Hasan had finished with checking his students' assignments, he pushed aside the papers and leaned back. Removing his glasses, he rubbed his eyes. There was a doorbell, taking few moments he stood up. Quickly, he wore his chikankari yellow Kurtha over his black vest and then strode towards the main door.

Anaisha had a smile on her face, but she quickly fixed her expressions. Hasan looked apprehensively at her as he stepped aside to let her in.

"Are you still—angry with me?"

"What is for dinner?" Anaisha asked him instead whilst removing her handbag from her shoulder. Hasan was taken aback by her question.

"Huh!"

Anaisha held his hand, confusing him further, - "Let's have dinner somewhere together?"

Hasan straightened, - "Uh, what about—your—that guy?"

She noticed look of uncertainty on his face, a dreadful look. Anaisha wished she could exploit this, but this wasn't the time. Moreover, this making-jealous-game was silly to her.

"Yuvaan? I once loved him, dearly, too much but not anymore. I am past him. Cheaters have no place in my heart." She said firmly. Hasan smiled indecisively. Anaisha also smiled. She held both his hands in hers and took a step closer.

"Hasan, what you said. Did you mean it? You don't—you want to end this?" She took a deep breath, staring boldly into his eyes, - "Abhinav's truth is out, and even the main reason for our marriage is—"

He gripped her hands tighter. Anaisha looked at their hands. How perfectly her delicate hands fit into his manly ones. Their skin tone flawlessly contrasting as well.

"I am sorry if I had absent mindlessly upset you. I thought you aren't interested in keeping this marriage, your main motive was revenge. Now, that is over, I thought you didn't need me anymore. That is why I suggested. Honestly,"- He held her face with one hand and Anaisha continued to look up into his eyes, - "I don't want to end it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have suggested keeping this marriage forever." Then, he held her hands tighter, - "Forever."

Anaisha blinked, looking away for a moment, - "I thought—" She swallowed softly, - "I thought—"

Hasan smiled, - "Don't overthink, just say you want us or—"

She continued to grin and forwarded her left hand, - "See for yourself." She parted her fingers, revealing his name tattooed in Arabic on the side of her ring finger.

"Wow!" He exclaimed. The area was reddish and slightly swollen. He looked up at her with his eyes wide, - "You shouldn't have gone through so much pain for me."

"It is my commitment." Anaisha confessed with a shrug.

Hasan slightly caressed her finger, she internally winced but managed mask it.

"I wish I could do something like this for you."

Anaisha chuckled, - "It is not that painful."

Hasan clasped her hand in his, - "It is not about the pain, I can manage that for you. But tattooing is,"- he sighed, - "not allowed for us, I mean forbidden." He made an apologetic face.

"Oh!" Anaisha raised her eyebrows, - "you don't have to anything that you don't want to. Just stay with me, always."

He placed an arm around her shoulder, - "Of course, Begum." He beamed, with a short salute.

"Begum?" Anaisha laughed with him.

Later that night, Hasan laid on the bed, uninterested, flipping through pages of a book. He kept yawning and glancing at the bathroom door. He adjusted his glasses and exhaled,

- "When will she come? Has she slept in there?"

Then, there was click of the door and he fumbled with the book. The door opened and Anaisha walked in. Hasan placed down the book and straightened. They passed a smile at each other. She sat on her side, placing her hand over the back of her neck.

"Um, Anaisha. Can I ask you something?" Hasan hesitated.

She turned around to face him and nodded. He shifted a little, - "We have decided to—but do you like me?"

Anaisha frowned, - "What type of question is that Hasan? Of course, I like you. That is why I want to be with you."

Hasan looked visibly relieved, and he felt bolder, - "Just—like?"

Anaisha smirked, moving closer to him and he straightened, - "What do you want to know?"

Hasan gulped. She inched closer; her face close to his. He closed his eyes as she kissed the corner of his lips. Then, she moved back.

- "Do you like me?" She asked.

Hasan chuckled, - "I used to feel so irritated by you. In college, remember?"

Anaisha doesn't smile, - "I am asking about now? You idiot." She slapped him with a cushion pillow.

He continued to laugh.

She rolled her eyes, - "You weren't likeable too. Pencil, nerd." She taunted him.

Hasan stopped laughing, and exhaled heavily, - "All thanks to Sanam. She motivated me to start thinking about being healthy and fit."

A strange feeling disturbed Anaisha. Even in college, something about Sanam and Hasan had irritated her.

"Don't you love Sanam anymore? Do you think of her?" She held her breath.

Hasan's expression turned serious as well, he leaned against his elbow, - "Sanam was very special to me and will always be. Even if a person dies, their memory and love don't end. It remains. But when someone is gone, the person left behind can't be dying behind that person. I have moved on from her, physically and mentally but haven't forgotten her. She has a special place in my heart and that is hers. You have other special place in my heart and that is only yours. Sanam made me realize, how arrogant and judgmental I was. Especially towards you. She showed me what a good-hearted person you are."

Anaisha nodded, she understands. After all, she once loved Yuvaan and didn't realize she could give someone else that special place in her heart. But her story is different because she has thrown him out of her heart. She looked up at Hasan. Strangely, he was always somewhere in her mind. She didn't realize how and when he came into her heart.

Hasan held her face, breaking her chain of thought, - "You trust me, right?"

"I love you." Anaisha blurted. He looked visibly stunned, slowly he pulled back his hand. She held his retracting hand and gripped it tightly in between her palms.

"Really?"

"I don't lie, Hasan Rauf." She replied, shifting her legs and adjusted her flowing ivory maxi gown over her feet.

He smiled uncertainly.

"You?" She asked

He shook his head, - "I mean I like you. You are a very good person. You have heart of gold, and you are caring, and you deserve all the love in the world."

Anaisha rolled her eyes, - "I asked you a simple question, Professor Sahab." She was ready to leave when he grabbed her elbow and pulled her on the bed. She fell against the pillow, taken aback. Hasan hovered over her, placing his arms on either side of her, blocking her way.

"I am not sure about love, but I really like you and extremely adore you."- He caressed her face with the back of his fingertips, - "I didn't have courage to say this, Begum. I will say now,"- he took a moment to admire her, - "you are gorgeous." He whispered.

Anaisha controlled her smile, as she struggled to keep an annoyed expression.

"Move." She pushed him and much to her disappointment he moved away. Hasan flopped on the bed to his side. Anaisha twisted her lips and angrily turned to the other side. She laid down, her back to him.

After few minutes, she felt his arm around her and felt his presence close to her. Anaisha closed her eyes, clenching the pillow. Hasan pushed aside her hair and leaned. She smiled as he kissed her neck. Anaisha slowly opened her eyes, his breath trickling her skin.

"Why are you always angry on me?" He asked softly. She turned and he moved back,

"Because you annoy me,"- She sat up, - "you always annoy me. Since we have met."

Hasan smiled, shifting closer to her, he took her hand in his, - "I? You used to purposefully irritate me."

Anaisha rolled her eyes. He chuckled, then placed an arm around her shoulder, - "Let's not talk about the past. We were arrogant. But our future is bright." He kept glancing into her eyes. Anaisha kept her gaze unmoved as well. Hasan glided his palm against the pink floral embroidery of her Cami maxi gown and firmly held her waist.

Anaisha closed her eyes resting her head against his, he did the same. Together in his embrace, she felt serene. Now, she was sure of her feelings. His presence and touch had a very calming effect on her. Their intimate moment was interrupted by an angry purr of a cat. Their eyes snapped out and they looked front at Mahajabeen sitting at their feet. Her angry stare directed towards Anaisha.

My sautan- Anaisha thought bitterly. Hasan got up and hurried to the cat. She looked distractedly at him and leaped towards him.

"Aww, Mahajabeen, what happened?"- He picked her up and rubbed her neck. She closed her closed, purring softly. Anaisha couldn't help but feel jealous.

"Please take this outside. I want to sleep." Anaisha pulled the duvet over her and slumped on the bed.

"No, no, no. Please wait for me, Anaisha." Hasan panicked. She smirked from under the blanket but doesn't reply to him.

Hasan tried not to be impatient with Mahajabeen, but for some reason the feline was acting stubborn and odd. She won't let her paws off him. Somehow, he managed to coax her to sleep. Then, hurried to his room.

"Hey!" He was surprised to find the room empty. Casually, he walked in, looking towards the bathroom. As he entered the room, the door shut behind him. Before he could turn around Anaisha got hold of him and blindfolded him with a pink satin cloth.

"Anai—"

"Shh!" She silenced him with her finger.

"Tomorrow is weekend." She giggled, turning him around. Hasan kept protesting. After she left him, he was left feeling giddy.

"Anaisha, this is not—fair." He cried, moving around his arms aimlessly. Anaisha hid behind a curtain, snuffling her giggles with her palm.

Hasan strained his ears for her voice, whilst helplessly moving his hands. Anaisha was surprised as he took a turn towards her. She leaned against wall, pressing her palm against her mouth.

On his way, his knee slammed against the edge of the bed.

"Ouch!" Hasan fell on the bed.

"Oh!" Anaisha leaped from her place and found him face down on the bed. She hurried to him and helped him sit by holding his arm.

"You are so unromantic."

"This happens in movies not real life." Hasan peeled off the piece of cloth from his eyes. Anaisha bit her lip.

She had imagined like in rom-com movies, she will blindfold him, and he would find her, then they will share a sensuous night. But now, she was here applying ointment to his knee.

"You could have removed the blindfold and peeked."

"I don't cheat." Hasan replied confidently. Anaisha paused and continued to look at him. Hasan glanced at her. She smiled a little and leaned forward. He was surprised as she kissed his forehead.

"I am lucky to have you in my life. I love you." Anaisha confessed again.

Hasan pulled down his pajama, he reached out to hold her arm, but she jumped from her seat and swiftly moved at the edge of the bed. He was taken aback but the playful look on her face, reassured him. It was a pleasant surprise to see this side of hers. Hasan didn't want to disappoint her and so, he decided to go along.

"Now, what game are we going to play." He stood up, adjusting his Kurtha from the back.

Anaisha bit her grin and looked away. Hasan moved his arms around but before he could hold her, she slid away. He took steps towards her, as he came closer, she slipped away again. Hasan remained patient and tried to hold her hand. This time, she couldn't run away. He flashed a triumphant smile and pulled her.

"You run like a squirrel. So, fast." He gently twisted her arm behind her.

"Uff!" She winced.

"What happened? Aren't you going to use your martial arts on me?" Hasan challenged her.

"If I use it on you, you won't be able to stand on your two feet." She replied, tilting her head a little.

Hasan tugged on her arm, pulling her closer. He leaned close to her ears, - "Uh-huh! I know you won't." He smiled, kissing her cheek lightly. She lowered her gaze, smiling.

Slowly, he let go of her hand and turned her around. Anaisha looked at him. He held her face and kissed her forehead. She sighed and leaned against him, wrapping her arms around him. That moment, she wished she could just keep confessing her feelings for him.

After they parted, Hasan picked her up in his arms. Anaisha excitedly wrapped her arms around his neck and kept admiring him as he carried her towards the bed.

He placed her down and inched closer to her, she slid back until she reached the bedpost. Their faces were inches apart, but Anaisha kept staring into his eyes. For the first time, she found it hard to not look into his eyes and felt shy.

Hasan sat on the bed next to her and placed his hand over her thigh. She lowered her gaze, watching his palm.

"I didn't know you were so—"

"Horny." Hasan completed the sentence, sounding a little miffed.

Anaisha giggled, - "I was about to say romantic."

He made a poker face and looking at that, she burst out laughing. Hasan shifted away. He was about to stand but she grabbed his arm.

"A decent looking woman, who happens to be your wife, has just confessed her love for you. Won't you take advantage of that." She passed him a cheeky grin and a wink. Hasan pulled her up, and closer to him. He held her arms.

"I don't take advantage of anything."

Anaisha moved his hands away, - "Then, you are a fool." She turned away, but before she sat on the bed, he held her waist. A slow smile appeared on her lips.

He moved closer, just then she twisted to the other side. He smiled and held her arm.

"I am not letting you run away this time, your highness." He tugged her arm, pulling her closer.

Anaisha touched his face and leaned closer, he did the same. They shared a kiss for a moment, then she pulled away – "Not bad, you have improved." She teased him.

Hasan gave her a prideful grin, - "Thank you, begum." He held her arms and placed her down on the bed.

Anaisha moved her arms around him and held his shoulder tightly as he dipped his head into the crook of her neck.

"Um, is Mahajabeen awake?"

Hasan snapped his head up and stared at Anaisha.

"You are thinking about my cat. Now? Seriously."

Anaisha was annoyed, why was she being nervous? It was as if, she was virgin having just understood how sex works.

"Never mind." She held the back of his head and pulled him for a kiss.

Unlike last time, Anaisha was in no mood to take things speedily and so, she let Hasan have his way.

"Anaisha, I was thinking—" He slipped the straps of her dress, - "you were talking—about—trying—um, new—"

Anaisha face lit up, - "Really, you want to try." She sat up.

Just for that look, Hasan instantly nodded. She kneeled in front of him, adjusting her hair behind her ears.

"This is going to be awesome." She held his shoulders. Now, Hasan smiled nervously.

Swiftly, she got undressed and helped Hasan get out of his clothes as well. She removed his glasses and handed him a packet.

"This is our third time; I hope you know how to use it."

Hasan gulped, hesitantly nodding in response.

Anaisha turned around, pushing aside her hair and tilted her head to look at her husband. He held her shoulders, - "Um, please guide me. I have never tried all these."

She turned around, sliding her arms around his waist and pulled him. She ignored the goosebumps and her racing heart as their bare bodies touched.

"Don't worry." She pushed him down. Hasan gasped, before he could respond, Anaisha had straddled him. She held his hand and pressed his palms against her breasts. They shared a small eye-lock, before she leaned in for a kiss. A moment into their kiss, she began move her hips against his crotch.

The ringing of Anaisha's phone punctured the silence of the room. She stirred in her sleep and blinked her eyes open. Slowly, the room came into focus. She felt Hasan's body pressed against her back and his arm resting around her waist. Anaisha propped up little, not disturbing his hand. She sighed, still exhausted from trying so many different positions with him. All she wanted to do now was sleep.

The brightness of her phone blinded her for a moment. After her eyes adjusted, she realized that it was nearly dawn. Hasan would be waking up soon. She tilted her head a little and admired him as he was fast asleep. She kept smiling at him, reminiscing their moments until her phone rang again.

It was Abhinav calling. She rolled her eyes; he must be calling to talk about Minal and how it was Anaisha's plan. Before she could disconnect the call, the call ended. A minute later, her phone beeped with message notification.

Dadisa had heart attack in her sleep. She is no more.

The phone almost slipped from her hand, but Anaisha gripped it quickly and sat up with a jolt. Hasan woke up as well and disconcertedly looked around.

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments,  please and Stay Tuned for the next update *Lots of Love* *Hugs and Kisses.*