Paternity Diary - By Afzal Akbar Ali

Written By: Afzal Akbar Ali

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Afzal Akbar Ali presents a deeply personal narrative through his short story, "Paternity Diary," as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This moving entry explores the emotional highs and lows of impending fatherhood, capturing the joy, anxiety, and poignant heartache of a journey unexpectedly altered. Through his candid reflections, Ali offers readers a glimpse into the intimate thoughts and feelings of a first-time father, painting a vivid picture of love, vulnerability, and resilience.

About the Work

"Paternity Diary" is a raw and emotional account of a father's experience as he navigates the complexities of impending parenthood. The narrative is imbued with a sense of anticipation and love, underscored by the aching fear of loss. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt prose, Ali captures the essence of hope and heartbreak, offering a genuine portrayal of his journey with its unforeseen challenges. The diary format lends an intimate feel, inviting readers to share in the author's personal reflections and enduring hope.

Paternity Diary

Original Submission by Afzal Akbar Ali

Day 5

Whoa Champ, I’m just beginning to realize. I’m going to be a father; it took some time to sink in. By god this is the best feeling ever mixed in with the worst feeling ever. No not to seem ungrateful, I’m the happiest man there could be. But the thought of something hurting you, my child and that too most horribly by me, has made me go into a spiral of Anxiety. I’d say i got my first Panic Attack. God Forbid i hurt you in anyway. I love you, can’t wait to see you. I will protect you with my life

Day 11

Hello buddy, we don’t know whether you are a boy or a girl, but we love you more each day. Mom & Dad are first time parents. We are new to this, so bear with us if we do mistakes. We will protect you with our lives if only we knew how. I tell you roads are not meant for pregnant woman, it’s so difficult navigating with the ruts and bumps in them. You are a life changer we are grateful for your arrival. All praise be to god.

Day 13

Ciao, always remember there are a lot of people who love you and care for you, including your parents. Your father is a loner but your mom on the other hand is a socializer with always a smile on her face. Everyone's her friend, nobody hates her. Be like her, you father on the other hand had a rough childhood and finds it difficult to trust people but he knows if it weren’t for good people around him he wouldn’t be here. So be whoever you are but always be a good person.

Day 24

After a long time! You are not one but two, all praise be to god. Twins!! We always use to talk about having twins, me and your mom, me and your grandma. I and your mom had our challenges but we always managed to reconcile. We have been married 4 years, known each other for 5 years, but never a day goes by where we stop learning about each other. Your mom is a sweet soul, a big mouth and a bigger heart.

Day 53

You guys are growing Alhamdulillah well, but now and then give us surprises that rips your parents hearts, even a slight bleeding by your mom sends your mom and dad into an emotional frenzy. Please don’t leave us; these 53 days have been the best. I pray to god that you come to the world healthy and well. May god bless both of you, your parents and Grandparents.

Day 75

The feeling of being a first time parent is inexplicable in words, especially if you were childless for a long time. We have kept names for you even before you were conceived. Your mom is bleeding intermittently and more profusely. We are going to multiple doctors to check on the bleeding. All doctors are saying that you guys are alright but mom’s uterus seems to be having a problem and she needs to rest. Across all this your mom’s career suffered. She was a teacher, a bloody good one at that. She was required to take bed rest but the place she worked was too strict. Hence she had to let go of her job. Your Grand mom served your mom whilst she was in bed for a month. All of us prayed that you guys will be alright.

Day 125

Your mom seems to be healthy; she is cheerful and walking around joyously. We had a photo shoot of you guys and mommy. We can’t wait to see whether you guys are boys or girls or a boy and a girl. We have got a doctor’s appointment day after tomorrow. We have the names ready. Let’s go!!

Day 128

Oh my god!! I don’t know what to do, whom to call out. Why lord almighty? Why me? Why even after 5 years? You guys have passed away. I cannot fathom. Your mum is shell shocked and I don’t know what is happening to me. I feel as if my heart is broken to pieces. I cannot think straight. I go back on each and every thing that we did that might have led to this. Was it the medicine your mom took for tooth ache, did she eat any pineapple, did someone curse us, or had I wronged someone so bad that fate is testing me. I called everyone I was rude to and I felt it was too little too late. Your mum, Oh my god, her strength and resilience was inexplicable. She told me to calm down and think on the way forward. Even though you guys are not alive you were still inside your mommy’s tummy and doctors instructed that it was advisable to have a normal delivery and wait till pain arrives. More pain.

Day 140

This is so painful. One of you came out quickly but the other one took so long. I see all these parents in the nearby rooms where mothers go in to the theatre and come out with crying babies. Here we are suffering to get out not alive babies. Finally after 6 hours we got you out. The doctor was pissed. He is a good one, the doctor; he called me in and said that this was one of his toughest cases where a baby won’t come out. I had wanted your bodies to bury you and he was kind enough to provide me my two shrouded babies. I had prayed for two children guess I should have prayed for two long living healthy children. I always believed if god takes one he will double it and now he owes me four live healthy children. Now that it’s all over, your mom finally broke down. You can’t console a grieving mother especially after the loss of two children that too after five years. Whatever has happened has happened. We cannot change fate. After all this I can proudly say that I am a father, we are parents and our children will vouch for us in the hereafter.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating the diverse voices and stories of writers worldwide. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their creative prowess in poetry, short stories, and more, fostering a global community of literary talent. This competition is a celebration of artistic expression and storytelling, bringing together a rich tapestry of themes and narratives.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Afzal Akbar Ali for sharing "Paternity Diary" with us, a profound and touching entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His narrative offers a deeply moving exploration of parenthood, and we are grateful for his candid and heartfelt contribution. Thank you, Afzal, for allowing us into your world and for enriching our competition with your powerful story.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.