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21 | Love & Affection

© All copyrights belong to StarsAndMoon1447 on Wattpad

*

Thank you, you amazing people for the almost 300 comments, even though the challenge was for only 200. Shall we go for 400 next? 😝 @patni02 you suggested 300, so let's make it 400 instead. 

*

Hooriya

I had dreamt that I was in a dark ocean, struggling to remain on the surface. I had no idea how I hadn't already drowned as I didn't know how to swim. It was dark, and all I could see was the starry night above. I was gasping as water occasionally went down my throat, making me cough. Someone had grabbed me by my shoulders from behind and for a while I thought that I was being rescued, but I'd turned and came face to face with Zareena.

I'd screamed and woken up then, and as I'd returned to the land of consciousness, I gasped startled. The lights were off and I was on my own.

"Farhaan?" I called out, my voice trembling.

I cried out, bursting into tears as terror completely took over me. "FARHAAN!" 

Fumbling, I managed to turn on the bedside lamps and the comforting décor of the Rose Luxe room slowly eased me out of the darkness of my dream. I recited Ayat-ul-Kursi, hugging my knees to my chest as I try to calm myself down.

Where is he? I got off the bed and saw his phone and wallet still on the bedside table on the other side, but when I walked over to the bathroom door, he wasn't in there. I paced around the room, trying to forget the nightmare, when I saw the photo hanging over the armchairs on the opposite wall to the bed. I'd seen it before, but hadn't paid much attention to it until now. I walked closer and saw that it was a black and white photo (using filters from modern photography) of a branch of the original Rose Luxe hotel, the five star hotel that had once dominated the hospitality industry globally.

The door of the room opened and I whirled around, startled.

Farhaan entered and he looked surprised to see me up. "I thought you were asleep."

"I thought you were going to be right beside me. I suppose we were both wrong." I shrugged.

He closed the door and walked up to me. "There was a problem with the air conditioning of one of the rooms, so I was arranging another room for the guests." He glanced at the photo of the former hotel, placing his hand casually on the small of my back. "My father put in a lot of work and effort for that hotel. I think he still misses it sometimes."

"I love the name. Rose Luxe." 

"My grandfather named it after Dado, Gul." He explained. 

I looked up at him teasingly. "What will you name after me, Farhaan?"

"How about a future daughter? I'm thinking Hoorain." He smiled at me.

My cheeks felt warm and I dropped my gaze, playing with the button of his shirt. "Rukhsati hui nahin aur aapne aulaad ka naam bhi rakhliya..."

*"The rukhsati hasn't even been done, and you've already named our child."

He moved his hand to place it on my waist and pulled me closer against himself. "Rukhsati will be done as well, In Sha Allah. I feel that the more you have to wait for something, the more you cherish it. In Sha Allah, our married life will be worth the wait." He leaned down and suddenly scooped me up in his arms. "Now, be honest with me, why are you really awake?" 

"I had a bad dream which scared me." I admitted.

He carried me to bed and lay me down gently on it. As he lay down beside me, I immediately snuggled up against him and he held me tightly in his arms. "Don't be scared, Hoor. I'm right here with you. And this time, I'll remain here."

"What if someone else's air-conditioning doesn't work?" I muttered, sleepily.

"The manager can deal with it. And even if they can't, it's not like we're in the middle of the heatwave."

I smiled, holding on tighter to him. "Well, I'm not letting you go now anyway. You're stuck here with me." 

*

I got my wish of praying Fajr with him, and I even smiled as I once again thanked Allah for my answered dua.

And when I woke up a few hours later, I was still snuggled up against him as morning light fought its way through the the gaps in the curtains, brightening up the room. He only left as I was heading into the bathroom for a shower.

After the shower, I stepped back into the room with just a towel wrapped around myself. I walked up to the mirror on the wall and smiled at my reflection. There was a pinkness in my cheeks that wasn't just due to the warm shower. Genuine happiness. Alhumdulillah.

I pulled on the long white shirts with red floral patterns and its matching red blouse. Then picking up the B&B provided hair dryer, I blow dried by hair before focusing on applying eyeliner and mascara. Smiling at my own reflection in satisfaction, I sprayed on little bottle of perfume that was in my toiletries bag. I had stayed the night at his B&B and I had come prepared.

I headed downstairs. Before leaving, Farhaan had reminded me of the complimentary breakfast service- which he said would have been complimentary for me either way. 

"Good morning, Miss Hooriya." The receptionist greeted me with a surprised, but warm smile.

"Good morning." I smiled back at her as I continued towards the dining area.

As I entered the conservatory that had been converted/extended into a dining area, the warm aroma of breakfast items greeted me. Quite a few other guests were already seated there, ranging from elderly couples to youngsters in hiking wear who were ready to explore the English  countryside. I walked over to the table towards the other side of the dining area, closer to the window and sat down. 

A waitress brought over a laminated menu. "Good morning, Miss Hooriya." 

"Good morning. Thank you." While I smiled at her, it felt weird that everyone knew me by name. 

As I looked through the various items, I was surprised. Normally B&Bs didn't have such a large variety of breakfast items, from my experience. Farhaan really seemed to have brought back parts of the luxury of the original Rose Luxe. My phone vibrated and I glanced towards the screen. When I saw that it was a message from him, I unlocked it.

<Farhaan: I had to leave for the hospital, but you go ahead with the breakfast. But don't worry, it's nothing to worry about.>

<Hooriya: Okay. Give Rida Phupho my regards and best wishes. Tell her I'll visit her when the hospital permits more visitors, or when she's back home, In Sha Allah.>

<Hooriya: I'm going to go home after breakfast. I'll see you later, In Sha Allah.>

I ordered some pancakes with maple syrup, with strawberries. Along with it was a delicious cup of cappuccino. Maybe this time off from everyone had really been much needed. How about some more? My greedy brain loved the relaxing and peaceful environment of this B&B.

So after breakfast, I went up to the front desk. "What's there to do around here that involves nature, but is for someone who doesn't actually like venturing out into nature too much?" 

The girl at the front desk smiled at me before pulling out a few brochures. "Here... have a look at these."

I skimmed through the glossy material that advertised various activities until I found one that I thought I'd really enjoy.

*

I changed into skinny jeans and a long red shirt with three-quarters length sleeves and pulled my hair into a braid. I was glad that I'd packed for two days, because I'd initially wanted to stay two nights. I took a cab to the destination of my choice, which was around half an hour further north from London. This staycation is very much mandatory for my mental health.

There was a place set up with a two-miles long path that let you hire bikes and ride down the path alongside the beautiful countryside. I hired a bike and rode down the path, smiling as I felt the fresh countryside air caress my face. I rode besides the bordering wall, on the other side of which, at a bit of a distance, were cows grazing grass. I was away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the anxieties of my life, away from the paranoia. It was just me and nature, and I loved every second of it. I even paused for a while, stepping off the bike to just gaze out at the rolling countryside. I'd messaged Mama in the cab that I was going to stay another night at the B&B, and that I was going biking in the countryside to refresh my mind.

By the time I returned back to the B&B, I was tired but my mind was relaxed. But the moment I stepped inside, I sighed. I could see Haya sitting on the sofa just inside the common area. And with her were Rohaan and Arsalan. "Can you guys not tolerate my peace?" I asked, approaching them.

Rohaan scoffed. "We're siblings. What do you think?" 

"What are you three doing here?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"We're staying here tonight as well." Haya grinned, shrugging.

"Oh no you're not! This is my time. Go away." I narrowed my eyes at each of them.

"I mean, you can't really stop us from booking rooms here." Rohaan shrugged.

"Yes I can. I'm the owner's wife." The words slipped out unintentionally from my mouth, and I felt my cheeks burn.

My siblings burst out laughing. 

"Look at her being all arrogant!" Haya clutched her stomach, doubling over. "Told you both that she'd overreact at the idea of us staying over."

"I really want to disown you three right now. I'm just going to pretend that I'm an only child." I muttered and turned to head up the stairs.

"We just wanted to make sure that you were okay." Arsal's quiet voice stopped me in my tracks.

My heart melted and I turned back with a small smile directed at him. "I'm okay, Arsal. I have no reason to not be okay. I was just overthinking about a few things, but I think this little break helped me."

"Farhaan Bhai's presence must also have helped you, right?" Haya stuck her tongue out at me.

"I'm going to call security to escort you out." I glared at her.

That made her laugh hard again.

"Anyway, come. We're going to go on a drive, and we will pick up Yamna and Bugs Bunny along the way." Rohaan told me. "I'm thinking of borrowing Mamu's seven-seater car when we pick Bugs Bunny up." Instead of calling Shayaan 'Bunny', Rohaan chose to call him Bugs Bunny instead, often greeting him with the famous catchphrase 'What's up, Doc?'. The two had discovered these classic cartoons on YouTube a few years ago.

I thought about it. A part of me was tempting for more time to myself, but I missed hanging out with my siblings as well. "Fine." 

*

Rohaan played loud music on the stereo as he drove, while Shayaan 'a.k.a Bunny' sat beside him. Arsal was at the back beside Yamna, both content to be away from the rest of us, while Haya and I had the whole middle row to ourselves in this seven-seater car of my Mamu's.

I wasn't a toddler; I knew exactly what they were doing. They were trying to make me feel better in their own siblingish ways. And I wasn't the type to ignore someone's efforts. "Where are we  going?" 

It was summer, and we all were free. Even Yamna was off from school today. For my brothers, Bunny and Yamna, it was an after-exam period so they were even more relaxed.

"I don't care. Anywhere away from the crappy city of ours." Rohaan put his sunglasses on.

"Beach?" Yamna asked excitedly.

"Sure. Why the heck not?" Rohaan shrugged.

First countryside, now beach; I was getting a two-in-one nature package today. 

"What are you doing?" I narrowed my eyes at Haya.

Her gaze was on her phone, her earphones in. "Just watching the test match highlights."

"Are you for real?" I shook my head. 

"How can you even read in a moving car, Arsal Bhai?" Yamna's quiet voice asked from behind us. "I get motion sickness if I read." 

"Our parents loved taking us out on long drives. I simply just got used to it with time." Arsal replied as he turned the page of the book that he was reading.

"You getting this year's release of that game?" Bunny was asking Rohaan.

Rohaan laughed. "Bro, what's with the obvious questions? Of course I'm getting it." 

"They'll release it at midnight."

"I'll queue up no matter how long it takes. I want to be the first one to get it." Rohaan replied simply.

"You sound like Hoor when one of her favourite author publishes a book." Haya locked her phone and put it away.

"I'm not to be blamed for my obsessions. That's all Mama's fault." I said, defensively. "It's in my blood. She and Hareem Khalla used to wait hours in queues to get books by their favourite authors!"

"In Mama's case, Papa's books." Haya grinned. "She was a true fangirl from what I hear, and she still is. Ma Sha Allah."

"I don't know how anyone can obsess with books so much." Rohaan muttered.

"Bro, your whole existence is linked to a love of books. If Bia Phupho didn't like reading, you guys wouldn't exist!" Bunny pointed out.

"Bro, your whole existence is linked to secondary school since your parents met there. Does that mean that you loved secondary school?" Rohaan shot back.

We all laughed at that.

"It wasn't bad, to be fair." Bunny admitted.

"Nerd." Rohaan smacked the back of Mamu's son's head.

"Rohaan, are you using the phone will driving?" Haya suddenly spoke in a sharp voice.

"I'm not using it. It's just lying unlocked on my lap." 

"Why is it unlocked?" Haya asked. "Put it away, Rohaan, or I swear..." 

"Yeah, bro." Bunny glared at him. 

"Why are you all being like Tayan's chamchi?" Rohaan grinned at Yamna in the rearview mirror.

*Chamchi: like a sycophant.

"Leave her alone, and put your phone away!" Haya snapped at Rohaan. "Or else stop the car at the motorway services and let Hoor or Bunny drive."

Sighing, Rohaan placed the phone in its holder attached just by the car stereo. "Since when are you such a coward, Behaya?" 

"Since I want to live long enough to see a World Cup final at Lord's." Haya replied.

"You've already seen one." Arsal pointed out.

"That was boring. I need a thrilling one where I cannot sit still on the seat."

"Behaya Rehan, can you ever sit still?" Rohaan blurted out before he realised what he had just said.

"Badtameez!"  Haya glared at him. "You just called Papa shameless!"

*Insolent person!

"I'm going to tell him." Yamna instantly spoke up.

"Fine. Tell him. I'm parking right here and leaving you right here." Rohaan replied.

"Haya Appi won't let you." Yamna said, smugly.

"Then your Haya Appi can join you." 

"Okay. I will. But let me call Papa first to let him know that you were using the phone will driving!" Haya was not one to be intimidated by our brother's threats.

I sat back on my seat shaking my head, missing my peace.

"Why am I related to you all?" Arsal muttered from behind.

*

Farhaan

"How are you feeling now?" I asked Rida Phupho, standing by her bedside at the hospital.

She gave me a small smile. "I'm okay, Alhumdulillah. I'm sorry that your wedding was postponed because..."

"Shh. Don't." I shook my head at her. "All we want is for you to be healthy."

"Is Hooriya okay?" She asked me. "I cannot even imagine what it must have been like for her as a bride..."

"Hoor is a very sensible girl, Ma Sha Allah. She has been praying for your good health too, Phupho." 

"Acha? Samajhdar hai?" She teasingly smiled at me.

*"Is it? She's sensible?" 

I smiled back at her.

"Acha hai. Jaisi samajhdar biwi mere bhai ko mili, mere bhatijay ko bhi mili hai, Ma Sha Allah." She squeezed my hand. "I'm very happy for you, my Faiz Junior."

*"That's good. The way my brother got a sensible wife, so did my nephew, Ma Sha Allah."

"I'm happy for him too." Faizan suddenly appeared behind me, slapping me hard on the back. "Now he might get some akal." 

*Akal: wisdom.

As Phupho laughed weakly, I just shook my head at my brother.

*

As I came out of the hospital, I dialled Hoor's number.

"Assalam Alaikum!" She spoke loudly, and I could hear a lot of noise in the background.

"Walaikum Assalam. What are you up to?" I asked amused, putting my sunglasses on as I headed to my car.

"Nothing! Just driving to the beach with my siblings and cousins. They thought I needed cheering up, but they don't realise that you've already taken care of that." 

I smiled. "Enjoy. Take care, okay?"

"How's Rida Phupho? She doesn't feel bad that I didn't come, right? Tell her that the hospital has set a limit on visitors, and so..."

"Hoor, relax. She knows and she understands. She's recovering, Alhumdulillah. Soon she'll be home, In Sha Allah, and I will take you over to her place to see her, okay?" 

"I don't want to look like the bahu out and about having fun while the Phupho-Saas is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack!" She sounded worried.

I got into my car. "Nobody thinks that, Hooriya."

"What are you doing? Are you still at the hospital?" She changed the topic. 

"I'm just leaving. Heading to work now." 

"I love your work. I have to warn you: you cannot go to work to avoid your work. You'll often see me around. I adore the place so much!"

"Thanks for the warning. I need to make alternative plans now." I grinned.

"What's that supposed to mean?" 

"I can't tell you! That's the whole purpose of alternative plans!" I chuckled. "Look, just enjoy your beach trip. I'll see you later, In Sha Allah."

"I'll be at the B&B tonight as well." She told me pointedly.

"Enjoy your stay there."

"I will. And you have the full option to enjoy it with me." 

My grin widened. "Why are we meeting like we're having an affair? Astaghfirullah!"

"It's a halal affair."

"I'll see you tonight then, my halal mistress."

She laughed, and I finally felt that she had eased up; it was a complete difference from the tense Hoor of the past couple of days.

*

Hooriya

Rohaan stood just ahead and raised his phone up to take a group selfie of us at the promenade of Littlehampton beach. Bunny, Arsal, me, Haya and Yamna.

"Am I in the picture?" Yamna asked worriedly.

"No. Why would we want that?" Rohaan, naturally, teased her.

"Bro, don't you get tired of picking on a kid?" Bunny asked him.

"This is mine and Yamna's way of life. She tells on me, I tease her, and so on." Rohaan shrugged. 

"I tell on you because you tease me!" Yamna narrowed her eyes at him.

Rohaan just grinned and walked down the promenade, his gaze on his phone.

"Ignore him, Yum-Yum." Haya reassured our Chachu' daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Arsal stood on his own, headphones on, staring off towards the sea.

I walked over to him. "What's going on with you?" I had changed back into my earlier red outfit before we had come to the beach, and I was glad about it. The outfit was perfect was the beautiful weather at the beach today. 

He shrugged. "I just haven't heard from a friend for a while."

"And you're worried? Why don't you just go and check up on him?" I suggested.

He glanced at me and his eyes reflected sadness that matched the depth of the sea in front of us.

"On her?" I asked questioningly. When he nodded slowly I asked, "Who is she?" 

"A classmate at university." He replied. "I got a sense of finality from when I last saw her." He shook his head. "I feel like I'm just overthinking. She'll be back in September, and it's all going to be normal again." 

"Look, Arsu, I don't want to sound like an interfering big sister, but I feel like I have a duty towards you. I understand you're worried about her, and that's a completely different issue. But you should focus on your education and prioritise it at this point in your life." I squeezed his shoulder. "Out of humanity, message her to check up on her and make sure she's okay, but keep your focus where it should be." 

"Just like you did?" He gave me a light smile.

"I didn't let how I felt interfere with my studies, because I understood that there was a right time for everything." I glanced towards the sea as well. It was a beautiful June weather, and a holiday, so naturally the beach was crowded. 

"I know, Hoor Appi. Don't worry about me." 

I glanced towards him. Lost deep in thoughts once again, he was the one who looked the most like Papa. I just wished that he showed the same amount of wisdom as our father. I had faith that he would. I knew Arsu too well.

*

Littlehampton had a lot of childhood memories for us. Not only with our parents and relatives, but we also used to come here with Hareem Khalla and her kids a lot. While the mothers talked and laughed together, us kids used to play around in the sand. I always used to want to go into the water, and I remember Hareem Khalla often used to take me by the hand and lead me into the shallow water, where I used to excitedly splashed around.

There were even fond memories of Nano and Gul Aunty accompanying us, both reminiscing over days past when they used to bring Mama and Hareem Khalla here.

We had fish and chips, then coffee and fresh doughnuts later, before we started the drive home. Bunny, Haya, Yamna and Arsu all fell asleep while I sat with my head rested against the window as Rohaan drove. 

"How are you feeling?" Rohaan glanced at me in the rear-view mirror.

"A little sick. I shouldn't have eaten that doughnut." I muttered, closing my eyes.

He laughed. "You and Haya are so greedy for doughnuts."

"Shut up." I groaned weakly.

"I actually meant how you're feeling over all?" He continued, seeming uncharacteristically concerned for me. 

"I feel much better in that sense, Ro. Thanks." I sat up straight. "Why do you need the others to be asleep or unaware for you to soften up? And don't give me the cliché line about having a reputation to keep."

"I do have a reputation to keep." 

"Ro, everyone knows how much you care about family. Why pretend otherwise?" 

He changed the topic. "If you feel too sick, I can stop."

I sat back in my seat again, closing my eyes. "No, it's okay." 

"Hoor..."

"Hmm?"

"Don't worry, okay? You're too good to have difficult times last long in your life." He reassured me. 

I felt touched. "That means a lot, Ro. Thank you." 

"It's cool." 

"I really love you, Ro." 

"Who wouldn't love me?" He joked.

If my eyes had been opened, I would have definitely rolled them. But as I started to doze off, I thought I heard him say, "Always keep smiling, Hoor. I pray that you never lose that smile. Ameen."

Feeling overwhelmed with everyone's love and affection for me, I didn't make any attempts to stop a tear from rolling down my cheek as I turned my head towards the window.

*

I told the manager on duty to let me know when Farhaan arrived, but to not let him know that I was back. Despite the exhaustion from the day, I felt cheeky.

I received the phone call on the intercom at almost ten.

Resisting the urge to giggle, I headed quietly down the staircase and paused in the hallway. I could see Farhaan at the front desk, frowning as he wrote something. I bit my lip to stop that irritating giggle. I waited until he turned and disappeared into the back office, before I sneaked over to the desk, with no plan in my mind. I was just going with the flow. I saw his pen was still on the desk, beside the notepad that he had been writing on. I took the pen and as I heard his approaching footsteps, I panicked and ducked down out of his sight, behind the desk.

"Where the hell did I leave the bloody pen?" He muttered, before I heard him walk away again.

I raised my head up, just enough to see over the desk. The next thing I took was his notebook, before ducking down again. 

When he returned, he swore. "What the f**k?" 

I pursed my lips hard, my cheeks hurting from resisting the urge to laugh out loud. Closing my eyes, I clutched his notebook to my chest, along with the pen. Suddenly, I felt something light fall onto my head. Confused, I opened my eyes and saw a ball of paper on my lap. I picked it up and unfolded it.

The backroom has CCTV cameras.  

My eyes widened. 

"Samne khud aarahi ho ya lenay aaon?" His amused voice came from behind the desk.

*"Are you coming in front of me yourself, or shall I come and get you?" 

I stood up. "I think you dropped these." I held up the notepad and pen sheepishly. 

He had his arms crossed over his chest and was smiling. "Is that right?" 

I shrugged. "Be careful with your things. Assalam Alaikum, by the way."

"Walaikum Assalam. Ab biwi hi itni shararti hai, to main apni cheezain kaise sambhaloon ga?"

*"If my wife is so mischievous, how will I take care of my things?" 

I set his things down on the desk. "Masoomon pe ghalat ilzaam lagana ghalat baat hai."

*"Making false accusation on innocent people is wrong."

"Correct. Laikin kahan hain woh masoom?" He leaned forward, his hands pressed on the desk that remained between us like my shield.

*"But where are those innocent people?" 

I narrowed my eyes at him, which just seemed to increase his amusement. "Good night, Mr Farhaan Faiz. I'm going to bed." I turned on my heels and started to head towards the stairs.

"Kina sona tenu rab ne banaya..." He sang out in a low husky voice.

*"God made you so beautiful..."

I blushed and I bit my lower lip again, before glancing at him over my shoulder. "You know... I'm staying in room ten." 

A corner of his mouth lifted up and his eyes glinted with a different sort of mischievousness, but he didn't say anything.

*

Wearing a white tank top and my light blue night-suit trousers, I prepared to go to bed, thinking that he wasn't going to come. The scent of my shampoo and body wash was a pleasant change from the salty smell of the sea.

Brushing my hair almost roughly, to detangle it while it was wet from the shower, my gaze went towards the bedroom door in the mirror. Aajaein. How much are you going to make me wait?

*Come.

I yawned, feeling the tiredness finally take over. Sighing in disappointment, I headed towards the bed. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I message my siblings' WhatsApp group.

<Hooriya: Good night, you freaks. 🤡>

Then I messaged my parents. 

<Hooriya: Good night. Love you both. See you tomorrow, In Sha Allah. Love, Your angel child 😇>

Before I had even set my phone aside, Rohaan was the first one to reply.

<Rohaan: Good night 🧟‍♀️ *zombie emoji*>

I giggled. Rohaan was never going to change!

<Arsal: Good night, Hoor Appi!>

Haya replied privately.

<Haya: Good night, sleep tigh...ly in his arms. 😉>

<Hooriya: Astaghfirullah! Behave, Haya!>

<Haya: I should say that to you! 😘>

I shook my head. My twin was really something else.

Then I received messages from my parents.

<Mama: Good night, sweetheart. I miss you and love you. You better come back tomorrow! 😘>

<Papa: Good night, Hoor. Take care. We love you too.>

I felt tears in my eyes. It was so weird. I was literally here by my own choice, and I was still living with them, yet I was missing them so much just by reading these messages.

SLIGHTLY MATURE SCENE

The knock on the door made me quickly wipe away the tears. Putting my phone on silent, I got up and headed for the door. Realising that I was wearing a tank top, I stopped just before opening the door. "Farhaan?"

"No, Amazon package delivery." He replied.

I opened the door, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Who else would dare disturb Mrs Farhaan Faiz this late at night?" He grinned at me.

I let him in and closed the door before locking in. I turned to face him, just as he turned to look at me. His gaze ran from my head to my toes, then back up. I felt a little shy, but I didn't show it. "I'm here for a reason. Why are you staying the night at the B&B, Mr Farhaan?" 

He stepped closer to me, making me back up until my back pressed against the door. He pressed his forehead against mine and put a hand on my cheek. "Do you want me to leave, Hooriya Farhaan?" 

My gaze was lowered, my shyness growing stronger, suddenly making me forget the all-consuming fatigue I had felt earlier.

"Itna sharmana? Ab kahan gayi woh shararat?" He whispered, stepping even closer.

*"So much shyness? Now where's that mischievousness?" 

I tilted my head back closing my eyes. I felt his lips lightly brushed mine, and I squealed a little under my breath, clutching onto his soft shirt by the shoulder. He deepened the kiss within seconds, and I felt his arms go around my waist. I wrapped my own arms around his neck as I allowed him to metaphorically sweep me off my feet with a mind-blowing kiss. Nothing in my imagination had ever prepared me for how he was making me feel right now. It was something truly out of something fictional, the kind of sweet romance genre that made me smile to myself. 

We stumbled towards the bed, unaware of our surroundings or of anything but ourselves. Our kisses were deeper and more passionate. His hands were still on my waist, while my hand tangled in his hair, while the other rested on his shoulder. I felt us falling onto the bed, but nothing mattered. Amidst the kisses, I slowly pulled his shirt off, and the sight and feel of his bare and well toned torso made me pull him back in almost roughly, making our lips almost collide. And then, I felt him lift up my tank top, and I allowed it. I am the kind of person who wears a bra under a tank top, because it makes me feel comfortable. 

The bare skin of our stomachs pressed together, sending a thrill through my body that I'd never felt before. Our lips united once again, as our endless desire for each other completely took us in its powerful grip. A thought came into my mind: what if we end up consummating our marriage tonight? 

The desirous part of me brushed aside that thought, as well as all logic. I felt his hands on my bare waist, his touch almost hesitant. This was as new and unfamiliar to him as it was to me. 

"Itna pyar kiya hai maine tumse." He muttered, as he started to kiss my neck and bare shoulders. "Pehle laga choti ho tum bohat, phir laga ke tum mujh main kyun dilchazbi rakho ki, aur phir..."

*"I love you so much."
"First I thought that you were much younger than me, then I thought why would you be interested in me, and then..."

I resisted the urge to moan out as my body yearned for him. "Phir?"

*"And then?"

"Aur phir mujhe ehsaas hogaya ke mujhe itni mohabbat hai tumse ke batana lazmi hogaya tha." He pulled back to look at me, sitting up. 

*"And then I realised that I love you so much that telling you became mandatory."

"Kab hui mohabbat?" I asked breathlessly, sitting up as well.

*"When did you fall in love?"

"I don't even know." He rubbed his knuckles against my cheek. "Laikin mujhe andaza hogaya, Hoor, ke main tumhare liye kuch bhi karsakta hoon."

*"But I realised, Hoor, that I can do anything for you." 

I moved closer to him, sitting on my knees, and putting my hands on his cheeks, I pressed my lips against his once again. "Better late than never."

He chuckled even between our kisses.

We fell back onto the bed, the intensity of our kisses increasing once again.

*

We arrived downstairs for breakfast the next morning, hand-in-hand.

We hadn't consummated our marriage, but we had definitely gotten closer last night, our bond deepening. 

And Farhaan was not shy about showing his affections. As we got to the bottom of the stairs, he leaned down to peck me on my lips, making me blush. 

My phone started ringing and I glanced up at him. "Aap chalain. Main aati hoon."

*"You go ahead. I'm coming."

I didn't want to ruin the peaceful environment of the dining area with my phone call.

Farhaan kissed my forehead and walked away, and I answered the phone as I saw Lena's name on the phone. "Hey, Lena!"

"Hey, Hooriya! Just to remind you that you're going to helping Mohib in his workshop! He wants to know if you're coming in today?" 

Oh, crap. I'd forgotten to ask Lena if I could still change, and now it might be too late.

*

Hoor is blessed to have so many loving people in her life! 

But would Mohib's presence act like a dark cloud in her peacefully bright life?

Things are getting steamy between the couple! How long will they be able to resist each other?

Thoughts and comments on the chapter?

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