The moon hung in the night sky, luminous and serene, yet distant-a silent companion to Noor as she stood on the balcony of her room, her gaze fixed on its silver glow. It felt as though she was sharing her thoughts, perhaps even airing unspoken complaints. Her thoughts felt as far away as the celestial body she gazed upon. The world outside was still, but her heart felt heavy with the weight of memories. She hugged herself against the cool breeze, her thoughts drifting to a void that nothing seemed to fill.
"Noor beta, come down. Dinner's ready," Abir called from downstairs
She didn't respond immediately, her gaze locked on the sky as if she was searching for something-or someone.
When her father didn't hear her reply, he climbed the stairs and found her standing on the balcony. He stopped in the doorway, watching her in silence for a moment.
Noor sensed his presence and turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Fifteen years..." she said softly, her voice trembling.
Abir stepped onto the balcony, standing beside her. His expression was calm, but his eyes mirrored her sorrow. "I know, Beta," he replied gently. his gaze fixed on the moon. "Fifteen years since your mother left us. It still feels like yesterday. She was the brightest light in our lives."
Noor felt her chest tighten with emotion. "I miss her so much, Papa," she said, her voice breaking.
"I know, Beta," Abir said gently, placing an arm around her shoulders. "I miss her too, every single day. She was the love of my life, your greatest cheerleader, and the heart of our family. But do you know what gives me strength?"
Noor looked at him, her tearful eyes searching his face.
"You, Beta," he said, his voice steady yet full of emotion. "Your mother's love, her kindness, her strength-they live on in you. Every time I see you smile, I feel her presence. She's here with us, in you."
Noor broke down, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling over. "I just wish she were here, Papa. I wish she could see me grow, see what I've become. I wish she could hug me one more time."
Abir pulled her into a tight embrace, letting her cry against his shoulder. "She's watching, my princess. She's always watching. And she's so proud of you, just like I am."
Noor clung to him, the warmth of his embrace a balm for her aching heart. "You've been everything to me, Papa. My father, my mother, my best friend. I'm so lucky to have you."
"And I'm lucky to have you, my princess," Abir said, his voice thick with emotion. "You're the reason I wake up every day, the reason I keep going."
They stood there in silence for a while, the moon and stars their only witnesses.
After a moment, Abir gently pulled back and smiled. "Enough tears for one night. Let's go downstairs. Dinner's ready, and I made your favorite gajar ka halwa to celebrate your achievement today."
Noor wiped her tears and managed a small laugh. "You didn't have to do all of this alone, Papa."
"Of course, I did have to," he said with a playful grin.
With a light chuckle, Noor took his hand. " Let's go."
They both headed to the dining table, where Abir served them with care.
"Beta," he began after a moment of quiet, "what are your plans for the future?"
Noor paused mid-bite and looked up at him. "I will start working. I want to design buildings that people will admire for generations. You know papa I even applied to some companies for jobs"
"That's wonderful , my princess," Abir said with a proud smile. "But... have you thought about getting married?"
Noor's fork hovered in the air, her brows knitting together. "Papa, why are you talking about marriage? You know I'm focused on my career right now."
"I know, Beta," Abir said, his voice softer now, "but I'm getting older, and I don't know how much time I have left. I just want to see you settled, to know that you're with someone who will love and protect you."
Noor put her fork down and leaned forward, her eyes searching his face. "Papa, don't say things like that. You're not going anywhere. You're still young and strong. You'll be here to see me achieve everything I dream of."
Noor noticed his distant expression and her smile faded. "Papa, are you sure everything's okay? You've been... different lately. Quiet. What's bothering you?"
Abir stood, picking up his plate and avoiding her gaze. "Nothing, Beta," he said softly. "It's just... daughters have to get married one day. If not today, then tomorrow. As a father i want to see daughter happy and settled."
"Papa," Noor said firmly, her voice trembling with emotion. "There's no one in my life, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying with you forever. Get that into your head." Her tears began to fall again, and this time there was no hiding her pain.
Abir put his plate down and walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. "Don't cry, my princess," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion. "You'll always be my little girl. Always."
Noor buried her face in his chest, holding onto him as though she could shield him from whatever burden he was carrying.
After a moment, Abir gently pulled away, brushing her tears with his thumb. "Did you like the gajar ka halwa?" he asked, his tone lighter as he tried to shift the mood.
"It's delicious, Papa," Noor said, her voice still shaky but her smile returning.
They chatted for a little while longer before retreating to their rooms.
Later that night, Abir checked on Noor as she slept, her face peaceful under the soft glow of her bedside lamp. He adjusted the duvet around her, his hand lingering on her head.
"I'll always love you, my princess," he whispered, a tear slipping down his cheek.
In his room, Abir sat on the edge of his bed, holding the medical reports in his trembling hands. The weight of their reality pressed down on him, but his thoughts were consumed by one thing: Noor. How would she manage without him? Who would care for her when he was gone?
Eventually, sleep claimed him, but not before leaving his heart heavy with worry for the storm he knew was coming.
NEXT DAY
Abir pov
The blaring alarm jolted Abir awake, a sharp pain searing through his head. He groaned, squinting at the clock-7:00 a.m. Time to face another day. He swallowed his medication, the bitter aftertaste lingering as he sat on the edge of his bed, waiting for the ache to subside. It didn't. It never truly did.
Dragging himself to the kitchen, Abir busied his hands, making tea for himself and coffee for Noor. He prepared simple sandwiches, the quiet hum of the morning filling the air. Despite the pain, he found comfort in the routine.
"Good morning, Papa!" Noor's voice was bright and cheery as she bounded down the stairs, her energy a stark contrast to his weariness.
"Good morning, darling. Sit down; your coffee is ready," Abir said, sliding the mug toward her.
Noor grinned as she took a sip. "You're the best!"
He chuckled the sound light despite the heaviness in his chest. "Of course, I am."
She tilted her head, eyeing him curiously. "You're dressed already. Something important today?"
"Just an early meeting," he replied casually, avoiding her gaze.
"Okay, but can you drop me at college first? I need to collect some documents."
"Sure, but have your breakfast first," he said, his tone firm yet affectionate.
"Yes, sir!" she teased, giving him a playful salute before digging into her food.
Abir watched her with a soft smile, his heart heavy with unspoken words. Noor was his light, his reason to keep going. And yet, the thought of leaving her alone in this world filled him with a dread he couldn't shake.
After dropping Noor off at her college, Abir headed straight to the hospital. The sterile scent of antiseptic greeted him as he walked through the corridors, his footsteps heavy with dread. He was ushered into the doctor's office, where a grim-faced oncologist awaited him, holding the latest test results.
Abir Verma sat in the plush leather chair of the doctor's office, his hands clasped together, knuckles white. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Across from him, the doctor adjusted his glasses, his expression calm yet grave.
"Mr. Verma," the doctor began, his voice soft but steady, "I want to be honest with you. We've reviewed your latest reports, and the tumor has reached its final stage. At this point, treatment won't change the outcome."
Abir exhaled sharply, his gaze fixed on the floor. "So... this is it?"
The doctor nodded gently. "I'm afraid so. I know this isn't easy to hear, but I believe you deserve the truth."
Abir clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His voice was strained, barely above a whisper. "The pain is unbearable, doctor. I don't want to spend my last days like this. Just tell me-how much time do I have left?"
The doctor hesitated, his expression heavy with regret. "It's difficult to say with certainty. Maybe a week... perhaps a month, at most." His voice softened. "I'm truly sorry."
A bitter chuckle escaped Abir's lips as he shook his head. "Funny, isn't it? A lifetime of success, and now I'm racing against time."
The doctor leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Time may be limited, Mr. Verma, but it is still yours. You have the chance to make these days beautiful . spend your time with your loved ones and please take your medicines on time ."
Abir forced a small smile, though his heart felt unbearably heavy. "Sure, doctor." His voice was calm, but inside, a storm raged. He rose to his feet, and the doctor extended a warm handshake, a silent offering of support.
As he stepped out of the office, only one name echoed in his mind-Noor.
This world is cruel, and Noor... Noor is a delicate flower. A flower he had nurtured, protected, loved. And now, he have no heart to left her behind, to let her face the storm alone. The mere thought was suffocating , knowing she would have no shelter from the winds that will come her way.
Outside the hospital, the sky stretched wide, painted in fading hues of gold and crimson. Abir reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his medical report. The words stared back at him-Final Stage: Brain Tumor. Cold. Absolute. Unforgiving.
His fingers tightened around the paper for a moment before he tossed it onto the car's dashboard. It didn't matter anymore. He already knew how the story would end.
Right now, there was only one place he needed to be.
Home. With Noor.
He needed to tell her about his health. With zero strength, he drove home.