When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

86. H E A L

I N A Y A

The pain was sharp—sharper than I had ever experienced in my life.

It had been a few minutes or maybe an hour after Ahad left when it started.

It began with slight sparks of pain radiating from my waist region. Bearable at first, but slowly, it started to intensify. And now it felt like my lower body was being chopped out, the sting hammering past what I could bear.

I was already missing Ahad, and it did nothing to ease the rising pain.

My toes curled, a heavy exhale leaving my lips as I fisted the bedsheet tighter. A sheen of sweat lined my forehead and face, breathless gasps escaping my mouth.

“Nu…nurse,” I called out, my voice breaking despite my best efforts.

She rushed in, checking my vitals before asking, “Is it painful?”

I scrunched my face, eyes shutting tightly. “A lot.”

The ache now moved in waves—heavy, unbearable, relentless waves. So bad that I didn't feel guilty for wanting to punch the nurse.

She left me writhing there, and returned moments later with the doctor.

He said something but I felt dizzy, and I couldn't hear or process his words anymore. The overwhelming sensations made my head spin, something unintelligible leaving my lips before everything slipped away.

♥︎

A H A D

It was almost midnight when I waited outside the ICU, because the doctor had told us they'd shift her to the ward soon.

Zara was here with Kaif, adamant on leaving only after she had met Inaya.

“Was she talking?” Zara asked me the fifth question, making Kaif huff out a small laugh.

“Yes, just a little trouble in laughing,” I replied, earning a soft gasp from Zara who said, “Oh no, how will she survive without that?”

I chuckled under my breath, the sound heavier than it should’ve been. Kaif kept assuring her, telling everything was okay.

Tom had called this morning, asking about the progress and said he'd come tomorrow. While Ahmed was handling the media about whatever the scandal spread was.

Asim returned to the suite earlier to receive Asad uncle, who had left for here as soon as he heard the news.

The doctor walked to us, saying he'd do one final check and see if shifting was possible. Just as he began speaking, a nurse rushed out of the ICU, her words urgent, “Sir, the patient... please come.”

My heart plummeted, panic gripping me as my body stiffened.

What now?

We weren't given a word before the doctor rushed in. I ran a hand down my face, a heavy breath of restlessness tightening my chest.

Ya Allah, not anymore, please.

I prayed silently, hoping nothing was to worry.

Zara asked Kaif something and he assured her yet again, his concerned gaze landing on me frequently.

A few minutes passed, and the doctor walked out, his face calm and unreadable.

“Is everything okay?” I asked and he stood beside me, beginning to explain, “The sedatives are wearing off, and the pain will begin to show.”