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Tears streamed down Seema's face, she was still staring at the wall. She didn't have the courage to meet her son's eyes. Although, Salman wasn't able to tear his gaze away from his mother. The dark secrets revealed were a shock. To say that he was astonished was least to describe his feelings. He was utterly speechless. He didn't know what he was feeling at that moment.

For all his life, he had seen his parents as a loving couple. His father a devoted husband and his mother a caring wife. Today the past that was unravelled clearly shown that his parents had withstood a lot to reach to the point that they loved each other immensely. His parents were not perfect. In fact, they were human beings that were capable of making mistakes. The grave sin his mother committed astounded him. But as a loyal son how could he insult his mother for something that was committed way before his birth.

With the back of her hand, Seema wiped her tears away from her cheeks, for the first time in an hour she looked at her son. Her eyes spoke of the pain and anguish she had suffered due to the one night negligence.

"I see myself in her." she swallowed hard against the tightness in her throat, "this is why I had wished to make her my daughter in law. I had endured a lot living with Baji and every time I saw her whenever Baji scolded her, a little of the spark in her eyes was extinguished." Her eyes lowered, staring at her hands, her voice dropped, "Somehow I believed you will be like your father. Help her overcome any weakness and make her believe in herself. But most importantly, love her for who she is."

"And I didn't meet your expectations," exhaled Salman.

Seem wasn't here to blame him or taunt him. She rose to her feet, her trembling hand placed on his shoulder, "Beta, be forgiving. Be a better man. When your father forgave me and never in all these years say a word about it, my love and respect for him increased tenfold. You can do the same and even more." she smiled softly, "Motherhood has changed her. She is a mature person now. Give her a chance. Talk to her, it's always better to discuss the problem rather than running away from it."

When he could condone his mother's sin which was far severe than Nawal's, why was he having a grudge against his wife? Deep down, he realized he was being a hypocrite here.

Nodding briefly, Salman said, "I will try Ammi. I am not as great as Abou. But I will try."

Her eyes shone, she heavily breathed out in relief, and Seema patted his cheek before leaving the room. Sleep eluded from his eyes, he sat frozen for many hours. His mother's words playing on his mind.

The clock chimed the late hour. For the first time in his life, he went to the toilet to do ablution (wudu) for Tahajud prayer (late night optional prayer). When he stood in front of his Lord, he found his answer. Going down in prostration, there was tranquillity replacing the despair in his heart. With closed eyes, his lips moved while in prostration, Ya Allah, make way for us to find marital happiness and harmony.

After completing his prayer, he sat on the musalla (prayer mat) for many minutes pondering over the dire situation. That's when he decided, I will work on our relationship. This time with sincerity.

But many times, decisions were made too late.

****

The next morning, at his office after reviewing the day's schedule and the first meeting of the day, Salman called his wife. With positive thoughts, he dialled her number and waited in anticipation. Guilt was attacking his soul, he had neglected her in the last two weeks since she left for Faraz's place. In his mindless purpose to keep distance he didn't keep in check about her health as he should have had.

"Hello?" Nawal's sleepy voice escalated his pulse, bringing back memories of when he used to wake her up early mornings. Reminding him of her habit of burying her face in the pillow and begging for another five minutes. A smile touched his lips, he missed those mornings when she filled his room with her lilting voice and his bed with warmth.

His eyes darted at the radiators thermostat, for some reason the room was warmer than usual. Scratching the side of his neck over his stiff shirt collar, he greeted her, "Assalam u alaikum."

Sleep vanished from Nawal's eyes, with struggle she sat up. It wasn't easy to change posture now that she was 36 weeks pregnant. "Walaikum salam." Her voice still husky from sleep. She was appalled, glancing at the wall clock in the kids' room where she was sleeping, what he would think that she was still asleep until 11 am. He never liked her sleeping for long but last night the discomfort and the continuous back pain had made it difficult to rest peacefully.

"Sorry I woke you up."

"No...no... it's okay. It's late as it is."

He lifted the heavy paperweight and tossed it in his hand, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"How has your time been at Faraz's place?"

"Good."

Something wasn't right, she never gave one word answers. He hesitated then, should he even say it? Before, he could change his mind, he asked, "Do you have any plans for tomorrow afternoon?"

Nawal rubbed the top of her protruding stomach, the baby was kicking forcefully. "No, I just have a doctor's appointment in the morning."

He paused in saying what he intended. Should he accompany her at the doctor's appointment? It would be awkward though, he didn't go to any of her antenatal appointments. Maybe next time, he exhaled and ran his hand through his hair, "How about I pick you up for lunch tomorrow?"

Nawal's hand stilled on her stomach, she bit her lip. Lunch? After so many days of absence, what were his motives? Her lips remained sealed unwilling to probe him about it. It was better to wait and find out. She had learned not to spite him unnecessarily. "Okay."

"Great. I will pick you up at 1pm." he hastily offered.

The baby kicked again. It seemed their daughter was more excited about the meeting than them, Nawal smiled, "Alright then."

****

An hour later, Salman was busy in a meeting when the call from his secretary disturbed him.

"Who you said is waiting for me?" he held the office phone in his hand.

"Your brother in law, Faraz Ahmed."

Distracted, Salman nodded, "Alright, tell him just give me five minutes." He then turned to his marketing manager as he slowly placed the phone back on his cradle, "Why don't we continue this meeting after lunch?"

"Sure no problem," The marketing manager answered as he gathered his papers and files.

Salman followed the marketing manager out the door so that he could greet his brother in law.

Smiling, Salman extended his hand for a hand shake, "Bhai what a great surprise."

Faraz glared at him and firmly shook his hands.

Salman was a little taken aback by Faraz's unusual demeanour. What had happened?

"Let's sit inside. I need to talk to you." Faraz gestured to Salman's office.

Vigilantly, Salman opened the door for Faraz and followed him inside the office.

When the men were seated, Salman lifted the receiver of the office phone, "What will it be? Tea or coffee?"

Curtly, Faraz shook his head, "Nothing. I am here for a few minutes."

Slowly, buying time, Salman placed the receiver back on its cradle. Leaning back on his leather swivel chair, his eyes levelled Faraz's, "So... what can I do for you?"

Faraz leaned forward across the table, in a dangerous tone he probed, "What exactly are you thinking about your married life?"

Salman's one eyebrow raised, "What do you mean?"

"Do you even care that you have a pregnant wife near to her due date in dire need of you but you are absent from her life?" Faraz hissed.

Their eyes clashed, "Did Nawal say anything to you?"

Faraz's clenched his jaw, "Of course not. I need to know your intentions. I know you took her back as your wife but are you actually fulfilling the rights of a husband? You haven't been looking after her. In the last two weeks, I have seen light disappear from her eyes. She tries hard to hide her tears from us."

"I did call her," Salman justified. He was about to tell Faraz about his call with her just a while back but Faraz cut him in, "Look Salman I am well aware what happened. She has repented. She isn't the same Nawal I knew as the irresponsible young girl. Your decision of taking her back as your wife had eased my worries but the fact she came the next day to live with us and there has been no sign of your calls or your visits makes me wonder what do you have in mind?"

"Bhai, I am taking her out tomorrow for lunch and then after that I will ask her to move back home. I know it wasn't right for her to stay with you when she needs all the care and support."

As if offended, Faraz said through gritted teeth, "I can very well take care of her but I want you to do it. It's your responsibility. She is in need of your support now. I am a father of three children I know exactly how difficult this period is for a woman."

Salman ran his hand through his hair, "You will have no complaints. Inshaa Allah tomorrow I will work on bridging this gap."

Faraz saw sincerity in his eyes, he eased back in his chair and nodded, "Good. Let me warn you Salman, I don't want to see tears in her eyes again. Now how about that coffee you were offering."

Salman relaxed in his chair, "You have my word." He loudly expressed his determination.

From tomorrow, their relationship will change.

Perhaps, tomorrow never comes...

****

Laying on his side, Salman's eyes flickered the tenth time in the last hour at the wall clock. He was very restless that night. After tossing and turning for few more minutes, he abruptly sat up. Something was amiss. His intuition warning him. He had always believed and followed his intuition but he couldn't point out what it could be. Recklessly, he picked up his mobile phone and dialled Nawal's number. It occurred to him it was past midnight, he was about to cancel the call when she answered.

"Hello?" she whispered.

Surprised, Salman replied, "You are awake?"

Exasperated, she sighed, "Yeah, I wasn't feeling well."

His eyebrows furrowed, "What is wrong?"

"Just a back ache. I have it a lot lately." She sounded tired.

"Try sleeping then."

"It's not easy." She mumbled.

For the first time since she left two weeks ago, he regretted of letting her go. If she was home, he could have helped in some way. Any way at all.

His index finger pressed on his temple in thought, "What restaurant would you like to go tomorrow?"

She was quiet for a few second and in a soft voice she said, "Arabic cuisine. I .. I ..."

"Yeah?"

"I was craving humous."

"Okay I will get reservations done." He hesitated for a few seconds, "Nawal?"

"Hmm...yeah?"

"Take care and try to sleep now."

"Okay." She yawned, "I guess I am sleepy now."

"I will see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, bye."

"Bye," he whispered.

He wasn't able to end the call. Instead he stared at his phone and waited for Nawal to end the call. His heart beat rose when he saw his phone unlocked.

The niggling feeling of something terrible was about to happen persisted.

Sleep was not possible tonight.

Instead, he stood up in prayer.

But there were times when prayers were delayed in being fulfilled.

****

Sitting in the waiting room, Nawal tried her best not to look at the number of couples present there. It was heart-breaking to see how caring other pregnant women's partners were and here she always sat alone. On the seat beside her, the pregnant woman's partner brought her a glass of water. The woman smiled and gratefully drank it. On Nawal's other side, the man was holding his partner's hand in support and they were deep in conversation. Nawal squirmed in her seat, it was depressing coming to the hospital, seeing so many happy couples brought forward the void in her life.

"Nawal Ahmed." The doctor called.

It was better not to dwell about her dismal life. She would just be depressed. Slowly she rose to her feet, shoulders back, her face devoid of any expression she went to see the doctor.

It was few minutes later, when the doctor pressed the scanning hand device on her large stomach, a small smile lingered on her lips. Seeing her baby, helped her ease many of the ill thoughts.

"The baby looks happy there. Lots of movements I presume?" Doctor Niamh asked.

"Yes."

"You are nearly there. In a couple of days you will be full term. Baby's growth is good." Doctor Niamh smiled pleasantly, "Do you have any questions?"

"No. Thank you." Nawal slowly shook her head.

"So I will see you in two weeks' time." the doctor handed Nawal the pink hospital file.

Biding the doctor farewell, Nawal left the doctor's office. On the way out of the hospital, she dropped the hospital file at the reception desk. She was exiting the building when a familiar voice brought a chill down her spine even on this hot day of summer.

She stilled. This couldn't be possible. But as she looked to her left, there he stood after destructing her life, Daud in his relaxed stance.

Nawal clenched her jaw, she whirled around, resolute to walk past him. He blocked her way.

"Get out of my way before I do something both of us will regret," she hissed.

"Do you have any idea how long I have been trying to contact you?" Daud's hand rose to touch her arm, she hastily stepped back.

"Don't you dare touch me." she gritted her teeth.

"Okay how about we talk? I was worried. I heard about the divorce. Salman is an asshole not to value or understand you." He patted his chest, "I am here Na—"

Nawal couldn't stand him anymore. He was like a vile snake ready to spread his venom. As soon as Salman's name was uttered from his lips, she didn't wait any longer, with all her might, she slapped him. His head jerked back with the impact.

She stepped back in defence. She should have slapped him ages ago.

"Don't you dare say his name. You are not half the man he is. You tried your best to break us apart. You seeded hatred and doubt in his mind and heart but still he took care of me. Even when he could have kicked me out of his house. He was there worried when I didn't come back from university on time." Her eyes clouded with tears.

She took another step back and pointed at him, "You are the asshole. He is the real man. I deceived him. I fought him non-stop but he never ceased to give me chances. Even when his father accused me, he stood by me. Daud I wish I had never laid eyes on you. You created havoc in my life."

He screwed his jaw, red rimmed eyes pinned her. The azure blue eyes that she had once adored turned dark almost black. Terrified she spun around and walked as fast as she could in her heavy condition. Her chest rising and falling, there was deadly hatred she saw on his face. Frightened, he might do something, she hustled passed past a couple. With trembling hands she fished her phone out of her abbaya pocket.

Shaky fingers dialled a number, she looked behind her and gulped. He was chasing her now. He was still few feet away. She pressed the phone to her ear and silently prayed, please pick up.

"Hello? Nawal?" Salman inquisitive voice filled the phone earpiece.

Nawal's steps quickened, "He is after me! Listen, I need your help." She said breathlessly.

Salman's eyebrows drew together, "Calm down Nawal. Who is after you?"

Of all the days not to find parking in the parking lot was today. Her car was parked outside the hospital premises in the next lane. She could have easily outmanoeuvred had her car been in the parking lot. She gulped in air as she sprang across the parking lot, she craned her neck and he was right behind her!

"Look I don't know what he wants now. I am scared. I am really scared," she panted.

"You are not making sense. Why are you breathless?" Salman stood up from his office chair, his eyes scanning for the car keys on the desk. "Where are you? Tell me. I will come."

"I am scared. He will do some harm. He looks insane now." she spoke in a rushed tone. Her legs ached but she didn't care. She had to outpace him.

"Please don't let anything happen to our baby," she whimpered, pursing her lips as she hurried down the footpath. In her rush she never waited for the cars to stop, without even a glance on either side of the road, she stepped on the road where cars were passing by outrageously fast. She was desperate to escape from him. She never saw the car that was racing down the road.

He grabbed the car keys, "Why are you saying that? Where are you? You are worrying me!"

She crossed the road blindly. Within inches, she was saved from being collided by the car. She looked back and he was about to cross the road too.

"Nawal stop" Daud shouted. He didn't wait for the speeding blue Volkswagen to halt or pass by, carelessly he ran across the road believing he would easily cross the first lane of the road before the car reached him. The car skidded into a stop but in its speed, the bumper collided with Daud at such a massive impact throwing him off his feet. He flew in air and then heavily fell on the middle of the road.

Adrenaline was rushing through her veins. Heart pounding in her ears, Nawal didn't look back as the collision occurred, her legs gaining speed irrespective of her surroundings. The red BMW was speeding down the road. The driver slammed on the brakes when she saw Nawal but she was too late. The car screeched.

Nawal screamed. Her hand still holding the phone tightly.

Salman's heart slammed in his chest, "Nawal? Nawal?"

And then a loud crash was heard.

The phone line died.

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