CHAPTER 3 : NEWS

The hospital doors stood ajar in the hush of a quiet Monday morning. It was a day of lesser rush, and the silence was profound. A few staff members meandered about, tidying up, while the administrators idly played games on their computers. Then, breaking through the stillness, the sound of a Fortuner pulling into the parking lot echoed through the walls. Behind it, two Hilux trucks—one black, one white—rolled to a halt.

The Fortuner's door opened to reveal a man in his mid-fifties. He carried an air of quiet authority, his silver-streaked hair catching the sunlight, turning gold as he gestured to a young boy—his driver's son—to lock and park the car. With a graceful ease, he turned to the passenger side, extending his hand. A woman, radiant in her beauty, took it and stepped out. Her pale skin glowed in the morning light, her striking blue eyes mirroring Saaira's. Her hair was neatly pleated into a bun, and the sequins of her saree shimmered with every movement. The hospital staff, momentarily forgetting their duties, paused to stare. Who had arrived at the hospital dressed as if for a wedding? The guard, unimpressed, regarded the scene with impatience.

As the Fortuner was guided aside by the young boy, the black Hilux's door swung open, and Aasiya stepped out. She moved towards the passenger side as Saad emerged, slipping an arm around her with ease. Together, they opened the backseat door, revealing an elderly man. His once-dark hair had faded to pure white, his skin wrinkled and weathered like the textured surface of a crocodile. Slowly, he climbed out, steadying himself with his staff.

"Aray, Ghulam Chacha!"

From afar, Mr. Bleebsbry called out, his wife, Grace, standing near the hospital stairs. Aasiya and Saad smiled warmly, supporting Ghulam Chacha as they made their way forward.

Mr. Bleebsbry strode up to him and embraced him with heartfelt enthusiasm.

"How have you been?"

"By Allah's grace, I am well, Saheb," Ghulam Chacha replied. "And you?"

"Alhamdulillah! By His mercy, all is well. You look quite dashing today, Ghulam."

"My daughter insisted I wear this sherwani. I hear we are to receive some wonderful news today."

"Yes," Bleebsbry mused. "Grace and the children have a surprise for us, though I'm still unsure why it involves the hospital."

"Well, I suppose we shall have to wait and see." Grace smiled knowingly as she stepped down the stairs.

"Hey, Aasiya, my child," she laughed, pulling her into a warm hug.

"Our Aasiya has grown so beautiful, hasn't she, Bleebsbry?"

"Oh, indeed she has, my love. A beauty beyond measure. And MashaAllah, she is so intelligent and kind. Ghulam, you have raised a true gem."

Bleebsbry placed a gentle hand on Aasiya's head, and she smiled.

"My Saad and my Aasiya are the lights of my eyes, Bleebsbry. I don't know what I would do without them."

"Saad, too, is my most handsome and courageous son," Bleebsbry added, turning to him. "I am so grateful to have such charming children."

Saad smiled shyly.

"Now, where are my other two gems?"

"Yes, Ami Jaan, where is Saaira? I thought she was arriving with you."

"She was, but then Akram arrived and insisted on bringing her himself. He wanted to make the surprise more authentic—and had a few errands to run as well."

"Oh..."

"Akram is quite generous when it comes to money," Bleebsbry mused. "I've always tried to teach him to save, but he never listens."

"He does it all for our Saaira. And he is always there for her—a truly humble boy," Ghulam Chacha added.

Aasiya glanced around, then smiled. "There they are."

The doors of the white Hilux opened, and out stepped akram. He walked to the passenger side, opening the door with an effortless gesture. Saaira took his extended hand, stepping out with grace. Spotting everyone, she waved excitedly. At that moment, Akram pulled her into an embrace, whispering something into her ear. She smiled, gently stroking his face. Then, still holding Saaira's hand, Akram reached into the car, retrieving a large basket overflowing with pink and white balloons, fresh flowers, and little gift boxes.

"Saaira, my girl!"

Bleebsbry moved forward, his arms open wide. Vikram, sensing the moment, slowly let go of her hand, though his eyes never strayed from her.

"Akram..." Grace approached, and Akram greeted her with a warm hug.

"Hey, Ammi Jaan."

"What is all this?" she asked, eyeing the extravagant display.

"A small welcoming present. InshaAllah, the news will be in our favor."

"I hope so too, but shouldn't we leave some things to fate?"

"Fate is always on our side, Ammi Jaan. We just have to reach out and seize it."

Grace stroked Akram's face, smiling. "So positive, my Akray."

Laughter drew everyone's attention as Saaira and Bleebsbry shared a joke. Saaira then turned, embracing Grace tightly before running to Aasiya and hugging her with excitement.

"I'm so excited," she whispered between giggles.

Aasiya laughed. "Me too."

"Look what Akram got me."

Saaira held out a delicate metallic chain with a heart-shaped charm. The charm was engraved with the initials A.S.

"What is this?" Aasiya asked, examining it.

"A charm necklace with our initials. Akram says it'll always make us feel close, no matter what. He has one too."

"Lovely..." Aasiya murmured.

"Excuse me, are you all here for an appointment?"

The guard, unsettled by the gathering, finally spoke up.

"Yes, we have an appointment with Dr. Blackford."

"Do you have a prior booking?"

"Yes," Grace replied smoothly. "My daughters are regular patients of hers."

"Right this way to the lobby, ma'am."

"Dr. Blackford?" Bleebsbry frowned. "Is everything alright, Grace?"

"Of course. This is just part of the surprise."

She extended her hands towards Aasiya and Saaira, pulling them close as they ascended the steps, the rest following behind.

Noticing Saaira's slight frown, Grace squeezed her hand. "Positive vibes only, my girl! InshaAllah, the news will bring us the greatest joy."

Saaira smiled and nodded, and together, they disappeared into the hospital doors.