WrongSufferedAtHands

16.

Four weeks had scarcely elapsed when Afiyah discovered that she was expecting. The wonderful news was a blessing to her, and she urged the doctor to repeat what she had said so that she might believe her. Although Affan and Soraya appeared to be content, something didn't feel right until Afiyah overheard them whispering in the room one day.

She stopped to unlatch the door while taking the tray to her mother-in-law's room, "-And carrying daughters are prohibited especially when it's the first kid, it's like you lift the load off of your shoulder by giving birth to a son."

She pressed her cheek against the oak door to get the whispers more audible, "I don't believe that it's in our control to determine the gender, it happens per Allah's will." Her legs buckled under the strain. Affan's voice included a trace of anguish, and she even heard him sighing.

"Although it is God's will, it would be preferable if-"

"Leave it, we'll see what happens." was the advice from Affan.

When the conversation ended, she went through the door and set the tray down in front of them and when she was asked to sit down with them, she flatly refused, stating, "I ate a bit of sugary foods so I'm full."

She instantly left them and dared not to eavesdrop on them again since it would just carry bitterness to her heart.

Even when she caught Affan whispering on the phone in the dead of night, she opted not to pay heed.

Afiyah threw up for the first time after accidentally sniffing a sizzling onion. Usually, she relished the odor of sizzling onions, but on that particular day, as she brought her nose closer to the pan and inhaled the flavor, her stomach twisted and she threw up in the bowl while whimpering. Every morning, she would wake up and vomit before she had even opened her eyes properly. She gradually became aware that her preferences were altering day by day, that she was unable to eat the foods she had once cherished, and that she was developing strange carvings.

Afiyah foresaw this coming since she was confident Hareem would be overjoyed with the excellent news she had for her. Hareem's first act was to fetch a piece of sweets for Afiyah and feed her, explaining, "It's customary to eat sweets after hearing good news."

And as was to be expected, Hareem forbade her from setting foot on the floor, which was unusual for her given that she was responsible for a large household, her husband, and an uncooperative mother-in-law. Since it was also her first time seeing her father after being married, she was lavished with affection for the two days she spent there.

"Look, your loved ones have even come to visit you."

When Afiyah saw the entrant, she glanced up from the book she was holding and swallowed heavily.

"While you two go and accompany each other, I'll brew tea." She overheard Hareem say this prior to actually leaving her alone in the room with the ghoul she abhorred with all her being.

"I was told that you have arrived here, so I followed suit."

She glared at Khizar as he settled next to her, and he deliberately stroked his arm against her, prompting her to shift away from him, adding, "It would be better if you kept a distance between us."

"Uh huh..." he tutted, "Consider deeply before you speak because I could get annoyed, and you know what happens when I get mad."

When Afiyah felt scratchy pads of fingers slide down a certain region of her arm, she froze; the contact was somewhat unsettling.

"Besides, I heard you're expecting. Don't you think it took you too long to actually? Or does he simply lack merit?"

"Sometimes I want to smack you across the face." She deadpanned, her arm slipping away from his grasp.