Allah ki rehmat ko yun thukrane wale khud ek din Unse reham ki bheek maangte hai

His mother's voice was playing in a loop ever since the phone call.

Shahveer was thankful to his Musa Bhai and Bakhtiyaar Bhai who were driving the cars because he wasn't in a state to do so.

Just as he had begun to think that he must apologize to his wife and child and that they could start anew, this happened. His Mama was right.

Allah doesn't like ungrateful people. Sometimes he tests you by giving what you asked for to teach you gratitude.

Sometimes he tests by taking away that which is dear to you to teach you patience and belief.

Shahveer has been through both.

First Allah gave him his Sadia and then he took her away.

Then he gave him Ibtihaaj and his child and now he is threatening to take them away as well.

" Allah! If they survive today, I would always be grateful to you. Never ask for anything else Allah..." Shahveer wept silent tears.

Maybe he was too late in realizing her worth.

Just this evening he was thinking that he doesn't love her and right now it feels like if someone takes his heart out of his body, takes his breaths away he would still survive if he has Ibtihaaj and his baby.

Take them away and he was a hollow man. He never knew he was capable of such cruelty with which he has treated his wife. But never again.

" Mama..." Shahveer turned towards his mother who was rubbing his shoulder to soothe him down. His body was wrecking in violent sobs and she was concerned about him.

" Mama, you were right. Allah is punishing me for everything that I've done to them. He won't forgive me Mama" Shahveer hugged his mother and cried.

"Mama, Ibtihaaj would understand, right?

She would take me back, right?" Shahveer asked Faiqa and she was immediately reminded of her little boy Veer who always had a kind heart.

Life has been cruel to her baby boy.

It isn't easy losing a spouse and it isn't easy to give their place to someone else, no matter the time elapsed. If you could replace a person so easily maybe you never loved them enough. Maybe you're not capable of loving another person at all!

Her son Shahveer always has been a carefree soul who loved too fiercely. When he loves a person, he accepts them wholeheartedly and to think Sadia was his wife.

Sadia was supposed to be his soulmate and for a small period she was. He loved her with everything in his being but life played a cruel joke on him when his best friend, his soulmate, the love of his life was snatched away from him so soon.

It was expected of him to mourn his wife. Had he jumped onto another girl and declared his undying love for her just as he did for Sadia, then maybe he didn't love Sadia at all.

Shahveer has lamented on his life, the loss of his wife but in doing that he has hurt another heart. Of the girl who was wedded to him.

Maybe it was wrong to marry them off so soon. Maybe they weren't ready. But some things in life are not in our control, they just happen and all we can do is accept it graciously.

Shahveer's way of handling his pain was wrong but that doesn't erase the fact that he was paining. He's only human after all.

Faiqa caressed his hair and wiped his face of any remaining tears. She looked at him and saw a lot of herself in her younger son.

The same honey brown eyes and the same brown hair as her, her son was physically a carbon copy of herself. But he was his Daddy's boy at the end of the day.

With the same grit, passion and determination. With the same magnanimous heart and immeasurable capacity to love. If he loves Sadia so much when she isn't even present in his life, he would definitely move heaven and Earth for Ibtihaaj and his child, especially now when he has come to realize their worth. Of that she was sure.

It was time to guide him on the right path. The path that led to Ibtihaaj and their baby. The path that led the two of them towards their happiness.

" You'll have to work very hard because you've damaged her heart and hurt her soul beyond repair..." Faiqa combed back the hair from his forehead.

" You'll have to show her that you mean what you say. That you are capable of and ready to change..." She saw her words registering in his mind..

" That your baby is not something you regret. That you love and want your baby. That they are both worth it..." Faiqa saw his determined face and gave him a small smile.

" That she holds an important place in your life. That she is your life..." Faiqa choked up on a sob.

Her daughter in law has suffered enough. It's time that her son treat her like the Queen that she is.

" I will Mama. Never will I ever let her cry again. I won't allow her to be sad anymore. I'll give her the world Mama but before that I'll make her my world. That I promise!"

Shahveer declared passionately.

It was time to beg his wife for forgiveness for his every wrongdoing, for all the harsh treatment that she endured at his hands.

And she has to be okay. He refuses to let her leave his life.

Ibtihaaj has to survive to bear the full impact of what it is to be loved, to be the queen of someone's heart, to be the center of someone's universe.

She has to survive so that she knows how sorry he is. So that she knows what it is to be like his his Queen, to be his wife, to be the center of his universe but most importantly, she has to survive to know what it is be like Shahveer's life.

Shahveer rushed inside as soon as Bakhtiyaar parked the car in front of the hospital.

He can't wait to see her, to see them.

Can't wait to hold her, to hold them.

Can't wait to apologise to her, to them.

Can't wait to love her, to love them!

" Ibtihaaj Shahveer?" He asked at the reception.

A ward boy directed him towards the private room that she was shifted in after the preliminary checkup. It was mandatory seeing as she was in her second trimester and all the necessary tests were done before she was given a clean bill of health.

Ibtihaaj was lucky enough to escape the fatality with just a few scratches and shock of being in such a situation. Apart from that she was as healthy as she was in the morning!

Shahveer released a breath that he didn't even know he was holding when he saw her sitting up in bed, her face marred with an adorable scowl as Hania was convincing her to take the medications.

Shahveer's eyes filled up at seeing her all fine and unscathed. He dragged his suddenly lead filled legs towards an unaware Ibtihaaj who was too focused on trying to dodge the multivitamins.

" Appi, ye goliyaan kitni badi hain. Hum isse nahi kha payenge..." Ibtihaaj tried protesting one last time but Hania was not one to budge.

Shahveer smiled at the adorable little girl who is his wife and remorse filled his being. How did her ever resist her?

He held her hand in his and she jerked. It was then that she noticed his presence in the room. Ibtihaaj immediately cowered behind Hania and hid her face in her belly.

Hania saw her brother and the way Ibtihaaj reacted to his presence, made her sigh.

Forgiveness is going to be a long row to hoe!

" Veer Bhai, aap yaha kya kar rahein hai?" Hania moved in front of Ibtihaaj, blocking her from his view.

She is so going to make her brother work hard at gaining her doll's affection.

" Kyu? Biwi hai ye meri" Shahveer was perplexed. Wasn't she the one who told him to come soon?

" Yeah right!" Hania snorted at his response.

" Bhabhi? Mujhe fikr ho rahi thi inki. Meri rooh kaanp gayi thi jab aapne mujhe call kiya tha" Shahveer shuddered remembering the last half an hour.

" Okay! Dekh liya? Ho gayi Dil ki tasalli? Aap jaa saktein hai, aapko aur bhi bohot important kaam honge..." Hania told him off and hugged Ibtihaaj tighter.

Ibtihaaj just dug her face more in her Appi, seeking strength from her. Her heart can't take this sudden change and interest that has generated in her husband for her. For them!

" How can I leave them alone Bhabhi?" Shahveer asked her helplessly, his eyes never leaving his wife's huddled form.

" Jaise aapne aaj tak kiya hai, bilkul waise. Jaise aapne aaj tak humari fikr nahi ki hai, bilkul waise. Jaise aapne aaj tak humpar tohmat lagayi aur hume thukraya hai, bilkul waise ..." Ibtihaaj whispered with great difficulty breaking down at the end.

She cannot take his fake show of sympathy anymore.

" Please leave me and my THING alone. Like you've always done" Ibtihaaj finally said that what has hurt her the most.

Shahveer felt like she had slapped him and he deserved every second of it.

" Ibtihaaj, meri baat sunein please..." Shahveer tried talking with her only for her to cry harder.

" Appi, inse kahein yaha se jaayein" Ibtihaaj weeped, unable to bear his insincere concern for their wellbeing.

" Ibtihaaj..." Shahveer reached for her and she was now violently shaking.

" Shahveer! Leave the room. Now!" A voice thundered inside the private room.

Azaan.

" Baba..." Shahveer was shocked seeing his father raise his voice on him.

" Maine kaha baher jaao, abhi issi waqt" Azaan was furious now. How dare he make his daughter cry?

" Usse mazeed aziyat dena band karo Shahveer. Leave right now. You can take the car home. We will come back with Bakhtiyaar" Azaan issued a command, the finalty in his voice left no room for argument.

Azaan and the rest of them had checked up on their other kids who were in the car. They wanted to give Shahveer time with his wife, but seeing as how Ibtihaaj reacted to his presence, Azaan felt the need to intervene.

He loves his son but Ibtihaaj holds a special place in his heart. She is his daughter before being his son's wife. She is also the mother of his grandbaby and he would die before letting anyone hurt her anymore. Even if that someone is his own son.

" Baba..." Shahveer tried one last time only to be shut off by a hand on his shoulder.

Bakhtiyaar.

" Veer, ghar jaao. We'll bring her home" Bakhtiyaar told him softly.

He can understand what is going through his little brother's mind but right now there's no helping the pain that he's feeling. This situation needs delicacy and Shahveer would destroy everything if he keeps at it.

Ibtihaaj was brought home the next morning. The doctors kept her in an overnight observation to see if she develops any serious symptoms. Faiqa and Azaan kept her company as Hania and Qiraat had their babies to get back to.

Shahveer had slept off on the couch in the lounge, waiting for his wife to come home. He suddenly craved her presence like his very next breath. He wanted to assure his heart that she's alright. That they're alright.

THING.

That's what he had called his baby. His Dia won't be happy with his despicable behavior. She would never forgive him. Allah will never forgive him. But most importantly, Ibtihaaj will never forgive him.

Shahveer will always love Sadia, but she's in the past now. His present and inshallah his future is Ibtihaaj and he'll make sure she knows it.

The closing of a car door brought his attention back to his surroundings. He rubbed his face and ran out to see her.

And by Allah he was star struck! His wife was absolutely enthralling. A hoor! She looked so beautiful even in a simple garb of white, her head wrapped with her blue chaadar.

And what was even more eye catching was her baby bump. The bump he had cursed, not appreciated and had disregarded. The bump that lay undiscussed.

" Kya kaha doctor ne? Koi pareshaani wali baat toh nahi? Main mil aaon ek baar? dobara consultation kab hai? Second opinion le lete hai?" Shahveer couldn't stop the words coming out of his mouth, all laced with concern for his wife and child.

" Doctor ne joh kehna tha wo unhone Ibtihaaj ke Maa Baap se keh diya hai. Baby ke baare me joh opinion share karna tha wo bhi uske Daadajaan aur Daadijaan se kar liye hai. Aap bewajah pareshaan na hoye Beta. Aapko office me deri ho jayegi, jaayein. We are here to care for our daughter..." Azaan gave him a small smile and patted Shahveer's back.

He couldn't have slapped him harder with his hands than he did with his words.

" Baba, Mama..." Shahveer was speechless.

" Jee beta? If you need something please ask your Duaa Ammi or Chachi. I'll be busy with my daughter" Faiqa helped a silent Ibtihaaj inside the house leaving behind a gobsmacked and mute Shahveer.

Azaan and Faiqa should have logically sided with their son but they weren't foolish like other parents who put their own child above his mistakes. No.

They have seen how Ibtihaaj has suffered, seen her cry into the nights. Seen her disheartened and sad. Seen their grandbaby being rejected by their own son.

They've felt each and every pain inflicted on Ibtihaaj and their grandchild.

They were now Azaan and Faiqa: Parents to Ibtihaaj Hamdaani and grandparents to her baby.

Shahveer has been doing just fine with being the tyrant that he is and he would have to do just fine on his own from here on out.

Shahveer knew that the road to forgiveness was long and filled with obstacles but he wasn't going to give up. This is his wife and child that they're talking about.

He maybe late in realizing their worth but he'll be damned if he doesn't win them back.

Ibtihaaj Shahveer is going to be wooed, cherished and loved like she deserves to be.

He rushed to get to his office. Starting today, all his official responsibilities will be delegated and his entire focus will be his wife and baby.

Shahveer came back early in the evening and he had brought back a box of those little pancakes that his wife was craving yesterday. It wasn't going to win her heart but he has to start somewhere.

He also knew that Ibtihaaj would never talk to him or take anything that comes from him and he was the only one to blame. Reason why he has asked Behroz to give the box of those little pancakes to his Bhabhi.

Shahveer stood outside her room and saw how her eyes lit up when Behroz presented her with the box. How she gobbled up its entire content in one go, how the chocolate sauce stuck to her lips and how his Hania Bhabhi cleaned her face like she does with Abaan and Usaamah.

He silently chuckled but his eyes were filled with tears. How easy it was to make her happy and yet he didn't appreciate her.

Shahveer went back to his own room and prayed for the well being of his small family. He prayed to Allah for Sadia's soul and he remembered her as his wife one last time.

From this day forward, Ibtihaaj is his only wife and she will know what it is like to be Shahveer's life.

Shahveer again went to her room after he was sure everyone was asleep. He wanted to see her and his baby.

He entered inside and saw her sleeping uncomfortably, her hands on her bump and the quilt thrown away from her body making him smile. Ibtihaaj was too cute for her own good.

Shahveer went and sat on the bed beside her, grateful for her deep sleep. His hands itched to touch her bump and that's what he did.

" Hey my sweet child, it's Baba..." Shahveer choked up. How was he so cruel to disrespect his blessings, his own flesh?

" Baba is sorry for everything. For every stupid thing he said to your Mama. To you..." He bent down and placed a small kiss on his baby.

" You're not a curse and You're not a THING. You're my precious child. My heart. My reason to exist..." He cupped her bump and kissed his baby again.

" Baba promises Meri Jaan, he will make everything better. Baba will make it up to you and your Mama. I promise Baby" Shahveer kissed her belly soundly, caressed it one more time and got up to leave lest his wife wake up and get upset at seeing him.

He kissed her forehead, placed her slippers just beside her side so that her feet doesn't meet with the cold floor the first thing in the morning and couldn't control himself from kissing his baby one last time before leaving.

Shahveer woke up with a smile. A first in one whole year. He had forgotten what it is to smile and to be happy.

His happiness now resided in the two people who he had not cherished before but who now were his world. He got down with a spring in his step, smiling with all the possibilities that his life presented him with.

He thought of a million different ways to make his wife's life easier and happier but before that he needs a chance to talk to her.

Shahveer rushed to her room before one of his Bhabhi's or his mother could stop him.

Ibtihaaj has been advised bedrest and Azaan has strictly prohibited her from attending school from this day forward.

Her father in law has promised her a job in their company after she gives birth. Till then he wants her to sit back and enjoy this beautiful phase of her pregnancy.

Shahveer stealthily entered her room and saw her talking to their baby. It was absolutely the most adorable sight he had ever seen.

" Did you sleep well Mama ki Jaan?" Ibtihaaj was caressing her baby who was too active this morning.

" Aapke dadajaan ne hume school jaane se inkaar kiya hai.Toh ab hum poora din kya karein?" She pouted at the prospect of having a free day.

She never had one of those. Ever since she has understood the world, she has been working. Doing odd jobs around the house, helping her Phupho with tailoring, babysitting for the neighbors or doing their washing or cleaning.

Then when she finished her education, she has been employed since the very next day. This would be her first ever relaxed vacation and she wasn't sure what she is expected to do!

Shahveer couldn't control himself at that and be burst out laughing. His wife was too adorable.

But, this sent all of her senses on alert. She didn't like him anymore ever since he has rejected her baby. She was still upset and naaraaz with her husband and rightly so.

" Ibtihaaj, meri baat sunein. Sirf ek baar. Please..." Shahveer sobered up seeing her so guarded.

" Nahi, aap please jaayein yaha se" Ibtihaaj felt her eyes fill up. Stupid pregnancy hormones!

" Please baby, bas ek baar meri baat sunein. Main bohot sharminda hoon..." Shahveer began. He still was standing a good distance away from her. He knew she was uncomfortable with his presence here, in her safe place!

What an irony. She was searching protection from him in his own room!

" Hum aapke koi baby nahi hai. Hum toh ek yateem hai jisko aapke saath zabardasti baandh diya gaya hai. Hum aapki doosri biwi hai jiski izzat ek awaare kutte se bhi kam hai" Ibtihaaj bit out frostily.

" Ibtihaaj, I'm sorry. Please, mujhe tumhari maafi haasil karne ka ek mauka de doun. Tumhe humare bachey ka vaasta..." Shahveer pleaded making her laugh in mockery.

" You have some nerve taking my baby's name with that ungrateful mouth of yours. It's not a baby remember? It's a THING! "

Ibtihaaj was angry now. How dare he come here and use her baby like that.

" Ibtihaaj..." Shahveer was ashamed. He had behaved in an extremely despicable manner and he deserves every single thing coming his way.