under the covers [hs au]

chapter fifty-six.

i really hope y'all are saying Zafri's name right it's pronounced "zuf-ree" or the foreign way lol

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An ache crept down Samira's back, biting at the corners of her insides. A grunt rumbled in her throat, and she winced.

Samira lay her head over the side of a hospital bed. She blinked rapidly, rubbing her eyes to rid the burning sensation girdling her vision. A crack or two strummed in her ears as she sat up from the chair.

In front of Samira was an exhausted Mahnoor, eyes wide open despite the dull azure color beneath. Mahnoor's shoulders slumped as she sunk into the bed. Samira checked the clock behind her; Mahnoor had slept for hours since the nurses took her healthy baby girl to the nursery.

The sight of Mahnoor swelled Samira's heart, how elated she was despite the long hours of pain. If Mahnoor wept, so did Samira, and that was exactly how the labor went. It was just Samira and Rehan by Mahnoor's side as she pushed and pushed and pushed. Despite holding back Mahnoor's hair and dabbing beads of sweat off her face, Samira felt helpless. No matter how hard she squeezed Mahnoor's hand, the discomfort wouldn't cease.

But, in the blink of an eye, it was over. A newborn emitted with cries—Mahnoor plummeted against the pillow with a smile accompanied by tears.

Replaying the scene, Samira felt her eyes water.

"I love you so much, Mano."

"Hey," Mahnoor articulated, her voice throaty. "I love you too."

Samira inhaled thoroughly, running a hand over her face. Her heart was so full, bearing every drop of love for the strong woman before her.

"You just gave birth. To a human. Do you know how amazing that is?"

Samira clutched Mahnoor's hand tightly, kissing it. Her cheeks were wet, and her chest ached as she gazed at Mahnoor. Samira nuzzled beside Mahnoor, resting her head on Mahnoor's warm shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Samira asked softly.

"Alhamdulillah, I'm fine." Mahnoor sighed, her silvery voice breaking. "I'm happy she's out."

A click chimed in the air. The room illuminated, causing the two of them to squint momentarily. A short nurse walked in, pushing a pediatric medical crib—Mahnoor's daughter slept soundly, swaddled in a yellow blanket.

Heart pounding, Samira slipped off the bed, thanking the nurse. Goosebumps tickled Samira's skin as she reached into the crib, taking the child delicately into her arms. As she gazed at the baby, her vision blurred. The baby's tongue stuck out, and luxurious eyelashes brimmed her closed eyes. Her heart swelled, making room for the child.

"Masha-Allah, I'm in love with her." Samira revered, rocking the baby. "Have you decided on a name?"

Mahnoor nodded with a smile, rubbing her rosy cheeks.

"Laila."

"It's as perfect as you."

She sauntered over, passing Laila into Mahnoor's hands. A beautiful, motherly smile spread on her lips. Samira sat back down, wrapping an arm around Mahnoor's neck and kissing her hair.

"I'm not going to lie, Mano," Samira whispered. "It feels like I've aged forty years."

"You're sixty-four?"

"You know what I meant."

Mahnoor burst into soft giggles, grasping Laila to her bosom. As Laila stirred in her peaceful slumber, they peered down at her calmly. Samira merged into the serene silence, feeling her pulse drum softly in her ribs.