The Nanny

Chapter Eighteen

Naveed

"That was Amal. The same Amal..."

"Yes the same one." I interjected and spoke.

"She seems nice." Mariam spoke and smirked. Knowing her I know she only thought of one thing.

"Thanks for bringing Manayer. The surgery went on longer than we anticipated." I explained.

"I understand Naveed."

"How is Fayid?" I asked, and searched her eyes for something to give away her happiness. That's all I have ever wanted for her, to be happy and satisfied.

"Fayid is well." She replied. "How are you?"

"I am great." I answered.

"I am pregnant Naveed," she said unexpectedly, her facial expression shifted showing excitement and concern. Concern towards my reactions, most likely.

"Congratulations Mariam. I am happy for you, really I am. You've always wanted Manayer to have a sibling. You thought it would be good for her, she'll be less spoilt. You should know as her father, I am always going to spoil her."

"I don't expect anything less from you. And thank you. I have to go now, I'll see you on Sunday."

"Yes, you're welcome. Take care." I told her. She hugged Manayer, said their goodbyes and left. I took Manayer to the daycare center at the hospital, my shift ends later in the evening.

Mariam is my ex-wife, we got divorced a couple of years ago. We met through mutual friends and we instantly connected and understood each other. We got married, had Manayer and got separated three years after we got married. I failed to be there for her, and I regret not doing so but everything happens for a reason - she's happy now. So everything we went through wasn't all for nothing.

...

Amal

Anisa was discharged from the hospital, three days after her waking up from the coma. She's doing well in physiotherapy. She sees her sessions as practice on learning to walk again. I don't think she enjoys it as much, but it is for her benefit. So she fights through the pain.

"Girls!" Aunty Hudaa walks in the guest bedroom where Anisa and I sleep. We both look at her, giving her all our attention. "Jamal is coming home today, along with his father." She squealed with excitement. My heart drops at the thought of it. Anisa smiles, the radiance and excitement coming off Aunty Hudaa are truly pure and endearing.

"That's great news," Anisa says.

"Hah yah." I reply, trying to conceal my distress. Just the thought of seeing him again, made me feel unsettled. I wasn't ready to see him.

"I am going to make dinner," She announced.

"I'll help auntie." Anisa said.

"That's very nice of you Anisa. But you need to rest, I don't want you to rush your healing process."

"I'll help her Anisa. Don't worry." I said and got out of the bed, where I was siting next to Anisa.

"I don't like just sitting here and doing nothing. Let me help at least with the cutting, I'll be sitting." She insisted.

"Okay habibty. Amal help your sister to the kitchen, I am going to call Jamal and confirm the time he's coming."

"Yes auntie." I replied. And did what she instructed and helped Anisa out of bed. She put her arm around my neck for support and I helped her walk, as she slowly walked all her weight on my shoulder. We got to the kitchen, I helped her sit down on the chair.