Hidden bonds of love

17.

Mustabshira and her parents arrived at the hospital and inquired about Maryam's condition. Ahmad informed them that Maryam was now fine, but visitors were not permitted as she needed rest. Uthman inquired about what had happened to Maryam, but before anyone could respond, Mustabshira began to speak.

"Nothing good ever happens when Maryam is back at her mother's house. Last time, she almost experienced a terrible incident, and now I wonder what has occurred. One day, you might even end up harming your own daughter," Mustabshira said absentmindedly, focused on playing with her fingers and seemingly unaware of the impact of her words.

"Mustab, please choose your words carefully; we are in a hospital," Mommy Beauty cautioned.

"If your daughter is going to be disrespectful, perhaps you all should leave," Mrs. Fatima interjected sternly.

Amidst the tension, Ahmad remained disinterested and merely observed the unfolding drama, his main concern being Maryam's well-being. He couldn't bear the situation any longer.

"Can we all please show some respect for Maryam, who is lying unconscious inside? Your behavior is quite distressing," he said angrily, prompting silence. Ahmad left the room to get some fresh air. Maryam didn't regain consciousness until the next day. The doctor examined her and administered injections. Although her eyes were open, she remained silent, gazing at the IV drip attached to her hand. She refrained from speaking even when asked about her condition, only responding to the doctor's inquiries and avoiding eye contact with others.

Later, she gazed at each of them, pondering, "Look at how innocent they all look. Did they ever truly love me? Even Ahmad, whom I trusted, lied to me," she thought, her words echoing within her. The pain had dulled, yet tears streamed down her cheeks. Despite their persistent inquiries, she remained silent. Ahmad reached out to the doctor, seeking guidance. The doctor reassured them and encouraged Maryam to open up to her family, to release her pain, and then advised her to rest. They all exited the room, leaving only Ahmad by her side.

Ahmad had questioned her countless times about her distress, but she offered no response, not even a glance his way. His worry deepened; Maryam's behavior was unprecedented. Her only action was the silent cascade of tears.

"Maryam, if I've wronged you, please tell me. Or is your anger rooted in my delayed return and failure to take you home sooner? I promise, we'll leave here and return home. You won't endure your mother's company any longer. Please, just talk to me," Ahmad pleaded, concern etched on his face.

"Could you please give me some space? Ask Mustabshira to come and stay with me," Maryam's voice broke the silence. She sought refuge from prying questions, knowing Mustabshira wouldn't intrude.

Ahmad's heart ached; he struggled to comprehend Maryam's demeanor. Perhaps her illness had clouded her usual self, he thought, hoping she'd recover her usual self.

Stepping out of the room, Ahmad summoned Mustabshira to be with Maryam. He headed to the mosque, praying fervently after his Salah for Maryam's well-being and their situation.

Maryam implored Mustabshira to recite a Quranic verse. Drawing from her memory, Mustabshira began reciting verses, and a sense of solace embraced Maryam. The pain in her heart ebbed. Mustabshira's recitation brought joy to both.

Reciting the Quran had always been Maryam's refuge. When she felt wounded, it was the verses that calmed her soul.

❀

Maryam had finally been discharged. Despite Ahmad's desire to take her home, she insisted on staying with her mother. This surprising decision left everyone taken aback, and Ahmad began to wonder if she was upset with him. Her father engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Maryam, expressing regret for agreeing to the arrangement with her mother. She reassured him, accepting his apology. Their conversation was filled with warmth and understanding, a rare occurrence for them. Amidst the talk, she pretended that all was well, though beneath the surface, questions still lingered about her true identity.

For a while, Maryam contemplated revealing her secret to her father. Yet, the potential consequences loomed large, threatening to shatter the family. Despite discovering that Mrs. Fatima wasn't her biological mother, Maryam couldn't help but love her, despite her internal conflict over this feeling.

Ahmad, Maryam, and Mrs. Fatima rode together in Ahmad's car, while the others returned to their house. Upon arriving, Ahmad informed Mrs. Fatima that he would be staying with them until Maryam had fully recovered. However, this proposition was met with resistance from Maryam, who found the idea of seeing Ahmad daily unappealing. She longed for solitude in her room, hoping for an undisturbed respite.

Nightfall arrived, and after her bath and prayers, Maryam retired to her bed, saying good night to her mother. Ahmad, choosing to respect her need for space, refrained from visiting her room, a gesture Maryam appreciated.

As Maryam drifted into slumber, an unexpected sound jolted her awake. Swiftly, she turned on the bedside light, revealing Khalid's presence. Before she could react, her piercing scream roused Ahmad and Mrs. Fatima from their sleep.

Sorry for any errors