Muntazir | ✓

Chapter-8

She woke up all cuddled to him, her hand over his face as she snored lightly.

He had been awake for a while, just gazing at her, painting the image of her in his arms on the back of his mind in case it was another one of his dreams, in case he woke up.

Kissing her palm, he moved her hand away from his face, getting out of the bed as he untangled himself from her.

She had slept again after he woke her up for the morning prayer, no one came to wake them up since everyone was too tired after the events that happened yesterday.

Moreover, now that Zara was married too, she couldn't bring herself to tease Ariha, knowing that she'll turn the situation on her completely.

While showering, he noticed the mixture of soaps she prepared last night, shaking his head, he drained it before getting out of the bathroom.

Everything seemed different now, he realised while getting ready, Ariha had shifted everything in his room, from her toothbrush to her shoes.

Feeling someone at the door, he opened the door only to see Mau trying to get inside.

He ran straight to Ariha, licking her face. Her face twisted in an annoyed expression as she opened her eyes, the annoyed frown turned into a full-blown smile seeing her son.

"Mauuuu! I missed you so much, humara bacha!" She hugged him, smothering him with kisses, "Sunein???" She called as he walked back to the dresser, combing his hair.
(My baby) (listen???)

He turned, waiting for her to speak further, "Aaj se Mau ka litter box aap saaf karenge!" She told him, getting back to playing with Mau.
(You'll clean Mau's litter box from now on!)

"And why is that?" He asked.

"Aaj se Mau aapka bhi to beta hai na." She replied, covering him with the blanket as she made him lie down beside her.
(He's your son from now on na!)

"Ariha no, he's not allowed to sleep there!" Zaviyar exclaimed, walking to the bed.

"Aap mere bache ko aise kaise bol sakte hain, usko hurt hua toh?" She asked, frowning angrily.
(How could you say things like that to my baby?)

Ignoring her, he picked up the cat with his Little t-shirt Ariha made by cutting up her old t-shirt as he dropped him on the floor.

"Haww, jyada nahi ho raha aapka?" She stood up on the bed, then proceeded to lose her balance due to the spring mattress she wanted, she closed her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the fall.
(Don't you think you're doing too much?)

He held her by the waist, stabilizing her. "Aise sautele abbu jaise..." She trailed off, opening her eyes, "Jaise.."
(Like a step father..like..)

"Jaise?" He raised his brows. (Like..)

"Aakhein band karein, hume shy feel ho raha hai." She kept a hand over his eyes, "Toh kahan the hum?"
(Close your eyes, I feel shy) (where was l?)

"Jaise." He rolled his eyes under her hand. (Like.)

"Abhi bhool gaye hum kya keh rahe the, yaad aayega to batate hain." She replied, jumping off the bed. She almost fell but acted cool as she walked to the bathroom.
(I forgot what I was saying, I'll tell you when I remember)

Her mother was sitting on the chair half an hour later when she came out of the bathroom, wrapped up in Zaviyar's huge bathrobe.

"A-ammi." Ariha stuttered, watching the stern expression and the crossed arms of her mother.