Substitute Wife

Chapter-18

The Next Day

Author's pov

It was lunchtime when Maryam was sitting on her bed having a blank expression. She was looking at the wall without even blinking her eyes. A few moments ago a maid called her for lunch but she didn't reply. She just continued staring at the wall.

" Mamma," Maryam heard Yamir's voice and that's when she blinked her eyes.

Maryam looked at him questioningly and Yamir said," Won't you eat with us, Mamma?"

" I will eat later. I am not hungry," Maryam answered shortly.

Omaira requested innocently, "Mamma, please eat with us."

" Didn't you hear me that I am not hungry?" Maryam shouted and the kid's faces clouded with sadness.

Looking down they didn't bother her anymore. Both of their eyes were getting teary because it was the first time their mother shouted like that.

" Let's go, Omi," Yamir told his sister meekly and Maryam started feeling guilty looking at their sad faces.

They will just leave the room when Maryam said standing up from the bed," Wait. I will come with you."

Yamir & Omaira's faces lit up and they held their mother's fingers. A faint smile formed on Maryam's lips seeing them getting close to her and smiling. Out of affection, she picked up Omaira and kissed her chubby cheeks.

Reaching the dining room she found Yardan already sitting there and waiting for them. Glaring at him she diverted her gaze and her mouth got wide open seeing the dishes on the table. All of her favourite dishes were served on the table.

Maryam was still looking at the food with a surprised expression when Yardan stood up. He pulled the chair like a gentleman so that she can sit. She looked at him with suspicious eyes and started wondering the reason behind his sudden changed behaviour.

" Sit," He ordered which she obliged.

Yardan started serving the food on her plate while she was just looking at him suspiciously. She was trying to understand the motive behind this changed behaviour.

" Eat properly so that you can have your strength back," Yardan said sounding concerned and finished serving food on her plate.

Maryam stared at the food for some time like she was scanning it. A few things flashed in front of her eyes again and she lost her appetite. Moving away the plate, she ordered a maid to bring another plate for her. Then she served herself food and started eating. She didn't want to eat what was served by him. She didn't want to eat the food that was served by a murderer. Her baby's murderer.

Yardan understood the reason behind her behaviour but didn't say anything though he was pissed off by her behaviour.

" I heard lamb chops are your favourite. Have it," Yardan said serving a lamb chop on her plate.

Maryam didn't say anything but she didn't even touch the lamb chop he served. She ate her food silently and Yardan felt her behaviour insulting. His mouth was itching to say a few hateful words but considering her emotional state he thought to keep his mouth mum for some time.

Maryam finished her food when Yardan said forwarding a glass of pomegranate juice," Drink it. You will feel better."

" Yamir & Omi, let's go upstairs and watch tv," Maryam told the kids completely ignoring Yardan.

Controlling his anger he held her hand tightly and ordered calmly," I want the glass empty."

Maryam hissed slightly feeling the tight grip around her wrist. She looked at him to let her go but he didn't. He just tightened his tight grip.

She couldn't control her anger and grabbed the glass with another hand. Without any warning, she splashed the juice all over his face while he closed his eyes clenching his jaw.

" The glass is empty now," She replied and he left her wrist.

Fuming in rage he looked at her while she left the place taking Yamir & Omaira with her. She didn't even give him any chance to yell or shout some hateful words. Ignoring him totally she left for the tv room.

At Night

" Bhabhi, I can't explain what I felt when I was taken to the operation theatre," Maryam told Raisa who was already crying after hearing that Maryam lost her baby.

Raisa replied trying hard to console Maryam," I am sorry, Maryam. Don't cry. Your innocent baby will be blessed with Jannah(heaven)."

" Where is Ammi? Tell her that I want to talk to her," Maryam asked controlling her sobbing.

Raisa called for Maryam's mother and a few moments later her mother came. Receiving the call she heard Maryam sobbing nonstop. Hiccupping continuously she told her mother about everything.

Maryam hiccupped clutching the pillow in her lap," Ammi, he didn't even show any remorse for whatever he did."

Maryam thought her mother will try to console her. She thought at least her mother will understand what she has gone through after all she is her mother who brought her into this world. But, her mother's words astonished her.

" Yardan might have reasons behind this abortion. You are his wife. You should obey whatever he orders," her mother said curtly and Maryam was speechless.

Her mother again said," So what you lost a baby? You can conceive again if your husband wants. Moreover, your priority should be Yamir & Omaira, not others."

Maryam couldn't hear anymore and cut the call. Putting down the phone she continued sitting like a statue. Her mother's words buzzed inside her head again and she was again in disbelief. She started wondering if this person is her real mother or not.

" Is this Ammi or I talk to someone else?" Maryam wondered clutching the phone tightly.

Maryam was sitting on her bed like a statue when Yardan entered her room. Sensing his presence she laid down hurriedly pulling a comforter over her body.

" I need to talk to you," Yardan said sitting beside her head.

Maryam remained silent when Yardan took one of her hands in his hands. Caressing the back of her hand he looked at her and found her already looking at him with annoyed angry eyes.

" I know for the last few days you have been going through a lot. I am sorry for hurting you. But, don't you think it's enough now. How many days you are going to stay like that?" Yardan questioned softening his voice.

Maryam asked having a gloomy expression," First of all, answer me. If you could care about Yamir & Omaira why you couldn't care about my baby?"

" Maryam your pregnancy wasn't a planned pregnancy. I wasn't ready to be a father again. I had my own reasons to not having the baby with you," Yardan answered but Maryam wasn't convinced.

Yardan apologized masking his pissed-off expression," I am sorry that everything happened like that. I request you to move on. I can't bring your dead child back but Yamir & Omaira are here to call you mamma. Don't push them away from you. Your behaviour is bringing negative impacts on them. They love you just like you loved your own baby."

Yardan finished saying when Maryam burst into tears. Clutching the comforter tightly she was sobbing nonstop when Yardan pulled her towards him. Taking it as a chance he hugged her tightly to console her though he has zero feelings for her. Maryam was emotionally vulnerable so she didn't oppose it.

" It's ok. Don't cry. Crying won't bring back the baby. But, we can pray for it so that he/she can get Jannah(heaven)," Yardan said stroking her hair gently.

Breaking the hug Maryam asked nervously looking into his eyes," If I conceive further you won't kill my baby again, right?"

Seeing him silent she understood that he is gonna kill her baby again. A fearful expression appeared on her face and she pushed him away from her.

" You are going to repeat whatever you have done, right?" She questioned backing away.

Realizing her emotional state he answered pulling her into his chest," I won't. I promise."