From Pain to Paradise

CHAPTER 22

Hannah trudged through the front door, her body still reeling from the news she had just received.

As she entered the living room, her mother looked up from her tea, surprised to see her. "Hannah beta, you're back early!" she exclaimed.

Hannah nodded weakly, her eyes welling up with tears. She couldn't bear to tell her mother the truth just yet. Her eyes scanning the room for a place to collapse. She made her way to the couch, her legs barely holding her up. Her mother quickly stood and rushed to her side, placing a concerned hand on her forehead.

"Oh my god, Hannah beta, you're burning!" she cried, panic etched on her face.

Hannah forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her. "Mama, I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm just...tired. I'll take some rest and I'll be okay."

With a Herculean effort, Hannah pushed herself up from the couch and made her way upstairs to her room. Her mother watched her go, confusion and worry etched on her face. She then headed to the kitchen to prepare something for Hannah to eat, unaware of the life-changing news her daughter was hiding.

As Hannah lay in bed, she couldn't shake off the thoughts racing in her mind. She was pregnant. The words echoed in her head like a mantra, refusing to sink in. She thought of her father, of the circumstances, of the future. Her mind was a jumble of emotions, each one more overwhelming than the last.

She heard her mother's footsteps as she entered the room "Hannah beta, I've brought you some tea and toast. You need to eat something." Hannah nodded, her voice caught in her throat. She took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her body, but doing little to calm her nerves.

Her mother sat beside her, concern etched on her face. "Hannah, what's wrong? You're not yourself. Is everything okay?" Hannah hesitated, unsure of how to reveal the truth. She didn't want to burden her mother, but she couldn't keep it inside forever. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation to come.

Hannah stopped eating the toast and placed it on the nightstand, her fingers fidgeting nervously. Her mother noticed the change in her behavior and asked, "Hannah, you're making me worried. What happened, beta? Is everything okay? Did you get into an argument with Faris?"

Hannah shook her head, looking up at her mother with tears streaming down her face. "Mama, I... I... I'm... pregnant," she stammered, before bursting into tears.

Her mother was taken aback by the news, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath as she tried to compose herself. "Then why are you crying? You should be happy, it's great news!" she exclaimed.

Hannah shook her head, still crying. "Mama, I'm scared. What will happen? How will I tell Baba about this? And Shehryar... Shehryar already tried to kill Sarim. I don't know what he'll do when the truth comes out."

Her mother held her arms, trying to comfort her. "Hannah beta, look, nothing will happen. I'm with you, and now I won't allow anyone to ruin my daughter's happiness. You don't have to worry about anything, just take care of yourself and your baby."

Hannah didn't stop crying, but she hugged her mother tightly. Her mother caressed her hair, tears welling up in her own eyes. "Don't cry, beta. Just tell Faris about your pregnancy, and we'll handle the situation."

___________

Faris was sipping his coffee in a quiet cafe when his phone rang, displaying Hannah's name on the screen. He smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart, and picked up the call.

"Hello?" he said, his voice cheerful.

"Hello," Hannah's weak voice came from the other end.

"Hello, Hannah! You okay? You sound a bit off," Faris asked, his brow furrowing in concern.