Her legs ran faster than her mind as she looked at the alarming scene unfolding but shook her head mentally preparing herself in the rush.
                          
If that was even possible. 
                          
Ruqia wailed in pain and sweat covered her forehead as Jahanara saw no one except Yusra who struggled to hold Ru while the maid was phoning someone but before that Danish came forward to Jahanara disappointed It should have been Shehraz. 
                          
Without wasting a minute Danish sprinted towards Ruqia picking her up while Aisha took the prepared maternity bag from the cupboard running behind him. 
                          
"Where is Shehraz?" Questioned Jahanara calmly looking at a panic-stricken Yusra as her eyes snapped towards Jahanara. 
                          
"Uh yeah call Shehraz," she stated looking elsewhere her body shook with fear. Jahanara pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger striding towards Yusra placing her hands on her shoulder.
                          
"Yusra listen to me stay with Mom," she nodded but stayed still. "Now," Jahanara hissed running towards her room and grabbed the phone.
                          
After a few rings, he picked."Hello?" Shehraz said. She pulled her shawl and supported the phone with her shoulder quickly running down the stairs.
                          
"Ruqia is in labour, come hurry up," she shut the call yelling at the servants who stood there to lock the gates as she ran outside ordering the driver to drop her at the hospital. Her heart hammered against her chest as she screwed her eyes shut, sending a silent prayer. 
                          
"Allah, please keep Ruqia and the baby safe," she whispered, tightening her shawl and bouncing her legs in nervousness. Finally, the city hospital came in view as she ran almost tripping on her way. 
                          
It was all coming back to her but that was not important the situation now had prevented her traumatic memories to reappear. 
                          
Seeing the worried lines struck on Danish forehead was not easing her restless heart. As she neared them. 
                          
"What did the doctor say?" I asked.
                          
"It's been a few minutes we will get to know," He started staring in space while Aliyah quietly sat beside her husband having a restless feeling but anger was boiling and crossing the limits of her patient.
                          
"Where is Shehraz? He is supposed to be here," Aliya stated the obvious. "He is in Karachi for work and her due date is next week," He informed leaning backside but stood up announcing he was going to offer prayer. 
                          
Jahanara gripped her sweaty hands and bit her lips and occupied the place Danish sat once. Neither of them spoke a word. Given the situation, it was just them drowning with their thoughts.
                          
The clock ticked away but nothing was keeping them in check as they waited for a while believing this was going to be okay. Jahanara felt bad that it happened at an odd time where Shehraz was not present. A middle-aged woman came out with a mask and white coat approaching these worried beings. 
                          
Aliyah first noticed standing up rushing towards the doctor followed by Jahanara who stood beside her. 
                          
"Doctor How's Ruqia and the baby?" Aliya rambled while Danish also came after a few minutes, everyone wanting the answers so today they could sleep peacefully. 
                          
"The baby is alri-" Aliyah gasped in genuine happiness not allowing the doctor to complete but Jahan saw the doctor's eyes which were the ones filled with. 
                          
Sorrow.
                          
"We are sorry the mother couldn't make it," she informed me. Aliyah's face dropped and Danish's grasp on her tightened with wide eyes. Jahanara took a step back, placing her hand on the wall before her legs gave out. 
                          
Tears stung behind her eyes but never escaped while Aliyah sobbed in Danish arms but the shock on his face was not gone unnoticed.
                          
Suddenly time slowed and the background voices began to fade away. Aliyah's loud cries Danish trying to console her. Aisha covered her scarf turning away not being able to hold it in. The upcoming headache signalled Jahanara of a traumatic death again she had to face as she turned around but instantly regretted it.
                          
What broke her heart into billions of pieces was the silver lining of pain that struck on Shehraz face. 
                          
Those who are left to deal with the pain of their loved ones are those who suffer the most. 
                          
Shehraz Ahmed's tears streamed down his face; the black coat over his kameez had dry droplets on its shoulder blended with the colour black you wouldn't be able to catch sight of. Jahanara stood as he came forward, sucking a breath shaking his head.
                          
"No doctor, it must be a mistake, how can my Ruqia leave me? She was perfectly fine, no it's unbelievable," he laughed dryly. Jahanara felt the chills and was terrified of his behaviour.
                          
Being in denial. 
                          
The doctor's eyes softened, aware of this, turning her back towards them. Danish made a trembling Aliyah sit while taking a hold of his brother. 
                          
"Bhai yeh Pagal ho gay hai sab say Kuch Nahi hai! ( They have gone mad. It's nothing like that)'' His tone was high pitched, his brown eyes now dead and hidden in the layers of immense pain. 
                          
"My Ruqia, wait I am going to her," He struggled against Danish grip almost ripping his arms apart and walked before it could any worse Jahanara stood blocking his path. As if his eyes forgot that she was also here but who was she to stop him.
                          
"Move!" He whispered in a low dangerous voice. "Ruqia is no longer with us," The words stabbed his heart in. The stormy eyes against the sorrow melted in his brown orbs as she held his arms, tightening her grip. 
                          
Shehraz couldn't believe it, not now, not ever. Jahanara left his arms stepping back and looking away when she remembered and that's when tears rolled down her eyes. The baby had lost her mother on the day she was born.
                          
Her birth is the joy while her mother's death is the sadness.