I AM BACK LOVELIES!

Areesha's POV:

I pick up the kettle and pour hot water into the cup, stirring gently, I couldn't stop myself from smiling, I look around and close my eyes to feel this peaceful morning, I am so grateful to Allah SWT for granting me this beautiful family, it's such a blessing to have a home and a loving family, I always wanted to have peace in my life and now after all the obstacles Allah SWT has given me what I wanted but I know how much patience you need to survive and most importantly, you need to have your all trust and faith in Allah SWT, if you are going through difficult times your trust should be strong that after every darkness there is a light and to lead yourself through that darkness, your hope and trust are the ray of light.

I picked up my herbal tea and walk back to my room, I slowly stepped in and closed the door behind me, Maaz was asleep holding Aryaan in his arms, this sight was adorable, they both look so cute, I bend towards Aryaan and planted a soft kiss on his head, he snuggles into Maaz chest. I smile again.

"No kiss for me love?" I heard Maaz's sleepy deep voice; he was watching me intensely while smirking, I bend and kiss him on his cheek,

"You know that's not enough for me love," he says, turning around but stopped, when Aryaan hold his shirt into his fist,

"Dad, don't bother Mama, be a good boy," he says in his sleepy voice, I laugh out loud and pick him up and kiss him again.

"What did he just say?" Maaz asked, looking both of us, No, staring at Aryaan.

"Maaz, come on," I say but he ignored me.

"Daddy, why do you bother Mama so much? She is my Mama and she will kiss me, you are a grown man now, why do you want my Mama to kiss you? Nana (Nani ma) should kiss you," he argues.

"From where do you learn this?" Maaz asked, "Nona (Aunt Maheen) told me," he replied,

"Please, Areesha keep him away from Aunt Maheen," Maaz says,

"Daddy, you want me to be away from Nona?" Aryaan says with a pout, "I will tell Nana, you are being a bad boy again," I stared at Aryaan, disappointed to hear him,

"Okay stop it now, Aryaan, he is your father and you should not be talking to him like this, say sorry to your daddy," I say to him, he looks at me and then lowered his head,

"Sorry, Daddy, I didn't mean to hurt you but I don't want my mama to kiss anyone else besides me, she is my mama, but I don't want you to make you sad either daddy, I love you too," he says, Maaz take him from my arms and tap his head,

"Hey, you don't have to be sorry, buddy; I know how you feel for your mama," He replies, Aryaan look up to him with tear-filled eyes, "You do?" he asked, Maaz nods

"You know what, I was the same just like you, when I was about your age, I didn't want to share my mother with anyone else, especially with my little brother, I even hurt myself intentionally to get my mother's attention, especially when she used to be with my brother." He replied with a grin, looking so proud of himself,

Thanks, Maaz, for giving Aryan this awful idea, I swear if he hurt himself, you will be facing my wrath, I thought to myself and smack his shoulder,

"If he hurt himself Maaz, I am not going to be easy on you," I warned him in a low tone,

"Relax, he is a good boy, he is not going to hurt himself right Aryan?" he asked him,

"Yes, mama, I am your good boy, I am not a bad boy like daddy," he replied, making me laugh.

"Why do you think I am a bad boy?" Maaz asked shrugging his shoulders, Aryan look at him for a while,

"I don't know," he replied, wrapping his arms around his neck and closed his eyes,

"Still sleepy?" Maaz asked Aryaan while taking him back to bed, "Yes, you didn't let me sleep,"

"What did I do?" Maaz asked surprised,

"Daddy, you have been squishing me in your sleep and every time I have to pinch you hard to let me go," Aryan replied,

"I can't hold it, buddy, you are so soft and cute, I can't help myself," he says giving him a kiss on his cheek

" I don't want to be a soft and cute daddy, I want to be like you, strong and powerful," Aryaan says poking Maaz's hard biceps, but he shook his head,

"No, I want to be like Uncle Adil, he stronger than you are,"

"WHAT!" Maaz asked, glaring at Aryaan,

"Okay, just stop it you two!" I interrupted them, Maaz look up to me,

"I know what you want to say, but please, he is just 4 years old and you are a grown man, stop behaving like a kid and keep your ego aside for a while, don't take it personally Maaz, he is just a kid and besides that, Adil used to adore you when he was a kid, just give him a time and don't imply your decisions for him, let him be the one who he wants to be, I don't want to ruin his personality, let him be what he wants," I said before Maaz could say anything, he let out an audible breath,

"You are right Areesha, "he says, looking back at Aryaan,

"Daddy my hand feels something funny," Aryaan says getting up on the bed, watching him with a mischievous smile, "Nope! You don't," he replied and before Aryaan could reach for him, he start tickling him making him laugh,

"Stop it daddy," he barely says in between his laugh, but Maaz didn't stop,

My phone started to ring, I look at the screen, it was Alizeh, I sighed and receive the call,

"I got the appointment, I will meet you there, be on time Areesha," she said, as I receive the call,

"Okay, but I don't think there is any kind of need for this," I replied, looking back to my two men,

"Are you kidding me! Areesha, don't let me start on your laziness, since Aryan is born, you are not taking care of yourself, do you want me to complain this to Maaz, I will show him that you are missing your appointments and not taking your medicines regularly, you know how he will react right?" she asked,

"Is this a threat?" I asked frowning,

"YUP!" she replied,

"Okay, I will be there, but don't tell anything to Maaz, he is going to freak out," I replied,

"Okay then, see you there," she says and cut the call,

"Is everything okay?" Maaz asked, watching me standing beside the bed, I smiled and put my cell phone on the nightstand,

"Yes, everything is fine," I replied, but he gave me a look,

"You sure?" he asked again, I nodded, he narrowed his eyes at me,

"You are hiding something from me? Aren't you? He asked,

Damn! His instincts!

"I am not hiding anything Maaz, I will tell you but just let me be clear of it," I said taking a seat beside him,

"Okay, but if you need anything, just let me know," he said and cover Aryaan's eyes with his hand and kissed me, Aryaan remove his hand from his eyes,

"Why did you do that daddy?" he asked, standing in between us, looking at my flushed face, "Nothing buddy, just wanted to do something to your Mama," Maaz said sticking his tongue out to him,

"That's not fair, Daddy!" he protested, Maaz stroke his silky hairs playfully,

"Okay, come on, let's go, I am starving," I said, getting up from the bed, "Mama, catch me!" Aryaan shouted throwing himself at me,

I caught him, but a layer of pain sweep through my body, I wince from the immense pain, "Daddy, look mama is in pain," Aryaan shouted, Maaz rushed to my side,

"Areesha! What happened?" he asked, taking Aryaan from my hands, I shook my head and wipe my eyes,

"Nothing I am fine, it's just, he jumped so quickly I couldn't keep my balance," I told him, he gave Aryaan a look,

"I swear Daddy, I didn't mean to hurt her," Aryaan said quickly,

"I am sorry Mama," he says in a low tone,

"It's okay, dear, just be careful, next time," I smiled at him

"Let's go," Maaz said in a serious tone and walk out of the room, I sighed and look back at Aryaan, he was looking at me, "Daddy is angry with me Mama," he said, "Come, let's go and wash your face," I said, picking him up again and walked into the bathroom.

After placing Aryaan on his chair, I took my seat beside Maaz, who has been quiet since the incident in the room, I put my hand on him, he looks up from his I pad and took my hand in his warm ones,

"Why are you so quiet? I asked him, he remains silent.

"Maaz, I am asking you something," I said again,

"I can't tolerate anyone hurting you Areesha, even if it is my kid, Aryaan needs to be more careful around you, he is growing up, he can't just pull this kind of stunts on you," he said in a serious tone,

I let out an audible breath, "Maaz, you are unbelievable," I laughed,

"I am serious Areesha," he said, squeezing my hand, I snatched my hand from his grip,

'Okay, I will talk to him, relax now," I give him a smile,

"Daddy, are you angry at me?" Aryaan asked innocently, "Daddy, I am sorry," he says, but Maaz remains silent, continue reading the headlines, Aryaan hoped from his chair and went to him.

"Daddy, please talk to me, I am sorry, I will be a good boy, I didn't know Mama will get hurt" he started crying looking at him,

"You need to learn to behave Aryaan; I will not tolerate this kind of behavior,"

"Maaz, you are scaring him," I said in between, glaring at him, but he ignored me,

'I will not do such kind of things daddy, I am sorry I made you angry and mama, I am sorry I cause you the pain, I didn't mean it," he said and run upstairs to his room,

"Maaz," I said, looking back at him,

"Okay, I am going," he said taking the last sip of his coffee and left the dining room, I called the maids and helped them to clean the table and pick up the Nutella bottle and a spoon and headed towards Aryaan's room, where Maaz was sitting beside Aryaan with his toys.

"Okay, do you want to go to the office with me?" Maaz asked, Aryaan turn to him with wide eyes,

"You serious daddy?" he asked, "Yes, I have this meeting with French delegates, do you want to meet them?" he asked,

"Oh, yes daddy! Sorry, I mean Oui papa bien sûr (yes, daddy of course)" he said throwing his hands around Maaz's neck,

"Good, now go and get ready in twenty minutes, I will be leaving till thirty, meet me in the parking lot," he says to Aryaan who was rushing towards the bathroom,

"Mama, can you please send Jenny, I don't want to be late, Daddy, hurry up and go get ready for the meeting or else you will be late, ruining my reputation,"

I burst out laughing, while Aryaan closed the door,

"Unbelievable child," Maaz says and shook his head,

"You sure, you want to take him with you?" I asked, he nodded and circled his arms around my waist,

"Yeah, don't worry, we will be fine, You have to go meet Alizeh today, so go and have some fun, love, I will take care of our boy," he said kissing my forehead,

"Thank you," I say and turn around but he stopped me and gently licks my lips, making me blush,

"I love tasting Nutella from your lips," he says in a husky tone, I push him away, "get ready, Mister you are getting late," I said walking out of the room.

"Mama! Can I come?" Aryaan asked, peeking through the door,

"Yes, my dear, come in," I said, opening the door for him, he looks around for Maaz, "daddy is not ready yet," he asked, I nodded, he smirks,

"Aryaan!" I scolded him,

"What? Daddy always tells me to don't waste time, he says time is a money and now he is wasting it," he said with a huff, I really need to talk to Maaz, I know he has to prepare Aryaan to handle the business but he is just four years old kid! He needs to slow down.

"Yes, I will be there, just get me those documents, I will handle it," we heard Maaz talking on his phone while coming out of the dressing room, all dressed up in his usual business suit, looking strikingly handsome as always.

"Ready to go buddy?" he asked, watching both of us, Aryaan nodded,

"I already told Uncle Steve we are coming; he is waiting for us," he told him, "That's like my son," he stroke his hairs and extended his hand to him,

"Maaz, we need to talk," I said, he looks back at me,

"Now?" he asked,

"No, but I need to talk to you about this, he is just a kid, he needs to be in a daycare not in your office," I said, he stood up and hold my hands,

"Relax, my love, he is a smart kid, I have been teaching him a lot and I don't think he needs to be in a daycare for no use, I will get him into elementary school next month, everything is going to be fine, trust me, I got this," he says and kissed my forehead,

"You sure?" I asked again, he nodded,

"Yes, just go and get ready, you should have some fun, I will meet you in the evening," he says and walks out of the room, holding Aryaan's hand in his, they both look so good, Aryaan was wearing one of his suits designed by Alizeh, she was so excited to make these suits for him and Aryaan really like to wear these causal suits whenever he goes to the office with Maaz.

I go back to my bed and lay down, closing my eyes while praying for both of them to be safe and drifted to sleep.

I woke up to the sound of an alarm clock, I looked up it was 11:00 am already, I got up and took a quick shower and get ready, I was brushing my hairs when I got a call from Mama, she wanted me to come to her office, she needed to discuss some issues with me, "Okay, Mama, I will be there shortly but I have to meet Alizeh till 3:00 pm, I won't be able to stay for long," I said,

"Okay, dear, no problem, I just need your signatures on some documents and I have to discuss the theme of our new winter collection," she replied,

"Okay, mama, I am coming," I cut the call and pick my bag along with my files,

I reached to the hospital at 3:30 pm and went straight into the waiting room, where Alizeh was waiting for me, "Is she here yet?" I asked, she nodded, getting up from the sofa, "Sorry, mama called me and we had to discuss the upcoming winter collection, I got so busy, I didn't catch up the time," I apologize,

"No, worries Areesha, come on, let's go," she said, walking with me to the next door. I sighed deeply, trying to relax. Here we go,

After my full medical checkup, I stared at the ultrasound machine, I can't believe this, how come I didn't know? I didn't even feel it, how stupid I am!

"You need to be very careful Areesha, you have to take these supplements daily and try not to overthink about any thing, you are having some blood pressure issues and this is not good for the baby, I am giving you these iron and folic acid supplements, you have to take them, don't skip you medicines, take a very good care of yourself, I know your body is having some internal problems, it's all due to the beatings you got, it has affected your body, they haven't healed properly, you have to be very careful Areesha and don't lift anything heavy, you should join some yoga classes or do some meditation, it works wonders in our body," Dr. Munazza said to me but I was still staring at the screen.

"Areesha," she called me,

"Yes?"

"Did you hear what I said," I nodded and look back at the screen,

"Don't worry dear, everything is going to be fine, just from now on don't skip your appointments, okay?" she said, I nodded and smiled at her,

"I promise," I said while placing a hand on my stomach,

"I will take that responsibility from now on," Alizeh said, standing beside my bed,

"Oh... I am so excited, we should tell this to Maaz, he is going to freak out for sure," she said, clenching her fist in excitement,

"I think we should plan something, you can't just tell him right away," she continued, I nodded and look up to the screen again.

"I will be back in a minute, Alizeh can you come with me?" Dr. Munazza asked and they left the room; I lay back on the bed and wipe a tear from my eyes,

I jump up from the loud sound and in the next moment the door was blasted open and Maaz came inside, looking furious as ever, while some guards were trying to stop him,

"Get your hands off me!" he shouted and push them away from him in a single blow, I quickly got down from the bed but before I could reach for him he picked me up and lay me back on the bed and closed the doors.

"What happened to you Areesha? Why are you in the hospital? Why are you wearing this gown? What is going on?" he asked, looking into my eyes, I touch his cheek with my fingers,

"Calm down Maaz, I am fine, nothing is wrong with me, it was just a regular checkup no big deal," I replied softly, he narrowed his eyes at me,

"You had your checkup yesterday, didn't you? Then why you have to be here again? Are you hiding something from me?" he asked, I look away from him and after getting some courage to answer, I look back at him,

"I am sorry, but I was missing my appointments, I didn't get..."

"You did what!" he yelled,

"You know you got complications after Aryaan and the doctor had advised you to get your routine checkups, then why did you miss them? And don't tell me you didn't take your medicines on time!"

I didn't reply to him just look away from him, ashamed of what I did, " I am sorry Maaz, i.."

'Don't!" he said and got away from me, he started roaming in a room, clenching his fist.

"Maaz, I know I have been...

"How can you be so irresponsible about our health huh? You know how I feel about you, then how come you did this to yourself? You lied to me!" he yelled again, which made me cry,

"I am sorry! Okay, I know it's my fault, but I didn't do it intentionally! Whenever I am in the hospital, I have those memories back when uncle Jawed used to beat me and bring me to the hospital for my injuries and I had to stay quiet just for the sake of my brother, I couldn't ask anyone for help, I felt helpless and weak at that time, it reminds me how weak I was, it reminds me of that pain Maaz, I am sorry, I let you down but..."

"Sh.... Calm down Areesha, i am sorry, I was just so angry at that time, I am sorry love," he hugged me and let me cry on his chest, I hold his shirt and cried my heart out, all the fear and anger I felt, I let it out, Maaz was caressing my back and speaking sweet things into my ear,

"You are not weak Areesha, you are the strongest woman I ever met, don't disrespect yourself like this, Jawed is no more, he can't hurt you love, you are here with me now and no one will ever harm you, I promise, I will protect you and our son till my last breath," he said which made me cry more, he pulls himself away from me and wipe my tears.

"Where is Aryaan?" I asked,

"He is with Adil and Steve, don't worry," he said,

"Okay, I will take care of her," Alizeh said, entering the room with Dr. Munazza, but they both stopped when they saw Maaz,

"Mr. Jafferi! You are here! I cannot believe you will be here too soon after hearing the news," Dr. Munazza said, Maaz look at her in confusion,

"I am sorry, what news? I just saw her tracker in the hospital so I came here, she didn't tell me she was going to meet you today, so I thought something might happen to her," he replied,

"What!? You placed a tracking device on me?? How can you do that?" I asked,

"Calm down, my tigress, it's not into you; it's in your pendant,"

I narrowed my eyes at him, "So, that's why you took it from me to place the chip?" I asked he nodded,

"Can't take any risk to you," he shrugged his shoulder.

"So, what's the new?"he asked,

"You didn't tell him?" Dr. Munazza asked,

"Tell me what?" he asked, irritated, I look back to Alizeh and signaled her not to say anything to him, but before she could say something, Dr. Munazza said,

"She is pregnant, Maaz, congratulations," she said and he looked at me with wide eyes,

"But, she needs to be more careful this time, if she didn't take care of herself and take all the precautions, we might have to do a cesarean section this time, it won't be a normal delivery, So, Areesha, take care of yourself and the little one," she said, looking at both of us, but Maaz was just looking at me with his mouth slightly open,

"I will see you in next appointment, then Allah Hafiz," she said and left the room, I look back at Alizeh,

"Yeah, Yeah, I know, I am leaving too," she said and shut the door, I turn around to Maaz he was still quiet and his silence was scaring me now,

"Maaz!" I called him, he didn't reply, I cupped his face and make him look at me,

"I can't believe this," he said, backing away from me, his words were like a dagger piercing through my heart, he doesn't want more kids? Does he?... No, he is not like that, he loves kids and I know how much he adores Aryaan, how can he? No, he doesn't mean like this, My Jazzy is not like that, I should not think like this... He doesn't mean what I am thinking...

"Maaz," I called him again, he looks up to me with tear-filled eyes, "I cannot believe it Areesha," he said getting up from the chair,

"We are going to have another baby!" he said with excitement, I look up to his cheerful face, he swipes me up from the floor,

" It's going to be a girl this time Areesha, oh... I am so happy!" he said while holding me against his chest.

"How you can be so sure of it?" I asked with a sly smile,

"Because I asked Allah SWT to grant me a little angel, I have prayed for it in all my prayers and I didn't know Allah will listen to my prayers this quick, I was a bit shocked to hear about pregnancy, but now I am so thankful to Allah SWT, he has granted me my wish, you can't imagine, how happy I am!" he said,

I averted my eyes from his face and looked at my hands, "I am sorry Maaz," I whisper,

"About what, love?" he asked,

"I misinterpreted you, I thought you didn't want this kid, I was getting scared, I am sorry, Maaz," I said still looking at my hands.

He chuckles and made me look up into his eyes, "it's okay and I am sorry, it was just surprising news for me,"

"Come, on let's go home, you must be tired," he said, getting me down on my feet,

"How was your meeting?" I asked, he smiled and was about to answer when Aryaan came in,

"Mama, I am not going to the office ever again with Daddy," he said crossing his hands over his chest,

"Why?" I asked,

"He promised me he was going to meet the French people, but he canceled the meeting, I even learned a few lines to welcome them," he told me,

"Daddy, that's not fair!" he said again,

"Come on champ! We will meet them later, it's not a big deal," Maaz said, shrugging his shoulder,

'Why did you cancel your meeting, it was important for you," I asked,

"I saw you in the hospital, so I just freaked out, I canceled all my appointments," he replied,

"Hey, Api, how are you?" Adil asked, entering the room,

"I am fine, buddy, how are you? When did you return from your trip?" I asked, looking at him, He is growing so well, besides other teenage boys he looks a lot better with his athletic physique and beautiful features, he looks more mature and well groomed.

"I am good Api, I just landed a few hours ago, I wanted to meet Maaz Bhai and Aryaan," he told me,

"Why are you in the hospital? He asked

"Nothing buddy, it was just a checkup," I replied, he nodded, looking back at Maaz who was holding Aryaan in his hands and Aryaan was pouting looking at him,

"Come, let's go outside, Areesha I am waiting for you in the parking," Maaz said, walking out of the room, I sighed and quickly changed my clothes and walked out with Alizeh, who was waiting for me,

"I can't believe you took his picture!" I said with a laugh, looking at the screen, she took Maaz's picture when Dr. Munazza told him about my pregnancy,

"Just wait till I send this picture to him, I was thinking to print this on the cake and send it to him on Aryaan's upcoming birthday, it will be so much fun," she replied,

"That's a good idea," I agreed with her,

"How is Aliyaan?" I asked, "He is good, he is returning tonight from his conference," she replied,

"Well, good luck!" I said with a wink, she blushed and look away, we both walked to the parking lot where Aryaan and Maaz were sitting on a bench drinking juice from the box, they both look so adorable together, I smiled watching them,

"Thank you Alizeh," Maaz said as I stood in front of him,

"For what?" she asked, surprised,

"For everything you have done for me and my family, you are such a true friend," he said with a smile,

"Come on, it's not a big deal," she shrugged, "Just wait till Aryaan's birthday," she whispered in my ear,

"What's going on between you two? He asked, "Nothing," we both said and laughed, Maaz shook his head, I hugged Alizeh and bid farewell.

*******

Maaz's POV:

I was pacing around the corridor impatiently, I was restless, my heart was pounding so fast, Aunt Maheen was sitting on the nearby bench reciting dua for Areesha, Aryaan was sleeping soundly in the room while Adil was with him, I go back and check on them, he was sleeping and Adil was sitting on a chair praying for Areesha's health, I closed the door and walked back towards the OT, it's been two hours and I got no news, I walked back to Aunt Maheen but returned and go through the closed doors,

"Where is Dr. Munazza? Where is Areesha?" I asked at the staff passing by, she looked at me like she has seen a ghost, "Mr...Mr.. Ja.. Jafferi!" she stuttered,

"Where is my wife? Woman!" I asked her again, my patience was on the edge and she wasn't helping me with it,

"There," she pointed towards the Labor room, I sprinted into the room, but she called out, "Sir, you can't go in there!"

"Is there any other woman in the labor room?" I asked, watching her through my side, "No, just Miss Areesha, but..."

I didn't let her complete and walked into the room, where I could hear her screams,

"Areesha, you can do it," I heard Dr.Munazza behind the curtains, I quickly wore the scrubs and slid the curtains and took a place beside Areesha, holding her hand I pushed her damp hairs from the forehead,

"Maaz! What are you doing here?" Dr. Munazza asked, shocked by my presence,

"I can't wait out there, I had to be with her," I replied shortly and look back at my wife,

"Come on, Areesha, you can do this," I whisper into her ear, she opens her eyes and watched me, giving me a weak smile,

" It hurts," she said, barely audible to my ears, I hold her cold hand in mine, "I know love, but you have to do this, I know you can do this," I said, "Just press my hand when you feel the pain, try to think something else, divert your mind to something else, do you remember when Aryaan was born the first time you held him in your arms, that first kiss, that first tear that fall from your eye watching our boy in your hands," I said and kissed our entwined hands,

She opens her eyes and took a deep breath, "I can do this," she said with a smile,

"Okay, Areesha, just last," Doctor says,

"Congratulations Maaz, and Areesha, you got the beautiful baby girl," she announced and I couldn't keep it, I hugged Areesha and hide my face, "Maaz, are you crying?" she asked, stroking my hairs, I nodded, she laughed,

"Maaz, want to hold your little girl?" Doctor Munazza asked, I look up from her shoulder and wipe my tears with my shirt, I stood up from my place, but before I could hold my little girl a doctor enters and took my girl from Dr.Munazza,

"What the..... Before I could know what was going on,

He slaps her on her back! Making her cry,

That's it!

I lunged at him and punched him across his face, he stumbles back, holding his jaw and look back at me horrified,

"You dare to touch my girl!" I said and was about to give him another taste of my hand, Areesha called me and Doctor Munazza hold my arm, "Maaz! He is a doctor! What are you doing!" she said, but I hold him from his collar,

"Let go of him," Areesha shouted, but I ignored her, "What are you doing here?" I asked, glaring at him,

"Munazza called me, she wanted me to check this baby, she allowed me to come here," he replied, I look back at Dr. Munazza, with a frown,

"He is one of the best Pediatrics here, I asked him to check your baby, we need to examine the baby when it is born," she told me,

"But why him? Don't you know it is the labor room, how can you allow him to be here when my wife is in that condition?" I asked, Doctor Munazza tilted her head and look back at the slid curtains, "She is over there, he can't see any woman in there, that area is separated and no one is allowed till I give it a call," she told me,

"Oh, Sorry, my bad," I said and loosen my grip on him,

"Don't hit my girl again," I warned him,

"Sir, I wanted her to cry, it gives a passage of air to their lungs," he told me wiping the blood from his face,

"Okay, sorry, carry on," I say and stood here till he completed examining my girl,

"Here you go, Sir, she is a perfectly healthy baby," he said, giving my daughter to me,

I hold her with shaking hands, scared not to hold her delicate body in my hands, she was just so beautiful and small.

I walked back to Areesha, who was sitting on a bed after changing her gown, an IV was inserted into her hand, but she looks more beautiful than ever to me, she looks up to me and smiled lazily, I took a seat beside her and kissed my daughter's forehead,

"She is beautiful," Areesha said, caressing her soft cheeks,

"She is here Areesha, Allah SWT listened to my prayers, I can't thank him enough, he has blessed us with this beautiful girl," I said in a hoarse voice,

Today, I learned another lesson in my life, for a long time, I didn't pray to Allah, I didn't use to recite the holy Quran because I was angry with him, I drown myself in the river of sins, I did everything except for shirk, I used to drink, I didn't pray, I didn't make any dua, I didn't thank Allah SWT for all the success he gave me, I used to have relations with other women, but I never sleep with them, I used to spend my nights in a club, I had that fire inside me, the fire to take revenge, I was restless at that time, I wasn't happy, I had this thing killing me from inside.

But my life changed after my marriage, after a long time, I prayed with all my heart, to forgive me and all sins, because what I got myself into was all because of my wrong decisions, it was all my fault and Allah SWT forgave me, he listened to my prayers, he accepted my repentance and I am more than thankful to him, I remember the first time I lay my head down on the floor in sujood, I couldn't help my tears, I cried in front of him, I asked him to forgive me, I was so ashamed at that time, Allah SWT blessed me with everything and I was being ungrateful and self-centered, but he never punished me, he gave me this beautiful family, a loving and strong woman and two beautiful children. How did I deserve this? he took away my family, but he granted me a family again, he took away my loneliness and anger and replaced it with serenity and peace in my heart and for the last few months I was asking for a daughter in my tahajjud prayers and accepted my prayers and now I am here holding her in my arms with my wife beside me.

"You are crying again Maaz," she said, wiping the tears from my face,

"You used to say that Men don't cry,"

I looked up at her and smiled, "I used to believe that strong men don't shed tears, crying was the symbol of your weakness, but now I understand, it's not weakness, it's a blessing, it's a symbol of your emotions," I replied, she placed her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes,

"Okay, now we have to move her to the room, Maaz, I need you to sign some papers," Dr. Munazza said, peeking through the curtains, I nodded and handed our daughter to Areesha.

"You told me you had to operate her, the baby wasn't getting enough oxygen, then how come she goes through the normal delivery?" I asked as soon we came out of the room,

"Yes, her blood pressure was getting very low when you got her here, and it was causing the blockage to supply oxygen to the baby, but when we prepared her for the surgery Areesha denied, she wanted to have a normal delivery,so after giving her some medications and applied oxygen mask, we waited for her pressures to get better, I transfer her here, she is a brave woman," she replied and handed me the papers, I smiled and took them from her,

"Thank you, doctor," I said and handed the file back to her,

"No problem, Maaz, now go back to them and take a very good care of yourself as well," she said with a smile and left, I closed my eyes and make my way towards the masjid.

Returning from the Masjid, I open the door of her room, Aunt Maheen was sitting on a couch with Aryaan on her lap while Adil was sitting on the bed with Areesha, talking on the phone, my little princess was sound asleep in her crib.

"Congratulations Maaz Bhai," Adil said, hugging me, I smiled and look back at my daughter,

"Maaz, I am so happy for you today," Aunt Maheen said, I bend towards her, she kisses my forehead, I thanked her and sit beside Areesha,

"Daddy, this is my little sister?" Aryaan asked,

"Yes, buddy, she is your little sister, you are a big brother now," I replied,

He hopped from Aunt's lap and stood on his tiptoes watching little one sleeping in her crib, he gently touches her cheek with his finger,

"I like her daddy, she is beautiful," he said, "So, are you ready to share your mama with her?" I asked, his smile dropped instantly he look back at Areesha and then at the baby,

"Only for her," he replied,

"That's like my boy!" I felt proud of him,

"Maaz, Nani ma wants to talk to you," Areesha said, passing me her phone, I took it from her hands and talked to her, she was happy and wanted to meet us, but due to her bad condition she couldn't travel, so I assured her that I will pay her a visit and bring her here with me,

"Nani ma, it's been a long time, why do you still want to live in New York?" I asked her again,

"I know beta, I am just so emotionally attached to this home, your grandfather built this for us and I don't want to leave this place until my last breath," she told me the same thing I have been listening since past few years,

"But, I want you here Nani ma, I want you to be with my children, I want you to be with me, to share our happiness and memories," I tried to convince her, she was silent for a couple of minutes,

"Okay," she replied shortly, " I will make all the arrangements Nani ma, don't worry, I will see you soon, just take care of yourself," I said and after talking more about her health and her medical condition I asked her about something, she agreed with my decision, I thanked her and bid her farewell.

"So, what's going to be her name?" Aunt Maheen asked, I look back at Areesha and she nodded,

"Anayah, Anayah Jafferi" I replied, holding my little daughter in my hands,

"What's the meaning of this name?" Adil asked, " Allah Ka inam, (Gift from Allah)" I replied

{Anayah is a variant form of the feminine name Anaya, which is of Hebrew origin and is said to mean 'God Has Answered'. ... Anayah name meanings is Allah ka inam.}

********

I entered the graveyard, its been a long time since I visit their graves, I sit next to their graves and make dua for them, I wipe my face and look a the flowers I placed over their grave, "Mama, Baba, I wish you could be here with me, today your little boy got a princess, she is just like you Mama, she has same features and eyes just like me, Baba used to say I am a true copy of my mother and mama, my little daughter is just like me, I named her Anayah Jaferi," I said and look up at the gravestone of my mother where A LOVING MOTHER AND FAITHFUL WIFE "ANAYAH JAFFERI" was written in bold letters,

Nani ma agreed to name her after you, she was happy hearing my decision.

"I missed you so much Mama and Baba," I whisper and sit there in silence, reciting verses for them and stay there till the sunset.

**********

"Look! My pyramid is bigger than yours!" I win!" Aryaan shouted cheerfully jumping from his place and do a happy dance,

"Not fair, Aryaan! You cheated!" Ayaan said, getting up from his place, I look back at the boys playing with cards near the pool, I was laying on the pool bench, enjoying the sun on my skin, while Ehteshaam was sitting next to me on another bench typing something on his laptop,

"The least you can do is to put that damn laptop away for a second Ehteshaam," I commented, he looks me through his shades and closed his laptop with a huff,

"Okay, as you say," he said, laying back on his bench,

"Where are our wives and everyone?" he asked,

"They went inside with Anayah and Laiba," I replied and look back at the two boys playing near us,

"Dad! Look, Aryaan is cheating, he used Uncle Maaz's cards to make his pyramid bigger than me," Ayaan says coming to us, I look back the side table, my credit card wallet was missing, I stood up from the bench and pulled over a shirt over my torso, I gave Aryaan a look, he watches me back with wide eyes,

"Dad! I promise I was going to put it back!" he said, gathering all my cards from the table, "You are grounded!" I said taking my cards from him and checked if there was any missing,

"Where is my black card?" I asked him in a hard tone, he runs back at the table and handed back my card,

"No computer, pad and television for a month Aryaan," I said, placing my cards in the wallet,

"But dad!..." he whined

"Two months!" I said,

"Dad!"

"Three!" he was about to say something, but shut his mouth, "Never, cheat in any circumstances, what did I tell you about lying and cheating?" I asked,

Why did you take my wallet without my permission?" I asked him,

"Sorry daddy, won't happen again, pinky promise!" he said, extending his little finger to me,

"Okay," I replied and asked him, "Where is your mama?" I asked, its been a long time I didn't see her and Mahrosh.

We invited our friends for a pool party today, we all had a nice time, we talked and enjoyed our time, everyone was happy and had so much fun, Haya, Ayesha, Ammar, Zaid and Areeb were here with their families, Aliyaan was here too with Alizeh, she was six months pregnant and I was happy for her, she is really my true friend, she helped me and supported me all my life. She played a huge role in my life and I am glad she is happy.

"Dad! Anayah is here!" Ayaan yelled, watching Areesha walking to me with Anayah in her hands, "You want to hold her?" Mahrosh asked, he nodded, Areesha gave her to him and I took a seat beside him, he looks at her and smiled, "She has beautiful eyes Uncle Maaz," he says, still watching Anayah, I smiled, he looks up and watch Ehteshaam with a grin,

"Dad!" he called him,

"Yes?"

"Is it okay, I marry her?" he asked, making him laugh and I snatched my daughter away from him, he watched me with confusion,

"Keep him away from her!" I said to Ehteshaam, he laughed and patted Ayaan's head,

"I have no issues son, go try your luck," he says and Ayaan looks back at me with a smile,

"Don't worry Uncle Maaz, I will keep her happy," he said, placing his hand on my shoulder and smiled looking down at my daughter.

Not going to happen!

******************

Assalam O Alikum,

Hope you all are fine,

First of all belated Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mubarak to you all,

I am sorry, I didn't give you guys an update for a long time, it's just..

First, it was my brother's wedding,

Second, I dislocated my shoulder,

Third and most important its my NIKAAH in December!

So I was busy and couldn't write anything,

I also wanted to tell you guys that I am going to leave Wattpad for a while, as I have to prepare for my exams aswell  and Nikkah, but I will be back soon In Sha Allah.

Hope you guys like this chapter :) 

Don't forget to leave comments and share it with your friends!

and give me your views about Aryaan! 

See you guys soon!

Allah Hafiz,

Iraj.

Date:23-9-18