Realisation

The first rays of dawn filtered through the hospital corridor as Maira's father was finally shifted from the ICU to a private VIP cabin. His vitals had stabilized, and the doctors assured them that with proper rest, he would recover soon.

Maira, however, wasn't pleased when she saw the luxurious hospital room. The plush seating, the large window overlooking the city, and the personal nurse station, it was all too much.

"This is unnecessary", she muttered, crossing her arms as she turned to Zahid, who stood beside her with his usual stoic face.
"A general ward would have been fine. The hospital is expensive enough as it is, why waste money on this?",

Zahid shot her a look, sharp and unyielding. "Maira, not now",
"But-",
"I said not now", he cut her off, his tone firm, leaving no room for argument. "He is staying here, and that's final",

Maira clenched her jaw. It wasn't about comfort, it was about practicality. But arguing with Zahid was like hitting a brick wall. He did what he wanted, regardless of what she said.

She exhaled sharply, looking away. "Fine. Do whatever you want. You always do anyway",

Zahid didn't respond, but she felt the weight of his gaze on her before he walked past her, his attention back on the doctor discussing her father's condition.

Maira sat down near the bed, gripping her father's hand softly. She should have been annoyed, maybe even frustrated. But as she watched Zahid handling everything so efficiently, speaking to doctors, ensuring every little detail was taken care of, she found herself unable to hold onto her irritation.

Because no matter how controlling and stubborn he was, he had done this for her father.

A few hours later..

The soft murmur of voices and the occasional beep of the machines filled the hospital room. Maira had barely closed her eyes when the door creaked open, and Zahid's parents walked in, looking visibly concerned, followed the man himself.

"How is he now", Zahid's father asked as he approached the bed.
Maira's mother, Amina smiled, wiping away a stray tear.
"Alhamdulillah, he's stable now",
Maisha was beside her immediately, embracing her by the shoulder, providing her the needed comfort.

Taha placed a warm fatherly hand on maira's head who leaned into his embrace. "He would be fine, my dearest", the elder man said tenderly as Maira nodded against his chest.

As they spoke, Maira's father stirred awake, his voice slightly hoarse but full of warmth.
"Why does everyone look so serious? I'm still alive, you know",

Maira let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding, relief washing over her like a tide.
"Papa..", her voice wavered as she reached for his hand. Her mother mother was beside him almost immediately.

Her father gave her a tired yet reassuring smile, his grip weak but warm. "I'm fine, love. No need to be so worried",

She swallowed the lump in her throat, nodding. But before she could say anything else, he turned his gaze toward Zahid.

"Son, thank you for everything. You have done more than enough",

Zahid, who had been standing near the window, shifted uncomfortably at the sudden attention. His posture stiffened, his fingers curling slightly at his sides. He gave a short nod, his voice gruff when he finally spoke.
"It was nothing",

"It was his responsibility as your son, no need to thank him", Taha said with a hint of firmness in his tone. Danish just chuckled lowly knowing, Taha could be strict with his son when needed.