The morning arrived with a different kind of excitement.
Today was the first official Turkish wedding ritual.
Although Aarib and Roshaane were already husband and wife, everyone had agreed to follow the traditions properly. According to Turkish custom, the groom's family would formally visit the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage.

For that reason, both families had decided not to stay in the same house for the ceremony. Early in the morning, Jahan Ahmad and his family shifted to Aarib's old house. The house where Aarib and Roshaane had first lived together after their marriage. It had been beautifully decorated to become the bride's home for the wedding festivities. Fresh flowers adorned every corner. Elegant Turkish lamps glowed softly.

The drawing room had been arranged with embroidered cushions, fresh bouquets, and silver tea sets.The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming.Mrs. Najma Ahmad looked around with satisfaction.

"It truly feels like we're preparing our daughter for marriage."
Zeeniya smiled while checking the final arrangements.

"Our daughter is getting married again."

"This time," Jahan replied with a peaceful smile, "without any fear in my heart."

Upstairs...
The girls had completely taken over Roshaane's room.
Aabia was fixing her dupatta. Mahi arranged the cushions near the window. Mehak quietly placed fresh flowers in a vase. Zainab admired everything around her.

"You all have decorated this place so beautifully," she said.

Aabia grinned proudly. "Our bride deserves nothing less." Roshaane looked around the room.

It felt strangely emotional. This house held countless memories. The laughter... The arguments...The tears... The silent moments she and Aarib had shared here. She gently ran her fingers over the dressing table, smiling to herself.

"It still feels like home," she whispered.

Zeeniya heard her and walked over.
"It will always be your first home."

She kissed her daughter's forehead lovingly.Across the city, At the new villa, the atmosphere was no less exciting. The men were getting ready while the women adjusted the gift trays one final time. Beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers. Elegant boxes of Turkish delights.Premium chocolates. Traditional sweets. Everything had been arranged carefully for the formal proposal. Hikmat entered the hall carrying the last flower arrangement.

"I think that's everything." Aarib looked over the gifts before nodding.
"Perfect."

He adjusted the sleeves of his black suit while looking at his reflection. For some reason, his heart was beating much faster than expected.

"You look nervous." Shams laughed as he fixed his tie.

"You've already married her." He said again, standing in front of Aarib.

"So why are you acting like this is your first proposal?"
Everyone laughed.

Aarib rubbed the back of his neck.
"I don't know. It feels different today."

Hammad Ahmad walked over and rested a proud hand on his son's shoulder.
"Because today, you're asking for your wife with honor and tradition." Aarib smiled softly.

"Maybe."
Shams picked up one of the flower bouquets.

"So..."
"Shall we go and bring your bride?" Sameer smiled for the first time. He was going to attend the wedding from both sides. Being Roshaane's brother, he chose to be Aarib's side for this tradition.

"I think someone has been waiting for this day more than anyone else." Everyone's eyes shifted toward Aarib.

His ears turned slightly red.
"I have."

He admitted it without hesitation. The room burst into laughter. Even Hikmat couldn't hide his smile.

"Then don't keep the bride waiting."

Hammad Ahmad looked at everyone.
"Bismillah?"

"In the name of Allah."
One by one, they picked up the flowers and gift boxes before walking toward the waiting cars.

Today, The groom's family was going to ask for Roshaane's hand not because they had to, but because they wanted to honor the tradition and make every moment of their wedding a memory they would cherish forever.

-------
The line of black cars slowly entered through the gates of Aarib's old house. Inside the house, everyone became alert.

"They're here!" Mahi whispered excitedly as she peeked through the window.

The girls hurried toward the balcony, trying not to be seen. Down below, the cars came to a stop. Hammad Ahmad stepped out first, followed by Madiha Ahmad, Waqas Ahmad, Robi Ahmad, Sameer, Zara, Zarnish, Hikmat, and Zainab and then finally Aarib stepped out of the last car.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked around the familiar house. A smile touched his lips. It had once been his home, and today he had returned to it as a groom. As if sensing his presence, Roshaane quietly looked down from behind the balcony curtains.
Their eyes met for only a second. A shy smile appeared on her lips before Aabia immediately pulled her back.

"No looking at the groom!" Everyone laughed.

"You've got only one more day," Mahi teased.

The front door opened. Jahan Ahmad welcomed them with a warm smile. Aarham, Shazam standing beside their father welcoming.Mrs their brother in-law.

"Assalamu Alaikum."

"Wa Alaikum Assalam," everyone replied together.

Hammad Ahmad stepped forward and embraced Jahan warmly.

"It is an honour to come to your home."

"The honour is ours," Jahan replied.

The elders exchanged greetings while the younger members smiled at one another. The ladies hugged each other lovingly.

"Welcome." Aabia and Mehak said.

"Please come inside." Mahi said, giving way yo them all .

One by one, everyone entered the beautiful drawing room. The guests were seated comfortably while the servants served fresh juices, dates, chocolates, and traditional sweets. For a few minutes, the atmosphere was filled with light conversation and laughter. Then the room slowly became quiet.

Everyone knew the real purpose of today's visit.
Hameed Ahmad glanced at Jahan Ahmad before speaking respectfully. He smiled at Aarib for a brief moment before looking back at Jahan.

"We have come to ask for your daughter's hand for our son, Aarib Ahmad." Silence settled over the room.

Even though everyone already knew the answer. The tradition still carried its own beauty. Jahan looked lovingly toward Zeeniya before speaking.

"Our daughter has always been precious to us."
He paused with emotion.

"And today, with complete peace in our hearts, we gladly accept your proposal." Smiles spread across every face.

Alhamdulillah echoed softly through the room. Mrs. Najma Ahmad wiped the corner of her eyes.
"May Allah keep these children happy forever."

"Ameen," everyone replied together.

"Mehak beta go bring Roshaane."Zeeniya said and nodding, she lett with Aabia and Mahi to bring the bride.

Aarib waited impatiently. These few minutes were like hours for him. His heart somewhere was getting excited on what she was going to do. His lips smiled thinking about the tea tradition.

"Brace yourself Mr groom." Hikmat said leaning closer to his lips.

"I've." Aarib replied with a smile.

His eyes kept roaming around the room, searching only for her. Every passing second made his heart beat a little faster. These beautiful traditions were making him enjoy every moment of this wedding.

"Girl, hurry up," Aabia said as she entered the room and found Roshaane sitting quietly on the edge of the bed.

"I'm nervous," Roshaane admitted as she stood up, her fingers nervously twisting together.

"It's natural," Mehak smiled.

All the girls gathered around her, hugging her one by one.
"Now come," Mehak said, holding her hand. "Let's complete the tea tradition by making tea for your groom."

Roshaane nodded with a small smile. The moment they entered the kitchen, laughter filled the air. Aabia poured the tea into elegant cups while Mehak arranged them neatly on a silver tray. Zainab, already familiar with Turkish traditions, smiled knowingly.

"This is the real test," she whispered.

A mischievous sparkle appeared in Roshaane's eyes.
Without saying a word, she picked up one cup, added one spoon of salt. Everyone watched silently. Then, She added another spoon. The girls burst into laughter.

"Roshaane!" Mehak laughed. "Poor Aarib bhai."

"He won't mind... right?" Roshaane asked, suddenly looking worried.

Aabia shook her head with a smile.

"It's a tradition. You'll always remember these moments."

"I just want to know if he'll be okay after drinking this," Roshaane whispered, genuine concern filling her voice.
The girls couldn't help smiling.

"He'll be perfectly fine," Aabia assured her. "It's not like he's going to faint after one cup of salty tea." But instead of relaxing, Roshaane looked even more worried.

"What if it doesn't suit him? What if he gets a headache? Or his blood pressure rise?" She started counting one fear after another.

All the girls sighed together.
"He doesn't have any blood pressure problem," Aabia said patiently. "Trust me, he'll be absolutely fine."

Roshaane finally nodded, though she still looked unconvinced. Soon the tray was ready. She adjusted the beautiful green floral maxi she was wearing. The matching stole rested gracefully around her neck, while her light makeup made her glow naturally. Taking a deep breath, she lifted the tray.

"Wish me luck," she whispered.

"You should be wishing him luck," Aabia laughed.
Everyone laughed again. Still smiling, Roshaane walked toward the drawing room.

The conversations stopped the moment she entered.
Every elder smiled lovingly. Jahan Ahmad looked at his daughter with pride shining in his eyes. Zeeniya silently thanked Allah. Madiha Ahmad couldn't stop smiling.
The boys, however, their eyes immediately searched for Aarib.
Then...

For the tray. Shams covered his smile.
Shazam looked away before he burst out laughing.
Sameer had already guessed something was wrong.
Hikmat quietly hid his grin. Only Aarib. He wasn't looking at the tray. He wasn't looking at the tea. His eyes were only on Roshaane. She looked breathtaking. Beautiful enough to steal every thought from his mind. Slowly, Roshaane placed the tray on the table. One by one, everyone picked up their cups.

Finally...
She lifted the special cup. The one with two full spoons of salt. Trying hard not to laugh, she walked toward Aarib. Their eyes met. Both hearts skipped a beat.
The moment he looked into her eyes, he immediately noticed the mischief dancing there.

"Your tea," she said softly, offering him the cup.

"I've been waiting for it," he replied with a warm smile as he accepted it.

But just before he could take the first sip..
"Stop."
Her worried whisper made him pause.

She gently held his wrist.
"You'll be okay after drinking this?" she asked quietly so no one else could hear.
Aarib smiled.

"As long as you've made it..."

Keeping his eyes locked on hers, he took the first sip.
It was terribly salty. But not a single expression changed on his face. Every eye in the room remained fixed on him. Yet his eyes never left Roshaane's. She lowered her gaze with a shy smile.The room fell completely silent.
Everyone waited for his reaction.

Shams whispered,
"He's crazy."

Shazam nodded immediately.
"He really is."

Even the elders couldn't hide their amused smiles.
Sip after sip. Aarib calmly finished the entire cup. Not a single drop remained. He placed the empty cup back onto the tray.Then looked at Roshaane once again. She looked up at the very same moment. Their smiles met before words ever could.

"Our boy has passed the test," Hammad Ahmad announced proudly.

The boys immediately clapped and cheered.
Before anyone could say anything else.

"One moment, please," Hikmat spoke.

At the same time, Zainab stepped beside him.
Everyone turned toward the siblings.

"As all of you are experiencing Turkish wedding traditions," Hikmat began with a smile, "we thought something was missing."

"You skipped the engagement ceremony because the bride and groom are already married," Zainab continued.

"So... we arranged a small engagement ceremony for you here." Everyone looked surprised.

Even Aarib's eyes softened with emotion. He looked at Hikmat gratefully. Zainab quickly returned carrying a beautiful silver tray covered with a rich red cloth.
On top rested two golden rings tied together with a bright red ribbon. A soft wave of excitement spread through the room.

"Bride and groom..."
Hikmat smiled.

"Please come here." Still smiling, Aarib and Roshaane stepped forward and stood together in the center of the room while both families gathered around them.

"So..." Hikmat looked around.

"Who will cut the ribbon?"
"Zeeya Maa."

Aarib's voice surprised everyone. He looked lovingly toward Roshaane's mother. Startled, Zeeniya's eyes immediately filled with tears. With a trembling smile, she stepped forward. Aarib and Roshaane looked at each other. Then, he gently slipped the rings onto each other's fingers. Zainab handed the scissors to Zeeniya.
With a silent prayer in her heart, she cut the red ribbon.
The moment it fell, the room erupted into applause.
Everyone smiled, hugged them, and showered them with prayers and blessings.

Roshaane's eyes filled with happy tears. She had never imagined this day would become so beautiful. Just then, She felt someone gently holding her hand.
She turned. It was Aarib. Everyone else was busy talking and celebrating. But he was only looking at her.

"I never knew this could be so beautiful," he whispered as he gently wiped away the tiny tear from her cheek.

"What?" she asked softly.

"Marrying you." His answer was simple.

Her smile grew even brighter.

"And I..."
He paused.

Hope instantly lit up her eyes.
"I?"

She waited eagerly. Thinking...
Maybe today...
Maybe finally...
He would say those three words.
Instead...

"I...should go now."
He grinned mischievously.

Her hopeful smile instantly disappeared.
"You are so bad!"

She lightly hit his arm before turning around and walking away with an offended pout. Aarib laughed softly as he watched her leave. His eyes followed her until she disappeared from sight.

"I do want to say it..."he whispered to himself.

"But not today."
A small smile touched his lips.
"I'll wait for the right moment."

-------
The honeymoon had been everything they had dreamed of. Every day brought a new place to explore. Every evening became another beautiful memory. Haseeb's teasing seemed to increase with every passing hour, and Maliha had almost given up trying to hide her blushes. He found endless joy in making her laugh, watching her become shy, and stealing little moments that belonged only to them.

Neither of them realized that while they were making memories. Someone else was making plans. Someone had been watching them from the moment they arrived in Singapore. It was their third day in Singapore When Maliha opened the hotel room door, she stopped in surprise. The room glowed under the soft light of dozens of candles. Fresh flowers decorated the table near the window, where a beautiful candlelight dinner had been arranged.

Soft music played in the background, making the moment even more magical.

"What's this?" She asked, surprised.

"A surprise for you." He replied, holding her hand, but she stopped turning him to the other side.

"Don't turn until I call you." She said and went in the dressing area.

A while later, she stepped out. Hesitant, shy she moved toward haseeb.

"Haseeb..." she whispered, her eyes shining.

He turned around. The moment he saw her, he forgot about the dinner completely. She was wearing a sleeveless sky-blue western dress that reached just below her knees. Her loose hair rested over her shoulders, and the soft colour made her look even more beautiful in the candlelight. She lowered her eyes shyly.

"I thought I'd surprise you," she said with a blush.

Haseeb slowly walked toward her, unable to take his eyes off her.

"And I am surprised."
He stopped only a step away.

"Surprised... amazed..."
His eyes remained fixed on her.

"...and completely captivated by you."
Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

"Haseeb..."
She laughed softly and turned to run.

Before he could catch her, she slipped around the sofa.
He laughed and followed.
"So you're running away from your husband now?"

"I'm saving myself from all your teasing!" She squealed with words as she ran.

"Oh? Then run as much as you want."
She laughed louder, running around the room while he followed her, both of them forgetting everything outside those four walls.

Just as he was about to catch her, the lights suddenly went out. The room fell into complete darkness.
Maliha gasped.

"Haseeb!"

"I'm here."
Using the faint glow of the candles, he quickly reached her. She immediately held onto him.

"What happened?" she asked nervously. "Why did the lights go out?"

"I don't know."
He gently rubbed her arm, trying to calm her.

"Stay here. I'll check outside."
Before she could stop him, he stepped into the hallway.
The corridor was filled with confused guests. People stood outside their rooms, asking the hotel staff what had happened.

"This has never happened before."

"Is there a power failure?"

"When will the electricity return?"

Haseeb tried asking one of the staff members the same questions. No one seemed to have an answer.
Then a frightened scream echoed from inside his room.

"Haseeb!"

His heart skipped a beat.
"Maliha!"

Without wasting another second, he ran back.
The moment he entered the room, the lights came back on. His eyes searched the room until they found her.
She was standing near the balcony, breathing heavily.

"Maliha!"
He rushed toward her.

"What happened?"
Then his eyes fell on her left arm.

A thin line of blood slowly ran down her skin from a fresh cut. His face drained of colour.

"You're hurt!" He reached for her immediately.

Before she could answer, her vision blurred.
"Haseeb..."

She collapsed forward. He caught her in his arms before she could hit the floor.

"Maliha... look at me."

His voice trembled with panic. He gently lifted her and carried her toward the bed. As he laid her down, something on the floor caught his attention. Near the balcony, a white envelope lay beside her. It hadn't been there before.

Still holding Maliha's hand, Haseeb slowly reached for the envelope with his other hand.
Inside was a single sheet of paper. Only one sentence was written across it.

"This is only the beginning."

For the first time since arriving in Singapore...
Haseeb understood. This wasn't an accident.
Someone had followed them.
And whoever it was...
Had just declared the beginning of a very dangerous game.

Assalam-o-Alaikum readers.

Leave your comments about the chapter. Vote and share.