Two souls, afraid of losing each other,
unaware that destiny had already written
a different plan for them.
Haris POV -
Haris watched her for a second longer than necessary.
The tiredness in her eyes hurt him more than her silence ever could.
"Let's bunk," he said suddenly.
Hazel blinked. "What?"
"College," Haris clarified, a small, crooked smile forming. "Let's bunk today.
She stared at him like he had completely lost his mind.
"Haris, are you serious?"
"Yes," he replied softly. "I want to spend more time with you."
Her lips parted, disbelief flickering across her face.
"You're the same man who lectures everyone about discipline."
"And today," he said, stepping closer, lowering his voice,
" he said, stepping closer, lowering his voice, "I am a husband who missed his wife."
Hazel looked away, her cheeks warming.
"Haris... two weeks ago-"
"I know," he interrupted gently. "We'll talk. But not here. Not now."
He hesitated, then reached into his coat pocket-almost shyly.
"I have something for you.
{The Small Teddy Bear}
He pulled out a small teddy bear. Soft. Beige. Ridiculously gentle.
Hazel gasped. "Haris!"
His ears turned pink instantly.
"Don't laugh," he warned, embarrassed but firm. "You like soft things."
Her fingers closed around the teddy before she could stop herself.
"You bought this... for me?"
"I saw it and thought," he shrugged, eyes avoiding hers, "this belongs with Hazel."
Before she could respond, his hand slid around her wrist, pulling her a little closer-protective, not forceful.
"Come," he said quietly. "Let's go."
She tried to free her hand, whispering,
"Mr. Aziz... we're in college. Behave."
He froze.
Slowly, his grip loosened-but he didn't let go.
His eyes met hers, suddenly vulnerable.
"Don't call me that," he said softly.
"It sounds too formal."
Hazel swallowed. "Then what should I call you?"
A small smile curved his lips-soft, almost boyish.
"I am your Hari," he said. "Only yours."
Her heart stumbled.
And for the first time since last 2 weeks night, the space between them felt warmer-like a crack letting light back in.
The apartment was quiet. Too quiet.
Hazel stopped the moment she stepped inside.
The walls weren't bare anymore.
Photographs.
Memories.
Their first dinner.
Her shy smile on the balcony.
A blurred picture taken in London rain.
Her fingers holding his sleeve.
Her laugh-caught when she didn't know.
Hazel's breath hitched.
"Haris..." Her voice trembled.
He didn't let her finish.
Crossing the room in two strides, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her slightly off the floor and turning once-like he was afraid letting go would make her disappear.
I was scared," he confessed into her shoulder.
"For those two weeks... I was so scared."
His arms tightened, as if the world might try to take her away.
"I don't know how to imagine life without you," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Not even for a day."
Hazel pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, tears shimmering.
"What if..." she whispered, barely audible.
"What if I leave you, Hari?"
The words cut straight through him.
Haris cupped her face instantly, resting his forehead against hers.
"I pray to Allah," he said softly, reverently,
"that such a day never comes."
His thumbs brushed beneath her eyes.
"But if fate ever tests us," he continued, swallowing hard,
"if I make mistakes... if I fail you-
His voice cracked.
"Then forgive me, jaan."
Hazel's lips trembled.
"I will wait," he whispered.
"For as long as Allah asks me to do.
No pressure.
No anger.
No demands.
"You are worth every sabr He teaches me."
Hazel finally broke, burying her face into his chest, clutching his shirt like he was her anchor.
And Haris held her.
Not as a man afraid to lose.
But as a man willing to wait-
with faith,
with love,
with dua.
Hazel POV -
"You worry too much, Haris," Hazel whispered, cupping his face gently.
"I only go to college. I know how to take care of myself."
She rested her forehead against his.
"2 weeks ago you save me ... Allah protected me. You came in time. Please don't worry, teddy bear."
"I'm safe. Always."
Before his fear could return, she smiled and changed the topic-like she always did when he overthought.
"I'm hungry," she said suddenly. "I want that red paste you make... but the fridge is empty."
She laughed softly.
"And my shopping is still pending. Yours too."
Taking his hand, she laced her fingers through his.
"Let's go for groceries together."
Her voice softened.
"I miss my Hari so much when I'm in college. You know that, na?"
She leaned into his chest, her heart finally calm-
because she was home.
With him.
As they slowly pulled apart, Hazel noticed it.
His ears had turned pink.
She smiled.
"You're alright?" he asked, trying to sound casual. "You missed me, jaan?"
She nodded shyly, lowering her gaze.
Haris exhaled, his voice gentle.
"I'm all yours. And yes-we'll go grocery shopping. But we need to shop for Ejza-Zara and inaya - Kabir too. If we don't, they'll complain endlessly."
Hazel laughed, hiding her face against his chest.
"Alright," she murmured. "Let's go, my Hari."
She leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
Haris immediately caught her wrist.
"Hazel jaan... don't."
She looked up, confused.
"You do that," he said quietly, ears still pink,
"and then you expect me to behave?"
Before she could reply, he bent slightly and kissed her cheek in return-slow, careful, full of affection.
"Fair," he whispered.
Outside, as they settled into the car, Haris kept her close, one arm around her-
a husband already distracted by nothing except the woman beside him.
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