"Qabool hai."

With the last approval of Ozhan, the Qazi took signs from both parties and declared the nikkah. Mabrooks echoed from all sides but they were just a distant whispering in Abeerah's ears. Her friends and family were hugging each other, beaming with happiness but she couldn't see anything from her teary eyes past her long veil that was draped over her head. She was gripping someone's hand, she couldn't see whose but it should be Shiza's because she was the one who was sitting beside her throughout the ceremony. Someone wrapped an arm around her shoulders from the back and kissed her head, congratulating her on the nikkah but she didn't know whether it was Sanem or Layeba. Maybe it was one of her three friends who were attending the event but who knew?

There was no limit to her happiness. But there was also no limit to her melancholy at that moment. One of the most important days of her life and she was missing her parents dearly. All the precious memories flashed in front of her eyes. Her mother's smiling face, her father's kind yet serious eyes, the carefree laughs that rang in her house every day were something she still remembered and knew she would always but they hit her stronger than ever today.

With the help of Layeba and Sanem, she stood up, gaining her balance after a split second of stumbling whilst they both adjusted her dress. Sanem handed her a much-needed fresh tissue and she wiped her tears, careful not to ruin her makeup. Her brother, looking proud as ever with a smile on his face and glinting eyes, came in front of her, her husband right behind him.

Yazaan was wearing a light blue kurta, (no, he did not color coordinate with Layeba. He hadn't even known what dress she was wearing until today. It was purely coincidental) with an intricately embroidered neckline and cuffs, paired with a white shalwar completing his look with a watch in his wrist and black peshawari chappal. Ozhan was wearing an ivory-colored kurta pajama with minimal red-colored embroidery on the neckline, collar, and cuffs. To top it off, he was wearing a simple light brown leather khussa.

Both looked godly handsome, not just by the way they were dressed, but by how they carried themselves. Their tall, muscular built gave off a powerful aura, warning everyone around them that they were not to be messed with. But the sense of protection they oozed was comforting. If there was one thing Abeerah could see was different about them, that was their eyes. She was so used to their cold and calculating ones, so seeing the gentleness, kindness, and love in both their eyes was overwhelming.

Yazaan grabbed her face covered with the sheer red veil and kissed her forehead through it.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world, Chanda. I love you."

Sniffing, Abeerah hugged her Lala, hiding her face in his chest and Yazaan knew what had gotten her so emotional. He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arm around her.

"Khan Sahab?" His eyes found the brown ones behind Abeerah, shining with amusement. With a small smile playing on her lips, Layeba said, "this is the time for Yazaan Ibrahim Khan to make his presence known and threaten Ozhan to castrate him and what not if he makes Abeerah unhappy."

Abeerah chuckled while Yazaan shook his head. He was obsessed with using his full name every chance he got, wasn't he? But since Layeba was teasing him, he chose to tease Ozhan. He forced his smile to disappear, a steely cold to cloud his stare and his body to go rigid. And with that, he turned towards Ozhan on his left, Abeerah still in his arms but she was now looking up at Yazaan to know why he was suddenly so cold.

There wasn't much that could scare Ozhan. But his brother's deathly glare pointed at him was one he was afraid of. He tried to maintain eye contact but couldn't for long. He gulped and his eyes flickered towards Layeba and Sanem, both of whom had no smile on their face now and were looking at Yazaan with a frown on his face.

"If Ozhan ever became the reason for Abeerah's single tear. . ." Abeerah's breath caught for an unknown fear filled her. She didn't want her brother to give a word about harming Ozhan, even if it was just to fulfill his brotherly duties.

But all fear left her and everyone shook their heads at Yazaan's pathetic attempt of a joke when he simply shrugged and wrapped his free arm around Ozhan's neck and said, ". . . then I wouldn't have to do anything, because Ozhan would kill himself first before even thinking of it."

It was true.

Yazaan hugged the precious pieces of his souls close to him and kissed the top of both their heads. "Congratulations to both of you. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

Yazaan removed his arm from around Ozhan but Abeerah remained in that position. Ozhan looked at Abeerah, and even though he couldn't see her clearly, there was no mistaking the wide smile on her face which like always, reflected on his face too.

"Well I, for one, wouldn't be too lenient. If you ever hurt Abeerah in any way, i'll kill you, lover boy." Sanem mock glared at Ozhan but the words she said couldn't have any more truth in them.

"I second that!" Layeba high-fived Sanem.

"I thought you were on my side, Bhabhi!"

"I am, devar jee." Layeba shrugged. "That's why I'm saying, if you ever did anything wrong, I won't spare you."

"Ladies. . ." Hassaan came to stand beside Layeba, his gaze staying a moment too long on Sanem. Layeba noticed how the tips of his ears turned slightly pink and she just adored the look on her brother's face. His eyes were slightly wide, his lips parted, wonder visible on his face. Layeba elbowed him lightly and raised her eyes at him when he came to his senses. ". . . And gentlemen. Phopho jaan's saying that we should head home now."

"Yeah, just twenty minutes. Let's take a few pictures and then we'll leave."

"That is where people, I come in!" Ozhan's friend Amir put his arm around Ozhan, not quite lightly, causing him to bend forward a bit. Taking his camera, he turned it towards Ozhan, capturing his irritated face and blinding for a bit by the flash. "Let's go, people. Family first, dulha dulhan ki to hoti rahein gi baad main."

(Bride and groom's can be taken later.)

Finally, they all left him and Abeerah alone.

He took a step forward and offered her his hand, which she took gladly and closed the distance between them as much as she could without seeming too intimate in public.

"You're looking beautiful." Ozhan was drawing circles on her hand with his thumb, not wanting to lose control.

"You haven't even seen me completely yet." A shy smile playing on her lips.

"I don't need to. Every feature of your face is etched into my brain." Could she love this man anymore? She didn't think it was possible.

"But I want you to see me all dolled up. I bore hours of torture. Just for you", she said, her voice barely audible.

"Hhmm. . . A tempting offer." He left her hand and used both of his to gently lift the veil. Words will never be enough to describe the emotions he felt when he saw this beautiful woman as his wife for the first time. The breath that was knocked out of his lungs, he didn't know when that would be revived properly, because every breath he took belonged to her and every time he would look at her, he would fall head over heels every single time, no matter which state she was in.

Though his lips wouldn't move, his heart kept whispering MashaAllah with every beat it took.

His fingers moved on their own, caressing the apples of her cheeks. "God! You're beautiful", no matter how much he tried, he couldn't force his voice to be louder than a mere whisper. He cupped her face with both hands and just stared. Stared at the enchantress who had him wrapped around her fingers for so long. A charmer whose spell he never wanted to get out of. His queen. His wife. His everything.

He kissed her forehead, their eyes closing in the serenity of the moment.

"Nikkah Mubarak", she whispered, smiling sweetly.

He smiled back. "Nikkah Mubarak."

•~•

Layeba was looking out the window, watching the world pass by in a blur while he was concentrating on the road, driving along the canal. Yazaan looked at her, not worried at all with her not talking to him during the whole event and even after that.

Did you really believe the 'not worried' part? Ha!

"How long are you going to stay upset for?" He finally asked. "Everything went smoothly. The Nikkah is done."

"To which we all got late to. And which got delayed because of you", she snapped as if she was waiting for him to say something so she could reply.

"Okay, I already said I got last-minute work. It wasn't like I could just tell my boss to fuck off, I have to go." He could've apologized and just be done with the matter. But he didn't want to. Because it wasn't entirely his fault, and Layeba was overreacting.

"Language", she muttered. She sighed. "Ok, fine. Just let it be." She was aware of the senselessness of the situation. But being a military brat, she was really touchy about time. She started feeling anxiety seeping into her whenever even the thought of being late struck her.

"Acha chalo, let's have ice cream somewhere." Really observing her these past few months, he knew that his wife had a sweet tooth. Offer her anything sweet and her mood is lifted.

"Ice-cream rehne dein. Let's eat gol-gappe." The passing stalls on the side of the canal were enough to entice her.

He looked at her amused. "I should note today's date."

"Kiun?"

"I've seen Doctor Layeba Hussein choosing savory over sweet for the first time."

She scrunched her nose at him. "You should know. Gol gappay are superior to almost everything." He chuckled. But instead of stopping, he continued driving. "Uh, why aren't you stopping then? I thought we were going to eat?"

"Can you see any Gol Gappa shop here?"

"Ye side per mere maamay choorian to nai bech rahe!"

(These people on the side aren't selling bangles, you know.)

"Here?" He slowed the car down and changed the lane, stopping near one stall. He looked at the man who was speedily preparing the round balls for the three customers around his stall.

She frowned. "Yahan kya masla hai?"

(What's the problem here?)

"I've heard rumors that they make the khatta from the canal water." He gestured at the canal flowing to his right which was not in the cleanest of states.

"Probably. So?" She looked at him frowning as if she was supposed to understand the point he was trying to make, but internally, she was doubling over in laughter.

He looked at her, agape. "So it's true?"

"I said probably. But I don't see the problem."

"That's just disgusting." To emphasize his point, he gagged.

She couldn't keep it in anymore. She laughed. "Of all the people I know, you were the last I expected to be such a burger. There's nothing like this. Go and buy some now."

The fact that he didn't know what she meant by burger was a lot more funnier to her.

Yazaan got out and bought a plate, requesting extra spice as per his wife's request. They ate in the car, well Layeba did most of the eating, Yazaan was done after just two. Then they went to a cafe where Layeba enjoyed a strawberry chocolate ice cream and Yazaan had a simple latte. They chatted about everything and nothing, touching the topic of each other's work for a while but left it be because they understood nothing.

When they reached their home, Layeba was asked, "Larki, itni der kidhr laga kar ayi ho?" In an imitation of a typical 'muhalle wali aunty'.

(Girl, why are you so late?)

Any guesses who could've asked that?

"Tharak karne gaye the." She loosened her hijab but didn't take it off since Ozhan and Hassaan were present, putting the pins in the back of the sofa while Shiza gave her a disapproving look for doing that. She was glad that they had spent the extra time out because the guests had left after the simple meal they had arranged at their house. The only people there were Sanem, Hassaan, Abeerah, Ozhan, and Shiza. Her family means to say.

(We were out for catcalling.)

"Without me?" Sanem asked in a wounded tone.

"Sorry babe, found another partner." She winked at Sanem.

"It's a fine partner, can't even say I'm offended." Everyone laughed while Yazaan was dumbfounded.

"Sanem, Layeba. Behave!"

Both raised their hands in surrender, not looking guilty in the slightest.

"Acha Phopho, i'll leave now. I have to go to the hospital." Hassaan stood up, asking his leave. "Layeba? You coming?"

"No, bhai. You go. I have a night shift. Will probably leave in an hour or so."

"Ok." Hassaan left and Layeba went upstairs to her room to freshen up. Everyone else enjoyed a well-earned tea downstairs. Later, everyone retired to their rooms.

Yazaan opened his wardrobe to take out some clothes but he was confused when he found there were none. He checked other cabinets but his things were nowhere to be found. Only a few of Ozhan's things were scattered here and there.

There was a knock on the door and Layeba entered, wearing a yellow floral printed shirt and white trousers. He looked at her with a big question mark on his face and asked, "Have you decided to kick me out or what?"

She smiled. "Arre Khan Sahab. Hum apko apne dil main jaga de rahe hain or ap ghar se nikalne ki baat kar rahe hain?"

(We're giving you a place in our heart and you're asking whether you have a place in this house?)

WHAT?! This question was asked more loudly by Layeba than Yazaan. Why did I just say that? Damn!

"What did you say?" Yazaan seemed to have lost his voice. He didn't want to get his hopes high and be disappointed. His heart always kept telling him that his feelings were reciprocated but he'd always been good at shutting his heart up.

"Ahem. Woh . . . I talked with Ammi. And she thinks that it's better if we move forward and start living together. So, I had your things moved in the room upstairs."

He didn't reply. It was unnerving for her. She could feel doubt brimming inside her.

"I'm so sorry. I should've asked you first. You shouldn't be forced to do what you don't want to. And i.... I'll just send your things back. I'm so sorry. I... Why are you smiling?"

While she was rambling, he had leaned against the wardrobe and was smiling looking at her.

"It's a rare sight to see you blabbering." He came close to her and put his hands on her arm, rubbing them lightly. "Why would I have a problem?"

"I just. . .thought. You didn't say anything and I thought you were upset."

"Are you crazy? There's nothing more I want than to live with you. I didn't ask you or anything because I was letting you adjust to the thought of living with me." His hands moved up her arms, coming to rest on her cheeks.

"You're really not upset?"

There was just that innocent worry in her eyes that drew him in. He leaned closer to her, unnoticed by both of them. "No. Of course not."

His thumb started moving softly, drawing small circles on her cheeks, causing her to gulp. The scent of his cologne wafted into her nose, the rich musky fragrance driving her crazy. That and those green eyes of his that gave her a vivid view of the beautiful landscapes much like where came from.  His eyes were filled with the purest form of love, reminding her of the morning dew drops on the green leaves, waiting to be merged with the beautiful nature.

But then they were filled with something less innocent, mirrored by the thoughts in his mind. They were fixated on her mouth, intoxicated by the deep breaths escaping her parted lips.

His eyes met hers, asking for permission. The only she could give him was closing the distance between them and joining their lips.

Her lips brushed his once, softly, delicately barely enough to ensure him that it wasn't untrue. But long enough to send both their hearts into a frenzy.

She couldn't open her eyes, refusing to accept that she had just kissed him. She put her hand on his chest, wanting to put some distance between them but her palm landed over his heart, she could feel it beating fast and strong, causing her to gasp and open her eyes. The rhythm matched hers as if their hearts were beating as one.

This time when she looked into his eyes, he didn't ask for permission. He turned her, her back hitting the cupboard. He put his hands on either side of her, caging her in. He leaned in, taking her luscious bottom lip between hers. He kissed her like he had been starved of any affection for years. He bit her lip, enticing a moan to leave somewhere from the back of her throat. She found herself kissing him back, returning his hunger which seemed to have ignited a fire inside of her.

They kept kissing for a long time, exploring each other, losing sense of everything around them. There were only their soft lips moving against each other, molding together perfectly as if they meant to be there, their tongues dancing together, their breaths intermingling, and their bodies melting together as one ___ these were the only things they could concentrate on.

With the last sweep of his lips on her bottom one, he pulled away, breathing heavily against her cheek. Her soft breath on his neck making him go wild all over again. "We should stop", he said, despite it being the last thing he wanted to do. We shouldn't.

She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, and let her head fall back against the hardwood. "I agree." No, I don't.

He kissed her forehead and stepped back, creating a decent distance between them, hands falling at his sides. With his body not supporting hers, she had to place her hands behind her.

She composed herself. Well, tried to but failed miserably. There was no bringing her heartbeat back to normal or for the heat in her cheeks, neck, and ears to go down. Or for her to regain her balance.

She cleared her throat and licked her bottom lip, stepping away from the wardrobe. "Let's go to our room?"

•~•

It's been almost four months since he'd been living here and this was the first time he'd ever entered her room. Wasn't surprising really, because at first, they had the sort of understanding for her to invite him to her room, and then later, he couldn't climb up the stairs.

"Welcome to our humble abode."

His heart skipped a beat at her referring to the room as ours. And the fact was, he knew she was doing it subconsciously. He smiled.

"That door leads to the walk-in closet and that one to the washroom." She pointed at two doors on the right wall. "This is my workspace." She gestured at the side beside the main door. "We can make some space for your work here as well if you want. Or you can use the office on the same floor."

She faced him. "I've put your things in the closet. And I've made space for them too. You can arrange your things as you like. Other things you can see for yourself. I have to prepare a few things before going to the hospital. I'll see you later." She grabbed two files from the table and went outside, going to her father's office to give him space to explore the room without any restriction.

Before she could leave, he asked, "Anything I should steer clear of or you don't want me to see?"

She frowned, not quite understanding what he meant but then smiled and said, "I don't think keeping secrets is the best way to start, is it? Just there's a dead body under my bed, so don't go peeping under."

Her room was big, almost the same size as his room back in the Haweli. But it didn't feel so because of all the things she'd put in there. It didn't feel stuffed but gave a cozy feeling. Homely. He could definitely see pieces of her in each detail that passed before his eyes.

The walls were of cobalt blue color. On the left wall, there was a large white cupboard, the upper half made into a book rack covered with glass, and the bottom half contained a number of white drawers and cabinets. There were almost a hundred books, consisting of novels, Islamic books, and majorly medical books. Beside it, on the wall were many individual glass shelves in several rows, placed diagonally. They held Layeba's numerous accomplishments. From her primary school to her med school and after that, professional life, every single award was there, put in a symmetric succession. Every certificate was framed, each demanding more attention than the last one, making pride swell in his chest for his wife.

On the front wall were two windows that overlooked the lawn. White sheer curtains obscured the view. Small white shelves were fit into the wall on one side of the windows, containing a few more books and some small decorations pieces. In the center, against the front wall was a king-sized four-poster bed with white posters and light-blue covers. As is expected in any girl's room, countless pillows in white and blue accommodated the bed. 

On the wall, behind the bed were three large rectangular frames. The middle one having Allah in Urdu calligraphed in black on white background. On left of it was an Ayat فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ (So which of the favors of  your Lord will you deny?) written in the same format and on the right was an Ayat "فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا  (So, verily, with every hardship, comes relief.)

On both sides of the bed were tables in white, lamps on both of them along with several miscellaneous things: her diary, some pens, rosary beads, alarm clock, etc. In front of the bed was a white end-of-bed bench.

On the left wall, in the middle were two doors, one leading to the walk-in closet and the other to an en-suite. On its left was her vanity on which several creams and makeup products were scattered, along with some jewelry and hairpins. On its right was her workspace. It was a study table with a chair. On the wall was a big soft board pinned on which were several notes and papers and Thank-you cards, most of which were handmade.

One card held his attention, making him laugh. It was a drawing of a superman flying but instead of superman, there was a face of a girl in hijab, wearing a stethoscope. At least that's what he got from it because it was clearly the handiwork of a primary schooler. Written below it was 'thank you for saving my life, Lobeya'. He laughed at the name.

On the wall beside the main door was a recollection of all her precious memories. Entwined among fairy lights were several photos arranged in an unsymmetrical collage. Baby version of Layeba in the arms of a sturdy man who he assumed to be her father. A younger version of her standing beside the same man. Layeba in school uniform, ready for her first day of school. Layeba with her first award. Layeba and Sanem in white coats, proudly displaying their medical degrees. Layeba and Sanem in scrubs standing outside the hospital they completed their residency in. Layeba hugging her mother. Several pictures of her birthdays. Eleven years old Layeba holding a baby in her arms. Multiple other pictures of her with her family and friends.

Facing away from it, a little away from the wall, was a couch in front of which was a small coffee table. On the floor, between the bed and the couch was a white rug on grey false wood flooring. Apart from all of this, there were several other small things scattered all around the room, personalizing each corner.

He began checking the cabinets beneath the bookshelves. Files, stationary, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Most of the drawers were empty. The middle big cabinet however had his eyes widen in shock.

You've got to be shitting me!

•~•

Layeba entered her room to grave silence. Yazaan was sitting on the bed, looking at her with cold eyes.

"What happened?" She asked with a frown on her face, her mind thinking of all the possible things but coming back blank.

"We need to talk."

"O-kay." Her frown deepened.

He stood up and walked over to her book rack, and with the speed of a sloth, opened the middle cabinet below it. "Care to explain?"

She gasped. "That was locked!"

"No, it wasn't. What is this?"

"What's there to explain? You can already see what this is."

He gaped at her and she tried so hard to keep her laughter in check. "How are you still so small when this is your diet?"

She laughed. "You're really so concerned about that?" She reached him and closed the door after taking out a Kit Kat bar from the fridge. The small fridge was brimming with opened boxes of Dairy Milk, Kit Kat, Bounty, Snickers, Galaxy, Mars, Hershey's, Twix, M&Ms, and several others."I should've told you before. My secret stash of sugar intake is off-limits. You are not allowed to take a single one from this." She showed him her forefinger, doing a passable imitation of Yazaan Ibraheem Khan's stare, and said, "And trust me. I will know."

She opened the chocolate and snatched off the top, chewing voraciously for an added effect.

"Ahaan?" He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her close, putting the other hand on her cheek. "Guess i'll have to steel in another way."

He smashed his lips to hers, kissing her with a fervent hunger. He lapped her lips in several kisses, taking in the taste of chocolate and her strawberry lip balm and just her. His tongue demanded an entrance which she gave and he took in all the flavors greedily.

For goodness' sake! He didn't even like chocolate!

When they were out of breath, they parted but instead of leaving her, he began leaving wet kisses from her jaw to neck, sucking when he found her spot. She moaned and arched her neck, giving him complete access. His lips found hers again and his hand tightened on her waist, bringing her even closer.

"Yazaan?" She breathed out, words slightly incoherent because of the brushing of their lips.

"Hhmm?"

"I have to go to work."

He kissed her once. Twice. Thrice. As if he hadn't heard her, like he didn't have any intention of leaving her. But finally, after a few light kisses, he distanced himself from her lips which were red and swollen from his assault.

Her head fell on his chest, the same rhythm as before beating against her cheek and she breathed heavily.

He didn't remove his hands from her waist. She didn't want him to.

But as painful as it was, she stepped away from him and begin searching for her bag, putting a few things inside it. She put on her shoes, wore her wristwatch, tied her hair into a bun, and wrapped her hijab, spraying perfume lightly on it. He watched him apply some mascara, light blush, and lipgloss, all while leaning against the wall.

She set her bag on her arm and began walking out, but thought better of it and went to him, grabbed his face, and stood up on his tiptoes, bringing his face to her height and brushed her lips against his lightly.

"Allah hafiz", she whispered and went, leaving him whispering behind her,

"Allah hafiz."

•~•

Assalam o alaikum guys! How are you all?🌸

How was the chapter? Did you guys like it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

After 35 chapters, y'all finally got to know what our doctor's room looks like😂 khair, der aye durust aye, right😁

Well, didn't our doctor and Khan Sahab get steamy? Is se ziada description mjhse expect na kijiey ga. Mjhe to itna hi likhte hue kuch ho raha tha😂😂🙈🙈

Yar, for those who read this book for Abeerah and Ozhan, please give me some ideas. Un ki shaadi kara di maine. Ab phone conversations lovey dovey mjhe koi smjh hi nai aateen. Yazaan or Layeba ko to set karana completely abhi to un k scenes to mere zehn main hain. But already set couple ke main kya scene likhon? I'll try to write their scenes in Sanem's wedding. But mere paas un ke liey itna content nai hai. So you guys please if you want to see Beerah and Ozy , please give me some ideas🥺🙏💞

As for those friends who dm'ed me for asking the remaining number of chapters, there are probably just two chapters left with the exception of an epilogue (like i told them too). Other than that, comment or dm, whatever u prefer to request/order the scenes you wish to see between them.❣️

That's all.

Please vote ⭐ comment 🖋️ share and follow. Follow @ javeria_naeem9 on Instagram for different aesthetics and looks and sneak-peaks.

Thank you💙

Lots of love❤️❤️❤️
Javeria.