Let me Hate you by Anjaani (top reads txt) 📖

Afraid to meet Amaan again in the room, Asmaira decided to explore the garden area on her own after she came out of the living room after her evening tea. She was still not comfortable going to his room, and the conversation she had with Fariya in the earlier part of the day was still echoing in her mind.

"She had high expectations from you; I hope you won't disappoint both of us," Fariya told her when she met her in her study.

She randomly roamed in the garden, not specifically moving anywhere. She needed her moment; she needed her time to settle. She was scared that she would let them down. She never left her family for a day, and here she was, living in a new surrounding. She felt out of place.

When she met Hania and Ishaal, she noticed that she looked odd. Though they don't make her feel inferior, she could see a huge difference between her class and theirs. Mrs. Hashmi was a polite woman who seemed to support her, but she has a reputation to maintain. Though she didn't marry to become part of their society, it was part and parcel of life she chose.

Raina was so natural, she thought.

You are not here to impress them, she tried mentally preparing herself. With her zero confidence, how was she supposed to handle the responsibility? How will she be able to achieve it? She didn't decide on any particular plan to address it. What was she supposed to do now? On one hand, she has to avoid her devil husband as much as possible till she attains her plan. On the other hand, she had zero experience in handling the new role.

Where are you now? Are you happy? She thought while looking at the evening sky. "Raina," she whispered.

While Asmaira was in her own thoughts, Fariya noticed her from the wall-length window in her study. The initial doubts she held for Asmaira were long gone; however, she could see the inner struggle Asmaira was going through. She could see that she was scared, she was lost, but she was determined to handle her new role. Even Salar put across his doubt to Fariya once.

"Are you sure about her? What if she is not the right person?" Salar asked.

At that time, even Fariya was skeptical, but after meeting Asmaira today, she is confident. The only problem now is Amaan.

"Mummy" Fariya's chain of thoughts was broken when Ishaal called her.

She moved her gaze from Asmaira and looked at Ishaal.

"Kabir is awake."

"Very well, ask Maya to call Asmaira to my room and make sure we are not to be disturbed until I say," Fariya spoke while making her way back to her room. She turned to Ishaal and said, "You know what to do."

Ishaal nodded and left.

Asmaira stood near Fariya's door and knocked gently. She knows why she was called for, she was waiting for this moment for since long, she knew this is what she is here for. Mixed emotions were seen on her pale face. She was scared, nervous and also a slight hint of guilt was there in her eyes. She took a deep breath and went inside the room.

The moment she entered the room, she froze and what welcomed her made her eyes moist, and soon a trail of tears started falling all over her face. She was least concerned with the curious look she was getting as if the only thing in the room was her and the Baby. Yes, a year-old baby was sitting on Fariya's lap giggling and playing with her hair. Along with Fariya and her daughter-in-law, there were three other females, two girls aged about 8 or 9 and three boys, aged 9 or more.

Just like her, Asmaira thought.

When Fariya saw her, she ushered her to sit beside her while the baby was still on her lap. She hesitated as a new wave of guilt caught her; however, seeing Mrs. Hashmi's encouraging smile, she slowly started taking steps and sat beside Fariya. Reading Asmaira's face, Fariya said, "Kabir looks exactly like her, except for his green eye," while gently caressing his face.

"Kabir," Asmara murmured as if her silent prayers were answered.

Kabir had his mother's facial features, same plump cherry red lips, big eyes like a doe, except the color was green. He had a straight nose and the same charisma as his father, Amaan. How could such a devil have an angel-like son? Asmaira wondered.

Kabir stared at Asmaira as if wondering who the stranger was and why his grandmother talked to her and not playing with her. She wanted to hold him, hug him, and love him, but is she qualified to do that? Am I good enough to even touch him? He was a pure soul who was suffering for no fault of his. He missed his parent's love and care, though Fariya and the rest of the Hashmi family take special care of him.

"Amber here, is Kabir's nanny who takes care of everything about him; I want you, for now, to observe everything and learn about Kabir. He does not like new people around him"

Although it is not his fault, he misses his mother, and without her, it is difficult to handle him, Fariya thought but didn't tell Asmara since she thought Kabir will not get close to her soon.

Much to her surprise, when Asmaira held out her hand to Kabir, he didn't back out like always; instead, he stared at her for a second, and with a big smile, he went into her arms. The shock and surprise were evident on everyone's face who was present in the room.

It took me 3 months to get him comfortable with me, and this time he dint react like always, and what's more surprising, he smiled, Amber thought to herself.

Tears of happiness could be seen in Fariya's eyes. It was a miracle to see a woman like Mrs. Hashmi actually cry. She was a symbol of an emotionally strong woman. Even her husband could not take her for granted.

Finally, my Kabir is happy. She could not help but think.

Meanwhile, Asmaira held Kabir and played with him; she learned that Hania is the mother of two babies, one boy and one daughter. Meanwhile, Ishaal was the mother of three, two boys and a girl. She was surprised it was an understatement. They don't look like mothers forget about how they handle babies and their work. Hania works with Fariya in her NGO, while Ishaal has her own boutique stores around the city.