A calm wind drifted across the courtyard as the late morning sun warmed the earth.
Mirshad sat on the bench outside, sipping coconut water, his hoodie sleeves pushed to his elbows. His face had returned to its calm, charming stillness. No war. No powers. No memories.
Just Mirshad.
Inside the home, his family moved gently around the space. Maa and Papa were in the kitchen, preparing traditional dishes for lunch. His uncles and cousins arranged decorations for the marriage preparation. The courtyard slowly started turning into a hub of joyful noise.
Sophia leaned against the doorframe, one hand gently resting over her five-month belly. Sara stood beside her, helping her balance, laughing at an old family story.
Inside, the dining room buzzed with aroma. Bowls of biriyani, roast chicken, chutney, and banana fritters were placed in warm trays.
Amir and Malik argued over who would go get fresh juice. Jabir had taken charge of the sound system, testing speakers and humming to himself. Rayyan, calm as ever, managed everything quietly in the background.
Then came the knock at the main gate.
When they opened it, a wave of nostalgic energy swept in. Mirshad's friends had arrived. Not alone — their wives with them, smiles wide and bright. They all entered like it was their second home.
"Oyy, where is that sleeping lion?" one friend called out.
Mirshad stood up, raising an eyebrow, smirking.
"The lion never sleeps, he just chooses peace sometimes," he said.
Laughter echoed. Hugs followed. Their wives greeted maa and the other ladies. The courtyard came alive with old jokes, teenage memories, and new excitement.
Later that day, Mirshad and Sophia went for her check-up. Despite being the richest man alive, he chose a regular hospital.
No private wing. No special privilege.
He walked in holding Sophia's hand like every other husband. People noticed. Some stared. Some whispered. But none approached. They had all seen the live message. They respected his boundary.
Inside the hospital room, the doctor smiled. The scan began. The room went silent, except for the rhythmic echo of a heartbeat.
Three tiny heartbeats.
Sophia smiled with tears. Mirshad froze, then laughed.
"Three stars... just like I said."
He kissed her forehead gently. "You're stronger than any queen who ever lived."
She smiled. "And you... just Mirshad today. That's all I want."
And he nodded.
Because sometimes, being just Mirshad was more powerful than being a god.