Epilogue-1

Unedited:

Kuch baat hai teri baaton mein,

Jo baat yahan tuk pohnch gyi.

Hum dil say gye,

Dil tum pay gya,

Baat kahan tuk pohnch gyi.

1 year later:

Zahra was sitting on the floor playing with her collection of dolls. She arranged them in a line but one of them fell over the others and all of them fell down on the floor.

"Oh-ho", she pouted. She tried again and again and finally succeeded. Her lips stretched into a smile but it didn't stay for long as all of them fell again. She pouted and turned her head towards her daddy who was sitting on the chair reading a medical journal.

"Daddyyy", she called out.

Zohaib turned a page and looked up from the journal towards Zahra. "What happened love?", he asked lovingly.

Zahra pointed at the bunch of dolls lying in front of her. He kept aside the journal on the table and walked up to Zahra.

"Don't worry, daddy will do it for you", he picked up her dolls and arranged them. Zahra took the soft stuffed doll out of them, made her sit on her lap, and hugged her whilst carefully looking at her daddy.

"Look it's done, you were worrying for nothing", Zohaib said as he shifted his gaze back at Zahra. Zahra smiled and stood up, keeping her hand over his shoulder. Zohaib hugged her and kissed her cheek. "My baby".

"thundhi", Zahra lisped.

"Kya chahye Zahra? (What do you want Zahra?)", Zohaib asked softly.

"Huh?", He frowned. "What Zahra?",

"Thundhiii", Zahra said again showing him the doll in her hand.

Zohaib nodded his head unsurely. "This?", he showed her one of her toys.

She shook her head.

"Okay we will find out, don't worry", he told her and showed her things one after another for a while but they were not the ones Zahra needed.

"This one", Zohaib showed her a pen. He turned around, the moments his eyes fell on her he paused. Zahra's eyes were filled with tears and she was crying internally. He threw the pen away and picked her up in his arms.

"Hey! don't cry Zahra", he worriedly took quick steps towards the washroom.

"Faryal", he knocked at the door impatiently. "Zahra is crying, please come out quickly".

"Zohaib what have you done with her", her muffled voice came.

"I've not done anything", he replied. By now Zahra started sobbing loudly.

"Don't cry Zahra, your Ammi is coming. I'll take you to market right now, so you can buy whatever you want. Okay? just don't cry", he said worriedly. The washroom door clicked open. Faryal stepped inside the room with a towel wrapped around her hair.

"What happened Zahra?", Faryal's eyebrows wriggled in concern as she hurriedly took Zahra from him.

"Thundhiii", Zahra said. Faryal wiped her tears and walked deeper into the room.

"Let's go out to buy that thundhii for her", Zohaib picked up the car keys.

Faryal opened the drawer of a dressing table and picked a comb out of it and handed it to Zahra.

"That's it Zahra?", Faryal raised her eyebrows. Zahra nodded and her lips stretched into a beautiful smile. Her eyes were shining with tears and her nose had become red. Faryal wiped Zahra's tears again, with her dupatta. Zahra threw her doll aside and hugged Faryal. She placed her head on Faryal's shoulder and sulked. Faryal rubbed her back and whispered sweet nothings to change her mood. Zohaib's eyes were fixed on them with a quizzical look on his face.

"Kungi mang rahi thi wo Zohaib (She was asking for a comb Zohaib).", Faryal pressed her lips together and shook her head.

"Oh", Zohaib fetched a deep breath.

"Zahra weren't you going to comb her hair?", Faryal asked gently.

"Yes", Zahra whispered.

"Let's do it", Faryal said, making Zahra sit on her lap and handed her the doll again. She took Zahra's hand in her hand and combed the hair of her doll. "Aww she is looking so pretty, isn't she Zahra?".

Zahra smiled and nodded her head.

"Now do it by yourself, okay.", Faryal kissed her cheek and left her hand. Zahra was busy combing her doll's hair. Zohaib was looking at them in surprise. Faryal placed Zahra on the bed, turned around, and looked up at Zohaib.

She roamed her gaze around the room, it was a mess. Her eyes went wide. "Hawww, what have you done with the room. I cleaned it literally minutes ago". she facepalmed, keeping her tone low because Zahra was around them.

"Zahra did", he shrugged.

"Stop putting the blame over my poor child", Faryal narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not. Let me ask her?", Zohaib tried to defend himself.

"Zahra it was you who had created all this mess?", Zohaib asked.

Zahra didn't reply, she was engrossed in her own world unaware of the situation. Faryal unwrapped the towel from her head and hanged it over the backrest of the chair, leaving her wet hair loose.

"Wait a second", Zohaib said. He walked forward and bent down in front of Zahra and asked gently, "Zahra you were the one who created all this mess, right?", Zohaib questioned again.

Zahra looked up and said "Yes". She nodded her head a few times.

"See", Zohaib replied smugly. "I told you".

"Ahan, someone is trying to be smart now huh?" You know very well that whatever you will say she is only going to say yes. It's her catchphrase these days.", Faryal pursed her lips. "What do you expect from two years old by the way".

"Ab aesi bi koe baat nahi hai (It's not like that)", Zohaib rolled his eyes.

"Zahra Ammi's baby, isn't she?", Faryal asked Zahra.

"Yes", Zahra smiled.

"See", Faryal gave him a pointed look, folded arms over her chest, and tapped her foot on the floor impatiently.

"Kya matlub? khobsurat ho tou kuch bi kaho gi. (What do you mean? You are beautiful that doesn't mean you can say anything)", Zohaib said.

Faryal paused and her eyes flew open at his blunt remark. Her face grew hot under his scrutiny. She turned her face to the side. She was grateful for her loose hair, covering her blush.

An amused smile made its way on Zohaib's face, he knew, as usual, she was blushing. He stepped closer, slipping his hand around her waist, and pulled her gently. She was looking at anything but him. With another hand, he held her chin and made her look into his eyes. He wished he could tell her but it wasn't wise, the spells she cast with those hazel eyes.

"You need to stop torturing my heart Mrs. Zohaib", he said huskily.

It's been over a year since they had taken their relationship further but still, one little act from him would cause intense butterflies in her stomach. He bent down, kissed her cheek softly, and playfully whispered into her ear, "Weren't you angry a few seconds ago?".

She frowned and the realization dawned upon her. "Stop buttering me", she removed his hands from her waist. He let out a chortle.

"I'll clean the mess, don't worry", he said.

"No, I was kidding. I'll do it after putting Zahra to sleep", Faryal picked up Zahra and laid down on the bed with her.

"Never mind", Zohaib said and started gathering the things and put them in their places ignoring Faryal's protest. Zohaib bent down to pick up the headbands from the floor. He was about to straighten up when his eyes fell on an envelope.

"I might have dropped it from her drawer", he thought and picked it up. The paper inside the envelope was peeking out of it. He looked carefully at the familiar envelop and frowned. He glanced at Faryal, she was holding a feeder bottle to Zahra's mouth and as well as talking to her. Zahra seemed drowsy.

He knew it wasn't right to do that, but the curiosity got him best. He took out the paper from the envelope and unfolded it. He froze the moment he processed what was it. It was like someone has knocked the breath out of his lungs.

Faryal said something to him but he was too lost to hear what she said. She looked at his back, which was very unusual because he was always attentive towards her. Zahra was asleep with her head on Faryal's arm. Faryal carefully put down Zahra's head on the pillow. She dimmed the lights and walked up to him.

"Why are you sta-", she paused as she stood in front of him. He looked up at her whereas her eyes fluttered between his face and the piece of paper in his hand. Her heart sank and a cold sweat broke on her forehead.

"6 weeks?", he asked.

"10", she replied meekly. She looked at his face for any reaction, but his face was devoid of any emotion and he seemed zoned out. Havoc of fears erupted inside him. She looked away and tears welled up in her eyes. His silence was proving her doubts right.

"I'm not aborting our child", she sniffed softly.

"What?", He snapped his head in her direction. His eyebrows were wriggled.

"I know you don't what the baby but-", she burst into tears.

"Hey", he moved forward and held her into his arms tightly. She clutched his shirt and sobbed snuggling closer to him.

"We are not aborting our child, you need to calm down", he rubbed her back to comfort her. "I can never think of doing that".

She tilted her head up and looked into his eyes for confirmation.

"Why are you such an idiot Fary", he groaned at her condition and wiped her tears. She blinked her eyes and hiccuped. She hugged him back and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to calm her heartbeat.

"Does anyone else know about it?", he asked gently like he was talking to a child. She shook her head. "I wanted to tell you first". she paused and glanced at Zahra. "Zahra knows but she is not anyone, she is a part of me".

"And when were you planning to tell me exactly?", he asked softly.

"I.....don't know. Are you angry with me?",

"No, why would I be?", Zohaib frowned.

"Then", she paused. "Does it mean you are happy?", she asked hopefully.

"Of course I am. I'm already taking care of two kids, another kid won't be a problem. I can take care of it.",

"One", she corrected him.

"Seriously? did Zahra grow up?", He teased her.

"Zohaibbbb",

"What Zohaibbb", he mimicked her. "Jese halat hain na tumhre muje lagtha hai Zahra barhi ho jae gi lekin tumhara koe irada nahi (Looking at your condition, Zahra will grow up but I don't think so you have an intention of growing up)". he tried to lighten her mood.

Faryal let out a chuckle. They talked for a while and then went downstairs for the dinner.

"I've already selected the song, you can't cancel it at the last moment. Whether you are happy or sad Usman you will do it the way I've planned.", Mahum huffed. Mahum came back a few days ago to spend her summer break at home. Faryal and Zohaib settled down on the chair.

"Uzair Bhai is getting married in a couple of days, I still can't believe it.", Mahum said excitedly.

"Exclude Faryal from your dance team", Zohaib said.

"No Zohaib bhai, don't do this pleaseee", Mahum pleaded.

"She can't Mahum",

"But why?",

"She has to be careful because of the kids", Zohaib stated.

"Anyone can take care of your kid", Mahum replied.

Huzaifa straightened and processed Zohaib's words. "Kids?", Huzaifa repeated his words and looked at his brother in surprise.

"Kids", Zohaib confirmed and nodded his head.

"Huzaifa let me convince him, do not intervene please", Mahum frowned. "Zohaib bhai-",

"Oh my my! You guys are expecting", Huzaifa almost screamed. Everyone paused and their eyes fluttered between Zohaib and Huzaifa.

"Yes", Zohaib glanced at Faryal and smiled.

"Ma'Sha'Allah", Dadi phupho said. "Come here Faryal".

Faryal got up from the chair and went towards Dadi phupho. "It's such good news", Dadi phupho kissed her head. Over the passage of time, Dadi phupho's heart was softened towards Faryal.

"Congratulations", they heard multiple happy voices.

Mom and Tayi hugged them. Dadi Jan and Dada Jan gave them their blessings. The younger one were happy too.

Later at night, Zohaib was starring at Faryal, she was asleep in his arms. His thoughts were making him fidgety. He could feel the fears and doubts sprouting inside him again from the moment he came to know about her pregnancy but he tried to conceal it for her happiness. He didn't want to make her feel dejected. As much as his feelings for her were getting stronger, so does his fear of losing her.

"It's going to be hard but In'Sha'Allah we will get through it", He mumbled and kissed her forehead. "We will", he mumbled again trying to calm down his jumbled thoughts and hugged her tighter.

That night, sleep was the last thing he got.

*****

Uzair and Roshni were sitting on the stage with a smile pestered on their faces while the photographer was capturing their pictures with the family members.

Zohaib was holding Zahra in his one arm and wrapped the other around Faryal's waist as they posed.

"Mahum come take pictures with us", Roshni said.

"Yeah", Mahum said. Her eyes automatically wandered to find Huzaifa but she couldn't spot him. "Bhabhi I'm coming", she said and stepped down from the stage.

"Zain have you seen hu-", Mahum frowned as she heard Huzaifa's voice. She turned around,

Huzaifa was standing behind her with a girl almost of their age. He was talking to her casually. She strode towards him.

"Huzaifa you are here I was looking for you", Mahum said pretending she didn't saw the girl and kissed him on his cheek leaving the lip mark. He paused and looked at the girl who was already starring back at them.

"Mahum meet Areeba", He give her tight-lipped smile and signaled her with his eyes to stop. The hall was filled with hundreds of people.

"Hey, I'm the wife", Mahum turned towards her and forwarded her hand.

"Huzaifa when did you get married", Areeba was surprised. "Good to see you Mahum", she smiled.

"Same here", Mahum replied. "Areeba I'm sorry but I'll have to take my husband with me for pictures", Mahum said.

"Yeah sure", Areeba said.

"See you", Mahum said and dragged Huzaifa with herself. Huzaifa picked out a tissue paper from his pocket to clean the evident lip mark on his face.

"Don't you dare Huzaifa", Mahum narrowed her eyes at him.

"What?",

"You won't clean it",

"Why", he asked in disbelief.

"Because I want that", she shrugged.

"Mahum try to act a little bit sensible. Just look around how many people are present there", he rubbed the tissue paper on his cheek.

She left his hand and walked away.

"Mahum", he called her but she didn't listen to him.

*****

Huzaifa stepped out of the washroom. The small drops of water were slowly dripping from his hair on the forehead making their way down his face. His eyes fell on Mahum, she was lying on the edge of bed pretending to be asleep and his pillow was on the floor. He picked up his pillow and dusted it off. He walked up to his side with his fixed on her and settled down on the bed with his back pressed to the backrest. He knew she was pretending to be asleep.

He picked up his mobile to check his tomorrow schedule at the office. She was turning and tossing on the bed. His eyes kept fluctuating between her and the screen.

She sat down finally and glared at him for his indifference. She snatched the mobile from him. He glanced at her.

"You are sleeping on the couch today", she stated.

"I'm not", he replied and snatched back his mobile from her hand and continued what he was doing earlier. He kept his face straight to tease her further. She looked at him with her mouth agape.

"I'll sleep on the couch then", she got up from the bed.

"Sure", he replied.

Her blood boiled. She threw a cushion towards him which he dodged without even looking in her direction. She stomped her foot on the floor and walked up to the couch with the pillow and comforter. She settled down on the couch and covered herself.

Huzaifa looked up from the screen and smiled mischievously. He put down the mobile on the nightstand and went towards her.

"Mahum", he called her.

"Mahum baat karo muj say yaar (Mahum talk to me)", he sat down beside her and pulled the comforter from her face. She was crying.

"Why are you crying, I was kidding idiot", he placed her head on his lap.

"You don't love me anymore", she said.

"Yeh kesi paglo wali baatein kr rahi ho tum (You are talking nonsense)", he said. "You know how much I love you".

"The person you are getting jealous over is our business partner, she is already married and has a kid", he clarified. She stopped crying and looked up at him. "I wasn't jealous. I know it's only me who can bear you".

"Ahan" he raised an eyebrow at her lie.

"Have you seen how Zohaib bhai takes care of Faryal. He is always so attentive towards her".

"Mahum, we are not Zohaib and Faryal. We are Mahum and Huzaifa just like you can't become Faryal I can not become Zohaib. We have different ways of loving each other.", he said.

"Yeah", she wiped her tears.

"Huzaifa",

"Hmm",

"Whenever I try to speak to you about having a child you dodge it. Don't you want a child?", She looked up.

"Of course I want, it's not what you are thinking", he said genuinely. "I just want you to come back first. How will you handle your studies and a child alone there, huh? Few more months to go then you will come back and I swear I won't let you stay away from me. It's so hard already.", he kissed her forehead.

"Hmm", she nodded. "But what if our child turns out to be a snobby person like you?", She played with his fingers.

"Our child can be a snobby one but would love you as much as his/her snobby father loves you", She smiled.

"Mahum don't you trust me", he asked the question which was bugging him for a while." I do but I don't trust anyone around you. You are so precious to take a chance on", she pulled his cheeks and rubbed her nose against his. His lips stretched into a smile.

"You are mine", she said.

"I am yours",

"This distance thing has just made my mind crazy", she confessed.

He laid down on the couch and pulled her body over his. "When you get clouds of anxiety I'll be your wind, if you ever forgot your beauty I'll be your mirror. On the coldest night, I'll be your flame and in the world full of people I want to be the one who is yours. Kisi aur ki jagah nahi hai muj mein, tum say shuru ho kar tum pay hi khatum hotha hun mein ( I don't have a place for anyone in my heart. My world starts and end with you)", he mumbled into her ear.

"Same goes for you", she replied.

"You are such a thief", he added mischievously.

She bit his shoulder.

"Ouchhh", he yelped. "Wild cat".

"Why did you call me a thief? what did I steal ever, huh?", she narrowed her eyes.

"My heart, didn't you?", he said huskily.

A smile crept across her face. "You have a way with your words", she hugged him.

"Just a few more months to go Mahum and you will be back", he mumbled

"Few more months to go", she mumbled and kissed his chest.

*****

Zohaib strolled around the house but Faryal and Zahra were nowhere. He went inside the kitchen Nadia baji was preparing lunch.

"Nadia baji have you seen Zahra and Faryal?", he asked.

"I saw them going towards the backyard", Nadia baji said whilst stirring something in the pot.

"Oh, thanks for the help", Zohaib gave her a nod and went outside the house towards the backyard. He stopped as his eyes fell on them. Faryal and Zahra were walking away on the lawn, holding hands and soaking up the warmth of the winter sun. Zohaib could hear their incomprehensible chirping. He plucked a daisy from a plant and strode forward in their direction.

"Zahra what do we say when we have done something wrong?", he heard Faryal's voice. With each step, their voices were becoming more clear.

"Shoo-li", Zahra stretched the word and jumped holding Faryal's hand.

"Very good", Faryal smiled. "And what do we say when we ask something huh?", she asked softly. Zohaib stopped at a short distance, quietly listening to them.

"Pleaseee", Zahra chirped.

"Yes, you are doing great Zahra. I'm so proud of you", Faryal cheered her. Zahra looked up and smiled showing her teeth. Her eyes twinkled with pride. They turned around and their eyes fell on Zohaib.

"Daddy", Zahra called out. She released her hand from Faryal's hold and ran towards Zohaib.

Zohaib picked her up in his arms and kissed her cheek.

"You came early today", Faryal was surprised to see him coming back from work early. He walked up to her.

"I took a mid-day leave", he replied. A cool breeze was blowing making Faryal's flowy mustard color ankle-length dress flapped in its direction. He put the daisy behind her ear.

"Thank you!", Faryal smiled. These tiny gestures from his were enough to make her fall for him all over again. She had put on weight, her cheeks had become chubby and her skin was glowing under the sun making her more beautiful. He kissed her forehead.

"Thank you!", Zahra copied her and they laughed.

"Are you okay?", he asked. She nodded.

"Sure?", he asked again.

She held his hand and said, "I'm completely fine, don't stress yourself".

"The kid's didn't trouble you?",

"Not at all", Faryal replied. They settled down on a bench.

"Why are you not wearing your slippers?" he looked at her swollen bare feet.

"I wanted to walk like that", she replied. He understood she was feeling discomfort but trying to hide it from him. He put off his slippers and forwarded them in her direction. She looked at him.

"Pehno (Put them on)", he stood up holding Zahra in his arms. She put on his slippers.

"Let's go inside", He stretched his hand forward, she placed her hand on his and got up.

"I can wear mine", she said as they took a few steps.

"It's okay", he replied to her. Zahra said something to him and his concentration shifted to her. They walked inside the house towards their new temporary room on the ground floor. Mahum took Zahra from them on the way. Faryal settled down on the bed whereas Zohaib left the room again.

Within a few minutes, he came back with a plate in his hand.

"Eat", he commanded handing her the plate full of various fruits.

"I can't ea-", she whined.

"Faryal", he cut her sentence and gave her a pointed look. He had stopped calling her by her full name but now whenever he calls her by that she knows it's something serious. She pouted and took the plate from him.

"He is going to make me a giant", she mumbled and took a bite from the slice of an apple.

"Did you say something?", he asked whilst sitting near her feet with a bottle of oil in his hand. She looked away and huffed.

"Your feet are swollen, why didn't you tell me?", ", he poured drops of lavender oil on his palms.

"I don't want to make you worried. Little things make you restless these days.", she replied. "And I can't see you like that".

"Yeah, like I'm not worried now. You promised me you will tell me even the slightest detail of how you feel. Your comfort comes first", he started massaging her feet. She chuckled and her foot curled inward due to the sensation of tickling. He grabbed her foot again and kept massaging it lightly to ease them.

"Nadia baji told me you have skipped the milk in the morning, again",

"I-", she bit her tongue.

"Why Nadia baji has to tell him everything", she mentally facepalmed.

"You didn't answer me", he stated.

"I just can't stand the smell of milk, it makes me nausea", she took a deep breath. She felt like his hands were doing his magic on not only her feet but her mind was relaxing too.

"But it was your favourite chocolate milk", he replied gently.

"I don't like chocolate", she shrugged.  He heaved a sigh. "Tell me what flavour would you like to have, if there is left any to try on", he mumbled the last part.

She thought for a moment and said "Peppermint".

"Okay, do you want anything else?", he asked. He got up and walked inside the washroom to wash his hands.

"Oh yes" her eyes lit up "Those Tamarind candie-",

"Nooo", his stern voice came from the washroom.

Her face dropped. "why".

He walked deeper into the room. "Because it's unhealthy. Huzaifa and Zain are spoiling you but don't think that I don't know".

"Don't you love me Zohaib?", She sulked.

"I do, but still I won't allow you to eat anything unhealthy", He shook his head and sat down beside her. She kept looking away.

He held her hand. "Remember the doctor said your BMI is still low, huh?", he asked softly. She nodded.

"You have to take care of yourself now more than ever in this last trimester, okay?", he said calmly, like he was talking to a child. "It would be better for you and the baby".

"Okay", she agreed. He tucked the strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. Zahra ran inside the room.

"Daddy", she showed fancy clips and ponies to him.

"Wow", Zohaib said. "Who gave you these?",

"Chuchi", Zahra said.

"Did you thank Mahum chuchi?", Faryal asked.

"Yes", Zahra nodded her head to and fro in excitement.

"Zahra do you remember the baby I showed in the park yesterday", Zohaib grazed his fingers in Zahra's hair. Zahra gave him a blank look. "The small baby, Zahra", he added.

"Baby", Zahra repeated his words and frowned. "in the Park". She remembered finally.

"Do you like babies", he asked further.

"Yes", Zahra nodded.

"What if we bring one for you. You will play with the baby", he raised an eyebrow. Zahra smiled.

"Baby will live with us. With your Ammi an-",

"No", Zahra said in a horror-filled voice. She held Faryal's leg tightly and placed her head on her leg too while standing on the floor. Zohaib glanced at Faryal.

"So daddy will take care of the baby?", Zohaib said.

"Nooo", Zahra shook her head. Her eyes were shining with tears.

"Zohaib you are hurting her", Faryal wriggled her eyebrows in dismay.

"I was trying to mentally prepare her for the future", He picked up Zahra and made her sit on the bed. Faryal hugged Zahra.

"She is not ready for sharing. What are we going to do with her?", Zohaib heaved a sigh.

"She will understand once she has to deal with it. Just don't hurt my daughter like this now", Faryal rubbed Zahra's back.

"Zahra let's eat this, get up or I'll finish it from you. Come on, come on", Faryal straightened her and showed her the plate. "Which one Zahra wants hmm?", she asked softly.

"I want Guava", Zahra replied. Faryal gave Zahra a slice of Guava.

"bismillahi wa 'ala baraka-tillah (In the name of God and with God's blessing)", Zahra lisped in between but completed the dua and took a bite.

Zohaib's lips stretched into a smile. Faryal was raising her very well. Zahra looked at him and forwarded her towards him. "Daddy eat", she said.

Zohaib took a small bite, knowing if he refused she will get upset. Zahra crawled in his direction and sat down in his lap.

"Zahra will take one bite and then daddy will take one, right Zahra?", Faryal said.

"Yesss", Zahra nodded and followed Ammi's words.

"You are trying to finish this on us, I got you", Zohaib stated. He grabbed Faryal's hand in his.

"What? No", Faryal laughed. "I want her to show her love and take care of you. That's how she will learn to value you", she replied.

"Very thoughtful of you", he kissed Faryal's hand.

"What do you want a girl or a boy", Faryal asked out of the blue.

"I want you to be safe. Girl or a boy, I'm alright with any", Zohaib replied sincerely.

"When Ayza was expecting what both of you wanted?", Faryal questioned.

"A girl, obviously", Zohaib said. He looked down at Zahra and continued "We both wanted a girl. You know Ayza's used to pray that our girl should be a carbon copy of me so she can see how would I look if I was a girl. Thank God Zahra looks like her.", Zohaib chuckled.

"That's sooo cute Zohaib", Faryal smiled. "Why didn't I think of it. Now I'll also pray if it's a girl she should look like you". She placed her hand on the baby bump.

"No way", Zohaib shook his head.

"Maybe the baby is already like you because I keep staring at you when you are getting ready or sitting in front of me or even when you are asleep. I just can't get enough of you", She said nonchalantly and looked up. His eyes were already fixed on her. She quickly covered her mouth.

"And I don't want you to get enough of me, smjhi? (understood?)", he said proudly.

"I wasn't supposed to say it", her feeble voice came out. He laughed.

"Now stop acting like this or else you know-", he signaled with his eyes towards Zahra.

"Besharm (Shameless)", Faryal tried to keep her face straight but the evident blush on her cheeks was telling another story.

*****

Zohaib was restlessly strolling in the waiting area. Despite extremely cold December night, he was sweating due to the fire of fear which had set his soul ablaze. The previous unfortunate event of the same situation kept replaying in his mind. In the background, Faryal's baba was standing with his back pressed to the wall and his condition was not any less than Zohaib. Both of them were making prayers and mumbling Quranic verses alongside "Ya Allah! Please protect her".

"Bhai they are going to be fine In'Sha'Allah", Huzaifa placed his hand on Zohaib's shoulder.

"Please pray for-", Zohaib froze as he heard the shrill cry of a baby. His heartbeat increased and the tears he was holding for a long time fell from his eyes. Faryal's baba walked forward too.

A nurse came out of the labour room.

"Who is the husband?", she asked.

"I am", Zohaib said quickly.

"Mubarak ho, beti hovi hai (Congratulations it's a girl)", the nurse said.

"How's my wife", Zohaib asked quickly.

"The mother and the child both are completely fine", She announced.

Everyone congratulated each other. Zohaib looked up with closed eyes. "Ya Allah tera shukr (Praise is to be Allah)" he heaved a deep breath.

"Can we meet them?", Huzaifa asked.

"We will inform you once she is shifted to the room", The nurse said and went inside the labour room again.

Faryal's baba came forward with tears-filled eyes and congratulated Zohaib. Zohaib engulfed him in a warm hug.

"Congratulations Zohaib", Baba jan said.

"Congratulations to you too uncle", Zohaib replied. His happiness knew no bounds.

Later they were allowed to meet Faryal. They started going inside the room Faryal's baba was the first to go inside. Faryal looked at the door.

"Where is Zohaib?", she asked her baba jan.

"He went to the mosque", Baba replied. Faryal nodded and her eyes went back to the door. A few mintutes later Zohaib entered the hospital room and his eyes met with hers. A nurse came inside the room with a baby at the same time. Zohaib took the baby in his hands and he walked up to Faryal.

"Our child", Zohaib said to Faryal. Tears were falling from their eyes as they looked at each other.

"Are you okay?", Zohaib asked holding her hand tightly.

"Yes", Faryal sniffed. He laid down the baby beside her and kissed Faryal's forehead. Everyone was silently looking at them.

"Let's give them some space", Mom said and they left the room.

"Why are you crying?", he asked wiping his eyes with his upper arm.

"I", she replied. He wiped her tears. "I love you Zohaib", she added.

"I love you more", he replied. "Thank you for making me the happiest person". He gave her a tight-lipped smile.

"Where is Zahra?", she asked looking behind him.

"She is with Mahum. They will be here in a while", Zohaib replied looking at the baby. The door clicked open and Zahra walked inside the room. Mahum peeked inside and said "Congratulations guysss, I'm so happy for you. Huzaifa idiot is not letting me in. See you in a few minutes", Mahum showed them a thumbs up and closed the door.

Zahra standing still and watching them from a distance. Zohaib got up from the bed, took her in his arms, and brought her near with him.

"Ammi", Zahra said meekly. Her eyes fluttered between the baby and Faryal. Zohaib sat down on the bed with Zahra on her lap. Zahra touched the baby and frowned.

"She is your baby sister", Faryal said lovingly. Zahra lightly touched her again and this time the baby started crying. Zahra was startled, her lips wobbled and she started crying too. Zohaib and Faryal looked at their kids in horror.

"Ammiii", Zahra cried. She shifted from Zohaib's lap towards Faryal and Zohaib picked up the baby and bobbled her.

"Kuch nahi hova Zahra (Nothing happened Zahra) Calm down love", Faryal coaxed her and eventually Zahra calmed down.

"She is hungry", Zohaib said because the baby was crying continuously.

"I'll take out Zahra with me and send mom to help you", Zohaib said and she nodded. After a lot of persuasions, Zahra agreed to leave Faryal and Zohaib took her out with him.

*****

"Ma'Sha'Allah she looks exactly like Zohaib", Ayza's mother looked at the baby in her hands.

"Yes, she does.", Faryal smiled.

"Yeah", Zohaib agreed. "After all she is my daughter"

The baby stretched her body, curled her fingers and fluttered her hazel eyes open, and starred at Ayza's mother. Aunty dipped down and kissed her forehead. "May she fills your life with happiness and love".

"How is Zahra coping with the change?", Uncle asked.

"Zahra loves her until she has to share Faryal with her sister. She is now fine with me near the baby. I hope she adjusts soon", Zohaib pressed his lips together and shook his head. If it was another scenario Zohaib must have felt insecure but now he was grateful that at least he was able to take care of the child without hurting Zahra.

"Zahra should Nanu (Maternal grandmother) take the baby with her", Aunty asked. Zahra was playing with the gifts and ballons aunty and uncle has brought with them.

"No", Zahra shook her head.

"Zahra who is she?", Mom asked.

"Shi-ster (sister)", Zahra smiled. She walked up to them and showed the toys to the baby.

"You will share your toys with her right?", Zohaib asked. Zahra nodded and kissed the baby's cheek surprising everyone.

"We need to name her. Do you have any in your mind", Mom looked Faryal.

"I've few in my mind but I want Zohaib to name her", Faryal stated.

"Assalam-u-Alikum everyoneee", Meesha entered their room with her son Moosa.

"Walikum Assalam", Meesha side hugged mom and then met everyone.

"Aww my daughter-in-law", Meesha took the baby from aunty. "Come Moosa look at her", she called her son.

"EXCUSE ME?", snapped his head. His eyes flew open.

"What?", Meesha shrugged and sat down beside Faryal. Moosa was almost 1 and a half years old now, but he was an extremely active kid after all he was Meesha's son. Zohaib quickly came forward and took the baby from her.

"She is tired", he said.

"Moosa I guess you should play with Zahra. I love her too", Meesha said playfully. Zohaib stopped in his tracks listening to her words. He quickly grabbed Zahra's hand and took her along with him at the far end of the bed. Everyone was looking at them with amused expressions.

"Why do you always have to annoy him", Faryal shook her head. Meesha chuckled. Moosa kept trying to get near them but Zohaib wasn't letting him near his daughters.

"Moo-sha", Zahra called him.

"It's Moosa Bhai for you Zahra", Zohaib said.

"Don't do this injustice with my innocent child Zohaib", Meesha said dramatically and consoled her son.

Zohaib starred at the baby and said "I want to name her Wania.", Everyone paused and looked at him. He smiled looking at his daughter and continued, "Wania means God's gift. She really is a God's gift to us". He kissed her softly.

"Mom?", he asked.

"It's beautiful", Mom replied.

He shifted his eyes towards Faryal, "It's beautiful like mom said", she smiled.

"Hmm so Wania it is then, Wania Zohaib Durrani. No one would call my daughter baby anymore", Zohaib said.

"Except Moosa", Meesha winked.

"Hell no", Zohaib groaned. Everyone burst into a fit of laughter.

*****

Faryal patted Zahra's back as she was sleeping glued to her.

"She is asleep?", Zohaib asked. Wania was lying on his chest.

"Yes", Faryal replied. They kept their voices low. Wania was looking around with her eyes wide open. It was almost midnight but clearly, Wania had other plans.

"So jao (Sleep)", Zohaib whispered and lightly pressed Wania's nose. Wania's lips stretched into a smile.

"Aww It ain't funny Wania", He pressed her nose playfully again.

"She is not taking me seriously", Zohaib said to Faryal.

"See, she already loves you", Faryal said.

"Do you really think so?", he asked.

"Of course", She agreed. He smiled.

"Thank you", He said.

"For what?",

"For this bundle of joy", Zohaib kissed Wania's nose.

After about half an hour later Wania fell asleep too. He carefully laid her down on the bed between them.

He propped his head up on one elbow gazing down at them. "These troublemakers are looking so innocent", he whispered.

"Yup", Faryal agreed. He got up from the bed and walked up to her side. She gave him a quizzical look at first and then understood. She sat down and left some space for him to sit beside her. He sat down on the bed with his back pressed to the headboard and wrapped his arm around her. She scooted closer to him and looked up into his eyes.

"I missed you", he said.

"Aww Mr. Zohaib Ahmed Durrani wants to get babied too", she beamed.

"Whatever", he hugged her and interlaced her fingers with his.

"Faryal", he called her.

"Ji  (Yes)", she shifted her gaze towards him.

"I don't want more kids", he said looking into her eyes. "These two girls are more than enough for us Fary", he added. She didn't say anything and kept looking at him.

"I know it is supposed to be our mutual decision but I can't help it. I don't want to go through all those fears and insecurities again which were suffocating me for the last nine months. Mur hi jaon- (I will die-)",

"Zohaib", she stopped him. Her features got tensed.

"Don't say this, please. Zahra and Wania are more than enough for me too. Don't ever-", she left her sentence dangling, closed her eyes, and held his hand tightly.

"I'm sorry for hurting you", he said in a guilt-laced voice.

"Thank you for taking care of me and the baby, supporting me even though you were fighting a battle inside you. Thanks for being the best husband and best father to our kids", Faryal kissed his forehead. "Thank you Zohaib", she mumbled and kissed his forehead again.

"You are unbelievable", he heaved a sigh in relief and pressed his forehead against her's.

"I'm nothing without you. Apka sath mayasur ho tou mein khizan ko bi bahar likhun ( When you are by my side, autumn feels like spring too). We fell in love, you and I, we fell in love a moment, a moment that lasts a lifetime",  she said. Her eyes shone with love for him.

"For a lifetime", he mumbled and hugged her tightly.

*****

Hi! I hope you're doing safe and well.

As usual, how was the epilogue?

Which part did you like?

I didn't know that I"ll miss the Friday ritual as much as I did. I know I've been MIA for a long time. Sorry to all those who have messaged/commented to which I couldn't reply because I was inactive here. My exams are going to start on the coming Monday, if possible please remember me in your prayers. (You guys have no idea that in how many sittings I've completed writing the epilogue lol).

P.S: There will be epilogue-2 as well but It won't be soon.

Love and light.❤