Hey there, it's me again.
So, as the certified late comer that I am, I'm here very late for my birthday gift to you guys.
I was supposed to update yesterday but, sigh, I'm late as usual.
Anyways please say a prayer for me, I'm getting old.
Did you miss Khadijah and Fahad as much as I did?
Let's do a shout-out in their honor on IG, you can tag me, @ameeeyrahh_
Let me hear what you like most about these two.

•••••

Kensington, London.

Her hands slowly caressing her protruding bump, Khadijah stood by the window of her new favorite part of the house, the window in the drawing room. It was a way for her to be among the greens without actually being outside since it offered a great view of the garden and straight ahead the expanse of land around the house, which had to be an estate of some sort. The size definitely was more than just a house.

She didn't turn when she heard the door closing, it can only be one person. The others have gone out after much persuasion from herself and she was left with Fahad, who wouldn't step out when if he was dragged outside.

He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, his large hands covering her much smaller ones.

"Hey," he whispered softly, caressing their now intertwined hands.

"Hi," Khadijah replied, her voice softer than his though she didn't whisper.

"I knew I would find you this way, come and sit." He didn't move even as he spoke and she fought the urge to roll her eyes.

He has been acting like a papa bear since they found out she was pregnant but it got worse after she had a miscarriage scare, which was the reason they decided to go to London until the baby was born. She thought she had seen his overprotective side with his sisters but now with her, it was almost unbearable. Almost.

"I just got up," probably ten minutes before but she didn't feel the need to add that bit of information. Knowing his wife, Fahad shook his head then let go of her before stepping back, just enough to comfortably turn her around.

Her smiling face met his, he found himself smiling back, the lecture he wanted to give getting lost somewhere between her smile and the glint in her eyes.

"You know how to play your cards well don't you?" Khadijah laughed throwing her head back, he caught on but she has already won.

"You taught me how to play, so hate the game not the player."

"I can't hate the player, I wasn't built like that," another laugh left her mouth as she let him lead her to the chair she has branded hers, all she needed was to write her name across the soft cushions.

"You should eat something," he muttered sitting beside her, she rolled her eyes this time then fixed her soft glare on him.

"I just ate, you're not going to make me fat Fahad,"

"You need to eat, you're eating for two." Another eye roll.

"Don't annoy me," he sighed and nodded, raising his hands up in surrender.

Khadijah used to think hormones and all those were just fiction, she believed they exist definitely but she didn't see herself being like that. She has never been and she was confident it wouldn't happen then, that was until she found herself crying for no reason when the TV took too long to come on and she wanted to watch a show she saw Sadiya watching, she didn't even like the series. The TV had not taken long to come on but that wasn't something Fahad wanted to tell her when she was like that.

He had been scared thinking something happened and when she told him what happened, it took a lot to not laugh at her. She would not have appreciated it either, he didn't like being on her bad side.

"Okay, babe." This time he chuckled, she squinted her eyes still glaring. He didn't know what that was supposed to mean but she made it work.

"Have you seen my phone?" she looked around the room trying to find the device he was sure she left in their temporary bedroom.

"I'll get it," he made to stand up but she stopped him.

"No, don't go. Just give me yours I want to call Layla." He reached into his pocket and handed her the phone. She busied herself with that while he got up to get her something to eat, she might have said no but she would definitely gobble it down.

From her eating habits alone, you would know something is different. The good kind of different. Then the added weight he honestly didn't see a problem with, she kept complaining. He wasn't sure what she meant, you couldn't really tell she got any fatter or anything.

"Where are you?" Khadijah muttered to herself when it kept going to voicemail. She'd totally forgotten she promised to call her best friend and now that she remembered said person wasn't picking up.

She wasn't done with her project since it is for a year though she said she was going to take a break, she couldn't miss their child's birth.

Her EDD is in two weeks and while she would think she was calm about it, her mother and mother in law who were both in London for that reason have been extra careful and strict with everything, the walks and exercise. She was tired of it all but you don't want to argue with those two women.

She tried Layla two more times before giving up, she was starting to consider sending her an angry voicemail but decided to be mature about it and just keep the phone. On second thought she picked it and clicked on the calendar app, he already had the date marked for her EDD and she saw most of his schedule which in all honesty were her schedule. Doctor's appointment, picking up things for the nursery, going on walks, checking if everything was fine.

He was organized to say the least and if not for the off moments he was busy and she found his office desk littered with papers, everything is always pristine. He has even learned to keep his prayer mat where it should be and not on his dresser, though to be fair her stuff was taking much of the space, he wouldn't have the chance to put it there even if he wanted to.

He returned not up to a minute later holding a tray, she looked up at him eagerly forgetting her argument about not wanting food. He seems to know her a lot more than she knows herself.

"Thank you baby," Fahad smiled at how happy she looked.

Oatmeal wasn't her thing but the doctor said it was good and she wasn't complaining.

"I'm going to pray," she nodded with her mouthful while he got up.

He had to pray at home, if he said he was driving to the masjid it would be a whole other issue and there was no way he would leave her alone.

Almost through her meal, the phone she had quite forgotten was beside her rang and she reached for it to silence it, the name on the screen made her pick up.

"Where is your wife? I've been calling her!" Layla's exasperated voice greeted her and she chuckled.

"I called you five million times," she must not have heard her because she kept going on about how she couldn't reach her. "Layla! It's me." there was silence on the other side then a loud shriek. Khadijah moved the phone from her ear and rolled her eyes deciding to just put it on speakerphone.

"Where did you keep your phone Dee?! I've been calling you for hours on end." She wasn't yelling anymore at least but her voice was still a bit loud and she was breathing heavily. Her brows pulled together and she asked her voice low.

"Layla are you okay? You're breathing quite heavily." Layla huffed and she heard a sound, probably her sitting down.

"Yes, I was running through airport trying to catch a flight that I missed, I was freaking worried." Khadijah sat up and kept the bowl on the tray her eyes narrowed, she couldn't see her but she could imagine how she must look.

"Airport? What are you doing there and what flight?" the questions rushed out of her mouth.

"I thought you were in labor or something and I didn't want to miss it so I booked a flight, there is no direct flight to London today, can you freaking believe it?! And because everyone in the family decided to travel to God knows where today, I couldn't get the jet even with hamma Mahmud's authorization." She took in a deep breath when she reached the end, she sounded every bit frustrated.

"Lee, my EDD is in two weeks. How did you even think that I was in labor? What made you think that?" Layla's frustrated voice had her worried but she wanted to laugh. The whole scenario seemed funny, too funny.

"You said you were feeling pains, contractions right?" Khadijah rolled her eyes.

"No, it is not labor. The baby has just been very active these days, it feels like a football field in there." She heard a heavy sigh which made her smile. Instinctively her hands moved to her lower stomach, she has been feeling a lot of movement and for a moment she joked about it being three babies.

It wasn't unlikely since all her scans showed the same thing, it was just one. An overactive child. They decided to not check the gender, just grateful for whatever gift Allah gives them, Huda and Aneesah are convinced it's a girl while Nabila, Adnan and Ja'afar are all leaning towards a boy. Sadiya had asked her what she thought but she kept it to herself, she has an inkling but like Fahad, she would rather be surprised.

"I didn't run through this big airport for nothing. I'm still coming though, even if I have to break this trip into twenty." Khadijah let out a loud laugh, throwing her head back.

"It's a six hour flight love, you'll be fine and when you get here I'll be sitting with a bag of Cheetos and a smile on my face."

"You better," she heard the laughter in Layla's voice. "Wait, someone is coming," she waited for her to say something but all she could hear was muffled voices.

A pressure in her stomach made her look down and a smile made its way to her face, the past months have been great. Especially when she was very fine after the first trimester, she was still scared and has been having little flashbacks to her pregnancy with Basra, she doesn't let it faze her though, not when everyone was there and assuring her she would be fine, everything will be fine.

Fahad's endless prayers for one is her biggest pillar.

"You won't believe what I have to go through if I want to leave today," she mumbled incoherently, trying to make out a word but a sharp pain made her breath hitch. Layla missed the little sound, the noise around her clouding it.

"There might be a flight to Australia, then I can get a ticket for London. That's like doing a 360 for a journey that is pretty much a straight line." Khadijah dropped the phone beside her and tried to get her feet, she bit her lip in pain almost drawing blood.

It didn't feel like contractions, that didn't come one time and not so fast but the pain was immeasurable.

"Dee? Dee! Are you there? What happened?" she could hear the strings of question from the phone but she couldn't make out exactly what Layla was saying. Her heart rate increased and she could feel the beads of sweat forming on her forehead, all the while all she could think of was.

It can't be happening.

She still had two weeks to the first delivery date and if not even that, it didn't feel like labor. She had been in labor once and she could remember how it started gradually.

Fahad still wasn't back, it wasn't surprising. He normally takes a while when praying but for the past few days it was almost like he didn't want to leave the prayer mat when he got on it.

She tried to get up again, her hands holding the armrest of the chair with a death grip, it would be a surprise if her nails didn't dent the material.

She tried taking in deep steady breaths, freaking out would be the worst thing so she tried as best as she can to stay calm. It was taking a lot especially when the pain only kept getting worst.

In her attempt to stand up she mistakenly hit the table which made the tray and the bowl in it fall to the floor, breaking as they met marble tiles. Like that wasn't enough, one of the shards connected with her feet piercing it as it did, she grunted a bit in pain looking down at the place that now had blood.

Layla's muffled voice could still be heard in the background, she wasn't paying any mind to it all her mind was focused on was getting her husband's attention.

She heard footsteps outside the door and almost screamed in joy, a maid walked in having heard the sound of glass breaking. Khadijah watched as her eyes narrowed in panic and she rushed to her.

"Are you okay ma'am?" she wanted to scream at her for asking the obviously stupid question. She didn't look fine half crouched on the floor and the chair, with pieces of broken ceramic and a bloody feet. Fine wasn't something you would describe the scene as.

"Babe, I heard something break." She didn't know when she let out a sound, a mix between a painful grunt and a squeal of happiness at Fahad's voice. He was close by, he walked into the room not up to a minute later and through her bleary eyes she watched him go into shock, then panic before regaining his senses all at once.

"Why are you just standing there? Get me the first aid kit." Khadijah managed to shake her head. The pain she was feeling in her abdomen numbed the one from the cut and all she wanted was a doctor, she didn't feel fine.

"The hospital," she stuttered.

"Let's get this cleaned up first, are you hurt anywhere else?" she shook her head. "Okay, it will just be a minute." He helped her up from the uncomfortable position and when he made to move back to she held his hand in a tight grip.

That got his attention, like a silent message he understood that something else was wrong, he hadn't looked at her face when he walked in, the first thing he noticed was the blood and all he wanted was to get rid of it, it reminded him of things he would rather not remember and not at that moment.

"Dee?" his voice hitched in his throat, he got into a frenzy and called back the maid this time asking for the hospital bag. Seems their parents weren't really being overdramatic when they had it ready weeks before. He remembered them laughing about it, how excited they were that they couldn't wait.

The two weeks didn't come to his head at that moment, she was in pain and she was probably about to give birth. He would rather it happens in a hospital.

Picking her up was easy and they always had a driver standby, though he felt like the man was driving too slowly but he didn't want to let go of her. She wasn't making any sounds and that in itself was a cause for worry, the only sign of pain and discomfort was how tightly she was holding his hands but her face was pretty passive.

No words were exchanged between them and when they got to the hospital and she was wheeled in, the first thing that came to his mind was he didn't have his phone with him, it was too late and he wasn't going to go back to the house.

Khadijah's gynecologist, an Egyptian woman in her late forties stepped up beside him.

"Mr. Barkindo, we are going to run some scans first while we wait. Are you both still proceeding with the caesarian section?" he nodded wordlessly, she knew the answer to that but it has to be some protocols. They gave him the papers to sign before they walked side by side to the lab.

They've discussed most of the things in the numerous doctor's visits and she was already used to them, he was definitely going to be in the delivery room and he would be by her side through most of the tests, the hospital didn't have any protocols against it, he was the husband and that was enough.

She had been changed into a hospital gown and her eyes lit up when she saw him.

"I thought you weren't coming," Fahad took Khadijah's outstretched hands and gave her a small smile.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," it was the final scan to make sure the baby is positioned the right way and there are no complications, while they did her blood work and the usual vitals, to make sure her blood pressure was stable and nothing was wrong.

"Okay Mr. and Mrs. Barkindo, time to see your little angel." They shared a glance before looking back at the screen.

The sonographer spread the lube which made Khadijah move a little from how cold it was, it didn't matter how many times she went through that, the first contact with the lube always made her flinch. The respite came with the sonogram machine and her hand tightened just slightly in Fahad's own, she was scared.

He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, it offered little comfort. She wouldn't be fine until she heard her baby was fine. It felt different than with Basra, she'd been half conscious when they did all of that but now she was gripped by fear that it would end that way, she didn't want to have the baby weeks before. Nothing good comes out of that, nothing like the earlier the better, she wanted to reach full term for the first time in her life and the fear of it ending like all the other ones scared her, a lot more than she had let on.

He didn't say anything to her but he read the fear in her eyes, how her breath was a bit shallow. They didn't need words to understand each other and somehow, from his touch, she could almost translate what he was trying to tell her. She will be fine, they will be fine. The silence in the room was deafening, the steady thrum she was used to greeted them finally. It sounded like peace, she looked towards the screen not that she could translate what was there but the sound, it was a bit different than what they were used to.

The sonographer looked up at the couple and smiled.

"Everything is fine, though it seems we missed a bit of something."

*****

ABUJA, Nigeria

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Layla huffed crossing and uncrossing her legs in the cold metal chairs, she hated every moment of her being there but she wanted to be there for Khadijah. Mahmud, her eldest brother and also the Aliero—Barkindo first child is the only one that knows of her little trip, they both know the first thing everyone would say is why wouldn't she wait for the rest of the family and besides, Khadijah hasn't even given birth.

She let out a heavy sigh in a bid to calm herself, all that has been on her mind was that phone call and how it had ended. She hung up at some point then decided to call the house again, maybe someone would pick. Her aunts were there and Fahad's siblings but it was all in vain. If they were playing some type of game on her then she wasn't happy about it in the least.

"Ma'am," she looked up when a woman in uniform approached her.

"Can I help you?" she asked with a bite in her tone, she wasn't usually that rude but everyone in the airport was annoying her, frankly she didn't care just then.

"I was told to call you, a Mr.—"she didn't let her finish instead rolled her eyes at the audacity of whoever it must be.

"I'll pass, if he can't come himself he should leave it," She picked her phone and dialed Fahad again then Khadijah, neither of them picked. She was starting to get worried for real then. She might expect that from Khadijah but Fahad, definitely not. He returns calls even because of emergencies.

The woman looked torn but when she gave her a glare she scurried away probably going back to whichever manner-less twit sent her in the first place. Layla muttered to herself dialing her elder brother again, he was in Abuja and would have easily gotten her a flight for the next day but she didn't want to wait, she feels like staying one more day will make her miss everything. Also, she didn't suffer through getting in that military helicopter that was going to Abuja from Borno to be stuck there. She would find a way out.

"Shorty," he greeted the moment he picked.

"Hamma, won't you call anyone? I'm tired of waiting here." she whined hoping he would hear the despair in her voice and pity her.

"Layla, you know abba travelled and I don't think there is any free jet in the Barkindo hanger. Please just wait one more day, today and tomorrow is all the same." She could feel bitter tears glistening in her lids, she swallowed down the disappointment holding her tongue back from telling him Khadijah might give birth that day and she wouldn't be there. That was the difference between the two days.

"Okay," she muttered simply.

"I'll send the driver to come pick you up," she hung up after that her hands tightening around the device, fighting herself from throwing it. It wouldn't be smart of her to end up with no way of communication.

"I'll figure this out myself," she expressed to herself, her mind already running. What was the use of having a family with a private jet if she couldn't travel when she felt like it and then another one with an airline? She simply couldn't decipher it.

A shadow blocking her made her look up her breath hitching in her throat when she saw the person she least expected standing in front of her, with that smug smile she knew so much and was tired of seeing. She cleared her throat and masked her surprise with a bored look.

"You don't look very happy to see me," she rolled her eyes, biting her tongue literally when he slipped into the empty seat beside her, sitting in the secluded part looked nice thirty minutes before, she was hating it just then.

"What's there to be happy about?" she mumbled barely audibly, moving her phone between her index and middle finger. It almost slipped and she made to catch it but a fair hand reached for it before she could.

"We haven't seen each other in almost two years, I would expect a little more you know, excitement." she wanted to mention it was two years, three months, two weeks and five days but held herself back instead looking as unbothered as she could with her heart beating unsteadily, she glanced at him regretting it instantly when she met his eyes already on her.

"When did you start keeping a beard?" she couldn't help when the words left her mouth. "Stupid. Stupid." He must have heard because he chuckled lowly.

"About a year ago, I heard it makes me look more matured. Adds to my allure."

"Are you stalking me now?" what were the chances he was in Abuja just when she was, he lived in Australia for Allah's sake.

"No." he didn't add anything to it.

"Exactly what someone stalking me would say," she muttered this time loud enough for him to hear. She opened her mouth to speak but he beat her to it.

"You asked me to come and here I am," she looked up sharply and he nodded. "I sent the air hostess, aren't you traveling?"

She sucked her teeth planning how to kill her brother.

"Hamma called you." it wasn't a question but he nodded either way.

"I was around and, why not?" he has a jet and he can get her to London, she just didn't want to be stuck with him in a tight space for six hours.

"Are you alone?" she didn't know why she asked, he travelled alone but she wanted to confirm something.

"Yes," she watched him, he raised a brow.

"Your wife?" the word was odd on her tongue especially when she was referring to him. Somehow even when Waleedah had told her he was getting married she hadn't thought it would happen but it did, she just couldn't bring herself to accept it.

His name had looked out of place next to his cousin's on the IV, she knew it was stupid but somehow in her head she has always seen it has Jawad and Layla, not that cousin of his. The biggest irony was her name was also Maryam. It was a slap to her face.

"She isn't allowed to travel," she opened her mouth to ask why, he beat her to it. "Doctor's orders."

She took in a shaky breath reading between the lines.

"Are you coming with?" he asked standing up, she swallowed her throat feeling unnaturally tight.

"Yes."

If he has moved on, there was no use groveling over him.

*****

Kensington, London.

"Where is Fahad?" Barr. Salima asked the lone maid who was waiting her them at the door. That was strange to say the least, so was calling Fahad and him not picking up.

"At the hospital, they had—"she turned on her heels not bothering to hear whatever she was about to say, she has heard enough.

She dialed him again hoping he would pick and let her know what is going on but it didn't ring, unlike the first few times she tried.

"Oh Ya Allah, make it easy on them." She whispered lowly starting the car again. She called Fatimah Batool who was with Huda, Aneesah and Nabila shopping for baby things like they've been doing for the past week since she arrived. Somehow they all felt everything wasn't enough, and to make sure they didn't forget anything.

The two older women and the eager aunties to be were more than thrilled to have a niece or nephew.

"Did you get to them?" she asked immediately she picked.

"No, they are at the hospital. I'm going there now."

"We'll meet you then," she nodded before muttering a yes. Hospital simply meant she was about to give birth, at least she hoped. They wouldn't want any news apart from that, she called her husband in need of support just then.

"Qalbi," that single word was enough to lessen all her worries and she told him what was going on in a frenzy, the words merely making it past her lips. They hung up on the agreement to meet at the hospital.

~~~~~

"No," Khadijah muttered tearfully pulling Fahad's hand closer to hers.

"You'll be fine sweetheart," he spoke softly hoping it would calm her, she was too busy shaking her head to notice how forlorn he looked.

"I don't want to go under, Fahad please." The nurse looked between them and shook her head before walking out.

They were prepping for surgery after the scan, the anesthesiologist was about to deliver the dose but Khadijah didn't want to be unconscious. The last time she'd undergone surgery unconscious she woke up to a dead daughter, she didn't want a repeat. She couldn't handle another loss.

Her troubles were two times worse than when they first arrived at the hospital.

"I'll speak with the doctor about conscious sedation, will that make you feel better?" she nodded sharply.

"Thank you," he offered her a smile then leaned and pressed his lips to hers.

"I love you, you'll be fine insha Allah," before he could walk out, the gynecologist walked back in, she was welcome to the idea and after signing more papers they started the infusion.

"How do you feel?" he asked when they were alone in the room and she rolled her neck before looking at him.

"I don't feel anything, it is a bit weird." He let out a small laugh. "But at least I'll be awake and I'll know you're here," she squeezed his hand that was still intertwined with hers gently.

"I'll always be here baby, always." He pecked both their hands.

The nurse returned moments later with two others.

"Scrub in Mr. Barkindo, Dr. Sheila said you'll be in the OR?" he nodded and she pointed to a man who was standing idly by the door.

Khadijah gripped his hand tighter earning his attention.

"I'll be with you in a minute, I promise." She nodded and watched as he walked out while she was wheeled in the opposite direction. Her heart was in her throat, she did the only thing she could think of to tamp down the panic, she prayed. Surely, whoever prays is never at loss.

Her eyes stayed half closed finding nothing worthy of watching since Fahad wasn't there, she almost laughed at herself and how she sounded. The old her would have made a disgusted face at that thought but the new her, the one that had a loving husband whom she loved more than she ever thought possible found it normal.

It has become a normal occurrence to her, those little thoughts she used to laugh at. How she'd seen Sadiya and everyone else before made sense, she felt that way and she was happy about. She felt whole.

The doctor walked back, the love of her life closely behind him scrubbed and looking regal. She almost sighed dreamily watching him in the scrubs, he must have offered her a smile because his eyes squinted, she couldn't see because of the mask but she knew somehow. He walked up and stood beside her.

"You look like you want to eat me whole," he whispered in her ear and she looked away, hiding her blush. She didn't know she'd been gawking, it was hard not to.

"Let's welcome our angels, yeah?" she nodded her eyes closing briefly. He held her hand and placed another kiss there, whispering lowly she couldn't make out what he was saying. It sounded like he was praying but she couldn't be sure.

The doctor and everything happening was a blur, all she could focus on was their hands together. Him holding her always, like he could hear her he looked up and smiled again, she knew the same way she knew the first time.

"Do you have names?" she almost laughed at how sudden it was.

"Maybe we should wait and see the gender first,"

"Have you ever thought of it?" it was the first time he was asking, she smiled this time and made a motion with her neck that was supposed to be a nod. "Go ahead,"

"Girl. You?" they may not have talked about it but they definitely thought it.

"Same," she smiled, a full blown smile. She closed her eyes when she felt a bit of pressure, she has read about it, feeling the first cut was common.

Her eyes closed again and she smiled when a thought came to her mind. It was actually happening.

It had felt like a dream when they found and throughout all the doctor's appointments, it didn't feel that real. Even then she could say it felt surreal. She was having a child, a child with a man she loves. Her first love.

This time Fahad's hand tightened in hers and when she looked at him he had tears in his eyes, that cleared her head up and she heard the voices of the doctors and nurses congratulating them. How long was she in her headspace?

She wasn't feeling her body but if she could then she definitely would have had goose bumps when she heard the shrill, she huffed out a breath and held Fahad's gaze, he seemed enthralled looking at the baby in the nurses hand, she was walking towards them they could see the tiny human in her arms, a few minutes later they heard another cry and this time they laughed, together. Almost in sync.

"You don't know how to hold babies," she could almost see him wiggling his fingers eager to hold them.

"I will learn," it was as simple as that.

The doctor and nurses talking were just background noise to them, all he could hear was the most beautiful sound in the world. Something that has felt like a dream up until that moment, he could finally feel the reality of it all. He needed to pray, was his first thought. He had to show Allah how grateful he was, he let go of his wife's hand and sank to his knees into prostration, the best way he has ever known to show his gratitude and when he got up he placed a kiss on her forehead thanking her in a soft voice.

"This is the best gift I could have ever gotten, Dee thank you so much."

Khadijah felt it should be the other way around, she should be the one thanking him for saving her from herself, when she didn't even know she needed saving, for accepting all her broken pieces and teaching her how to love each piece. He didn't expect her to be glued back together and perfect, instead he taught her to love herself, every part of herself, the good, the bad and the ugly. He taught her to love and loving him was the easiest.

The nurse gently placed the baby on her body for body-to-body contact, she felt tears brimming her lids but she swallowed it back and instead lifted her hand to caress the head of her baby, then the other one. She almost laughed when she felt the hair. Sadiya had mentioned the baby would definitely have hair from her heartburns. It was all worth it, just one second feeling her—them, already and she couldn't remember all of the pain. Everything was lost in her head and she was just in that moment right then.

She didn't just have a child, she had two. Surely, which of the favors of your lord will you deny?

"Who won?" she asked in a soft voice, he didn't need her to elaborate knowing she was talking about his siblings and laughed.

"Jay wouldn't be gloating at least," she laughed softly knowing it meant Huda and Aneesah won.

"It's a good thing," he nodded in agreement, still stroking her hand.

"Have you thought about names yet?" this time she asked, as the nurse took the babies with her.

She felt cold suddenly but Fahad's hand over her shoulder warmed her, replacing the warmth of their children. It already felt good, their children. She has never thought anything would sound that good.

"We'll think about it," it sounded like he has already thought about it though and she smiled because she has definitely given it much thought.

A different nurse walked to them after the doctor walked out, he gave her hand one last squeeze.

"I'll see you in a few minutes, I love you."

"I love you," she repeated after him.

****

"Fahad Abubakar Bakindo," he released a heavy breath and smiled at his mother who was glaring, or at least trying to but the smile on her face was stopping the glare from being effective.

"Ammie," he paused and just stared at her, everything looked brighter and so much more beautiful.

"Congrats habibi," she fanned her face trying to fight the tears. He shook his head and closed the gap between them, letting her wrap her arms around him as he did the same.

"It feels like a dream ammie," she nodded against his chest. He could feel her tears dampening his clothes, he couldn't even find it in him to stop her.

Barr. Salima Barkindo in tears is definitely a rare sight.

"I'm so happy, sweetheart, so happy." Happy didn't cut it for him so he didn't add anything to it. "Come on, the rest of the family are here." he followed her to the reception where their family littered it.

Huda was the first to see them and she ran to him launching herself at him, they would have toppled to the ground if he hadn't saw it coming and braced himself.

"Daddy hamma," he couldn't help the laughter. He felt more arms around him, Aneesah and Nabila definitely.

"I'm an aunt!" Huda squealed like it just clicked in her head.

Fatimah Batool smiled watching the siblings interact, she sent a quick text to Farhan letting him know. She wouldn't hear the end of it, he'd wanted to follow her but she asked him to stay till the next week, that was obviously not going to happen and he would be on the next available flight to London.

They shared a glance with Barr. Salima and she got to her feet then they walked away from the crowd. Like she knew, the only person she wanted to see was her daughter.

They asked a nurse who was already on her way to inform them.

"Right this way, Mrs. Batool." Barr. Salima didn't bother asking how she knew her, she knew her best friend and she would have everywhere her daughter was going to be crosschecked.

The first thing they saw were the two cots, that enough was enough to bring her to tears, she'd been holding back but for that moment she let the emotions take over.

"Ammi," Khadijah called trying to sit up but she stopped her and hugged her closely.

"You did great darling, I'm so proud of you." Barr. Salima watched the mother—daughter duo, the exchange pulling at her heartstrings. She noticed they were all worried about the baby, they wanted to see the babies but she wanted to see her daughter, she was her baby.

They took each of the babies then walked back towards the mother who was looking at them in awe, she couldn't believe it.

"She must be the one hiding, a queen I can tell." Fatimah Batool said. She'd been hiding behind her sister which was why they missed it on most of the scans but after they repositioned getting ready for birth, she'd shown herself.

"Definitely," Barr. Salima agreed peeking at the much smaller baby.

"Did Fahad hold them?" Khadijah laughed shaking her head.

"Slightly," said person walked into the room and he glanced at his wife then to their mothers.

"Why do I feel like you were talking about me?" Khadijah chortled while his mother made a face.

"Yes we were, now grow up and hold your daughter." His eyes narrowed and he swallowed.

"What if she falls?" he looked to Khadijah for help but she looked away. He wanted to, more than anything in the world but the thought of them slipping scared him, so much.

"You'll never know if you don't try," he was shaking his head but she ignored his protests and motioned for him to take a seat and when he did she showed him how to go about it, with his breath stuck in his throat and his eyes narrowed comically he held the newborn for the first time in his life.

He'd only started picking Huda when she was two months old, so she was the first. When Khadijah made that comment his mother shook her head and said he'd held a baby before that but he was a child too, she asked who but they didn't elaborate.

She had an idea but she didn't voice it.

"I didn't miss it, did I?" an out of breath voice spoke making every one of them look to the door where Layla who was crouched and breathing heavily.

"Are you okay?" Fatimah Batool asked cautiously seeing how she looked like she would fall any second.

"Yes," she rasped out. "I just ran from the parking lot and up the stairs, why didn't you get a room downstairs?" she wasn't asking anyone in particular.

"How are you here?" Ammie asked, unable to keep it to herself. Last she knew, her niece was in Borno. Fahad though was too busy staring at his daughter while Khadijah was staring at her friend with amusement.

Layla looked up finally getting her wits back, she took in the baby Fatimah Batool was holding and gasped.

"You lied to me!" she pointed an accusing finger at her best friend then looked around until her eyes landed on Fahad, he didn't look up. If they thought she looked comical, then her rubbing both her eyes then looking between Fahad and Fatimah Batool and her pinching herself had to be comedy gold.

"Two!" she still sounded slightly out of breath.

"Surprise." Khadijah said in a soft voice trying hard not to laugh.

"I need to sit down," no one stopped her as she sat beside her cousin. She was offered a glass of water which she finished in one go her eyes on the sleeping baby.

"Well, it is a pleasant surprise." She muttered still looking around.

"Here," Fatimah Batool gave her the twin she was holding, Layla took her eagerly.

"It's a double surprise actually," Fahad finally spoke and she made a sound of recognition, her being the one not paying attention again.

He motioned for the name tag around the baby's hand and she looked down, then back up at him immediately.

"You didn't!"

"You're welcome, it was her idea."

"Dee," she looked up at her best friend teary eyed but she rolled her eyes.

"Don't go getting emotional on me now, Layla Aliero." She laughed shaking her head.

"Thank you," Khadijah only nodded still smiling. Layla looked back down at the baby and took her tiny hands in hers, she held on to her finger making her smile, the tears she didn't bother keeping at bay falling.

"Welcome to the world Maryam Layla, your aunty Layla is lucky to have you."

"What's her name?" Barr. Salima asked, Fahad and Khadijah shared a look before laughing at the same time, it was their inside joke.

"Nana Fatimah."

••••••

Assalamualaikum, it's been a while. Hope you guys have been great.

Like I mentioned earlier, it was supposed to be a birthday update but things happen. Anywaysssss, you guys win either way because here is a bonus chapter.

Since I'm here, thank you for 71k reads and 18k votes, it's because of you all that we've gotten so far.

You love this book? Tell your friends about it and give me a shoutout.

On other news (yes I'm back with my talking too much, just bear with me🤣) I thought of the release date for Layla and Jawad's book, you've seen a glimpse of them here but don't take it to heart, don't come for my head either🤣🤣🤣

Not official official but their book, 'in our stars' will insha Allah be published on Wattpad in November. It might be October but we'll see, I'll post the release on my Instagram, see why you need to go there and see abi.

For now, you'll see character Aesthetics and trailer soon enough.

Again, thank you so much and please vote, comment and share as always. For our finale.

Love you guys.

You're still in my heart, along with Fahad and Dee.

Yours favorite always

Amyrah❤️