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"Wait!"

Mariam yelled as something crossed her mind. Something very important that she needed to tell Zeyad. Something,she should have told Zeyad way before all of this, but failed.

Something that she would never forget. It was spread in her mind like a plague. No matter how much she had tried to leave it in the past,it always came back. Sometimes at night,when all was calm and quiet,when she was the most vulnerable. Like a nightmare. Only, it wasn't a nightmare.

It was her bitter reality that had stained her mind,body and soul forever. But Mariam wasn't about to tell him that. No, she wasn't ready yet, although, it was too late now, she still couldn't bring herself to do it.

So, she told him the next most important thing that came to her mind.

"We should use protection."

"Huh?" Was all Zeyad could manage.

"I-I meant,that we,um should wait. Because. . .Because Zahaan is too young and I - he needs me. So, we should wait until he is old enough to have another child." Mariam explained feeling shy.

Zeyad stared at her for a moment from where he was hovering over her. Mariam looked so beautiful,that he had a hard time processing what she had just said.

When realization dawned on him he said, "You're right. Of course, I should have thought about it."

"In fact,I was thinking of asking you if it was okay to get you one of those birth control shots. I am very touched by your thoughtfulness." Zeyad told Mariam.

Mariam just managed a small smile instead of saying anything else and took a bold step to kiss her husband. She was as eager as him for the sex. She knew it was an important part in marriage.

Zeyad was surprised at first,but also very pleased that his wife wasn't uncomfortable or uninterested.

He once again lowered themselves on the bed and stared at Mariam with adoration as he made love to his wife.

                                ***

The next morning, Mariam was the first one to wake up thankfully.

It took her a few minutes to realise where she was. She smiled when she felt someone spooning her. Zeyad,she thought lovingly.

Last night was the best night of her life. She had heard stories of how the first night with your spouse was amazing, beautiful and just perfect.

And it was perfect.

Mariam rolled to the side,which in turn made Zeyad roll over as well. He moved a little and then went back to his slumber.

Mariam just couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

She sat up on the bed feeling the slight discomfort in between her legs. "Ah"
She moaned.

The discomfort changed into pain,making Mariam wince a little.
"Oh, my.That hurts."

There was a sound of sheets shuffling and then, "What hurts?"

Mariam tied the strings of her silk robe,before turning to look at her husband ."Nothing." She answered blushing.

Zeyad looked very handsome, with bed hair and sleepy eyes, and Mariam couldn't help but stare.

"Like what you see?" Zeyad teased as he picked up his glasses from the nightstand, placing them over his nose.

Mariam's cheeks flushed an attractive shade of pink as she bit her lip.

"Well, I definitely like what I see. Red is so your color." He winked and Mariam's face was on fire, almost like the crimson of her silk gown.

"Come here," Zeyad beckoned with arms open for her. Mariam hesitated a little before slowly walking in his outstretched arms.

"You're very beautiful,Mariam." He told Mariam, kissing her cheek.

It was as if Mariam's entire face was on fire. The blushing kept on intensifying, and she couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. She felt happy.

"Thank you," Mariam replied, giggling some more. Mariam placed her small, delicate hands on Zeyad's broad and slightly hair chest. He had strong muscles, but was not overly muscular.

She traced her hands over his chest,reaching his neck and then his cheek. His had a nice, stylish beard which only added to his handsomeness. His bright green eyes looked brighter in the sunlight coming ftom the large windows.

A kind of warmth settled inside Zeyad's chest. He was mesmerized by Mariam's beauty and innocence. She was a pure soul, a beautiful pure soul, and Zeyad was glad that she was his wife.

He couldn't wait for them to get back to Toronto, where they'd start their new life with each other and Zahaan.

But something didn't feel right. He felt as if he was betraying Sara. It hadn't even been a year to her death, yet here he was, marrying a fairly young girl. What is wrong with me? He thought. I can't do this to her. I loved her.

But what about Mariam? Wasn't she his responsibility now?

Zeyad was brought out of his thoughts when he felt Mariam's warm hands on his cheek slightly squeezing it to gain his attention.

"What? I am sorry I zoned out," Zeyad said smiling apologetically. "You were saying?"

"I said you should go take a bath before we head down for breakfast," Mariam smiled. "Everyone must be waiting for us."

"Yes, you're right" Zeyad said, pushing Mariam's hands away, and getting up quickly. Mariam was surprised by his sudden change of mood, but chose to ignore it.

As soon as Zeyad shut the bathroom door behind him, Mariam sighed feleing a little hurt. Had she done something? Did she say something wrong?

Maybe, she thought.

It was later that Mariam realized something and her eyes landed on the bed. It was clean, no trace of bood could be seen. That was odd. But Marian had heard that bleeding during or after intercourse did not necessarily occur.

In fact, she was quite happy the sheets were clean.

It would have been a little awkward knowing that the room service will be arriving as soon as they left for breakfast, to palce new sheets.

                                ***

"Good morning, sweetheart," Fatima greeted Mariam, embracing her and kissing her cheeks.

"Good morning, Ammi."

"Did you two sleep well?" She asked making the newly weds blush in embarrassment. Zeyad gave an awkward head nod while Mariam refused to meet anyone's eye.

"That's wonderful, dear. Come on, let's have breakfast. You guys have to go to Mariam's place later." Fatima informed them.

"Mariam, dear, your dress and Jewellery for the reception have already been sent there."

"Thanks, Ammi." Mariam whispered, grateful to her mother-in-law.

"Oh, no problem, sweetie."

Zeyad surprised Mariam,when he took her hand in his as they joined the others.

The pair sat next to each other, and the whole time, Zeyad made sure Mariam had everything. He felt bad for treating her tthe way he had earlier.

After breakfast, Mariam went back to the room to get her purse before they left for her house. Or, her mother's house now.

She was just putting her phone in her bag when the door to the room opened.

"Mariam," she heard the deep voice of her husband. "In here." She called out.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, I was just taking my phone and bag." She smiled at him.

Zeyad stared at her, one hand in his suit pants, the other on the door knob.

He looked very much like the businessman that he was. He wore a dark blue suit and a pale pink shirt with the collar left open. His dark rimmed glasses were in place, adding to his manly and strong aura.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier," He began, clearing his throat.

Mariam was silent and he took it as a queue to keep going.
"I was, I-I have no idea what I was thinking. It wasn't my intention to hurt you or your feelings. I just need time to adjust to this change. To adjust to the fact that you're my wife now and not Sara."

Mariam took a sharp breath at her name.

Sara.

So, she was the reason for his sudden change of behavior.

"It is okay. I understand, Zeyad and I don't want to take her place. I can nerver replace her. I appreciate you telling me."

Zeyad just nodded his head, forcing a smile while he did so. He didn't know how to respond to it and Mariam was glad.

The two quickly left the room and Zeyad took Mariam's bag from her as they stepped into the elevator.

Zeyad then interlaced their hands with his free hand and gave it a firm squeeze, silently assuring Mariam that they were okay.

"We're okay."

The ride to the Waseem household was a short one. Mariam unbuckled her seatbelt to get out. She then turned to look at her husband and smiled reassuringly at him, she the leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Zeyad's ears turned a light pink, but he smiled fondly at his wife.

"Wait. Let me open it for you" He gestured towards the door.

Zeyad got out and opened the door for her, offering her a hand. Mariam gladly took it. He then took her bag from the back, and once again interlaced their hands as he walked her to the door.

"I'll see you in the evening." Zeyad told her, kissing her forehead before he left.

"So?" Khadija inquired as soon as she opened the door. Mariam just smiled widely.

It was going to be a long day.

Behold, people. Here is another chapter!!

Let me know what you think of Zeyad's behavior.

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