Long wait I know but I hope this makes up for it :)

------

Among the list of things which makes us feel protected, needed and loved maybe the most important among those is when the man we love carefully wrap their arms around you and tug you near to his chest, leaving kisses which are like hushed whispers full of sweet nothing on your bare arms and you hear his heart beat. That, yeah that is my favorite. I smiled as I opened my eyes and found him hiding his face in the crook of my neck, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine and I close my eyes completely living in the moment, our bare bodies wrapped around each other reminded me of the night we had and I found myself smiling again. Though the room was still dark but if Wali will look at me he'll found my face burning red so I looked outside the large windows which were showing the dark sky.

"We are missing fajar," I whispered my voice a bit hoarse.

"Yeah," He pulled up supporting himself on his elbow and looked at the sky outside.

"We have to pray," I said looking at his dishevelled hair and ran my hand through them.

"Umhmm," He smiled as looked back at me and leaned forward to peck my lips.

"Why don't you go and take shower," I mumbled and he looked at me with a smirk and I bit my lips, "We have to offer namaz, Wali." I said understanding his unsaid words.

"Right," He said with a nod as he pulled himself up completely.

As Wali made his way towards the attached bathroom I wrapped the sheets around me and got outside of the bed and picked our clothing which was carelessly left on the floor, putting the clothes aside I picked up his shirt and wore it. His scent spreading warmth to my cold body, walking back towards the bed I turned off the AC and opened the large windows letting the fresh salty air fill our room, from standing here I could see the waves crashing on the shore and it was providing me with an odd form of relief. I looked up at the sky and smiled. I was living the moment every girl dreams of no matter how much she denies and as it was ripped away from me before this time all of it seems surreal, a dream and with my heart being content I still have a fear of losing it. I shrugged my thoughts away as I keep focusing on the waves and the beauty of the vastness of the Arabian sea.

"If I could I would love to stop the time right here," I heard him whisper as I turned to find him standing right behind me, his hands resting on my sides now, I looked into his dark brown eyes which were shimmering with bliss, his hair were wet and dressed in his T-shirt and sweat pants he looked content.

"As much I want to be here with you I'll quickly go for the shower and join you for namaz." I smiled placing my hand on his cheeks and kissing the other.

"Nothing can be better than that."

***

An hour later I was alone in the room changing the bed sheet as Wali went outside to to get us water and something to eat, my stomach start growling with sudden hunger.

"Khadija I guess we should sleep, we still have couple of hours for rest." I turned to Wali as he walked back inside the room with a plate full of sandwich.

"Not a bad idea," I said walking towards him and picked up the sandwich from the plate, "Peanut butter!" I smiled and crawled on the bed soon joined by him, pulling me near him, he covered us with duvet.

Picking up the remote Wali turned on the TV while I peacefully killed my hunger and after gulping in the water I was about to make him turn off the TV when his phone rang. Lying down beside him I listened to him talking to Murtaza and then he ended the call.

"Kia hoa?" I asked turning on his side.

"Murtaza tha," He replied laying back down, "They will be coming around 8:30, he told me to inform you that the girls are bringing your dress with them so don't worry about it." He replied running his hand through my hair and I found myself nodding. Before dozing off the last thing I remember was Wali tucking me near him as he placed his arms around my waist and kissed my shoulders.

***

The shrill noise of Wali's alarm was the reason I woke up along with Wali's head on my chest and his arms tightly wrapped around me, it felt like after such a long time that I woke up like this, lying under the weight of my husband and completely unable to reach his phone I smiled because I missed our mornings together and after endless wait I was having them back. Carefully pushing his arms away I tried to pull myself up making Wali groan and speak out some incoherent words. Trying again I finally succeeded to turn him on the opposite side and getting his cell phone which keep playing its alarm after every few minutes. Finally canceling the disturbing tone I rested my back on the headboard.

Just two hours of sleep wasn't enough but as everyone was supposed to get at our apartment in less than an hour I was bound to fasten my speed. Pushing away the duvet off my body I got out of bed and stretched myself, tying my hair in a bun I turned off the AC and walked towards the washroom, though I already had a bath but I decided on a quick body shower, a hint that the girls would be bringing my dress along with them, I knew it would be one which would demand me to make myself ready enough with a proper shower.

Twenty minutes later I walked out of the washroom with my bath robe wrapped around me and letting my hair down I got towards the dressing table, Wali was still sleeping so before starting preparing myself for welcoming everyone I strolled towards Wali's side of bed to wake him up. He was lying on his stomach with his left arm under the pillow and the right on top of it covering his face, running my hand through his soft hair I kissed his temple.

"Wake up," I shook him by arms and he again repeated something along with five more minutes. "Wali I have to get ready at least get up to open the door for everyone." I spoke again but in return he turned on the opposite side covering his face under my pillow. Rolling my eyes I stood up, "You are leaving me with no choice," I said as I forcefully pulled the duvet off him knowing that this would clearly wake him up.

"Khadija!" He groaned and turned to me but as soon as he did, his dropping eyes opened widely, "You are in your bath robe," he said eyeing me from head to toe and I felt heat rising on the back of my neck.

"Exactly get up and be ready to welcome everyone!" I quickly said and rushed towards the closet to take out our clothes hoping that he gets to the washroom before I come out with them but obviously that wasn't the case, leaning on the bed he was standing with his arms wrapped around his chest and a smirk apparent on his face. I on the other hand silently kept his kameez shalwar on the couch along with my embroidered cotton kameez shalwar. I tried to be as calm as I can to avoid any of his comments which would turn me into a tomato. I was tying my hair into braid when he walked behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me back to his chest.

"You can't just ignore me after waking me up like that," He huskily whispered and then pushed the robe from my shoulder and placed a teasing kiss there, I had my eyes shut as I bit my lips avoiding myself from giving him any encouraging response. I was worried about being stuck in the situation when everyone was about to reach but Wali had some other plans, I found his arms getting where the robe was tied together and before he could untie the belt I stopped his hand.

"Wali they'll get here" my voice was a pleading whisper.

"Not today Khadija," His voice was hoarser now as he keep kissing my neck and then ear lobe, he turned me to face him, I had my eyes glued on his face and his dark eyes as he leaned forward, I could feel his warm breath on my lips when we both jumped by the ringing of his phone, Wali cursed under his breath as he rested his forehead on mine while I catch my breath which was stopped till now, my heart was drumming inside my chest.

"You should pick that up," I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his waist letting him know that I am not going to push him ever again.

"Let it be," He said as he leaned again our lips met but our moment of bliss was short lived as this time my phone started ringing and I have never seen Wali so irritated in my life like he was right now, suppressing the urge to laugh at his irritation I moved away to pick my phone.

"Asalam O Alikum Rumaisa," I said as I picked up the call and saw Wali motioning a death sign to me shaking my head at him I told her that we were waiting for them as she told me that they'll be there in half an hour.

"Sirf adha ghunta! you better not make me late!" I warned Wali as I ended the call, winking at me he smirked as he took step forward, in return I picked up the pillow and raised my eyebrows.

"You are gonna hit me with that?" his smirk grew wide.

"Believe me, I am master at pillow fights!"

"Are you threatening me?"

"No! All I am saying if we get late I'll blame you in front of baba!" I smirked because he is that one person which can bring Wali on line.

"You are evil!"

"And you love me now go and get ready!" I pointed at the ensuite bathroom, mumbling incoherent complains he went inside acting like a five year old.

Putting pillow back on the bed I shook my head and found myself smiling as I made my way towards the dressing table, picking up the straightener I tamed my bushes like hair after being done with them I went for a light make up with mascara, light pink blush and lip gloss. Taking out my gold and pearl pendant set I placed the pair on the dresser and turned to change into my light green kameez with pink flowers embroidered on borders and top along with sleeves, it was paired with green straight pants. Satisfied with my look I turned towards bed and quickly set the sheets, folding the duvet and placing it near the foot-board. Next I went to open the large windows to let the room get freshened with the sunlight. Giving room the last glance I walked towards the door when Wali walked out with towel wrapped around his waist.

"This kurta?" he asked pointing at the blue kameez shalwar that I picked out for him, the plain dark blue kameez had pleats from shoulder to the chest portion, it was simple yet elegant and was paired with white shalwar.

"Yup! Should I take out something else?" I asked.

"Nahi! It's perfect!" He grinned showing his teeth and then eyed me, "You aren't wearing that!" he frowned.

"Do you want me to welcome everyone in bath robe?" I sarcastically smiled.

"Imagining you in bath robe now," he passed me an equally teasing smile and glaring at him I walked out of the room as he erupted into laughter.

I was looking around the apartment as I haven't seen it yet, finally getting into the balcony which I am sure will be my favorite spot whenever we'll come here. Holding the railing I breathed the fresh salty air, it was serene and beautiful. Wali really put all his effort and thoughts in getting this place.

I smiled when he joined me too with two steaming cups of coffee, I looked at him and smiled wider.

"Like what you see?"

"Try saying something new." I smirked as he shook his head with a soft smile and turned to look at the beach, the dark blue kameez was perfectly fitting his broad shoulders, the magic of his workout and running was apparent in his attire today, his hair were set on side but thankfully he hasn't rolled his sleeves up. In the silence I was enjoying his warm company when the bell rang and passing each other a knowing smile the two of us made our way towards the main door.

"Bhabi!" I smiled widely as the entire group walked inside cheering me up, and instead of meeting Wali directly made their way towards me, grinning I hugged the girls and said my salam to the boys while Wali stood at the door frowning at the group.

"I am here you filthy creatures!" He yelled and they all turned to him.

"We see your boring face every day, we are here for bhabi!" Yahya grinned handling Ahyan in his arms.

"It's my place!"

"Wali it's mine too!" I smirked at him as Rumaisa put her arms around my shoulders.

"Why are you all against me this early in the morning?" He said as he made his way towards us.

"Wali bhai don't worry we are in your team!" Jasir grinned giving a hug to Wali.

"Yes Wali bhai!" Asifa was heard next.

"Asi?" I dramatically gasped and Asifa shrugged, "Aapi we have decided from now we'll be team Wali bhai and they all will be team you!"

"But why are we teaming again?" Wali questioned to the group who looked at each other with guilty smiles.

"And that's the main thing you asked," Sabih smirked finally breaking the silence, "You, bhabi are going to talk to our side of elders and Wali is going to convince Abdullah uncle and everyone else to finally plan a grand family picnic on the weekends."

"oh..." I looked at Wali and he shook his head.

"You mean to say just three days before we leave you want us to have a picnic." Wali raised his eyebrows.

"Exactly!" they all said in unison. "Preferably on Sunday!" Yahya added.

"That's like two days before we leave! No! I seriously don't want to sit in front of dad and hear about how careless we all are and guys this will be a fail!"

Before anyone could say anything Asifa moved forward taking my hands in her she whispered, "Aapi I want to see Pakistani beach." her soft voice melted everything inside me and I looked at Wali.

"That's blackmailing! Who put Asifa to this?"

"Wali chultay hay na!" I said finally.

"You lot are going to get me killed!"

"So?" Abeer asked looking hopefully at Wali.

"I'll try but no promises!"

"Yes!" they all cheered further with a lot of thank yous while Wali shook his head and smiled at me.

When finally they all calmed down Rafia and Rumaisa scooted me back to our bedroom, while Rafia was carrying the dress bag Rumaisa had my shoes and jewelry. Once getting inside the room the two of them looked around and praised our entire apartment.

"She has a glow on her face doesn't she!" Rumaisa smirked and I shook my head.

"The last night must have some affect!" Rafia grinned poking my sides and I bit my lip, my whole face was surely flushed red and the girls just keep teasing.

"We should hurry up!" I finally said after good few seconds sobering my face and looking at the pair and in between their laughter they nodded.

I was then send to the washroom to clear my make up off and after doing so when I walked out there were my make up kit and jewelry placed on the dressing table, Rafia quickly made me sit on the dressing seat and started on my make up, while Rumaisa was busy giving my hair loose curls while the three of us were continuously chatting. After half and hour my make up was done. Rafia asked me to stand up and went to get the dress bag which was placed on the bed, unzipping it she took out my dress for the day.

"Wow!" I whispered as I looked at the dress she was holding with a smile, it was a mint green long anarkali dress, the entire front was heavily embroidered with golden and silver thread, the long sleeves were full of golden sequins. The dress was paired with pinkish-peach shade net dupatta which also had similar kind of work done on it like sleeves, it's four side has silver gota embroidered and lastly mint green choridar.

"Go change." Rumaisa handed me the dress, I picked the shirt and went inside and after five minutes of struggling and patience I walked out carrying the flows of the dress in my hand finally changing the trousers too I sat back on the chair to let Rumaisa pin my hair. When the girls were finally done I turned to have complete look at myself. The golden and bronze eye-shadow were covering my eyelids with thin layer of eyeliner, mascara was giving my lashes volume and lastly kohl making my eyes big, my cheeks were lightly blushed with pink blusher giving my cheeks a natural look and finally my lips were covered with pink lip stick. "Jewelry time!" Rumaisa grinned passing me the gold jhumkas which had large green stone embedded on them. After it I wore pink and mint green glass bangles along with golden ones in my right hand. As there were a bit rash formed on my neck I avoided wearing any necklace. I wore couple of rings on both my hand and as I picked my watch for my left hand Rafia stopped me.

"Let me call Wali bhai." She smiled looking at Rumaisa.

"Oh yes! Wait a minute."

"Guys--"

"Just stay here okay," with that both of them ran out.

Few minutes later Wali walked in. He smiled as his eyes fell on me and after looking at me from head to toe he was fully grinning, getting right in front of me he leaned in and kissed my forehead, "You are looking beautiful, love."

"Thank you." I smiled as I looked into his eyes which were full of adoration making my heart warm.

"Now stay here I'll be right back." with that he walked towards the closet making me frown, couple of minutes later he walked back to me but this time he had two velvet boxes in his hands, I looked at him with a smile knowing completely where we were going with this, "Your smile tells me that you are aware of how bhulakar your husband is," he sheepishly smiled and I chuckled moving towards him and shyly kissing his cheeks. "Well this is for you as the wedding gift," he opened one of the box revealing two extremely beautiful gold bangles adorned with diamonds. Taking my hand he slid them both on my left hand and then kissed my knuckles. His every gesture was making my heart swell with love and respect. "Now something which I got for you the day before we were leaving New York. We are married and I love you and as the western cultures go by that a wedding band or an engagement ring is sign for the commitment, I want this damn entire world to know that Khadija Badar Ahmed is mine and mine alone, I love you Mrs Ahmed," and with that he opened the last box which made me gasp, in front of my eyes was a beautiful rose gold diamond ring, the large gem was adorning the ring in center surrounded by multiple small stones around it along with a line of them decorating the entire band, "May I?" he whispered and unable to say anything I nodded. Tears were pooling my eyes as he slipped the ring on my ring finger of the left hand. "I love you," he whispered again before pecking my lips.

"I want you to do one more thing for me," he said carefully wiping my tears, he then took out something from his pocked and opened his palms in front of me.

"Allah!" I gasped as I saw the platinum ring in his palms, "It was baba's" my voice cracked as I looked at the all too familiar ring of my father which I saw him wearing since I can remember.

"I know," he whispered back, "Abdullah bhai gave it to me on our mehendi, I'll wear it if you want--" Taking the ring from his hand I took his right hand and confidently slipped the ring on his finger.

"After my father you are the most important man in my life Wali. I don't want this, I need this."

"I am honored!" He said kissing my forehead.

The knock on the door ended our blissful time together and shyly I moved back as I saw the girls standing on the door.

"As much as we hate to disturb you two, we have got our first warning call! Let's go!" Rafia sheepishly smiled and nodding at them Wali walked out while I turned to wrap my hijab.

"So?" Rumaisa and Rafia jumped to my side with excitement in their eyes and grinning I showed them my left hand.

"Ya Allah!"

"It's so beautiful!" they both cooed and I was standing there with a proud smile on my face.

Wali Ahmed made me feel like the luckiest women alive and indeed I was.

***

The drive back to the Ahmed mansion was quite a pleasant one, though Wali and I were the only one in the car because others decided to tag along with the people they came and with in twenty minutes Wali drived his Jaguar inside the gates followed by Yahya, Murtaza and Sabih. As our car halted all the awaiting elders walked out of the large wooden doors to welcome us, in few seconds Rafia and Rumaisa were at my side helping me out of the car.

When finally I was on my feet I turned to find both mama and phupo standing on the other side with Wali looking at us, going over to them I hugged them, mama kissed my forehead and wishing Wali and I with duas she took my hand leading us inside, at the entrance I met all my side of family followed by wives of Salman chachu and Irfan chachu. After the initial greetings were exchange mama introduced me to all other guest present, some I remembered from last nigh and some were new. All this time mama was right by my side and I was quite thankful.

After an hour of sweet bickering and a lot of plan makings we all made our way outside to the garden where the tables were set for the breakfast, fortunately the weather was in our favor and the sun was hidden behind thick clouds and light breeze was cooling down the weather too. The long table was set in the center of the lawn with sitting arrangements on the side where pedestal fans were placed, the table was filled with all type of traditional and western cuisine, from halwa, poori, channa curry, potato curry, brain masala and qeema paratha to sandwiches, different kind of eggs, breads, french toasts, pancakes and waffles and then there were array of shakes, tea, coffee and lassi but though I loved all these my mouth started watering as I saw brain masala and poori.

Ahmeds really know how to arrange things.

A note to self; Thanks mama for remembering your favorites.

"The big grin on your face says you have already chose your favorite." I heard Wali whisper as he and I dragged our seat together.

"Oh yes!" I grinned as I eyed the dishes.

And laughing with my family and my husband I enjoyed a morning full of blessings.

-------

A.O.A

How are y'all?

How was the chapter? Too much extra cheese and sweet aren't they? I really hope you all enjoyed it!

Shower with love, votes and comments! You might get a surprise :P

Zehra :)