29th Sep, 2020

Writer.

Sick of Mayrah's endless refusals, the Doctor backed off, heavily exhaling out as she stared at Isaa, glaring him. In return he simply passed her a smile, a smile of helplessness and pity.

Even the nurse were annoyed by now, just a bit far from being unnerved and snap Mayrah's neck in rage.

But could he be? Never, no matter how crazy she gets, how stubborn and careless she acts.

Rather, Isaa was genuinly guilty of her state. Her each cry hitched his heart. But he had nothing in his hand anymore.

He didn't even inform their family about the abortion today, which made him even more worried of their reaction.

"Doctor Isaa, if you allow, we don't mind to...fo.. force her?" She asked leaving Mayrah's side and walked to him.

Frustrated, Mayrah gritted her teeth at the words and threw a water bottle to the doctor's way, attacking her right in the head.

"YOU WITCH. I Will Kill Your Child. You're doing too mu...."

"Mayrah...calm down." Isaa rushed to hug while caressing her back to ease her fury and pain.

"You...you are worse than her. Leave me. I don't love you anymore. Isaa...uhh..hmm.." Her voice suddenly weakened as she coughed, tears instantly filling her eyes.

Isaa put his hand below her mouth just when she began to bleed.

With another hand, he kept patting her back.

"Err..mm.."

"Breathe baby, it's fine....nurse, tissues please."

He wiped her mouth and washed his hand as the nurse brought a bowl of water along.

Mayrah hid her face in his chest searching for peace in the air.

Once again she coughed and few droplets of blood oozed out of her mouth, wetting his shirt.

"It'll be okay, love."

"Isaaaa..."

"Hmm...relax."

He mumbled in a gentle voice, soothing her pain.

For a few minutes, she remained silent, enjoying the warmth he provided her.

But when he pulled apart from the hug and cupped her face with his eyes hopeful, Mayrah again called her ferocity back.

"Don't you trust me?"

He seemed disappointed, but she was more.

"No..no abortion please. I will do anything you say, but not this."

Her eyes turned bloodred as she wiped her tears and spoke powerlessly.

"Listen to me for once..."

"My parents didn't abort me, Isaa...they chose to let me live even knowing that it would harm me and my mother. Why can't we? Why not?"

She sniffled, accusing him. Isaa blankly stared at her not knowing what to response anymore.

"Is that not why you are in this condition today?"

He knew it didn't make sense, but in no way he'd take the risk her parents took.

"But you are also with me right? Isaa.. please...don't abandon our baby like that."

She took his hand attaching it to her abdomen, making him look down in there.

Why would he ever even think of abandoning their child if that was not for his wife's sake?

"How...can I save your life then? I can't."

He was sorry, but he can't risk losing her for the baby.

"Okay Ms.Mayrah, everything here is happening for your well-being. We are the doctors and we know what to do and what not.

Enough of this explaining games. Abortion is must so get up now."

Mayrah's entire inside burnt in rage hearing the Doctor, she controlled the urge to pull the lady and make her bald for her grudged.

"We are the parents and we know what to do and what not."

Mayrah snapped back.

"Can we talk alone? Please calm down. Hear me once and then decide."

She gently requested this time but it again earned her a glare before she turned her head away and hugged Isaa tighter.

Lost in his own clouds, probably having second thoughts, Isaa said nothing to them and let his wife relax in his hold.

"Ms.Mayrah! At least listen to your husband then."

"Why am I even hugging you. You're the main culprit. Leave."

She forced him back, huffing.

"Nurse. Her injection please."

Mayrah's eyes widened as she heard his order.

"Isaaaa nooooo."

"SHUT UP."

••••

Isaa stretched his nape shutting his eyes off as he held his cellphone in his ear, walking right to left, too annoyed to continue concentrating on what the person from the other side of the call is speaking of.

"Are you hearing me, Isaa Ismael?"

"Hmm...but that's of no use. You are coming this week and that's final, okay?" He claimed stubbornly, entering in his bedroom.

Finding Mayrah busy in adoring her abdomen, where their baby rested, Isaa pressed a warm smile at the sight.

"Isaa please. I'm a retired gynecologist. I really ca...."

"I can't trust anyone else than you, I've taken enough risks. You are my last hope, please, you promised to help me."

Mayrah looked up hearing his voice, interested at what he's talking about.

"I don't know why I'm even arguing with you. You won't ever change your ways. Whatever, book my ticket any day you prefer."

A relaxing smile twitched up to his lips as he listened to the woman defeating to him.

"Love you the most, gorgeous! I'll let you know that. Allah Hafiz."

He cut the call and took his swat next to Mayrah, grabbing her hand He shifted her in his lap and cupped her face affectionately.

He smiled catching unfathomable happiness adorning her face. But it scared him to the core, that if the baby gets the reason to never let him see this smile anymore.

"We both will regret, Mayrah. If only you had no....."

"Again! Isaa please. Shut up. I'm tired of you now." She shrieked moving away, disgust snd hatred displayed in her look.

"Mayrah....look at me..."

"What?"

He hovered over her pulling her closer.

"We ..we still have time...you know, after you get cured In Sha Allah we'll take 11 babies. Can't yo......"

"What's your problem? I don't need those 11 babies! I want this one. Again if you utter these words I'll leave you."

"Uhh.. okay fine. Now...."

"No that's not fine. Promise me you won't talk about it anymore."

"Promise."

He rolled his eyes at her.

"You aren't happy right? I know you are forcefully doing this. Why are you acting as if that's not your baby too? Isaa what's the need to be so strict? At least be......"

"You won't understand, Mayrah. It's useless to let you know how afraid I am to lose you!"

He gasped, fear noticeable in his eyes.

Mayrah gulped down at tye words as she leaned forward and pecked his lips getting back to his lap.

"There might be consequences but we will......WAIT! Whom do you love the most?"

Mayrah held his collar, shooting daggers. Her sudden action catching him offguard as he stared at her in bewilderment.

"What?"

"Whom Do You Love The Most?"

She hit his forehead with hers.

"I...I..huh? You'll get hurt, get off."

"Shut up and answer me whom did you say so?"

He began to think over her question which brought him back to the conversation with the gynecologist.

"Ohhh...I was talking to a gyne for you, she wou....."

"A girl! Wow! How come you dare to love her the most?"

She held his neck with both of her hands now, her words causing Isaa chuckle.

"Mayrah... she might be of our Grandma's age. Stop behav...."

"Then she should have died like our Grandma. Whatever, you love her the most?"

"Allah Allah! I love you. Let me breath." He tried moving back but she disallowed, rightfully sitting on top of him.

A call disturbed their bickering when they both turned their heads at the phone in their right.

"Video call....."

Isaa extended his hand to take it when she slapped his chest and pulled his hand back.

"No disturbance. Talk to me."

"Shut up! She wants to talk to you." Isaa scolded shifting her beside and answered the call.

"Isaa... Oh my! You grew more handsome!"

Hearing a very soft and melodious voice, Mayrah's blood boiled as she leaned to have a look at the cell's screen.

"Yeah!...there's my wife."

Mayrah pressed an awkward smile in her lips staring at thr Doctor quietly.

She looked old but definitely beautiful.

"Mayrah!"

"Assalamu Alaikum..."

"Walaikum Assalam. Isaa! She's even more handsome than you."

Mayrah's eyes widened in confusion as she turned her head back to glance at Isaa.

"Uhh I mean beautiful. How are you baby mother?"

"I..I'm..fine.."

"You yourself look like a child, ready to get one too!" Mayrah pouted at her words, pinching Isaa's thigh at the awkwardness.

"Errr..Mayrah..." Isaa slapped her hand away, scoffing.

"Is Isaa boring, Mayrah?"

That's when Mayrah became interested to continue the chat as she sheepishly smiled.

"Yes! Boring, arrogant, rude, aggressive and..."

•••••

"Isaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?"

Both of them screamed together annoyed at each other.

Mayrah huffed sucking in a sharp breathe, loathing her husband's denial in her every demand.

She crawled and tried to get her sit in his lap when he pushed her away.

"Move back. I've warned you. Don't make me angry." He seethed, scrunching his nose at utter annoyance.

"Please hubby! For once. It's been years."

"Why do you do this, Mayrah? You promised to obey me. Is this how....."

She shut his mouth pressing her hand on that and rested her head in his shoulder, so he could say nothing anymore other than just sigh.

Taking his hand in her abdomen, she made him caresse her small baby bumb.

"Hmm blame my baby now."

Isaa already knew this awaited.

"The baby is breaking your rules. Not me. Please Isaa...."

"Ask for any other food, not that Pani Puri."

"O son of Adam, among you those who don't fulfil your pregnant wife's demands, surely will suffer with every breathe he takes."

Mayrah quoted.

"Allah says so?" Isaa mocked.

"Nope! Allah's pregnant slave says so. Now please fulfil my wish."

Isaa glared at her, she glared back. Then he rolled his eyes and she did the same, followed by both their eyes requesting each other to obey the another.

"Please...Isaa..."

"No Mayrah!"

"Okay! Now I'm ordering you. I want to eat that and that's it." She shouted but her bravery didn't last for long as he dropped her down to the bed and hovered over.

"Do you find yourself a joke? Or me a comedy circus here?

Why don't you stop all these Mayrah? Stop testing my patience. Why don't you understand that you're at risk and by these demands you're risking our baby too.

There's high possibilities of death to both of you but you just..........

Stop Making It Harder For Me."

His voice was low, but warnful.

Mayrah instantly nodded at his words, no more arguing.

She knew that she was supposed to obey him and bury all her demands that aren't acceptable to him, for good. But it just happens, unfortunately.

"Umm...." Suddenly she jumped off the bed pushing him back and rushed to the washroom.

"Mayr.." Isaa immediately followed her there and caught her from behind as she sat on her knees and threw up blood.

She tightly held his hand for support while Isaa patted her back and kissed her head.

"Breathe in and out....."

As she was done she turned around hugging him tightly.

"Isaa...."

"Hmmm.."

"Pani...Puri..."

He broke the hug hearing her, his care filled eyes now are ragefull.

"Instead eat pizza, please... Mayrah."

"No, I'm really craving for that. Just for once, I promise."

"They are disgusting, Mayrah, unhygienic and harmful!"

He stated picking her up in his arms and walked back to the room.

"Street foods are yummier."

"My foot."

"Isaa....I love you na." She helplessly begged running her hand through his beard.

If only her situation was different, he'd fulfill her each and every demand without a second thought

"Let us make that at home? That's a great idea yey? We'll make even mo...."

"NO! We tried many times. Only street one is the best!" She cut him off slapping his cheek.

"Street one is harmful, Mayrah. Why don't you understand?"

But she kept arguing so at last he had to agree. Though he decided to bring a Pani Puri maker at home and then make it as healthier as possible.

"Why don't you listen to him Mayrah? Seriously stop being so stubborn." Her Ammi glared at her as they all waited for Isaa in the lawn.

"There's no hint of maturity in her."

Chachi added in.

"Allah! Now when he already has allowed will you both please let me breathe in peace?"

On the other hand, Isaa met 2 street food sellers but none of them agreed to go to his home and make Pani Puri.

Obviously no one would have demanded this like Isaa.

He stopped his car finding another street stall, immediately running to that way.

"Hello!" The old man smiled showing all his teeth out in grace.

Isaa awkwardly smiled back and looked at those foods kept in the glass house.

'Never in eternity I'm gonna eat even a bite of all these.'

His inner voice spoke.

The man suspiciously smirked at Isaa seeing him lost in checking out the snacks with an annoyed expression plastered in his face.

"These are the yummiest street foods of the whole city. People around Pakistan praise my magical recipes."

Isaa widened his eyes in disbelief.

"Yummiest! Pakistan! Magical recipes!"

"Obviously. What would you like to eat?"

"Rotten rice instead, at least not these.....eeee!"

"EXCUSE ME?" The man murderously glared at Isaa's words.

"Uhh...Uncle. I needed a little help."

"Do I look like an Uncle to you?"

Isaa nodded his head as he looked at the man from head to toe. He seems to be at least on his 70.

"An Uncle?" Isaa again nodded.

"At a time I was also young like you, so call me brother."

"Ohh! Okay brother."

Isaa rolled his eyes, surprised.

"So?"

"Uncl...brother actually I need a BIG favour from you."

"What?"

"Can you please come to my houme and make Puri Pani? Please I re...."

"That's Pani Puri. Did you never eat that? My stall's Pani Puris are very heal....."

"Wallahi! Uncle listen to me." Isaa held his hand but instantly took it back feeling the seller's hand oily.

"Oil! Eeww!" Isaa rubbed his hand on the wall making a crying face.

"What happened?"

"Can you come with me to my home and make that for my wife? She's sick and she really wants to eat that thing..uhh... please. I will pay more than you owe."

The man thought for a while then confusingly raised his eyebrows at Isaa.

"Please?"

"You mean I should come there with my stall? But you can even buy from here and then take that to your home."

"No no! I meant.....uhh I want you to make everything at my home. That's really risky for her to eat street foods.

Please. Don't deny."

"What do you mean? My foods are risky to eat?"

Isaa felt so angry and impatient yet didn't let himself lose it, for her sake.

"No! But that's risky for her. Please understand. You just need to make that at my home."

"For your wife?"

"Yes my wife."

"She's sick?"

"Yes."

"How is she sick? What happened to her?"

At last, Isaa sighed, it was a whole waste of time.

He turned around to leave without replying the man anymore.

"Wait wait wait! Fine I'll do that."

••••

Mayrah kept walking left to right on the hall waiting for him to be back since an hour.

Others silently observed her madness. No one would doubt her to be sick even a little bit now let alone almost half dead for her sickness.

"Mayrah! Come and sit here."

"No! He'll be coming."

Minutes passed and finally the door opened, inviting Isaa and the man.

Mayrah's heart climbed up in joy as she turned her face to them, series of Alhamdulillah escaping her lips.

"Pani Puri wale Chachu!"

Mayrah widened her eyes at the man she forever adored as her favourite street food seller.

Out of enthusiasm she came running to them and was almost going to fall on him when Isaa pulled her to his chest, breathing the air of possessiveness and anger.

Mayrah sheepishly smiled and embraced him in a tight hug.

"Thank you so much!"

"Mayrah dear! That's your home?" The man asked as Mayrah broke her hug and nodded at him.

"Awwe! I can't believe my English Cat brought you here! We are meeting after 3 years! I missed you!

Isaa's mouth gaped open at her words, his jaw clenching in fury, nevertheless he remained silent.

"You're married? You're sick? What happened to you dear?"

The lovey dovey talk continued between then while Isaa was honored with ignorance the whole time.

••••