Tales Of The Heart

(7)

"You are not to leave this estate without guards, that is the end of discussion, am I clear?", Hamad said firmly. Inaya was in her mother's arms who was equally worried.
"Father please", Inaya pleaded with glossy eyes and Hamad's heart clenched at the sight, he could never see tears in those sapphire eyes. He moved towards his beloved daughter and cupped her face in between his palm before leaning down to press a soft kiss on her forehead.

"You are my heart, Inaya.. Without you, your mother and I are incomplete. You are our happiness, our pride, our everything. A precious gift from Almighty to us, we could never endure to see even a scratch on you.
I understand, you might feel suffocated because of our protectiveness.. However, we cannot help but to feel paranoid.
It is not like we do not trust the Almighty for your well being, but being a father who was blessed with you after years, I am helpless", Hamad mumbled with raw emotions glistening in his eyes.

Inaya's heart clenched at her father's agonizing words. She knew her parents had her after seven years of marriage, people even labelled her mother as barren, spitting hurtful words at them.
Years of suffering forced them to be over protective but she was never suffocated for her parents never failed to cherish her.

"No papa.. I am not suffocated, I know how much you both love me.
I apologize for my reckless move, it will never repeat, I promise", Inaya said and hugged her father, snuggling into his warmth.

"Just.. Be careful, my heart", Hamad mumbled, he held Sarah in his other arm as the three of them hugged each other lovingly.
"Have some rest", Hamad said pulling back which had Inaya to nod before she ambled towards her room.

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"Dearest", Sarah knocked on the door to the home study, gaining Hamad's attention who was emersed in reading the scrolls.
"You did not sleep, my love?", he muttered softly offering his hand at the lady, a silent request to come closer. Sarah placed her hand on Hamad's with a smile.

"I wish to discuss certain important matter", she said with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"Tell me", Hamad pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles, which calmed her anxiousness.
"Our Angel will reach 20th year of her life in few days.. I believe it is a correct age...to find a righteous betrothal", she mumbled.

Hamad had always been overprotective over Inaya for being his only child. It was not easy for a father to trust a man with their daughter nevertheless that had been a norm of this world and non could defy that. Moreover, it was his farz (obligation/responsibility) to fulfill it as a father.

Hamad heaved out a heavy breath and Sarah placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. It was not a easy discussion for her as well but it was a matter that could not be ignored.
"I am aware, it is difficult but she needs to be settled in life and it is our duty to protect our child from any kind of mockery from the society", Sarah whispered.

"Alright, I shall consider the matter sooner", Hamad agreed reluctantly.
"Do you have any knowledge of potential match?", Sarah asked.
"I need to run background check before concluding to a positive reply", Hamad hummed.
"Alright, let us go to bed for now", Sarah offered a soft smile which Hamad returned before they ambled towards their bedroom.

●○●○●○●○

"Sahir, what do you think might be happening?", Shahzaib questioned in bewilderment witnessing the crowd inside the Al-Amir estate.
"I do not know, my Prince", the elder male replied.

The pair was walking down towards the beach to explore the port area when they witnessed the sudden scenario.

The prince sent the message to his family few days prior but did not receive any words back, yet. He was certain that his parents would not go against his heart's will. They were the most loving he had ever witnessed. In their respect, Shahzaib decided to wait for his parent's word before presenting the proposal to Inaya's family.