Chapter 2

The house had become quiet.

Everyone had gone to sleep, but Zaid was still awake.

He stood alone on the balcony, leaning against the railing with a cigarette between his fingers. The cool night air touched his face as he looked at the dark sky.

He took a slow drag and looked through the glass doors toward the bedroom.

Inside, little Arhaan was sleeping peacefully.

Zaid stared at his son for a long moment.

Zaid: Everything changed after you came into my life, Arhaan.

He smiled faintly.

Zaid: I used to think I had everything.

He looked down at the cigarette in his hand.

Zaid: Money, business, restaurants, Dubai... everything.

He paused.

Zaid: But none of it mattered after you.

Arhaan moved slightly in his sleep.

Zaid immediately looked toward him.

For a moment, his expression softened.

Zaid: You're the only thing I have left.

He finished smoking and put the cigarette out before stepping back inside.

He walked toward the bed and quietly checked on Arhaan.

Zaid gently pulled the blanket over his son.

Zaid: Sleep well, little man.

He switched off the balcony light and closed the door.

Zaid then lay down beside Arhaan.

Within a few minutes, exhaustion took over.

Zaid fell asleep.

Neither Zaid nor Arhaan knew that the peaceful night would be the last ordinary night of their lives.

Because tomorrow, something unexpected was going to begin.