Against The Tide

90: A Heart's Plea

Afrah's heart jumped in her chest as her eyes darted to the two red lines on the pregnancy test. A wave of disbelief washed over her, followed by an overwhelming sense of joy. After Fawaaz turned two, they had been trying for another child but it didn't happen. Now, the dream was becoming a reality.

Tears of joy welled up in her eyes as her hand flew over her mouth. Jameel would be overjoyed. She couldn't wait to share the good news with him. She could already imagine his reaction; his eyes would sparkle and he would lift and swirl her around.

To make the moment truly unforgettable, she decided to surprise him with a gesture as unique and heartfelt as the news itself.

To tell him, she decided to do it in a special way. Quickly, she walked back into her room, searching for a box, luckily she found a gift box, she emptied the content and put the test inside. She couldn't contain her happiness as she placed it on the bedside table.

Picking her phone, she dialed his number.

"Good afternoon," she greeted, smiling. "My love, when are you coming home?"

"Why?" He asked, his voice laced with exhaustion. "Is something wrong?"

"No," she shook her head. "I just wanted to know."

"Do you miss me that much?"

"You already know the answer to that question."

"Of course," he chuckled softly. "I'm about to leave the office."

"I can't wait for you to return!" She exclaimed. "I have a surprise for you. A gift."

Jameel hummed thoughtfully. "A gift? What's the occasion?"

"Just come fast, I'll tell you."

"Alright alright. See you in a bit."

"Bye."

Ending the call, Afrah made her way way to Fawaaz's room, he was busy with his homework.

Afrah sat on his bed, her gaze fixed admiringly on him. Fawaaz was barely five but he was already so serious with his studies, always arriving for excellence. It was no wonder he was the best in his class.

"Are you almost finished with your homework, darling?" Afrah asked, her voice as gentle as ever.

"Yes, Mommy," Fawaaz replied, his gaze still on the books in front of him.

"Do you need any assistance?" She offered.

"No, Mommy, it's fine," he declined. "I know the all the answers," he assured her, his voice filled with confidence.

Afrah smiled proudly at him. "Well done, my brilliant son. I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."

Fawaaz simply smiled and looked away.

A few minutes later, he was done with his work.

Afrah patted the space beside her, inviting him to join her. Then, she pulled him closer, her jaw hurting from smiling too much. "I want to ask you a question, Fawaaz."

"What is it, Mommy?"

Afrah's smile grew wider. "Okay, do you want a little brother or a little sister to play with?"

Fawaaz's eyes widened with curiosity. "A brother or a sister?"

Afrah nodded, a soft smile playing at her lips.  "You're going to be a big brother. I'm having a baby!"

"I'm going to be a big brother? Yay!" Fawaaz exclaimed, clapping his hands. "I want a brother, Mommy!"

Afrah smiled, pulling him even closer to herself. "Are you excited to be a big brother, Fawaaz?"