In the previous chapter I asked a question, the answer to it is that Zeyad finally admitted that he too was in love with Mariam.
There was only one person who answered it. I can't find your username, but wohoo girl!! You were absolutely correct.❤❤❤❤
Dm me or just comment here so I can give you a shout out🌸🌸

Also ignore the errors.

Days went by and it was finally Zahaan's birthday. Right after New year's.

Mariam and Zeyad had spent  Christmas with Ben and Ethan and their family. It was Mariam's first Christmas and she was quite excited about it.

Toronto during Christmas was a sight for sore eyes. The streets were filled with fairy lights, mistletoes, people dressed as Santas and eleves and whatnot. Zeyad had taken them out for shopping for gifts for everyone. And even though he didn't really believed in celebrating Christmas, he did it for the sake of Mariam.

Mariam had gone all out in buying presents for everyone. From Ben and Ethan, to Lucy, Stacy and Max. She even bought a little elf costume for Zahaan, who looked absolutely adorable in it. Zeyad couldn't help but chuckle at the two most important people in his life.

The dinner was amazing. Ethan had invited Mariam earlier than the other guests to help him prepare. He'd already spent hours on the turkey that was put in the oven the night before to cook slowly.

Mariam was there to help with the sides and desserts.
"No, no. That's way too much baking powder," Ethan had told her as she began putting out ingredients for the plum cake.

Mariam had arrived just that morning with all the things that they needed to get started. And she shoved the last of the bags full of groceries in her car, she wondered if Ethan even had bought anything.

There were pies, gravy, rolls, cakes, vegetables and more. The two of them had prepared a meal that could feed more than the fifteen people that were invited.

  "Oh, thank God, I did it!" He exclaimed looking at the table set out to feed an entire town and Mariam raised an incredulous brow. "You did it?"

"Yeah, yeah, you helped a little."

"Whatever floats your boat, my friend," was all Marian said before she walked up the stairs to one of their guest rooms where she had put her clothes for the night.

Their house was almost as big as Zeyad and hers, but was a lot more modern, with glass wall, and abstract paintings lining the opaque walls, it looked more like the house of a rich bachelor's than of couple.

Ben and Ethan's families were super nice people who made Mariam feel at home. They were already very fond of Zeyad and Zahaan and they absolutely loved Mariam.

Dinner was a success much to both Mariam and Ethan's relief and everyone ate more than they could digest.  "This gravy is delicious," Ben's mother had complemented, earning a dazzling smile from Ethan, "Mariam made that. She's an excellent cook. And she makes this really amazing Biryani . . ." He began telling everyone how he just loved her food and how she helped him prepare the dinner too.

Mariam gave a bashful smile to all the praise and complements, feeling really shy.

After dinner, presents were exchanged and Mariam was surprised to find that she had received way too many presents. And so had Zahaan.
They'd bought cufflinks for Ben and and a nice white gold bracelet for Ethan.

Later that night inside their bedroom, Zeyad had surprised her with a beautiful, princess cut gold ring. And he also went as far as placing the ring on her finger before kissing her hands.

"It's stunning, Zeyad. I love it, thank you."

"Not as stunning as you," He'd told her before kissing her.

***

A week later it was Zahaan's first birthday. It was all planned well with the help of one of Ethan's friends who was an event planner. Judith was a very talented woman. She had made sure to organize everything that Mariam had asked for.

Instead of doing the clichè blue themed party, Marian had asked for a  neutral, jungle safari theme.

Everyone from their neighborhood with kids were invited along with Ben and Salman's family. Sufiya was glowing with her  14 weeks pregnant bump.

Zeyad's parents were of course there too. Mariam's family had also been invited especially for the occasion. They'd arrived three days before the party. Even Khadija had come. It was her first time out of the country and she was beyond excited. Mariam and Zeyad had taken time off their busy schedules to take her around the city.

The cake was cut once everyone was gathered around the big table where sat a huge cake in the shape of a lion.
Zahaan's elated giggles could be heard along with the mesmerized look in his eyes. He was dressed in an adorable white overalls with a bright yellow t-shirt inside and matching yellow booties. The clothes were a present from Ben for Christmas.

The party was a huge success and Mariam was proud of herself as she saw Zeyad talking to other dads present there with Zahaan in his arms. His out fit was matching to Zahaan's with white pants and yellow button down shirt, also a part of Ben's gift. He looked very handsome and sophisticated, his look was completed with tan loafers and an expensive watch in his hand.

Mariam couldn't help but take a quick picture of the two most important men in her life with her phone.

Her two precious persons.

First birthday soon turned to second, third and then fourth. The years were like a blur to both Mariam and Zeyad.

Life was beautiful. Their family was beautiful. Their LOVE was beautiful.
After months of battling with himself, and his love for Sara, and after beating himself over and over for it, Zeyad had finally confessed to Mariam.

Ben had a huge hand in it too.
After Ethan had given him the ultimatum of either marrying him or losing him for good, Ben eventually grew a pair and finally, finally the two were married. And somehow, he had convinced his best friend to grow some balls as well.
"It's been years now, about time you tell that amazing woman what she means to you. Don't make the same mistake as I did. Ethan was this close to leaving me for ever. Tell her before you lose her too," He had said.

The ceremony was a  small and an intimate affair, but it was beautiful. They wanted to have a destination wedding and that's exactly what happened. It was just after Zahaan's fourth birthday, that they got married on a small, yet breath taking island in Greece.

It was a Christian style wedding, with a purple and grey theme. It was obviously Ethan's idea and everyone was slightly skeptical, thinking his vibrant taste in colors would be too much but were surprised when it turned out more than fine. The light curtains, and table cloths were all in different shades of grey with a hint of purple here and there. The grey color representing Ben's calm and sophisticated personality, while the different shades of purple perfectly complemented Ethan's warm and bubbly personality.

The grooms were in identical suits with different shades of purple. While Ethan went for a full dark purple suit, Ben had settled for a lighter purple one with a cream waistcoat and a grey tie. Ethan wore a gery bow tie.

The bridesmaid dresses were a soft  grey, flowy gowns with sweetheart neckline. Mariam was hesitant with the strapless dress, but had easily settled for a lavender chiffon scarf.
She was the maid of honor, or in this case the best woman, while Zeyad was Ben's best man.

Zahaan of course, was the ring bearer, looking absolutely adorable in a little suit as he walked down the isles. Ethan's niece was the flower girl.

Everyone looked amazing. But Zeyad only had eyes for his wife, for the love of his life. To him, Mariam looked like a princess in that gorgeous dress, her hair braided at the top and decorated with small lavender flowers.
Although he had accepted the fact that he was in love with Mariam, he was yet to tell her so.

It was after the ceremony, where Ethan had burst out crying after they exchanged their vows. Mariam awestruck by the whole ordeal. She'd always wanted to attend a wedding such as this one and she had enjoyed every minute of it.

That night, during the dance at the reception was when Zeyad had finally confessed to her. He had already planned everything. The song, the lines, everything.

Mariam's head was on Zeyad's shoulder when the music suddenly slowed and everyone started clearing the floor. Mariam gasped when she saw Zeyad get down on one knee and pull out a blue velvet box.

"Mariam," he began, "Ever since the first day that I saw you, walking down those stairs in that yellow dress, I knew you had to be mine. There was just something about you that made me want to protect you and keep you safe. To love you." At this Marian raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, yes, I know, I know, I haven't been the best at expressing myself or my love for you, but darling there's no one in this world that I'd rather do this with. You're the love of my life. The mother of my child and hopefully children some day. And I know that we're already married, have been for the past three years, but Mariam Zeyad Ali, will you do me the honors of marrying me again?" He then popped open the lid to reveal the most exquisite ring Mariam had ever seen.

By the time Zeyad had finished his speech, Mariam was in tears.
She then felt a slight tug on her dress and looked down to see Zahaan standing there, looking at her with his big grey eyes.

"Please say ess, Mommy" He pleaded and then hugged her legs with his tiny body.

Of course Mariam said yes. There wasn't any other option. Zeyad quickly got to his feet and slid the ring on Mariam's ring finger.
"I love you," He whispered, sniffling lightly as he bought their heads close together.

"I love you too."

"And I love you, both Mommy and Daddy." came the adorable voice of their son, still standing there. Mariam laughed at that and picked him up, holding him between them.

The crowd had already began roaring with cheers and laughter at that.

"Took you long enough, Mr. Ali," said Mariam.

"Delayed gratification, Mrs.Ali."
Winked Zeyad.

Things were even better after that. Perfect actually.

Ben and Ethan were finally married, much to Fatima's relief. Now he'll stay away from Zeyad she thought.

Zeyad had declared his love for her to Mariam, and Rehan was completely out of the picture. When Marian had said that she never wanted to see him, she had meant every word of it.
That part of her life was over and done for. She didn't need any unnecessary drama in their life.
Her life was going well.

Nothing could possibly go wrong now. She had her husband, their son and their family along with their friends. And with the Mercy of Allah, everything was going to be just fine.

Little did she know that life was only going to get difficult from there on.
Tragedies upon tragedies awaited them, for Allah never made things easier for his believers.

______________________________________

Yay, woohoo!! Another chapter.
I have some big news for you lot.

Wait for it *drum rolls*

Our very own Rehan is going to get his own book!! Wohooo. Earlier I had asked if I should or shouldn't write a book for him, but then a few nights ago I had this brilliant idea for the plot of his story.

I had formerly planned on killing him, but then I realized he's too pretty to die. ;)

Here is the description for his book.

Ever since he could remember, Rehan had been in love with Mariam . But she wasn't his Mari anymore. Now, she was Mrs.Mariam Zeyad Ali, the wife of a famous Canadian businessman.

Rehan wasn't the same man either. He was detached and drained. There wasn't any love left inside him. All that was left was anger, doubt and mistrust. And every time he felt himself caring for someone, he would run away from his feelings. He hated the word 'Love'.

***

Meher-Bano is a young, beautiful girl with a troubled marriage. She had been married forcefully to a man who was twice her age and had children that were as old as her. After enduring the torture for two months, Meher had had enough. There was only so much pain and humiliation she could take.

So she ran away. Running for days, she comes across a handsome gentleman who offers her help and it was love at first sight for Meher. But Meher had a secret, she wasn't alone when she ran away. No, she was carrying the child of the monster she called her husband.

Find out what happens when two people, one running from a troubled marriage and the other running from love, cross paths.

Will they be the end of each other or will she be His Saving Grace

I will publish the books as soon as the first chapter is done. The story will take place 10 years after 'Her Everything'

Let me know what you all think cuz I am really excited!