Mafia and Muslimah: A journey to iman

PART: 29

In the dimly lit living room, Ali sat close to Hayat, carefully feeding her small bites of the food the doctor had recommended.

The atmosphere was warm, filled with the soft hum of the television in the background and the gentle clinks of the spoon against the plate.

Hayat, her face glowing with the serene beauty that comes with pregnancy, leaned back comfortably, enjoying the attention.

As Ali fed her another bite, he leaned down and placed his hand gently on her rounded belly. "Hello, little one," he whispered, his voice filled with affection. "Are you being good in there? Not giving your mom too much trouble, I hope?"

He paused, pretending to listen for a response, then grinned. "Good! You know, I can't wait to meet you. We've got so many things to do together—football, painting, maybe even cooking if you're into that. But first, you have to promise me you’ll let your mom rest, okay? She’s doing all the hard work for us."

Hayat chuckled softly, the sound like music to Ali's ears. "You're talking as if the baby can actually hear and understand you."

Ali looked up at her, his eyes twinkling. "Of course, our little one can hear me. Right, janaan?" He gently caressed her cheek. "But you, my love, need to take care of yourself too. You're the one keeping both of you safe."

He kissed her forehead tenderly before rising to his feet. "I’ll be back in a moment. Don’t go anywhere."

Just as he was about to leave the room, the doorbell rang. A moment later, the door opened, and Ali’s father walked in, his presence immediately filling the room with a sense of warmth and respect. Ali's face lit up with a smile, and he quickly crossed the room to greet him.

"Father!" Ali exclaimed, embracing him warmly. "What a pleasant surprise. Please, come inside."

His father smiled, returning the hug with equal warmth. "I couldn’t stay away. I had to see how my daughter-in-law and future grandchild are doing."

Ali led him inside, gesturing to the maid. "Please, make sure we have a nice meal prepared. I’ve been making sure Hayat eats only what the doctor suggests, so she hasn’t had a chance to enjoy a proper meal in a while."

His father laughed lightly, patting Ali on the back. "You’re doing a good job, son. But I wanted to talk to you about something important."

They sat down, and Ali’s father’s expression turned slightly more serious. "I’m leaving for the USA to expand our business there. It’s something that will take time, and I might not be here when the baby arrives."

Ali’s smile faded slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment. "I understand, Father. It’s important for the business. But don’t worry—we’ll video call you the moment our little one is born. You’ll be the first to see your grandchild."

His father nodded, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I wish I could be here in person, but duty calls. I know you’ll take good care of everything in my absence."

Just then, the door opened again, and his father’s bodyguard walked in carrying a long, heavy box. He set it down carefully before Ali, who looked at it curiously.

"What’s this?" Ali asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced at his father.

His father smiled, a touch of nostalgia in his expression. "It’s a gift, Ali. For giving me the happiness of becoming a grandfather."