A gloomy look came over his face, and his voice softened to a near whisper. "She is no

more," he answered shortly.

“Oh. I didn’t know that. My condolences,” Sheharzaad replied gently, not knowing the

weight of the topic she'd stumbled upon.

Haseeb leaned in, his expression serious. “Never ask him about his mother,” he warned in a

low tone, giving her a look that spoke volumes. “Just… don’t.”

She frowned in confusion, her curiosity piqued. “Why?” she asked, her voice ...