The limousine halted in front of a huge bungalow which had three storeys. The walls were cream coloured and highlighted with chocolate brown pillars which stood proudly in the frontline of the house.

There was a beautiful water fountain in the middle of the garden. It wasn't just a pretty garden, but a breathtaking and sensationally gorgeous one, much to my delight the garden danced with flowers of various colours and variety and were in full bloom, thriving with beauty and vitality.

Almost a fortnight had passed, and he was showing significant recovery, Alhamdulillah. The doctors had agreed to discharge him with very strict orders that he rest and not exert himself or overdo anything.

Aahil's dad was adamant that we come to their family home and we had wholeheartedly agreed.

My gaze travelled to Aahil as I exited the car, Dilshad came forward to help. But being the stubborn him, Aahil refused and convinced us that he could walk by himself.

I went up to him and clung to his arms, "My wife seems desperate to be beside me," Aahil whispered as he instantly wrapped his hand around my waist. I lifted my gaze to see him smiling, followed by a quick wink. I glanced around and reddened profusely.

We rang the doorbell and it echoed through the huge house. After a few seconds, Aahil's mom appeared with a huge smile and teary eyes. She came forward and enveloped him in a motherly embrace which he returned profoundly.

We entered the large living room, with tall ceilings having a magnificent chandelier and a ceiling rose. Cream walls and luxurious silk curtains in colours like red and gold made the house look enchanting. Soft large cream sofas were covered in warm coloured cushions. An ornate fireplace, rugs in the colour scheme and lots of lamps and warm subdued lighting gave it an even more warm touch.

The house seemed to be bustling with life. Zareen had come to meet Aahil along with her husband and child, even Habeeba was present and all desired to hug him all at once. Just then Aahil's dad appeared in his wheelchair, "Stop crowding. He might find it difficult to breathe."

By the look on Aahil's face, it was clearly visible that he was relieved by his dad's interventions. He lowered himself to the sofa and winced in pain. I helped him sit and took my place next to him. "Does it pain too much," I asked concerned.

He shook his head, "Your beautiful smile has effects of a balm," He began drawing circles on my hand, that lay on his thighs.

"Do you wish to lie down."

"Stop worrying over me, Sweetheart. I want to sit down for a while."

The delicious aroma of food filled the air and my stomach growled with hunger. It had been days since I had enjoyed my food and I made up my mind to eat wholeheartedly today.

"I'll be back in a moment," I rose from my place. He pressed a gentle kiss on the back of my hand and a faint blush crept all the way to my hairline.

The oversized kitchen was filled with a number of female chefs wearing a white uniform and black apron, who was preparing food in a very orderly manner, one was slicing veggies, other preparing the brew and so on. I was surprised to find Aahil's mom guiding them.

"What's with so much food?" I asked as I neared her.

"Oh dear," She exclaimed as she lifted her gaze from the huge curry pot, "Why don't you and Aahil freshen up until dinner is ready?"

I smiled and turned to leave.

"Aleena." I turned around, sending a questioning glance her way.

"I have invited a few guests over dinner. I hope it isn't a problem. They wished to meet both of you."

I felt a cold shiver run through my spine. Would it be safe to invite so many unknown members when everything was getting so complicated? I did not know, but I didn't wish to dishearten mom by voicing my suspicions.

I shook my head and gave a cheerful smile, "No problem at all. I would love to meet them."

She gave a wide smile, enveloping me, "Thank you, dear, please get dressed for the occasion."

I made my way back to the living room where the heard Zain crying at the top of his lungs.

"Shush, stop crying," Zareen warned her preschooler.

"Please let me play," Zain requested with teary eyes.

"Sweetie please stop being stubborn. Uncle is sick and needs rest. You can play with him later."

Just then Aahil motioned the little boy to come closer and he ran gleefully.

They both began exchanging secrets and laughing, my heart gave a squeeze at the sight in front of me. I couldn't stop myself from imaging Aahil with our children and I stood there smiling.

"Darling," I shook my head and went up to him. Soon Aahil looked flushed and we excused ourselves. Zain let go with a promise that he would be allowed to use Aahil's play station.

The master bedroom was magnificently decorated, the elegant boudoir was defined by the shelves framing the archway leading from the lounge area to the bedchamber. The organic colour scheme and refined neutral furniture both conceived a serene atmosphere within the space. Natural lights created an air of freshness.

The extra space available in the room was incorporated with additional furniture such as a vanity, an ottoman, a couch, a small sitting area with armchairs, a loveseat and a giant closet. It offered an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

After Aahil freshened up, I changed the dressing of Aahil's surgical wound and helped him into a loose-fitting shirt so that it wouldn't hurt his chest and all the time he kept staring at me with a small smile at his lips. My heart was beating erratically although. I gazed up into the implacable dark features suspended mere inches from me, suddenly starkly conscious of the sparks flying between us. A stab of raw sensation filled the pit of my stomach and I realised that now wasn't the time as any to take this further. Therefore, I rushed to the washroom like a whirlwind, but not before I heard Aahil say, "Darling, you can escape now, but we have all the night to ourselves."

I closed the door and smiled like a lunatic, my heart hammering crazily against my ribs. I contemplated my surroundings and marvelled at its beauty.

There were gleaming granite countertops, walnut framed mirrors, jacuzzi tub, walk in the shower room with over-sized shower head, fluffy towels neatly arranged, tile floor with under-floor heating, fluffy bath mat and a wicker laundry basket.

I quickly finished my shower and changed into pyjamas. When I stepped out, a beautiful black saree with red embroidery was spread across the bed and there was a small card that wrote, "To my beautiful wife," A warm feeling of love enveloped me. I was about to go into the adjoining changing room when he stopped me in my tracks. "You can change here. I'm your husband after all," and gave me one of his wicked smiles.

"Keep dreaming," I laughed out loud as I rushed past to the dressing room before he could get hold of me.

The saree looked elegant and I rolled my hijab over my head as I wasn't sure who the guests could be. I applied kohl to my eyes and then discarded the idea of applying any other makeup.

When I opened the door Aahil was ready and looked incredible in his redshirt which I had helped him wear earlier. He had matched perfectly fitting black trousers. Our outfits complemented each other and I smiled at him.

"You look splendid, MashaAllah," He stated, desire smouldering his eyes.

"Thank you, but I haven't applied makeup. What do you think? Should I wear some lipstick or blush?"

"Go ahead if it pleases you, but you look great anyhow." The statement rewarded a soft kiss from me and he cocked his eyebrows, smiling until I buried my crimson face in the crook of his neck.

We entered the living room hand in hand. Some of the guests had already arrived. People began gathering around us and Aahil withdrew towards the opposite end of the room where a few men were engrossed in a discussion.

"Please take care of yourself and be careful. Do not forget that we could have a traitor among us," I whispered in his ears before he would be lost into the crowd.

He gave me an amused smile, "Do not wander about without informing me," He leaned down and kissed my forehead. I felt a few eyes on me and my cheeks turned cherry red.

The next hour was spent socializing and entertaining guests. It was fun but my legs couldn't take it any longer. I was more exhausted than words could define. It was a relief that nothing negative had taken place until now.

Mom and habeebah were helping in the kitchen. Even though I wanted to help, mom urged that I enjoy myself. Not sleeping and eating for past few days had definitely taken a toll on me and I was on the verge of fainting.

The desire to hit the bed and sleep for hours together was overwhelming. I kept reminding myself to stay awake for a few more hours.

"Aunt Aleena," Zain ran towards me, "have you seen my new bicycle?"

I shook my head.

"I will show it to you when you visit my place."

"I would love to," I exclaimed, bending down to kiss him.

"Do you know the bicycle can fly at night. It takes me to any place I command."

I suppressed my laugh, "Wow, isn't that amazing."

"You believe in me"

"Shouldn't I?" I placed my hand on my chest.

"Mama...Aunt Aleena believes in flying bicycle...now you know that I don't cook up stories."

Zareen looked at me smiling, "That's ridiculous. It happens only in fairy tales."

"Can I sleep with Uncle Aahil." He questioned innocently, his eyes pleading for a position reply from me.

"Stop disturbing her. She looks haggard."

"What's hag-gg--rd?"

He was so adorable that momentarily I forgot my exhaustion.

"Enough. Go to bed right this instance."

Dinner was served and the guests began helping themselves. The table was lined with biryani, chicken lollipops, Chinese, salads, blueberry cheesecake and desserts.

After dinner people began excusing themselves. I walked towards the conservatory to ask if mom needed help in washing dishes, but she refused any help from me and insisted that I retire for the night for which I was glad. I badly needed some sleep.

I was about to return to the living room when a handsome young man in a tuxedo made his way towards me, "Assalamu alaikum. How have you been?"

"Wa alaikum salam. I'm good Alhamdulillah. Pardon, I haven't recognised you."

He was tall and well built with a silky mane of dark hair that fell carelessly on his forehead. His smile deepened the perfect set of dimples on either side of his cheeks, "You needn't be. I'm sorry for not being able to attend your wedding. I hope we will catch up soon."

He had all the sophisticated trappings. The superbly elegant suite, the absolutely unshakeable good manners and a sweet genuine smile.

I stood there scrutinizing him and wondered who he was.