Destined To Be.

Chapter 22

Afsan

One week later,

''You need to tell her man. I'm not kidding''. Malik sighs unhappily.

Both of them are sitting opposite me with worried looks on their faces. The moment they heard I was going to become a father they left the company in capable hands and came straightaway to congratulate me in person. They're good guys, my brothers from day one and I know that they're concerned.

''He's right bro, it needs to be done. I know it's going to be hard, especially now but you know you can't keep this from her anymore." Tony sits back, avoiding eye contact but I see the tears in his eyes as he quickly averts his gaze and grinds his jaw.

I lean back wearily and run my fingers through my hair with frustration. Lately I've been feeling really tired. I'm in constant pain and keeping up a good front is taking its toll on me. I know time is running out, I just hope that in the end I can hang on just enough so I can see my child come into this world.

I hope Allah will heed my prayers and let me get to see my beautiful wife holding our child in her arms. I want that vision to be my last and then I can let go and finally be at peace as the struggle of holding on and acting normal is draining me day by day.

"You're right guys. I need to tell them all. But Ayla's pregnant and I'm afraid. I'm afraid for her and our baby. What if she can't handle it? What if she mi...."

"Afsan stop!! Just stop Bro!!. You were supposed to tell everyone when you found out. But you kept on putting it off and now it's been months and you still trying to fucking make up more excuses." Tony lashes out at me angrily.

"What the fuck Tony! Do you think this is easy for me? I know I fucked up. I couldn't face them then and I'm finding it damn hard to face them now. I know I need to do it but I fucking don't know how." I put my head in my hands. My hands are shaking really bad, I don't hide it from them. What's the point.

I hear the sound of a chair being pushed back and I look to see Tony standing up quickly, wiping away at his eyes as he turns and makes his way towards the mens restroom. I sigh and lean back as Malik looks on at me quietly.

"You know he's a sensitive bastard. He feels utterly useless, we both do." Malik says quietly.

"You shouldn't. There is nothing you can do my friend. I just need your prayers that's all." I reply with a smile.

"I don't think I'm on good terms with God. He hasn't been answering my prayers lately." He sighs loudly, biting at the skin of his thumb.

"Mate, it doesn't work that way. Just because prayers are not answered right away that doesn't mean they are not heard. Things happen for a reason and we need to accept that." I see Malik nod his head in return, still picking away at his thumb. It's a habit of his when he's trying to rein in his emotions.

"I just want you to get better bro, I want God to fix you. I hate seeing you like this." His words has my heart constricting.

Malik is a reserved person, he's always has been. What with a dickhead of a father and a submissive mother , he had a tough upbringing. I guess that's why he finds it hard commiting to someone. He's afraid that he's going to turn out like his father. He still has a lot of inner healing to do.

"I know mate. I know. But we got to face facts, I'm not going to get any better. It's going to get worse a lot worse but I want you to promise me something okay!." I lean forward as he gives me his undivided attention.

"Anything Bro". He replies instantly.

"I want you to let go of the past. Just hear me out okay." ...he shifts uncomfortably..."I want you to focus on the future. Stop wasting time on things you can't change. Don't let your Father ruin your life anymore. Prove him wrong, prove it by finding yourself a good woman. A woman who will love you through the good and bad. A woman who you are willing to spend the rest of your life with and treat her with upmost respect and love. You need to sort your life out mate, being a workaholic is not the answer. Let go bro, let go." I see him tearing up as he nods his head a few times, still picking away at his damn thumb. I grab his hand and hold on to it firmly. He looks at me and slowly grins.