Chapter-34

After a year

Author's pov

A year passed since Maryam was diagnosed with mental illness. Since then she has been taking medicine regularly and her situation is quite better than before. Except for medication, the emotional stability in her life helped her overcome everything.

Yardan was true to his words. He took care of her like a dotting husband. From her medicine to her diet he would take care of everything personally. He would do every single thing to bring even a slight smile to her face. He started to prioritise her over everything. This time he realized his feelings for her. He wasn't feeling pity for her. He fell for her.

Maryam was stunned to see his caring side. She never thought he can change like that. The care and love she had been craving for the last 5/6 years in this marriage, she got it just in this one year. There was no rudeness in him anymore, he would talk to her nicely, and ask her about her likes & dislikes. Everything just changed so fast that Maryam can't believe it. She was wondering what if he tried to show this side of him before.

" Happy Birthday, Omi," Maryam wished kissing Omaira's cheeks.

Omaira was giggling non-stop since today is her birthday. Her Baba has gifted her so many birthday gifts that she was getting confused to decide which gift she liked the most.

" Mamma, you didn't give me anything," Omaira pouted her lips.

Maryam asked smiling," What do you want, baby?"

" Your Mamma herself is a gift for you baby," Yardan said entering the room with Yamir.

Turning behind Maryam didn't react to his remark. She just stayed silent just like every day. Maybe Yardan has changed and grown feelings for Maryam but she was still blank to feel anything.

" Mamma," Yamir called and ran towards her to hug her.

Maryam started talking to Yamir when Yardan forwarded a shopping bag to her. She took it and then looked inside it. There was a diamond necklace on it.

" I want you to wear it at today's party," Yardan said.

In response, Maryam only nodded her head silently. Then, Yardan ordered the kids to return to their room which they obliged instantly. No sooner had they left than he held her shoulder.

" How are you feeling now?" He asked softly.

She replied meekly," Ok."

" I got your report. The doctor told me that your situation is quite better than before. He even suggested to avoid some medicine," he told her.

He expected a smile from her but she didn't react. She was silently staring at his face.

" You are mentally fine now. Aren't you happy?" He asked caressing her cheeks.

Getting no answer from her he said shaking her slightly," Smile a little bit, Maryam. What more do you want me to do to make you happy?"

" You took care of me. Why? Do you love me?" She asked and he was taken aback by her questions.

For a few seconds, he stayed silent. He wasn't understanding what to say. But, finally, he decided to share his feelings.

" Yes, I love you," He said kissing her forehead but Maryam didn't react at all.

Then, he asked her," Do you love me?"

" I don't know," Maryam answered.

Her answer disappointed him but he didn't show it on his face. He realised that she needs a few more days to heal emotionally.

Omaira just cut her cake excitedly. After cutting it she fed the cake to her Mamma first and then her Baba. When Yamir tried to eat it she smudged it all over his face. Everyone started laughing loudly seeing Yamir running behind Omaira to smudge cake on her face.

Maryam was just grinning silently standing beside Yardan. Her full concentration was on the kids. Their innocent giggling only brings some peace inside her. She was so busy staring at them that she hadn't noticed Yardan struggling to breathe.

Maryam diverted her gaze hearing Yardan coughing. She found him way to distressed. He was coughing while pressing one hand over his chest.

" Are you ok?" Maryam asked.

Before he could answer anything he almost fell on the ground. But, Maryam held him. She noticed that his eyes were half closed and his body was trembling slightly. Instantly, she realised that something is wrong with him.

" I am feeling chest pain," Yardan told her.

Maryam said sounding concerned," Let me take you to the hospital."

" No need to go to the hospital. Take me to my room and call my personal doctor," Yardan told her which she obliged silently.

When the doctor came it was revealed in front of Maryam that Yardan was having heart problems. The doctor warned him that his overweight and uncontrolled diet will bring diseases for him but he didn't listen the doctor.

" He needs bed rest for some days. Bring him to the hospital tomorrow. Some tests should be done and take care of his diet. Don't let him eat oily foods," the doctor suggested to Maryam who was another patient.

Maryam only nodded her head. When the doctor left Maryam sat beside Yardan who was sleeping. Staring at his face for some time she remembered the humiliation he gave her. Shouldn't she be happy seeing him lifeless? She didn't feel anything. Neither she was happy nor she was sad.

But, she felt that he owed him A little. Since he has been taking care of her for the last one year it's her responsibility to return the favour. So, she decided to take care of him. She might have not thought like that if she knew how he fed her poison with love and killed her baby.

The next two weeks passed Maryam taking care of Yardan. She took him to the hospital and took care of his medication and diet just like he did to her. Yardan was happy to see that she was caring for him.

Right now Maryam just returned from the hospital with Yardan's medical report. He needs coronary angioplasty to widen his blocked arteries. Returning from the hospital she found out that Yardan's manager & some of his employees are waiting in the living room. They came to meet Yardan but he wasn't in the state to meet them or talk to them about business.

" Hello, Mam," the manager greeted her.

Maryam asked confusingly," Suddenly, all of you are here? Is everything alright?"

" No, Mam. Everything isn't alright. Since the news of sir's sickness spread some of the dishonest employees started plotting against sir to harm his business. Sir's rivals are helping these traitors," The manager informed.

Maryam replied frowning her brows," Then, why are you guys telling me all these? You guys are experienced. You know how to handle such situations."

" We tried to take action against those traitors but they aren't leaving sir's business because they don't see us fit to remove them from the company. I believe that without someone related to sir, these traitors can't be suspended from sir's office," The manager narrated the whole problem.

Maryam asked worriedly," Then, what are you suggesting me to do?"

" We want you to take care of Sir's business until he returns to his work. You just have to give orders. We will take care of other matters," the manager suggested.

Maryam replied nervously," But, how? I am not experienced. I don't know anything about business."

" You are well educated. Once you look through the matter, you will understand everything," the manager suggested.

After thinking for some time Maryam told them," I will discuss with my husband and decide what to do. You guys can leave now."