Substitute Wife

Chapter-9

After two years

Author's pov

" I don't want to go to school, please. Mamma, I don't wanna..........." 5-year-old Yamir burst into tears before completing his sentence.

Pulling him into her embrace, Maryam started patting his back to console him. He hiccupped in her embrace wetting her clothes with tears.

" Why, baby? Did someone bully you in the school?" Maryam asked stroking his hair gently.

He remained silent when she asked affectionately," Did someone bother you? Did the teachers scold you? Tell mamma."

" Mamma, I don't like going among people. I don't like talking to other people except for you and Omi. Don't send me back to school, please," Yamir requested snuggling into Maryam's chest.

Understanding his turmoil, Maryam replied trying to convince him," It's just 3 days since you started going to school. Don't be scared, baby. People aren't bad. Talk to your classmates. Befriend them. It will be so much fun."

" No mamma, Please. Don't send me to school. Please, pretty please," Yamir whined thrashing his hands here and there.

Having no other choices Maryam replied wiping away his tears," Ok. Ok. Now stop crying. I won't send you to school. But, let's see what your Baba decides."

" I love you, mamma," Yamir said having a wide smile & Maryam kissed his chubby cheeks.

Two years passed just in a blink of an eye but nothing changed in Maryam's life except she developed feelings for Yardan. There are reasons for her to develop feelings for him.

For one & half years of their marriage, they were behaving casually with each other. After that day, Yardan never tried to get close to Maryam and she did the same thing as well. Maryam's days pass by taking care of Yamir & Omaira who is now a 2-year-old toddler. Yardan's days pass in the office and he lives in Mehzabin's thoughts. He does like Maryam's motherly nature towards his kids but he still can't accept her as his wife.

On the other hand, Maryam started thinking about the future. She knew that she is married and there is no going back. She can't go back to Mikaeel though her heart still craves for him. So, she started thinking to work on this relationship. She believes that if she tries harder then he will also understand that it's high time he should move on. She doesn't want to take her sister's place in his heart but as his wife she also wants him to give a little bit of place in his heart.

For the last few months, she started learning about Yardan's behaviour, what he likes and dislikes etc. She is trying hard to gain his trust & love but there is no positive response from him. He is always cold towards her and pushes her away every time. Though he realised a long ago what she wants, he remained quiet because still, he isn't ready to share his heart with someone else. He is still in love with Mehzabin and he will love her forever.

A few hours later Maryam was searching for Yardan in the whole house and she found her on the terrace. He has a flower garden on the terrace and he likes to take care of the plants himself. While rocking Omaira slightly she stood behind him and cleared her throat to catch his attention.

" Tell me the amount," Yardan questioned even before she could say anything. He thought she is here to ask for money from him.

Swallowing the embarrassment Maryam said meekly," I don't need money. I want to talk to you about Yamir."

Turning towards her he asked sounding concerned," What about him? Is everything alright?"

" Actually Yamir doesn't want to go to school. I tried a lot to convince him but he didn't listen to me," Maryam answered worriedly.