SALMA:
Wasim was released from the hospital yesterday, but not before the doctor cautioned us that he needed additional bed rest because he was determined to go home. We had to exercise caution because Wasim needed to recover quickly and not work for two weeks.

It felt peaceful in Wasim's home when we were in his room during my second week as his wife. My in-laws were kind and loving to me, and I hope they continue to be that way. It is said that after years, you will see people for who they really are, but hopefully this place is nothing like that. I learned how to use the phone from Wasim, who said I picked things up quickly.

"You realize that right now you ought to be with Wasim?"My mother-in-law said softly that although her husband had been managing work at the office for a few days, he had given Wasim full responsibility and that although my husband was the company's CEO, he was now extremely busy.

Since I had been answering questions quickly or just hanging out with Wasim when everyone else was there, she must have sensed something was not quite right.

Since I did not want to worry them, I said to her, "Yes, I will go."

I was abruptly awakened from my reverie by my phone vibrating, and after giving the message some thought, I decided to open it.

How was it spending the first night of your wedding in the hospital? This was only the beginning.I chose to ignore the italicized message.

"This is your last chance to break up with him; otherwise, who knows what might occur on your honeymoon?"

One threat after another, and my hands became unsteady. I stopped answering messages and made my way to our room, missing the time I spent with Wasim.

I cautiously opened the door and saw Wasim awake, gazing at the ceiling with a confused expression on his attractive face. I moved slowly and said nothing, and there was silence. How did we get to this point?where no words were said or received?

"Your medications,"After a week of not talking, when I finally broke the ice and gave him his tablets and water, all he did was stare at me. Me looking after him and everything. Just crucial talks—no late-night chats, no watching movies or serials.

He turned his head and said, "I do not need them." Though I was aware that I was harming him, what if that person was following us?Nobody can be trusted these days.

"Please, take them."I pleaded to stop seeing him in this way because it was hurting me more, but I knew that those threats were not meaningless.

"Why?Who gives a damn about what happens to me?"With pain in his voice, he asked, and I simply shook my head. He was being stubborn now. His health came first, before anything else.

"Wasim, you know your parents are concerned about you; please have your medicines on time," I said in hushed tones, knowing my voice had cracked at the end.

"How about you?Do you not give a damn?He asked, waiting with hope in his eyes for a favourable response from me.

What was it that we were experiencing?He gave me everything, but we are too far away for me to take a chance on his life. Yes, LOVE requires sacrifice.He will understand in the end, I am sure of it.

His eyes widened as I whispered, "I care so much, but sometimes we have to do something in order to keep our loved ones safe." I quickly changed the subject, made him take his medication, and helped him even though he was still having trouble using his left hand.

As he was going through his emails, he asked again, "What is bothering you, Salma?"

Have I caused you any harm?Did I compel you to get married?My eyes grew wide as he asked. Is that what he has been contemplating?

Not at all!No, you have not made me do anything; in fact, you have been a blessing in my life. You have transformed it and given me wonderful parents. "I told him this so he would not have any bad thoughts.

"So, what is it?Why is there such a big gap, damn it?He raised his voice to ask. We will work together to solve whatever it is.

Tell him! Tell him! Solve all problems together.Do not let anyone ruin the beautiful relationship Allah has sent for you.

Instead of escalating the conflict, speak up.

"I have been receiving threats," I told him, and his face went blank as he stared at me.

***
Was it the right thing for Salma to tell him?In your opinion, who is threatening her?