Eternity

Chapter 36

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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After what felt like an eternity, a doctor finally emerged from the examination room. Zayan’s heart skipped a beat as he saw the serious expression on the doctor’s face. The man approached him, and Zayan’s breath caught in his throat. “Mr. Zayan,” the doctor began, his voice measured and calm. “We have completed our examination of your wife.”

Zayan’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and urgency. “Is she going to be alright? What happened?”

The doctor took a deep breath before responding, his gaze steady. “Ayzal fainted due to severe stress. This is particularly concerning because she is pregnant.”

The word 'pregnant' hit Zayan like a thunderclap. His eyes widened, and he felt his knees weaken. “Pregnant?” he repeated, the word foreign and surreal on his lips. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” the doctor confirmed. “We have confirmed the pregnancy. It is in the early stages, but the stress she has been under has caused her to faint. It is crucial for her and the baby’s health that she avoids any further stress and gets adequate rest.”

Zayan was struck dumb. The realization that Ayzal was pregnant, left him reeling. He had been so consumed by his own anger and resentment, so blinded by the belief that Ayzal was to blame for his brother’s death, that he had failed to see the reality of her situation. The news added a new and unexpected dimension to everything he had been feeling. The guilt he had been suppressing for months now surged to the forefront, mingling with his anxiety about the baby’s well-being.

The doctor’s words reverberated in Zayan’s mind as he struggled to grasp the implications. He had always held onto the belief that his anger was justified, that Ayzal’s actions had somehow warranted his coldness and distance. But now, faced with the stark reality of her pregnancy and the emotional toll it had taken on her, he was forced to confront the truth he had been avoiding. The weight of his anger seemed to dissolve into the space, replaced by a gnawing sense of responsibility and regret.

As Zayan stood there, his mind racing, the doctor continued to provide more details about Ayzal’s condition and the necessary care she would need. But the specifics felt like a distant murmur, lost amid the whirlwind of his thoughts. He had always prided himself on his ability to remain composed and detached, but now, the facade was cracking. The realization that Ayzal was carrying his child—an innocent life that depended on both of them—hit him with a force he wasn’t prepared for.

When the doctor finally concluded his update, Zayan thanked him, though his voice lacked its usual firmness. He watched as the doctor returned to the examination room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He felt a profound sense of isolation. For the first time, he was forced to confront the consequences of his decisions, and the realization was both overwhelming and sobering.

Zayan sank into a nearby chair, his thoughts a tumultuous sea of regret and uncertainty. He had spent so much time blaming Ayzal, pushing her away, and harboring anger that he had never taken the time to understand her or the challenges she faced. The discovery of her pregnancy forced him to reevaluate everything he had believed about her, about their marriage, and about himself. The guilt he felt was palpable, a heavy, uncomfortable presence that refused to be ignored.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his thoughts. The hospital seemed to close in around him, the sterile environment amplifying his sense of dread. He had always believed that he was justified in his actions, that his anger was a response to an unforgivable betrayal. But now, with the knowledge of Ayzal’s pregnancy and the toll it had taken on her, he couldn’t help but question everything he had thought to be true.

The minutes continued to drag on as he sat there, grappling with the realization that his anger had led him to this moment. The future that had seemed so certain now appeared fraught with complexity and uncertainty. He had a responsibility now, not only to Ayzal but to the unborn child they were both responsible for. The weight of that responsibility was daunting, and Zayan felt a profound sense of fear about the future.

He knew that he needed to change, to step up in ways he had never imagined before. The thought of being a father, of being there for Ayzal and their child, filled him with a mixture of dread and determination.

As the hours ticked by, Zayan tried to focus on the practical steps he needed to take. He knew that he had to be strong for Ayzal, to support her and provide the care she needed. The realization that his actions had contributed to her current condition was a heavy burden, but it also served as a wake-up call. He had to confront his own demons, to address the anger and resentment that had clouded his judgment and to find a way to move forward.

The waiting area was cold and impersonal, but Zayan’s thoughts were anything but. He thought about the future and about the responsibilities that now lay before him.

The sound of his phone jolted him from his thoughts. The caller ID displayed his mother's name. He hesitated for a moment before answering, “Hello?” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Zayan!” his mother’s voice was filled with concern, “We have been waiting to hear from you. How is Ayzal? Is everything alright?”

Zayan took a deep breath, the weight of his news pressing down on him. “Mom, she is fine... I have something to tell you,” he began, his voice wavering slightly. “Ayzal is pregnant.”

There was a stunned silence on the other end before his mother’s voice broke through, trembling with excitement. “Pregnant? Oh, Zayan, that is wonderful news! We are so happy for you both!”

His father’s voice soon followed, filled with warmth and pride. “This is incredible, Zayan. Congratulations! We are thrilled for you.”

Zayan felt a mix of relief and bewilderment as he listened to their joyous reactions. Their happiness was a stark contrast to his own confusion and guilt, but it also brought a sense of hope and encouragement. “I will keep you updated on how things are going,” he said, his voice softening.

“We are here for you,” his mother assured him. “Just let us know if you need anything.”

As the call ended, Zayan was left with a renewed sense of determination. The news of the baby, though overwhelming, had also brought a glimmer of hope and the support of his family.