Haliyah

1 The blessing of Haliyah

The Khan family home in Abbottabad was buzzing with anticipation. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air as Kashmala, the mother of seven sons, lay in the hospital bed, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Zohaib Khan, her husband, stood by her side, his hand gently holding hers, offering silent support.

In the waiting room, seven brothers sat with bated breath. The eldest, Arzhel, was 24 years old and had taken the role of the family's pillar of strength. Beside him sat Kian, the 22-year-old gym trainer with a heart of gold. Souroush, the 19-year-old with a protective streak, paced back and forth, unable to contain his nervous energy. Zeki, at 17, leaned against the wall, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Nayyel, the gentle 15-year-old, sat with his hands clasped together, whispering a prayer. Kaif, 13, was already thinking of ways to ensure their new sibling would have everything they needed. The youngest, Izhaan, only 10, sat with wide, hopeful eyes, clutching a small teddy bear he had bought for the baby.

Finally, the door to the delivery room opened, and a nurse stepped out, her face breaking into a warm smile. "Congratulations, Mr. Khan," she announced. "It's a girl."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, as the words sank in, the room erupted in joyous exclamations. Arzhel hugged Kian, tears of happiness in his eyes. Souroush let out a whoop of delight, punching the air. Zeki's stern expression melted into a broad grin. Nayyel and Kaif jumped up, their excitement palpable. Izhaan, overwhelmed with emotion, clutched the teddy bear tighter, tears streaming down his face.

Zohaib entered the room, his eyes shining with pride. "Boys," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "meet your sister, Haliyah."

One by one, the brothers entered the delivery room. Kashmala lay on the bed, cradling a tiny bundle in her arms. The baby girl, with a tuft of dark hair and rosy cheeks, was sleeping peacefully. As each brother approached, they were filled with an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness.

Arzhel bent down and gently kissed Haliyah's forehead. "Welcome to the family, little one," he whispered. "We'll always be here for you."

Kian took her tiny hand in his, marveling at how delicate she was. "We'll make sure you grow up strong and healthy," he promised.

Souroush, unable to contain his excitement, chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Haliyah. We'll teach you how to handle anything life throws at you."

Zeki's eyes softened as he looked at his baby sister. "Anyone who dares to hurt you will have to answer to me," he vowed.

Nayyel, his heart full of tenderness, gently stroked Haliyah's cheek. "We'll shower you with all the love in the world," he said.

Kaif, always the planner, nodded. "And we'll make sure you have everything you need to succeed."

Finally, it was Izhaan's turn. He approached the bed slowly, his eyes wide with wonder. He gently placed the teddy bear next to Haliyah. "This is for you, Haliyah," he whispered, tears of joy in his eyes. "I love you already."

As the family gathered around Kashmala and Haliyah, Zohaib placed a hand on each of his sons' shoulders. "You boys have been blessed with a sister," he said. "Remember, it's our duty to protect and cherish her always."

The brothers nodded, their hearts swelling with pride and love. In that moment, they silently vowed to be the best brothers Haliyah could ever wish for. The Khan family was complete, and their hearts were fuller than ever before.

As the sun set over Abbottabad, casting a golden glow over the Khan family home, the sounds of laughter and joy filled the air. Haliyah, the precious little princess, had brought a new light into their lives, and the brothers couldn't wait to embark on this new journey with her.

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Word Count: 650
Date Written: 07/02/24
Date Published: 08/16/24
Author: Kheliyesh

This story is dedicated to all the eldest sisters who wished they had a real brother. These are my feelings—I used to pray for an older brother, not just a cousin, but a brother who came from the same womb as I did. My innocent little mind would imagine that maybe my real brother was abroad and that my parents were upset with him or something. I believed that one day he would come back, treat me like a princess, and protect me from the boys who misbehaved and bullied me in school.