

Aahil then changed the topic, bringing up a more practical matter.

"Speaking of the future, we do need to start thinking about the children's education soon. Time flies so fast, in few years they'll be ready to go to uni."

"Arzam and Elha already decided they wanted to look after our family business." Asher said and chuckled remembering his niece and nephews words.

"Ahad is passionate in becoming a doctor. He will be the first doctor in our family." Aahil said smiled.

"Izwa wanted to become an artist." Zayna said, as she remembered she also wanted to become an artist, and now her niece, had decided to become one.

"Zavian is more likely in gaming. Maybe he would go with software engineering." Ashinoor said

They all chuckled at the children's ambitions, already seeing glimpses of their futures.

Aahil leaned back in his chair, contemplating the future.

"Arzam and Elha are definitely following in our footsteps. As for Ahad, a doctor in the family would be interesting."

He turned to Zayna. "And an artist for Izwa? Are you sure you didn't influence her in any way?" he teased.

Zayna smiled, "She's her own person. She can make her own choices."

Asher interjected, "And then there's Zavian. Can you imagine him as a software engineer?"

A few more laughs filled the room.

"Our kids certainly have their own paths." Aahil said, looking at Zayna. "But they've got enough time to figure it all out."

Ashinoor nodded in agreement, a proud smile on her face.

"Yes, they do. We just have to support them and let them find their way."

The conversation continued, discussing the children's dreams and how to support them. It was a reminder of the responsibility them they had as parents, but also a confirmation of the love they had for their kids and their desire to see them succeed.

"We'll make sure they have all the support they need," Aahil said, his determination showing.

As the discussion came to an end, Aahil looked at his watch, realizing it was time to begin his day.

"Well, I better get going," he said, standing up from the table.

He turned to Zayna. "I'll see you later?" he asked, confirming their evening plans.

"Later," Zayna agreed, standing up as well.

Aahil gave her a quick kiss on her forehead and said goodbye before heading to his office, his mind already filled with the day's business ahead.

As the day went by, Aahil finalized a few contracts, planned a charity event and even visited a few construction sites for their upcoming projects. Every decision he made was made with thought and precision, years of experience ensuring he was steering the business in the right direction.

When the sun started to set, Aahil finally walked out of his office, satisfied with the day's work.

He started heading home, his thoughts turning to Zayna and the kids, eager to be back with his family.

By the time Aahil arrived home, the kids had already returned and were busy with their after-school activities. Aahil said his hellos to them all before quietly slipping away to his room.

As he opened the door, he saw Zayna sitting on the bed, looking out the window, lost in her thoughts.

"Ayna?" He called out her name while moving close to her. As he stood behind her.

"everything alright?" He asked her, as he saw her face, he could sense she s worrying about some thing.

"Yeah, just thinking about our children. How fast they are growing up." She said smiled faintly, she didn't want them to grew up so fast. Aahil softly smiles at her words as he made her looked at him and cupped her cheeks from his hand.

"Thankyou for everything, zayna. You're the best thing that has ever happened to be mine. You're the best daughter, best mother and best wife. You complete me, you complete us. I love you so much." He said softly, as he looked in her hazel eyes. She smiled affectionately at his words.

"Mir, you know you're the answer of my those late night prayers. Thankyou for loving me." She said as she smiled at him in gratitude, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

She hugged him tightly, he softly chuckled wrapping his arms around her, as he kissed the crown of her head.

After sometime they both went downstairs, where they saw faaezah, and Wajdan along with Haris and Nayab already present there with their children. Sayan, Aarwab and Aizal.

Aahil and Zayna both greeted Faaezah and Wajdan with smiles. Haris and Nayab followed soon after, and the room was filled with chatter as they all caught up. The younger children were playing together, their giggles and laughter echoing in the space.

"I didn't know you were coming today," Aahil said, looking at Faaezah and Wajdan with surprise.

Faaezah smiled, "It was a last-minute decision. We thought we'd stop by before we head back home."

As the conversation continued, the children's laughter became more pronounced. Zayna couldn't help but chuckle at their antics, watching as they played together without a care in the world.

She caught Haris's eye and smiled. Haris returned the smile, then gestured towards the children with a mock-serious expression.

"They're going to exhaust us before we even start dinner," he joked.

"At least we still get some time to talk before they do," Aahil responded, half chuckling.

As the chatter continued, the topic turned to business. Aahil and Wajdan discussed some potential collaboration ideas, while Zayna and Faaezah started talking about the charity events they were planning to organize. The room filled with a mix of laughter, serious conversations and the joyful sounds of children playing.

After some time, Nayab announced that it was time to start preparing dinner. The children were corralled away from their games to help, much to their chagrin.

As the adults continued to talk, Aahil observed Zayna quietly helping in the kitchen. Her eyes betrayed the exhaustion beneath her smile, and he could tell she was on the brink of burning out.

"Faaezah phuphu, you know i will be the businesswoman when i will grow up." Elha said cutely as she came to her.

Faaezah couldn't help but be amused by Elha's declaration. She crouched down to be eye level with the young girl.

"Is that so? You want to be a businesswoman?" Faaezah asked, her smile warm with affection.

"Yes! I want to run a successful business like you all!" Elha said with great confidence.

Haris chuckled in the background, shaking his head slightly.

Faaezah looked over at Zayna, who was in the kitchen. Zayna just laughed, clearly enjoying her daughter's determination.

Faaezah turned back to Elha, still smiling.

"You know, running a business is a lot of hard work," Faaezah replied. "It's not just about being successful. You have to be disciplined, persistent, and also make tough decisions sometimes."

Elha listened intently, clearly taking in every word, her eyes shining with excitement.

"But I'm not afraid! I can handle all that!" Elha said, her determination unwavering.

Haris spoke up from nearby, his tone teasing but affectionate. "Elha, you're a smart girl, but sometimes life can throw unexpected things at us. Being a businesswoman is not as easy as it sounds."

Faaezah chuckled at Haris's comment, then looked back at Elha.

"Your Haris mamu is right. It's good to have dreams and ambition, but don't forget to also enjoy being a kid."

Elha considered Faaezah's words, her determination slightly tempered by the reality of the challenge ahead.

"i wanted to be a doctor, phuphu." Ahad said coming towards them, as the little boy smiles cutely.

Faaezah chuckled softly and ruffled Ahad's hair affectionately.

"A doctor, huh? That's a great ambition." she said with a warm smile. "We all have our dreams when we're young, and yours is admirable, Ahad."

Elha looked at her brother, a hint of jealousy in her eyes.

"You can't be a doctor," she protested, crossing her arms across her chest.

Ahad looked at his sister, his gaze calm.

"And why not?"

Elha tried to come up with a response, but didn't quite know what to say.

Faaezah tried to hide her smile, amused by the siblings' interaction. "Why can't he be a doctor?" she inquired, encouraging Elha to express her reasons.

Elha huffed, still trying to find justification for her previous statement.

"Because... because doctors are boring." Elha said, her voice lacking certainty.

This time, Aahil couldn't hold back a chuckle from the background.

"and businesswoman are always busy, you annoying princess." Ahad teased her. Elha's eyes widened in surprise, then her face clouded with anger.

"I am not annoying!" she protested, stomping her foot on the ground.

Faaezah tried to suppress a laugh, while the rest of the family couldn't help but chuckle at Ahad's comment and Elha's reaction.

Haris stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation between the siblings.

"Elha, what your brother said was a joke. He didn't mean to call you annoying." he said gently.

Elha pouted, but some of the anger subsided. Her pride was bruised, but she still didn't want to back down.

"No ahad she is not a annoying princess, she is a dramatic princess." Arzam said coming towards them as he laughed

As Arzam joined the conversation and described Elha as a "dramatic princess", Aahil and Faaezah had to fight hard to contain their laughter.

The comment had the unintended effect of both irritating and amusing Elha. Her cheeks turned slightly red as she tried to come up with a comeback, feeling a bit ganged up on by her brothers.

"no, Elha is not annoying not dramatic, she is sweetest." Sayan said, being the elder one. As he ruffles Elha's hairs making them messed up. Arzam, Ahad, and even Haris chuckled at Sayan's addition, the room filled with a mix of chuckles and soft amusement.

Elha scowled at her brothers, her frustration growing. She swatted Sayan's hand away from her hair, a look of disapproval on her face.

"I'm not sweet! I'm tough!" she declared defiantly.

"tough?" They said in unison and laughed. Elha's face scrunched up even more at their collective laughter.

"I will be tough one day!" she exclaimed, her voice slightly shaky.

Faaezah just shook her head, amused by the young girl's determination. Aahil smiled as he watched the kids, thinking to himself how wonderful it was to see the next generation learning and growing.

"You boys are bad. Our Elha appi is best." Aizal and Izwa said coming in their elder sister's defence. Zayna chuckled as Aizal and Izwa defended their sister. Seeing the sibling dynamics unfold was heartwarming yet humorous.

Faaezah smiled approvingly. "Elha is lucky to have such supportive sister's," she said.

Elha, still slightly annoyed with the boys, looked at Aizal and Izwa with gratitude for taking her side. Arzam, Ahad, and Sayan put on a show of exaggerated guilt, feigning shame at the younger siblings' disapproval.

Haris laughed out loud. "Well, it looks like the younger ones have taken Elha's side," he pointed out, enjoying the sibling banter.

Aahil and Zayna just watched with affectionate smiles. Seeing the kids interact this way was both entertaining and endearing.

As the teasing continued, Elha's emotions got the better of her. Her tears started flowing, the playful comments of her brothers affecting her more than she wanted to admit.

"Stop it! You're all mean!" she protested, her voice quivering with the effort to hold back her tears.

The room immediately became still at Elha's emotional outburst. Aahil and Zayna exchanged worried glances.

Zayna walked over to kneel beside Elha. "Elha, sweetie, they didn't mean it. They're just playing."

Elha looked up at Zayna, her lower lip quivering. "But it still hurts..." she replied, her small shoulders trembling slightly.

The boys' expressions shifted to remorse as they realized they had taken their teasing too far. Ahad, spoke up first.

"Elha... we didn't mean to hurt your feelings." he said, a sincere tone in his voice.

Arzam and Sayan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we were just joking, we didn't think it would make you this upset." Arzam added.

"you all are bad." She said and cried silently clutching zayna's hand. "Shhh...it's okay, Elha. We're sorry." Zayna soothed as she hugged the young girl, holding her tight against her.

Zayna shot a disapproving look at the boys, signaling that they had gone too far.

The brothers, still looking guilty, tried a different approach.

"Hey, Elha... we're sorry. We really are. Can you forgive us?" Ahad asked, a pleading tone in his voice.

Elha sniffled a few times, her tears slowing down but still not completely stopping. She looked up at her brothers again, her big eyes watery.

"I'm not forgiving you." she muttered sulkily, but there was a hint of understanding in her voice. She wanted her brothers to know they had hurt her feelings, but she was also starting to understand that they hadn't meant to make her cry.

The boys felt relieved that Elha was starting to cool down a bit. Aahil joined the others and spoke up, his voice gentle yet firm.

"Elha, your brothers are really sorry," he said, looking directly at the teary-eyed girl. "But you can't stay mad forever, right? They are your brothers, after all."

Elha thought for a moment, her small fists clutching the fabric of Zayna's clothes. She knew her brothers had teased her many times before, but she also knew they cared about her. Finally, she lifted her chin defiantly, her voice still shaky but a hint of confidence in her eyes.

"I can stay mad for a long time..." she said, trying to sound tough.

Everyone, including the boys, chuckled softly at Elha's statement. It was clear that her confidence was slowly coming back.

Sayan stepped forward, his expression still apologetic. "You can stay mad for as long as you want, but we're really, really sorry."

Arzam nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we were just goofing around. We didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"you have to grovel more." She said and wiped her cheek. The boys exchanged glances, knowing that Elha wasn't going to forgive them that easily.

Ahad crouched down to be at eye level with her. "Okay, okay, we'll grovel," he said, a small smile on his face.

Sayan and Arzam quickly followed suit, both getting on their knees next to Ahad. They clasped their hands in front of them, imitating a begging gesture.

"Please, Elha, forgive us." They said in unison. Elha observed her brothers' display, trying to hide the fact that their antics amused her slightly. She crossed her arms across her chest, feigning seriousness, but a hint of satisfaction was visible in her eyes.

"You think that's enough?" she asked, her voice still thick with the aftermath of her crying. The boys, still on their knees, added a dramatic flair to their pleading.

Sayan clasped his hands tighter. "We'll do anything."

Arzam nodded vigorously. "Anything! We'll be your personal servants for a week!" Elha tried to maintain her stern expression, but it was difficult not to crack a smile at her brothers' exaggerated gestures.

"Anything, huh?" she asked, her voice dripping with anticipation. The power of forgiveness was in her hands now.

The boys looked at Elha nervously, knowing that this was her opportunity to make any demand she wanted. They nodded together.

Ahad spoke up, his voice earnest. "Yes, anything. Just PLEASE forgive us."

Elha paused for a moment, her finger tapping thoughtfully on her chin. She knew she had them right where she wanted them...

Finally, she decided on her demand. "Okay, I forgive you... on one condition."

The boys let out sighs of relief and got up from their kneeling positions. Ahad, Arzam, and Sayan looked at Elha anxiously, dreading her condition.

"And what's that?" Ahad asked, mentally preparing himself for anything. Elha crossed her arms and raised her chin defiantly, a smirk on her face. "You have to promise me that you'll never tease me again."

Her brothers' faces fell. They had expected something more extravagant or even outrageous, but this was a condition they couldn't really escape. They glanced at each other, then back at Elha, knowing they had no choice but to agree.

"Deal," they said in unison, resigned.

Elha nodded, satisfied with their agreement. Her victory was clear in her eyes, though she still tried to maintain a stern expression.

Faaezah chuckled quietly. "Looks like you've got a great deal there, Elha."

Zayna smiled as well, happy to see the siblings sorting out their differences.

As the time passed, they all had their dinner with sweet teasings and smiles, they all were feeling these moments are worth of everything they had faced.

As the evening progressed, the family finished their dinner. The atmosphere, which had been tense earlier, was now calm and pleasant. The sweet tea and subtle teasing amongst the members added an extra sense of warmth to the room.

Aahil glanced around the table, watching his family interact. This is what life was about. Not about the fights, the tears, the arguments. But the moments like this, when they were all together, enjoying each other's company.

He smiled to himself, grateful for his family, his home.

****

Assalamualaikum readers

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