Home wasn't loud or dramatic. It was quiet dinners, tired footsteps, and the soft clink of cutlery. Zayn came in late, Faqair followed with coffee, and Grandpa always waited—because dinner only felt right when they were all together. In a busy city, this small routine was their way of saying, "We're here."
***
Faqair brought the coffee, handed it to Zayn, and sat down across from him.
Without looking up, Zayn asked quietly, "Why do you look like someone just insulted your whole family?"
Faqair let out a sigh. "Some girl snatched my coffee. I was there first. How could she just—"
Zayn finally glanced at him, cutting him off. "And you let her?"
"What else could I do? You know I don't like arguing."
"That's the problem," Zayn said, his voice cool. "You're too soft."
Faqair gave a half-smile. "If it wasn't a girl, I wouldn't have let it go."
Zayn didn't smile back. He tilted his head slightly. "You're reading too many romance novels. I think it's time I drown you in work."
Faqair clutched his chest in mock pain. "How can you say that to your loyal employee?"
Zayn raised an eyebrow. "You're my secretary. Try remembering your place next time."
Faqair opened his mouth to respond, then thought better of it. He muttered under his breath, "I'm sorry... just wait till working hours end…"
Zayn took a slow sip of his coffee, eyes fixed on the window, watching the city move with quiet detachment.
*Scene: Zayn's Villa
The front door clicked open as Faqair and Zayn stepped inside, tired from the long day. The quiet hum of the house wrapped around them like a blanket. In the living room, Zayn's grandfather looked up from his chair, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
"You two are so late today, huh?" he said, his voice calm but touched with concern.
Faqair set his bag down and walked over. "There's a new and big project going on," he explained. "By the way, did you have dinner, Grandpa?"
The old man shook his head slowly. "No."
Zayn frowned, stepping closer. "You didn't eat? You had to pick up your medicines today too."
Grandpa's voice remained soft. "How can I eat alone? I was waiting for you both. You know I don't feel like eating when you're not here."
Zayn looked down, guilt flashing across his face. "Ohh… sorry, Grandpa."
But Grandpa just smiled, brushing it off like it was nothing. "Come now, quickly. I'm hungry."
Faqair and Zayn glanced at each other, then said in unison, "Yes, Grandpa."
And just like that, the house felt warm again.
*Scene: At dining table
They gathered around the dining table, plates filled, the quiet clinking of spoons and the scent of warm food wrapping around them like comfort.
Grandpa took a bite, then looked up. "So… how was the meeting?"
"It went well," Faqair replied, cheerful as always.
Grandpa smiled, nodding. "Today's food is so tasty."
He paused, then added with a proud grin, "I made it."
Faqair's eyes lit up. "Ah! That's why it's so good."
Zayn raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Why, though?"
Grandpa and Faqair shared a quick glance, the kind that didn't need words. It made Zayn narrow his eyes.
"Wait," he said slowly, looking at his grandfather. "Why did you cook? You're supposed to be resting."
Grandpa waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. I get bored sitting around. So I cooked. It's not a big deal."
Zayn set down his spoon, clearly not buying it. "Yes, it is a big deal. What if your health got worse again? What kind of logic is that?"
Grandpa's quiet chuckle carried both warmth and defiance, like a man too old to be lectured yet too soft to argue.
Faqair kept his head down, quietly enjoying the food—but smiling a little all the same.Grandpa took another bite, chewing slowly before muttering under his breath, "Hmph… lectures at dinner now?"
Zayn didn't respond. He just kept staring, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
Trying to ease the tension, Faqair jumped in. "It's okay, Zayn. He just wanted to cook—"
But one raised eyebrow from Zayn made Faqair freeze mid-sentence.
He cleared his throat, awkwardly adjusting his posture. "I mean… I'm sorry. He won't do it again. Right, Grandpa?"
Grandpa let out a long sigh, clearly not thrilled. "Yes, yes. I'll never do it again. I'll just rest. Okay?"
Finally, Zayn's stern expression softened. A tiny, rare smile tugged at the corner of his mouth—so small it almost didn't happen.
Faqair noticed it. Grandpa did too. But no one said anything.
The three of them just went back to eating, the warmth slowly settling back at the dining table.
ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇᴅ.....
The night settled softly around the apartment, and for a moment, everything felt calm. No need for words or grand plans—just the steady presence of each other, a quiet reminder that sometimes, the smallest things hold the greatest meaning.
[Releasing date 24/08/25]