Over again

Chapter XXIX

After the results were confirmed, Zain promised to Sanam that will take care of her and the baby. He wanted Sanam to be happy and not thinking too much about family. About the strange family that didn't care about anyone. The only thing that Zain was really worried is what will happen when the baby is born.

Months passed. Zain didn't notice how fast. Soon, they went to examinations together, then came the first 3D ultrasound. He allowed Bilal to see his child and they together went on all previews. When the doctor asked whether they want to know the sex of the child, they said no. They wanted to keep it as secret.

Bilal was always there in the vicinity when Sanam wanted something and Zain was just fine with that. Every time when he woke up in the middle of the night and went to buy something what Sanam wanted to eat, he would remember Aaliya. What would it look like if it was their baby? A sense of nostalgia and gaps followed him everywhere. He wished that she was there so he could hold her in his arms, but she wasn't there.

He was returning home early to spend as much time with Sanam as he could. And soon it was time for the birth of the baby.

Zain was late asleep on his comfortable couch when Sanam woke him up. She called him. Zain somehow woke up and went to her.
"It's time"-she said. "It's time for the baby to come out, Zain"
It took him a moment to realize what she was saying. When he finally realized, he started to panic. He ran to his parents room and woke his mother. Suraiya helped Sanam to get ready and they took her to the hospital.

They were told that delivery can be time consuming but Zain didn't want to leave the hospital until the baby is born. He waited. After lengthy eight hours finally came out a midwife. She informed him that he became father of beautiful girl.

Zain's legs gave out. He sat down on a banch and began to cry. He was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that they were both fine, Sanam and baby. Sad, because he isn't the father, and never will be. Sad because the girl was born on Aaliya's birthday.

Sanam was in hospital for several days. When she finally came home, she told the family that she will choose the baby's name. She didn't want anyone else to do it. Zain asked her to do so, before the whole family.

The next morning, Sanam asked everyone to stay in the living room, because she wants to say the name of the baby. They all sat down in the living room when Sanam came down with the baby in her arms.

"I'm sorry, I ruined your happiness, but I wanted to give the name to my daughter. There is a beautiful name that I always liked a lot. I promised to myself that it will be the name of my daughter. Now I want you all to meet this little girl. Her name is Aaliya. Aaliya Zain Abdullah."

Zain froze and all present in the room looked at Sanam.
"What did you said?"-Suraiya asked.
"Aaliya. Her name is Aaliya."
"No Sanam."-Suraiya cut her. "You'll not call her like that"
"I think you won't decided on, mother."-Zain stopped her. "If Sanam decided so, it will stay that way. Girl will be named Aaliya."-Zain took the girl in the arms and kissed her forehead. Then headed to the room and Sanam followed him. He was immensely grateful to her. He still had Aaliya in the house.

That night while Sanam and Aaliya were sleeping, he left the room. He needed some time alone. Passing by the room of his parents, he heard a conversation. He recognised the voice of his brother.

"I think it's time to tell him the truth. It makes no sense to hide it anymore."-Fahad said.
"No"-Suraiya objected. "If we tell him he will immediately go to search that family. He shouldn't know that. Let's keep this as secret."
"But mom how long to hide it? This doesn't make sense anymore. Zain deserves to know the truth."
"Fahad"-Zain heard Usmaan's voice "listen to your mother. Zain can't find anything. Now go to sleep."