Rida's pov ── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆
I stood on the balcony, the cool night breeze brushing against my skin as I stared up at the moon. It was so peaceful, so serene—almost like it was mocking the chaos inside my heart. A small, sad smile tugged at my lips as memories flooded back. I remembered standing in this exact spot not so long ago, staring down at the street below where Zayd stood, dressed as my groom. The music, the lights, the joy on his face when our eyes met. It was perfect—everything I had ever dreamed of. For a moment, I was the happiest woman alive. But then, in the blink of an eye, everything shattered.
I clenched the note Zayd had given me, the paper crumpling under my fist as his words rang in my mind:
"Hell no, I'm not the father of her child. She's forcing me to do things I don't want to."
My eyes traced those lines again, over and over, but no matter how many times I read it, I couldn't tell if they were the truth or just another lie.
Was Nida really lying? My heart wanted to believe Zayd, but my mind couldn't ignore the betrayal I felt. Everything was so tangled, so confusing. But one thing was clear—I needed answers.
I sighed, leaning against the balcony railing as an idea slowly formed in my mind. "I need to find out the truth," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of the trees below. I pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up my face in the darkness as I scrolled through my contacts until I found Nida's name. My thumb hovered over the call button for a moment before I pressed it, bringing the phone to my ear.
The line rang, and I waited, my heart pounding. After a few rings, she picked up. "Hello, Rida?"
I took a deep breath, trying to sound casual. "Hey Nida, how are you?"
Her voice softened. "I'm fine, Ridu. What about you?"
"I'm fine too," I replied, forcing a lightness into my tone. "I called to ask... did you go for any appointments yet?"
There was a pause, and then Nida replied, "No... why?"
I felt a small smirk forming as I leaned back against the wall. "How can you be so careless, Nida? You should get yourself checked to know about the baby's health. Be ready tomorrow—we'll go for your appointment, okay?"
There was a smile in her voice when she spoke again. "Thanks, Ridu. You're the best aunt to my baby. I love you!"
"Love you too, bye." I hung up the call, my fingers trembling slightly as I placed my phone back in my pocket. I took a deep breath, staring at the moon again. The night felt colder, heavier, but I knew what I had to do.
"Tomorrow, I'll get her DNA test secretly," I whispered to myself, the determination building inside me. "Then all the truth will come out."
With that thought in mind, I sent a quick text to Ahad, asking him to meet me at the hospital. I needed to get his DNA test as well.
I heard the soft sound of footsteps behind me, and without even turning, I knew it was Umar. He always had this familiar way of walking, like he was trying to sneak up on me but never could. He came to stand beside me, leaning against the railing before wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "I hope you're not mad at me for getting angry there," he said, his voice gentle.
I glanced up at him, offering a small smile. "Why would I be mad at you, Umar?"
He raised his eyebrows, a surprised look on his face. "So, you're not mad? Haha, I thought you were gonna break my teeth like you always did back then whenever you got mad."
I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. "Those were different times. We were kids, and you used to annoy me on purpose." I shook my head, a hint of laughter still in my voice.
He gave me a playful grin. "I just worry about you and Nida, that's all."
His words softened me, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "I know you do, and I love you for that."
Umar's smirk grew wider. "I got to hear that before your husband could."
I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my shoulder. "Shut up!" But I couldn't hide the smile that tugged at my lips.
"Come on, we haven't even talked properly since you came back," I said, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the chairs on the balcony. He let out a chuckle as he let me drag him along. We both sat down, and I felt a sense of comfort that only he could bring—like everything would be okay for a moment.
"So, tell me," I began, raising an eyebrow at him. "Do you have any girlfriend in Germany? Or do you love someone?"
Umar's cheeks turned a faint pink, and I didn't miss the way he tried to look away. My smirk grew wider. "Oh my God, I knew it! Who is she? Tell me everything—I need all the details!"
"It's nobody, Bunbun!" he protested, using the nickname he always called me since we were kids.
I pouted, "No, tell me. Since when did you start hiding things from me, Umar?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You never change." He sighed, pretending to give in. "Fine, I'll tell you... but only in your ear."
I felt a rush of excitement and leaned in, tilting my head so my ear was at his level. "Okay, tell me!"
Just as I was getting ready to hear his secret, Umar leaned in and then screamed as loud as he could, right in my ear. I flinched, completely caught off guard. "Ahh! Umar, you idiot!" I glared at him as he burst into laughter, jumping out of his chair and taking off down the balcony.
"You're so dead, Umar ke bache!" I yelled, grabbing the closest cushion and launching it at him as he ran. He dodged it, still laughing as he dashed inside. I chased after him, the sound of our laughter filling the room. For a moment, all the heaviness in my heart disappeared, and it felt like we were kids again, playing our usual games.
———
"What?" Ahad's voice echoed in disbelief as we stood near the entrance of the hospital. "Nida is forcing Zayd to be the father of her child?"
I nodded, though my heart felt heavy with uncertainty. "Yeah, I think so. But I'm not sure yet, that's why I called you here—to get a DNA test. Nida should be arriving soon." My eyes darted around, and I could feel the nervousness building in my chest. This was a huge risk, but I had to know the truth.
We entered the doctor's cabin, the familiar smell of antiseptic filling my nose. Dr. Ahmed, an old acquaintance, greeted me with a polite smile. "Hello, Miss Rida. Please, take a seat."
I managed a small smile back, grateful for his warmth. "Hello, Dr. Ahmed."
Ahad and I sat down, and as the doctor settled into his chair, he asked, "So, Miss Rida, tell me, what brings you here today?"
I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "Um, doctor, I want to know... is it possible to do a DNA test before the birth of a baby? We need to know who the father is." I felt my throat tighten as I continued, hoping he wouldn't judge me for the request. "My sister is four weeks pregnant. I want to get her DNA tested without her knowing, because she's... not willing to do it herself. So, tell me, is it possible before the baby's birth? And is it safe?"
Dr. Ahmed nodded, his face serious as he listened intently. "Of course, it's safe, Miss Rida, but a DNA test can only be done when the pregnancy is at least nine weeks along. Before that, it's not possible."
Ahad's face fell. "So, it's not possible now?"
The doctor shook his head. "No, unfortunately, we have to wait until she's nine weeks pregnant before we can perform the test."
Frustration bubbled inside me, and I let out a groan. Nine weeks felt like an eternity when all I wanted was clarity. What if Nida was lying? What if Zayd was being unfairly dragged into this nightmare? I ran my hand through my hair, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. "I don't know what to do now..." I muttered, standing up from the chair.
Ahad followed, concern etched on his face. "What will you do now, Rida?"
I shrugged, my shoulders heavy. "I don't know... For now, just go home. There's nothing more we can do."
Ahad sighed and nodded, before he turned to leave. "Okay, then."
I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, tapping my foot anxiously against the cool tile floor of the hospital corridor. "Why isn't she here yet?" I mumbled under my breath, glancing at the clock on the wall. Nida was never late; if anything, she was always too punctual. Something wasn't right, and my gut told me to follow the feeling.
Impatient, I stepped out of the doctor's cabin, letting the door close softly behind me. As I made my way down the hallway, I halted abruptly, my eyes narrowing as I spotted Ahad and Nida together. When did she arrive? I wondered, frowning as I watched them. And what are they talking about?
I pressed myself against the wall, my heart racing. It felt wrong, spying on my own sister, but something inside me urged me to stay hidden. I needed to know what was going on.
From my vantage point, I saw Nida's face pale when she noticed Ahad. "What are you doing here?" she hissed, her voice filled with frustration.
Ahad stepped closer, his eyes softening as he reached out towards her, aiming to touch the small bump that had just begun to show. But Nida swatted his hand away, glaring at him like he was a stranger. "What are you doing, huh? Will you stop following me everywhere I go? Get a life, Ahad!" She rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with irritation.
Ahad's expression was one of pain, but there was a steely determination behind it. "My child... why are you trying to separate me from my own child?"
Nida's eyes flashed with anger. "It's not your child, Ahad!"
He stared at her, disbelief and fury simmering in his gaze. "Liar! That's my child, and I'll expose your true colors in front of everyone."
Nida scoffed, crossing her arms. "In your dreams."
"Soon, Nida. Soon all your lies will be exposed, and that day isn't far." His voice was low, dark, and it sent a shiver down my spine. For a moment, Nida's confident facade wavered as she swallowed hard, her eyes flickering with fear.
I didn't think twice. My hands fumbled as I quickly pulled out my phone, my fingers shaking as I hit the record button. I need to get this on tape. Every instinct screamed that this was the truth I'd been looking for.
Nida's voice softened, taking on a pleading tone. "Please, Ahad, stop bothering me. If you want money, I can give you as much as you want—just leave me alone!"
Ahad's face twisted with anger, and he took a step back, shaking his head. "I don't want anything except—" He paused, his eyes darting in my direction. Our eyes met for a split second, and a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. I frowned. Why is he smirking?
"Fine," he said, his tone suddenly lighter. "So, you're ready to give me money to leave you alone, right?"
Nida's expression shifted, relief washing over her. "Yes, yes! As much money as you want. Just... disappear."
I stared in disbelief, the phone still recording in my trembling hands. What the hell is going on?
Ahad nodded, his eyes flashing with a glimmer of something I couldn't place. "Alright, then. If you give me as much money as I want, I promise you won't see me again." He made it sound so casual, but I knew there was something more to his words. Something didn't feel right.
Nida's face lit up, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Wait, really? O-okay, I'll arrange the money soon."
I couldn't help the soft whisper that escaped me. "What the hell is going on?"
Nida turned to Ahad, urgency in her voice. "Now, leave before Rida comes."
Ahad nodded but didn't move. Instead, he said, "Yes, I'll go... but can you tell the truth now?"
Nida's brow furrowed. "What truth?"
Ahad tilted his head, his eyes locking onto hers. "I want to hear it from your mouth, Nida. Tell me it's my child. After this, I'll leave forever. I promise."
Nida looked around, scanning the hallway as if afraid someone would overhear. Then she sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Fine... it's your child, Ahad. I'm pregnant with your child."
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A/N
It's all lies darling
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