Chapter 55: Chapter 55

A few days later

Author's pov

Maryam just delivered Mikaeel & Aurin's babies through the C section. A smile formed on her lips when she heard the babies crying.

" Do you want to see the babies?" One of the nurses asked.

Maryam answered sighing," Their mother should see them first. Hold them first. I am just a surrogate."

" I don't want to see them. If I see them then I may become emotional. Keep the babies away from me," Maryam said controlling her emotions and the nurse nodded her head.

Then, the babies were shifted to the nursery. Aurin & Mikaeel were already waiting for their babies.

Aurin burst into happy tears seeing the babies. She looked at the babies with love & affection. She tried to touch them but withdrew her hands. They were looking so fragile & innocent. Due to too much happiness, Aurin wasn't understanding what should she say or do. She was feeling like she has gotten the moon from the sky.

" Our babies?" Aurin asked Mikaeel looking at him with overwhelming eyes.

Mikaeel replied holding Aurin's shoulder," Yes, our babies. Our daughter & son."

Aurin couldn't control her excitement anymore and hugged Mikaeel tightly. He also hugged her back. Unknowingly a drop of happy tear left Mikaeel's eyes.

" They are here, Mikaeel. Our children are here. I still can't believe it," Aurin said shaking with excitement.

Mikaeel replied caressing her cheeks," Won't you take them in your arms?"

" They look so fragile. What if I hurt them?" Aurin asked sounding like a child.

A nurse laughed after hearing Aurin. She could understand that it was just Aurin's excitement which was out of control.

" A mother can never hurt her children," The nurse said and then gave the babies in Aurin's arms.

Happy tears continued to flow from Aurin's eyes like a never-ending stream. How much she has craved to hold her babies!! How much she has craved to hug her babies!! The emotion she was feeling right now was heavenly.

" Minha & Alif," Aurin whispered and the infant stirred in their sleep.

A few moments later when the infants opened their eyes, Aurin was speechless. Her happiness knew no bounds seeing her children having the same eyes just like her.

" They have gotten your eyes," Mikaeel said smiling and Aurin nodded her head.

Aurin whispered hugging the infants," I will protect them always. I will keep them away from every harm."

" And, I will protect all of you," Mikaeel whispered in Aurin's ear circling his hand around her shoulder protectively.

After one week

It's been one week since Mikaeel & Aurin returned to their home with their babies. Very soon they are returning to Pakistan. It's not needed to describe how much happy is Aurin & Mikaeel.

Mikaeel came to the hospital to meet Maryam and her daughter. He was here to show his gratitude and tell her that he has forgiven her. Mikaeel discussed this matter with Aurin and she also told that she has no malice in her heart for Maryam anymore. She wanted to come here so that she can talk to Maryam personally but she can't leave the kids alone. That's why she sent Mikaeel.

But, Maryam was nowhere in the hospital. Mikaeel searched for her in the ICU section along with the maternity section but she was nowhere. Mikaeel was wondering did she leave. But, how? She needs rest now. She can't be discharged from the hospital so early.

Having no other choices Mikaeel went to the receptionist and asked her about Maryam.

" She was discharged from the hospital," The receptionist informed and Mikaeel was dumbfounded.

Before Mikaeel could ask any questions she said further," Mrs Maryam Shamsi wanted to leave this hospital with her daughter. She insisted the doctor and having no other choices the doctor gave her permission. She might have admitted herself to another hospital."

" Can you tell me that hospital's name?" Mikaeel asked.

The receptionist apologised," Sorry, sir. I don't know."

Having no other choices Mikaeel decided to leave. He forwarded his legs to leave when the receptionist called him from behind.

" Mr Sheikh, Mrs Shamsi left this for you," the receptionist said handing an envelope to Mikaeel.

Opening the envelope Mikaeel found a letter inside it. Taking it out he looked carefully and it didn't take much time for him to recognise the handwriting. It was Maryam's handwriting. Taking a deep breath Mikaeel started reading it.

Dear Miki

I don't know how to start or from where to start. I just wanted to apologise to you and your wife. I don't know if you guys have forgiven me or not. I wanted to say that I am genuinely sorry for whatever I did. You are a good man, Miki. Actually, the best man I have ever met. You treated me like a human not any commodity. You valued my feelings while I broke your heart. You even helped me as a friend when I returned to your life. I am ashamed that I couldn't treasure a good friend like you. I became so selfish that I forgot about morality and everything. Please, try to forgive me. Tell your wife that I am ashamed of my behaviour with her. Even though I am a woman, I failed to understand another woman's feelings. Tell her that I am ashamed of trying to break her home. Tell her that I admire her for being a kind woman. Even after knowing the truth, she didn't go to the police just considering my daughter's age. She is a good human just like you. I wish you and your family's better future.

And, another thing Miki. I will remember you always. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember every single second of our relationship. Our first conversation, our first date ...everything. You are a special chapter in my life. I promise that I will never cross your path again. Not even co-incidentally. Just keep my one last request, forgive me and pray for my children.

Khuda Hafiz (Goodbye)

Mikaeel became emotional after reading the letter. He felt his heart beating slowly and his vision getting blurry. He was speechless. For a few seconds, he just stood like a robot. He knew that he has moved on but still somewhere in his mind Maryam has a place. He knew that he despised her but still there was something left in his memory for Maryam. It's not that easy to erase first love.

He was still standing like a statue when he felt something more inside the envelope. Shoving his hand inside the envelope he took out an ordinary pen. This time Mikaeel couldn't control his feelings anymore. Clutching the pen tightly he closed his eyes. This pen was the first gift from Mikaeel to Maryam. At that time, they were in the eighth standard.

" What are you, Maryam? What did you want? I never understood you," Mikaeel whispered and then forwarded his legs to leave the hospital.

On the other hand, Maryam was sitting in a wheelchair near Mehzabin's bed. Holding Mehzabin's tiny hands she was resting her head on the bed.

" Mamma," Mehzabin called suddenly.

Maryam raised her head and after seeing Mehzabin staring at her she burst into happy tears. She couldn't believe her eyes that Mehzabin was looking at her. After months finally, Mehzabin opened her eyes.

" Mehu......... my Mehu.......you....are awake?" Maryam asked touching Mehzabin's fluffy cheeks.