Towsif was getting ready to visit a site today. He clad in the tailored elegance of a businessman, meticulously fastened the knot of his tie .Meanwhile, Haya was brushing her soft curls that cascaded on her shoulders,paused the task of brushing her hair, looked at Towsif and approached him. She took the tie in her own hands and started tying the knot. A smile appeared on Towsif's lips. Eighteen years back, the decision he took proved to be right. Eighteen years ago, he entered into marriage with Haya, who brought along her daughter Shahana, a shy 8-year-old girl, as part of their new family journey. Despite the familial objections stemming from Haya's lower socioeconomic status, he steadfastly pursued his marriage to her. Even with Amira, his stepdaughter, merely six months old, and Azlan, his stepson, at the age of thirteen, Haya remained unwavering in her dedication to their family, proving herself to be a reliable mother and devoted partner. She had surpassed all expectations, embracing her role as mother to Amira and Azlan with unwavering devotion.She gave motherly love to both Amira and Azlan. "Thank you," Towsif murmured, his hand tenderly grazing Haya's cheek."You are welcome," Haya replied with a beautiful smile. As Towsif turned to the dressing table, Haya watched him intently, her fingers fidgeting. "Towsif, I wanted to talk to you about something," Shahana began, after moments of hesitation. "Yes, speak," Towsif encouraged and looked at her reflection in the mirror. He turned around and his dark eyes met hers. He could read the hesitation in her eyes. She seemed unsure of how to continue. "Talk to Azlan. Tell him to also divorce Shahana," she implored, her words laden with quiet desperation. "But I believe Azlan and Shahana deserve another chance at their relationship," he countered gently."Azlan will never agree," Haya countered, her tone tinged with resignation. "Besides, Shahana has expressed her desire to move on. I don't want to burden her with an unwanted relationship any longer."Towsif regarded her thoughtfully. "Did Shahana tell you that?" he inquired."Yes, I spoke to her," Haya affirmed."Very well, I will speak to Azlan," Towsif agreed, his decision firm."Have a conversation with him soon. Mrs. Alamgir's elder brother is in search of a bride, and he seems like a suitable match for Shahana," Haya suggested, and Towsif nodded in agreement.Haya breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing as a weight lifted from her. "Thank you," she murmured gratefully.As they continued their conversation, a knock sounded at the door, drawing their attention. Azlan stood in the doorway, seeking his father's counsel on a project. Haya excused herself, leaving father and son alone to discuss business matters. After a lengthy discussion, Azlan prepared to depart when Towsif halted him with a raised hand."Wait, Azlan. There's something important we need to discuss," Towsif said.Azlan turned back, acknowledging his father's serious tone. "Yes, dad?""What are your thoughts on you and Shahana?" Towsif inquired cautiously.Azlan's expression hardened. "Is there even anything to consider about Shahana and me?""I meant, have you contemplated giving your relationship one final chance?" Towsif clarified.Azlan's resolve remained unyielding. "No, dad, I haven't. And I won't," he asserted firmly."But..." Towsif attempted to interject."There's no 'but,' dad. I made my decision long ago. Circumstances may have delayed it, but now, there's no obstacle. I married her out of necessity . After Amira's death, that necessity no longer exists. There's no reason for me to prolong this relationship."Azlan paused, his gaze unwavering, while Towsif heaved heavily. "Alright, whatever you wish. If neither of you wishes to continue, then let's initiate the divorce proceedings as soon as possible."Though a pang of regret briefly flickered within Azlan, he swiftly pushed it aside. Two years ago, he had already resolved to divorce Shahana. However, he couldn't follow through after marrying Maria and returning to the USA. Despite their failed marriage, he remained steadfast in his decision regarding Shahana. He had given her a chance before, only to have his trust betrayed, his heart shattered. He wouldn't allow her to do so again.---------- Having finished her prayers, Shahana sat cross-legged on a rug, engrossed in reciting the Tasbeeh, her lips moving silently in prayer. Suddenly, a pair of small hands gently cupped themselves over her eyes. A faint smile played on Shahana's lips despite the momentary confusion furrowing her brow."Who is it?" she asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity."Isn't it Saima?" Shahana tilted her head slightly, as if trying to guess through the darkness."No, it's not Saima." The hands remained in place, the playful teasing continuing."Aunt Nargis?" she ventured, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes."No." The hands giggled, the sound high-pitched and full of childish glee."Then who?" Shahana feigned exasperation, a playful pout forming on her lips."Oh, Mami! You still don't recognize me?" A mischievous glint shone in Muiz's eyes as he finally pulled his hands away. He stood before her, a picture of youthful exuberance, a wide grin plastered across his face.Shahana's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Oh, my Muiz is here!" she exclaimed, gathering him into a warm embrace. "And don't call me Mami," she added, a gentle reprimand in her voice, "call me Khala." She pulled back slightly, taking his face in her hands and gazing at him with love.Muiz's lower lip jutted out in a playful protest. "But why? You are my Mami too."Shahana chuckled, brushing a kiss on his forehead. "Yes, but I like to hear you call me Khala more," she explained lovingly.Muiz, still unconvinced, shook his head stubbornly. "But I like to call you Mami more."Shahana sighed playfully, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She knew with a smile that this playful argument was a well-worn path, and Muiz would have his way. "Mami, when Uncle Azlan comes, we'll go out!" Muiz announced excitedly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Shahana, however, seemed preoccupied, her gaze drifting off momentarily as his words hung in the air.-----------Shahana was in the midst of making a chocolate cake for Muiz, who was eagerly assisting her. However, his attempts at help seemed to result in more of a mess than progress. With no one else at home and the servants in their quarters, Shahana had the kitchen to herself. Since Azlan's unexpected arrival and the unsettling encounter the previous night, she preferred to avoid facing him or anyone else, dreading the possibility of further taunts. A few days earlier, Haya had suggested that now Azlan was present, Shahana should seek a divorce, to which she silently acquiesced. Once fearful of such a prospect, she now welcomed it, having endured enough suffering and placing her trust solely in Allah.As they worked on the batter, Shahana cautioned Muiz, "Don't put in too much...""Okay, I'll be careful," Muiz assured her, attempting to pour cocoa powder cautiously. But before he could finish his sentence, he spilled an excessive amount, exclaiming, "Oops!" with a mischievous grin directed at Shahana. Despite her efforts to remove the excess with a spoon, she could only manage a little."Don't worry, Mami. Let's add more flour," Muiz suggested, reaching for the flour bag. "Muiz, no!" Shahana exclaimed, but her warning came too late as he ended up spilling flour all over himself, resembling a white ghost.Unable to contain her amusement, Shahana giggled at the sight of the adorable mess Muiz had made. "Oh no! I'm sorry, Mami," he apologized, melting her heart. She gently pinched his nose in response. "It's okay. I'll clean it up later."Since Muiz had inadvertently added a significant amount of flour to the batter, Shahana decided to make a chocolate cake for the whole family. She planned to clean Muiz afterward, knowing Hena would come later that night. She gave Muiz a piece of chocolate and had him sit nearby as she continued her work.As they worked, they heard heavy footsteps approaching the kitchen. Muiz, perched on a stool, perked up at the sound. His eyes widened when he saw Azlan appear in the doorway. Azlan's coat hung loosely in one hand, sleeves pushed up to his elbows. The other hand was buried deep in his pants pocket. With a joyful chirp, Muiz exclaimed, "Mamu!" and greeted him with a warm, "Assalamualaikum."Azlan was pleased to see Muiz greeting him with a salam and returned it warmly."Where is everyone, Muiz?" Azlan inquired.Muiz shrugged. "No one's home except for Mami and me in the mansion, and the helpers are resting in the quarters."Curious about Muiz's flour-covered appearance, Azlan asked, "So, why are you covered in flour?""First, give Mami salam. You forgot," Muiz reminded Azlan, causing Shahana to sigh inwardly, hoping he would simply return to his room without acknowledging her presence. She had learned that Azlan had resumed work that day and anticipated that he would return late, after she had retired for the night. However, her hopes were dashed."Assalamualaikum," Azlan greeted Shahana, who, lost in her thoughts and already frustrated by his sudden appearance, took a moment to respond. Azlan interpreted her delay as intentional avoidance and felt a twinge of irritation. How could she ignore him or harbor hatred towards him when she was the one who had wronged him, not the other way around? His forehead creased in frustration.Azlan's words snapped Shahana out of her trance of thoughts, and she replied, albeit flatly, "Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu."Though Azlan felt a surge of anger at her response, he forced a smile and turned to Muiz. "Now, tell me, what were you doing, and how did you end up like this?""I was helping Mami make a chocolate cake. Will you eat it?" Muiz asked eagerly."No," Azlan replied tersely, his gaze returning to Shahana once more."But why? Mami's chocolate cake is delicious," Muiz protested."I don't like chocolate cake, champ," Azlan said, causing Shahana to bite her lip. She knew he enjoyed chocolate cake, but she also understood that his refusal stemmed from her involvement.Azlan lifted Muiz. "Come with me, Muiz. Let's watch some cartoons together.""But I was helping Mami," Muiz protested."Your Mami doesn't need any help," Azlan stated, grabbing some snacks and heading to his room. He knew no one else was home except for Muiz and Shahana, and he was aware that the servants were resting at this time. Yet, he found himself there, inexplicably drawn to her presence. But why? Just to see her... He felt a surge of anger towards himself, knowing that she didn't deserve these feelings. Yet, he felt helpless in the face of his restless heart. Two years ago, he had fled to the USA to escape her, but now that they were under the same roof, how could he calm his restless heart? It yearned to see her, to be near her, despite knowing that giving in to these emotions could lead to his downfall. The fragile thread of their marriage was all that allowed him to be near her, to share stolen moments under the same roof. When it would, he wouldn't just lose her; he'd lose the very foundation of their connection, the right to even call her his. Sometimes, his heart would whisper to him, urging him to forgive her and start anew with her. Yet, he could never bring himself to listen. Her betrayal had cost him his beloved sister. How could he forget that and move on?Though his gaze remained glued to the TV, Azlan's mind wandered elsewhere. Muiz, captivated by the colorful cartoon, piped up, "What's that, Mamu?" Confused by the unfamiliar writing, he tugged on Azlan's shirt, gently pulling him back from his trance.-------- Azlan sat alone on the porch, the rhythmic creak of the rocking chair his only companion. Moonlight streamed through the veranda, casting an ethereal glow on the slumbering house. It was nearly 3 am, and silence reigned except for the soft chirping of crickets. With a sigh, he finally stopped rocking and rose.An unsaid urge pulled him in the direction of the open kitchen. The refrigerator hummed softly, a beacon in the stillness. He reached for the handle, his heart thudding a traitorous rhythm. Inside, bathed in cool light, sat the remains of a chocolate cake – Shahana's cake.Longing battled with willpower in his eyes. He could almost taste the rich chocolate, the fluffy batter. It was a tangible reminder of her, a sweetness he yearned for. But a wave of reason crashed over him. He slammed the fridge shut, the sharp click echoing in the silence.Azlan stood there for a moment, his body tense with suppressed desire. His head hung low, a picture of defeat. Some desires, he knew, were best left unfulfilled. There could be no future with Shahana, and the thought gnawed at him. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the fridge, the temptation remained yet he retreated to the solitude of his room.