Chapter 1

Zaid Qureshi was one of the most successful businessmen in India. He owned Qureshi Industries, with branches in India and Dubai, and his restaurants were spread across several countries.

Despite his busy life and success, there was one person who mattered more to him than anything else—his two-year-old son, Arhaan Qureshi.

Arhaan was a very quiet child. Unlike most children his age, he hardly spoke. He preferred sitting quietly beside his father, observing everything around him with his innocent eyes.

Zaid never forced him to speak.

He simply believed that, one day, Arhaan would speak when he was ready.

After spending several months in Dubai, Zaid had finally decided to return to India with Arhaan.

He wanted to visit his parents, Zain Qureshi and Eshal Qureshi, and his beloved Pupi, Noor Khan.

But Zaid had another reason for coming.

He wanted his parents to move to Dubai and stay with him.

However, Zaid already knew what their answer would be.

His father loved the Qureshi household.

That house wasn't just a house to Zain. It held his entire childhood.

It was where he had grown up, where he had made his closest friends, and most importantly, where his beautiful love story with Eshal had begun.

Zaid understood that.

He had never forced his parents to leave.

So he decided to spend one week with them before returning to Dubai.

The black car slowly entered the gates of the Qureshi household.

Arhaan was sitting quietly beside Zaid in the back seat, holding his small stuffed toy.

Zaid looked outside the window and smiled.

Zaid: Finally, we're home.

Arhaan simply looked at him.

Zaid turned toward his son.

Zaid: Do you remember Dada, Dadi and Pupi?

Arhaan didn't answer.

He just looked down at his toy.

Zaid smiled softly.

Zaid: I know. You're not in the mood to talk.

The car stopped in front of the house.

Zaid got out first and opened the door for Arhaan.

Zaid: Come, little man.

Arhaan slowly stepped out and held his father's finger.

As they walked toward the entrance, the front door suddenly opened.

Eshal came running outside.

Eshal: Zaid!

Zaid smiled as his mother hugged him tightly.

Eshal: My son! You finally came.

Zaid: I told you I was coming, Mom.

Eshal: But seeing you in front of me is different.

She then looked down at Arhaan.

Her eyes immediately filled with happiness.

Eshal: And my little prince!

Arhaan looked at her silently.

Eshal bent down and opened her arms.

Eshal: Come to Dadi.

Arhaan looked at Zaid first.

Zaid gently nodded.

Arhaan slowly walked toward Eshal.

Eshal hugged him tightly.

Eshal: I missed you so much.

Zaid smiled at the sight.

Just then, Zain came out of the house.

Zain: So you finally remembered that you have parents in India?

Zaid laughed.

Zaid: Dad, I came all the way from Dubai.

Zain: Hmm. Only because your mother called you every day.

Eshal: Zain!

Zain smiled and hugged his son.

Zain: Welcome home, Zaid.

Zaid: Thank you, Dad.

A familiar voice came from inside the house.

Noor: Where is my Arhaan?

Arhaan immediately looked toward the voice.

Noor walked out and smiled when she saw him.

Noor: My baby!

She picked him up and kissed his cheek.

Noor: Pupi missed you.

Arhaan remained silent, but he rested his head against her shoulder.

Noor looked at Zaid.

Noor: Still so quiet?

Zaid: Still.

Noor: He'll talk when he wants to.

Zaid: I know.

They all walked inside.

Zaid looked around the house.

Everything was exactly as he remembered.

The old photographs.

The furniture.

The memories.

His childhood.

His parents' love story.

Everything was still alive inside those walls.

That evening, the family sat together for dinner.

Zaid looked at his parents.

Zaid: Dad, Mom... I'm asking you both again. Come to Dubai with me.

Zain immediately shook his head.

Zain: No.

Zaid sighed.

Zaid: I knew you would say that.

Eshal: Your father won't leave this house.

Zain: This isn't just a house, Zaid.

He looked around.

Zain: This is where I grew up. This is where I met your mother. Every corner has a memory.

Eshal smiled at him.

Zaid looked at them and smiled.

Zaid: Fine. I won't force you.

Zain: That's my son.

Zaid: I'll stay here for one week.

Eshal: Only one week?

Zaid: Then I have to go back to Dubai.

Noor: At least we'll get one whole week with you and Arhaan.

Zaid nodded.

Zaid: That's why I came.

Later that night, everyone went to their rooms.

Zaid carried Arhaan upstairs and placed him on the bed.

He pulled the blanket over him.

Zaid: Good night, little man.

Arhaan looked at his father silently.

Zaid kissed his forehead.

Zaid: Tomorrow, we'll go around the city. Okay?

Arhaan slowly closed his eyes.

Zaid smiled and switched off the light.

He had come to India believing that this would simply be a peaceful one-week family visit.

He had no idea that before those seven days were over, someone would enter his life and change everything.

Someone he had never expected.

Someone who would slowly change the quiet world of Zaid Qureshi.

And most importantly...

Someone who would become the answer to the silence in little Arhaan's life.