A Heart Full of Tiny Steps. 

A Heart Full of Tiny Steps. 

Later in the day. 

Four thirty in the afternoon.

Radhika sauntered alongside the group of women with hurried steps, keeping pace as best as she could. Beside her, Shaur rested happily in Neelam aunty’s arms while she pushed the stroller he currently seemed to despise. The little boy was far too delighted bouncing in her lap to tolerate sitting still for long.

A smile tugged helplessly at Radhika’s lips at the sight. Watching him happy was something she doubted she would ever grow used to. It warmed something deep inside her every single time.

It was hard to believe he had already begun learning how to jog. These days, setting him down on the floor felt less like letting him walk and more like releasing a tiny whirlwind into the world. With his unsteady toddling steps and endlessly curious eyes, he could wander anywhere in the blink of an eye.

And just like now, even from the safety of Neelam aunty’s lap, he squirmed impatiently, eager to get down and roam wherever his heart desired. Tiny hands grabbed at the air while his wide eyes darted everywhere at once, drinking in every colour, sound, and movement around him.

Every few seconds, Neelam aunty had to tighten her hold on him before he launched himself forward in excitement.

Radhika found herself watching him more than the road ahead, her attention constantly pulled back toward his delighted little expressions.

“He’s the one enjoying the most, aren’t you, little buddy?” Saaba cooed.

“He definitely seems to be having fun. Just look at those big eyes and that huge grin!” Zara quipped.

Shaur responded with an excited squeal, kicking his tiny legs in delight as though he understood every word directed at him. His bright eyes darted from one face to another, thoroughly enjoying the attention showered upon him. The grin on his face only widened when all eyes landed on him, as if he knew he was the centre of everyone’s attention.

“See? I told you he likes being outside,” Neelam aunty declared proudly, bouncing him lightly in her arms.

“He sure does.”

A soft chuckle escaped Radhika as she watched the women fuss over him endlessly. He truly had everyone wrapped around his tiny fingers.

All of them broke into laughter at their remarks. The women around him laughed fondly at his restlessness, utterly charmed by the child’s endless energy and tiny little antics.

Shaur only blinked at them with wide, innocent eyes before bursting into another delighted squeal, as though their laughter amused him just as much.

Watching him like this, Radhika sometimes wondered how someone so small had managed to occupy such an enormous space inside her heart.

She could definitely see how his large brown eyes darted excitedly from one place to another, taking in everything around him with endless curiosity.

Radhika, on the other hand, had never truly wanted to come in the first place. It had been a long while since she had genuinely felt like going out. Perhaps two years now. Somewhere along the way, stepping outside had begun to feel more exhausting than enjoyable. She used to go everywhere with her papa and momma. Every outing, no matter how small, had somehow included them. But without them beside her now, everything felt incomplete, as though something essential was painfully missing from within her.

The thought alone made her chest feel unbearably heavy.

“Why do you have such a glum face, Radha?” Sabba whispered softly, using the nickname she had given her. “Is something wrong?

When Radhika did not reply, Sabba probed further. “Don’t tell me you don’t like it here?”

And how badly Radhika wanted to whisper the real reason back to her. But thinking rationally, she restrained herself. She could not possibly tell her and ruin the surprise of her own birthday celebration now, could she?

No, she could not.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

Blinking once, Radhika shook her head lightly at her concern. “I’m just having a slight stomach ache, that’s all,” she assured her with a small smile. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m okay. Nothing’s wrong.”

“What? When did that happen?” Sabba narrowed her eyes immediately. “And why didn’t you tell me? Wait—” Concern quickly spread across her face as she paused mid-step. “Are you all right? Should I tell Maa about it—”

Cutting her off immediately, Radhika shook her head. “I’m all right, really.” She gave her a small reassuring nod, the kind she had grown far too used to using to hide her feelings behind quiet, comforting smiles.

Sabba narrowed her eyes suspiciously, clearly unconvinced, though she chose not to press further.

“If you say so,” she murmured reluctantly, still studying Radhika’s face with concern.

“Thank you,” Radhika replied softly. A faint smile touched her lips, though it failed to fully reach her eyes. The concern in Sabba’s voice only made the lie feel heavier inside her chest.

Sabba still looked unconvinced, though after a moment, she nodded back in understanding.

Radhika smiled faintly. 

Thankfully, the conversation did not continue long enough for her composure to crack.

Continuing to immerse herself in thought, she tried convincing herself that everything would be fine. That this outing would pass quickly and painlessly, just like every ordinary shopping trip should.

You can do this, she told herself firmly. It’s just shopping. Picking out clothes, trying on accessories, buying a few things. That’s all. Nothing more.

As though trying to convince herself, she gave a small approving nod. Still, unease lingered quietly beneath her forced composure.

Why did it feel as though she was preparing herself for something far more dreadful?

No, she was just overthinking it. 

We’ll be back in no time—

The thought halted abruptly the moment her eyes landed ahead.

Her mouth slowly fell open at the scene before her. For a few long seconds, she stood completely stunned, rooted to the spot as shock coursed through her entire body.

Oh, Shiv ji… no.

The silent plea echoed helplessly inside her mind as her heartbeat began drumming painfully against her chest.

What?

What was he doing here?

The sudden sight of him left Radhika far too stunned to think properly for a moment. Her thoughts scattered completely, her chest tightening unexpectedly. 

The mere sight of him had unsettled the fragile calm she had spent the entire afternoon trying to maintain.

“Is… is he going with us too?” she asked suddenly after catching up to Sabba, her words stumbling out nervously the moment she saw him standing there.

Almost instantly, her mood dimmed.

“Who—? Oh! Uzair bhai?” Sabba chirped casually, completely unaware of the turmoil rising inside her. “Yeah, he’s the one taking us to the boutique. And after that, we’ll be going to Ibn Battuta Mall!”

Her excitement only grew as she continued enthusiastically, “And trust me, you are going to love the place. It has six different retail courts, all designed around different themes just waiting to be explored!”

Sabba grinned brightly before continuing, counting on her fingers dramatically, “And the anchor stores there are amazing too—Debenhams, Geant, Marks & Spencer, Sharaf DG, Decathlon—”

But Radhika barely heard the rest.

Her attention remained fixed elsewhere entirely.

Suddenly, the shopping trip no longer seemed nearly as harmless as she had tried convincing herself it would be. Her fingers curled tightly around the stroller handle as unease slowly settled deep inside her stomach.

On the other side, Sabba continued elaborating enthusiastically, explaining everything in perfect detail and coordination. Yet Radhika’s attention remained entirely fixed on the person standing opposite her, apprehension slowly tightening around her chest.

Her heart skipped painfully against her ribs.

Leaning against the side of a sleek black Porsche, Uzair stood waiting. Dark shades concealed his eyes while his muscular arms remained folded across his broad chest. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled neatly up to his elbows, and his black jacket hung carelessly over one arm.

Even from a distance, there was an intimidating stillness about him that drew attention effortlessly

And he waited.

Waited for all five of them.

For her.

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