𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 21

She was lying lifelessly on the hospital bed while equipment was attached to her hand. Nayla kept checking on her through the glass panel fixed in the door. Finally, she sat on the bench next to Saleem.

"She will be fine, Nayla. Don't worry. I have completed all the formalities; we just need Ashar's signature. If he comes, good, and if not, I will manage. Her surgery won't be delayed, okay?" Saleem said confidently, convinced that Ashar wouldn't leave his dream behind to come here. He placed a reassuring hand on Nayla's shoulder.

"But he should come... Ashar!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern. Just then, she noticed a figure running towards them, and Saleem turned around, shocked to see Ashar approaching.

"Ammi! Where is Ayat?" he asked desperately. Nayla pointed to the door, and Ashar instinctively moved to go inside, but Nayla stopped him.

"Doctor said to let her rest first. We can only see her once she wakes up. Until then, go and sign the documents; it's crucial for her surgery!" she urged. Ashar looked at her and then at Saleem, who stood up.

"Let's go, Ashar. It's important," Saleem emphasized the word 'important.' Ashar nodded and followed him, nayla was feeling a bit relieved that he was leaving his most important work to come to his wife.

Half an hour later, Ayat opened her eyes and surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, landing her gaze on the nurse.

"Where am I?" she asked in a slow, weak voice. The nurse smiled gently and replied, "You're in the hospital. You were in an accident, but everything is fine now!"

Ayat continued scanning the room, reassured by the various machines and equipment nearby.

"Don't worry, stay here. I'm going to call your family," the nurse said, sensing Ayat's unease. Just as the nurse turned to leave, Ayat called out to her.

"Wait!!!" she shouted with as much strength as she could muster. The nurse hurried back to her side.

"Ma'am, don't try to sit up; it will only increase your pain," the nurse said, supporting Ayat as she gently lay back down. Ayat bit her lips to suppress pain and then looked at the nurse.

"Can you please give me my hijab?" she asked, gesturing to the scarf where it had been placed with her clothes. In her rush, she had forgotten to wear her abaya.

"But ma'am, it will hurt to tie it!" the nurse protested, looking at Ayat's pained expression.

"No, I just want to place it loosely on my head, not tie it tightly. Please pass it to me!" Ayat implored softly, aware that speaking was difficult due to the throbbing pain in her head.

"Okay, as you wish," the nurse replied, bewildered, as she handed over the hijab. Ayat donned it loosely, ensuring her hair was covered, then smiled.

"Now you can call them!" she reassured the nurse, who left with a puzzled look. Moments later, Nayla entered the room, trembling as she approached Ayat's pale figure, who had closed her eyes again. She carefully took a seat on the stool beside her.

"Ayat, my child... how are you?" Nayla asked gently. Ayat opened her eyes at the sound of her mother's voice and managed a faint smile while nodding.

"How did this happen? Why were you driving? Where were you even going?" Nayla asked anxiously, holding her daughter's hand tightly as her worry took over. Ayat tried to recall the events: the departure of Ashar, going upstairs, her hurriedness, twisting her ankle, driving the car, turning the wheel left instead of stopping, colliding with another vehicle while trying to avoid hitting children, and finally, her head striking the steering wheel. Everything went dark, and she squeezed her eyes shut again, feeling pain spike in her head.