Seeking Her Forgiveness

16. And, she left.

"Azlan, I have spoken to Shahana, and it deeply saddens me to say that her mental condition is extremely poor. She is suffering from psychotic depression. In such a state, patients often feel very unsafe. They experience hallucinations and believe that everyone around them wants to harm them. The symptoms you mentioned about Shahana – forgetting things, staring at a single point for hours, and not feeling pain – are all dissociative symptoms. Our brain wants to protect us. Shahana's brain is taking these routes to shield her from all her pain, sorrow, and distress. I was surprised to hear that she is pregnant. Shahana has become very attached to this baby, perhaps because of her previous pregnancy."

Dr. Salma, a renowned psychiatrist in Bangladesh, was explaining to Azlan while referring to her notes. Fahad, sitting beside Azlan, looked confused. This morning, Azlan had brought Shahana to Dr. Salma under the pretense that it was a routine check-up since women often face depression during pregnancy. Azlan had noted that whenever the conversation involved their child, Shahana would quietly comply. Otherwise, she wouldn't even glance at him.

"Doctor, will my daughter be okay?" Fahad asked worriedly. Hearing about Shahana's alarming condition had left Fahad quite frightened.

"Yes, she will be fine. But you must take great care of her," Dr. Salma emphasized. "Keep Shahana away from any stress or tension. I've prescribed some medications. She must take them regularly. Today was just the first session. She will need more sessions."

"No, doctor. That won't be necessary. I'm taking my daughter to Turkey with me. I will get her treated by a better doctor there."

"Oh... Shahana is going to Turkey. That might be good... A change of place could positively affect her health," Dr. Salma said, handing the prescription to Azlan. With a despondent look, Azlan accepted the prescription. Dr. Salma gave some more instructions, which both men listened to attentively. After exchanging farewell pleasantries, they left Dr. Salma's cabin.

As they exited the cabin, Azlan exploded behind him. "Who the hell do you think you are, taking my wife away without a word?" Azlan's voice crackled with barely contained fury.

Fahad stopped, turning slowly. "She was your wife, Azlan," he countered, his voice calm despite the tremor in his hand. "You may want to take her back, but Shahana..." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "She doesn't want that anymore."

Azlan's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring. "Did she say that? Did she utter a single word about leaving me?" he asked, his voice the very essence of desperation.

Fahad shook his head. "No. But tell me, Azlan. Given the condition you've brought her to, do you think she would want to stay with you? Should she stay with you?" Fahad asked, looking directly into his eyes, his tone still composed. "I know you love my daughter very much, but your family does not. They will never accept her. Those who couldn't tolerate her presence for so many years will not accept her in the future either. So, isn't it better to set her free?"

Azlan's forehead creased, a knot of anger tightening in his gut. "Knowing that she is carrying my child... you still want me to leave her?" He spoke, trying to control his anger.

"Yes. Because the fact that she's going to be the mother of your child makes it even more imperative that I don't leave her in this mess. Don't worry. If you want the child, you'll get custody. Besides, my intention is to marry Shahana off to my friend's son after your divorce," Fahad declared with firm resolve.

Azlan's face turned red with suppressed rage. His veins bulged, and he clenched his fists.

"Shahana is not going anywhere. Nor will I divorce her. Dispel the illusions you're harboring. Because I will never let Shahana go," Azlan stated firmly. If Fahad hadn't been Shahana's father, Azlan might not have shown any restraint. But the cruel twist was that this man standing before him was his wife's father, now playing the role of the villainous father-in-law in his story.