Beyond the game

The morning sun stretched across Marwana, casting golden light over the city. Yuzarsif sat on the balcony of his hotel room, staring at his untouched cup of coffee. His mind had been restless since yesterday. No matter how much he tried to shake it off, the face of that little boy wouldn't leave his thoughts.

"Why do I feel like I know him?"

The way the child had looked at him—the familiarity in his features—made Yuzarsif feel as though he had glimpsed into his own past. But that was ridiculous.

"Azra and I never had a child."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. He was supposed to be focusing on work, yet here he was, distracted over a kid he had only seen for a few seconds.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Asna?" He opened the door, already expecting her.

She walked in gracefully, her perfume light yet strong enough to announce her presence. "You look tired," she said, tilting her head.

"I didn't sleep well," Yuzarsif admitted, walking back toward the balcony.

Asna sat on the couch, crossing her legs. "Still thinking about that boy?"

Yuzarsif stiffened slightly. "How do you know?"

"You mentioned him a few times last night. It seems to bother you," she said casually, though her tone carried a hint of something else.

Yuzarsif studied her for a moment. Something about the way she spoke made him feel uneasy. He ignored it.

"I'm going out," he said. "There's something I need to check."

"Where?" Asna asked quickly.

"Just somewhere in the city," Yuzarsif replied vaguely before grabbing his keys and leaving before she could protest.

The Bookstore Encounter

Yuzarsif didn't know why he returned to the same area, but his instincts led him there. He parked his car and stepped out, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

The streets were peaceful, lined with local shops. Then, just as he turned a corner, he saw a familiar sight.

Ameer.

The little boy was standing outside a bookstore, a book clutched in his small hands as he flipped through the pages.

Yuzarsif felt his breath catch.

There it was again—that eerie sense of familiarity.

Before he could think, Ameer looked up and noticed him. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything else faded.

Ameer blinked, his young mind trying to process something. Then, without a word, he turned and ran inside the bookstore.

Yuzarsif's heart pounded. Why did he run?

His legs moved before his brain could catch up. He pushed open the glass door, stepping inside.

And there she was.

Azra.

She was arranging books on a shelf when Ameer ran to her, grabbing onto her dress. "Mama," he whispered.

Azra looked down at him, then followed his gaze toward the entrance.

Her entire body went still.

Time itself seemed to freeze as she locked eyes with Yuzarsif.

Ameer peeked up at her, confused by her reaction.

Azra's hands trembled slightly, but she clenched them into fists. This was the moment she had spent six years avoiding.

And yet, here he was.

Standing in front of her.

The man she had once loved.

The man she had tried to forget.

The father of her child.

Yuzarsif took a slow step forward, his gaze shifting between Azra and Ameer. His hands clenched at his sides as realization crashed over him like a tidal wave.

"Azra," he finally spoke, voice hoarse with emotions.

Azra swallowed hard, fighting to keep her composure. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yuzarsif's eyes never left her. "I came for business. But now… I need answers."

Azra felt her heart hammering against her ribs. She wasn't ready for this. She had spent six years building a life away from him. And now, with just one moment, everything was at risk.

She held Ameer close, as if shielding him from the truth.

But Yuzarsif had already seen it.

The resemblance was undeniable.

Ameer looked exactly like him.

And for the first time in years, Azra felt like she had lost control over everything.

To be continued…

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