Umeed

Chapter 45

Flashback Continued

Author's POV

As she sat on the cold park bench, Noor’s mind raced with a turmoil she couldn’t put into words. She took a shaky breath, pulling her phone from her bag and dialing Mishal’s number. She held the phone tightly, as if it could anchor her in this moment, where everything felt surreal.

The call connected, and after a few rings, Mishal’s warm voice came through.

“Noor? Are you okay?” Mishal asked, sensing the silence on the other end. She paused, then spoke more softly, “Are you… crying?”

Noor choked back a sob, unable to hold it in any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to form words, her lips trembling.

“Noor, you’re scaring me. What’s going on? Please, talk to me,” Mishal’s tone was laced with worry.

Taking a deep breath, Noor finally spoke, her voice a fragile whisper. “Mishal… I… I’m pregnant.” Her words hung in the air, and she heard a shocked silence on the other end.

“Oh, Noor…” Mishal’s voice softened with concern. “Are you sure?”

Noor nodded, then realized Mishal couldn’t see her. “Yes… the doctor just told me.” Her voice broke, and she continued, “I… I don’t know what to do. I feel so alone.”

The weight of the situation crashed over her, and Noor broke down completely, her sobs unrestrained as she held the phone to her ear. Mishal listened, her heart breaking as she heard Noor’s anguish.

“It’s okay, Noor,” Mishal said gently, “I’m here. I’m listening. Let it out.”

Noor buried her face in her hands, unable to stop the flow of tears. She didn’t care that she was in a public park or that anyone might see her; her world felt too heavy, too shattered.

After a few moments, Mishal’s voice came again, calm and steady. “Noor, I know this is overwhelming. Take a deep breath for me, okay?”

Noor took a shaky breath, her body trembling with each inhale.

“Now, tell me,” Mishal continued, “do you… want to keep the baby? Or have you thought about other options?”

Noor went quiet, and in the silence, Mishal sensed the weight of Noor’s inner struggle.

“I… I can’t do that,” Noor whispered, her voice barely audible. “I can’t… I can’t just end this baby’s life.” She sniffled, the tears still fresh in her eyes. “What kind of person would that make me?”

“Noor,” Mishal said softly, “you’re not a bad person for considering it. This is your choice, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. You’ve been through so much already.”

“But Mishal… I can’t. It’s not the baby’s fault,” Noor replied, her voice trembling but resolute. “I… I’ll keep the baby. I don’t know how, but… I’ll find a way.”

There was a moment of silence, then Mishal’s tone shifted, filled with warmth and understanding. “If that’s what you feel in your heart, then I support you, Noor. Whatever you need, I’m here for you. You’re not alone, okay?”

Noor’s voice was thick with emotion as she murmured, “Thank you, Mishal. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

They stayed on the line for a moment, Mishal offering her quiet presence as Noor tried to regain her composure. Finally, Mishal spoke again, her voice gentle.

“Just remember, Noor, this isn’t the end. You’re stronger than you realize. One step at a time, all right?”

Noor nodded to herself, feeling a small measure of comfort in her friend’s words. After they exchanged a few more soft reassurances, Mishal ended the call, promising to check on her again soon.