Eternity

Chapter 59

As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu

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The morning light filtered gently through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Ayzal stood by the front door, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation evident in her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at Yusra, who was bustling around, checking her purse and adjusting her scarf. Zayan, who had just finished getting ready, joined them, his demeanor a blend of curiosity and mild apprehension about the day’s plans. They had decided it was time to shop for the baby, a task that Ayzal had been looking forward to with a heart full of hope and joy.

“Are we ready?” Zayan asked, his voice breaking the light chatter. He held the car keys in one hand and a light jacket in the other, which he offered to Ayzal.

“Yes, just about,” Ayzal replied with a bright smile, her hand resting on her slightly rounded belly. Yusra nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I think we have everything we need.”

Zayan led them out of the house, the crisp morning air greeting them as they stepped onto the driveway. The car was parked nearby, its engine still cool from the night before. As they settled into the car, the mood inside was lively and full of anticipation. Ayzal and Yusra chatted animatedly about the types of baby clothes and items they hoped to find, their voices filled with the kind of cheerful energy that made the drive to the mall feel like a small adventure.

Zayan drove them through the bustling streets, his eyes occasionally glancing at his wife to check on the animated conversation taking place. The city was alive with activity, the sun’s rays casting a golden hue on everything they passed. Just as they neared the shopping district, Zayan’s phone rang, jolting him from the pleasant atmosphere.

He answered the call, his expression shifting from relaxed to concerned as he listened. “I am really sorry, but something urgent has come up at the office. I need to go back immediately,” he said, his voice laced with frustration and regret. He first glanced at Ayzal beside him and then looked at Yusra through the rearview mirror. “I will drop you off at the mall, but I won’t be able to stay.”

Yusra’s face fell slightly, but she managed a reassuring smile. “It is alright, Bhai. We will manage. You go take care of things.”

Ayzal nodded, though a tinge of disappointment flickered in her eyes. “We will be fine. Don’t worry about us.”

The car rolled to a stop in the bustling parking lot of the mall. Zayan turned off the engine and glanced at Ayzal. Yusra quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door. Ayzal followed suit, her excitement for the day momentarily dimmed by the news. She stepped out of the car, resting a hand lightly on her belly, and began walking towards the mall’s entrance, her thoughts already on the baby items they would soon browse.

Just as she was about to disappear into the mall’s entrance, Zayan’s voice rang out from behind. “Ayzal!” He called, his tone carrying a hint of urgency. She turned, curiosity and a touch of concern in her eyes.

He leaned out of the window, his expression softening with genuine care. “Come here for a moment,” he said, signaling her to come closer.

She walked back to Zayan’s side of the car. As she approached, Zayan’s eyes were filled with a rare, tender concern. “Listen,” Zayan began, his voice unusually gentle. “I hate to leave you like this, but I need you to be careful. If you feel any pain or get nauseous, don’t hesitate to call me. I will come right away.”

Ayzal's heart swelled at his words. She looked up at him with a mixture of gratitude and affection. “I will be sure to call you if I need anything. Just make sure you don’t overwork yourself, okay?”

Zayan nodded, his eyes softening. “I will try my best.”

Suddenly, Ayzal’s playful side emerged. “Come here,” she said, gesturing for him to lean closer. Zayan leaned in, and she wrapped her arms around his neck in a light embrace. With a mischievous grin, she pulled him closer and planted a quick, playful kiss on his cheek. “There, now you have no excuse not to be careful.”

Zayan chuckled, a rare, genuine laugh escaping him. He straightened up, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Alright, alright. You have made your point.”

Ayzal stepped back, her eyes twinkling with affection. “Drive safely. We will see you later.”

As Zayan watched Ayzal and Yusra walk towards the entrance of the mall, he felt a pang of guilt and worry. He wished he could spend the day with them, especially with Ayzal being so close to her due date. He started the engine and drove away, his thoughts lingering on the warmth of her touch and the tenderness in her voice.

Ayzal and Yusra entered the mall, excitement and anticipation bubbling between them. They quickly got lost in the sea of shops, picking out clothes, toys, and all the necessities for the baby. Every item they saw seemed to add to their joy, and their laughter filled the space as they imagined the tiny, perfect life they were preparing for.

However, as the hours passed and the mall's bright lights began to dim, Ayzal started to feel an unusual discomfort. The excitement of the day had worn off, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease settling in her stomach. Trying to ignore it, she continued to shop, but the discomfort grew more persistent.

Meanwhile, Zayan’s day at the office was hectic, filled with back-to-back meetings and mounting pressure. Despite his best efforts to focus, his mind kept drifting back to Ayzal and the promise he made. He pulled out his phone, intending to check in with her, when he received an urgent call from the hospital. His heart raced as he listened to the doctor's words, each sentence slicing through his resolve.

“Mr. Zayan, I am calling to inform you that some members of your family have been involved in an accident and are currently at our facility.”

Zayan, his voice filled with anxiety, asked, “Which family member is involved?”

The hospital staff responded, “Two women—one of whom is pregnant.”

Zayan’s world spun around him. His breaths came in short, sharp gasps as panic set in. He grabbed his keys, abandoning his work and rushing out of the office. The drive to the mall was a blur of fear and urgency. Every second felt like an eternity as he navigated through the traffic, praying he would make it in time.

When he finally reached the hospital, Zayan’s heart sank. He sprinted inside, desperately searching for Ayzal and Yusra. He caught sight of Yusra, who was sitting with a pale face, her eyes filled with tears.

Zayan rushed to her, his voice trembling. “Yusra, where is Ayzal?”

Yusra looked up at him, her voice barely a whisper. “She is in the ICU. She was hit by a car. They are still working on her.”

The words struck Zayan like a physical blow. His legs felt weak, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. Without saying a word, he collapsed into the seat beside Yusra, his mind overwhelmed with fear and guilt.

As he waited in the hospital lobby, Zayan replayed the day’s events over and over in his mind, haunted by the last words he had shared with Ayzal and the fear of what might happen next.