Shahwar

7 years after marriage

" Maira, don't- I repeat don't play outside and don't trouble your Chachi!"

I said narrowing my eyes at the six year old as she nodded. Her two pigtails bobbing up and down as she looked at me with her chin pressed to her sternum and her hands folded before her.

" Shahwar, she never troubles me! Go Maira, play with bhai." The woman easily walked in, her tall figure now standing before me.

I pulled Maira to me, and kissed her softly on the cheek as she grinned at me before running off to play. Ahya sighed loudly, bending down she picked up the stuff toys around the room and dumped them in the toy container. I helped her and cleaned around the room.

" These kids!" I groaned. Picking up yet another piece of Lego.

My sister in law laughed and sat on the small pink bed.

" Wait till the other two start moving around. And then you'll know!"

I huffed at her remark. Falling on the spot besides her, I looked up at her with grateful eyes.

" Thank you for looking over my kids for this evening. This is the favour I'll always be grateful for!"

We shared a chuckle.

This was, how life was. One and a half year ago, Salah and I had welcomed our baby boy. Gifting Maira a baby brother. And not long after, Ahya had given birth to a baby girl. And so two little babies in the house had kept all of us on our toes. The past years had made us better humans. Although they were ups and downs but we learned from our mistakes and stood back up. And during these times Salah and I had grown impossibly closer. Our son, Haziq was the epitome of his father's eyes and our daughter was Salah's everything. He had spoiled her, and I loved him for that.

Maira was the child that was thoroughly cherished, Salah loved her more than anything, other than me. The duo shared an attachment that sometimes made me jealous. But what could I say she was his princess. And with our now extended family, Maira was deeply in love with our bundle of happiness, Haziq. He had Salah green eyes and his dark hair. For us, our kids were the greatest blessings and we couldn't be anymore happier.

A loud cry interrupted my thoughts and Ahya stood up with alert eyes.

" That must be Ruhi."

My sister in law said as she gave me a pout and exited the room.

I laughed and stood up as well. Straightened out the bedsheets. We had set up this room for the kids. Aaryan had his separate room. And for Maira, Haziq and Ruhi- we were positive that the kids would enjoy playing around and Aaryan being different from them- having a much serious and responsible nature from the very start- would surely wouldn't be comfortable staying with them. So we set up this room for them with all the toys they'll need.

However it was a room that mostly Maira slept in. Ruhi and Haziq still slept with parents.

I exited the room, hearing Maira and Aaryan play outside in the gardens as I walked inside our bedroom. Haziq was sleeping peacefully and I found the opportunity to cuddle my little one close. The baby had charming features of Salah. His dark hair and green eyes. Although he resembled to me as well but our families say that Maira is a much more carbon copy of me.

I laid in bed, cuddling and kissing Haziq until he decided to open his large eyes and talk to me in his baby voice. We played for a while. And then as I glanced at the clock, I mentally cringed at myself.

God! I was going to be late!

I changed my son's clothes and freshened him up before leaving him downstairs to his grandparents. Rushing back up, I took a quick shower and pulled out my jewelry, dress and sandals.

" Shahwar, don't be too hard on the man!" Ahya walked in with Ruhi in her arms. And I playfully glared at her and quickly stole a kiss from my niece.

" Huh! You just wait and watch!" I narrowed my eyes and brushed my light brown hair.

" Arey! You know Imraan, he's just exaggerating things! You don't trust your husband?" She asked sitting on the bed.

I huffed and rolled my eyes.

" I do trust Salah. But I don't trust that girl one bit. My poor Salah!" I pouted and the woman behind me laughed.

" God! Drama queen!" She muttered.

I picked up the wine red fabric from the chair and showed it to her.

" What do you think! I am gonna wear this and set that party on fire!" I exaggerated throwing my hands in the air and Ahya snickered.

" Then you and your husband won't be staying up at the party instead you'd be landing right here on this bed."

Her statement made me blush till my roots and I turned around as a grin shamelessly stretched my lips.

" Ahyaa!"

In all these of my marriage with Salah, we had grown with not only age numbers but with understanding and trust as well. I had seen my cousins and their experiences when I was unmarried and so many other women. Who do get married and after some years of marriage, the relation becomes a comprise that the man and woman take only for the sake of their children. The relationship loses its charm, respect, trust and love. The two bounded people become fed up to the extinct that the faces of each other becomes hard to bear.

I had seen it in my family as well. But with Salah, I had not experienced anything of the sort. Why, because he was my cousin? No, because we provided each other with the respect and trust that we didn't need to find it in someone else. Because we were bounded for the sake of our love and compassion towards each other and not for the sake of Maira and Haziq only.

I did at some point loose Salah, it was his accident when we were in Islamabad. Two years ago. I had lost him somehow but he was given back to me. He came back to me fighting death. And after that I knew that without this man I wouldn't be the strong woman I am now. The mother I am to my children now. It's the strength his being provides me. It's the strength being married to him provides me. And when he's with me, I know everything would be fine.

Until this girl has barged into our lives for the past two weeks. Mehreen, that's her name and she was literally getting on my nerves now. And since she's joined the company, Salah has mentioned her forty times in the house. Yes! I've counted.

Of cource I know Salah would have no interest in her but it's her interest in him. And the thought made me burn into innumerable bits of fire that I'd want nothing but to drag her by the hair and throw her out of his life before she could even enter properly.

And this nice chance came in when earlier yesterday Salah mentioned that his dear client was throwing a party for his anniversary celebration. And here I was today, with this perfect dress on the perfect opportunity.

I truly had no interest in the party but all my interest was in meeting Mehreen. And spending quality time with my husband that we had been deprived off for a couple of few days now. But still Salah had kept me all loved up!

Ahya sat on the bed as I kept asking for her help with my makeup and hair. She was still the greatest sister in law anyone could ever ask her.

For my hair, I left them open and in loose curls at the ends. My eyes were dozed in brown and black shadows creating no smokey eyes. I was going to burn without smoke tonight. Applying mascara and a winged liner I was done with my eye makeup. My cheeks were tinted with blush lightly and I had used some highlighter on my cheekbones. Completely off with matching wine red lipstick, I was scurrying off to the washroom to change my clothes.

When I came out, it was past seven thirty and I had to be at the venue at eight. So hurriedly I wore a slim silver bracelet that had these tear shaped small crystal stones on it with matching dangling earrings. Ahya whistled as I sat down and strapped my red strapy heels.

I blew her a kiss and shot a glance at the mirror. Fixing my hair again.

I hadn't gotten fat but I had gained a few pounds in the past years and gotten more in shape. Like more curveous. And so the dress fitted me snugly. The red fabric was long as it reached till my ankles. A few plates on the waist area were stitched to give the lower half of the fabric volume. With sleeves long having cuffed at the wrist. The neckline was a v shaped, not deep but modestly set. I grabbed a woolen shawl to drape over my shoulders as the November's cool air would at some point start to freeze me.

Taking my clutch, Ahya and I walked downstairs seeing our family lounging. Aunty Meena came to stand besides me as I said Allah Hafiz and cupped my cheeks.

" You look beautiful! Go and have a great evening." I smiled softly and moved to Maira who looked up at me with large eyes.

" Mama and Baba will be back in no time. Love you my baby!" I hugged her as her small chubby arms curled around me.

Imraan walked towards me as I stepped out in the patio. Haziq in his arms as he typed away with his other hand.

" Shahwar, Salah is sending a car for you. He had to pick up the gift so he's not coming here!"

" What!" I drawled out like a teenager at my brother as he shook his head.

" Look! The car is here!" He said as the grand gates opened and a black car rolled in the driveway. I kissed Haziq and then hugged Ahya as she came to stand besides her husband with Ruhi in her arms.

" Don't forget to smash Mehreen's beautiful face!" My brother called out as I opened the car door. Making me laugh out loudly.

" Imraan!" Ahya smacked his shoulder lightly as she eyed him. And the couple ended laughing as I sat in the car.

The car pulled out of the house and soon we were on the roads of Abbottabad. I looked out at the dark blanketed night. And the tiny shining stars that looked down at us. My phone buzzed in my clutch and I pulled it out. A huge smile plastered my lips as I red the caller id and slid the green on the screen.

" Assalam O Alaikum, my love!"

A husky voice greeted, creating a havoc of butterflies to settle in my belly.

" Walaikum Assalam!" I greeted back.

" Hm. I suppose you're on the way here."

" Yes!"

" Very well then. I am dying to see you!"

I giggled lightly at Salah statement and shook my head.

" I'll see you in a few minutes then, In Sha Allah!"

" In Sha Allah!"

I disconnected the call and within fifteen minutes, the car was pulling before two brown gates. I looked up at the beautiful two storey house that was dozed in fairy lights and loud music could be heard from inside. I got out at my destination and looked at the men gathering on the brown gates.

A familiar face emerged from behind the gates and looked towards where I stood. His green eyes widened as his eyes raked over my body. I smiled softly at the man and took small steps. As he covered the distance towards me in his long strides. His eyes glared at me playfully as he reached me.

Without him, I left restless almost as if my eyes were deprived of his figure and now as he stood before me, I was more alive. Breathing again. That the few hours he was away from me caused me great anxiety.

His arms snaked around me and he pulled me towards him. He didn't care if we were standing in the middle of the road and had some audience. And neither did I as I curled my hand around his waist.

The restlessness and anxiety all washed away as he took me in his arms. I was back in my safe haven. In my peace. And that being in his arms told me,

Tumhe galay se laga Kar jou sukoon ata hai, abb samjh Aya k tumhare door hone se ye dil kyun itna ghabrata hai!

" God! You'll be the death of me, Shahwar Salah Khan!" He groaned pulling away from me.

I blushed under the scrutiny of his gaze. Heat travelling up my neck to the roots of my hair.

" Shall we?"

He offered his hand like a gentleman and I nodded, as we walked inside the premises of the house.

The house was glowing with bright lights everywhere. The once loud music was dead now as all I could was people chattering here and there. We walked through the garden area into the house, passing women and men dressed elegantly in posh suits and dresses.

A few people stood in the hall area and I glanced at the specific couple who glowed under the attention of everyone. The man was tall, like extremely tall with jet black hair swept to the side, dressed in a dark blue three piece suit while the woman clinging to his arm was dressed beautifully in a midnight blue maxi dress. Her sharp features becoming more prominent each time she smiled. They seemed to be newly wed and soon my doubts cleared when I read on the back drop - Happy First Anniversary.

Salah steered me to the young couple and they turned to us.

" Mr and Mrs. Faris, this is my beautiful Shahwar Salah Khan!" He introduced us. I smiled politely at the man while Mrs. Faris stepped forward and embraced me warmly.

" Welcome Shahwar, I've heard a lot of good things about you!" She said and I flushed, thanking her.

" A very happy anniversary! You both look absolutely beautiful together!" I said and we chatted for a while.

Soon the cake cutting ceremony proceeded and as everyone gathered around, my anxious eyes looked everywhere. My arm tightening around Salah's.

" My zaalima! You seem worried, is there something I should know?"

Salah raised a perfect dark eyebrow at me and I shook my head at his concern.

" Nope, nothing at all!" I smiled to assure him.

But he frowned as me as I kept looking everywhere around him. The man grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the crowd.

" Shahwar, you are really troubling me. Who are you looking for!" Salah asked and held my arms. But before I could say something, a presence appeared behind my husband. I could make the outline of a golden shimmery shirt and bouncy brown curls.

My eyes squinted and I grabbed Salah's black suit clad arm and pushed him lightly to my side. The man looked at me confused as he balanced himself on my side.

" Shahwar-"

I gasped seeing an older woman stand behind my man. She looked sheepishly at us, recognition running through her as she looked at Salah, him reciprocating. Her large Kohl filled eyes settled on me and she grinned, extending one arm towards me.

" Hi, you must be Mrs. Salah!" I shook her hand gently and smiled softly as her voice. My head nodding.

" Oh God! It's like my dream has come true. I've been wanting to meet you so much Ma'am. Sir Salah talks a lot about you. I had always wanted to meet the woman behind Sir Salah's smile. Oh God!"

I looked at her and then at Salah as he grinned at me. I hugged the woman as she leapt forward.

" It's nice to meet you as well!"

" Sir Salah, she's truly very beautiful!" She said to him and then the phone rang in her hand.

" Excuse me, please!" She said before turning around.

" I am sorry I didn't catch your name!" I said to the sweet lady and she turned back with a huge smile on her lips.

" Mehreen. Ma'am my name is Mehreen!"

I stared dumbfounded at her chubby figure as she disappeared in the sea of people.

Mehreen.

" Salah, where the other Mehreen?" I asked in confusion.

He chuckled, taking my hand in his.

" There is no other Mehreen, she was Mehreen!"

I shook my head.

" No, that girl-"

" Imraan and I talked about her only at home. Just to tease you. There no other young, slim, Mehreen in our office!"

He laughed out at my priceless reaction as my mouth fell open and my eyes rounded.

" What!" He nodded his head.

And I felt anger building up in my body.

" Salah Khan!" I hissed stomping my heels on his shoes. The man winced and stopped his laughing fit.

" Ouch that-"

" I kept myself in agony for the past few days. Thinking about ways to strangle that woman. I even dressed up for tonight and now you tell me this!"

I wailed without tears and hit his chest with my fists.

" Arey stop!"

" No!" I was angry at him. Pouting, I shook my head and finger at him.

" I don't want to talk to you!" I said sternly and turned around, walking away from him.

Ugh, I spent so much time thinking about all of it and now he just drops this bomb on me, and actually the woman, Mehreen, was simply very sweet and lovely. And what had I not planned.

I wanted to throw things away and cry. But I composed myself and tried hard to concentrate on what Mrs. Faris said to me.

" Can I please steal my wife for sometime!" A voice said from behind me and I resisted the urge to scowl at the man. Mrs. Faris nodded and smiled warmly at me making me reciprocate as my arm was pulled and then I was being dragged. I crossed my arms like a stubborn teenager as Salah pulled me through the crowd of men and women.

He opened the car door and pushed me in. I huffed angrily. Salah sat in and we were on the main road in no time.

I kept fidgeting with my clutch until Salah decided to speak, reaching for my hand,

" Shahwar, what happened. Why are you so mad?"

" Salah, you kept talking about that woman and I thought as if she was trying to steal you or something like that and you really needed a saving from her and today I was here meeting her. And she was nothing like I thought she would be. Instead you played with my mind and I brought this dress out of pure jealously to show whatever I thought Mehreen was- that you had a wife, that too who knows how to take care of you and-"

" Calm down babes!" He said reaching to my hand as the car stopped. I ran a hand through my hair.

" I was so jealous of her that I could even kiss you infront if the crowd! Ughh!"

The man chuckled yet again and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles.

" Come!" He said and retrieved from the car. I got out and my eyes looked amazed at the restaurant we stood before. It was the same restaurant, Salah had proposed me in. And during the years it had rebuilt. We dined in it a few times and the ambiance had only grown with progress each time. A grin spread across my red lips and looking at the man, I could see him grin back.

" I am still very angry!" I said pointedly at him as he curled his arm around me.

" Whatever you say!"

We walked in and were guided to a table by our hostess. I was famished and so we ordered immediately. I looked around at the dimly lit open area. Not very far, I could see the canopy under which I stood till my prince swept me off my feet. And I felt myself blush faintly not getting unnoticed by my husband.

" Are you still mad?" He asked in utter innocence and I shook my head.

" But- don't ever play with my mind ever again!" I said playfully.

" Yes my zaalima, I won't."

I giggled and he held my hand. The feeling of him, this special dinner, the ambiance and our love making my heart flutter. I stared at my husband, dressed in black tailored suit that had his green eyes standing out more. And God! He was all mine.

" But isn't this zulm that you actually dressed up for a woman in utter jealousy and not for your husband!"

He pouted and I shook my head.

" Not at all. You played with my mind and I played with you!" I smirked causing the man to chuckle.

" Really Shahwar!" I shrugged my shoulders and soon our dinner arrived.

We had a lovely evening as we spent time, eating and talking. Who could give you a more better company than your husband. After dessert, we left the restaurant to go back home. To our home.

I climbed the stairs and walked to my kids room. Salah following in the dark hallways behind me. Maira and Haziq were already tucked in bed as I walked in their darkened room. Ruhi was in her cot and I kissed her cheek softly before walking to Maira's bed. Running a hand softly over her hair, I kissed her forehead.

Salah settled on her bed and hugged her sleeping form.

" Baba's jaan. My baby!" And there he goes stealing kissing off her cheek.

I walked over to Haziq's cot and covered him with the blanket rubbing his forehead softly.

" My boy!" Salah came to stand behind me as we looked at our son sleeping peacefully.

Closing the door to the kids room behind me softly, I unhooked the bracelet from around my wrist and a surprised gasp escaped my lips as I was scooped up in strong arms.

" Salah!" I half shrieked, wiggling in his arms.

His lips curled in a sexy smirk as he looked down at me.

" What about that jealous kiss, Zaalima!"

I gasped at his suggestion and wiggled in his arms as he walked us to the bedroom. Heat flushing through my body.

He closed the bedroom door behind us and switched on the lamps and I hid myself in his chest. Hearing the chuckle rumble through his chest.

" I love you!" He said softly and I pulled back enough just to look at him.

His features soft and his eyes warm as he looked at me lovingly.

" I love you too!"

I whispered back, my heart filling up with love and my body burning up with flames of spark from his touch. I gave him a small peck on the cheek and the man grinned.

" Did I tell you how ravishing you looked tonight, Shahwar!"

I flushed under his burning gaze and clutched his collar.

" And now, how about that jealous kiss, eh!"

He hugged me tightly, lowering me down besides the bed. And I curled my arms around him. Promising him softly, to grant him that kiss.

And so we lived happily ever after! ❤️

***

Taa Daaa!! 😃😃

Look who finally managed a bonus Chapter for The Awaiting Bride!!

Go on lovelies!! Vote and comment and let me know what do you think about the chapter!! 🙈💕❤️

Awe my babies have two kids now! Maira and Haziq!

Time truly flies! 😭✨

Well then, take good care of yourself - keep washing your hands and stay safe and healthy!

Until next time,

_ Hafsa💕