Substitute Wife

Epilogue

Author's pov

It was 8 p.m. Maryam was in the home office and trying to do some work but she couldn't concentrate on anything.

Sitting in the easy chair she closed her eyes for a few moments. She wasn't feeling well at all. She had her medicines but still, she wasn't feeling better. She felt like someone was watching her. She didn't know why she was feeling like that. She never felt that way.

A few moments later she opened her eyes and stood up. She forwarded her legs to her bedroom. Reaching there she found Mehzabin sitting on the bed and sat beside her. Mehzabin was busy painting something. Sensing Maryam's presence Mehzabin looked at her with a smiley face. 

" Mamma, you know my drawing teacher gave me this special pencil. He liked my drawing so much," Mehzabin showed a pencil to Maryam.

Maryam answered shortly," It's nice."

Before Mehzabin could concentrate on her drawing again Maryam pulled her into a tight hug. She placed her head near her heart.

" Mehu, in my absence don't bother Omi and Yamir. Be a good girl and always listen to your brother & sister," Maryam said patting Mehzabin's head.

Mehzabin asked innocently," Mamma, are you going somewhere?"

" Yes, Mehu. Mamma has to leave you. I am going on a business trip," Maryam answered controlling her tears.

Mehzabin said breaking the hug," Ok, Mamma. When you will return from the trip?"

" Soon," Maryam replied shortly kissing Mehzabin's forehead.

After talking to Mehzabin for some time Maryam went to Omaira's room. Omaira was half laying on the bed. She was hearing music with her headphones and humming the songs. Since she was closing her eyes she didn't see Maryam entering her room.

A soft touch made Omaira open her eyes. Pausing the music she looked frontwards and found Maryam sitting in front of her. There was a small smile lingering on Maryam's lips.

" Omi.....," Maryam caressed Omaira's cheeks.

Maryam said further," Be a strong and independent woman. Don't let others belittle you. Prioritise your self-respect and don't hurt others' feelings even if you are going through a tough time."

Omaira was a little bit surprised to see her mother talking like that. Every time Maryam would ask her about her studies. There were a few times when she got scolded by Maryam because she wasn't concentrating on her studies. Maryam rarely told such philosophical words to her. So, it was a bit surprising to her.

" Are you ok, Mamma?" Omaira asked holding her mother's boney hands.

Maryam only nodded her head. Then, she cupped Omaira's face in between her palms. She adorned a soft kiss on Omaira's forehead.

" Omi, always remember that your Mamma loves you. More than she loved herself," That's what Maryam said and left a puzzled Omaira behind.

Maryam reached Yamir's room but before she could even enter she fell on the floor. Hearing the sudden thud sound Yamir looked at his door.

" Mammmma!!" He rushed towards Maryam.

Yamir sensed something really terrible about his mother. His heart started beating fast seeing Maryam's drained sweaty face. A sudden fear clouded his mind looking at Maryam's glossy eyes.

Picking her up he laid her down on the bed. Before Maryam could say anything he called a doctor urgently.

" Yamir......" Maryam called with her faint voice.