chapter 5
483 Words
Chapter 5
Minhaj and Mahnoor’s relationship seemed perfect on the surface. They would talk for hours, share little details about their day, and Minhaj felt like he had finally found happiness again. But deep down, something felt off. He wasn’t sure if it was Mahnoor’s occasional indifference or the lingering emptiness inside him that even she couldn’t fill.
One evening, as he wrapped up work, he picked up his phone and dialed Mahnoor’s number.
"Hey, Manno! How are you?" Minhaj asked, his voice warm.
"I'm good. Just a bit busy," she replied casually.
"Busy with what? Should I help?" He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
She laughed. "Oh, sure! Come over and do my work for me!"
"Gladly! But first, I need to talk to you about something important," Minhaj said, his tone turning serious.
"Not now, Minhaj. I’m swamped. We’ll talk tonight, okay?"
"Alright, I’ll wait."
That night, after what felt like an eternity, she finally texted.
Mahnoor: Okay, I’m free now. What did you want to say?
Minhaj took a deep breath before typing.
Minhaj: We’ve been together for a while now, and I know what I want. I want to bring my family to your place with a marriage proposal.
There was a long pause. His heart raced as he watched the typing indicator appear and disappear multiple times.
Finally, her reply came.
Mahnoor: Marriage? So soon?
Minhaj frowned. "Soon? We’ve been talking for months, Mahnoor," he muttered to himself.
Minhaj: Why do you sound so shocked? Did I say something wrong?
Mahnoor: No, it's just... I hadn’t thought about it yet.
Minhaj: I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to make this official.
Mahnoor: I’m not ready for marriage, Minhaj.
His breath hitched.
Minhaj: That’s okay. I’ll wait. Just tell me how long.
Mahnoor: You don’t understand…
A sinking feeling settled in his chest.
Minhaj: What am I not understanding? Are you going to leave me?
Mahnoor: Minhaj, my family won’t accept this.
His hands clenched into fists.
Minhaj: Then we’ll convince them together!
Mahnoor: No, Minhaj… I don’t love you.
Minhaj’s heart stopped.
He read the words again, disbelief flooding through him. His hands turned cold.
Minhaj: What…?
Mahnoor: I never loved you. It was fun while it lasted, but I can’t see a future with you. I’m sorry.
His vision blurred.
Minhaj: You’re lying… You promised—
Mahnoor: No promise can change feelings, Minhaj. Do whatever you want… I’ve made my decision.
With that, she went offline.
Minhaj stared at his screen, frozen. His heart pounded in his ears. His breath came out in short gasps as the realization hit him like a punch to the gut.
She had played him.
Just like he had played Nawal.
The pain that he had once so easily inflicted on someone else was now his own burden to bear.
And for the first time in years… Minhaj cried.
- Writer
