Dedicated to Autumn_touched

Maiyra's POV

My life was exploding with love and happiness like never before. I have a lovable and sweet husband who understands me like no one else does. When he said I could continue my career as a physiatrist, everything around me faded away. "Be anything you want, but be mine." When he uttered those words, I fell for my husband even harder. How am I blessed with a husband like him? I know how much he adores his son, Drew and for us he made peace with his dark past.

I give all my love to Rehan. He deserves happiness. He also quit using drugs and alcohol. He said 'Why should I have drugs and alcohol when I have a wife handy. You are my drug, Maiyra.' Those words made me blush hard. Still, he knows how to make me feel shy. I will never get used to being charmed by Rehan.

It has been six years since he confessed his feelings for me with that letter. In every possible way, he showed I am his breath. Every now and then, he writes a letter if he wants to confess his feelings for me. I know how difficult it is for him to say 'I love you'. I will always wait for him to say those words to me. Rehan endured a lot of pain than anyone else in his childhood. Past can change a person for good or for bad. I always thank God for showing me the best person who can light my life brightly.

Right now, I am engulfed by my sweet husband after our sweet love making session. The thought made me giggle. Each time, our passion only grows.

Then I felt kisses on my cheeks.

"Good morning, wife." He said adoringly. He gave me a peck on my lips and pulled me closer.

"Good morning, Rehan." I said and cuddled even more towards him. His warmth always gives my heart a flick. After a moment, I tried to get up to make arrangements for our 5 years old daughter's birthday party.

When we found it's a baby girl, I told Rehan to name her after his sister, Riya. When I told him his sister would be born again, his eyes showed me that he really didn't know what to say. He just hugged me tight and cried. That night, I had never seen Rehan like that before. His eyes held joy, happiness, sadness and guilt. I held him tightly to cease away his pain.

I know I am his anchor. I will always be there to pull him out from his abyss.

After that night, I saw a really different Rehan. When we were blessed with our angel, Rehan's eyes held happiness when he held her. I once again assured him that God has given him a chance and that it was never his fault.

He spoiled his son and daughter like a wonderful dad. At the same time, he taught them values too. We showered our children with love; the love we craved in our childhood. I was glad that our children are blessed to have grandparents' love too.

When I was about to get up, once again I was pulled back towards him. I held him tight, so that I wouldn't lose balance.

"Seriously Rehan, it's getting late. Don't you need to go to the office? And today is our daughter's birthday. I should see to it that the arrangements are in order. Also, Drew and Riya need to get ready for school. After that, I need to visit the hospital." I said in a hurry because there was no time. But all he did was kiss me.

"You are so beautiful when you are worried about something. Today, no one is going anywhere. We are all going to spend our time together. And I need you all to myself at least till our kids decide to barge into our room." He said near my neck and kissed me just below my ear, my weak spot.

"Please, don't." I said, but I moaned against his shoulder. Only he knew how to make me lose my mind just by his touch and his sweet voice. I was just covered in a sheet. We both stared at each other.

"You are insatiable, you know that?" I said teasingly.

"Only for you baby, only for you." With that, he captured my lips. Every time he kissed me, he took my breath away.

"Daddy!"

"Daddy!"

We heard our children shouting and running towards our room. I laughed at Rehan's expression as he closed his eyes. I kissed his lips deliberately to show him that it's not over.

"You know, we are both naked. So before they come inside, don't you think we need to get dressed?" I asked him innocently.

"Ah yes. You are right. Remember, this isn't over." He said in a cute way. Within the given time, I was able to search for my night wear which was scattered near the door. He never even gave me time to wear my night gown properly. Through out the time, he was kissing. As always, I was unable to deny him. Thank god before the door opened, we were properly clothed.

Rehan sat on the bed; our daughter jumped on him and gave him a hug. It was so cute to watch. And then Drew came and he did the same.

"Happy birthday, angel." Rehan said with so much love and kissed her cheeks.

"Thank you, papa." She said in the most adorable way. She too kissed him. They shared a father-daughter smile.

I joined them. Rehan pulled me close to him.

"Happy birthday, sweetie." I said and gave her a motherly hug. I kissed her cheeks and all over her face.

"Happy birthday, baby sis." He gave her a brotherly hug and kissed her forehead.

"Mama, papa! When can I give her my gift?" Drew said excitedly.

"You can give it now. Let's see what you have bought, shall we?" Rehan said.

Drew ran to his room and within 5 minutes, he was back. Riya sat on her dad's lap.

"Hope you like it!" Drew said worriedly.

"I love it!" She said sweetly with a smile, without even opening her present. Rehan and I were shocked by her matured reply. We stared at each other and embraced the happiness in front of us.

She opened the present. Drew had drawn a canvas of our family. I was really happy with his present. Rehan, me, Drew and Riya. And above, he drew a small star; inside it was written 'Zara', like she was watching us from above. Again, I was shocked. He had accepted her death but I never thought he would take it in a good way. Drew accepted me as his own mother. He was well matured for a kid his age. I must be really blessed to have children like them.

Rehan was too shocked. He hugged Drew and controlled himself not to cry but a tear slipped from his right eye. I knew it's out of happiness. Then we all had a family hug. We hugged each other so tight.

"Now, our turn." Rehan said and got up to the nearby drawer.

Rehan and I bought her a locket. One side was a picture of Rehan and I; the other side had Drew and Riya. We wanted her to feel like she was surrounded by love.

"Yaaaayyyy!" Riya squealed after she opened her present. She jumped with her little feet; smiling brightly showing her small white teeth.

"Thank you, papa and mama!" She said with happiness, hugging the locket to her chest.

"We take it you like it, then." Rehan breathed heavily.

"Yessssss!" She said again and started jumping. I took the chain from her and kept it inside the box.

"Papa, shall we go to the pool for a bath?" Riya said with excitement.

"Yes angel. Yay!!" He said and picked her in his arms, giving a high-five to Drew.

"Not happening! Drew and Riya get ready for school. It's already late. I don't want your class teacher to call me again." I said sternly. I tried to take Riya from her dad's arms.

But she hugged his neck tightly and laughed. "No. Papa, I don't want to go to school today." She said with puppy dog eyes. She had her father tied around her fingers. Not again.

"Mama, please. Today is Riya's birthday. Let's enjoy! I don't want to go school." Drew also whined, hugging his dad's neck from behind.

"Yeah! Like last week, it was uncle Max's birthday. So are you planning to take leave on everyone's birthday?" I asked him surprised.

Rehan just laughed out loud at our situation. I gave him a look, folding my hands against my chest, looking at them. It was a beauty to watch. I gave them a 'hold on' signal, grabbed my camera and took a picture; Drew, Rehan and Riya. And I put a timer and joined them. We all were in our night wears. That's what a family is about. This picture would be very special. I smiled.

"Now, I want everyone to get ready. No more child play. Rehan, even you are behaving like a kid. Go have a bath. I want everyone to be ready in 30 minutes. I will prepare breakfast." I said folding the bed sheets, but it all fell on deaf ears.

"Don't be so mean, mommy. It really bores us. Doesn't it, kiddos?" Rehan said jovially, giving them a high-five again. I looked at him, shocked.

"You are so boring, mommy." Riya joined, giggling as if she enjoyed her dad siding with her. Drew smiled at me.

"Rehan, don't spoil them. Drew already has back logs on attendance. He has already missed so many classes. I don't want him to score low marks in the upcoming test." I said to Rehan.

"He is my son. He will always come first in class. Right, buddy?" Rehan asked with a smile, enjoying the situation.

"Oh yeah! Next time, when you ask a doubt on any subject and give me an excuse because you missed the class, that's it. Your dad will teach you." I said, looking at Drew. I turned my head to Rehan who had a smirk on his face.

"If his teacher calls me, I am going to redirect it to your number and this time I am not going to the parents-teachers meeting ALONE." I tried to say with anger. But I know I can never be angry at them.

"Don't worry! I will take care of it. Drew will manage. I will help him out. Yes, buddy?" Rehan said enthusiastically to Drew.

"Yes, daddy! Yay!" Drew hugged him with joy. Rehan just winked at me.

"You are spoiling them." I whined now.

"Daddy, you are spoiling us." Riya and Drew said at the same time. They laughed and that made me laugh too.

"Now, we are going to the pool for a bath." Rehan announced. He looked at our children mischievously. Drew and Riya giggled. They had planned something. Oh oh!

Suddenly, Rehan swept me up in his arms.

"Rehan!" I shouted, holding him tight so that I wouldn't fall. But his hold was firm. He ran towards the pool. "No no no!" I shouted and held him tight. Then he jumped into the pool holding me. Oh dear!! Our children also joined. So we all got soaked in the pool water. I heard the beautiful voice of my husband and our children laugh.

Then I splashed water on them. Rehan pulled me close and kissed my cheek in front of our kids.

"Oh oh oh!! Daddy! Daddy!" Our children closed their eyes.

"There is nothing wrong in watching your mommy being kissed by your daddy. That's how we show how much we care for them." Rehan said to them.

"No, it's so gross." Drew said, making a face yet with a small smile. Rehan and I know he loves our way of affection.

"Hey, my munchkins!" My dad's voice beamed. Drew and Riya ran in wet clothes towards my parents.

"Happy birthday, my little angel." My dad hugged Riya tight, not minding her wet clothes. "I missed you so much, Riya." He said lovingly to my daughter by hugging her.

"Thank you, gran!" Riya said and returned the hug.

"Hey, little champ." Dad said to my son. He gave the same love to him. "I missed you too, my little boy." They hugged each other.

"My beautiful babies, give your grandma a hug." My mom said. They ran into my mom and they gave her a hug. She kissed Riya's and Drew's foreheads. "Happy birthday, Riya." My mom said.

"Thank you, grandma." Riya said with joy. My parents showed equal love to my children. We always treat Drew and Riya equally. Drew loves his sister so much.

When we said he would have a baby sister soon, he was so happy. Though he teases her, he is very protective of her.

"I must really thank your dad. He gave me some time alone with you." He whispered in my ear, kissing my cheek. I gave him a look but again he just kissed me.

"Stop it. My parents are here." I pushed him and laughed. We both joined to receive my parents.

"Dad, mom." I said standing near them. I didn't want to get them wet any more than my kids did. But I was hugged by them.

"Maiyra and Rehan." Dad shook his hand with Rehan.

"Welcome, Richard." Rehan replied. My mom gave him a smile and a nod.

"Sorry, dad and mom. We were just having fun and playing in the water. Rehan wanted us to take an off today." I said to my parents.

"You have really turned into a fine man, Rehan." Dad said proudly tapping his shoulder. Though I never revealed what happened with Rehan's past, he understood him. He made sure he encouraged him in every possible way and give him a father's love. I admired my dad for that. "Let's freshen up. I will make breakfast." I said to them.

"You both go, refresh and we will take care of the kids. Don't worry, I will make lunch. Let's have brunch." Mom said with affection.

"Thank you so much." Rehan said immediately. Mom smiled at us knowingly. He pulled me towards him. I laughed at him. We went to our room. Rehan locked it.

"Mission accomplished, isn't it?" I asked him with a smirk.

"Yes, of course." Rehan replied. I went towards him and we hugged each other not caring about our wet cloths.

"I love you so much, Rehan." I said by looking in his eyes. I know he loves it whenever I say those words. His eyes held so much love. I would never allow him to do what he doesn't want to do or say. My words and love are enough for the both of us. I know how much he tries to overcome that pain. I hugged him to ease that tightness in his heart.

He brought my face up. "You are my heart, Maiyra. My heart beats for you." He put my hand in his heart. I could feel his heart beat. I looked at him with adoration.

"Now, for Drew and Riya too. You are my everything." With that, he kissed me by showing how much he loves me. We kissed each other and we bathed together. I wanted Rehan to have everything I have. I gave myself to him.

"I thought of making breakfast, but now we are going to have brunch." I said to him while drying my hair. He too got dressed in sweat pants and t shirt.

"I am glad your parents came. Drew and Riya will have someone who would spoil them other than us. We didn't get a chance to be loved by our grandparents. I am happy our children will have that love." Rehan said sincerely. All I could do was, stare at him. Every time, he amazed me. I nodded and smiled.

We both got refreshed and came down to join for brunch.

My mom prepared Drew and Riya's favorites. She always cooked the way they both wanted. She didn't care about the time. My mom always said 'they asked me, so I will prepare for them. That's between me and my grandchildren'. She truly spoiled them in her own way.

My dad never said 'no' to my kids to whatever they ask, like me. Dad would tell them many stories with morals and values. Whenever my parents visited, it was fun time for the kids.

"Drew, Riya. Come, let's have brunch." I called them.

"We had." Drew replied while he played with my dad.

"Okay." I said and grabbed a plate.

"Don't worry. They had enough. I fed them till I was satisfied." My mom said to my unasked question. I gave her a smile.

Rehan and I joined to have brunch. Mom served for us. We started eating.

"Rehan, may I share something with you?" Mom asked him.

"Anything." He said immediately.

"I never had a chance to see my daughter grow up; her small steps, her first word, her first insecurity, her first crush, her everything. I was young and pregnant. I was poor. Richard and I faced many challenges. We regret even now, that we had given her away to an orphanage. That time, all we thought was that she needed shelter, food and education. We didn't know parents' love was most important in her life. We should have had the courage to think that our daughter would be happy with us. Our situation made us take wrong decisions. I don't know why I didn't even visit her in those days. Maybe I was afraid to face her. Every time I think of my daughter, I hated myself for what I did; having a daughter, yet never holding her in my arms. What a cruel woman!" My mom said all these things which were in her heart to Rehan openly. I never knew she endured this much pain. I had tears when she rendered her story.

Rehan watched her with understanding. He listened to her.

"Even when I gave birth to a child, no one was there to call me 'Mom'. I regret that day. One day when I came to know that Maiyra is my daughter; that day I felt happiness. Project or anything didn't cross my mind. She had grown up into a beautiful woman, inside out. When she found out we were her parents, she didn't question us but rather understood our situation and accepted it." Mom said to us.

"I was even happier; my daughter was married to a fine man like you. You think, you are not kind, but Rehan you are the kindest person I have ever met. When you were able to marry her without even knowing her background, you gave her everything. You are the best thing that has happened in her life. You bring a sparkle in those eyes. You are a good man, Rehan. Don't ever doubt that." Mom finished. Both Rehan and I sat there speechless.

"You know why I said my story? Because it's in our hands to overcome that fear. If I had broken that fear of heartbreak by seeing my daughter, I could have been with her. I don't want you to endure the same pain." Mom said to Rehan. He stared at her. "May I ask you a favor?" Mom asked Rehan. He nodded.

"Will you call me 'Mom'? I would be so happy to have a son like you."

Rehan got up and hugged her tight. Mom started crying. That made me cry. I went and hugged them too. Then I heard him say "Mom". Oh god! This day couldn't be happier. I felt my dad hugging us; Drew and Riya holding our legs. I smiled at my family.

"What happened, Mom?" Drew asked, looking at me. I picked him up and held him tight. He draped his hands around my neck and legs around my hip. Whenever Drew called me 'Mom', it brought me immense joy.

"I love you so much, Drew." I said to him. He pulled away and wiped my tears.

"Don't cry, mom. I love you, too." He looked so adorable. I kissed his cheeks. He kissed and hugged me. Rehan picked Riya up. His eyes told he understood.

"Why is mommy crying, daddy?" Riya asked her dad.

"Sometimes, happiness can be felt through tears, darling. Your mom is so happy and made everyone happy." Rehan explained to our daughter. I love Rehan so much.

"Come; let's go get ready for the party." I said enthusiastically and went to our room.

Later that evening.

Finally, I was ready for the party. I wore a burgundy full length gown. Riya was dressed in a baby pink frock with the locket we presented her. Rehan and Drew wore Tuxedos.

"You look so beautiful, Maiyra." Rehan said huskily and kissed my cheek.

"You look handsome, husband." I said with love. "Drew, my young handsome man." I said and kissed his forehead affectionately.

"Wow, my angel looks pretty." He picked Riya in his arms. We all walked out of our room.

We just got down the stairs while Vishal and Tara entered with their cute little three year old daughter, Aysha. Tara hugged me.

"Hey, cutie pie." I coo-cooed Aysha which made her smile, showing teeth. I kissed her cheeks. I hugged Vishal.

"Maiyra, you look so beautiful." Vishal said to her.

"Excuse me, that is my wife you are talking to." Rehan said a little bit annoyed.

"Yeah, but I was the one who saw her first. If not for me, you wouldn't have found her, my dear friend." Vishal teased Rehan. They chuckled and hugged each other.

"For that, I am always grateful to you." Rehan said sincerely.

"Happy birthday, Riya. Give your uncle a hug." Vishal took Rita from Rehan.

"Thank you, Shailu." Riya said, with the nick name she had given Vishal.

"Happy birthday, love bug." Tara wished her with a hug. "I got you a present." And she handled the present to Riya.

"Hey, my handsome young man." Vishal said to Drew with a high-five.

"Hey, Drew." Tara hugged him. When Aysha saw Drew, she giggled at him. We elders smiled at each other knowingly.

"Hey, dumb heads." Max entered with his wife, Julie and 2 year old son, Alex.

"Watch your mouth in front of our children." Rehan said irritated.

Max didn't even mind him.

"Hey Maiyra. You look gorgeous." Max said as he hugged me. I giggled. Max and Vishal were trying to pull Rehan's leg. Rehan just shook his head.

Max and Rehan exchanged a brotherly hug.

"Hi Julie." Rehan gave her a hug.

"Hey, sweet pie." I said taking Alex in my arms. He was a really cute little guy.

"Happy Birthday, Angel." Max wished her and handed her a present. She accepted it.

"Thanks, Uncle Max." Riya said.

"Happy Birthday, Dove." Julie wished her, kissing her cheeks.

"Thank you, Aunt Julie." Riya replied.

My dad and mom joined us. I was so happy with them being here with us. The cake we had ordered arrived. It was a 2 kg tangled cake with 5 candles.

Riya's face showed happiness when she saw the cake. She was desperate to blow the candles so that she can eat the cake. We sang the birthday song. We cut the cake and fed each other.

After the cake cutting, we all went to have dinner. Now, my house is filled with happiness. Everyone's face held only happiness and laughter.

When I was in the orphanage, I always wanted a family. Now I feel complete. I looked at my family from afar. Drew, Riya, Aysha and Alex played together with the help of grandparents and opened the presents. Vishal, Tara, Max and Julie were enjoying themselves.

Rehan hugged me from behind, kissing my head and temple. I leaned against his shoulder.

"It's adorable to watch our family from a distance. The way they banter and everything." Rehan said and chuckled.

"Yes, Rehan." I agreed with him. "I never thought I would be blessed with such a loving family and a great husband like you. You complete me and make me feel loved every second. Thank you, Rehan, for accepting me." I said and kissed his temple.

"Maiyra." He said my name with love. So I turned towards him to look in his eyes. He pulled me closer.

"If I am able to be this happy now, it's because of you. No one has loved me the way you have. Even when I hurt you physically and emotionally in every possible way, you showed me and gave me so much love. You showed even a person like me can be loved; even a killer like me. You saw me through all the shades. You were very patient, kind and polite with me. You gave me everything without expecting anything in return from me. I was always amazed by how you can be this pure and how blessed I have been to find you in my life. I never imagined you will be this important to me." He said by pushing my hair behind my ear. I stared at him with shock. I was at a loss of words.

"You are my better and beautiful half." I looked at him, wide eyed.

He continued. "You are my gift, Maiyra. I always think I don't deserve you, but I can't imagine a life without you in it. My world doesn't exist without you. I never believed in God. You made me realize there is something above us. I have always wanted to say what's in my heart. Every time I tried, something in me stopped me." He said, intensely looking in my eyes.

"Now, I am not sure what my future holds for me. I will always be afraid of losing you, Maiyra." He said, holding me. I wanted him to pour his heart out. I squeezed his hand to continue and to say that I understood him.

"I always want to be a better person for you. You bring out the best in me. I will try to be a husband you deserve, Maiyra. You gave your heart and all of you completely to me; it's my turn to give my heart and all of myself completely to you. You have my body, soul and heart." Rehan said with love. He cupped my face and kissed me hard. He took a deep breath. I gasped when he uttered the next words which I thought I would never hear.

"I love you."

THE END

**********

Hi Guys,

Hope you like my one short story - Married to Mr. Nightmare. Rehan and Maiyra, one of the best characters I have read. This book made me to see things differently. @Autumn_touched is an amazing author I come across and we became close friends in short period of time.

Kri, Hope I did justice to the characters you portrait. I am so happy to write this story. Thank you so much for believing in me. 4595 words. :-) As you mentioned I wrote really long chapter for you. :-)

@KSN2501 Thank you so much for beautiful cover. Guys, check her book #TheWhiteKnight. Its really amazing fantasy story you would ever come across. If you want to get your works to be edited, feel free to PM her. :-) she is my dearest amazing friend. ❤

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With love,

PR.