Invisible to her

That day, for reasons he couldn't explain, Zarif couldn't focus at work. He found himself thinking about Zara more than he should. Her nonchalance, her indifference—why did it bother him so much? He barely knew her. This marriage was just an arrangement. Then why?He felt restless as if he was in a rush to do something. As the hours passed, he felt an increasing urge to go home? His body moved before his mind could catch up, and the usual calm demeanor he held at the office slipped away with every step toward the door. It's almost as if some invisible magnate was pulling his focus and concentration towards his home.He couldn't focus on this work at all.

By the time work ended, he was in a hurry to return. When he stepped inside the house, the first thing he saw was Zara, sitting at the table, focused on some office work. He felt a strange sense of relief,he doesn't know why.But she didn't even glance his way. He felt...hurt and insignificant.

Trying to shake off the strange feeling, he went to freshen up. Afterward, he walked into the living room and casually asked his mother, "Where's my dinner?"

His mother turned to him with wide eyes, stunned. "Dinner! What dinner? You told me not to make dinner for you! You've been eating outside for four months now. Am I dreaming?Have you finally come to your senses?Oh... dear lord ... thank god!"

Zarif paused, realizing she was right. He had completely lost his appetite after Noori's marriage, barely coming home for meals. But tonight…

"Has everyone eaten?" he asked instead.

"Yes," his mother replied, still staring at him suspiciously.She asked,"Did something good happen today?You are asking about everyone!!I'll cook the most delicious foods for my son today. You just wait for sometimes, I'll be right back". She was about to go bring him food when he quickly stopped her. "No, it's fine. I ate some snacks in the office. I'm not that hungry."

His mother scoffed. "Am I a joke to you?she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. Why are you changing your words every second? Are you okay?or have you finally gone mad?"

"No, no. I'm fine. It's fine.You go and take some rest,mom.I'll be fine," Zarif muttered quickly, avoiding further conversation.

And during all of this, Zara never once looked up from her work. As if he were just another background noise, another passing presence in her life who is unworthy of even a simple glance of acknowledgement of his presence.

He had never felt so invisible.For the first time, Zarif felt something unfamiliar creeping into his chest. Neglected. And he didn't even know why.

That night, he retreated to his room, the door clicking shut behind him as he flopped onto his bed., he turned to look at Zara once again. She was asleep, her face calm and composed and her breath soft and serene as always. He found himself sulking. His mind was a blur of confusion and frustration. And he didn't even know why.

The moon light seeping through the sheer curtains was making her facial features more alluring and tender , it was as if an angel from heaven has ascended on earth making everything about her breathtakingly elegant and graceful.

While looking at her peaceful face Zarif 's eyes felt heavy and slowly he fell asleep as the night deepened.