"Indeed do not lose hope in the mercy of Allāh. Indeed none lose hope in the mercy of Allāh except the most ungrateful people." Qur'ān-12:87

***

Rida turned around to only feel a weight on her. She opened her eyes to find a hand around her waist making her startled but suddenly realisation dawned upon her. They were now officially married in the eyes of the world. She was now at her husband’s place and in his arm. She looked at the bed to realise that she was on his side but she frowned not understanding how she ended up in their bed while she remembered waiting for Rehan. She felt embarrassed thinking she fell asleep waiting for him and that he had to carry her to the bed. She tried getting away from him but his hold on her got more firm making her sigh. Slowly with lots of effort she turned in his arms, coming face to face with him.

Taking this as an advantage she started looking at his face that was hardly an inch away from her. She could see the dark circles under his eyes that were hardly visible clearly depicting how he had reached to such great height of success. Her eyes fell on his dark stubble on his cheeks making her feel desired to run her fingers over it. She slowly raised her hand in the air wanting to touch his stubble. She smiled when her hand came in contact with his cheeks. His stubble was poking her making her to suppress the giggle that was ready to escape. She felt a movement in him and her hand automatically went on his shoulder, her eyes closed.

When she did not hear anything from him she opened her eyes to gasp at the black eyes that were staring at her. She was sure that the entire blood from her body was now visible on her cheeks.

“G-good mor-morning.” She stuttered closing her eyes in embarrassment. She felt his hand slipping away from her waist making her open her eyes.

“Good morning. I am sorry I don’t know how I... I am sorry.” He said trying to make her feel comfortable looking at her flushed face.

“Actually I am sorry; I am the one who came to your side of the bed.” She whispered and got up putting the lock of her hair behind her ear a permanent blush covering her face.

“It’s okay; you don’t have to feel uncomfortable. I’ll take the sofa from now on.” He said smiling at her and she wanted to oppose it but stayed quite.

How would she be able to tell him that she loved being in his arm?

“Get freshen up, we have a long day today.” He said and Rida looked up at him with her face etched with confusion.

“Are you not going to office?” Rida asked standing up from the bed watching him go into the walk in closet.

“No my dear wifey we are going out.” He said peeking at her with a huge smile on his face revealing his dimple making her heart beat faster.

“Out? Why?” Rida asked avoiding the numerous butterflies in her stomach on him calling her his wife.

“You don’t want us to go out?” He asked his lips in a thin line. She looked at him with wide eyes shaking her head.

“NO I would love to… I mean you might have work in office and you don’t have to…. if you are simply doing it for...” She stopped midway realising her blabbering. She closed her eyes shut waiting to hear him laugh on her act but when she opened her eyes, she gasped looking at him so close to her.

“I am doing this for us and work can be handled with this.” He wrapped his arm around her waist bringing her closer to him showing her his phone and she nodded her head her senses blocked due to their closeness.

“…and I love spending time with my wife.” He said and slightly brushed his lips on her cheek making her eyes go wide. He moved away from her his eyes intensely gazing at her who was now in the shade of red. He smirked looking at his effect on her opening his mouth to tease her when she hurriedly went near their bed, making the sheets proper avoiding him.

Whistling he walked inside the washroom the smile not leaving his face making Rida to sigh in relief. She was not capable of thinking straight with him so close to her. She never realised that he had so much effect on her to make her go silent with his mere touch. She sat down on the bed her hand reaching to her cheek where he pecked her. She grinned widely remembering their moment.

“Ya Allah what is happening to me?” She whispered with a small blush to herself, her hand still on her cheeks when she was startled by his phone.
She looked around the room to find his phone on the side table. She took his phone to see Saif calling. She walked to the washroom slightly knocking on the door.

“Yes Rida.” He called out turning off the shower and putting his head out.

“Saif is calling.” She said showing him his phone and he told her to pick up and keep it on speaker.

“Assalamualaikum.” They both exchanged greetings and Rida looked at his hair that was wet, water dripping from his hair to his neck.

“No man, please do not drag me into such things. I remember the last time I had attended such party just for bhabhi and it had turned out to be the worst.” Rehan said shaking his head and Rida turned her attention back to their conversation.

“Rehan please I have to attend this and you don’t have to come alone this time Rida will join you right? Then why are you being so adamant to come?” Saif groaned and he looked at Rida who was looking at the phone and back at him.

“Because Rida do not like such parties and I have something important work in office.” Rehan said and Rida looked at him curiously.

“Oh shut up liar. I called in your office and asked about your work and they even said there is nothing as important as you trying to make it and for Rida she will have Safa then what’s the problem?” Saif explained and Rehan almost groaned. He ran his hand through his hair looking at Rida but his mind thinking of some good excuse.

“Rehan you are coming that’s final.” Saif said and Rehan did not reply waiting for a plan but before he could come up with something Rida beat him up with it.

“We are coming Saif.” She said looking at Rehan who gaped at her shaking her head.

“Finally now there is no way Rehan is saying no. Bye Assalamualaikum.” Saif said and ended the call but both could hear the laughter in Saif’s voice. Rehan glared at Rida arching his eyebrow and she shrugged walking away to only be pulled back by him.

“Those parties are not worth seriously and we were supposed to be going to your house! I am telling you we do not have to go… you will simply get bored there.” Rehan exclaimed, pouting a little revealing a little of his surprise and Rida smiled at his understanding nature. She knew he was doing this for her own sake but she wouldn’t want him to prioritize her over his work. Smiling, she patted his cheek making him gaze at her, his eyes shining while he kept his hand on hers taking it in his hold.

“We will go home tomorrow and I will manage, now get out of the washroom fast till then I will prepare breakfast.” She said and walked away her hand slipping from his hand. He sighed and hung his head low glaring at his wife.

Rida walked down to notice that there was a lady working in the living area. After talking to her she understood it was Rehan who had called her.

She made simple breakfast for him not exactly knowing what she should do. After she was done she placed his coffee mug and his breakfast on the table when the last informed her about her departurw.Thanking her she noticed Rehan walking down in his track pant and a t-shirt.

“I have kept your breakfast on the table.” She said when she noticed him going into the living room busy with his cell phone. He nodded his head not looking at her and she walked back to their room to have her bath.

After twenty minutes she came down to have her coffee when she realised that the food was untouched. She went back into the living area to see him busy talking on the phone. As soon as he saw her he ended the call and walked towards her.

“Let’s have breakfast.” He said and taking her hand, he guided her to the dining area.

“I had prepared breakfast a long time ago why didn’t you have it?” She said pouring herself coffee.

“I was waiting for you so that we could have our breakfast together.” He said and Rida took a seat beside him. She couldn’t help but smile at his thought.

“Where is your breakfast?” He asked looking just at her coffee mug.

“I don’t have a habit of having my breakfast.” She said smiling at him and he glared at her.

“Rida I don’t like this habit of yours. If you are eating then tell me I will have too, but if not then leave even I don’t want to eat.” Rehan said narrowing his eyes at her and she sighed. Rehan was about to get up to leave when Rida caught hold of his hand and herself got up.

She brought herself breakfast and sat down in front of him giving him a tight lipped smile while he tried hiding his smile.

“Happy?” She asked and he nodded his head and started having their breakfast.

Rida completed her breakfast after a lot of struggle. She could feel his eyes on her but she avoided looking at him but there was an entire zoo in her stomach that she felt throughout the moment.

After they were done Rida took their plates and kept them in the sink. Rehan followed her and sat down on the kitchen counter looking at Rida. She noticed him but did not say anything.

She started washing the dishes trying her best to not be affected by his gaze on her. She could see him gazing at her from the corner of her eyes and he knew that she was getting affected by the blush on her face.

“D-don’t y-you ha-have any work?” She stuttered and Rida almost felt like hitting her own self. She didn’t understand why she had started stuttering so much in front of him.

“I am doing my work.” He said and Rida turned to see him to realise that he was face to face. She shook her head and continued doing her work.

Rida without telling him anything was about to step out of the kitchen when he pulled her to him through her waist. She gasped and caught hold of his shirt as a reflex action. He smiled looking at her face. He put back the hair locks that were falling freely on her face. She looked up at him who was looking at her, his black eyes shining.

He moved down and kissed her forehead making Rida to close her eyes and to tighten her hold on his shirt. His hold on her waist got stronger bringing her closer if that was even possible. He pulled away from her, his eyes lingering on her face. She opened her eyes and looked at him who was looking at her. Suddenly his eyes landed on her lips and back to her. She could see the question in his eyes. She could hear her heart hammering in her chest and his heartbeat was audible too.
She started biting her lips looking down at his shirt. He lifted her chin up with his index finger bringing her lips out from in between her teeth with his thumb.

“May I?” He asked in a whispered and Rida was not sure of her own voice so she simply nodded her head. He moved closer his eyes searching for something on her face that would stop him but when he did not; he touched his lips to her.

Rida closed her eyes at the touch. His cold lips brushing over her warm one’s ever so softly. She slowly moved her hand through his chest to his neck wrapping it around him holding her hands together to steady herself. It was a soft kiss, a tender one just like a feather and Rida was moulding into it. She felt lots of emotions in that one kiss but that one feeling which she felt for him got stronger.

Rehan turned their position so that Rida was now against the kitchen counter and she was glad for the support that she received for she was sure she would fall at any moment.

He broke the kiss after what felt like eternity both breathing heavily. Rida had her eyes closed her head hung low her face resembling the colour of a beetroot.

“That was breath-taking.” He whispered his forehead touching hers while caressing her face. She did not reply still trying to catch her breath.

“One more time.” He wanted to ask but it came out as a statement. Rida looked up at him surprised, the intensity of the blush increasing. She looked at him who was giving her a small pout that made her smile. She nodded her head her eyes casted on his chest. He was happy and just as he was about to kiss her they heard the bell. He was least bothered about it but when it rang again Rida pulled away and he understood the moment was ruined. He sighed keeping his head on her shoulder all ready to kill the person on door.

“You wear your hijab; I’ll check who it is.” He said kissing her forehead one last time before walking out while Rida stood there the entire time her mind going back to their kiss.

Their first kiss! She had always thought why authors made a mere kiss look so precious and important and today she had got her answer. It was not just precious but magical too. Rida covered her face in her palm feeling herself flushing at the moment.

“Rida.” She jumped a little when she heard her name being called. She turned around to notice Safa standing holding the kitchen counter with her eyebrow raised. A small smirk made its way to Safa’s lips but before she could even ask her anything Rida walked towards the refrigerator where she had kept her hijab in case of emergency.

“Safa what are you doing here? Come let’s go to the living area.” Rida said and taking Safa by her shoulder, they walked to the living room where she found Saif already present with Rehan. He greeted Rida and asked Safa to take a seat beside him but she refused and asked Rida to sit beside her on the opposite couch.

“That means we all are going together from here?” Rehan asked Saif and he nodded his head while the girls looked between their husbands.

“Yeah and Safa will be staying here till I come back. I hope that’s not a problem.” Saif said and turned to Rida who shook her head at him.

“Cool I have to go I will be back soon.” He said and got up pecking Safa on her forehead almost out to be at his office.

“Wait I am coming with you.” Rehan said looking at Rida who was talking to Safa.

“But are you not going office?” Saif asked and he shook his head informing him that he was on leave making Saif to give him a small smirk.

“Then stay home.” Saif said and Rehan shook his head mumbling words at Saif and walking out to change his clothes.

They both left after making sure to inform their wives to be ready by they come home. Safa had brought her clothes and was tired due to last night so ended up sleeping while Rida tried her best to not disturb her. She only woke her up for lunch and after handing her the medicines she was back to sleep due to the effect. The entire day Rida looked around the place as she hadn’t completely seen the place. She was glad Rehan had not opted for some big mansion and rather had bought a cosy house which Rida loved to her core.

Safa woke up an hour before the men would come home. She asked Rida to get ready upstairs while she occupied the down room. Rida was adamant to leave her alone downstairs but when she was forced to leave her, she sighed knowing Safa wouldn’t listen to her.

She opened her wardrobe looking for something to wear. She had no idea what she was supposed to wear. She had never been to such function and had a reputation to keep. She did not want Rehan to feel embarrassed because of her; she wouldn’t forgive herself if something of that sort happened. 

She walked down knocking on the room that was occupied by Safa. The door was opened by Safa who was wearing a red velvet gown with a matching hijab. She looked cute showing off her baby bump that was now turned seven.

“Masha Allah Safa you look absolutely gorgeous.” Rida said looking at Safa who twirled making Rida to wink at her.

“JazakAllahu Khair but why are you not ready yet?” Safa asked looking at Rida who now remembered why she had actually come.

“Oh yeah I came here to ask you about the dress code. I don’t know what I should wear.” Rida said smiling sheepishly and Safa thought for a while before answering her.

“Why don’t you wear a sari? Aunty might surely have given you one.” Safa said and Rida thought back to her clothes that were given by her mom.

“Yeah I will check it out.” Rida said and walked upstairs telling Safa to have the juice that she had prepared for her.

She walked out and started looking through her things that her mother had packed for her. She groaned looking at the colours her mother had packed but a smile made its way to her lips when she noticed a black sari. She knew her mother wouldn’t be so cold hearted to not pack something that her daughter did not like.

She kept everything else back but kept a black gown on standby. She was not sure if the sari would look good on her or no. She went inside to change into the sari to realise there was time for her to get ready. She walked into the walk in closet to change when she saw Safa walking into her room.

“Safa what are you doing here?” Rida asked keeping the sari on the bed and getting hold of Safa’s hand.

“I was bored so came up and what is this? You are still not ready?” Safa asked sitting on the bed and Rida shook her head informing her that she was just about to. She went inside asking Safa to relax and call out to her when she needs something.

She wore the sari and glanced at herself in the mirror that was at the end. The blouse was of high neck with full sleeves with much shine on it while the sari was plain making the sari look beautiful and Rida loved it but the only thing that disappointed her was the blouse showed her waist and she wouldn’t wear anything inappropriate.

“Safa I don’t think I can wear this.” She walked out adjusting her sari not wanting to trip on it. She looked up to find Rehan looking at her with a shocked expression. He was looking at her from top to bottom making Rida nervous. She moved back the hair locks behind her ear that had escaped, biting her lips waiting for him to speak.

“Act-actually…” She stuttered not able to form words. She noticed him taking slow steps towards her. With his every step Rida felt her heartbeat increasing making it very audible.

He stood in front of her his eyes never leaving her face that resembled nothing but a tomato.

“Masha Allah, you look beautiful.” He whispered in his husky voice and Rida felt his minty breath on her face. She heaved deeply trying her best to not be affected but there was something about him that was making her loose her mind.

She tried replying to him but could not find her voice. With a small smile on her face she turned to go back and change when he slipped his hand around her waist pulling her towards him making her to clutch on his shirt at the sudden move. He moved down and kissed her forehead and Rida felt herself calm. She closed her eyes enjoying his kiss. She loved when he would kiss her forehead. 

He moved away and looked at her face to see her eyes closed. He caressed her cheek making her open her eyes and he found himself drowning in her chocolaty eyes. His eyes moved to her lips and back to her. From the time he had kissed her he wanted to taste her again but he did not wanted to force her so with a small smile on his face he moved away from her making a distance between them.

Rida felt the warmth leaving her as soon as she was out of his hold. She had a slight hope that he might kiss her but when he did not, she felt a little hurt but she wouldn’t say it out loud. She loved how he had kissed her like she was a doll who would break with a little force.

“Are you wearing this for the party?” He asked suddenly realising that she was getting ready for the party. As much as he loved checking her out in this sari he did not want her to wear it to a party where men would watch her. He knew how men roamed their eyes throughout the night wanting to have a chance with any girl they would find.

“Y-ye… no I mean I was plan-ning to but I don’t think I will wear it.” Rida said and somewhere Rehan found himself at peace. He smiled at her, his muscles relaxing while nodding his head at her which did not go unnoticed by her.

“I’ll go freshen up till then you can change here.” He said walking to the closet to get his clothes and Rida sighed taking the gown that she had kept.

***

“REHAN WE ARE GETTING LATE.” Rehan and Rida heard Saif yelling from downstairs. They were ready and Rida was waiting for Rehan who was wearing his watch.

“Let’s go.” Rehan said and took Rida’s hand in his rushing downstairs.
Saif and Safa both were in the living area waiting for the couple.

“What took you so long?” Saif asked glaring at Rehan making Safa to stand who punched him for asking such a question.

“I got a call from office about some deal, so was talking about it.” Rehan said and Saif nodded before everyone headed out.

It hardly took them 15 minutes to reach the venue. It was a five-star hotel on top of which the party was being held. Rida was already getting nervous looking at the venue. Rehan felt her uneasiness and slowly caught hold of her hand making her smile.
Safa and Saif exchanged a glance going back to the first time they had attended such party. The place where there was a bad memory. Safa could feel Saif already getting tensed so she slipped her hand around his arm giving him an assuring glance.

The couple reached the place and Rehan regretted coming. He had just attended one such party and that too when Saif had literally asked him but after that never did he attend such thing even when he had many offers. He looked at Rida who looked pale. He could feel her tighten her hold on his hand. He removed his hand from her hold and she almost looked like she would cry. He slipped his arm around her waist pulling her closer to him and Rida couldn’t feel much thankful.
Rida did not like being here even though it was hardly ten minutes they had reached. She had been feeling uncomfortable and looking at the girls that looked nothing less than models made it worse.

“Hello Rehan and Saif.” A man in his late thirties and the man have got busy talking to him. They introduced their wives that stood beside them. She noticed that Safa was calm and was smiling. She tried her best to smile but all in vain. She would smile only when she would be introduced to people or else she would try calming herself down shrugging the bad vibes.

She looked around to see everyone around the place scattered. There was a huge bar at one side where most of the men were while some on the dance floor.

“We have to meet a business partner so you both sit here and don’t go anywhere.” Saif said to the girls making them nod their head and Rehan excused himself and got the girls drinks.

“Drink this till we come and we’ll have our food.” Rehan said looking at Rida never leaving her eyes. She did not wanted him to be away from her. She did not like it but she did not wanted to make him not go just because of her stupidity. She tried giving him an assuring smile which made him smile at her. Both of them excused themselves and just as they were nowhere in sight Rida felt her phone vibrate.

I will be back soon. Relax. – Rehan

She read the message and smiled a little. The girls now got engrossed in talking. Safa was talking about the baby’s first kick and Rida felt excited. Safa asked her to keep her hand on his belly but Rida was scared of it. After much saying she felt the baby’s kick and Rida felt an unfelt emotion. She was more excited to know about the baby and carried on talking about it.

“Finally I was hungry.” Safa pounced on Saif as soon as she saw him making everyone laugh. She reddened a little wrapping herself in his arm while Rehan wrapped his arm around Rida who was laughing at Safa.

“You alright?” He asked her and she nodded her head smiling at him. They headed to the food counter and served themselves. Rida did not like the food even an ounce while the rest ate without any complaint. She did not want to waste the food so she forcefully ate the food on her plate.

“I think we should leave.” Saif said after they were done eating their food. He looked at Safa who already looked exhausted and Rida couldn’t be happier. As soon as they were ready to leave they were stopped by a voice.

“Rehan how are you?” Rehan turned around when he heard a female voice.
“I am good and you Mrs Kapoor?” Rehan smiled at the lady and Rida looked at the young lady in front of her.

She looked beautiful in the brown sari that she was wearing. It revealed a lot much of her skin that attracted everyone to turn to have a second glance at her.

“I am great.” She replied in her seductive voice her hand almost in the air to touch his chest.

“She is my wife Rida...” Rehan said wrapping his arm around Rida, “…and she is Mrs Kapoor, her husband is my business partner.” Rehan informed Rida and she smiled at the lady who gave her a fake smile which did not go unnoticed.

“Rehan lets leave.” Saif said his eyes on Safa who was now throwing draggers at the lady. She could see how she was trying to flirt with Rehan while Rida stood there silently.

“Yeah...” Rehan nodded looking at Saif and turned to the lady, “It was nice meeting you, Mrs Kapoor.” He said smiling at her, politely.

“Call me Shreya and the party is still young, you just cannot leave.” Mrs Kapoor said and Rehan shook his head.

“Yeah I know but we are done for the night.” Rehan said and Saif took Safa away from them letting them know that they would be outside waiting for them.

“Oh common Rehan, you cannot leave. Come on the dance floor.” She said extending her hand and Rehan looked at it, his hold on Rida getting firm.

“I…” He was stopped midway by Shreya.

“Rida can I have a dance with your husband if you don’t mind?” She questioned Rida taking her by surprise. She looked at Rehan who stood there trying to give her a look. She did not know how Rehan would want her to reply back. She did not like him dancing with some other lady but thinking of him she nodded her head a small smile on her face.

“See your wife doesn’t mind.” She said and before he could even deny she took his hand in hers and walked towards the dance floor leaving Rida all alone.

Rida looked at the two who were now walking towards the dance floor. She could feel her eyes welling up but she did not wanted her tears to fall. She couldn’t stand looking at them dance so she walked away from them.

“Saif Safa you both can leave. We might get late.” Rida said after she had prepared herself to face them.

“Where is Rehan?” Saif asked when he did not see him sight. Rida told him that he was talking to the lady and she excused herself to inform them. She could see how riled up Safa was with the lady and she did not wanted any scene.

“I think we can wait till then.” Safa said almost half sleepy. Rida did not like the idea. She knew how exhausted Safa was feeling so she forced Saif to go home along with her letting them know that she would be alright.  

“Saif take her home I can see how tired she is, even we will leave in sometime.” Rida said looking at Safa who shook her head.

“But Rida what about you?” Saif asked looking at her worriedly.

“Don’t worry about me I will be alright. I have Rehan with me.” She said giving him a nod and he thought for a while but when his eyes fell on his wife, he agreed.

“Fine, tell Rehan to call me once you both are home.” Saif said and Rida nodded her head. She accompanied them till the elevator.

“Take care.” Safa said looking at Rida worriedly and she nodded her head giving her a smile. As soon as the elevator was closed she sighed before walking inside. She looked at the dance floor to find Rehan missing. A sudden fear engulfed in the pit of her stomach. She was sure he wouldn’t just leave her here but then she couldn’t find the lady too. She started calling him but it was of no use. He was not picking up his phone. She started looking for him around the place.

‘I hope you are safe.’ She whispered to herself walking out to search for her husband.