Eternity

Chapter 58

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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It was late afternoon, and the house was quiet except for the distant hum of the television in the living room. Ayzal sat curled up in the armchair near the window, trying to distract herself with a book. She had been reading the same page for the last ten minutes, her eyes skimming over the words without actually processing them. Her mind was elsewhere—on the heaviness that had settled in her body, on the constant ache in her back, and the dull throb in her feet that never seemed to go away these days.

She shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position, but it was impossible. It was almost the end of her second trimester and the baby was particularly active today, stretching and kicking inside her as if it had decided to have a little workout. She winced as a sharp kick jabbed her in the ribs.

“Ugh, you are really not making this easy for me, are you?” she muttered under her breath, placing a hand on her belly as if that might calm the little one down. Another swift kick made her groan, her frustration growing with each passing minute.

Zayan, who had taken a few days off work to be with Ayzal, entered the room, his brows slightly furrowed as he took in the sight of her. He was carrying a glass of water, which he set down on the table beside her before sitting on the arm of the chair. His eyes softened as they met hers, taking in the tension in her face.

“Rough day?” he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Ayzal sighed, her hand still resting protectively on her belly. “Rough would be an understatement. This little one has decided it is the perfect time for gymnastics.”

Zayan chuckled, his hand instinctively moving to her belly, his palm resting gently over hers. “Already getting a head start, huh? Future athlete, just like I said.”

She gave him a look that was equal parts amusement and exasperation. “Well, your future athlete is killing me. I can’t even sit comfortably, let alone stand for too long.”

He frowned slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. “Why didn’t you say something? You should be resting.”

Ayzal shifted in her seat again, grimacing as her back protested. “Resting doesn’t really help. It is like no matter what I do, there is no comfortable position anymore.”

Without a word, Zayan moved from the arm of the chair to kneel in front of her. He took her feet in his hands, gently lifting them onto his lap. “Let me help. You have been on your feet all day, haven’t you?”

“I didn’t want to bother you,” Ayzal said softly, though the relief that spread through her body the moment he began massaging her feet was immediate.

“You are not bothering me,” Zayan replied, his voice firm but kind. “I want to take care of you, Ayzal. Both of you.”

His thumbs pressed into the sore spots on her feet, working out the tension that had built up over the day. Ayzal let out a long, contented sigh, leaning back into the chair as the pain in her feet began to ease under his touch. She closed her eyes for a moment, the exhaustion weighing down on her finally lifting just a little.

Zayan glanced up at her, his expression softening further as he saw how tired she really was. “You have been doing too much. You need to take it easy.”

“I know,” she whispered, her eyes still closed. “It is just… there is so much to do before the baby comes, and I don’t want to fall behind.”

“We will get everything done,” Zayan assured her, his hands moving up to her calves now, working the sore muscles there as well. “But right now, what matters most is that you are taking care of yourself. You and the baby.”

Ayzal smiled at his words, the warmth of his touch and his care easing the heaviness that had settled over her throughout the day. “I am lucky to have you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zayan leaned forward slightly, brushing a soft kiss against her knee. “No, I am the lucky one,” he said quietly, his hands still moving gently along her legs. “You are doing all the hard work. I am just here to make it a little easier.”

For a while, the room was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of Zayan’s hands working to ease her tension and the soft hum of the television in the background. Ayzal let herself relax completely, the weight of her exhaustion finally starting to slip away as she basked in the comfort of Zayan’s presence.

Just as she was starting to drift off, a sudden sharp kick jolted her awake. She gasped, her hand flying to her belly as the baby gave another insistent nudge.

Zayan’s eyes widened in surprise as he felt the movement under his hand. “Whoa,” he said with a grin. “That was a strong one.”

Ayzal groaned, her head falling back against the chair. “Tell me about it. This baby is determined to keep me on my toes, even when I am sitting down.”

Zayan laughed softly, his hand still resting on her belly. “Maybe they are just excited to meet us.”

“Well, they can take their time,” she muttered, though the fondness in her voice betrayed her frustration. “I am not ready for this yet.”

Zayan tilted his head, his eyes searching her face for a moment. “You are going to be a great mom, Ayzal. You are already doing such an amazing job.”

She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. There was something so genuine in his expression, a quiet admiration that made her heart swell. Despite the challenges they had faced, despite the ups and downs in their relationship, in moments like this, she could see the depth of his care for her—and for their baby.

Zayan’s smile was warm and assuring. “You are strong, and you have been handling everything with so much grace. I am in awe of you, every day.”

Ayzal felt a lump form in her throat, her emotions bubbling up in a way that they often did these days, thanks to the hormones. She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over and took a deep breath. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Zayan leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You don’t have to thank me. I am just telling the truth.”

He stood up, stretching slightly before offering her his hand. “Come on, let’s get you more comfortable. I will carry you to bed.”

Ayzal raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical look. “Zayan, I can walk.”

But Zayan shook his head, grinning mischievously. “Not on my watch. You are off your feet for the rest of the day.”

Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms, making her gasp in surprise. “Zayan!” she exclaimed, though she couldn’t help but laugh.

He carried her with ease, cradling her against his chest as he made his way over to the bed. “Just relax,” he said with a grin. “I have got you.”

Ayzal couldn’t help but smile as she rested her head against his shoulder, feeling safe and cared for.