Even if you leave a thousand times, my heart will still wait for you... because you're my home. - Asli

The living room was clean and shiny, with white marble floors that reflected the light from big windows. White couches surrounded a glass coffee table, while gold curtains and dark wooden picture frames added a bit of color. The room looked rich but not showy, like it had been fancy for a long time.

Humayd Mueez, the man every woman admired, sat on the soft carpet with his back against a couch. He had strong, sharp features, a jaw like steel, and eyes so intense they could make anyone stop and stare. His fitted shirt showed off his broad shoulders and muscular chest, but he sat relaxed, confident without showing off. Women didn’t just like him—they wanted to be near him; they tripped over themselves trying.

His wife, Asli, rested her head on his lap. She was as beautiful as a rare painting, her skin glowing against her Abaya. Her almond-shaped eyes, framed by dark lashes, drew people in, and her full lips, usually serious, now showed a hint of hesitation.

"When are you going to tell your parents we're married?" Asli's voice broke the silence, though her eyes stayed fixed on the carpet. She had waited patiently, but his delay was starting to feel unbearable.

Humayd lifted her hand to his lips, brushing them gently against her fingers, but his response carried a hint of hesitation. "Soon... very soon."

Asli shifted, pushing herself up, her body tense now as she looked at him directly. "Soon?" Her gaze narrowed. "I married you because I trusted you. But I don’t even know who your parents are. I don’t even know where you're from, Humayd."

He gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin in a tender gesture, though it did little to bridge the growing gap between them. "This week," he said, his tone firmer, eyes locked on hers. "I'll visit them. I'll tell them everything—about our marriage, about our daughter."

Her lips curved faintly, but her eyes held no warmth. "Promise me," she said, her voice demanding, almost challenging him to follow through.

Humayd’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, something unreadable flickered in his eyes. Then he leaned in closer and gently pressed his lips against hers, a soft and tender kiss that made her heart flutter.  "I promise. Insha Allah. They'll know everything."

Asli pressed his hand to her cheek, her gaze soft but probing. "You know I trust you, right? I just... I need to meet them. Your father, your mother... even your sister," she said quietly, her eyes searching his face for something deeper, something true.

Humayd gave a curt nod. "You will. Soon." He stood up abruptly, and gently pulled her to her feet. "But for now, how about we make dinner? Or better yet, go out? Where's Hasina?"

Asli raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Out? Are you serious?" A smile teased her lips, though doubt flickered in her eyes. It wasn't like him to suggest outings. They hardly ever went anywhere.

He nodded again, more decisively this time.

"She's been sleeping since she got back from school. I'll check on her." Asli moved toward the door, glancing back at Humayd, her mind turning over his sudden behaviour change. Something felt off, but she pushed the thought aside.

In Hasina's bedroom, the little girl lay curled up in her small pink bed, clutching her cherished Sofia the First doll, her soft, rhythmic breathing filling the room. Asli eased onto the edge of the bed, gently patting her back.

"Mummy... Mummy..." Hasina murmured, her words drowsy and muffled by sleep as she rubbed her eyes and clutched her doll.

Asli leaned in, whispering into her ear, "Hasina, Daddy's taking us out. We're going to get you lots of dolls. Doesn't that sound fun?"

Hasina's eyes fluttered open, and a bright smile spread across her face, lighting it up instantly. "Toys?" she asked, her voice suddenly more awake.

Asli nodded, but before she could say more, Hasina jumped up and started bouncing on the bed, too excited to stay still. Asli laughed as she scooped Hasina into her arms, spinning her around while her daughter squealed with joy.

"Alright, my little one. Let’s get you dressed," Asli said, setting Hasina down on her feet.

🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼

The bedroom was dim, with thick, fancy curtains blocking out the bright sunlight. The air smelled sweet and fresh, with just a tiny hint of medicine. The furniture looked rich and elegant, shiny and well-kept. In the big, fancy bed with tall, carved posts, an old man lay still under the blankets. His strong body had grown thin and weak, his skin pale and loose, and his breathing was heavy.

An old woman, Hajiya Sakina, sat on the edge of the bed. Even with her wrinkles and years of worry on her face, she still looked graceful and proud. Her dark eyes stood out, and the silver in her hair, pinned under her scarf, looked more like a crown than just signs of getting older. Even though she was sad, she stayed calm and strong, showing the strength she always had.

The room was silent, except for the soft ticking of a clock on the wall.

"I know I'm dying, Sakina..." Alhaji Mujahid's voice rasped, and a fit of coughing followed, shaking his frail body.

Hajiya Sakina gripped his hand tightly, her tears falling freely now, like beads slipping off a broken string. "Mujahid..." Her voice cracked as she spoke. "Insha Allah, you're not going to die... stop saying such things." Her tears dripped onto his hand, each one a reflection of the fear that had been growing inside her.

He coughed again, the sound harsh and final. "Sakina, listen to me. Before I go, I need to fulfil my promise to Bashir. Humayd... and Nimra... they need to marry."

Hajiya Sakina wiped her tears with the edge of her scarf, as she nodded. "Do you want me to call him?"

"Call him," Mujahid managed through his coughing, his eyes closing in exhaustion.

Hajiya Sakina stood up slowly and walked to the dressing table. It was covered with old photos and prayer beads, little pieces of a long life. She picked up her phone and went to the window, dialling Humayd’s number while staring at the faraway horizon of the enormous mansion.

The phone rang once before Humayd answered. "Maama? Is everything okay?"

Hajiya Sakina wiped her tears quickly, trying to sound calm. "Your father's condition... it's gotten worse. He wants to see you. Can you come? I know you're two hours away, but—"

Humayd didn’t let her finish. "I'm coming, Maama. Right now."

The call ended, the sound of the phone click hanging in the quiet room. Hajiya Sakina held the phone to her chest for a moment, taking a deep breath before turning back to her husband. Outside the window, the sun was low in the sky, and long shadows stretched across the bedroom, as if time itself was slipping away.

🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼 🌼

Asli and Hasina entered the living room, both dressed in their best. Asli’s gown flowed elegantly around her, while Hasina spun happily in her frilly dress, her big eyes shining with excitement. But Humayd’s expression was different, his face clouded with worry from his mother’s call. He stood slowly, his shoulders tense, his gaze heavy with what he had to say.

He walked toward them. When he reached them, he crouched to Hasina’s height, his hand cradling her cheek. His voice came out strained, like each word was a burden. "I'm sorry, my love, but I can’t take you out today. Something important came up." He paused, swallowing hard before he could go on. "But I promise, once I return, we'll go wherever you want. I'll bring back as many toys as you can carry."

Hasina’s small face scrunched in disappointment before she held up her little pinky. "Pinky promise?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Humayd forced a smile, hooking his pinky with hers. "Pinky promise, my darling."

Her smile came back, bright and carefree, not noticing the tension in the room. Humayd gave her a quick peck on her cheek.

As he stood, Asli looked at him, her eyes full of unspoken fears and questions. She didn’t need to say anything—her sadness was clear.

Humayd’s throat felt tight. "I’m sorry," he said again, his voice low and rough. "But this time, I promise I’ll tell my parents everything. About you. About us. We’ll finally have a normal life."

Asli let go of Hasina’s hand and stepped closer, tears slipping down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around him, holding onto his shirt tightly, like letting go would mean losing him. "Why can’t we come with you this time? I don’t want you to go alone," she pleaded softly.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, his chin resting on her head. "Next time," he said, his voice breaking slightly, but he held on, needing her to believe him. "I promise, next time we meet, you’ll know everything. You’ve been so patient, and I know how much you’ve been through. Just trust me one more time."

Asli trembled in his arms, her tears soaking his shirt, but she nodded. She had no choice but to trust him, though the doubt still gnawed at her.

"I’ll wait for you," she whispered.

Humayd pulled back a little, holding her face gently in his hands, His eyes were intense and almost begging. "Wait for me. When I return, nothing will come between us. Not my family, not their expectations. Just us." He pressed a long kiss to her forehead, staying there for a moment, as if he wasn’t sure when he’d get the chance again.

Asli nodded slowly, tears rolling down her cheeks. She wanted to trust him, but the things he didn’t say felt like a weight in her heart. As he walked away, her stomach twisted with the feeling that whatever he was going to face would change everything.

💌💕Finally, after what feels like forever, here’s chapter one! I’d love to hear your thoughts about it. I know I don’t write or post often since I’m not on Wattpad much, but I’m excited to share this with you all. Let me know what you think! 💌💕