Substitute Wife

Chapter-19

After two years

Author's pov

Maryam was standing in front of a school with 5-year-old Omaira. She was holding Omaira's hands and looking at the school with a longing expression like she was searching for someone. A few moments later the school bell rang when the kids started coming out running.

Getting on her knees Maryam opened her arms having an affectionate smile. Running towards her 7-year-old Yamir jumped into Maryam's embrace. Breaking the hug Maryam looked at Yamir with concerned eyes.

" My baby must be so exhausted," Maryam said wiping Yamir's forehead with her hand.

Yamir informed excitedly," Mamma, I got an A+ in today's class test."

" Really!! I am so proud of you baba(referring to son affectionately)," Maryam answered taking the school bag from him and handing it to the driver.

Then, Maryam asked Yamir sounding excited," Since you did so well in the exam then you deserve a treat from Mamma, right?"

" Yeah," Yamir replied loudly when  Omaira started nagging for a treat from Maryam.

Maryam said holding both of her kid's hands," So, Mamma was thinking to take you to an Italian restaurant for lunch. Are you ready to go with me?"

Yamir agreed instantly when Omaira asked," Mamma, Can't we call Baba also? I will miss him there?"

The smile and the excitement from Maryam's face vanished in the air and a gloomy expression appeared on her face. She only stared at Omaira with helpless glossy eyes.

It's been two years since that horrible incident and it took a great amount of time for Maryam to overcome the grief. For a few days, Yardan took care of Maryam like any other doting husband and she thought that he might have changed. She thought this time she will get to see happiness but she was wrong.

Once she became normal with Yamir & Omaira, Yardan's attitude changed. Though he doesn't hurt her physically, he treats her coldly. He doesn't talk to her except the time when he needs her.

Maryam was living in loneliness and tired of living with an emotionless robot like him. A lot of times she thought of divorcing him but looking at Yamir, Omaira and her family she changed her mind. She thought to adjust with whatever she had. Still, she hopes that one day he will change and understand her emotions. She was ready to sacrifice every single bit of her but except for Yamir & Omaira no one cared for her genuinely.

Among all these, she misses Mikaeel but failed to gather the courage to talk to him. Whenever she compares Yardan with Mikaeel, she curses herself and kills herself mentally for being a fool. What if she eloped with Mikaeel? Then, she wouldn't have to go through all this emotional pain. All the men in her life have used her only except Mikaeel. For her father & brothers, she is a Switch Bank. For Yardan, she is a toy. It was Mikaeel who actually loved her and cared for her emotions.

" Mamma, call Baba too," Omaira whined pulling Maryam's dress and that's when she returned to reality from her thoughts.

Maryam answered petting Omaira's head gently," I am calling your baba."

After that Maryam called Yardan 3 times in a row but he didn't pick up the call. A thin line of anxiety appeared on her forehead and she wondered if he ok? Then she thought he might be in an important meeting.

This time Yamir nagged for his father and for the fourth time Maryam called Yardan. This time he received the call but snapped at Maryam angrily.

" What's wrong? Why are you calling me nonstop? Don't you know that I am in the office?" Yardan shouted so loudly that Maryam trembled just hearing his voice.