The time stopped and everything went blank as he held Zainab in his hand from her looking down at her baby face turning blue by every passing second. That fear that inflicted inside his heart of possibly losing a child right in front of his eyes had his heart thundering.

It took a moment of blankness before he was running without his shoes on and change of clothes- not caring about how he looked or how he should look in public simply wanting to reach a person who can bring Zainab's breathing back. If he had to pay a heavy amount or with his life for it- he will, without hesitation.

But, he needed her breathing back.

That sense of need is what carries us forward in our lives. The need to live, love, care, cherish, progress and the need to be a better person. The moment we lost our sense of need is when we start to lose all the sights of life.

He entered into his car as she entered inside handing Zainab back to her as they drive in silence as she weeps asking Zainab to come back to them. He couldn't form a single word out of fears and his own world falling in front of him. He wasn't sure if there were right words to say to someone whose child is nearly dead. Because he was in this situation right now and even if it's been just a few interactions with this beautiful baby girl he was always delighted to be around her. Her mere presence had made him feel like a father.

Yes, he had denied that long enough.

He had rejected that thought but if he had felt happiness in her small smile and wanting her curious eyes to look around more if he had the urge to protect her from evil and if he was happy to simply have her- if all these emotions are not of what a father could feel then what are they?.

The fear ticked by every minute as the speed of his car increased and he knows she wasn't even focusing on at what speed they were going because her eyes were stuck on Zainab.

His heart and mind were focused on her too but he needed to be strong.

Just as he stopped the car they rushed inside while he screams for help and she weeps for it.

Then Zainab was taken from them leaving them empty.

She had never thought the fear could be this big of losing ones child even if Zainab wasn't hers, there was no way she would have felt her lose to this extent if she didn't have her heart attached to her. Zainab had a way of having people to love her and wrap them around herself. She weeps continuously outside the place they took her while he stands there disoriented praying for Zainab's health without a word.

She wipes her tears away when the doctor came out after a few hours standing immediately to know about her daughter health.

"How is my baby?". They both asked at the same time not realising their words

"She is in a bad shape. But we manage to bring her breathing back. I think she wasn't in a good shape when she was born and have issues with her lungs. We need to run a few more tests to be sure of her lungs condition until then she will stay in the intensive care". The doctor explained

"W-Will she live?". He asked almost afraid of the next words

"Yes, she will. She came in time and she is truly a fighter. She is fighting for her life so I suggest that you fight along with her as her parent's support will encourage her more". The doctor replied patting his shoulder walking back inside

They both slumped.

She slips to the chair releasing a breath she was holding this whole time while he slips beside her doing the same feeling their heart beating at the normal pace again. They felt like breathing again along with Zainab.

"She is ok now, Liyana". He said assuring himself more than her, "She really is a fighter after all".

Liyana looks at him for the first time properly after the whole situation. His hair was messy, his clothes were mismatch and he looked tired. Her eyes went to his feet that were covered in dirt which must have been when they parked the car outside the hospital and walked the dirt path.

She gasps, "Your feet".

He frowns at her worried and shocked expression until his eyes went to his feet and that was when he realises he wasn't wearing any shoe.

"It's no big deal". He said shrugging

"Yes, it is. What if your feet are hurt?". She asked concerned

He smiles softly, "I think my head hurts more than my feet".

"Sleep for some time, please". She said softly wanting him to rest

He nodded leaning on the cold metal chair closing his eyes and in instant, he was fast asleep. She watches him sleeping uncomfortable and since they were in an empty waiting room she moves aside making him lay down as she removes her sweater making a pillow for his head. She places his head gently on it then moving his legs on the chair making him lay down properly.

She heard his sigh as his face still remains tense and she knows even if he is tired, his mind is still on Zainab. She had seen the way he acted and the way he handled everything. He was feeling the exact emotions as her.

They felt like it was them dying.

It is a surreal feeling for a parent to have to go through when they thought nothing will happen to their child. They have a healthy baby who just needs milk, sleep and comfort. But, to have the first-ever encounter with their sickness and to a point of them dying is suffering no parent wishes to go through.

She sighs watching him sleeping as that brings her some sort of comfort. His face was perfectly sculpted in such a beautiful manner that one would think it was unreal. Her heart flutters as she continued to admire him but she didn't look away as her only sort of comfort was him in this empty world. He had become a part of her without her realising. She had never thought a few days with someone can have her heart attached to them. But he was always there when she needed him how can she stop her heart from drifting?.

She feels her eyes closing for the first time in a while without the fear of what she might see in her nightmare tonight.

He opens his eyes feeling a bit of haze as he tries to remember what had happened and the moment he did realise he was on his feet looking around the bustling hospital. He frowns looking at his phone to find it was 9 AM already.

How had he slept so late?.

"Sir". He heard a nurse say as he turns to her, "Your daughter is out of danger and the doctor will talk to you shortly to inform you about her condition".

He nodded when the nurse spoke again making his heart stopped, "Your wife was tired so were you so we decided to let you sleep while you can. I hope that is alright?".

"My wife?". He asked gulping down the knot in his throat

"Her". The nurse said looking behind him, "I will inform you once the doctor is here".

He didn't even pay attention to her last words as he turns around watching Liyana who was pointed out as his wife.

Wife is a very big word and responsibility.

Even if they had taken it all wrong. Why didn't he correct them?. Why does his heart fluttered?. Why does it feel so good?.

He decided to call his mother informing her about the situation and then at his work taking a day off because there was no way he will work leaving Zainab alone. He sits sighing after he was done beside her sleeping form. He watches her sleeping peacefully and he had to say she looks absolutely gorgeous even in this state.

What is wrong with him?.

He had been going crazy over the two men ladies in his life. He cannot seem to stop his heart from drifting towards them. He watches her peacefully face not knowing how long has passed until the nurse informed him that the doctor was waiting for them.

He decided it was time for her to be awake because she needs to hear it out. He calls her name softly watching as she moves around groaning for good five minutes making him chuckle because she resembles a child who doesn't want to be awake in the morning.

"Ji?. Zainab is ok?. Is she--". She said as soon as she was awake

"Araam se. She is fine". He said softly (slow down)

She releases a breath as he informs they need to meet the doctor now. As they enter inside the doctor office he started to explain.

"She has a lung condition from her reports. It's will be hard for her to breath freely at a certain time such as duty weather. She will be easy to get sick under weather change and she will be sensitive to more things that normal individual won't be. She needs to carry her inhaler when she is old enough for her safety. It will help her to some degree". The doctor explained

They both didn't have any idea how do they deal with the situation or what are the next words to speak.

"Don't worry. She will still lead a healthy life. She will need time to adjust to the changes but since she is young she will adapt them quickly and will be adjusted in it in no time". The doctor said sympathizing with their shocked and worried face

They nodded exiting the door quietly heading towards the room Zainab was transferred in. He was the first one to enter inside because he longed to watch her face for so long. He moves inside after making sure Liyana followed behind him walking over to the bed where Zainab was sleeping.

He watches her small hand with a needle in it feeling a pierce in his own heart.

"She won't be normal". She said feeling her tears filling with tears, "Why did she have to live such a hard life?. How will she manage?".

He holds Zainab tiny hand moving his finger over her soft skin," She will be a different person among the normal ones. She will be unique in her own way. She will always have us to guide, protect and take care of her. She will not be left alone in the world. She will always be ours and we will protect her until our end".

She feels her heart skip a beat at his words. She didn't realise that Zainab had created a different bridge between them where they meet without any boundaries, restrictions and need to be in any relationship. They were beyond all of them looking out for their child.

"She will be unique for sure". She said kissing her forehead lovingly, "I will always be there for you".

"She will need to stay here for a few more hours before they are sure she will be fine. Do you want to head back and change?". He asked looking at her

She shakes her head, "I don't want to. But you should go back and change. You need shoe too. It is not good".

He smiles at her words nodding, "Ok. But I will be back with some breakfast. If there is anything wrong you have my phone to call at Ammi's number, ok?".

She nodded watching as he leaves and she looks back at Zainab holding her hand reciting some surah she remembers. She realises at that moment that she has to pray for her child. That there is someone above who only holds the power to give them back their child and her next life is written by Him too.

If not for her answer then for her child life- she should pray.

She raises her hand asking for Zainab health but then she went quiet with her hands still in the air as her eyes filled with tears as she started to break down and cry in front of the one who holds every power. She had pain inside of her that she can't show anyone neither she can heal it herself.

He enters back inside Zainab room to find her sitting lost in her thoughts. He sits beside her on the couch startling her.

"Ammi sent food and clothes for you". He said passing her the bag, "If you need something more please let me know".

"Do you know someone of name Omar?". She asked making him confused

"Yes, why?". He asked

"Is his father Huzaifa?". She asked feeling her heart-stopping as she waits for the confirmation

"Yes". He answered frowning more

Her heart stopped.

"Did you look into my past?". She asked angrily shocking him, "You promised me you wouldn't do it till you did, didn't you?".

"What are you talking about?". He asked agitated at her accusation but he took a deep breath masking his expression of hurt he felt from her accusations, "I promise you that I never look in anything from your past. These are the people who came to me for funds".

"T-They want your funds?". She asked confused then her eyes widen with pure fear," Or did they find me?. Do they know about me being alive?. They will come for me. They will kill everyone. I can't--- I-I--".

"Liyana". He said shocked as she was having an attack, "Please calm down. No one can reach you when you have me by your side. Please, trust me".

"What if they are here?".

"I promised to fight with you and I will do exactly that".

She closes her eyes trying to block away from the dark thoughts, images and everything that comes with it. As she starts to imagine the sense of safety within her and the comfort of his presence she calmed down.

"Don't help them, please". She said looking in his eyes, "Please, don't".

He nodded immediately, "I won't. I promise if that what you want I will not do it. How did you know about them having a connection with me?".

"He was calling you. I thought it was some other person until I answered the call and heard h-his voice". Her voice cracked as she feels the fear within herself

"Will you tell me?". He asked softly looking at her trying to calm down

"What?".

"Will you tell me what they have done to you?".

"What will you do?. Get back at them?".

"If that what you want I will do it".

"Why?".

"For you".

"Why for me?".

"Because it is you".

She frowns at his words, "Will you do what I want?".

"I promise".

She took a deep breath looking at her hands not trusting to look in his eyes when she was done with her story.

"I was born in a middle-class family and we were all living a happy life or so I thought. Our external family always created trouble in our house but our family remain firm because of my father. My brother was younger than me 10 years and I was the youngest one. My external family always had their daughter married at 18 and not let them study. I didn't wanted that instead, I wanted to be something so I dreamt and told my father who supported my decision against all other people judgement". She sighs, "Everyone told him that a woman who studies more will do something wrong and cannot build a house as her mind is filled with crap. They told him I will have affairs and whatnot. He was a strong man so he didn't allow anyone judgement to get to him until his health started to get worse in my second year and my brother took control of the house". She bites her lips hard causing blood to come out, "My brother wasn't like my father. He was closed and he was different. But he always loved me or so I thought. I completed my studies as a mathematician against all odds". She closes her eyes tightly feeling the bile rise to her throat, "It was after I got my results that it happened. My brother came bragging inside my room destroying my laptop, phone and everything he had an insight. He pushed me against the wall hard enough for my vision to blur and when my parents tried to stop him he warned then that he will hurt them too".

She clenched her hand in a tight fist, "He locked me inside the room for a month without any food besides what my parents would sneak inside and no communication. I had no idea what I did so wrong and my parents never stood for me".

"What happened?". He asked feeling his own heart not ready to hear it

"I was executed".

"What?". He shouted shocked out of his mind, "Why?".

"I was accused for damaging their fragile honor". She said feeling the memory of that day coming back to her

You ruined us. You destroyed us. You deserve to die. You ruined our honor. You ruined everything and everyone. You ruined every woman chance at education. Now, we know why a woman shouldn't get an education. We will set a example for everyone from you.

"So?. What did they do?. What did they do to you, Liyana?. God, please speak I am losing my mind". He said anxiously

"They didn't hear my pleas, they didn't hear my words against the accusation. They didn't confirm anything with me". She said pulling on her hair as she feels the pain all over again, "They didn't trust me. They believed everyone beside me. They listen to everyone beside my cries for help and forgiveness for something I didn't even do".

"What did they do to you, Liyana, please just tell me". He pleaded feeling as if he was in the same misery she was in

She looks in his eyes and the look of that misery she been through wasn't anywhere compared to what he was feeling. Her pain was much more higher comparable to him. Her eyes held accusation of her execution. Her eyes held betrayal from her own. Her eyes held the pain that the world had provided her with for no reason.

Her eyes held nothing because they took her soul away from her leaving her lifeless.

"They tied me to the tree and stoned me".