The kitchen staff were quietly preparing for dinner when Ishrat suddenly froze. She gestured for the others to stay silent, then hurried toward Eishrat, who was arranging drinks in front of the fridge. Out of nowhere, Ishrat felt someone behind her and dropped the lemon she was holding, bursting into laughter.

“Chef Ishrat, you scared me!” Ishrat clutched her chest, trying to calm herself. She hadn’t noticed Aneesah’s arrival until she felt her presence.

Eishrat turned with a mock frown. “Aneesah, you’re always teasing me!”
Aneesah laughed. “No, you’re just easily startled!”

“When did you get here?”
Aneesah’s expression shifted. “We just arrived. Did you keep your promise?”

Eishrat’s face lit up. “Oh! I didn’t know you were coming today!”
Aneesah crossed her arms. “I called the kitchen landline yesterday. Did you forget?”

“Sorry, Aneesah. I’ll prepare everything now.”
“Dad’s already left. You’re too late,” Aneesah replied sharply.

Ishrat smiled slyly. “I’m joking! Since you warned me earlier, I’ve already prepared everything.”

Aneesah rolled her eyes. “Allah! You’re stressing me out. Today, you even made Sister Enaaya laugh. What’s the rush?”
“Sorry! I know she’s been waiting for her dessert.”

Aneesah smirked. “Whatever she gives Dad won’t top mine.”
“I hope so. Let me finish setting up,” Ishrat said, arranging a wooden tray with fruit salad, homemade yogurt, lemon zest, and chocolate cake.

Aneesah nodded approvingly, grabbing two forks and cups before leading Ishrat to the parlor. Inside, Yumnah sat quietly while Jamal lounged on the sofa, his head on her lap. The group exchanged smiles, but Aneesah ignored them, rushing straight to her father.

Ishrat set the tray down. “Enjoy your rest, sir,” she said politely.
“Thank you, Ishrat,” he replied warmly.

Aneesah sat beside her father, offering him lemonade with a playful grin. He accepted it, amused by her antics. They shared the cake (minus his portion, due to his sugar intake) and chatted until Maghrib prayer.

Later, in Yumnah’s room, Aunty Nafisat and others discussed the evening’s events until Isha prayer. As they finished, a knock interrupted them—Enaaya opened the door to reveal Naeem and Adnan, dressed sharply.

Enaaya leaped into Adnan’s arms. “Daddy Naeem! You finally came!”
Naeem laughed. “Work kept me busy. But here I am!”

Adnan mock-glared. “Blame Enaaya’s tricks!”
Naeem raised an eyebrow. “Which one of you should I scold?”

Enaaya pouted. “Don’t believe him, Daddy!”
The room erupted in laughter as Aneesah hugged Adnan and Jamal joined in.

After greetings, Naeem and Adnan knelt respectfully before their mother, updating her on work. She blessed them, and they left for their father’s study.

Dinner was a lively affair, with Aneesah and Enaayah flanking their father. The table buzzed with clinking cutlery and laughter, though their father’s eyes occasionally welled up—proud yet nostalgic.

By 10 PM, Naeem and Adnan departed. Aunty Nafisat and others lingered until Aneesah hurried them out, claiming curfew. Faiza and Yumnah chuckled, following her lead.

The house settled, its warmth lingering like the faint scent of spices after a feast.