Mine To Heal

Chapter 25

HISHAM'S POV

Waking up to the sight of Munira sleeping peacefully is a daily reminder of how lucky I am. Even in her slumber, she radiates a beauty that makes my heart ache with love. But last night—last night was a stark reminder of the shadows I harbor. I never wanted her to see my dark side, but it emerged with an intensity that left me feeling both guilty and conflicted. Despite her apparent acceptance, the weight of my actions lingers.

It's already 11 AM, and Munira is still lost in a deep, exhausted sleep. I can't blame her; she worked herself to the bone. Seeing her like this fills me with a quiet pride and a profound sense of responsibility.

Carefully shifting her off my chest, I rise to prepare for the day. I've decided to take the day and tomorrow off work to be with her. After a quick shower, I dress casually in a white tee and dark jeans. Heading to the kitchen, I deliberate over breakfast options before settling on an indulgent spread: waffles, pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, sausages, and coffee. Not to brag, but my pancakes are legendary.

Half an hour later, I bring the breakfast tray to our bedroom. Gently waking Munira, I whisper, "Good morning, Hayati." Her sleepy eyes flutter open, and she offers me a tired but genuine smile. "Morning," she murmurs. "How are you feeling?" I ask, already knowing the answer. "Amazing but sore," she replies, struggling to sit up. I move to assist her, feeling a pang of remorse. "Sorry," I say softly. "It's all your fault, you know," she teases with a playful glare, though her eyes betray the warmth she feels.

Ignoring her playful accusation, I set the food tray on the edge of the bed. Her eyes light up at the sight. "Is that for us?" she asks, her gaze softening. "Yep, breakfast in bed," I grin. "Thank you," she says sincerely. I give her a mock glare, and she sheepishly mouths a 'sorry.'

After our brunch, which was more of a feast, I clear the tray and return to the room. Munira asks to use the bathroom, so I carry her to the tub and settle her gently inside. I pick out a white tee and black leggings from her closet for us to match.

"Hisham!" she calls out, her voice muffled but clear. I retrieve a fluffy towel from the rack, wrap it around her, and lift her out of the tub. "You know I could manage on my own," she protests, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I know," I reply, trying to suppress a smile.

Soon, Munira is dressed and suggests we go downstairs. I'm engrossed in my PS5 with her head resting on my lap when her phone blares. The ringtone pierces the quiet of our home.

MUNIRA'S POV

The call is from Haneefah, and her urgent tone jolts me awake. "Munira, where are you? All the girls are here, and you're the only one missing!" she practically shouts.

I roll my eyes even though she can't see me. "No greetings?" I counter, though I know it's pointless. "Don't start with that! We're already at the store, and even Asiya is here. Why aren't you?" Haneefah's frustration is palpable.

I realize with a jolt that we were supposed to be choosing our anko for the wedding today. "Haneefah, I'm so sorry, but I can't make it," I say, my voice laden with regret. "But I can join virtually if that works." After a few more apologies, she grudgingly accepts.

The virtual shopping session drags on for hours. Hisham and I order lunch and dinner to avoid additional stress.

TWO MONTHS LATER

"Haneefah, hurry up! The makeup artist is here!" Mama's voice echoes through the house. Today is Haneefah's wedding fathiha with Salman, and the excitement is palpable.

As the ceremony progresses, Haneefah's nerves get the better of her. When Salman finally calls, she breaks down, tears streaming down her face. We surround her in a comforting embrace, trying to steady her.

The night falls, and the wedding hall is awash in light and laughter. We dance to our hearts' content, the atmosphere electric with joy. The afterparty is a wild affair, with only the younger crowd left to revel in the festivities.

Back at home, I'm in the middle of a bath when I notice the pregnancy test kit in the bathroom. For weeks, I've been feeling the symptoms, but I've been too anxious to confirm. With a mix of hope and trepidation, I take the test. The result is unmistakable: positive.

My heart races with a mix of joy and fear. I rush to find Hisham and show him the test. He holds me tightly, whispering thanks, though I'm unsure for what.

As we settle into bed, my phone rings. It's Mama, which is unusual at this hour. A sense of dread washes over me as I answer.

"Mama?" I say, my voice trembling.

Her words are a knife to the heart: "Sumayyah has been kidnapped."

The phone slips from my hand, the world around me blurring. As the room spins, I lose consciousness.

HISHAM'S POV

The weight of Munira's collapse is almost unbearable. I try to piece together what Mama has told me, but my mind races with fear and confusion. Sumayyah's kidnapping is a terrifying blow, and Munira's pregnancy adds a layer of complexity to an already chaotic situation.

As I hold Munira close, my heart aches with the realization that our lives are about to be turned upside down. We have to confront this crisis, navigate the dangerous waters of kidnapping, and protect the new life we've just discovered.

The coming days will test us in ways we never imagined. Our love, our strength, and our resolve will be pushed to the limit. I only hope we can emerge from this storm stronger and more united than ever.

HMMM

OH MY MUNIRA

ANYWAYS THE END OF THIS BOOK IS NEAR AND THINGS WILL START TO ONFOLD IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.

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