Three months have passed since the storms, conflicts, and intense trials of their love. Their life is now stable in that desired sanctuary of peace.
Near the vast sea, where the ultimate oath of their love was sworn, is a quiet, simple apartment. This is now the small world of Ira and Onik. There is no more hiding in their lives, only deep mutual reliance.
It is now the present, 3 months later.
As a result of their long struggle and Onik's firm resolve, Onik now has a government job. He goes to work in the morning and returns home in the evening. His job has provided the foundation for their life, helping them cope with the rejection received from society.
Silence reigns in the house. Afternoon is turning into evening. Soft light filters through the window curtains.
Ira is sitting. A gentle smile is on her face. She is leaning back in a comfortable chair, and her attention is completely focused on the life inside her.
Ira is holding her stomach, because she is 6 months pregnant.
Due to six months of motherhood, her belly is now round and prominent. She gently strokes her stomach, and her eyes reflect profound peace. Because they live near the sea, the soft roar of the ocean drifted repeatedly through the window—no longer a symbol of fear, but the new rhythm of their life.
Ira (Whispering while stroking her belly): "How are you, my darling? Papa has arrived... Today, I will tell you a new story."
Just then, the sound of keys turning in the lock was heard at the door.
Onik (Entering the room, smiling): "How are my two darlings? My government duty is finished!"
He knelt beside his wife, forgetting the strictness of his official uniform. He put his ear to Ira's stomach.
Onik (Softly): "How was the day for you and our little rebel?"
Ira laughed and kissed Onik's damp hair on his forehead. Their life story is no longer one of conflict—now it is only about this child and their eternal love.
The Alarming Pain
Ira, who had been calm just moments ago, suddenly showed clear signs of pain on her face. Her gentle hands on her stomach seemed to want to press harder.
Ira (In a tired and pained voice): "I don't know... I don't feel well. My stomach hurts. I can't bear it anymore."
Onik's smile vanished instantly. All the strictness and responsibility of his government job disappeared in a moment. He quickly stood up from his kneeling position. Now, only fear and deep concern were visible in his eyes.
Onik (Rapidly, with intense worry in his voice): "What are you saying, Ira! Your stomach hurts? Since when? Why didn't you tell me?"
He quickly sat beside Ira and grabbed her hand. Feeling Ira's cold hand, Onik's anxiety increased further.
Onik (Hurriedly grasping her): "Come on, not another moment. No talk. We have to go to the hospital right now. I cannot watch you suffer like this."
Onik quickly grabbed his phone, but his eyes were still fixed on Ira's face.
Onik (Carefully helping her stand): "Be calm, Ira. Don't be afraid. We have endured such a great storm; this is nothing compared to that. I am beside you. Nothing will happen to us. You just stay strong for our little warrior."
Onik quickly put something on Ira's hands, composed himself, and prepared to lift her into his arms. This new battle had begun—but this time, they were not alone.
The Race to the Hospital
There was no longer any fatigue in Onik's eyes, only a furious pace. Completely forgetting his government identity or job for this moment, he was fighting only for his wife and child.
Then Onik took out his own car.
Carefully carrying Ira, Onik took the steering wheel himself. Their car sped rapidly toward the hospital along the silent night roads of Cox's Bazar. Ira leaned back in the seat, eyes closed in pain, while Onik constantly encouraged her.
"Just a little further, Ira! We've almost arrived. Don't worry at all, I'm right beside you."
Reaching the hospital's emergency department, Onik almost ran to get Ira inside. All formalities were quickly completed. Nurses took Ira to the delivery room in a wheelchair. Onik paced anxiously outside, his mind sending prayers to God.
Within moments, the door of the delivery room opened, and the doctor came out.
Doctor (Calm but serious): "Mr. Onik, are you Ira's husband? Her condition is not very good. It is not normal for labour pain to start this early, at six months. We are examining her now, but did you consult a doctor about this?"
Onik (Almost panting): "No, Doctor... I mean, yes! Regular checkups were done. But suddenly..."
Doctor: "Be that as it may. It seems both of you have been under severe stress. Anyway, we are trying. You should calm down, and your wife is very brave; she is fighting. We will inform you."
The doctor returned to the delivery room. Onik stood alone in the hospital corridor, the memory of Ira's wet kiss in his hand and their underwater oath in his heart.
Inside the Crisis
The hospital room was brightly lit with white light, but intense anxiety reigned there. Ira was restless due to the agony.
Then Ira cried.
Tears flowed incessantly from her eyes. She was not only in pain but afraid—what if the proof of their love was lost prematurely after all this struggle? She lay on the bed, holding her stomach, only whispering Onik's name.
The doctor and nurses quickly began the examination. The doctor was examining Ira's physical condition.
Doctor (To the nurses, in a calm but quick voice): "Check vitals. Is there any bleeding? No, but the contractions are increasing very rapidly. Going into early labour is dangerous."
The doctor then looked at Ira.
Doctor: "Ira, look at me. I know you are in a lot of pain. But you must remain absolutely calm. Don't be afraid. You are a very brave girl. We are trying to stop this pain. It is essential for you and your child. Have you forgotten about Mr. Onik? Be strong!"
Though Ira might not have fully heard the doctor's words, her comfort gave her the courage to fight anew. Onik outside and Ira inside—both were now facing the biggest test of their lives.
The Medical Resolution
The doctor quickly looked at the nurses and gave instructions.
Doctor (To the nurses): "Quickly! Give her the I.V. Start the dosage of Magnesium Sulfate. We must stop the contractions immediately, or saving the baby will be difficult. Keep her on absolute bed rest."
The nurses quickly made arrangements. After the medication entered her system, Ira's intense pain slowly began to subside. Her body became exhausted, but her internal struggle was temporarily halted. Ira closed her eyes in fatigue.
Onik in the Corridor
After about twenty minutes, the doctor came out of the delivery room. Onik was sitting in the corridor, head in his hands. Seeing the doctor, he sprang up as if electrocuted.
Onik (Almost shouting): "Doctor! How is Ira? My baby... is everything okay?"
Doctor (In a calm manner): "Mr. Onik, please sit down. This is very important for both of you."
The doctor gently pulled Onik closer.
Doctor: "Your wife is fine now. We were able to stop the contractions. The baby is safe for now. However... since this started at six months, we will keep her on complete bed rest. She will have to stay in the hospital from now on so we can monitor her 24 hours a day."
Onik (Lowering his head in distress): "Thank you, Doctor. But why did this happen? Why suddenly..."
Doctor (In a kind voice): "I asked, Mr. Onik. You and your wife have gone through tremendous mental stress and anxiety. This type of early labour pain is usually the result of that stress. You should have been very calm during this period."
Onik bowed his head in shame. Before his eyes flashed their argument, the four months of silence, and the extreme rejection from their parents. Their child was now paying the price for their love.
Doctor: "Anyway, no more worrying now. She wanted to talk to you very quickly. Go, give her courage. She will fall asleep soon."
Onik quickly nodded and headed toward the delivery room.
The Embrace of Love
Onik went inside and saw Ira lying with her eyes closed. The machines beside her were humming softly. There was a look of peace on her face, but that peace had been achieved at the cost of much suffering.
Onik gently sat beside Ira. Pushing her wet hair aside, Onik placed his hand on her forehead.
Onik (Whispering): "You fought, Ira. You won again. I will not let you suffer anymore, my Queen."
Ira opened her eyes. They were filled with tears.
Ira (In a weak voice): "Onik... I was so scared. I was afraid our... our story would end..."
Onik (Holding Ira's hand tightly): "Never. Our story has just begun, Ira. We swore an oath underwater. Our child will see everything. Now, just rest. I am by your side."
Onik pulled a chair closer and sat holding Ira's hand. Outside, a new day had begun, and their life now held only stability and love.
The Call of Forgiveness
Just as Ira had finally drifted into deep, peaceful sleep, Onik's mother called.
Onik quickly reached into his pocket. His heart jumped when he saw his mother's name on the screen. Why was his mother calling at this difficult time, after so many months? He quickly answered the call and carefully stepped out of the room to talk so as not to wake Ira.
Onik (Keeping his voice as normal as possible, in a suppressed tone): "Hello, Ma."
Mother (From the other side, with worry in her voice): "Onik! Where are you? Are you alright? Why was your phone off for so long? Listen, your father... he is very remorseful. He is looking for you repeatedly. Where are you both?"
Onik's dam broke. All the pressure, fear, and hospital anxiety that he had suppressed for months instantly choked his throat. He could no longer hide it.
Onik (Crying, with a broken voice): "Ma, I... I'm in Cox's Bazar. I'm here at a hospital."
Mother (Shrieking in panic): "Hospital! What happened? Did something happen to you? Where is Ira? What are you saying?"
Onik: "Ma, Ira is not well. She... she is six months pregnant. And this morning, her labour pain started. The doctors have stopped it for now. But she is in great danger, Ma. She is sleeping now. We are terrified."
A silent, intense sob came from the mother's side for a few moments.
Mother (In a trembling voice): "Six months... my grandchild... And I did this to you! Listen, don't you worry at all. I made a mistake. Your father made a mistake too. We are coming right now, Onik. Money, good doctors—we will take care of everything. Just promise me you won't leave Ira. We are coming."
Onik (With wet eyes): "Okay, Ma. We will wait for you."
Onik hung up the phone. There were tears in his eyes, but this time, those tears were not of fear, but of a new hope. The tide of their difficult story had turned. The family had perhaps finally bowed down to their love.
The Tears of Release
When Onik returned to the room after finishing the call with his mother, his eyes were red. His mind was grateful for his mother's impending help and love, but burdened by Ira's suffering.
He slowly sat down in the chair beside Ira's bed. Onik extended his hand and gently touched Ira's forehead.
Exactly at that moment, even though Ira was still in a deep sleep/sedation, the muscles in her hand tightened.
Then Ira cried, holding Onik's hand.
She may not have been fully awake, but the assurance of Onik's presence, or the feeling that the pressure from the outside world was lifting—everything combined to give her subconscious mind relief. Two warm drops of tears rolled from Ira's eyes, tracing down her cheeks and soaking into the pillow.
Ira seemed to ask with silent tears: 'Is everything alright?'
Onik quickly understood. This crying was not of fear; it was the crying of liberation. He gently held the hand of Ira's that was tightly gripping his own.
Onik (In a very soft voice, close to Ira's ear): "Everything is alright, my warrior. Everything is fixed now. Our mother is coming. Maybe your father too. We won, Ira. You and your child are completely safe now."
Onik sat silently, holding Ira's hand. There was no more rush, no more fear. Dawn had broken outside, and now there was only stability and love in their lives.