74
Kareem turned slowly, expecting to see his wife lying lifelessly on the floor but what happened was the opposite, it wasn't Maryam on the floor but Safeenah,Safeenah lied down with blood hovering all of her body
"SAFEENAH!!!! " Kareem screamed as he ran fastly towards where she was lying down,Mansur and the rest also did the same thing while Maryam stood there like a robot,she couldn't move her hand nor her legs "did she just take the bullet for me? Did she just saved me?" Maryam thought
"Now Khalid! We need to take her to the hospital, she's still breathing, now!" Kareem said to them,he saw Mansur looking panic too. He wanted to punch him,talk to him,ask him so many questions but now isn't the right time for that
He stood up and move closer to his wife "are you OK?"
"Kareem she..she saved me,she did save me" she panicky said
"I know"
"Will she be fine? Nothing must happen to her Kareem"
"Nothing will happen to her,she's a strong girl,believe me"
*****
"Doctor how is she feeling now?" Kareem asked as they all match to meet the doctor who just came out from the theatre room. All the families are here already,both Kareem and Maryam's Mom was so happy when they saw their children in a good position without getting hurt. They felt bad  and thankful at the same time to Safeenah when they learnt that she risked her life for Maryam
"Yes doctor, how is she now?"
"The patient is perfectly fine " he said as they all take deep breathe down
"Thankfully, the bullet only scratch through her side waist. We've stitch the part for her and I think she should be fine in few weeks time now. So there's no need to get worried,she's fine"
"So can we see her? I mean right now?" 
"I'm sorry that won't be possible coz she's sleeping for now,we gave her a very effective injection coz she really need a lot of rest. I'll just advice that one person among you can stay while the rest go home. By tomorrow you can all see her" 
"OK doc,thank you so much...I'll transfer the money into your account"
The doctor's smile got wider than before "Thank you so much Mr Kareem" he said as he shook his hand before going back to his office
"Mansur we need to talk" Kareem said as everywhere became silent all of a sudden. The tense is so much that even Mansur is getting scared already
"Son, don't you think this is not the right time for this?" Nana said
"No Mom,in fact this is the perfect time to discuss this" he replied facing her with a soft smile. He turned to Mansur as his face became cold again. Mansur nod as he gave Kareem a weak smile and with that, they both went away to talk privately
An hour later,Kareem and Mansur came back. Everyone wide their eyes as they saw the bruise on Mansur's face "hey are you alright?" Nana asked
"Yes Ma'am,I'm fine"
"Are you two OK now?" Khalid asked pointing his index finger between Kareem and Mansur
"Yes Kay,we're now friends" Kareem replied back with a smile
"Kay?" Khalid couldn't help but to call out the name. It felt strange but good at the same time, it has been long that he heard the name
"Kash...Sur" Khalid tried to call out the old nicknames they gave each other
"Hey! Why don't you give me too a nickname? " Faruq asked 
"Faq?  Ruq?"
"What? Are you guys kidding me?! Is that even a name?! He glared at them as the three men all laugh including their parent and their wives except Maryam who was still thinking of Safeenah,she couldn't believe that Safeenah could go to this extend and save her and her baby. If she hadn't, what would have happened to her? What would have happened to her baby?
"What about MD?" Kareemah said
"MD?"
"Yeah...his name is Faruq Muhammad.. So why don't you just short the Mohammad to MD? I think it sounds cool instead of Faq? Or Ruq Whatsoever"
"Wow! My sis said something good for the first time" Kareem teased
"Kash don't dare talk about my wife like that" Kay warned as Kareemah stick out her tongue at him. Everyone all laugh again but stopped when they notice that someone special to all of them is not contributing to what they were saying
Kareem moved closer to his wife as he touch her cheek softly. Maryam was unaware of her husband's presence as she suddenly jolt in fear. The scene that happened few hours ago is still hunting her "hey! Are you OK?" He asked looking so concerned
"Kareem I don't know what would have happened to me if she hadn't saved me,I would have lost my baby or probably I would have been dead by-"
"Maryam stop it! You're fine! You're perfectly fine! Yes she saved you and we will always be thankful to her but she's also fine too. The doctor assured us that she will be fine, she just need a little rest that's it"
"But-"
"No Maryam,you need to be strong for our baby please"
"Kareem I'm just scared" she said as she hug her husband tightly. He didn't think twice before wrapping his arm tightly around her waist. He feel bad for her,he felt like he was the reason she was in this state. May be if he had locate Safeenah then and explained everything to her, may be this wouldn't have happened
Everyone felt bad for Maryam,she wasn't her self anymore, she looks scared and horrible "Son why don't you take your wife home" his Mom suggest
"Don't worry about Safeenah,she's fine right? And moreover I'm here with her,I'm not leaving her side no matter what" Mansur said as he lightly place his hand Kareem's upper arm 
"Thanks Sur"
That evening, everyone left for their respective home leaving only Mansur behind. Just as they left,his parent walked in scanning the place for their son,his face came in contact with them as his smile got broader than before "Mom! Dad!"
"Oh my goodness! Mansur!! What happened?! Where have you been? And why are you here at the hospital? I thought Nana and her husband are here too? So where are they? " she bombarded him with so many question
"Mom, I'm not that intelligent guy you used to know,this your questions are much for me" he tried to joke
"Hey will you stop it" she said as she hit him with her tiny hand on his chest. Mansur fake hurt as his Mom quickly rub his chest worryingly "what's wrong? Is that place hurting you?" 
"Mom I'm fine" he smiled
"Young Man,what brings you here?"
"Dad I'm here for her" 
"You mean the lucky girl?"
"Yes Dad"
"You found her already?" 
"Yes"
"But how?"
Mansur explained everything to his parents "what?! you mean you were the one who did it?" His Mom asked as she wide her eyes in shock
"Mom I'm sorry"
"No wonder you two never became close like you used to...is that why you got this bruise?....and now?"
"We've settled it and we're now back to together"
"Good...and Safeenah how is she doing now?"
"She's fine,she is just resting for now and by tomorrow we can see her"
"Good...and make sure you win her back no matter what,she's an orphan now, I hope you know that,she really needs you beside her at all cost. Please don't disappoint me Mansur,make sure she become yours and bring her home OK?"
"OK Mom"
"I want you to become her father and mother,don't make her for once ever think about her sister again,this girl has gone through so many things, you really need to be with her by all means OK?"
"Yes Mom, thank you so much"
*****Next Morning *****
"Hey! Why are you up so early?" Kareem asked as he saw his wife in the kitchen preparing some delicious food. Just by the look,Kareem knows that it's going to taste nice. Maryam is one of the best cook he has known so far apart from their Mom's 
"Kareem I need to cook something good for Safeenah"
"Hmmm what about your husband? can he get from the food too?"
"Why not?"
"Good! Lemme quickly take my bath,Faruq and Khalid are on their way already"
"OK be fast" Maryam encourage
****
All the families entered the room where Safeenah was. She was so happy when she saw everyone in the room, she can't believe that so many people will care for her at a day like this,she felt special
Maryam drop the flask beside her bed as she quickly went to her and engulf her in a tight hug "Safeenah thank you so much and I'm sorry at the same time. Because of you I'm safe and my baby is also safe. I don't know how I'm going to repay you"
"You don't have to repay me Maryam,in fact I wanted to ask for forgiveness from you,I know I've wronged you guys a lot and did so many bad things to you two but it wasn't my fault walahi,I thought-"
"Shuushh....you don't have to say anything Finah,I understand, he understand, we all understand you and from today onwards we will always be with you no matter what" Maryam said smiling  at her sweetly
"Finah" Safeenah tried to call the name again "you know, you sound like my senior sister" 
"Well I think I'm "
"And who told you, you're? Who knows If I'm older than you with ten years"
"Which implies that you're my Mom " Maryam tease
"Well I think you should start regarding me as one" they were both cracking jokes as all the families laugh at their silly talks
"Safeenah" all heads turn to Mansur who was kneeling on his right knee with a ring on his hand
"Marry me Safeenah" he said and that makes everyone eyes widened. Even Safeenah couldn't comprehend what was happening. Yes, she knew Mansur had hurt her but that was in the past and moreover she was told that he didn't do it intentionally and she has forgiven him for that. All this while that she was with Kareem,she always wish it would be Mansur and now? In presence of everyone, he's proposing to her? 
"Marry me Safeenah Abdulwahab, let be a family together,be my everything and forever love,let have cute kids running around the house, the little Mansur and the little Safeenah" He smiled as he got up and move closer to her. He pulled her chin to make her eyes look straight to his
"Marry me beautiful.......coz you're my everything" he said trying to show all the love he had for her
"What if I said no" She teased and he stayed calm. He wouldn't get angry or mad,he will accept his fate if this is what will be the out come but nevertheless he won't still back off easily
"I'll... I'll... I won't let that happen,I know I've hurt you in the past but I hope you can give me the chance?" He said with all sincerity
"You should know the answer Mansur" she said trying to get up but Maryam hold her back. She looks up as Maryam only give her the sweetest smile ever
From the look she was giving Mansur,he knew already what will be her answer, he knew she was only trying to pull his leg so he also try to play along "well,I don't" he pretend to be an idiot
"Of course I'll marry you" she whispered but everyone could hear her and Mansur only smiled widely. Revealing the very beautiful diamond ring he said again
"From now on, you're my fiance and we're going to have our wedding once you've recovered fully" he said slipping it on her finger. This took Safeenah by surprise as she wide her eyes
"What?!....but....but isn't it too early?"
"To us it's not Safeenah,or should I say future Mrs Ahmad and my future daughter in law" Mansur's Mom tease and she blush while the rest only smile
"I love you so much safeenah"
"And I love you too Mansur"
"And I love you more" he said before kissing her. The two didn't act like everyone was there,they were both engross with each other not until their parent spoke out "Mansur I hope you know we're here" his father said as everyone all laughed
"Well enough of the romanticism, I brought you food dear sister"
"Sister? "
"Yes Safeenah,welcome to the girls club " Mufeedah answered with a smile
"Girls club?" The men asked raising their eyebrows
"Yes..and please close your mouth coz a fly might enter" Kareemah teased
Kareem's POV
Praising Maryam that she is the best when it comes to pregnancy was a lie. In fact, it was a big disaster. At her early stage, she was so sweet,she never complains,demand or craves for anything but now, I'm tired of her. In fact, I had to leave the house and spend some days with Mansur. Mansur and Safeenah got married seven month ago,it was a very blessed wedding. I could remember vividly that day, all of our wives were so happy for Safeenah. They love her most in their group, may be because she never got love when she was a kid. They are now best of friends. Mufeedah also put to bed two month ago and now Kareemah, Safeenah and my wife are all pregnant. We are so bless to have them as our wives but having a pregnant wife sucks seriously
"Kash, why are you so deep in thought?" Mansur asked as he take a sit beside me in his sitting room. 
"Sur I'm tired of my wife,do you know she asked me to get her okro soup at mid night four days ago? I don't get, where does she expected me to get that from and if I should say no, she will start crying, yelling at me that 'was she the one who impregnated her self' imagine" I frustratedly said
If this is how it will continue then I guess we won't have anymore babies,this one should be OK insha Allah, Since she will soon put to bed. This is her month already
Mansur start laughing immediately I finish lamenting everything to him "hey, why are you laughing?" I asked with an annoy look
"That's because you're stupid " we heard her voice
"Safeenah" I called through a groan
"It's better you take your dirty ass up now and go back to your wife else....." She threatened
"Else what?" I asked with a raise brow
"Just a minute call you know" she said showing me her phone
"Shit! I hate you!" 
"And I love you, now up" she said. I looked at Mansur but the idiot only shrug his shoulder while smiling
"Can see the little pump already,I guess hers will be worse than Maryam" I whispered to Mansur 
"I heard you Kareem you know that" Finah said with a glare
"It was meant for you to" I smirk and ran out of the house
*******
"Love you're back" Maryam said smiling sweetly at me. I expected her to be angry for not picking her calls since three days ago but here she's, smiling as if everything is fine between us. Yes I know we didn't have a fight but I'm just tired of she complaining all the time
"Come, I make you food...I mean your favorite " she said as she lightly kiss my lip. Still looking at her in surprise, she drag me to the dinning and sat me down
"Here taste it,how does it look" 
I took the spoon from her and scoop the food into my mouth,I started chewing but threw everything out in a second. I quickly took the water to rinse my mouth but it taste like a salt
what?! 
I ran to the kitchen,open the tap there and rinse my mouth. Once I'm through and felt OK, I walk back to the dinning expecting to see Maryam but i saw her at the living room watch her favorite programme 'Game Of Love' on Star life
"MARYAM! MARYAM!! " I yell as I move closer to her
"Yes Kareem,why are you yelling? Is everything alright?" She asked with an innocent face
"Don't play with me Maryam,what was that for? Do you want to kill me? You served me food that's filled with pepper and not only that, even the water contains salt! What was that?"
"Oh no! Is my lovely husband angry? Well don't expect me to say sorry to you coz I won't beg! How dare you Kareem! How dare you leave me in this big Mansion and left just like that! You never pick my calls nor do you return my calls. You left me with your baby inside me,is this fair? After all I'm not-"
"The one that got my self pregnant " I finished the line for her. I knew that's what she's going to say
"Kareem I hate you! If you continue this way then tell me, how am I going to have the courage to have another baby for you? I need you now, most especially your support and you left me all alone here in this big house. Is this how Faruq treat Mufeedah? When you knew you're not ready to be a father you shouldn't have impregnated me" she said crying
Oh my God! What have I done again? I hate seeing her in tears. I didn't intentionally leave her, I'm not that heartless but I'm just so tired of her mood swing
"Baby I'm sorry" I said hugging her. I felt bad, and I think I'm also a jerk. I should have know what she's also going through 
"I'm sorry please forgive me" I beg again
"Promise me you won't do this again Kareem" she said breaking the hug
'I promise " I said showing her my sweetest smile
"I love you Maryam"
I love...you...arghhh!"
"Hey what's wrong?"
"Arrghh! Arrghh Kareem!! Arrghh!!!" 
"Maryam please calm down,what's wrong with you? Why are in so much pain?" 
"Kareem the..the baby. I think the baby is coming "
"What?! But I thought till on 17th? This is just 1st of December "
"Kareem this is not the time for silly talks,take me to the hospital! NOW!!!"
"OK OK... Sorry... Yeah you're right..the hospital! Hospital! My car key! Where is my car key?...got it...OK let go"
Her bag is parked already, so I asked the maids to bring it to the hospital as I rush out of the compound with speed
TWENTY YEARS LATER
"That is how our love story was. Your Mom is really the greatest wife I've ever known"
"Wow! Dad, this is incredible" Kareem's first son 'Yusuf' said
"Indeed it's Yusuf"
"But Dad, do you think I could ever fall in love?"
"You can man, but wait for the right girl" I advised him. Yusuf is a young version of me,we look so much alike,he's twenty years old now, followed by my second son Yasir who is eighteen years old and Fawaz who will hit sixteen in few month,then my little twins. Azeena and Azeema, they are the little cuttest version of their Mom,fifteen years old. They both took the feature of their Mom, one took after me and the other took after Maryam. Azeema is so gentle like her Mom and Azeena? Oh my God! She's actually the trouble, in fact we could have named her trouble. 
She usually was scolded by their brother Yusuf or sometimes she fought with Azeema and sometimes they both join hands together to trouble their brothers
"OK Dad I've heard you and I'll wait for the right girl who will melt my heart someday " he said finally bringing me out of my thought
"Very soon Yusuf"
"Hey bro!" Azeena said standing in front of us
"Why are you out dressing like this young lady?" I said with a straight face
"Dad..." She whined
"I just ask you a question young lady"
"But Dad nothing is wrong with my dressing "
"Nothing is wrong with your dressing? Do you know what you're putting on? A tight leggings and a tank top! With just a tiny veil Zeena?!" I scold and she only pout. That's how she normally do when she wants to get me but not today
"Dad I don't need to hide from anyone,I mean it only us,uncle Faruq,uncle Mansur and Uncle Khalid that lives in this estate. I mean we're just like families" she said like everything is normal
Yes Fatima(a.k.a baby) later got us a nice land and we decide to build a family house and here we're, living together as one big family. Our wives were so happy the day we brought them to the estate and told them this is where we're going to be staying. Everything in the house was the same,the pattern of the building, the setting of the house, in fact we bought them same car as well. Which they were so happy
"Yeah Families indeed!" Yusuf my son said with a smirk plastered on his face. I think something fishy is going on here
"What do you mean?"
"Actually Dad-"
"Don't you dare Yusuf! Don't you dare utter a word" she warned. Gosh! This girl is just like me so scary and fearless
Yusuf stick out his tongue at her as he tried to talk but she quickly covers his mouth with her tiny hands "she...she...shit! Lemme...talk..burrrrrrrrr" he tried to say something but I couldn't understand any
"She and Mustapha are crushing on each other Dad" Fawaz my third son said out of no where
"What?!" I exclaimed in surprise as Zeena quickly withdrew her hand to her side waist. For the first time, I sense the fear in her. "You are in love with Sur's son?"
"Yes..no! I mean Dad he was lying " she replied back not leaving the part to glare at her brother
"What's going on here?" Yasir asked as he joined us with his Mom beside him 
"Kareem what happened? " My lovely wife asked with a concern look on her face
"Bro, Dad knew already...about Musty and Zeena"
"Oooh!!" He said smirking
"I swear to God, I hate you all" Zeena said trying to leave for her room but my voice stopped her
"Will you come back here young lady!" 
"But Dad- " 
"Shut up! Do you know the gravity of what you're doing?"
"But-"
"Come on go inside your room now! And don't let me see you outside not until I permit it"
"But Dad-" she said as tears started flowing down her cheeks
"NOW!!!" I yell and that scared her,so she ran fastly to her room
All of you should go to your room,I need to talk to your Dad privately " Maryam calmly said to the kids as they all answered with 'Yes Ma' and left. One thing I love was how my wife brought up our children. She brought them up to be respective and to be always calm no matter what might have come their ways
"Kareem what's wrong with you?"
"She have feelings for Mansur's Son!"
"So?"
"So?" 
"Yeah so? What if she has feelings for him? Were you the one that will Marry her? She's your child not your girlfriend Kareem. I'm not saying that what she is doing is right but she need us most right now,she need someone who will put her through, I mean on the right path. Do you think by glaring or shouting at her will solve things? Do you think by doing all this, she will stop having feelings for Mustapha? No it won't, in fact you've started the destruction of your daughter's life"
"What? How?"
"Good! By doing this she might start thinking of something else which might lead her to do bad thing that might cause a problem for us..."
"I swear if that happens, I'll break Mansur son into pieces, I won't for once think that he's his son"
"You see! That's your problem! You're jealous of your friends son,someday your daughter will marry. Yes, she might be young for now but she needs us Kareem,she really do"
"Can't she just go back been her two years old cute daughter I used to know? Why is she growing up,getting prettier day by day?"
"Go in there and talk to your daughter Kareem"
"Thank you love. You're always the best,you know how to solve problem easily...so shall we?"
"Of course " she said as we both walk into the house "I hope you didn't forget that this weekend will be Yusuf and Mustapha graduation party?"
"Of course, I can't forget that special day"
"Good! coz I and my sister's will go for some shopping this afternoon"
"Don't tell me that Mufeedah also agreed on this?"
"In fact, we can't do anything without her" 
"Hmmm ladies and their problem on shopping. My sister has infected you a lot"
"Hey bad boy! Don't dare talk about my sis like that!"
"But she's my sister by birth!"
"And she's my sister too..now go meet your grumpy daughter " 
"Wow! My wife looks hot when she gets mad" I said with a smirk while she only blush. Maryam is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even after twenty three years of marriage,she still look beautiful and hot. I never for once get tired of her and will never will
"I feel like ravishing you here right now" I said wrapping my hand tightly around her waist
"Gosh Dad! You have grown up children in the house, I hope you know that! " Yusuf said as he only eye me and wink at his Mom before going back to his room
"Bad boy,why don't you just go and talk to your girl, then you can come back for that later" she winks
"Really? Promise?"
"I promise bad boy! Now go " she pushed me and I smile before walking up to my daughter's room
"As salamu alaikum" I said opening her room door slowly
"Wa alaikumu salam" she replied with her head facing down
"Princess" I whispered as I take a sit beside her
"Princess talk to me" I said but she still remained silent
"OK I'm sorry" I said and I saw her smile
"I'm sorry,I didn't mean to shout at you"
"I'm sorry too Dad"
"I'm sorry my princess,I just don't want you to see any man for now,I hate seeing you grow up my dear. I wish you'll still be my cute little five year old daughter. I don't want to share you with any man. Wait till you're up to thirty before giving any guy a chance"
"Dad?!!! you got Mom at the age of 22!"
"Yes princess you're right but you're not up to her age yet right?"
"Dad, you don't really have to stress your self,walahi it just merely a crush, it's nothing"
"I don't want to loose you princess"
"You won't Dad,you're my King and I'll forever be your princess"
"Does that mean you won't give a guy a chance?"
"Can't promise you that Dad" 
"I love you my King"
"And I love you too my princess" I said as we hug each other tightly
"Hey grumpy girl, will you-" Yasir said entering the room but stopped on his mid sentence when he saw me and my little princess hugging each other
"Oh! Father and daughter moment " he teased
"Out Yasir!"
Wow! That's my girl!
"But-"
"I said out! Now!" She said trying to stand up but Yasir quickly run out, he knew it won't turn out good if he stays any longer than that
"That's my girl!" I encouraged more. Though I don't like her to be this feisty but guys won't dare come closer to her if she continues this way
"Need to go back to your Mom,she needs me"
"Oh! Are we getting little Sis and Bro? " she teased
I shook my head while smiling. I don't know what to do with this girl. She really is the smartest apart from Yusuf. Thank Goodness she isn't a guy, wouldn't have known who I would hand over the company to
"Bye princess"
"Bye King! I love you"
"I love you too "
"I walk out and bump unto my first son "got everything settled?" 
I sighed. "Yeah,everything is fine"
"That girl is really something " Yusuf said 
"Zeena!!!" Azeema scream out her name. And for her to shout this much,definitely Azeena has done something terrible
"Zeena!!!" She screamed again
Yusuf is right, the two twins are really troubles
"TWINS!!! " we both said with a sigh at the same time. But nevertheless,I still love them a lot and will always do
The End