Hand in hand, Haseeb and Maliha walked down the stairs. The hall fell quieter for a moment.
Maliha’s parents stood near the center, their eyes glistening as they watched their daughter descend in her bridal attire beside her husband. It felt like a dream finally unfolding before them, a dream they had feared might never come true.
Rehman smiled too, blinking away tears. Her little nephew and niece danced around excitedly, clapping their tiny hands.

Maliha’s lips curved softly as she looked at them.
Haseeb guided her to sit beside him in front of the family. A few close friends had been invited to witness this intimate celebration. The house glowed warmly with happiness.

Mr. Isham’s eyes shone with pride.

“I’m so happy for you both,” Sana Isham said lovingly, kissing their foreheads. “You look beautiful.”

“You could’ve at least told me,” Haseeb said, finally voicing what had been sitting inside him. “I came running here terrified… thinking something had happened to you.”

Mr. Isham laughed heartily. Mr. Farooqi joined him.

“It was your father’s plan,” Mr. Farooqi said, wrapping Mr. Isham in a joyful hug. “A surprise.”

Haseeb exhaled, shaking his head slightly.

“I agree,” he said, glancing at Maliha. “It’s the most beautiful surprise I’ve ever received.”

She sat quietly, fingers nervously tangling together in her lap, eyes lowered. The chatter resumed. Photos were taken. All sat beside groom and bride for the photos one by one. Guests mingled. Dinner was served. Laughter filled the space again. Haseeb’s gaze kept drifting toward her hands. Without thinking, he gently took one in his and interlinked their fingers. Her head snapped toward him, eyes widening.

“What are you doing? Someone might see,” she whispered, trying softly to free her hand.

“Let them see,” he replied calmly, leaning closer. “You’re mine now. And so are these hands.”

Before she could react, he pressed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. Her eyes widened further as she quickly glanced around.

“No one’s looking,” he murmured with a wink.

Her cheeks flushed instantly."I'm not so ready for this." She whispered, looking down.

"I'll make you." He winked while she looked away, confused or nervous.

He chuckled, happiness radiating from him.
Later, after dinner and farewells, they excused themselves to their room as Haseeb was so tired and sleepy.

“Where are you going?” Maliha asked when she noticed him following her toward her room.

“In our room,” he corrected gently.

Before she could protest, he spun her lightly and opened the door, pulling her inside. The door closed softly behind them. He wrapped an arm around her waist and began swaying slightly.

“What are you doing?” she asked, trying not to smile.

“I’m dancing,” he answered simply.

She giggled and placed her hand on his shoulder, moving with him.

“Without music?”

He pulled his phone from his pocket, played a soft song, and continued swaying slowly.

“I never knew you’d act like this,” she said, amused.

“How should I act?” he teased. “Angry? Possessive? Intense? Or purely husband mode?”

She shook her head, smiling.

“I like my friend,” she said softly. “The one I’m comfortable with.”

His expression softened.
“I’ll stay like this,” he replied quietly, stopping to look into her eyes. “Until you want me to be your husband.”

She swallowed.

“I know you weren’t ready,” he continued gently.

“But you still held my hand. You didn’t let me wait anymore. So now I’ll wait. For your heart to turn toward me… to accept me… to love me.”
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

“Thank you for understanding,” she whispered, eyes shimmering.

“Only a few rules,” he said suddenly, wiping her tears with his thumbs and then turning off the music.

She looked at him, confused.

“First rule, you're not allowed to cry.”
She smiled faintly.

“And the others?”

“I’ll tell you one by one,” he replied playfully, stepping back and stretching. “Right now, I’m exhausted.”

He kicked off his shoes and dramatically fell onto the bed.

“At least change,” she said, turning to remove her dupatta.

Before she could finish, he caught her by the waist, gently pulling her back so she fell onto the bed beside him.

“Second rule,” he murmured lazily, setting her dupatta aside, “no changing tonight.”

“I need to change,” she protested.

“Stay like this,” he said softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. “Let me feel this too.”

He kissed her head gently and inhaled deeply.

“I like your scent,” he confessed quietly.

"Haseeb, this.. I mean..." She tried to protest, to create distance but he held her firmly.

"Until I fall asleep." He whispered  still holding her closer.

Within moments, exhaustion overtook him. His breathing evened. But Maliha remained wide awake. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her cheek. The warmth of his body. His fingers loosely tangled in the bangles on her wrist even in sleep.

“How am I supposed to sleep like this?” she wondered silently.

She carefully tried to move back to create some space. But the moment she shifted, his arm tightened around her unconsciously. He turned toward her, pulling her fully into his embrace.
Her breath caught.

“Where have I trapped myself?” she murmured softly.

She tried once more to free herself, but he held her firmly even in sleep. Finally, tired and overwhelmed, she rested her head on his chest. His lips curved into a faint smile, even asleep. His cologne, warm and comforting, slowly calmed her racing thoughts.
Without realizing, her own lips curved too.

--------

It was early morning. A thin line of sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold. Roshaane was the first to stir. Her eyes fluttered open slowly and the first thing she saw was Aarib.

He was sleeping close enough that she could reach him without even stretching much.
Her left arm felt slightly numb from lying on one side all night. Carefully, she straightened herself and stretched it gently before turning back toward him again. He was sleeping with a faint pout on his lips. His hair was ruffled across his forehead, two buttons of his shirt left open, his breathing slow and even.

She smiled.
Mischievously.

Rolling onto her stomach, she inched closer. Her legs crossed lazily behind her as she adjusted herself, careful of her slinged arm. Supporting her weight with her left elbow, she hovered slightly over him, her eyes slowly scanning his face.

“If I bite his cheek…” she whispered to herself, barely containing a giggle.

“Or should I tease his ear?” she murmured again.

She leaned closer.
“Or should I just…”

She gently blew a soft breath across his face.
He stirred slightly, brows twitching, then settled again. She covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

“Should I tie your hair?” she whispered, running her fingers lightly through the strands on his forehead.
He didn’t wake.

“Or maybe…”
She paused.

Her playful smile softened.
Her heartbeat began to rise.

Her lower lip caught gently between her teeth.

“I hope he keeps sleeping,” she mumbled.

She shifted a little higher, closer to his face. Her fingers played in his hair for a moment, tender now, not teasing.

Then slowly…
Very slowly…

She leaned down.
Her lips brushed his forehead in the softest kiss.
Her eyes closed as she felt the warmth of his skin under her lips. A small smile curved on her face as she pulled back.

“Seni seviyorum(i love you.),” she whispered softly.

At that exact moment, he stirred.
His eyes opened. Her heart jumped violently.
Startled, she lost balance and slipped awkwardly onto her slinged arm.

“Ouch!” she gasped.

Aarib shot up immediately.

“Are you okay?” he asked urgently, sitting up and pulling her upright carefully.

She looked up at him.

And instantly her gaze dropped to his forehead, the exact spot she had kissed. Her cheeks burned crimson.

“I’m… fine,” she managed, avoiding his eyes.

“How did you fall on this arm?” he asked, still focused on her injury.

“It’s nothing,” she said quickly. “I’m going to freshen up. I’m starving.”

She hurried off the bed, grabbed her clothes, then paused and turned back.

“Undo my sling. I have to change.”
He stood and gently loosened the sling, careful not to hurt her.

Before he could question anything, she rushed toward the washroom.

“Careful!” he called after her.

But she had already disappeared inside. He shook his head slightly and began straightening the bed sheets.

“Crazy girl,” he murmured, smiling to himself.
Inside the washroom, Roshaane leaned against the door and took a deep breath.
Her heart was still racing.

“That was so close,” she whispered to herself, smiling uncontrollably. “He almost caught me.”

She looked at her reflection, cheeks still flushed, eyes glowing. Then she picked up her toothbrush, trying, unsuccessfully,  to calm the warmth still dancing inside her chest.

-----
It was early morning. Haseeb was the first to stir.
For a moment, he didn’t move. He simply lay there, feeling the warmth beside him. Then memory rushed back, the wedding, the laughter, them being together. They were married.
The thought alone curved his lips into a slow, disbelieving smile. He turned onto his side fully, facing her. His hand came up to rest under his cheek as he studied her peacefully sleeping form.
She was still dressed as his bride. The deep red fabric slightly creased from sleep. Her hands, adorned with dark mehndi, rested near her face. Bangles shimmered softly in the early sunlight. A few strands of hair had fallen across her cheek.

“It’s not a dream,” he whispered, almost afraid to blink.

Carefully, he reached forward and tucked the loose strand behind her ear. The gentle touch made her stir. Her brows moved slightly before her lashes fluttered open. For a second, she looked dazed.
Then she saw him.

“Good morning,” he said softly, warmth filling his voice.

Her eyes opened fully now, awareness returning.

“Good morning,” she replied, her tone quiet as she instinctively shifted a little back.
He noticed.
But he didn’t comment.

“You’re awake early,” she said nervously, attempting to sit up.

Before she could rise, he gently pulled her back onto the pillow.

“You don’t need to rush,” he said, his gaze steady and affectionate. “We can talk.”

“I’m… just… I mean…” She faltered, words tangling. Even she didn’t know why she was suddenly nervous.

Maybe it was the change.

Maybe it was the fact that the man she had known as her closest friend was now her husband. Or maybe it was simply waking up next to him, close to him.

He smiled softly.

“Are you Maliha,” he teased lightly, “or has someone replaced her? She never gets nervous.”
That made her glance at him.

“You don’t need to feel uncomfortable with me,” he continued gently. “Feel free. It’s me who has to control his feelings… while you have a heart that still has to fall for me.”

He winked at the last part, and despite herself, she smiled.

“Why does everything become so easy with you?” she asked quietly, searching his face.

“Because I know you,” he answered without hesitation. “I understand you. And I love you.”

He waited, as if expecting something in return.
But she stayed silent.

“What happened?” he asked, noticing her quietness.

“Nothing,” she replied quickly, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “We should get up now.”
He sat up slowly.

“You want to come with me,” he asked carefully, “or do you want to stay here a few more days?”

She looked at him, confused. “Where are you going?”

“Back home. I have work. I can stay one more day,” he added gently, “but I don’t want to pressure you. If you want to spend more time here, I’ll understand.”

She watched him for a moment.
Then she shook her head.

“We’ll go home together,” she said simply. “I’ll pack my things.”

She stepped down from the bed, unaware of what her words truly meant.
Home.
Together.

His home… becoming hers.
A deep smile spread across his face.
Before she could take another step, he got up quickly and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

She gasped, startled.
“Haseeb, what...”

Her hair fell over one shoulder as his chin rested on the other.

“Thank you,” he murmured softly, tightening his hold just a little.

She stood frozen, bewildered by the sudden hug.

“I need to go…” she tried to say.

Before she could finish, she felt it. His warm lips pressed gently against her cheek. Her breath caught. He pulled back slightly, but didn’t fully let go.

“Rule three,” he whispered playfully near her ear. “I can act like a husband sometimes.”

And before she could react, he placed another quick peck on her cheek, then stepped away laughing softly and rushed toward the washroom.
She remained standing there.
Stunned.

“Where have I stuck myself?” she murmured under her breath, her hand instinctively resting over her racing heart.

After a moment, she walked toward the mirror.
Her cheeks were pink.
Her eyes softer.
A small, uncontrollable smile appeared on her lips as she remembered his words… his hug… that unexpected kiss.

She shook her head lightly, trying to steady herself. Then she moved to take out her clothes.
It was her turn now.
And somewhere deep inside, beneath all the nervousness and newness, She wasn’t afraid anymore.

--------

Morning sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the house, filling the dining area with a soft golden glow. At the small breakfast table, Roshaane sat quietly. A cup of tea rested between her hands, untouched for a while before she finally took a sip. Across from her, Aarib was finishing his toast, though his attention was far from his plate.
He had noticed it.

The way her eyes lifted every few seconds… only to quickly drop back to her food the moment he looked up.

Again.
And again.

Each stolen glance sent a strange flutter through his chest.It was unfamiliar. Unsettling.
And oddly… pleasant.

He had never felt something like this before.
Not even when he had spent time with Maliha.
Roshaane was different. This girl was overwhelming his nerves in a way he didn’t understand yet. And the strange thing was, he didn’t even realize it fully.

“You want me to drop you at Zainab’s?” he asked casually, finally looking up from his plate.

Roshaane immediately nodded, her gaze lowering again as if the table suddenly became very interesting.

“Yes.”

Her voice was soft.

“They’re going to the bride’s home today for the feast,” she added after a moment. “They invited us too.”

Aarib nodded slowly.
“Hmm.”

A brief silence stretched between them.He watched her carefully. She hadn’t looked at him once properly.

“Are you okay?” he asked suddenly.

Roshaane kept her eyes on her plate, picking slowly at her breakfast.

“I’m,” she replied shortly.
That was it.

No explanation.
No eye contact.

Aarib leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table.

“Roshaane.”

His voice carried a hint of restlessness now.

“Yes,” she replied again, still staring at her food.
His brows pulled together.

“Look at me.”

The firmness in his tone made her pause.
Her fingers froze around the fork. Slowly, she began to lift her head, but before her eyes could meet his, her phone buzzed loudly on the table.
Both of them glanced down.

Zainab.

Roshaane quickly picked up the phone.

“I’ll just take this,” she said softly before standing up.

Within seconds she had walked away from the table, answering the call as she moved toward the balcony. Aarib exhaled slowly and leaned back into his chair.His fingers tapped lightly on the table.

“What’s on her mind?” he murmured to himself.

He shook his head lightly before standing up and beginning to clear the table. Meanwhile, across the city, breakfast at the Farooqi house was far livelier. The large dining table was filled with plates, tea cups, and light conversation. Malihla sat quietly beside Haseeb, dressed simply in a loose pastel kurti with matching trousers. Her hair was tied back casually, the bridal glow still soft on her face. Haseeb, however, kept glancing at her between bites.

More than once.

And he wasn’t even subtle about it.

“Mom, Dad,” he spoke after swallowing his bite, looking toward his parents. “We’re heading back tomorrow. Do you want to come with us?”

Mr. Isham adjusted his glasses thoughtfully.
“Yes, we’ll come too,” he said. “I have a case to attend next week.”
Everyone nodded.

“I’ll book the tickets then,” Haseeb said. “Just give me your passports.”

They all agreed.

For a moment, everything seemed settled.
Then Mrs. Farooqi suddenly clapped her hands lightly.

“Let’s go shopping.”

The words made everyone look up.

“We haven’t bought anything for our daughter yet,” she continued warmly, glancing proudly at Maliha. “We need some beautiful dresses… maybe some jewelry too.”

Maliha looked slightly surprised but smiled softly.
The rest of the family nodded in agreement.
But Haseeb… He wasn’t even listening anymore.
His gaze was fixed entirely on Maliha.

She felt it.
Of course she did.

After a moment, she leaned slightly toward him and whispered under her breath.

“Have your breakfast.”

Her tone carried a quiet warning.
Haseeb blinked once, then smiled like a boy caught doing something mischievous.
And finally looked back down at his plate.

---------

Finally, it was shopping day for Maliha and Haseeb. Both of them were roaming through the mall with their families, moving from one shop to another.

“Maliha, check out some Pakistani and Indian dresses. There are a few boutiques here,” Mrs. Saba Farooqi said, turning toward her.

“But not very heavy dresses,” she added.
Haseeb smiled faintly, looking at Maliha.

“I like simple clothes. Jeans and shirts will be okay,” Maliha said, walking behind them.

She was dressed in a loose top with wide trousers, a soft stole wrapped around her neck.

“No shirts and jeans this time. You’re married now. Wear some bright, fancy clothes for at least a few days,” her mother insisted.

“Does clothing have something to do with marriage? Come on, Mom,” Maliha tried to convince her, but her mother was not ready to listen.

Sana and Saba Isham entered the boutique and immediately started checking the dresses while Maliha sighed and glanced at Haseeb.

He chuckled quietly.

“I like you in every attire,” he said softly, leaning a little closer. “But for a change, you should try what our mothers want.”

She sighed again but nodded and moved ahead to look at the dresses. Soon the shopping began.
Fancy frocks, embroidered suits, sarees, patiyala suits, trousers and shirts with delicate work, one after another they were added to the pile.
By the time they left the boutique, Maliha was staring at the shopping bags in disbelief.

"How am I going to carry all these clothes."

“I’ll help you carry them,” Haseeb whispered near her ear.

She jumped slightly and glared at him.
“Shut up.”

He chuckled while she quickly looked away to hide the warmth rising on her cheeks. Later they visited the jewelry store.While everyone was busy selecting items, Haseeb quietly stepped aside and bought a delicate pendant for her without telling anyone. After hours of shopping, everyone finally returned home. They had an early morning flight, so the evening was spent packing.

After dinner, when Haseeb and Maliha stepped into their room, Maliha looked at the mountain of shopping bags waiting to be packed.
She sighed deeply.

Haseeb chuckled.

“How will I pack all this?” she complained, rolling her hair into a loose bun.

“Don’t worry,” he said, taking the bags from her hands. “I’ll help you.”

Both sat on the floor and started packing together. While folding clothes, Haseeb kept glancing at her from time to time, a soft smile lingering on his lips. Sometimes he brushed the loose strands of her hair away from her face. Sometimes he touched her earrings. Each time she stopped him. But he stubbornly kept teasing her.

“What do you want?” she finally asked, turning to him.

“I’m just teasing you,” he said, winking while touching her earring again.

“You won’t stop?” she narrowed her eyes.

He raised both hands in surrender.
But the moment she turned again, his fingers lightly brushed her earring.

She giggled.
And so did he.

Suddenly he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her, caging her gently in his embrace.

She froze.

“What… are you doing?” she asked, startled.

“I’m not making you uncomfortable, right?” he asked softly before she could respond.

Somewhere in her heart she knew she wasn’t uncomfortable.

“I never knew I would be this lucky,” he whispered close to her ear.

“To hold you like this… to play with your earrings… to feel your fragrance.”

His lips brushed lightly against her ear. Her cheeks turned warm instantly. He stepped back quietly. But she didn’t look at him. Her hands trembled slightly while packing the remaining clothes. Haseeb smiled to himself and walked into the washroom. The moment he left, Maliha s placed her hand over her racing heart.

“Why am I reacting like this to his actions?” she whispered to herself.

“I must hold myself together.”

But her heart jumped again when she saw him walk out of the washroom.

Shirtless.

“Where’s your shirt?” she gasped, quickly covering her eyes and getting up from floor.

Haseeb stopped mid-step and a mischievous smirk appeared on his lips. He slowly walked toward her.

“I sleep shirtless.”

His words made her turn toward him immediately.

“No! Liar. Yesterday you had your shirt on.”

She turned back toward the bags.

After finishing the packing, she walked to his bag, took out his shirt, and walked toward him.

“Wear this,” she said, extending the shirt without looking at him.

“Why would I?” he asked innocently. “I can’t sleep with a shirt on.”

“That… I… don’t know. But if you want to stay in the same room with me, you have to wear it,” she said stubbornly.

“As you wish, Mrs.” he replied softly.

Seeing her pink cheeks, he decided not to tease her further and wore the shirt.

Soon she went to change as well. When she came back, he was already lying on the bed. She lay down on her side while he turned off the lights. Only a small night lamp illuminated the room. He set the alarm for the early flight.
After a moment he stretched his arm and looked at her. Their eyes met.

“Come,” he called softly.

She didn’t move.

“Sleep close to me until I fall asleep. Then you can move away,” he said gently.

After a moment of hesitation, she moved closer and rested her head on his arm.
The moment she did, he pulled her closer. A deep sigh left his lips.

“This is heaven,” he murmured with his eyes closed.

“With you in my arms… I never thought life would be like this.”

“Haseeb…” she whispered nervous, hesitantly.

“I’m stuck on some thoughts,” she said quietly, her fingers unknowingly playing with his shirt buttons.

“What thoughts?”

“I think… maybe… If i could...never fall for you?"

His eyes opened slowly.
“You miss him?” he asked carefully.

She shook her head.

“I met him when Roshaane had the accident. He wasn’t the same Aarib I knew anymore. He’s Roshaane’s Aarib now.”

A small smile touched her lips.

“And that hurt you?” he asked.

“For a moment… yes. It did hurt me. But not anymore.”
She paused.

“I’m just afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” he frowned.

“What if I hurt you? You don’t deserve that.”

A soft smile appeared on his lips.
“You care for me. That’s all I want.”

His fingers gently played with her hair.
“I know I’m being selfish… but now I want you to think about me. Care about me. I want your days and nights to be filled with me.”

She listened silently, almost forgetting to breathe.

“Your words should be for me… your eyes should search for me… your heart should beat for me.”
He paused and looked at her.

“Breathe, my love,” he said softly, touching her chin.

She lowered her gaze  and tried to move away. But his arm pulled her back.

“Not until I fall asleep,” he murmured, closing his eyes with a smile.

She stayed there quietly.

Her fingers continued playing with his shirt buttons without realizing it. His scent brought peace to her mind. His arms gave her a strange sense of protection. A small smile appeared on her lips.

“Who would believe you’re six years younger than me,” she whispered, thinking he had fallen asleep.

“I can prove that age is just a number.”
His deep whisper reached her ears.

And then she felt his soft kiss on her forehead.
Her eyes shut tightly as she clutched his shirt, her heart racing in the quiet of the night.

Author's note.
​Assalam-o-Alaikum, readers!
​How are you all?

​I’m checking in to let you know I’ve been feeling quite under the weather with a high fever lately. I had this chapter written, but I just finished the final editing and wanted to get it posted for you all as soon as possible.

​I really hope you enjoy this update! I’m looking forward to reading your comments. The next update is scheduled for two days from now.

​Please don't forget to vote and share!

With love
Your Author.