MORE THAN A MEAL

Fatima looked over at Hashim, her tone soft with concern.

"You must be tired… and hungry too," she said. "Let me go get dinner for you."

She was about to rise when he suddenly caught her wrist—gently, but firmly—and pulled her back down beside him.

His voice was playful, deep, and slightly teasing.

"My food is right here, sweetheart."

Fatima blushed instantly, her eyes darting to Zainab, who was still nestled in his arms.

"Hashim, don't say such things in front of Zainab!" she whispered, shy and flustered.

But Hashim only chuckled.

"This is my house. And you are my wife," he said proudly. "I don't need anyone's permission to love you."

Then his tone softened again as he leaned back, holding them both close.

"I don't need food right now… what I need is this. Just this—some quiet time with the two of you. I have to go back on duty soon, but before that, I just want a little peace. And my peace… is both of you."

A few minutes later, all three of them lay together on the bed.

Zainab curled up on Hashim's chest like a tiny kitten, and Fatima lay beside them, her head resting near his shoulder.

Hashim was worn out—the weight of the day finally pulling him under. His breathing slowed, and before long, he was fast asleep with Zainab still wrapped around him.

Fatima watched them silently.

A smile crept across her face. That familiar flutter returned in her chest—the one she always felt watching her family like this. She didn't want to disturb them. She let him rest, just for a little while longer.

Carefully, she got up from the bed, picked up a book, and began to read. The soft hum of the fan above, the occasional breath from Zainab—it was a peaceful moment.

But after some time, she glanced at the clock.

"He has to leave soon…" she thought.

She stood up, walked over to the bed again, and gently tapped Hashim on the shoulder.

"Hashim… wake up, it's getting late."

He blinked, stirred, and slowly sat up—Zainab waking along with him, rubbing her tiny eyes.

They all moved to the dining area. Hashim washes his hands and zainab's too they move to the dinning area Hashim began to eat, and Zainab, ever the copycat, sat beside him mimicking his every bite.

Hashim smiled, then tore off a small piece of soft roti(meal)—the kind made specially for children—and fed it to Zainab with his own hands.

Fatima watched the whole scene, her heart full… but just a hint of playful jealousy crept in again.

Just as she was about to make a comment, Hashim turned to her with a grin and offered her a bite, feeding her too.

"And today's food," he said between bites, "is not only delicious… but the one who made it—she's just as delicious."

Fatima gasped.

"Astagfirullah, Hashim! When will you change? You're still just as shameless as ever!"

He laughed aloud, a carefree, happy sound that echoed through the little house.

The lunch continued—not just with food, but with love, teasing, and the kind of warmth that only comes from family.

Question For readers:

How Is This Chapter Did You Feel something? Leave a comment

Written By

Sabir Ali

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