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Jadwa stirred as Imran quietly slipped out of the room, having just settled her on the bed after their brief nap. Her eyes fluttered open slowly. The clock on the wall ticked past two in the afternoon. She realized she had spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon asleep, yet her body felt heavy and restless. Movement brought a faint discomfort, as if her body was resisting the wakeful world.

Imran returned, slipping back into bed beside her. "You're awake," He murmured, his voice a sleepy rumble as he nestled his head into the pillow and drew her close against his chest with effortless ease.

"I just woke up," She replied, her voice catching slightly in response to the depth of his tone, still tinged with sleep.

"How do you feel?" He asked as his fingers gently traced the patterns of her braids.

Jadwa nodded, her gaze fixed intently on his bicep, unable to articulate her feelings as she focused on the reassuring solidity of his presence.

A soothing silence enveloped them, broken only by the gentle rhythm of his fingers weaving through her hair, lost in the tiny braids. He finally spoke, his voice breaking the tranquil quiet.

"When will you finish your courses?" He asked.

"In seven months. After that, it's just research," She replied, his hand now caressing her arm.

"Mmm," He murmured, his mind evidently turning over the information. "Until then, we should talk about birth control options."

Jadwa's breath hitched slightly at his words. She could feel his gaze steady on her face as she looked anywhere but his eyes. The conversation was delicate, and though she wanted to deflect, she knew it was necessary.

"Contraceptive pills?" She blurted with a voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not as simple as that, baby," He said, offering a gentle smile. "We'll see the doctor and discuss the best options for you." She nodded, her eyes dropping to avoid his steady gaze. She had surface knowledge of birth control methods especially contraceptive pills, and their effects on the body.

"Uhm," She hummed softly in response. His hand left her hair to rest on her waist. She averted her eyes, the brief glances between them growing ever more fleeting.

"You know, whenever you are shy it makes you a lot more attractive," He said slowly. "It makes me want to devour you," He said knowing the remarkable self-control he had last night was about to fly out of the window.

Hearing that, Jadwa couldn't help but meet his eyes with her wide ones to see if he was serious.

"How? Why?" She asked innocently.

"It makes me wonder where my little seductress is," He said and she gasped unbelievably.

"Was there ever one?" She asked defensively.

"You know you gave me so many sleepless nights" He removed his hand from her and kept her in place. "I can't let you go scot-free," He said hovering over her and she covered her face with her hands.

"I can't remember" She managed a nervous chuckle which made him smirk and lean closer.

"The dresses, the perfume I warned you to stop wearing, the dance," Then he took a deep breath, "The fucking lap dance" He listed and she sucked in her breath making him hold her hands above her head.

"What are you saying?" She gasped, her face turning red slowly.

"I remember you at your old home trying so hard to seduce me," He said and Jadwa shut her eyes while he remembered making him forcibly notice the seductive dress she had on, fucking with his control and peace of mind. She was guilty but this was no moment to acknowledge her crimes or register how he referred to her parents' house as her old home.

"I'm sorry," She apologized looking at him with her doe eyes pleadingly only to meet his sharp predatory ones filled with desire. She squirmed a little out of pity for herself.

"You had so much fun," He dragged placing a wet kiss on her neck carefully and caressing her throat with his thumb. "Didn't you?"

"I am sorry, I didn't know it'll give you a hard time" Jadwa's voice came out so small with a bit of raspiness as she spoke his eyes filled with pure lust and impatience.

"Now you know," His voice came out slightly clipped staring deep into her eyes. "So-" She started and he cut her off.

"No need to be sorry love, you'll make up for it," He said brushing their lips lightly before he merged their lips kissing her slowly and softly.

"I was crazy about you Jadwa, every single day... night since I laid my eyes on you at your brother's house after a long time was about you," He said making her look at him.

He confessed making sure she listened clearly. "You teased me to the point that I felt like begging on my knees," He spoke and Jadwa's body turned hot.

"I'll make you regret teasing me all through," he said and leaned down to whisper more things in her ear. His words were raw and filthy, dirty and knee-weakening making her gulp under his hold.
She truly was under his mercy, and he had none of it.

*****

The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of gold and amber. Jadwa lay on the massive bed, gazing through the large picture window that framed the most breathtaking view of the sunset. The colors bled together in a stunning display, yet her body shivered involuntarily, a reminder of the exhaustion she couldn't quite shake.

She inhaled deeply, her eyes tracing the vast expanse of Imran's room. It was nearly twice the size of hers, with a bed so grand it seemed to envelop her, and a sitting area the size of a modest living room. Everything about it screamed luxury and sophistication. The décor was meticulous—muted tones that exuded a comfortable masculinity, contrasting sharply with the soft, feminine touches of her own space. Even the bathroom, which she'd seen earlier, was designed with a couple in mind. A mental note formed: I need a tour of this house. So far, she had only seen her room, the upstairs living area, and now, his bedroom.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the subtle sound of movement. Imran approached the window, effortlessly drawing the heavy blackout curtains. The room plunged into darkness, saved for the soft glow of the lamp she had switched on. Jadwa laid still, feeling too fragile to even move.

Imran's lips curled into a smile as he noticed her burying herself deeper into the duvet, covering her face. Now wearing a hoodie, he pulled it over his head and walked toward her. Gently, he peeled the covers away from her face. Jadwa, eyes squeezed shut, refused to look at him.

He clicked his tongue, playful frustration in his voice, and pinched her nose, forcing her to open her eyes. "Baby," He said, dragging the word out, removing her hands from her face once more.

"Mmm?" She mumbled, her eyes purposely avoiding his.

His touch was tender as he wiped away the dried tears on her cheeks before placing a soft kiss on the corner of her lips. He peeled the duvet away and scooped her up, positioning her carefully on his lap.

Jadwa winced as the motion stirred fresh pain, tears welling in her eyes. "My whole body hurts," She whispered, her voice breaking with the admission.

Imran's expression softened as he held her closer. "I'm sorry, baby," He whispered, brushing his fingers through her hair. "That's it. No more. Khalas, habibty." He said and then proceeded to tease her gently as she hid her face against his bare chest.

Jadwa, still hiding her face, muttered, "I want to go to my room."

"No, you're not going anywhere," He said with quiet finality, his arm tightening around her.

"Look at me," He urged, his voice coaxing, but she remained stubbornly nestled against him. "Jadwa," He repeated, but she still didn't respond.

"Get up," He threatened playfully. "Get up," He repeated, his tone flat. Jadwa shook her head rapidly.

"I'm looking at you," She pleaded, her voice husky and strained.

Imran gave her a long, measured look before laying her gently back onto the bed. He got up, moving to the closet. When he returned, he held a small bottle in his hand and switched on the room lights, causing her to blink in discomfort before adjusting.

"Turn around," He instructed, and she glanced at him, her eyes clouded with subtle, almost unnoticeable fear.

"Lay on your back," He repeated, and Jadwa hesitated, her body stiff with nerves. "I will give you a massage."

Imran placed the bottle aside, "Relax, baby girl," He soothed, pouring oil into his hands before gently massaging it into her back.

At first, the sensation stung, and she flinched beneath his touch. But slowly, his fingers worked their magic, easing the tension in her muscles as he massaged her with skillful care. Bit by bit, Jadwa's tense body relaxed, her pain easing under the warmth of his hands.

A giggle bubbled up unexpectedly when he hit a ticklish spot. "You're tickling me," She laughed, her raspy voice filling the room. Imran laughed along with her, wrapping her in his arms.

"Now that's my girl," He said, his eyes gleaming with affection.

Jadwa chuckled, her face flushing with warmth. "Thank you," She murmured, leaning into him. "I feel better now, Ya Imran."

Imran smiled down at her, placing a soft kiss on her temple. "I'm sorry, habibty," he said, his tone sincere.
Jadwa gave him a playful swat on the chest. "No more being shy?" He teased, and she nodded shyly. Imran shook his head with a fond smile. "I hate that name, by the way," He muttered, rolling his eyes.

Jadwa blushed, hiding her face again. "I'm giving up," He sighed, shaking his head as he reached for something on the bedside table. When he returned, he held two boxes in his hands.

He opened the first, revealing an oval locket necklace. Gently, he fastened it around her neck. Jadwa lifted it with her fingers, admiring the intricate engraving. The pendant bore his full name—MUHAMMAD IMRAN'—written in elegant Arabic calligraphy in the front and hers on the opposite side 'JADWA'

She stared at it for a moment before opening the locket. It was empty.

"I want to put our family picture here," He said softly. "Just us, and our children." His words stirred something deep inside her, and she leaned into him as he handed her the second box.

Inside was a delicate gold anklet, the craftsmanship unmistakable. "I didn't give you a wedding gift last night," he said with a smile. "This belonged to my mother. I've kept it for over two decades, and I thought it would be perfect for you."

He said looking at her checking to see if it was something she'd like, he didn't want to give her something she'd not like.

"I'll get you something better, this is too old," Muhammad said, reaching to take it from her hands. She quickly pulled it away, stopping him.

She slipped it onto her right leg, removing the old anklet and setting it aside. "I am never taking this off," She choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "This is so special. I don't think anyone has ever given me a gift like this." Tears welled up as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. She was suddenly turned into an emotional mess.

"Thank you so much," She whispered. He hugged her back, caught off guard by her reaction. "Thank you, Muhammad," She repeated softly, her smile wide as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "You're the best," She added, hugging him one more time.

Imran chuckled, admiring her, his heart full with contentment, and gently pulled her onto his lap.

"Say my name again," He murmured, his voice teasing.
She turned away, shyly. "Ya Muhammad?" She asked playfully, raising a brow.

He groaned in mock frustration. "Muhammad," She teased, laughing at the way his name rolled off her tongue.

"You know you didn't have to spend so much money, right?" She asked, folding her legs as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Her mind traveled back to the past few days and how she silently pitied him for all the expenses.

"Why?" He murmured with his chin on top of her head.

"The lefe, the outfits, the house, the interior, the money, the birthday surprise, the gold!" She listed off, almost breathless.

"Mmm," Was all he said, and she looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"Maybe I am not the best at mental math but you spent eight figures or more," She exclaimed, "Probably more with this gigantic house!" She kissed her teeth in disbelief.

"And what about it, baby?" He asked, sounding genuinely confused.

"You really didn't have to do that much. It's the future we need to look at," She explained gently with her eyebrows slowly drawing close in concern. "It's... too much."

"Jadwa," He interrupted, his tone firm yet soft. "I spent almost all my life hustling for everything you see. Everything we have. Just to have this life with you." He said, stressing on the last part.

"That's why we shouldn't—" She began, but he cut her off.

"There's enough. More than enough. For me, for the whole family, and our kids," he reassured her. Jadwa couldn't help noticing how he kept casually mentioning kids, her heart tugged in adoration and concern.

"Okay," Jadwa sighed. "I understand," She said, though her curiosity about the wealth she'd married into only grew.

"Good," He smiled.

"I have a question," She said after a moment. He nodded for her to go on.

"Why aren't we living with Sadiq, Anaya, and Fatima?" She asked, her curiosity genuine. Imran chuckled. "It's my own rule. I have to abide by it."

She tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Our inheritance, our assets, they've all been invested into the family businesses," He explained, and she nodded. "Except for Rahma and her mother, who received their shares in liquid cash. But Sadiq and I, we have to earn separately from the family wealth."

Jadwa's jaw dropped. "Why?"

"To stay disciplined," He said simply. "None of us touched our inheritance until Fatima conceived. The plan is that once we start our own families, we all return to the family house. But before that, every man earns his way."

"Oh," She said, finally understanding. "So, no one's ever questioned it?"

"There's a hierarchy," He smirked.

"You're the oldest," She stated.

"Exactly. Once I draw a line, no one crosses it," He teased, pulling her closer.

"No one dares to," She mused. "I've noticed."

He laughed, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss her ring. "Ya Imran!" She called playfully. He pinched her thigh, making her squeal. "Ouch!" She glared at him.

"That hurts."

"Stop calling me 'Ya,'" He warned.

"That's your name," She retorted, scowling.

"That's not what you were screaming earlier.," He shot back with a mischievous grin.

She gasped, covering his mouth with her hands. He laughed, biting her palms playfully.

"Better stop calling me 'Ya.' I'm not your brother,"

She looked at him in disbelief. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious. Or I force you to call me..." He teased further, and she blushed, averting her eyes.

"You're evil," She muttered under her breath.

He laughed. "Now, tell me what you were curious about." Seamlessly transitioning back to their conversation a few minutes ago.

"Oh! The ring," She said, glancing at the large diamond on her finger.

"Long story," He chuckled.

"Tell me!" She pouted, her eyes pleading. "You promised."

Imran got up and moved to the bedside table, retrieving a few pictures from an old album. He sat back down, placing the picture in the middle of the bed. Jadwa leaned forward, curiosity piqued.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "That's my mom," She whispered, pointing at the red-haired woman laughing in the snow beside a beautiful woman with a wide grin.

"I know. And that's Mama," Imran said softly, pointing at his own mother.

Jadwa's heart skipped a beat. The woman in the picture looked strikingly like Anaya, same hair and the same facial structure. She turned to him, waiting for an explanation.

"They were friends," He said, a fond smile on his face. "Your mom was one amazing woman. My favorite person back then."

Jadwa's eyes brightened. "She was?"

"Loved her so much. She spoiled me rotten," he laughed.

Jadwa's gaze shifted between the photo and him. "They were friends," She echoed.

"More than friends," He corrected. "They were like sisters."

"Do you know what her name was?" He asked gently and called her name. "Jadwa"

"What's her name?" She asked, her eyes searching his, mindlessly skipping the sound of her name.

"Jadwa," He breathed with a small, warm smile.
Her brow furrowed in confusion as to why he was calling her name.

"Na'am?"

"Her name was Jadwa" He laughed at her confusion and her eyes widened. He nodded. "Your mom named you after her."

Jadwa's breath caught. She'd always known her mom had chosen her name before she passed, to name her after her best friend but she hadn't realized it was his mother.

"I was named after her," She said softly.

Imran nodded again. "She was obsessed with you," He smiled. "Even baby Anaya must've been jealous of you."

"My mother-in-law loved me," Jadwa said, wriggling her brows and he shook his head at her excitement over it.

"So much. Annoyingly so," He laughed.

He went on to tell her about his childhood memories with her mother, how close their families had been, and how her mom's passing had deeply affected his mother.

"May Allah have mercy on their souls," Jadwa prayed, her voice soft as she tried to hold back her emotions.

Imran kissed her forehead. "Your mom was truly something special," He said, looking into her eyes.

"Anaya was named after Mommy," She said her breath coming out in a whisper at the realization looking at him for confirmation. "My mom."

"Yes, it was only the right thing," He said and Jadwa nodded letting a comfortable silence take over them.

Jadwa had always known their families way back, way before Ahmad and Ameerah. Her father and Ammi had always spoken about Imran's parents in a way that showed they were acquainted. But finding out the relationship between her mother and Imran's mother made her heart bittersweet. On one hand, delighted that their mothers were best of friends, and loved and respected each other while they were alive. On the other hand, sadness started to engulf her as she thought about how things could be different if they were alive to see and live with their children. How things could have been if they never had to leave so early. The thought consumed her mind for a moment as silence settled in the room.

"And your mom was beautiful," Jadwa chirped, trying to shake off the sadness gnawing at her heart, not wanting to let it consume her. "No wonder you all turned out so striking. Especially you."

Imran laughed. "I'm the darkest of us. So Anaya and Sadiq usually get all the comments about looking like her."

"I like my men dark," She said absentmindedly.

He raised a brow, amused. "Your *men*?" He asked, folding his arms across his chest, trying to look stern.

She burst into laughter. "I meant my man."

"Uh-huh," He said, rolling his eyes.

Jadwa pointed back at the picture. "It's scary how much I look like her, isn't it?"

"It is," he agreed, pulling her closer. "But she liked me more, you know," He teased. "Unlike you—you make me chase for your heart."

Jadwa's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yup," he nodded.

"I'm sure she'd be proud of me," Jadwa said, flipping her hair dramatically. "Here i was thinking you got me too easily"

"Only i know the struggles," He grinned. "I think we'd have been married for years already if it were up to her."

Jadwa paused and thought about what he said for a few seconds. "Wait... what?"

"For as long as I knew I'd marry you," He admitted, nonchalantly.

"When was that?" She asked, eyes narrowing.

"The year you finished secondary school," He replied.

Jadwa's jaw dropped. "That's six years ago!"

"I asked for your hand, but they said you were too young. So I waited," He said, running his fingers through her braids.

Jadwa blinked in disbelief. "Who said that?"

"Hajiya Raudah," he shrugged. "Your parents didn't agree."

Jadwa stared at him, wide-eyed. "You're telling me you've been eyeing me for six years?"

"I've had my eyes on you for a long time, baby girl," He said, resting his chin on his palm.

Jadwa laughed, still in shock. "I had no idea."

Imran smiled, taking her hand. "That ring? It was supposed to be a gift back then."

Jadwa gasped. "You're unbelievable."

He laughed. "You were fangirling over the jeweler, remember? Hanan posted that video."

She groaned, closing her face with her hands dramatically remembering the childish video. "Not that embarrassing video!"  She was wearing a pink and white pajamas with her hair braided into two large braids arguing very passionately about the best jeweler in the word being the Greek man she was obsessed with.

"It wasn't embarrassing," He grinned. "I got it that year, when I wanted to propose. But, unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way."

Jadwa stared at him, her heart pounding. "I had no idea," She repeated, still processing everything. But truthfully, it was still yet to digest in her mind.

He smiled at her, and his heart smiled at how everything turned, converting the conversation to something else, teasing her and telling her the stories he could about their mothers until they slept off.

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