Onik was still sitting quietly, holding Ira's hand, after reassuring her when she cried in her sleep. Just at that moment, his phone rang again.
Onik quickly looked at the screen. This time, his breath nearly stopped. The name flashing on the screen was: 'Ira's Mom'.
The person he had so desperately wanted beside them for support was calling in this crucial moment. Onik cautiously stepped out of the room again, standing behind the door.
Then Ira's Mom called.
Onik (Softly, suppressing emotion): "Hello, Aunty."
Ira's Mom (In a trembling voice, like someone who hadn't slept for many nights): "Onik... son... where are you? Don't hide it from me anymore. I know Ira is with you. Tell me, how is she? After her father's slap... I haven't found any peace!"
Onik (Slowly revealing everything): "Aunty, we are at a hospital in Cox's Bazar. Ira is sleeping now. Her... her labour pain started. But the doctors have stopped it. She is safe now. Don't worry."
Ira's Mom (Crying out loud): "My daughter! Only six months! Oh God! I knew it! I knew my daughter was suffering alone! My silence... that ruined everything!"
Onik (Quickly comforting her): "Aunty, no! Don't worry at all. Your silence helped us. Your silent support gave Ira courage. And just now, my mother called. They are coming."
Ira's Mom (Calming down slightly, but with determination in her voice): "I am coming too, Onik. I spoke to your mother. I am leaving immediately. Listen, about your father... I don't know if he will come. But he is crying at home. He might not be able to say it out loud, but you two forgive him too. Just keep my daughter safe. I am coming, son."
Onik (Wiping his eyes): "Okay, Aunty. We will wait."
Onik hung up the phone. A massive burden seemed to have lifted from his shoulders. This time, he was completely certain. Two families, from two sides, had finally bowed to their love. For the sake of their child, their parents were uniting.
The Doctor's Update
As Onik was returning to the room with a new hope, after managing the emotional phone call, there was a gentle knock on the door.
Then the Doctor came to check.
The doctor quickly entered. He gave Onik a slight nod and went straight to the bedside. Onik was still standing near the door, looking at Ira.
Doctor (To the nurse): "Check the contractions. No bleeding, right? And the patient's sleep should not be disturbed. We want to keep her calm."
The doctor gently checked Ira's monitored data. Then, he placed his hand on Ira's forehead to check her temperature. Ira was still in a deep sleep, but there was no longer any sign of agony on her face, only an aura of peace.
Doctor (Whispering, turning to Onik): "Mr. Onik, you arrived just in time. Everything is under control now. Your wife is responding very well. And the best news is—the issues caused by mental stress are now gone. Both of you can rest assured."
The fear that had been weighing down Onik's chest was completely gone. He took a deep breath of relief.
Doctor (Smiling softly): "She is safe now. Now, just be patient. And it seems like you have been under a lot of pressure. You should also rest a bit. I am glad to hear your mothers are coming. Family support is crucial at this time."
The doctor and nurses left the room. Onik slowly sat down beside Ira. He knew that the hardest part of their life was over. Now, only the triumph of love and the anticipation of a new life remained.
Clarifying the Timeline
The doctor and nurses were walking towards the door to leave. Just then, Onik quickly went to them. There was no fear in his eyes now, only intense eagerness for the future.
Onik (Leaning towards the doctor, in an excited voice): "Doctor, just one question. You said she is safe now. So... so how many months later will the baby be born? I mean, how many more months do we have to wait?"
Doctor (Looking at Onik calmly): "Mr. Onik, your wife is now six months along. Normally, for a healthy baby, we need to wait about three more months. The full nine months. That is the normal time."
The doctor placed a hand on Onik's shoulder.
Doctor: "However, after today's incident, our main goal is to keep this baby safe inside your wife for as long as possible. These three months will be the biggest test for you. No worries, no stress. Now, only rest and waiting."
Onik nodded, satisfied.
Onik: "Thank you, Doctor. I understand. There will be no mistakes this time. I will not let her out of my sight."
The doctor smiled gently and took his leave. Onik returned to Ira's side. He knew that the ultimate victory of their life was only three months away.
The Sister's Support
The doctor and nurses left the room. Onik was still trying to recover from the intensity of the difficult trial. He was about to sit comfortably in the chair and hold Ira's hand—
Just then, Onik's phone rang again. Onik gasped when he saw an unfamiliar (but very dear) name on the screen.
Then Onik's sister called.
Onik quickly grabbed the phone and looked at Ira. Ira was still in a deep sleep. Onik cautiously stepped out of the room again. His sister lives abroad, so she was not in the country during the long family arguments or religious fanaticism.
Onik (Slowly, with surprise): "Bubu (Sister)! Are you... how are you?"
Sister (From the other side, with a crying voice): "Why are you asking how I am? Mom told me everything! I kept track of you both, Onik! When your father hit you, I called, but you couldn't pick up. Your parents were sitting here crying. Tell me, how is Ira? How is my six-month-old nephew/niece? Tell me the truth!"
Onik (Voice cracking): "Bubu, she is sleeping now. The doctors saved them. She is safe now, but she has been advised not to move. How did you know... how did you know from abroad?"
Sister: "Mom called me a little while ago. Listen, I can't come right now, but you don't worry about a thing. I am arranging an air ambulance immediately. I need to bring you two to a good hospital in Dhaka. Money, whatever is needed, I am taking care of everything. This is my nephew's/niece's life, Onik! We cannot make mistakes anymore."
Tears of gratitude welled up in Onik's eyes. His entire family, the relationships he had thought were lost, had all united.
Onik (Emotionally): "Thank you, Bubu. Thank you."
Putting down the phone, Onik looked at Ira. He knew that Ira does not know Onik has a sister, because this sister lives abroad and kept her distance due to family issues for a long time. But now, this sister's love and support brought another new light into their lives. When Ira wakes up, she will know—not just the mothers and fathers, but Onik's entire family has come forward to stand by her in this difficult fight.