A man like khalid

Chapter 8

Nadeen couldn't believe that Khalid was willing to take care of a child that was not his. She wondered if he was doing this out of love or simply a sense of duty. Despite her confusion, she sensed Khalid's honesty and sincerity. His eyes briefly darkened with pain whenever the topic of the baby arose, but he would immediately pull Nadeen closer, his actions speaking louder than words.

That evening, they prepared to visit Khalid's parents. As they arrived, Khalid's mother, Sakina, greeted them warmly. She loved Nadeen like her own daughter, and his father shared the same sentiment. During the visit, Sakina, who had once been a nurse, noticed Nadeen's condition. She delicately asked Nadeen if she was pregnant. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nadeen couldn't bring herself to confirm it, fearing the truth about the baby's paternity.

Later, Sakina asked Khalid directly. He confirmed that Nadeen was indeed pregnant. The family rejoiced, oblivious to the underlying tension.

On the way home, Nadeen sat in silence, her mind swirling with thoughts. Eventually, she sighed and turned to Khalid. "Khalid, I am two months pregnant, and our marriage is not even two months old. How are we going to explain this?"

Khalid kept his eyes on the road, his voice steady. "Nadeen, we'll figure it out. Let's focus on taking care of you and the baby for now."

Nadeen forced a smile, trying to hide her anxiety. "Okay, I'll try not to overthink. Just tell me what to do."

Khalid's face brightened. "Why don't we start by getting some ice cream? I'm sure the baby wants something sweet."

She chuckled, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. "Okay, Dr. Khalid, let's have some ice cream."

They stopped at a cozy ice cream parlor. Khalid ordered a double scoop of vanilla for himself and a strawberry cone for Nadeen. As they sat outside under the warm evening sky, Khalid watched Nadeen closely. Her eyes sparkled as she savored each bite, and he couldn't help but smile at her innocence.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" Khalid asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Nadeen nodded, her lips curving into a smile. "Yes, you visited Ishaq at our house. I remember how you helped me when I felt uncomfortable."

Khalid reached across the table, gently brushing a stray hair from her face. "I knew then that I wanted to protect you, no matter what."

Her heart fluttered at his words. She reached for his hand, their fingers intertwining. "Thank you, Khalid. For everything."

He lifted her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles. "I'll always be here for you, Nadeen."

Their intimate moment was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Nadeen!" They turned to see Zeenat approaching, her face twisted with anger. Ishaq followed closely behind.

"You stupid i***t! How dare you accuse my husband of abusing you? I opened my house for you, I took care of you, and this is how you repay me?" Zeenat's voice was filled with venom.

Nadeen was momentarily stunned, trying to process Zeenat's words. "Addah Zeenat, Ishaq is cheating on you. That's why I didn't want to tell you. I knew you wouldn't believe me."

Zeenat's face turned red with fury. "You are shameless, Nadeen. How could you say that about my Ishaq?"

Ishaq tried to hold Zeenat back, but she shook him off and moved closer to Nadeen. "Let me talk, Ishaq. No one dares accuse you of something so harsh."

"Addah, you know I wouldn't lie to you. You know me well," Nadeen pleaded.

Without warning, Zeenat's hand flew, landing a stinging slap on Nadeen's cheek. Khalid quickly stepped in, holding Nadeen protectively. His eyes blazed with anger, but he controlled himself, respecting Zeenat as his elder.

"I think you should take your wife and leave. And I swear, you'll regret slapping her," Khalid warned Ishaq, his voice cold and firm. He led Nadeen away as curious onlookers watched the scene unfold.

By the car, Nadeen hugged Khalid, tears streaming down her face. He gently placed her into the car and drove home in silence. That night, as Nadeen lay in bed, she couldn't sleep. The confrontation with Zeenat replayed in her mind, making her heart ache.

Khalid lay in his room, his thoughts consumed by Nadeen's pain. He heard a soft knock on his door and called out, "Come in."

Nadeen entered, wearing a short sleeping gown. She had grown comfortable around Khalid, feeling safe in his presence. "Can I sleep here tonight?" she asked quietly.

"Of course, come here, darling," Khalid replied, opening his arms.

She climbed into bed beside him, snuggling close. They lay in silence, but Khalid could feel her trembling. "Can I cuddle you?" he asked softly. She nodded, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

In the middle of the night, Khalid woke to the sound of Nadeen sobbing. He gently shook her awake, his heart breaking at the sight of her tears. "Nadeen, what's wrong?" he whispered, stroking her hair.

She cried harder, her body shaking. "It's Zeenat. Her words... they hurt so much."

Khalid held her close, whispering soothing words until her sobs subsided. At 3 a.m., he got up to perform ablution and pray Tahajjud. Nadeen decided to join him, seeking solace in prayer.

As they prayed together, a sense of peace washed over Nadeen. She felt Khalid's unwavering support and knew she wasn't alone in this struggle. When they finished, he took her hand, and they made dua together, asking for strength and guidance.

They returned to bed, and this time, Nadeen fell asleep almost instantly, feeling safe and loved in Khalid's arms. Khalid watched her for a while, his heart swelling with love and determination. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them with Nadeen by his side.