Substitute Wife

Chapter-37

Author's pov

Returning to her room, Maryam just falls on the bed throwing her purse somewhere in the room. She didn't even change her clothes and removed her make-up. She was way too tired to do all this.

It's been ten years of her marriage and today was her marriage anniversary. Yardan arranged a party to celebrate their anniversary. Maryam didn't want to be a part of the party but she didn't have any choice except obeying him. He gifted her a bungalow as her anniversary gift but she couldn't give him anything. She doesn't know what changed between them that he is treating her like his real wife. Not any substitute.

Maryam was staring at the ceiling intensely while her mind was occupied by her family. Yesterday, she talked to them after a long time. They apologised to her for their behaviour but she didn't say anything. She just cut the call.

She was lost in her thoughts when she felt nausea. Pressing her hands over her mouth she ran inside the washroom to throw out whatever she ate. It's been days since she has been throwing up and feeling too weak. Noticing her situation Yardan tried to take her to the hospital but she didn't go. She was getting suspicious that she is pregnant.

Yes, she was pregnant. She just tested with a pregnancy kit and she was right. She should be happy that after a long time she conceived again but there was no happiness on her face. Her whole face was covered with fear.  Coming out of the washroom she sat on the bed holding the kit in a tight grip. She was scared. Scared to lose her baby again. Scared to go through that same pain again.

Entering her room Yardan found her sitting on the bed like a mute. Getting near her he sat beside her. He hasn't noticed the pregnancy kit in her hand yet.

" Are you ok?" He asked shaking her shoulder slightly.

She replied handing him the pregnancy kit," I am pregnant."

Yardan's face lit up with happiness. Turning her towards him he kissed her forehead gently and then pecked her lips softly.

" Then, why are you upset? It's such good news. You are carrying our baby," He said placing his hand on her belly.

Maryam didn't understand the excitement in him. He didn't seem so much happy when she conceived earlier. Is he really happy? Maryam wondered.

" I am scared. What if........." Maryam was interrupted by him.

He said holding her face gently," Our baby will be with us. Don't worry."

" I don't want to lose my baby this time. I don't," Maryam whispered looking at him with teary eyes.

Pulling her into a tight hug he stroked her hair gently to calm her down. After a lot of assuring words finally Maryam stopped crying. A new hope rose inside her that this time her baby will be with her.

" I will take it as my anniversary gift," He said placing his hand on her belly.

*************

" You are 6 weeks pregnant. From this onwards, you need to be careful about your diet and medicine," the doctor suggested to Maryam.

Yardan told the doctor," Give her some medicine which will keep her mind fresh. All the time she looks scared."

Well, Yardan brought Maryam to the hospital for a check-up. This time he was genuinely happy that he is going to be a father. He doesn't show any guilt for killing his children but his conscience always mocks him that he killed his own blood. His conscience mocks that he is a murderer.

" Nothing to be worried about, Mrs Shamsi. You should relax because any type of tension may lead to severe consequences," The doctor warned Maryam.

A thin line of anxiety appeared on her face and now she is sure that no matter what she won't overthink. She will just think about her baby and live for him/her. Instead of getting stuck in the past, she would move on.