Colliding Hearts

𝟖. 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲.

The hospital waiting area was abuzz with the Hussain family, their anxious faces a testament to the worry that had been gnawing at their hearts. Zahab, however, stood apart, his eyes fixed on the doctor with a glare that could pierce steel. His broad shoulders were tense, his jaw clenched, and his dark hair was disheveled, as if he had been running his hands through it in frustration. The doctor, intimidated by Zahab's intensity, hastily delivered the news: ❝ Sir, she's fine. You can see her now. ❞ The words were barely out of his mouth before the Hussain family filed into the hospital room, leaving Zahab behind, his guilt and fear momentarily paralyzing him.

Adeena lay in the bed, her eyes scanning the room for the one person she longed to see. Her gaze swept past Rida, who was crying her heart out, and Ali, who was trying to calm her down. Mehmood, just nineteen, wept in the corner, his heart heavy with the thought of losing his beloved sisters. Zafar, usually calm and collected, couldn't contain his anger towards Dirar, the mastermind behind the Adeena's ordeal. But Adeena's eyes searched for only one face – Zahab's.

Outside, Zahab struggled to compose himself. He couldn't face Adeena, not yet. The thought of his mistakes putting her in harm's way was a weight that crushed him. He felt like he was drowning in his own guilt, unable to escape the darkness that had haunted him for so long. But as he heard the soft murmurs of his family comforting Adeena, he knew he couldn't stay hidden forever.

Taking a deep breath, Zahab pushed open the door and stepped inside. His eyes met Adeena's, and he was taken aback by the tears welling up in those familiar blue orbs. Her beauty struck him like a blow, leaving him breathless. She looked fragile, her skin pale, her eyes sunken, but to Zahab, she was still breathtakingly handsome. He felt his heart stutter, his pulse racing with emotion.

Adeena's gaze held his, a mix of anger and love swirling in their depths. Zahab approached her, his movements slow, his eyes locked on hers. He traced her cheeks with his thumb, as if to reassure himself that she was safe. The touch sent shivers down Adeena's spine, her heart skipping a beat. But she turned away, her strength waning.

The doctor's words echoed in her mind – she was fine, just shaken. Zahab held her hands, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. He moved closer, his lips pressing against her forehead, and Adeena closed her eyes, surrendering to his touch. The warmth of his breath on her skin was comforting, reassuring. ❝ Jaan, I'm sorry, ❞ he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.  ❝ I love you, please forgive me. ❞

Adeena's heart swelled with love and anger. She felt like she was torn between the two emotions, unable to reconcile them. ❝ Why, Zahab? Why can't you leave this dangerous life behind? What if I lose you? How would I live without you? ❞ she exclaimed, her voice trembling. The words poured out of her like a dam breaking, all her fears and worries spilling out.

Zahab's gaze dropped, his eyes welling up with tears as he listened to her words. Memories flooded Adeena's mind – their meeting in Italy, their whirlwind romance, and the shocking revelation that Zahab was the ruthless leader of the Black Eagles mafia. She had tried to leave him, to escape the danger that came with loving him, but Zahab had pursued her, determined to win her back.

Now, as he stood before her, Adeena saw the vulnerability in his eyes, the realization that his rivals would target not him, but his love, his weakness, and his strength. And in that moment, she knew that Zahab was willing to give up everything, even his own life, for her.

As Zahab stood before her, Adeena saw the sincerity in his eyes, the desperation to make things right. She knew that he was willing to do whatever it took to regain her trust, to prove his love for her. But could she ever truly be safe with him? Could she ever be free from the danger that came with loving him?

Zahab's voice broke the silence, his words barely above a whisper.  ❝ I know I've hurt you, Adeena. I know I've put you in danger. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make it right. I will leave the Black Eagles, I will walk away from it all, if that's what it takes to be with you.❞

Adeena's heart skipped a beat at his words. Could she really believe him? Could she really trust him? She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of deception, but all she saw was sincerity and love.

Rida's voice broke the silence, her words filled with emotion.  ❝ Adeena, please forgive him. He loves you, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make it right. ❞

Adeena looked at Rida, seeing the tears in her eyes, the hope in her face. She knew that Rida wanted her to be happy, and wanted her to be with Zahab. But could she really be happy with him?

Ali's voice added to the chorus, his words filled with wisdom.  ❝ Adeena, love is about forgiveness, about giving second chances. Zahab is willing to change, to leave his past behind. Can't you see that? ❞

Adeena looked at Ali, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. She knew that he was right, that love was about forgiveness, about giving second chances. But could she really forgive Zahab? Could she really trust him?

As she looked at Zahab, she saw the hope in his eyes, the love in his heart. She knew that he was willing to do whatever it took to make it right, to be with her. And in that moment, she knew what she had to do.