Turkey, Istanbul.
Night 1 am.

The dinner had finally been served. After dancing, singing, teasing the bride, and taking countless pictures together, all the girls settled down on the soft cushions spread across the beautifully decorated rooftop. The cool Istanbul breeze played with their hair while the fairy lights twinkled above them. Laughter still echoed around as everyone happily filled their plates.

Just then, Zainab placed her juice glass on the table and looked at everyone with a thoughtful smile.

"Actually..." she began, making everyone turn toward her.

"I just realized something."

"What?" Aabia asked curiously.

"You haven't done one of the sweetest Turkish wedding traditions yet."

"What tradition?" Roshaane asked.

"The Turkish bridal tea tradition." Zainab smiled.

All the girls looked at each other in confusion.
"Tea?" Mahi laughed. "We Pakistanis drink tea every day. What's so special about it?"

Zainab giggled.
"This one is different."

Everyone leaned forward with interest.

"In Turkey, before the wedding, the bride prepares Turkish tea or coffee for the family and guests. It's a symbol that she is welcoming everyone with love into her new home." She smiled at Roshaane.

"And since you're becoming a Turkish bride, you should do something similar." Roshaane blinked.

"So... I have to make tea?" Roshaane asked.

"Yes." Everyone burst into laughter.

"Oh no," Roshaane groaned dramatically. "I'm already nervous."

Aabia clapped her hands excitedly.
"This sounds fun!"

"But..." Zainab had a mischievous smile spread across her face.

"There is a tradition related to the tea." Zainab said creating suspense.

"What is it?" Mehak asked.

"The bride prepares Turkish coffee or tea for the groom." Roshaane listened quietly.

"And..." Zainab paused on purpose.

"The groom's cup gets extra salt instead of sugar."

For a second there was complete silence.
Then all said in loud voice.

"What?" Every girl burst into loud laughter.

Roshaane's eyes widened.
"Salt?"

"Yes." Zainab nodded innocently.

"The groom has to drink the whole cup without complaining." Zainab said making them all laugh.

Mahi laughed so hard she almost dropped her spoon.
"Poor Aarib bhai!"

"He won't survive," Zara said with a rare smile, making everyone laugh even harder.

Aabia pointed dramatically toward Roshaane.
"Done!"

"We're definitely doing this."

"No!" Roshaane protested immediately.

"He'll never forgive me."

"Oh, he has to drink it," Zarnish said with a grin.
"It's a Turkish tradition."

"And if he finishes it without making a face," Zainab added softly, "people say it shows his patience, respect, and how much he loves his bride."

The girls went "Aww..."

Aabia folded her arms proudly.
"Perfect."

"Our groom is about to be tested." Aabia announced while Roshaane covered her face with both hands.

"Allah... he's going to know it was all your plan."

"No," Aabia said confidently.

"We'll make sure he blames only his beautiful bride."
Everyone laughed again.

Even Zara's quiet laughter joined the cheerful atmosphere. Roshaane shook her head helplessly, smiling despite herself.

"I already know he'll look at me with those offended eyes."

"And then?" Mehak asked.
Roshaane smiled softly.

"And then... he'll drink it anyway."

The girls exchanged knowing glances before another wave of teasing filled the rooftop, while somewhere downstairs, completely unaware of the plans being made against him, Aarib was peacefully enjoying the boys' gathering.

------
The laughter from the rooftop slowly drifted into the lawn. A few moments later, the girls began walking downstairs together.

The boys, who had been sitting around the bonfire with cups of coffee in their hands, looked up at the sound of bangles and laughter. And for a few seconds no one spoke. Every man's eyes found the woman his heart searched for.

Shahmir's gaze rested on Aabia, whose laughter reached him before she did. A smile automatically appeared on his lips. Shams looked at Zarnish. She was already smiling at him, and without realizing it, he smiled back just as warmly.

Aarham's eyes softened the moment they met Mehak's. She simply looked at him, and that one look was enough for both of them. Shazam grinned at Mahi, who rolled her eyes before smiling back. Sameer's eyes briefly lifted toward his family before quietly settling on the gathering. He smiled faintly, happy simply watching everyone together. Only Hikmat's gaze wandered unconsciously...
Until it stopped on Zara.

She walked quietly behind everyone, her loose hair moving gently with the night breeze. She wasn't laughing loudly like the others, but a small smile rested on her lips as she listened to their conversation.
For a brief second, their eyes almost met.

Hikmat quickly looked away and cleared his throat, silently scolding his own heart. Aarib's eyes searched instinctively for only one person.But Roshaane wasn't with them. He frowned slightly.

"Where's my wife?" he asked before he could stop himself.

The girls exchanged amused glances. Aabia stepped forward with folded arms.

"The bride is not allowed to come."
Aarib blinked.
"What?"

"From now until the wedding," Zarnish added proudly, "the bride stays with the girls."

"She won't meet the groom."
Aarib looked genuinely offended.

"For two whole days?"

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"I'm rejecting this tradition." Aarib said getting impatient.

"You don't have that option."
Everyone laughed.

Just then, hearing the cheerful voices outside, the elders walked out into the lawn.

Jahan Ahmad, Zeeniya Ahmad, Hammad Ahmad, Madiha Ahmad, Waqas Ahmad, Robi, Mrs. Najma Ahmad,  all came outside smiling.

"What is happening here?" Hammad Ahmad asked, amused.

Aabia immediately turned toward them.
"Perfect timing!"

"We were just announcing tomorrow's first wedding ritual."

Now everyone's attention was on her.
"As the bride's family..."
She looked proudly at Jahan and Zeeniya.

"...we invite the groom's family to come tomorrow morning and officially ask for our bride's hand." Aabia said looking at Aarib and his parents.

Jahan immediately understood and smiled.
"A beautiful tradition."

Zeeniya nodded happily.
"I like this."

Hammad Ahmad laughed.
"But my son is already married."

"Not yet. He has to relive all the moments as they wanted.," Aabia replied confidently.

"Tomorrow he is only the groom to be."
Everyone laughed.

Shahmir folded his arms.
"So what exactly do we have to do?"

"You'll come properly dressed," Aabia explained.

"You'll bring sweets, flowers, and ask for Roshaane's hand with respect."

"And then?" Shams asked.

"And then..." Mehak smiled mischievously.

"We'll see whether the bride's family accepts your proposal."

"What?" Aarib almost stood up.

"They can reject it?"

"They can make you work for it," Mahi corrected with a grin.

The boys looked at one another. Shazam sighed dramatically.
"I knew this wedding was becoming dangerous."

"You haven't seen anything yet," Zarnish replied.

Aarib turned hopefully toward Hikmat.
"My friend..."

"You've been suspiciously quiet."
Hikmat smiled, trying not to laugh.

"It's a real Turkish tradition." Himmat tried to justify.

"So?"

"So..."
He shrugged innocently.

"You'll have to earn your bride." The boys groaned together.

The elders laughed heartily, enjoying every second of their expressions. Jahan looked at Aarib with an affectionate smile.

"I'll be waiting tomorrow, son."

"But remember..." He paused deliberately.

"A daughter is precious. You don't get her that easily."
Everyone burst into laughter.

Aarib rubbed his forehead dramatically.
"I've crossed countries, survived heartbreak, and married her..." He looked toward the rooftop where he knew Roshaane was waiting.

"...and now I have to win her all over again."

"I'm so ready for it." Aarib said with a smile, everyone cheered.

From somewhere above, hidden behind the terrace railing, a soft giggle reached the lawn.
Aarib looked up instinctively.
Though he couldn't see her...
He smiled.
He knew that laugh anywhere.
------
The villa had finally grown quiet. After a day filled with laughter, traditions, and endless teasing, everyone had retired to their rooms. The corridors that had echoed with voices all day now rested in peaceful silence.

Roshaane closed the bedroom door behind her.
She was sharing the room with Zara and Mahi for the wedding days, just as the girls had decided.
Mahi and Zara were already gone to sleep after changing as it almost 2 o'clock of the night.

Roshaane walked to the dressing mirror.
Slowly, she removed her earrings one by one.
The yellow floral jewelry still rested around her neck, and her green bangles chimed softly as she untied her hair. Long waves fell over her shoulders. She looked at herself in the mirror. A small smile touched her lips.

"He didn't even see me today..."

For a moment she imagined Aarib standing behind her, teasing her the way he always did.
"You look beautiful."

The imaginary words made her cheeks warm.
She smiled to herself before lowering her eyes.

"I wanted you to see me..."

she whispered so softly that even she barely heard it.
In another room, Aarib stood near the window with his hands in his pockets. The room felt strangely empty.
Too empty.

He looked toward the side of the bed where Roshaane usually slept.
Untouched.
No scattered bangles. No book lying carelessly on the table. No voice asking him random questions.
He smiled helplessly.

"I've become so used to you..." he murmured.

Tomorrow was the beginning of their wedding celebrations. The thought alone filled his heart with excitement. He couldn't wait to see her dressed as a bride.
Yet...

He hadn't seen her properly the entire day.
Not even heard her voice. He glanced toward the bedroom door. A slow smile spread across his face.

"This tradition never said I can't try."

Quietly opening the door, he peeked into the hallway.
Silent.
No one.

Aabia had already gone to her room with Shahmir.
Mehak was with Aarham. The elders had retired for the night. Only the soft glow of the hallway lights remained.
Aarib slipped back inside, picked up his phone, and typed quickly.

Aarib: Come to the rooftop. A few seconds passed.
Then his phone vibrated.

Roshaane: Are you mad? He smiled.

Aarib: Maybe.
Another message appeared.

Roshaane: Aabia will kill us.

Aarib: Only five minutes.
She didn't reply.

He waited.
One minute.
Two.
Three.
Nothing.

He sighed dramatically.
"I lost."

Just as he was about to put his phone away, another message appeared.

Roshaane: I'm coming.
His smile widened instantly.

The rooftop was wrapped in silence. The fairy lights from the girls' gathering still glowed softly, and the cool Istanbul breeze carried the scent of flowers through the night. Aarib reached first. He stood near the railing, hands in his pockets, looking at the moon. A few moments later soft footsteps echoed behind him.
He turned.

There she was. Still wearing the same yellow dress, her hair open, the green dupatta resting lightly over her shoulders. For a few heartbeats, neither of them spoke.
They simply looked at each other.

Aarib smiled first.
"I finally got to see you."

Roshaane folded her arms, pretending to be upset.
"I waited all day for you." She said, looking in his eyes.

"At least I came. I couldn't sleep without seeing you."
Her expression softened immediately.

She walked closer until they stood side by side at the railing.
"I missed you today," she admitted quietly.

"I know." He answered smilingly.

"How?"she asked turning to him as well with a smile.

"Because I missed you just as much."
She looked at him, a silent gaze between them.

"The room feels strange without you."
He laughed softly, his eyes longs for her.

"I was about to complain about exactly the same thing."
The breeze lifted a few strands of her hair across her face. Without thinking, Aarib gently tucked them behind her ear.

His hand lingered for only a second before he let it fall.
"I..." The words couldn't interrupt the gaze, which was making both of their hearts run fast. Without a second thought, both took a step closer, hugging each other tightly. 

"I missed you. I really did," he whispered as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

His face slowly rested on her shoulder before he buried it in the curve of her neck, breathing in the familiar fragrance of her hair. Her heart fluttered. Everything about this hug felt different. The way he was holding her.The way he was silently feeling her presence. His warmth, his closeness, the soft brush of his breath against her neck. It made her lose herself in him. Then she felt the gentle touch of his lips against the side of her neck. Her eyes widened slightly.

"Aarib..." she whispered shyly, yet her arms only tightened around him.

Slowly, he pulled back, but he didn't let go of her.
She was still safely wrapped in his arms.
Their eyes met.A soft smile appeared on his lips as he rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm going crazy," he admitted quietly.

His words made her lower her eyes, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks.

"But..."
He smiled softly.

"I can wait two more days." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Leaning forward, he pressed a gentle kiss to her right cheek before finally loosening his arms around her.

"Go now..." he murmured with a helpless smile.

"Or I won't be able to hold myself."
Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink.

Unable to look at him anymore, she quickly turned around and almost ran back downstairs, hiding her smile. Aarib watched her disappear, his own lips curved into a quiet smile.

"Just one more day," he whispered to himself.

"Then we won't have to steal five minutes under the stars anymore."

Above them, the moon shone softly, as if silently blessing the love that had finally found its home.
------
He was lying comfortably on the bed, one arm tucked beneath his head, his phone in his hand. But he wasn't really looking at the screen. His eyes kept drifting toward her.

Maliha was standing by the wardrobe, smiling to herself as she unpacked their luggage. They had reached the hotel only a little while ago. After checking in, she had walked around the room like an excited child, still unable to believe that they were finally on their honeymoon.
Haseeb watched every little reaction with a smile.
She looked... happy.

And that alone made the journey worth it.

"I still can't believe we're really in Singapore," she said happily as she hung one of his shirts inside the wardrobe.

"We really are, my love."

Before she could place the next set of clothes inside, she suddenly felt two familiar arms wrap around her from behind.She smiled instantly. Haseeb rested his chin on her shoulder, his cheek brushing against hers before he placed a soft kiss on the side of her face.
A quiet giggle escaped her lips.

"Haseeb..."

"What?" he asked innocently.

"I have to finish unpacking."

"It can wait."

He gently took the clothes from her hands and placed them back on the bed.

"We didn't come here to arrange wardrobes," he whispered near her ear. "We came here to make memories."

Turning her gently toward him, he held out his hand.
"Come."

She looked at him for a second before slipping her hand into his.

"Where?"

"To start our honeymoon properly."

Laughing softly, she quickly picked up her jacket while he grabbed the room key. Hand in hand smiling without any reason. They walked out of the room together.
The hotel restaurant overlooked the city lights, glowing beautifully under the night sky.

Soft music floated through the air.

Couples and families enjoyed their dinners, waiters moved gracefully between the tables, and the warm lights made everything feel peaceful. Haseeb pulled out a chair for Maliha before taking the seat opposite her.

"What are we ordering?" he asked, looking at the menu.
She smiled.

"Everything."
He laughed.

"I knew you were going to say that."

They continued teasing each other, sharing bites from the same plate, laughing over small things, completely lost in their own little world.

Neither of them noticed the man sitting several tables away. Dressed entirely in black, he kept his cap low over his face. His attention wasn't on the food. It was on them. Quietly, he pulled out his phone. The camera lens focused on the smiling couple. Haseeb laughing. Maliha feeding him a bite.

Their hands resting together on the table. Every happy moment was silently recorded. Within seconds, the video was sent. To the one man who wanted their happiness destroyed.

The phone screen showed only one word after the message was delivered.Sent.The stranger slipped his phone back into his pocket without another glance.
Across the restaurant, Haseeb and Maliha smiled at each other, completely unaware that their peaceful honeymoon had already caught the attention of someone watching from the shadows.
------
A/N:: Assalam-o-alikum readers.
How are you all?
A quick update is here.

Hope you've all enjoyed. How's the story going? Almost near at its end. And I will surely come back to all other stories that need to be finished.

But shower your love on this chapter first and tell me how you're feeling after reading this.

I'll back soon with another update.
Till then

Keep reading...
Keep smiling...