I found the person I would never want to stop making memories with.

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(long unedited chapter)

The preparations for the wedding were going on in full swing. It was decided that the Nikah would be held on separate timings and the reception would be held together.

First Nihaal and Ayman would be married on Saturday afternoon and then Zeeshan and Anam would be married by maghrib on the same day. The reception would be held the next day.

Everyone were getting their dresses ready, the decor and caterers were getting booked. The girls would go and shop together. Everyone was excited for both the weddings.

Zain had apologised to both Ayman and Nihaal. Both had forgiven him as he had realised his mistake. They just let it go. He was a human after all and humans do make mistakes. Nobody is perfect.

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It was a jittery feeling for both the brides. They wanted the wedding to be a small gathering. So, only the intimate members if the family and friends were invited.

Ayman was beautifully dressed in a white Sharara. Her hands were decorated with intricate mehendi designs. She had worn a beautiful set of kundan and pearl bangles. Her lips were tainted in deep red colour. She was looking like a pari. She looked at herself in the mirror and she smiled. She was happy to be dressed for him.

The stage was decorated. The white mats and fancy cushions were spread on the ground. Their was a white jasmine chadder dividing the mats into two separate portions.

Ayman was made to sit on one side and Nihaal was sitting on the other side. They had their friends and family beside them. Everyone was happy and getting along.

Shaamil and faazil along with the imaam had come to the stage to ask her consent. The consent was always asked to the girl first and later would be asked to the boy.

The imaam started with the sermon first and then asked for her consent.

"Do you Ayman Hayat accept Nihaal khan as your lawfully wedded husband with a Mehr of 25 lakhs?" the imaam asked her.

(Mehr is the amount given to the bride by the groom and it will solely be used by her and the husband has no share in it)

Ayman was having flashbacks of last time. She did not want to witness the same thing all over again. But she also knew that nihaal would never hurt her like him. She had started trusting him. She looked up to see him keenly looking at her. She hesitated at first but then she saw the hope in his eyes and give her consent.

The moment she saw him she knew that he belonged to her and he was her future.

"Alhamdulillah, Qubool hai"
And she repeated it two more times when the imaam asked her again.

Nihaal was dressed in a off white salwar lazeez and a cream waistcoat. He had worn brown leather loafers. He wore a black big dial Tissot watch on his left wrist.

Nihaal had seen the hesitation look in her eyes and comforted her by blinking his eyes and nodding his head in a way to give her hope. He had promised himself that he would take the best care of her.

The imaam and the witnesses came to his side and asked him the question,  he gave his consent without even thinking once.

"Alhamdulillah, Qubool hai
Alhamdulillah, Qubool hai
Alhamdulillah, Qubool hai."
He felt at peace after giving his consent. Their fate was sealed with this. They witnessed a different hue of emotion today.

Ayman was taken to the bridal room to rest for sometime. Their was still time for Zeeshan and Anam to get married. She was a little tired.

The girls told her Nihaal would be coming to see her in a while and they left her all alone. She walked to the window present in the room and was glancing outside when she heard a knock on the door and her breath hitched.

She was going to see him all alone after their Nikah. She had an overwhelmed feeling in the pits of her stomach. She whispered a soft come in and the door slightly opened. She was still facing the window. She heard footsteps behind her.

Nihaal walked inside the room after he heard a faint 'come in'. He looked around and saw her standing near the window. He slowly started taking steps towards her. He could see she was nervous and so was he.

"Hayat" he slowly whispered and she turned around.

He was mesmerised by the beauty standing in front of him. She was looking like a fallen angel. Masha Allah, Beautiful. He slowly whispered.

He brought his hand forward and waited for her to take it. She slowly took hold of his hand and he took her to the bed present in the room and made her sit on it.

He was still standing in front of her. He placed his hand above her head and gently recited a few Duas and blew it on her. He bent down and placed a peck on her forehead. He lips lingered there for a minute.

He sat down next to her and took hold of her hand. He was liking the feeling of holding her hand. It fit perfectly in his hand like a part of a puzzle. He asked her to join him in praying two Rakats of nawafil prayer.

She loved his little gestures like him kissing her forehead and holding her hand. It was all new to her. She hadn't felt like this before. And she was happy that he had asked her to join him in prayer.

She pondered how her last marriage was a blunder. She didn't get to feel any of this. This was all new to her. She put those horrible thoughts aside and agreed to read the Salah (prayer) with him.

After finishing their prayer be looked at her and gave her a heartwarming smile. He asked her to come and sit in front of him and she obliged. He took her hands and joint his hands along with her and started making dua with his eyes closed. Their were butterflies erupting in her stomach.

After finishing the dua, he stood and she followed. He took her hand and made her stand in from of the mirror.

They looked like a perfect couple, with their own set of goodness and flaws. They would mould each other perfectly. She was seeing at their reflection when she felt him pulling out a box from his pocket.

He pulled out a chain from the box which had a pendant of her name 'Hayat'. He slowly brought it forward and made her wear it.

'Hayat' that is what he liked calling her. She touched the pendant and was  shedding tears when he gently wiped her tears and asked her not to cry. They heard a knock on the door.

He went to the door and opened it. It was Ayesha standing with two plates full of food. She came inside and kept the plates on the small table near the couch. She told them to have the food as their was still time for the Nikah of Zeeshan and Anam.

He sat on the couch and asked her to join him. She sat next to him. He took one plate and filled the spoon with the biryani rice and brought it closer to her mouth. She felt shy eating from someone's hand. But that someone was her mehram now. She opened her mouth and he continued feeding her and himself.

After sometime it was time for the Nikah and both of them headed outside. He held her hand and everyone were happy seeing them walk together to the venue. He had a satisfactory smile on his face when he held her hand and walked with her.

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Anam was dressed in an elegant red lehenga. She had worn a royal kundan set of jewellery with matching kundan bangles. Her hands were filled with beautiful bridal mehendi designs. Her hair was blow dried and soft curls were resting on her left shoulder. Her head was adorned with her bridal dupatta.

She was welcomed to the hall where everyone was present. She walked up to the stage that was set up and sat down on the cushions spread for them. The imaam and her father came up to her and asked for her consent in marriage.

"Do you Anam Ara take Zeeshan Ahmed as your lawfully wedded husband with a haq Mehr of 25 lakh rupees" the imaam asked.

She looked up and saw Zeeshan waiting impatiently for her answer and she thought of teasing him. She didn't answer for a while and he was growing restless. Bushra nudged her and she answered.

"Qubool hai.
Qubool hai.
Qubool hai" And she finally have her answer and signed the Nikah nama.
He released the breath he was holding.

The imaam asked him for the consent and he gave it muttering Alhamdulillah Qubool hai three times.

The veil of flowers was lifted which was set up for separating the sides. Zeeshan got up from his side and went to her side.

He kept his hand on her head and recited the sunnah Duas and blew it on her head. They sat together and everyone took pictures with them.

He slowly got on his knees and brought a ring forward. He asked for her hand and she gave him her hand. Everyone started hooting for them. He slid the ring on her ring finger. He placed a haste kiss on the back of her palm and got up.

"Yaar Jaldi se ek last group pic lelo before I leave" Bushra said. They gave her a sad smile and everyone stood on the stage. They asked someone to click their picture. (Guys please take one last croup picture before I leave)

Sadiya was roaming around the hall when she found zain and he gave her a smile. She was happy to see the smile on his face but she was sad as well. She thought she gave too much of herself to him, which is why she was left rejected and all alone. So she thought she should move on in life and continue focusing with her career.

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It was time for ruksati. Anam's parents took her hand and gave it to Zeeshan. "She's my bundle of joy Zeeshan. I want you to take good care of her. I don't want you to mistreat her. And if I do,  get ready to be beaten from my hockey stock" her father said to Zeeshan. Zeeshans mouth was agape. He blinked and nodded his head. He would definitely treat her like a queen.

On the other side, Ayman's parents also went to where their kids were present. Her dad placed his hand on her head and blessed her. She was finally getting her happiness in her life. Her brothers also joined her along with her Bhabhi. They blessed her and Shaamil gave her hand in Nihaal's hand.

"My part is done here Nihaal and I trust you with my sister and I know you will take good care of her. But a little warning will not do any harm. So you better take good care of her or else even I won't mind punching the life out of you" Shaamil smirked at Nihaal, whereas Nihaal just rolled his eyes for his friends drama. He nodded at him and Shaamil hugged both of them.

Zeeshan and Anam went to their new house. Anam was sitting on the bed when he came inside the room after settling the matters with his cousins. He walked up to her and lifted her veil.

"Anam you are looking beautiful" saying this he did the most unexpected thing. He starting pulling her nose. She was shocked and she glared at him. She thought the least he would do is kiss her but here he was pulling her nose and cheeks. She was angry.

"ZEESHAN!!! WHAT THE HELL!! YE KYA KAR RAHE HO TUM?? Stop it!!"she yelled at him. (WHAT ARE YOU DOING??)

"Kya yaar Mai Tumhara shauhar hoon
Mujhe Aap karke bulaya karo" he said slightly pouting. (I'm your husband call me Aap with love)

"Mai tumhe shut ap na bulaun? Aur ye Kaun karta hai??" she said glaring at him. (I'd rather ask you to shut up)

"Acha na sorry ab gussa na ho" he pulled her and she landed on his chest. He slowly lifted her chin and kissed her. (Okay na sorry. Now don't be angry)

The stars and moon witnessed the union of two souls.

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Nihaal had taken Ayman along with him to his car. He had reached their mansion. He got out of the car and walked to her side of the door.

He opened the door and gave his hand for her to held it. She got hold of his hand and came out of the car. They started walking to the door.

They were welcomed by their family members. Sadiya, junaid, his mother and some other relatives.

"Bhai I want you to carry Bhabhi and bring her inside. Don't be some boring old guy. Come on carry her to the living room" Sadiya said excitedly clapping her hands.

Ayman was embarrassed, she didn't want to be carried in front of everyone present there. She started fidgeting with her fingers when she felt her legs being lifted from the floor and she was half way in the air. Nihaal had carried her. Her cheeks were starting to turn red from the heat. She felt different when her friend addressed her as Bhabhi.

Everyone started hooting for the couple. He took her inside and made her sit on the sofa present in the living room.

Her mother in law welcomed her with utmost love and care. She was happy to bring a daughter in law home. She wanted to treat her like she was the daughter in law of the house and the whole house would now belong to her and she would be leading the family further.

Everyone would say they would treat the daughter in law like their daughters but they would never do that and Mrs. Khan wanted to give her, her own place in the house. The house now belonged to Ayman as well.

"Sadiya take Ayman to her room beta, she must be tired being in that heavy dress from afternoon" Mrs. Khan said looking at sadiya and she obliged.

Sadiya made her sit on the bed. She saw Ayman was nervous "Ayman Bhabhi, just relax, it's just Bhai. He won't eat you up. Now calm down. I'm sending him in" she said winking at her and got up and walked out of the room. She heard a commotion outside their room.

Nihaal was going to his room when he saw his two siblings waiting patiently outside their room.

"What are you both doing here? Guarding our room? Sad but we don't need any bodyguard" he joked.

"Not funny bhai.  And give us our neik" sadiya said folding her hands across her chest.

"Neik? What is that? And I'm not giving you anything!" he told them coolly.

"Haan Ab Bhabhi ke aane ke hum aapko Kahan yaad rahenge" sadiya said wiping her fake tears. (yeah after Bhabhi arrived how will you remember us poor souls)

"Oh drama queen. Chup Karo and let him go inside his room" her mom came taking her son's side. (drama queen let him go to his room)

"It's alright Maa. Unka haq hai. Aur Aap vo bag laaye?" he asked his mom. She nodded and passed him the bag. (it's alright mom. It's their right. Did you bring the bag?)

He took the bag and pulled out an envelop and gave it to Junaid.

Junaid took the envelop and was shocked to see tickets to London and a letter from a university.

"I know you've always wanted to study abroad like I did. But due to dad not being here you settled for studying here and not burdening me. But now it's time for me to take your responsibility. So I want you to go abroad and study Junaid"

Junaid was shocked and happy. London. This was were Bushra was going to complete her studies. Was it a coincidence? Or was destiny playing with them?

Nihaal turned to Sadiya and gave her the bag. She took it from him and saw that it had an iPhone 12 and a gift voucher from her favourite brand.

She immediately hugged him. He had always fulfilled their wishes after their dad had expired. He was truly like a father figure to them.

They excused themselves and sent him to their room to start a new life.

He went inside and saw her sitting on the bed looking all the more beautiful.   He knew she needed time in her life and he would wait even if had to for an eternity.

"You don't have to be nervous Hayat. We will not do anything until you are ready for it" he said taking his seat beside her.

She was slowly falling for him. She thought how much more good side does he have? How could he understand her so well and care for her. She gave him a heart warming smile which reached her eyes.

They offered their isha Salah together and he did the same thing while offering dua as he did in the evening.

"Why do you call me by my surname? Why don't you call me Ayman?" She always had that question in her mind. So she finally thought of asking him.

He gently pulled her to himself and she was pressed against his chest. He lifted her hand and placed it on his chest, just above the place where his heart resides. She started blushing and she kept looking down. He slowly lifted her chin up and made her look into his sincere eyes.

"I call you Hayat because it means life and you are my life. My Hayati "he said softly kissing her cheek. She was even more flushed. They got to bed and slept peacefully.

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She woke up alone in a dark room. She couldn't see anything. It was all dark.

She called out for Nihaal but her voice was not coming out. She could feel her hands tied to a chair. Her screams were coming out muffled.

Ayman, he whispered. That voice. She knew that voice. It was him. Ya Allah no. It can't be him.

His breath tickling her neck. She moved back but she couldn't see him. She couldn't even lift her hands to push him back.

I'm gonna kill you, he whispered from in front of her now.

NO!! She screamed but she was not heard. She tried moving her hands. But it was of no use.

She started to cry and she could hear him call my name all around me now.

She tried blocking him out. But he tried getting louder and louder.

HAYAT!!

She woke up in cold sweat. She saw Nihaal shaking her to wake me up from her nightmare. Thank Allah it wasn't real. She couldn't face that trauma anymore.

She didn't know what came over her and she hugged Nihaal tightly and started sobbing on his chest. He started stroking her back to calm her down.

"It's alright Hayat. I'm here. I will always stay by your side. You don't need to worry" he gently whispered in her ears while rubbing her back gently and put her back to sleep. She slept clinging on to his side.

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The next morning when he woke up he saw that she was peacefully sleeping beside him after he had consoled her down. Her eyes were closed and she looked very serene.

He couldn't describe how her eyes were like oceans and her smile would light up the whole room and how her existence would make him feel like his world would never fall apart. He knew she was the light in his life.

He got up and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

Ayman stirred in her sleep. She saw the spot next to her to be empty. She heard the water running in the bathroom and she concluded that he must be taking bath.

She got up and picked our dresses for today. She took out a grey colour full sleeves polo neck t-shirt for him with a pair of black jeans. And she pulled out a punk and grey salwar suit for herself.

He came of the washroom with a towel hung around his torso. She was flushed red. She quickly looked away when she saw him smirking. She took her clothes and rushed to the washroom.

After taking bath and getting ready she came out and found him sitting on the couch. She moved to the dressing table and starting combing her hair. And started applying a little bit of makeup.

He looked up and saw her combing her hair he fell in love with her hair yesterday night when he saw it for the first time. She had beautiful brown curly hair. He saw her looking at him through the mirror and he winked at her. She turned even more red after that.

They heard sadiya calling them for breakfast from the other side of the door.

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She greeted her mother in law and she was pulled into a bone crushing hug by her mother in law. She was happy to be loved and accepted by the wonderful lady who stood in front if her.

"Good morning beta, I hope you slept well, Chalo let's eat breakfast. All of us were waiting for the two if you to arrive" her mother in law asked her. She greeted her and nodded her head at her.

She went with her to the dinning table and sat down next to Nihaal. They quietly ate their breakfast. They were still having when everyone got up after finishing their breakfast and giving them some privacy.

After finishing her breakfast, she too got up and took Nihaal's plate from his hand and was heading to the kitchen when he called out for her. She turned towards him.

"What are you doing Hayat? " he inquired.

"Just taking the dishes to wash them" she replies.

"I am blessed to have you but I can wash my own plate right? I've been doing it before marriage as well" he said taking the plates from her.

"I need you as my life partner and not my glorified maid. We are equals in this relationship and I do not want you burdening yourself with my work" he said placing the back of his hand on her cheek.

She thinks how her ex used to punish her for not keeping the clean even though it was cleaned properly. She compares with old life.

That's enough of thinking about my past.
Today I close the door to my past.
Open the door to the future, take a deep breath and step on through to start a new chapter in my life" thought Ayman.

She fell for him even more. And she sincerely thanked her lord for blessing her with a spouse who loved her more than she had ever loved herself.

Manliness of a man lies in the smile of his wife.

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All of them were gathered in the airport parking lot to see off Bushra and Junaid as it was their day to move to London.

"Bushra London Jaake bhul na jaana hume" Amina said wiping her nose as it was flowing due to crying a lot. They both were really close to each other. Bushra pulled her into a hug.

"Okay now stop crying. I want to go leaving y'all behind know a happy note and not crying" Bushra said wiping her eyes.

Nihaal  hugged his brother and asked him to take care of himself and of his friend. They were luckily in the same university.

They all hugged for one last time and let them go after crying a river. They both left for the new phase and to witness the upcoming turn of events in their lives.

All of them started a new phase of their life.

And this was their life, filled with friends and family. Together and happy.

And suddenly you know:
It's time to start something new and trust in the magic of new beginnings.
~Meister Eckhart.

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Assalamu alaikum lovely readers.

Hey, how are y'all doing?

Y'all might be wondering kya yaar Pheli story me second wife and second story mei divorcee no scratch that a survivor. Aise Kyun likhte hein?

That's because...

Everyone deserves a second chance in life. When it comes knocking on your door, open the door with open arms welcoming it and not closing the door on its face. Only some people are lucky to get a second chance and move on in life.

I hope you've enjoyed it till here.

The epilogue will be out by the end of this week.

Any suggestions for epilogue? What do you want to see in it.

I would also want to thank my beautiful supporters who asked me not to stop writing. I love you guys and you guys know who I'm talking about here. So like my friends suggested I will be going on a break for some days now.

~Zoe.