Author's pov
Maryam was taken to the operation theatre for an abortion. The doctor hasn't come yet so an elderly nurse was preparing everything for the operation. Lying on the hospital bed Maryam was shedding helpless tears. She was clutching her belly tightly hoping that it was just a nightmare. Nothing else.
" The doctor will be arriving at any minute," The nurse informed when Maryam diverted her gaze at the nurse.
Maryam requested the nurse with teary eyes," Once you remove my baby, don't throw it away. I want to see my baby for the last time."
" What are you going to see, dear? Your baby hasn't formed yet. Except for a puddle of blood, there will be nothing," The nurse informed feeling sorry for Maryam.
Maryam literally begged," I don't care whatever it is. I just want to see my baby for the last time. Please, don't refuse my request."
" Ok, I will see what I can do for you," The nurse answered letting out a deep breath.
Then, the doctor arrived a few moments later and after that Maryam's baby was aborted. For the last time, Maryam again begged in front of Yardan to let her baby live but his stone heart didn't melt.
After a few hours, Maryam gained consciousness and getting back her senses, the first thing she did was requesting the nurse to let her see the baby. The nurse tried to convince Maryam that she won't be able to tolerate the horrible sight but still, Maryam insisted.
The nurse took Maryam to another room and said pointing her finger at a small bowl," That's your baby."
Walking towards the bowl with great difficulty, Maryam looked inside it with teary eyes. Her heart twisted inside her chest seeing the puddle of blood. She couldn't continue standing up and fell to the ground. Bursting into tears she started mourning for her dead child.
" My Baby!! My baby was killed!! Maryam screamed like a madwoman.
The nurse held Maryam and said trying to calm her down," Hey, control yourself."
" He killed my baby!! He killed mah.........." Maryam continued sobbing looking at the puddle of blood.
Maryam couldn't tolerate the sight anymore and fainted in the nurse's arms. Before closing her eyes she requested the nurse to murder her as well just like her baby was murdered.
After one day Maryam returned home with Yardan. They just arrived home and coming out of the car Yardan offered his hands to Maryam so that she can get down with his help.
Staring at his hand for a few seconds Maryam shoved it away and came outside with great difficulty. She felt her lower region completely wobbly and when she will just fell to the ground Yardan held her. With one hand he held her waist and with another hand, he held one of her hands.
They entered the house when Yamir and Omaira came running. Standing in front of Maryam they looked at her face and became confused seeing her upset.
" Mamma, where did you go?" Yamir asked curiously.
Maryam remained silent when Yardan answered," She went to the hospital."
" Oh!! Mamma, did you go to the hospital to bring the new baby? Where is the baby?" Yamir asked peeping behind Maryam but found nothing.
Out of curiosity he again questioned," Mamma, are you hiding the baby?"
His continuous questioning just opened up Maryam's wounds and she burst into tears. Placing a hand over her mouth she continued sobbing helplessly.
" Mamma, crying?" Omaira asked sounding sad.
Sensing Maryam's emotional state, Yardan said to the kids," Your mamma isn't very well now. Let her rest and then you can talk to her."
Saying all these Yardan took Maryam into her room and laid her down on the bed. He tried to say something but looking at her continuous sobbing he decided to leave her alone for some time.
Two days later
Sitting on the bed Maryam was looking outside aimlessly. Silent tears were escaping her eyes recalling her baby's dead body. That horrible sight has started haunting her every time. From inside she was feeling more guilty because she failed to save her baby.
" Forgive me, my child. I am such a pathetic mother who couldn't save her baby," Maryam whispered looking at the ceiling.
She was still shedding tears when a maid entered the room holding a food tray. Placing it on the nearby table she looked at Maryam with pitiful eyes.
" Mam, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday. Have something," the maid requested.
Maryam replied curtly," I am not hungry."
" I can understand your situ............" the maid tried to console when Maryam shouted," Don't pity me, ok. Just leave me alone."
Lowering her head the maid apologised politely," Sorry, Mam."
Maryam didn't reply when the maid said," Mam, Yamir & Omaira were asking about you. Please, meet them for once. They aren't eating anything without you. Specifically, Omaira."
" I don't want to meet them. Tell their father to take care of them," Maryam snapped laying on the bed.
The maid said sounding pitiful," Mam, I can understand your pain & anger. But, why are you punishing Yamir & Omaira? They are innocent. Please, meet them once."
" My baby was innocent too. Then, why is he/she punished?" Maryam questioned back and the maid lowered her head.
Without any further argument, the maid left Maryam alone. She realized that Maryam needs some time to overcome this grief.
It was almost evening when Yardan entered Maryam's room. A sigh left his mouth seeing the untouched food on the nearby table. Hearing footsteps approaching her Maryam closed her eyes pretending to be asleep.
" I know you are not sleeping," Yardan said sitting beside her head.
Maryam moved away from him when he asked," The maids were saying that you are not eating anything?"
Looking at him she shouted shaking with anger," Why are you here? Are you here to show your so-called sympathy, hmm?"
" Eat something," He said forwarding a plate which she threw on the floor with anger.
Yardan didn't say anything further and looked at the broken plate with emotionless eyes. Hearing Maryam sobbing he diverted his gaze at her when she held this collar tightly.
" You call me a murderer, right? Then, let me tell you that you are no better than me. You are also a murderer like me. You are the murderer of my innocent baby," She whispered and this time Yardan lowered his eyes.
Leaving his collar she pushed him away from her. Holding a nearby chair he balanced himself somehow.
" Get out. And, don't even try to touch me again," Maryam shouted while Yardan remained completely silent.
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