CHAPTER -3

The house had settled into a warm hum of conversation. Laughter echoed from the living room, where Haya, Ayesha, and a few others were seated, trading stories and teasing remarks. The earlier tension had dissolved like sugar in warm tea, leaving behind only the sweetness of familial comfort.

And then, it happened.

Two small arms wrapped around Haya from behind, catching her completely off guard. The touch was gentle, tentative, and unmistakably familiar. A smile spread across her face before she even turned around. She reached back, her fingers finding the tiny hands, and gently guided him around to face her.

Her heart melted.

“Aww, my little cutie. Came from school?” Haya’s voice softened, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she looked at the boy before her. “Are you tired? Huh? Go and get some rest.”

But the boy—Sam—shook his head, his lower lip jutting out in a pout that could rival a professional actor’s. “No, I just want to be with you for a while. Where were you for two days, Mama?” His voice was small, carrying the weight of a worry far too big for his tiny frame.

Haya’s heart clenched. She cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing over his soft cheeks. “Nowhere, baby… Mama was just busy with some work, na. See, I am here now, so…” She pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Sam, now go… listen to Mama… Freshen up, na. Guess what—I have gifts for you. You love gifts, na.”

Sam’s eyes lit up like the sky on Diwali night. A squeal of pure joy escaped his lips. “Yayyy!! I love you so much.” He stood on his tiptoes and planted a kiss on Haya’s cheek, his happiness so infectious it painted her face with a smile. “Thank you, Mama. Now I am going to freshen up, but don’t go anywhere or I will not talk to you.” He crossed his arms, trying to look stern, but the pout betrayed him.

Haya laughed, the sound soft and full of love. “Ok… okay, now go. I will not go anywhere, I promise.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, savoring the warmth of his skin against her lips.

Sam grinned, spun on his heels, and scampered down the hallway, his laughter trailing behind him like music.

Haya watched as Sam left with the maid, a warm smile spreading across her face. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and love for the little boy. Even though he wasn’t her biological son, she had taken on the responsibility of raising him since the tragic loss of her sister.

As she turned to face her mother, Haya’s smile faded slightly. Her mother had a concerned look on her face, which made Haya feel a bit uneasy.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this, Haya?” her mother asked gently, her voice filled with concern. “Raising Sam is a big responsibility, especially after everything that happened.

Haya nodded, trying to reassure her mother. “I know it’s a lot, but I love him like he’s my own. He needs someone to care for him, and I want to be that person for him.

Her mother sighed, looking at her with a mix of admiration and worry. “It’s just that sometimes, I see how sensitive he is, and I worry about how he’ll cope as he grows older.

Haya placed a comforting hand on her mother’s arm. “I understand, Mom. I’ll make sure to be there for him, to help him understand in a way that he can handle. He’s such a sweet boy, and he deserves all the love we can give him.

Her mother smiled, her expression softening. “You’re doing a wonderful job, Haya. Just remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. I’m here for you, and so is Sonakshi.

Haya felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “Thank you, Mom. That means a lot to me. Together, we’ll make sure Sam feels loved and supported.

Ayesha-But it’s been 5 years, and because of him, you aren’t even marrying anyone. Until when will you do this? You should now marry Haya, and by this, Sam will also get a dad. Don’t you want this? (seriously)

Haya- No, mom… I will not marry until he becomes older and is ready to accept anyone else in my life, and I can’t share my love with anyone else but Sam (sad and serious)

Ayesha- That anyone else will be your own family, and I am sure he will also accept him, and he will surely be serious about your love for Sam. Please, beta. (cupping your face) He is not your son. There is your own future ahead.

Haya looked into her mother Ayesha’s eyes, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She appreciated her mother’s concern, but the thought of marrying someone else while Sam was still so young felt overwhelming.

“Mom, I understand where you’re coming from,” Haya said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “But right now, my focus is on Sam. He needs me, and I can’t imagine bringing someone else into our lives when he’s still adjusting to so much.

Ayesha sighed, her expression a blend of frustration and love. “I know you love him, and you’ve done an incredible job raising him. But love doesn’t have to diminish. It can grow. Marrying someone who cares for you and Sam could create a beautiful family. You deserve happiness too, Haya.

“But what if Sam doesn’t accept him?” Haya replied, her brow furrowing. “He’s still so small, and I don’t want to confuse him. What if he feels like he’s losing me?

Ayesha gently squeezed Haya’s shoulders. “It’s a valid concern, but children are resilient. They adapt. You can still assure Sam that your love for him will never change, no matter what. Besides, having a father figure could be beneficial for him as he grows up.”

Haya considered her mother’s words, but the thought of introducing someone new into their lives felt like a betrayal to Sam. “I just can’t think about that right now, Mom. I want to wait until he’s older and can understand. Right now, I need to be his rock, his only constant.

“Sweetheart,” Ayesha said, her voice softening, “I just want you to be happy. You’ve sacrificed so much for Sam, and that’s admirable. But you also deserve love and companionship. Life is too short to put everything on hold.

Haya looked down, her heart heavy. “I know, but my love for Sam is so deep. He’s been through so much already. I don’t want to add to his confusion by bringing someone new into the picture.

Ayesha took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “You’re doing an amazing job, but it’s okay to think about your future too. You can still love Sam completely while allowing yourself to open up to new possibilities. Just think about it, okay? You and Sam are my world, and I want both of you to be happy.

Haya nodded slowly, her mind racing with the implications of her mother’s words. She wanted to be open to the idea, but in her heart, she knew that Sam’s well-being would always come first. “I’ll think about it, Mom. But right now, my priority is Sam. I hope you can understand that.”

Ayesha smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. “Of course, dear. I’ll always support whatever decision you make. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. I’m here for both of you.