Shams gazed down at Wafa, sleeping peacefully in his lap, her face serene despite the chill in the air. Smiling faintly, he reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

"Wafa," he called softly, almost reluctant to wake her.

When she didn’t stir, he leaned in a little closer. "Wafa... it's time. Wake up."

The cold winds of Quetta bit against his skin, and he could feel it seep into their bones. They were still lying atop the roof of the halted train, their bodies worn from the night's escape.

"Get up, pink princess," he whispered teasingly, tapping her cheek lightly.

Finally, Wafa’s eyes fluttered open. The moment she saw him, she jerked upright in alarm, her gaze flying across the unfamiliar surroundings.

A soft chuckle escaped Shams as he watched her wide, fearful eyes.

"Easy," he murmured, "You're safe now."

Without waiting, he reached for her hand. She clutched his fingers instinctively as he guided her down carefully from the roof. Once on the ground, Wafa gripped the sleeve of his kurta tightly, scanning the station with cautious, darting glances. Pulling her dupatta over her head, she tried to shield herself from curious stares.

"We’re far from that hell now," Shams whispered reassuringly into her ear, feeling her flinch slightly at the sudden warmth of his voice.

Wafa looked up at him, her dark eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. One tear escaped and slid down her cheek before she could hide it. Shams stopped, watching her in silence for a moment.

She was still holding onto his sleeve as if it was her last tether to safety. Carefully, he reached out and wiped the tear away with his thumb.

"Hey," he said softly. "No more tears. Let’s start this new journey... with new hopes..." he paused, leaning a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "...and with that beautiful smile of yours."

Wafa blinked up at him, startled, before a shy, hesitant smile bloomed across her face.

"There it is," he murmured with a grin, before gently tugging her hand. "Come on. We still have somewhere to be."

"Where?" she asked, her voice small but steady now.

"Home," he replied, his eyes lighting up. "Our home."

Her lips parted in surprise, and then, slowly, her smile widened, filling her face with a glow that melted the lingering fear from her features.

They moved quickly, weaving through the crowd toward another platform. Shams’s glance fell on her bare feet, red from the cold, matching his own. Each step was painful against the icy ground.

"So cold," he muttered under his breath.

"My feet feel like ice," Wafa whispered, hugging her shawl tighter around her shoulders.

"Mine too," he said, then looked up at the flights of stairs they needed to climb.

As they ascended, more eyes followed them. Two young souls, poorly dressed for the biting cold, without shoes, without anything except their determination. Their noses were pink, their lips trembling from the chill.

Shams didn’t slow. Spotting a small vendor selling warm clothes nearby, he tugged Wafa toward it.

"But Shams—" she began.

"No buts," he said firmly.

At the shop, he grabbed a thick black shawl, adorned with tiny mirrors and delicate brown embroidery. Without asking, he wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Why this?" Wafa asked, wide-eyed.

"You’re freezing. And I can’t let you suffer," he said, tightening the shawl around her frame.

"But I already have one," she said, touching the older shawl her mother had given her.

"I know," he said, smiling as he tucked a loose end neatly. "But this one’s warmer. And besides... it's my right to take care of you now."

Wafa looked away shyly, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

"You look beautiful," he added under his breath, unable to stop himself.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"No thank yous," he said lightly. "Just stay close to me."

She nodded, slipping her hand into his again.

Their train arrived with a loud rumble. Shams tightened his hold on her hand and led her aboard. Finding their seats, he settled Wafa beside him and sat back, letting a deep breath leave his chest. He still felt restless though; fear itched at the back of his mind. Their fathers... would they come looking? Were they already too close?

No, he had to trust that they were finally free.

The train shuddered, gathering speed. Shams watched the platform slip away, a bittersweet ache settling in his chest. He closed his eyes, resting his head back.

"You okay?" Wafa asked gently, touching his arm.

Shams smiled without opening his eyes. "Never been better."

She chuckled softly. "Your hands are freezing."

"I know," he said with a small shrug.

Without saying anything more, Wafa closed the window to stop the cold breeze seeping in.

"Tea?" he offered after a beat.

She nodded.

Before he could rise, a tea vendor appeared in the aisle. Shams waved him over and bought two cups, handing one carefully to Wafa.

"Your tea, madam," he said dramatically, making her giggle.

"Thank you, kind sir," she replied, playing along.

They sat together in companionable silence, sipping the warm liquid, their bodies slowly thawing. Outside the window, the world blurred into a grey smudge of distant hills and heavy clouds.

After finishing her tea, Wafa leaned back and closed her eyes. Shams, seeing her finally at ease, allowed himself to relax too. His own exhaustion was catching up with him after the night’s harrowing journey.

---

Wafa’s POV

Wafa stirred awake after a short nap and turned her head to look at Shams. He was asleep, a faint, contented smile playing across his lips.

Her gaze drifted down to his hands resting in his lap. They were red and rough from the cold, and her heart twisted painfully at the sight.

Without thinking, she gently took his hands in hers. They were ice-cold against her palms. Instinctively, she pulled her Ama’s shawl from her shoulders and wrapped it around his hands.

She cradled his frozen fingers, rubbing them slowly to warm him.

Looking up at his peaceful face, she smiled softly. She carefully adjusted the shawl until it covered his arms and chest too, cocooning him against the cold.

Still holding his hands in her lap, Wafa leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes—feeling, for the first time, a fragile sense of peace. They were safe. Together.

And nothing else mattered.

***********
Shams looked down at Wafa, who was sleeping peacefully beside him. Her head rested gently on his shoulder, and a soft smile played on his lips. Outside the window, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden hue across the landscape.

"We're almost there," he whispered to himself and turned his gaze back to her.

A few strands of her hair had fallen over her face. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently tucked the black locks behind her ear. His fingers brushed against the delicate golden earring that shimmered in her lobe. He held it lightly, playing with it absentmindedly until she stirred.

Wafa slowly opened her eyes and met his gaze. He smiled at her warmly.

"Good morning," he said softly.

"Good morning," she replied, straightening herself and pulling her shawl closer around her.

Noticing a tea vendor outside, Shams stopped him and bought two cups of tea, handing one to Wafa with a smile.

"Here, have this. After that, we'll begin a new journey—towards our home," he said.

"Are we there?" she asked, eyes lighting up.

"Almost," he nodded, and a quiet joy spread across her face as she began sipping the tea.

"Excited?" he asked.

"Very much," she replied with a bright smile.

They didn’t speak after that, both lost in their thoughts while gazing at the changing scenery. Four hours later, the train finally halted at their destination. Shams looked out at the platform with a relieved smile, then turned to her.

"Shall we?" he asked.

Wafa nodded and took his outstretched hand. They stepped off the train together, landing onto the platform with a soft thud. They were far, far from the life they had escaped—from the chains that once held them down. Now, they were free birds, ready to fly on their own terms.

Shams took a deep breath, savoring the sense of freedom. Wafa stood beside him, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

"We’re far enough now. No need to be scared," he reassured her.

"Now?" she asked.

"Yes. Now. Home, sweet home," he smiled and gently tugged her along.

Soon, they approached a tall, lean man standing nearby. Wafa instinctively hid behind Shams.

"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Shehroz," Shams greeted.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam! Shams, how are you?" Shehroz replied, embracing him warmly.

"I’m good," Shams said with a smile.

Shehroz's gaze moved to Wafa, who remained shyly behind her husband. Shams gently took her hand and brought her forward.

"This is my wife, Wafa. And Shehroz is my best friend."

"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Bhabhi," Shehroz said with a kind smile.

Wafa responded with a soft nod, her eyes lowered.

"Is everything ready?" Shams asked.

"The moment you called, I arranged it all," Shehroz confirmed.

"Welcome to Rawalpindi, Bhabhi."

Shams and Wafa followed Shehroz out of the station. Shehroz had been his closest friend since they met in London four years ago. After returning to Pakistan, Shehroz had built a life in Rawalpindi, and when Shams reached out for help, he hadn’t hesitated.

As they settled in the car, Shehroz glanced back at Wafa, who sat silently in the backseat, and turned to Shams with a grin.

"You know, Bhabhi, your husband was the shyest guy in our group," he teased.

"Oye, what do you mean?" Shams chuckled.

"It’s true. Girls were crazy about him, but he never looked at anyone. Total gentleman," Shehroz laughed. "But I never imagined he'd one day elope with his wife, defying his strict father."

Shams smiled, grateful for his friend's humor and support.

"You really did a lot for me, Shehroz. Thank you."

"What are friends for?" Shehroz replied warmly.

Fifteen minutes later, their car stopped in front of a modest but welcoming house. Shams felt something tug at his heart. This wasn’t just a house—it was their home.

As they stood at the entrance, Shehroz rushed inside and returned with a cheerful woman.

"Shams, this is my wife, Sarah. And Sarah, meet Shams and his wife, Wafa."

"Assalam-o-Alaikum, Bhabhi," Sarah greeted warmly and hugged Wafa, who smiled politely.

Rose petals rained down on the couple as Shehroz and Sarah welcomed them inside. The house was small, with two rooms and a little compound, but it felt full of promise.

"Wifey, why didn’t you clean the house?" Shehroz asked playfully.

"Because dear husband, you took all the cleaning supplies in the car!" Sarah retorted, making everyone laugh.

Shams and Shehroz fetched the broom, mop, and bucket from the car.

"Just fill the tank. We’ll handle the rest," Sarah declared.

The house needed a deep clean, and the girls got to work while the boys went out to get household items. Before leaving, Shams reassured Wafa with a nod and a small smile that she returned hesitantly.

---

Wafa’s POV:

The house was finally clean. Wafa and Sarah collapsed on the washed floor, exhausted but satisfied.

"Your home is spotless now," Sarah grinned.

My home, Wafa repeated in her mind. Mine and Shams’. The words felt surreal.

Though tired and hungry, they found joy in their shared effort. Sarah called Shehroz and casually said, "Hubby, bring us food. We’re starving."

Wafa watched her in awe, smiling at her boldness. She admired the glow on Sarah’s face—the clear signs of love and comfort. How does it feel to be loved like that? she wondered.

"Let’s explore your home properly now," Sarah said cheerfully.

As they moved through the rooms, a knock interrupted them. Sarah opened the door, and in walked Shams and Shehroz, carrying lunch.

They all sat down on a mat and ate in silence, though Wafa could feel Shams’ gaze on her. It made her heart flutter.

Later, they stepped outside to find a truck loaded with furniture. Wafa’s eyes widened in surprise.

"You both go inside," Shams said.

As the men unloaded and arranged the house, Sarah pulled Wafa into a room to begin decorating.

They laid out a bedspread over a king-sized mattress, hung white-and-green curtains, and watched as Shams and Shehroz placed a wardrobe and side tables in the room.

"Your room is ready!" Shehroz announced proudly.

Sarah added vases of flowers, and the room transformed into a cozy sanctuary.

"I'm exhausted," Shehroz flopped onto the mattress, followed by Shams, making Wafa giggle.

"Thank God, she laughed!" Sarah exclaimed. "Since you arrived, I've been waiting to hear your voice!"

"Don’t tease my wife," Shams said, his voice gentle, sending a warm tremor through Wafa’s heart.

The kitchen was next. Wafa was speechless to see it fully equipped, from a refrigerator and dining table to fresh fruits and stocked counters.

"Let’s get your kitchen set up," Sarah said excitedly.

An hour later, everything was in place. Sarah brewed tea while Wafa sat back, overwhelmed but happy.

"When did you meet Shams bhai?" Sarah asked suddenly.

"A day ago," Wafa replied.

Sarah’s eyes widened. "Really? So you didn’t even see each other during the Nikah?"

Wafa shook her head.

Sarah smiled thoughtfully. "When Shams called for help, I saw how much he wanted this life with you. He asked us to arrange everything—because he wanted you to have all the comforts."

He did all this for me? Wafa’s heart skipped a beat.

"You’re lucky to have him," Sarah added.

Their conversation was interrupted by Shams and Shehroz’s voices.

"Take it," Shams was insisting, handing Shehroz money.

"This is your wedding gift. I won’t take a rupee," Shehroz replied.

"But I want to give all this to Wafa with my own hands," Shams said.

Wafa’s heart swelled at his words.

Eventually, Shehroz accepted the money with a pout and a laugh, and the friends embraced.

Soon, it was time for the guests to leave. As Sarah hugged Wafa, she whispered mischievously, "Tell me how your night goes!"

Wafa looked at her in shock, blushing furiously. Sarah laughed and pinched her cheek.

"You’re so innocent," she teased and left with her husband.

Now, she was alone with Shams. As he turned to her and closed the door, her heart began to race. Her hands gripped the hem of her shawl tightly, eyes lowered.

Why was she feeling so nervous? This was the man she had chosen, the man who had saved her. Why was her heart fluttering so wildly?

He passed by her and leaned in, whispering softly in her ear.

"Welcome home."

A wide smile spread across her lips.

Home. Yes, their home. Her home. A new beginning. A new life—with him.

A/N:: Assalam-o-alikum readers.

How are you all??

I made you all wait a lot! So sorry.

Chapter is posted and hope you guys enjoyed it. Shams and wafa on their new journey of life. Finally they are in their own house.

Tell me your views about chapter and do vote.

I'll be waiting for your comments.

Till next update Allah Hafiz.

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