Chapter 14, 2 Stories
Early Morning - The Next Day
A soft golden glow seeped through the hospital curtains, casting a warm hue across the quiet room. The steady beeping of a heart monitor filled the air, rhythmic and unchanging. The scent of antiseptic lingered, mixing with the faint traces of freshly brewed tea from somewhere nearby.
Zeenat stirred.
Her eyelids fluttered before slowly peeling open, the world coming into a hazy blur. For a moment, she lay still, confusion clouding her thoughts. Then, the dull, throbbing pain in her arm brought everything back in an instant.
The attack.
The fear.
Haider.
Her breath hitched, and she instinctively curled her fingers, feeling the tightness of the sling wrapped around her arm. The stiffness in her muscles reminded her of how much her body had endured. A deep soreness settled in her bones, exhaustion still weighing her down.
"Zeenat?"
The familiar voice-filled with relief and concern-made her blink fully awake. She turned her head slightly to see Zayd, seated opposite her on the bed. He started to rise, but Anaya, whose head rested in his lap, stirred at the movement.
Before Zeenat could process anything further, another voice broke through.
"Zeenat."
Her gaze shifted toward the window. Rayyan.
He had been standing there, silently watching. But now, as soon as she opened her eyes, he rushed to her bedside.
She blinked in surprise.
Rayyan's expression was unreadable, but the worry in his eyes was undeniable. He took a step closer, but before he could reach her, Zayd subtly moved between them, his stance protective.
Zayd wouldn't let Zeenat face her irresponsible husband ever again.
"Alhamdulillah," Zayd murmured, relief evident in his voice. "You're awake."
Rayyan hesitated, then stepped back, now watching from a distance.
Zayd pressed a gentle kiss to Zeenat's forehead, his arms instinctively moving to hug her-but he froze when she gestured toward her injured arm in the sling.
"Sorry, Zeenat," he said softly, instead ruffling the scarf covering her hair in a brotherly gesture.
She blinked up at him, her lips parting. "Water... please, brother."
He quickly grabbed the cup and helped her drink. She sipped slowly, the coolness soothing her throat. When she finished, he placed the cup back, watching her closely.
"How are you feeling now?" Anaya asked, fully awake now, moving closer to Zeenat's side.
Zeenat swallowed, shifting slightly. A wince escaped her as her bruised arm protested the movement. "Sore," she admitted.
Zayd clenched his jaw. "I'm sorry, Zeenat. I should have been there for you." His voice was thick with regret.
She managed a faint smile, she is already grateful for all their support.
He hesitated, then gently placed his palm over her uninjured hand, squeezing lightly.
Anaya exhaled, relief washing over her face. "The doctor said you're okay, just bruised and exhausted. They want to observe you a little longer before deciding if you can go home today."
As Zayd and Anaya moved back, Rayyan stepped forward again, hesitant but determined.
"Zeenat?" His voice was gentler than usual. "You've been sleeping for fifteen hours. You must need something to eat."
She blinked, surprised by his newfound attitude and care.
Before her mind had a chance to process what he said, she froze.
Fifteen hours? She hadn't even realized. It wasn't something she had been thinking about, but now that he mentioned it, a dull emptiness in her stomach reminded her-she was hungry.
Rayyan reached for the food flask, opening it to serve her. The aroma drifted toward her, warm and familiar.
Just as he was about to help her eat, Zayd stepped forward and took the plate and spoon from his hands.
"Let me." Zayd's voice left no room for argument.
Rayyan tensed for a moment but then stepped aside, retreating next to Anaya, who placed a supportive hand on his shoulders.
___
The golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the hospital window, casting long shadows across the quiet room.
Zeenat was still resting on the hospital bed, her body sore but her mind fully alert. She watched silently as Mr. Abbas, her father-in-law, and Zayd, her older brother, stood across from each other, the tension between them thick.
She had been discharged. That should have been the end of it. But the real problem started the moment Mr. Abbas arrived to take her home himself-to Rayyan's home.
Zayd, ever protective, had spoken up first. "I think Zeenat will be going home for the time being." His tone was firm but measured. He hadn't outright said she wouldn't return to Rayyan, but his meaning was clear.
A soft sigh broke the silence.
Mr Abbas spoke. His voice was laced with regret. "A word cannot express how sorry I am for Rayyan's behavior. I apologize on his behalf." And he exhaled sharply, as he regarded Zayd with calm authority. "I've spoken to Rayyan. I am sure he will change now. Just this once, Zayd... give him a chance."
Zayd remained silent, his jaw tightening.
Earlier that afternoon, when the room had been quiet and only he and Zeenat were present, he had finally asked her about her marriage.
And she had told him everything.
She hadn't meant to, not at first. But with Zayd, there was no point in lying. So, she spoke of the neglect, the coldness, the way Rayyan had taken her presence for granted.
Zayd had felt his blood simmer with anger. His sister-his only sister-deserved to be cherished, not ignored. If it were him who is been treated bad, he would have endured such a thing for the sake of duty. But for Zeenat? Never.
Now, faced with Mr. Abbas, his father in law's request, Zayd found himself in a situation he had never imagined. A man he deeply respected was pleading with him.
And for the first time, Zayd wanted to say no.
But he didn't.
Instead, he repeated himself, voice firm but respectful. "I think Zeenat should stay home for now."
A tense silence followed.
Zeenat's gaze flickered between the two. Her brother, standing tall and unmoving. Her father-in-law, a man of wisdom and authority, yet now turned to seek her approval.
Outside, Rayyan and Anaya are waiting.
Zeenat frowned, confusion clouding her thoughts. If Rayyan truly wanted to treat her right, if he wanted her to stay, why was he hiding behind his father? Why hadn't he come to her directly, asked her about it, instead of letting his dad be the one to get involved?
It didn't make sense to her. She was still struggling to understand his behavior, especially after everything that had happened. Was he really as concerned about her as he seemed?.
Mr. Abbas sighed, looking directly at Zayd. "Rayyan told me to my face that he would change and become more responsible." His voice was steady, but there was something unspoken in his words-a hope that this marriage would not fail before it had truly begun.
Zayd still said nothing.
Mr. Abbas looked at Zeenat now. "And you, Zeenat?" His voice was softer, almost gentle. "Won't you give Rayyan a chance?"
Zeenat hesitated.
She turned her head slightly, looking at Zayd. Her brother had fought for her, always stood up for her when he can. He had always wanted one thing: her happiness.
She didn't want him to keep arguing with Mr. Abbas, his now father-in-law, on her behalf. Mr. Abbas was a highly respected man, old enough to be their father also.
Finally, she took a slow breath and spoke.
"Brother..." Her voice was soft but steady.
He looked at her, his expression unreadable.
She swallowed, then met his gaze fully. "I think I want to give my marriage to Rayyan a chance."
___
Zayd remained silent, but Zeenat could still feel the weight of his anger.
They were now at her and Rayyan's house.
After ensuring Zeenat was settled, Zayd and Anaya prepared to leave. However, Mr. Abbas remained behind, wanting to speak with her and Rayyan before departing.
Just as Zayd was about to step into his car, Zeenat suddenly appeared at the doorstep.
"Zeenat, what are you doing here? You're still weak," Zayd reminded her, his brows furrowing in concern.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Brother, please have faith in me and pray for me," she said softly. "I want to stay at my husband's house with your blessings. I don't want you to be angry with me."
Zayd's jaw clenched slightly, but he exhaled and nodded. "Zeenat... it's alright."
"Really?" Zeenat's eyes searched his face, looking for reassurance.
He gave a small nod. "Get well soon and stay blessed, Zeenat. We'll come check on you soon, Insha Allah." He gently took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
A small smile broke across Zeenat's lips. "Thank you, Brother."
She then turned to Anaya. "And thank you, Anaya."
Anaya smiled and embraced Zeenat, careful not to hurt her.
As they pulled away, Zayd stood still, watching his sister walk back into the house.
Just then, Anaya touched his arm, silently demanding his attention.
"There's nothing to worry about. Your sister will be alright," Anaya reassured him.
Zayd let out a slow breath, his gaze still fixed on Zeenat's retreating figure. "I hope so."
Anaya gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I know so. My brother is not that bad."
Zayd finally turned to her, raising a brow. "You wouldn't have said that earlier."
"You act as if your wife is living her best life in your house," Anaya muttered, crossing her arms. "You're too strict, always bossing people around also."
Zayd turned to her, his gaze sharp before a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Anaya, I'm sorry for the way I treat you at home," he said, his voice serious. "I just want you to become a responsible person in life."
"Are you saying I'm irresponsible?" she asked, her tone sharp. "You know what, Mr. Perfect? My problem with you is that you think only you know the right thing and only you do the right thing." She huffed and marched toward the car, sliding into the passenger seat.
Zayd chuckled at her reaction and followed, starting the engine. As he drove, he glanced at her playfully.
"So... is Mr. Perfect my new nickname now?"
Anaya simply rolled her eyes and turned to face the window, ignoring him.
After a moment of silence, Zayd spoke again. "By the way, Anaya, I'm impressed... and grateful. Thank you for everything." His voice was softer now. "I didn't know you would be such a supportive wife."
Anaya blinked, surprised by his words.
He continued, "You stood beside me when I needed help most. You helped me find Zeenat, stayed with me at the hospital, even when I asked you to leave you still stay. I never expected that from you."
For once, Anaya said nothing.
"Fine," Zayd sighed. "I'm sorry. For calling you irresponsible, Just... be more res-" He stopped himself before finishing the word responsible, realizing it would only annoy her further.
Instead, he smirked. "I'll try to be less strict if that's what you want. But not completely."
Anaya's face suddenly lit up with excitement. "Really?"
"Yes, tell me what you want from me" Zayd told her making her to blushed.
Zayd eyed her suspiciously. "Why do I feel like you're about to ask for something unreasonable?"
Anaya grinned. "I want you to cook something nice for me today and tomorrow. And after I eat today, I want to sleep until tomorrow evening-no interruptions apart from prayer and food!"
Zayd nearly hit the brakes. "What? Is that even possible? You'll get sick if you sleep that much. No way, not in my hou-" He caught himself again, groaning.
Anaya glared at him.
"Fine," he muttered. "I'll allow it... but only for today and tomorrow but not upto evening though. After that, No more."
Anaya smirked, clearly satisfied with her victory.