My Cruel Love
She left the coffee on his bedside table, still warm with care. But Maya finally understood—no matter how warm her love had been, it was wasted on a man carved from ice.
The next morning, silence lingered like a cold mist, and a new day dawned over a house still frozen in yesterday's pain.
Next Day.
At exactly 8 AM, every member of the Shahriar household gathered at the dining table.
It was a family rule—everyone had to be present for both breakfast and dinner.
This tradition, set by Arman's grandfather, was still strictly followed.
Mrs. Sabina wrinkled her nose as the food was placed before her.
"Ugh, this looks way too greasy. How many times do I have to say it? I don't eat oily food."
One of the maids quickly said, "These are for the others, ma'am. Your food and Arman's are coming out separately—don't worry."
Soon, two servers arrived with specially prepared, non-oily dishes for Arman and Sabina. Meanwhile, Samira's eyes sparkled at the sight of the golden fried bread and spicy curry.
"Wow, Aunt Anzuma!" she exclaimed. "Thank you so much! It's been so long since I've had this!"
Anzuma smiled gently. "I didn't make it. Maya did."
Mr. Manowar chuckled. "No wonder! I thought something felt different this morning. It's like the sun rose from the west today!"
Anzuma playfully narrowed her eyes. "You say that as if I never cook!"
Mr. Anwar interrupted, grinning, "Come on, sweetheart. Let's eat first—just looking at the food is making my mouth water!"
Sabina muttered under her breath, "You'd think she made some sort of ambrosia the way everyone's acting."
Arman glanced down at the puris—fluffy, golden, and tempting.
He wanted to try one. Badly.
But his pride held him back.
Across the table, Abir delighted in teasing him, showering loud praise on Maya's cooking. Samira joined in too.
Finally, Samira picked up a puri and placed it on Arman's plate.
"Please, brother. Just try one. It's seriously amazing!"
Sabina snapped, "Samira! First you're ruining your own health with this greasy food, and now you're forcing it on my son?"
Samira answered calmly, "I didn't ask you to eat, Mom. This is just between me and my brother. Please don't interfere."
Sabina's voice sharpened. "Samira! Is that how you speak to your elders? Watch your tone, young lady!"
Mr. Anwar subtly gestured for Samira to calm down.
Arman turned to his mother and said, "Mom, don't scold her. She's just offering me a puri—it's no big deal. I can let her do that much."
Abir muttered under his breath, "Tch. He clearly wants to eat it himself but is using his sister as an excuse."
Sabina shot a glare at Arman. "You've spoiled her rotten with your constant pampering. She's becoming a little wild monkey."
Samira burst out laughing."Well, if I'm a monkey, then so are you, Dad—since I'm your daughter. And Uncle too! And Mom too! And Brother! We're all monkeys!"
The room erupted in laughter.
Abir laughed out loud, Anzuma stifled a giggle, and Mr. Anwar nearly choked on his food. Manowar quickly handed him a glass of water.
Even Arman struggled to hide a smile at his sister's mischief.
Feigning irritation, Arman said, "Samira! You've gotten so naughty. That's not a good habit."
Sabina looked furious.
Her meal finished, she rose from her seat with a sour expression.
As everyone continued eating, Mr. Anwar turned to Anzuma.
"My dear, I haven't seen Maya around. Where is she?"
"She stopped by the hospital to visit her father before work," Anzuma replied. "She'll probably head straight to the office from there."
Abir sighed dramatically. "Ah, there goes my chance to go with her. I was hoping we could leave together."
Samira teased, "But Abir, don't you usually go to work with Brother?"
Abir grinned. "Used to! But I've decided from now on, I'll go with Maya. In my car."
Arman cut in sharply. "Do you two have to chatter so much during meals? Just eat.
Abir and Samira both pulled faces at him but went quiet.
To Be Continued..