The villa was alive in a way Nuha had almost forgotten.
Laughter echoed from the sitting room. Plates clinked. Aunties spoke over one another, voices rising and falling like waves. Somewhere in the background, a child squealed and was immediately scolded.
"Salam alaykum," Danish greeted loudly as they stepped inside.
"Walaykum salam!" came the chorus of replies.
Nuha smiled automatically, greeting everyone one by one, bending slightly to hug elders, shaking hands with cousins she barely remembered.
"You've grown so much," one aunt exclaimed.
"As if she stopped growing yesterday," another added.
Nuha laughed politely. "You people say that every time."
"Because it's true."
After the greetings, Nuha leaned toward Danish. "I'm going upstairs to freshen up."
"Take your time," he said. "Dinner will still be late anyway."
She smiled and headed up the stairs.
Her room smelled faintly of lavender and old memories. She dropped her bag on the bed and exhaled deeply.
Just as she reached for her scarf, her phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
She frowned, then answered.
"Salam alaykum, Mrs Salam ."
"Walaykum salam," she replied cautiously. "Who's speaking?"
"This is the CEO from Lawal group of industries ."
Her stomach tightened.
"Yes?" she said carefully.
"We've reviewed your profile again," he continued smoothly. "And we'd like a final decision from you."
Nuha sat on the edge of the bed. "I told you I needed time."
"And we respected that," he replied. "But you should know...you're not the only candidate for the MD position. Others are interested. Very interested."
Nuha closed her eyes.
"I understand," she said calmly. "I'll think about it."
"We need an answer soon," he pressed. "Opportunities like this don't wait."
She smiled softly, though he couldn't see it. "Neither does integrity."
There was a brief pause on the line.
"We'll be expecting your response," he said.
The call ended.
Nuha stared at her phone for a long moment.
"I won't betray him," she whispered to herself. "Or the company."
She stood, adjusted her scarf, and went downstairs.
The dining table was full.
Grandparents at the head. Parents beside them. Cousins, distant relatives, laughter, noise.
Nuha took her seat quietly.
Conversation flowed easily at first...stories, jokes, complaints about traffic and prices.
Then her grandfather cleared his throat.
"Danish," he said, voice firm but calm, "how old are you now?"
Danish stiffened slightly. "Twenty- six sir."
"And still unmarried."
The table fell quiet.
Nuha looked down at her plate.
Danish's mother spoke up quickly. "Baba, he's still thinking. Marriage isn't something to rush."
Her father scoffed. "Thinking? At twenty- seven? What is there to think about?"
Danish forced a smile. "I want to be ready."
"Ready?" his grandfather repeated. "Do you think anyone is ever ready?"
Danish's jaw tightened.
"One of my friends' daughters is flying in tomorrow," the old man continued. "She'll be at the anniversary party. You'll meet her."
Danish's chair scraped loudly as he stood.
"Excuse me," he said through clenched teeth.
He walked away.
Nuha pushed her chair back immediately. "Excuse me," she murmured, following him.
Nuha didn't go far before she found him.
Danish stood near the old mango tree at the far end of the garden, his back to the villa, hands clenched into fists. The night breeze stirred the leaves above him, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Danish," Nuha called softly.
He didn't turn.
She stepped closer. "You can't just walk away like that."
He laughed bitterly. "Watch me."
She stopped beside him. "You're hurting."
That did it.
He turned sharply. "You think I don't know that?"
Nuha flinched but didn't step back. "Then talk to me."
He stared at her for a long moment, jaw tight, eyes restless.
"I love someone," he finally said.
Nuha's heart skipped. "You told me that."
"And she treats me like an elder brother," he added quietly.
Nuha blinked. "What?"
He looked away, voice rough. "She always has."
A thousand thoughts rushed through Nuha's head.
"Danish…" she said carefully, "are you talking about..."
"Nawal," he said.
The name fell between them like something fragile.
Nuha froze. "Nawal?"
"Yes."
She stared at him. "But… Nawal is ..she's with Kaysan."
"I know," he said immediately. "And I'm happy for her. Truly."
"That doesn't sound like someone who's happy," Nuha said gently.
He smiled sadly. "That's because happiness doesn't erase love."
Nuha swallowed. "How long?"
He sighed. "Since high school."
Her breath caught. "High school?"
"She was loud, stubborn, always arguing," he said softly. "Everyone thought she was annoying."
Nuha smiled faintly. "She still is."
Danish chuckled despite himself. "But she never pretended. She was always herself."
Nuha frowned slowly. "Wait… Nawal had a huge crush on you back then."
He nodded. "I know."
"You knew?" Nuha whispered. "She used to tell me everything. She thought you didn't even notice her."
"I noticed," he said quietly. "I just didn't think I deserved her."
Nuha shook her head in disbelief. "But you never showed it."
"I was scared," he admitted. "Scared of ruining what we already had especially after that kiss"
Nuha's eyes widened. "You kissed?"
He nodded once. "Once."
Nuha stared at him. "I didn't know."
"No one did," he said. "She thought it meant nothing. I let her believe that."
Nuha's chest tightened. "Danish… why?"
"Because I thought she'd move on," he said. "And she did. Just not the way I hoped."
Nuha whispered, "Kaysan."
"Yes."
They stood in silence for a moment.
"I thought I could move on too," Danish continued. "But I can't."
Nuha shook her head slowly. "I don't understand how I missed this."
"You weren't meant to see it," he replied. "I made sure of that."
She exhaled shakily. "You let everyone think you were just… unattached."
"Easier than explaining," he said.
Nuha looked up at him. "Does she know?"
"No," he answered firmly. "And she never will."
Nuha frowned. "That's not fair to you."
"It's not meant to be," he said calmly. "Some love is meant to stay silent."
She felt tears sting her eyes. "You don't have to carry this alone."
He smiled faintly. "I've carried it this long."
A voice called from inside the villa.
"Danish!"
He sighed. "I should go back."
Nuha nodded. "But don't disappear again."
He looked at her, eyes softening. "Thank you… for listening."
She reached out and squeezed his arm. "You deserve to be loved back."
He smiled. "Maybe one day."
They walked back toward the villa, side by side, both changed by the truth that had finally been spoken aloud