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Two days had flown by since the families returned from Lagos. Hanan had left for her honeymoon, though she and Imran decided to delay theirs until the next holiday since work had Imran swamped.

Jadwa stirred awake, nestled against Imran, his arm wrapped tightly around her. Her head rested on his chest, rising and falling with each soft breath he took.

"Albi," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light creeping through the curtains. "Albi," she repeated softly, and he shifted slightly but didn't wake.

"Babe," she called again, this time with a little more insistence. His response came as a low hum, his eyes still shut.

"I need to get up and start preparing," she murmured, gently trying to ease out of his embrace.

He groaned, pulling her closer. "No, let's sleep a bit longer," he mumbled, his voice heavy with sleep.

Jadwa chuckled, shaking her head. "It's already late."

With a sigh, he placed a lazy kiss on her shoulder and reluctantly let her go. "Others are more important to you than me," he said, his voice barely a murmur, but the mock sulk in his tone made her laugh softly.

As she turned to reply, Imran cracked open an eye and smiled at her, a warm, sleepy grin that sent a rush of affection through her.

"Come," he called, and she moved closer, knowing what he wanted. Without hesitation, she knelt on the bed, leaned down, and placed a soft peck on his lips. He kissed her forehead in return, and as was his routine since their marriage, he whispered a small prayer in her ear, this time murmuring, "Allah ya miki albarka."

"Don't forget to take your pills," he reminded her, his voice soft yet firm.

"Okay, I'll wake you in two hours," she promised, already slipping out of bed.

Imran hummed in approval and drifted back to sleep as Jadwa began her day.

It was just past eight when she finished her shower and slipped into a flowing bubu and a jersey veil. After preparing breakfast, she went to the kitchen, where the chef was already at work. They had prepped the menu the day before, and now Jadwa was ready to oversee everything, ensuring it went off without a hitch. The kitchen smelled heavenly they divided the work, she would make two different Mediterranean rice dishes, a crispy quinoa salad, pomegranate fattoush, kebabs, Haitian spaghetti, and Yemeni lamb soup and the chef prepares many more side dishes she couldn't count and different varieties of grills.

Just as she started on the salads, the doorbell rang. She wiped her hands quickly on a towel and dashed to the door, greeted by a chorus of screams as her friends engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug.

"We missed you so much!" Jadwa exclaimed, laughing as Zarah, Anaya, and the others piled in, the house suddenly filled with their energy.

"Too bad we didn't miss you as much!" Zarah teased, and the girls all erupted in laughter.

"We were too busy having fun!" Aya said along with others in unison, making Jadwa groan dramatically.

They spent the next twenty minutes catching up, filling her in on all the wedding gossip. Anaya mentioned Rahma was on her way, having overslept, and Jadwa nodded with a smile.

"I should get back to the kitchen. Breakfast is on the table, though," she said, but she noticed Zarah giving her a scrutinizing look.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Jadwa asked, narrowing her eyes.

Zarah gave her a once-over and then grinned. "You look... different."

"Do I?" Jadwa raised a brow, glancing at the others.

"You look brighter," Sara chimed in.

"Definitely glowing," Anaya added, her voice filled with playful mischief.

"Must be the bridal glow," Sarah teased, her accent making everyone burst into laughter.

Jadwa, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, quickly stood up. "I'm going back to the kitchen," she said, trying to escape the teasing, eyeing Sara who was already wriggling her brows at her.

As the girls sat down to eat breakfast, Jadwa busied herself with the final preparations. The chef worked on the grills while she finished the salad dressings, chatting with her friends. They even had Hanan on a video call, laughing as she showed them around her honeymoon resort.

Rahma arrived not long after, her elegance filling the room as she breezed past the others to hug Jadwa.

"Hi, big sis," Rahma said with a cheerful smile.

Jadwa chuckled. "You look great!"

"This setup is already stunning," Rahma squealed, admiring the table. "By the way, whatever bakhoor you're using, I need it!"

"I asked first!" Anaya pointed, playful but firm.

Jadwa laughed. "I've got you both covered," she reassured them.

Soon, the conversation took a deeper turn, with the girls huddled outside, discussing plants and pets with surprising intensity. Jadwa found herself smiling at their passion, when they went outside feeling a sense of peace as she worked alone in the kitchen.
Anaya, Zarah and Rahma came back into the kitchen leaving Asma, Aya and Sarah to speak with their parents on the phone outside.

A few minutes later, Imran entered, dressed for the gym, his presence instantly drawing everyone's attention. He greeted the girls warmly, offering soft hugs and a teasing "Yan Matan Lagos," which made them laugh.

"How was it?" he asked.

"It was fun!" they chorused.

Imran smiled, then made his way to Jadwa, wrapping an arm around her as she stirred a pot. "Good morning, sweetheart," he whispered, placing a kiss on her head.

"Good morning," Jadwa replied, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.

The girls, aware of their closeness, discreetly turned their attention to the fridge, busying themselves with the desserts.

"You didn't wake me up," Imran said, pinching her playfully.

"I'm sorry. I was going to, after this," she said, offering him an apologetic smile.

"I don't take 'sorry' as an apology," he teased, earning a glare from her.

"Your sisters are literally right there," she whispered.

"And?" He raised a brow, clearly unfazed.

Before he could respond, she quickly diverted the conversation. "Zarah, you're heading back to school next week, right?"

Imran, sensing her discomfort, finally let her go with a grin, joining the conversation about Zarah's return to Jordan.

Imran released Jadwa from his embrace, smiling down at her before stepping away to join the conversation about Zarah's return to Jordan.

"Zarah, it's your last year, right?" he asked, accepting the cup of mint tea Jadwa handed him with a warm smile.

"No, third year," Zarah corrected, and Imran nodded.

"Almost done," he said, giving her a thumbs-up. Zarah returned the gesture, nibbling on the cheesecake in her hand.

"Allah ya bada sa'a," he prayed, and then his focus shifted back to his wife.

"Babe, what are you making?" he asked, lifting the lids on the dishes set out on the counter.

Jadwa listed the dishes, and he nodded, impressed. "Very fancy," he said. "But no traditional dishes today?"

"Ya Moh!" Rahma and Anaya groaned in unison.

"What?" Imran asked, feigning innocence. "I'm just talking to my wife." His voice was loud and clear, and Zarah burst out laughing.

The girls gasped, while Jadwa laughed shyly.

"No brabisko?" he continued, as the chef entered the room. Jadwa shook her head, laughing at the playful disappointment on his face.

"I'm just kidding, baby," he said, his voice softening. "I can't wait for my friends to see what a gem I have for a wife."

Jadwa looked away, smiling, while Anaya shook her head. "I never thought I'd see this side of my brother," she said, and Rahma agreed as Zarah laughed between bites of dessert.

"We're here, Ya Muhammad," Anaya teased, dragging out his name, and he shot her a glare.

"I'm still waiting on your Islamiyya results," he said, shifting his focus to the girls.

Silence fell for a moment before Anaya spoke up, "We're still waiting for them too, Ya Moh."

He gave a curt nod and walked over to Rahma, pulling her into a tight side hug. "Everything's good, darling?" he asked.

"Yes, everything's good," she replied, smiling widely.

Jadwa watched them with a permanent smile on her face, loving how close they all were and admiring how responsible Imran was with his sisters.

Imran took Rahma's hand, inspecting her fingers, which had freshly acrylic manicured nails. Jadwa bit her lip as Rahma froze under her brother's intense stare.

"Get this nonsense removed before the lunch starts," he said, and Rahma gulped, nervously.

"I'm sorry," she started, but Imran dropped her hand.

"We'll have a chat later," he said firmly, and Jadwa could tell from Rahma's expression that it was the last thing she wanted to hear.

Imran opened the door, then turned back to Jadwa. "Habibty, meet me in my study," he said before leaving.

Jadwa gave Rahma a weak smile, and the girls let out a collective sigh of relief.

"I need to call my nail tech right now," Rahma said, grabbing her phone with newfound energy, and everyone laughed at her sudden change in mood.

"I'll just come back with Khayrah later," she added, apologizing. "Sorry I won't be able to help as planned."

"It's fine," Jadwa reassured her. "Take your time." They hugged, and Jadwa left the dishes with the chef before making her way to meet Imran.

She found him standing by the door of his study. He closed it behind her.

"Upset?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Not possible when you look this beautiful," he replied, smiling, and she lifted her face for a kiss.

He kissed her softly, then took a step forward until her back gently hit the door.

"We have guests," she reminded him, her voice playful.

"We do," he whispered, his lips brushing against her skin.

Jadwa raised an eyebrow and wrapped her arms around his neck. "What do you want?"

"You," he said, his gaze piercing hers. "Now."

She smiled mischievously, pushing him forward and moving toward his large office desk.

He followed her closely, taking her hand as she moved.

"Your sisters are going to see how you can't leave me alone," she teased, letting her veil slip off.

"It's no new news, love," he replied, lifting her effortlessly and setting her on the desk, pulling her close as they kissed.

_______________________

Hours later, it was past one, and Jadwa was setting the buffet table with the beautiful round Arabian buffet dishes her Ammi had gifted her. The mocktails she'd made were in glass dispensers, and desserts lined the side of the table.

The whole setup made Jadwa so happy that she started clapping her hands in excitement when everything came together perfectly.

Her friends were so impressed, they called their parents on video to show off the beautiful spread, while Zarah snapped pictures to send to the family group chat.

Imran had just returned from the gym, so Jadwa headed to his room and picked out a gray kaftan with a matching cap for him, laying them neatly on his closet island. She also selected one of his watches and placed it next to his clothes. Afterward, she took a relaxing bath, allowing the stress of the day to melt away.

When she came out, dressed in a soft robe, she entered her closet and selected a gray lace outfit adorned with light pink floral patterns. She put the fabric on the ghaffas to smoke it, and reminded Zarah and Anaya to put turaren wuta around the house.

In her room, she applied light makeup and dressed in the lace outfit, tying her scarf in place. She walked back to Imran's room, and as soon as she entered, she could tell by the scent that he had just showered.

Imran turned to her, a wide smile on his face. "Amarya," he said warmly, as she shyly approached him.

"Ango," she replied, helping him put on his watch.

"It's nice to know you don't think I'm an old man anymore."

Jadwa chuckled. "I still do, babe," she teased.

He kissed her hand when she finished helping him, and they both pulled went out after picking a matching veil as his friends began arriving.

Downstairs, Khalifa was deeply focused on a game on his phone. He didn't even notice them enter the living room until Imran gently placed a hand on his head.

"Uncle Moh!" Khalifa exclaimed, standing to greet him respectfully. Their handshake quickly turned playful, and Jadwa smiled at their bond.

"Uncle Moh's wife, good afternoon," Khalifa said with a wide grin.

"Good afternoon, Uncle Ibrahim's son," Jadwa responded playfully, making the boy laugh.

"How are you?" she asked him.

"I'm doing well," he replied, his face lighting up.

"Where's your Abba?" Imran asked.

"Outside, on a call," Khalifa answered, pointing to the door.

Soon after, Sarah, Asma, Aya, Zarah, and Anaya arrived, greeting everyone warmly. Anaya insisted on taking pictures of Jadwa and Imran, and they posed for several, snapping a few with their friends as well.

"Allahumma barik!" Anaya squealed, making Jadwa laugh as they continued taking pictures.

Just then, Ibrahim arrived with Ahmad and Ameerah, and Jadwa's excitement skyrocketed as she welcomed her brother and Ameerah, who looked radiant with her pregnancy glow.

Everyone gathered in the living room, chatting about the wedding and catching up. Jadwa sat beside Imran, holding his hand, quietly listening to the conversations.

Rahma and Khayrah entered, greeting everyone, and Rahma made her way over to Imran, showing him her now nail-free fingers. She earned a stern nod from him, along with a brief glare.

"Good afternoon, Ya Muhammad," Khayrah greeted him, and he answered curtly, returning his focus to Rahma.

Jadwa sat quietly, observing Khayrah, who seemed uncomfortable or distracted, mostly focused on her phone. She was wearing a fitted black gown with a turban, her golden bohemian braids cascading down her back.

Soon after, Imran's friends arrived, and Jadwa greeted them warmly as Imran introduced her. They were all respectful and kind, and lunch began shortly after. Compliments flew around the room, with everyone praising the food.

Jadwa enjoyed a little bit of everything but savored a baklava and ice cream dessert as she listened to the girls chat. She noticed Khayrah watching her and smiled politely, but Khayrah didn't seem eager to engage in conversation so she didn't try to talk to her as well.

As prayer time approached, the girls went to Jadwa's living room to pray, and afterward, they played a trailer from Hanan's wedding dinner video on the TV. Jadwa hadn't realized how often she and Imran had been dancing together and gluing to each other during the wedding until she saw it in the footage. It was a beautiful sight, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Gaskiya, you've stolen our brother's heart. I've never seen him like this," Rahma said, her voice dripping with playful accusation. Zarah and her friends burst into laughter, but Jadwa caught the slight tension in Anaya's posture—something about Khayrah's presence seemed to unsettle her.

"It's like he can't breathe if she's not around for five minutes," Sarah teased, and the girls erupted into fits of giggles again. Jadwa's response was swift—a pillow thrown directly at Sarah.

"You're all shameless," Jadwa shot back, rolling her eyes, but her protest only fueled their teasing. Phones appeared, evidence was shown, and pictures of her constantly by Muhammad's side flooded the screens. Even at the event, they didn't get to enjoy much time with her.

For the next thirty minutes, their banter filled the room, laughter bouncing off the walls until Khayrah stood up, smoothing her handbag and adjusting her hair.

"You're leaving already?" Anaya asked, genuine concern lacing her voice.

Khayrah's smile was polite but distant. "I have other plans for the day, Anaya." She gave a brief nod to the rest of the girls. "Bye, everyone."

Jadwa barely had a chance to say goodbye before Khayrah turned away, her gaze never settling on her. Trying not to overthink the subtle coldness, Jadwa brushed it off. But just as she did, Sarah's question cut through the air.

"Is your sister okay?" Sarah directed at Anaya, glancing meaningfully toward the door.

"Yeah, I'm sure she is," Anaya shrugged nonchalantly, but the lingering uncertainty in her voice was palpable.

An awkward silence blanketed the room until Rahma attempted to ease the tension. "She's probably just not having a good day," she said, smiling apologetically.

Jadwa, sensing the need for a change of scenery, made her way to her room, where she found Fatima and Ameerah deeply engrossed in a lively conversation, laughter spilling out like music.

"Jadu! What's this glow?" Ameerah's eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.

Jadwa rolled her eyes, but couldn't hold back a small smile. "There's no glow; it's probably just the makeup I'm wearing."

"For real though, you're just glistening," Fatima insisted, making Jadwa chuckle shyly.

"Jadu, we get it. No need to shy away," Fatima teased further, and Jadwa groaned in playful defeat.

"Gaskiya, Ya Moh is gone—G-O-N-E," Ameerah spelled it out dramatically, and Jadwa just stood there, helpless against their relentless teasing.

"All the good stuff working?" Ameerah winked suggestively.

Jadwa shook her head vigorously. "I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered, and they all burst into laughter.

"Please, Ameerah, I am innocent. Don't try to corrupt me," Jadwa pleaded, laughing despite herself. But before Ameerah could respond, the door swung open, and a deep voice interrupted.

"Baby?" Imran's voice resonated softly.

"Naam?" she responded, turning to face him.

"Can I steal you for a minute? I want to introduce you to another close friend." His eyes held warmth and expectation.

"Of course," she said, reaching for her veil with a smile.

"Ya Muhammad, you didn't even acknowledge us. You only know your wife now," Fatima called out, feigning indignation.

"Fati, I apologize," Imran chuckled. "But your sister-in-law is to be blamed," he teased, pointing at Jadwa, who looked at him with wide eyes.

"Don't believe a word he says!" Jadwa defended, and Fatima shook her head at the lovey-dovey couple.

"I'll be back," Jadwa promised, and together, she and Imran made their way downstairs.

In the living room, most of the men had already left as the sun dipped low on the horizon. They approached a group seated comfortably—her brother Ahmad, Khalifa, Sadiq, Ibrahim, and a light-skinned man she didn't recognize.

"Assalamu Alaikum," Jadwa greeted softly, her voice warm as Imran placed a gentle hand on her back.

"Wa alaikum salam," they responded in unison. Imran introduced her to Dawood, his friend from the military, and Jadwa's eyes softened with understanding.

"Congratulations," Dawood said sincerely. "I'm very happy for both of you. Allah ya bada zaman lafiya."

"Ameen," they all echoed, the room filled with warmth.

"Thank you so much for the food, Jadwa. It was incredible," Ibrahim chimed in, making Jadwa smile softly.

"Lucky man," Dawood remarked, nodding at Imran.

"I hit the jackpot," Imran grinned, and Ahmad gave Jadwa a proud thumbs-up.

"Can't wait to go home and tell my wife about this tea," Dawood added, raising his cup. "She's a tea addict."

"I'll make sure he forwards the recipe," Jadwa said, her voice laced with happiness.

"Gaskiya, this tea is great!" Sadiq exclaimed, then turned mischievous. "Maybe we should add it to our menu."

"Sadiq, just say you want money," Ahmad joked, and the group erupted into laughter.

Jadwa's grin widened. The camaraderie between the men, the teasing, and the genuine compliments—it all warmed her heart.

As the conversations wound down, Ahmad, Sadiq, and Dawood excused themselves to run some errands before returning for their wives. Khalifa stayed back, lounging in the living room, while Jadwa found herself standing by the glass door overlooking the serene exterior of the house.

Imran stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Thank you so much, baby na," he murmured, kissing her forehead gently.

She tilted her head up, smiling softly. "For what?"

"For everything. Everyone loved it here. They couldn't stop talking about how great of a host you are."

"All thanks to your wallet," she joked, and he laughed, a deep sound that resonated within her.

"My wallet and my girl," he corrected, squeezing her gently.

"Today was perfect. I loved every bit of it," she admitted, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Alhamdulillah," he whispered, his eyes shining with contentment.

Jadwa glanced over and noticed Ibrahim standing alone, lighting up a cigar. He leaned back against the wall, his silhouette outlined by the dimming light, smoke curling lazily around him.

Imran followed her gaze. "You don't like smokers?" he asked, his tone careful.

"I'm indifferent. I just wonder why people do it," she replied thoughtfully.

"Life's not black and white, Jadwa. Some people do certain things to cope. Some have it thrown at them," he said softly.

"You're right," she agreed, turning to face him. "I wasn't judging him."

"I know, baby. A lot of soldiers smoke. Especially those who've seen the inside of a prison," he said quietly.

Jadwa froze for a heartbeat. "You smoked too?"

Imran's laughter echoed softly. "Not anymore," he reassured. "But I did."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "People will see us."

"So?" he teased, leaning in. "I can't kiss my wife?"

"Not in front of them," she protested, giggling.

He pulled back, a sly grin on his face, successfully diverting the topic. Her attention shifted back to Ibrahim, who now stood with his eyes closed, lost in thought.

"Can I ask you something?" she whispered.

"Of course."

"You scolded your sister earlier," she pouted.

He raised an eyebrow. "You didn't like that?"

She shook her head. "You didn't scold your other sister about the nails, though."

"Khayrah?" he asked, confusion furrowing his brows.

"Yeah, you didn't notice?"

"She's not my sister," he said casually.

"Then who is she?" The question slipped out before she could stop herself.

"She's Rahma's maternal cousin. We used to talk," he said simply.

"What do you mean 'used to talk'?" Her curiosity sharpened, eyes narrowing.

Imran shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Is she your ex-girlfriend?" she whispered.

"She's not an ex. We just talked." He answered honestly.

"Talk... with the intention of marriage?" She pushed remembering how he made it clear he doesn't date around or waste time about someone he likes.

"Yes"

"Interesting," Jadwa muttered, a bitter taste coating her tongue. The small puzzle pieces fell into place—the energy Khayrah exuded, the way her eyes followed Jadwa with something akin to scrutiny. Jadwa turned away, masking the discomfort that churned in her stomach.