The days following Zafar's confrontation with Zara were quiet, almost too quiet. Zafar had kept his promise to Zoha. He had drawn a firm line between the past and the future, refusing to let anyone—especially Zara—tear apart what they had built together.
But despite the calm, Zoha could feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. They had made it through the storm, but storms had a way of coming back when least expected.
Zoha found herself spending more time with Ezra, Zafar's little boy. He was growing fast, his small fingers reaching for everything, his laughter filling the empty spaces in their home. Zoha had never been one to shy away from children. They were her heart, her joy. And Ezra? Ezra was no exception.
She loved him like he was her own.
Later That Week
Zoha stood in the playroom, her back to the door as she carefully put together a small puzzle with Ezra. His chubby hands fumbled with the pieces, but Zoha was patient, guiding him, smiling every time he got one piece right. The soft light filtered in through the window, the room quiet except for the soft sound of Ezra's giggles.
Zafar stood in the doorway, watching them. His heart swelled as he watched Zoha with Ezra. It was something he hadn't expected to see when he first met her—the way she had such a natural way with his son. It made him feel… whole.
She turned when she noticed him standing there, her eyes bright. "Hey," she said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Hey," Zafar replied, stepping into the room. He crouched beside Ezra and ruffled his hair. "How's my boy doing?"
Ezra looked up at his father, his small hands reaching for Zafar. Zafar picked him up easily, holding him against his chest.
Zoha watched them, a warmth spreading through her chest. This was what love looked like. Not just the words, but the moments of tenderness, the quiet understanding, the care. She couldn't help but feel lucky to be part of this life, this small family.
"I love the way you're with him," Zafar said, his voice soft, his eyes meeting hers. "You're… amazing with him."
Zoha's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had always known she loved children, but to hear Zafar say it—she felt something shift inside of her. She wanted to be a part of their lives. She wanted to build something beautiful with him.
"I love him," she whispered, her gaze soft. "I love both of you."
Zafar's heart ached at her sincerity. He had never imagined his life would come to this—a life where love, trust, and peace could exist again. Not after everything he'd been through. But Zoha? Zoha had been the light at the end of the tunnel, showing him a different kind of love. A love he hadn't known he was capable of giving or receiving.
He gently set Ezra back down on the floor and stood, walking toward Zoha. His hand reached for hers, their fingers intertwining naturally.
"I want us to build something," he said, his voice low. "Not just for Ezra, but for us. A future. I don't want to keep living in the past, Zoha. I want to live in the now, with you."
Zoha felt tears prickle at the corner of her eyes. She had been waiting for these words. Waiting for him to choose her completely. And now, here he was, offering her a future.
"I want that too," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I want a future with you, Zafar. And I'll be there every step of the way."
The Next Few Days
Building a life together wasn't easy. The remnants of the past still lingered, sometimes in the form of old business partners, sometimes in the quiet, lingering moments when Zafar's thoughts seemed far away. Zoha knew that healing would take time. Trust would take time. But they were doing it together.
They began to plan. A future that included more than just surviving, more than just getting by. Zoha had always dreamed of working with children, especially those in need. And Zafar? He was determined to help her make that dream come true.
Together, they started discussing plans for a shelter, a safe space for women and children in need of help. It was Zoha's vision, but Zafar supported her every step of the way.
But even as they moved forward, Zoha could feel the weight of her own fears creeping in. What if it wasn't enough? What if their happiness wasn't meant to last?
Zafar, sensing her hesitation, pulled her close one night as they sat together, watching the stars. "Zoha," he whispered, his hand caressing her hair. "No matter what comes, we'll face it together. We'll build a life that's ours. Just ours."
Her eyes closed as she leaned into him. She had to believe him. She had to believe in them