The Journey of the Lost Thirst (Part III)

Crossing the border from Iran, Palwasha entered Azerbaijan through Parsabad. The immigration process was strict, and the officers' stern gazes unsettled her.
"Where did you get this bike?" one officer asked.
"From Afghanistan," she replied.
"Who granted you permission to travel?"
"My soul did."

Palwasha's straightforwardness silenced the officer, but the document checks remained a point of contention. Finally, after the necessary stamps, she set foot on Azerbaijani soil. The cold wind greeted her as she rode her bike onto the seaside highway, heading toward Baku.

The salty scent of the sea and the open highway brought her peace. Her bike roared forward, and she savored the freedom of the moment. Baku wasn’t far, but near Qaradag, she began feeling nauseous.

Pulling over, she asked locals for directions to a nearby hospital. A small clinic in Qaradag was close, and she headed straight to the emergency room.
Explaining her condition, the kind doctor reassured her, "It’s just travel fatigue, nothing more. I’ll give you an injection and some medicines to prevent further discomfort."
Palwasha smiled and thanked him, but as she was leaving, an elderly nurse stopped her.

"Where are you from, child?" the nurse, Gökçe Khatun, inquired.
"From Afghanistan. I’m exploring the world, searching for my soul," Palwasha replied.

Gökçe, with her experienced eyes, studied Palwasha closely. "You should take a test."
"What kind of test?" Palwasha asked, puzzled.
"Your condition suggests there might be something more."

Reluctantly, Palwasha agreed. Ten minutes later, Gökçe returned with the results and said, "Child, you’re pregnant."

Palwasha was stunned. Confusion and surprise overwhelmed her. A bittersweet emotion stirred within as she realized she was going to be a mother, but the immediate question arose: "Whose child is this?"

Understanding her turmoil, Gökçe gently offered, "Stay with me tonight. I’ll help you, and your journey will be easier."

At Gökçe’s home, the nurse prepared a warm soup for Palwasha and handed her two contraceptive pills.
"Take these pills. They’ll help you avoid such worries in the future. I’ll also give you a pack for the road so you can travel without complications."

Hesitantly, Palwasha took the pills and swallowed them with the soup. Gökçe advised her to rest for the night and retired to her room.

The next morning, Palwasha had breakfast and felt rejuvenated. Gökçe gave her blessings, saying, "Child, the world is an open book for you. Read it, understand it, and move forward."

Palwasha thanked her, mounted her bike, and resumed her journey toward Baku.
"My next destination is Baku, where perhaps new stories await," Palwasha said with a smile, revving her bike as it sped ahead.