LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 33

Two days later

Everything had finally started to return to normal. Zain had spoken to the police, explained everything, and received permission to go home. It was around 5 in the evening. The hospital room was quiet, painted with the mellow orange of the setting sun filtering through the blinds.

Zain sat on the hospital bed, leaning back against the pillows, a slight smile tugging at his lips. His mind was replaying that moment-the way he had leaned in and kissed Amal, and how she hadn't pushed him away. Instead, she had held onto him like she'd been waiting for that kiss forever, wrapping her arms around him, trembling... trusting. That memory echoed in his chest like a secret only he was allowed to relive. A smirk crossed his face-half proud, half dazed-as he thought of how perfectly she had fit in his arms.

Just then the door clicked open.

Shanaya entered first, her eyes soft and tired but filled with love. Arzel followed her, calm and composed. Amal walked behind them quietly, her dupatta wrapped neatly around her, eyes flickering to Zain for a heartbeat longer than necessary. And just behind her, Dr. Samaira stepped in, a clipboard in hand, professional as ever, though something in her expression was distant.

Zain turned his head to them, and Dr. Samaira came forward. "The reports are clear now. You're allowed to go home," she said, her tone calm. "But he needs careful attention. Please don't take anything lightly."

Shanaya moved forward, her voice trembling slightly as she placed a hand on Zain's head.
"We'll take care of him," she said, then looked at the doctor with moist eyes. "I promise. He's my only son... I'd do anything for him. I can't bear to see him in pain. I'd give my own life if it meant protecting him."

Dr. Samaira stiffened.

That one sentence-he's my only son-cut through her like a blade. Her fingers curled slightly around the clipboard.

In that moment, she didn't see Zain. She saw Sam-her Sam. Her boy. The child she had once held in her arms with the same promises. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. The pain surged too deeply.

She looked away quickly, blinking, forcing the tears to stay hidden.
"I... I'll just go complete the discharge," she muttered, and without another word, she turned and walked out of the room.

Once inside her office, the door clicked shut behind her. She stood frozen for a second-then collapsed onto her chair.

The clipboard clattered to the floor.

Her chest heaved, and her hand covered her mouth as tears began to pour.
"Sam..." she whispered. "Forgive me... I couldn't risk anything. I'm a doctor. I took an oath. But... I'm your mother too... I..."
Her voice broke.

"I didn't even ask what he said to the police. I just followed protocol. God... was I wrong?"
But the silence offered no answers.

Back in the room, Zain slowly tried to sit up, grimacing slightly.

Shanaya rushed to his side, kissing his forehead again and again, her hands cradling his face.
"Mom," he said with a faint laugh, "please... I'm fine now."

"How can I stop?" she whispered emotionally. "You're my only son. If anything had happened to you, I'd have died every day, living."

Zain cupped her hands. "But I'm right here. Alive. And I'm not going anywhere."

She wrapped her arms around him tightly, her tears soaking into his shirt. After a moment, Zain gently pulled away and looked at everyone.
"You all go ahead... Amal and I will come in a minute."

Amal glanced at him uncertainly, and Shanaya followed her gaze-then exchanged a knowing glance with Arzel. She said nothing, only smiled and held Noah's hand.
"Come, sweetie," she said softly, leading them out of the room.