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Hooriya

"...kya aapko yeh Nikah qabool hai?"

*"Do you accept this Nikah?"

"Qabool hai."

*"I accept."

I looked at Haya who was eating popcorn as she watched the Nikah scene on YouTube. "Why are we watching this?" 

"Because I need you to understand how the Nikah ceremony works." She shrugged, her gaze on the screen.

"I know how Nikah is performed, Haya." I rolled my eyes, stealing some popcorn from her.

Haya's gaze went to the door again. We were waiting for Mama and Papa to come back. 

"They are going to say no." I muttered. "I know it." I had told my parents not to tell me their decision until they spoke to Farhaan's parents. I kept feeling that it won't work out, that something will come along and be an obstacle in me achieving my wish. 

"Then maybe you'll find someone else, move to America and live a happily ever after there, until you realise that first love cannot be forgotten." Haya grinned.

"You have been reading a little too many romance novels." I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Shh!" She glared at me. "Guard that secret with your life. If Rohaan finds out..."

I smirked at her. "I'm gonna use that against you. You annoy me, and I will go straight to Rohaan."

We heard the car in the driveway, and I clutched Haya's wrist in anxiety. "Haya, pray for me."

She looked at me. "Relax, Hoor. You know that they'll make the best possible decision for you, from what they feel is right based on their experiences."

"Won't hurt less if they say no."

"Quit being Negative Nancy." She muttered. "Think positive." 

Our gazes remained on the living room doorway, until our parents walked in. Papa glanced at us in surprised as he shrugged out of his jacket, while Mama had her lips pursed.

"Assalam Alaikum." While Haya and I spoke in unison, my voice came out a little hoarse.

"Walaikum Assalam." They replied.

"Well? We're dying of suspense here." Haya questioned.

"Hooriya, come here." Papa called me.

Feeling scared, I got up and walked over to my parents, standing right in front of Papa.

"Do you trust me?" He looked directly into my eyes.

"Unconditionally." I replied.

"Whatever decision your Mama and I made is the one we feel is the best for you, especially bearing the Istikhara in mind." He spoke gently, as if preparing me for the worst.

Haya inhaled sharply, as she also seemed to understand the meaning behind my father's words.

"What is the decision, Papa?" I asked.

He looked at Mama, before turning back to me again. "We have decided, that as long as you're happy with it, we will accept this rishta." 

My eyes widened a little as I stared up at him. Haya squealed and threw herself at me, wrapping me in her arms, while Mama smiled tearfully. Papa kept his gaze on me, a small smile appearing on his own face. I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my head against his chest, feeling tears escape my eyes. 

"My Hoor..." Mama whispered, running a hand over the back of my head.

A multitude of emotions whirled around inside me, ranging from pure joy to the intense bittersweet feeling that I felt about the fact that I would leave my family behind to start my new life, In Sha Allah. I could not even picture a day where Haya didn't barge into my room, or I didn't have banters with my siblings, or where Papa pampered me and Haya so much that he almost seemed biased. I couldn't imagine not having a heart-to-heart conversation with Mama each day, and occasionally getting Arsal to open up to me as well. How was I going to manage without the love and friendship of my siblings? 

On the other hand, I'd wished for Farhaan subconsciously, not only after each prayer, but also while staring up at starry skies, speaking in soft whispers to Allah. When I felt that his destiny was entwined with Sophie's, I'd prayed for his happiness, even if it was with someone else. Farhaan was the wish that my innocent heart had made before I even realised how powerful my feelings for him were.

Papa kissed the top of my head. "May Allah always keep you happy and healthy, all of you. Ameen." 

"Ameen." Mama repeated.

"Haya, go and call your brothers." Papa told my twin. "We'll be going to your Dada Jaan and Dado's home because I want to discuss this with them."

Haya immediately rushed out, and I excused myself as well, heading up to my room.

Performing wudhu, I prayed Nafl, to thank Allah. My wish was answered in a beautiful way. My parents were happy, Farhaan's parents were happy. Alhumdulillah. 

"Thank you for answering my prayer, Allah. Please let this be the best decision for me. Ameen." I whispered as I made dua after the prayer.

*

Farhaan

"Rehan and Anabia have agreed." Papa announced to the family.

Hareem Phupho gasped. "Seriously?! I am going to have serious discussions with Anabia; she didn't even drop a hint!" She turned to me, tears in her eyes. "Oh, Farhaan, I'm so happy for you, Ma Sha Allah! You cannot get a better girl than Hoor." She ran a hand over my head.

Aizah hugged me. "I'm so happy for you." 

"I need to thank you for pushing me to talk to her on the drive home." 

"Talk? You proposed! Always two steps ahead of our thinking!" My twin sister smiled.

Faizan then walked up to me and hugged me tightly. "Congratulations!" 

"You and Hooriya are both so beloved to me." Phupho spoke. "I pray for nothing but happiness and success for you both. Ameen." 

"Ameen." Everyone repeated.

"Mamma would have been so happy." Hareem Phupho said, sadly. "She and Khadija Aunty would have shopped together, and would have both been overexcited." 

Papa nodded sadly. The loss of a parent was unbearable anyway, but for Papa, who had dedicated so much of his life to take care of his mother and sisters, everything felt incomplete after Dado's death.

"At least make sure all the Phuphos come." I said.

"In Sha Allah." Papa nodded. "They're all excited about it, their beloved Farhaan." 

"It's always either Farhaan or Aizah who's the beloved." Faizan muttered.

Hareem Phupho pinched his cheek. "Aww, our jealous bacha." 

We all laughed at my younger brother, whose frown deepened.

*

Hooriya

"Rehan." Dada Jaan spoke. "These days not many value the advice of their elders, but I know that you and Anabia do." He sat beside me, running a hand over my head every now and then. "I would like to suggest something."

"Dad, you don't need my permission. You are our elder, just order us." Papa placed a hand over his heart as he spoke.

Papa and Mama had invited Saim Mamu and his family, as well as Yasin Chachu and his family too. Our parents strictly believed in involving the elders of the family for important decisions.

"This engagement period, it's more suitable or the western culture. I know that people in Pakistan also have engagements, and it's a norm now, but our families know each other very well, and the wedding is decided. Why not directly get the Nikah done?" Dada Jaan spoke, his wisdom obvious in his words and manner of speaking.

Haya grinned at me from across the room. I glanced down shyly into my lap.

"We were thinking the same thing, Dad." Papa nodded. "Get the Nikah done, and then the wedding functions and other rituals could be done at a time when everyone can easily get time off work." 

"I still can't believe this. Our Hoor." Chachu glanced at me with a smile. "Ma Sha Allah! May Allah bless you with a blissful marital life. Ameen."

"Ameen." Everyone repeated.

*

EVIL SCHEME #999: TIME TO CONFUSE YOU GUYS EVEN FURTHER

Haya

Everyone was in general agreement about direct Nikah, rather than mangni (engagement ceremony). And it made sense. What was the point of waiting when the families knew each other so well, and the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be were clearly so deeply in love?

For the final discussion between the families, we all met up at the Rose Luxe B&B, including Dada Jaan, Dado, Chachu's family, Mamu's family and Reem Khalla's family.

I arrived last because I had a cricket practice that ran late. As I was turning into the driveway, my car stalled, making me stop midway. "Oh, you cow. Seriously?"

A loud horn made me turn.

"Chill out! I don't intentionally go around stalling my car, you know?!" I muttered under my breath. Finally, the car restarted and I drove inside the remainder of the way and parked.

The Angry Horn Dude parked two spaces next to mine and we both got out at the same time. "Stupid women driver." He spoke loudly enough for me to hear.

The thought of taking my cricket bat out of my car boot was so tempting. I pictured smashing it against his smug face. But my beautiful bat did not deserve sexist blood over it. I scoffed. "I thought Neanderthals were an extinct species, but I stand corrected." 

He stopped in his tracks and turned. "What did you call me?" 

"Neanderthal. In simple terms, cave man." I shrugged, making my way towards the B&B.

"B***h." He snarled in my direction, before continuing his way to the front. But he could barely move two steps before his path was blocked.

"Where are you going?" Faizan asked him.

"I'm here to book a room." The man told him.

"There's no place for sexist Neanderthals here. Maybe try the place down the road? But try not to offend the owner there in the car parking." Faizan spoke simply, before glancing at me. "Madam, there are people waiting on the conference call for you. It's regarding the deal on the other location?" 

What is he doing?

The man looked at me startled.

"Now go, shoo." Faizan waved his hand at him as if he was an irritating animal. "You've already wasted the time of the owner of this place too much. Do not make her call security and throw you out."

Swearing under his breath, the man walked back to his car and drove off.

"What was that?" I asked Faizan.

"No place for scum here." He shrugged. 

"Me? The owner?" I laughed.

"Well... you are the twin of the wife-to-be of the owner, so it's almost true in a stretched out way." 

"I really don't understand how your mind words, Faizan." I grinned as we walked inside.

He smiled. "We're going to be indirect family, and family watches out for each other." 

The two of us joined the others in the large living room that had been closed off for the guests. I greeted everyone and then took a seat beside Arsal.

"How was the match?" Dada Jaan asked me, a twinkle in his eyes. He was so proud of me for choosing cricket, it was so sweet.

"You know me, I always give cricket my one hundred percent." I replied. "Smashed it. Got three sixers." 

"Ma Sha Allah, that's my girl!" My grandfather was, proudly.

"Tariq Uncle, Nina Aunty, you are our elders." Faiz Uncle began. "You suggested Nikah first, and we agree. Our kids already know each other very well, our families know each other, so there's no argument against it."

I looked at my twin sister, who sat beside Mama.  She wore a cream Anarkali dress with sheer sleeves and a lace border, with a golden tassel with silver mirror-work hanging from the neckline. She wore a white chudidar with it, and a pale pink sheer dupatta with a lace border. Her hair was left open in waves, pushed back by a thin sparkling white hairband. A picture of innocence. 

Meanwhile, the groom-to-be, Farhaan Bhai was sitting beside his father, wearing formal black trousers and a cream button-down shirt. 

As expected, both were occasionally discreetly exchanging looks, with Hoor's cheeks turning pink by the moment, seemingly. I couldn't help smiling. Ma Sha Allah. But although my heart was filled with duas for them, I also couldn't wait to tease her constantly. A wedding is just a big event for the siblings, as much as the couple, because it gives us plenty of opportunity for leg-pulling. And I noticed Faizan grin mischievously at his brother as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he shared the same thoughts as me.

*

Hooriya

I walked along the paved path that surrounded by the beautiful garden of the B&B. Haya was a few feet ahead, chatting endlessly to Ifra, while my brothers, Shayaan and Harris played football nearby. One of them had managed to bring a football along, knowing that there would be ample space to play.

"Whose side will you be representing?" Haya was asking Ifra. "I know Farhaan Bhai is your cousin, but considering that Mama and Reem Khalla are best friends, you need to be with us, Ifra." 

"Always." Ifra grinned at her. "You and Hoor Appi are like sisters to me, you know that." As she glanced over her shoulder, she looked sheepish. "Sorry, Bhai. But facts are facts. I'm Team Bride." 

I froze, my heart suddenly pounding harder. 

Haya laughed as she turned. "Aiye, dulhe sahab! Aap hi ka intezar tha." 

*"Come, Mr Groom! We were waiting for you." 

My cheeks warmed up as I heard his footsteps, and then he appeared beside me. 

"Ifra, Haya, please excuse us." He told them in a polite tone. "I need to talk to Hoor."

Ifra and Haya just giggled, their eyes bright. A few teasing seconds later, the two headed off, laughing harder.

"Mere ghadi ka khayal rakh rahi ho na?" His soft voice made my heart flutter happily.

*"Are you taking care of my watch?"

"Woh ghadi ab aapki nahin rahin, yaad hai?" I could bearly speak above a whisper.

*"That watch isn't yours anymore, remember?" 

"To mere kya hai?" He asked.

*"Then what's mine?" 

I finally looked up at him, a small smile on my face. "Nikah ke baad...sab kuch."

*"After the Nikah... everything."

His smile made the world seem like a much warmer, much lighter place to me. It made me happy on an indescribable level. Alhumdulillah. "Nikah ke liye tayar ho?"

*"Are you ready for the Nikah?"

I nodded, shyly.

"I have a lot of things I want to say to you, Hoor, but I feel that it would all be more appropriate after Nikah." 

"I agree. I have many things that I want to say too." I said.

"In Sha Allah shadi karlain, phir khoob batein karainge." 

*"In Sha Allah, we'll get married and then we'll talk a lot." 

"In Sha Allah." I paused as something occurred to me. "Farhaan, I will still be able to work after marriage, right?" 

"Do you not know me, Hoor? I encourage you to follow your career goals." His tone was so soft an caring. "Hoor, I have grown up in an environment where Papa has given immense love and respect to Mama, and has always encouraged and supported her. In our family, there's no other way to treat the ladies, but with love and respect. Trust me that I will maintain that throughout our marriage, In Sha Allah."

I couldn't stop smiling as we strolled and talked. I can't wait for Nikah. I can't wait to tell you how a sweet, innocent childhood crush of mine because an all-consuming, irrevocable love. I love you so much, Farhaan, but you're right; these words would be magnified in beauty after Nikah. In Sha Allah.

*

"Rehan, sunain." Mama spoke.

*"Listen."

I was sitting on the living room sofa watching TV and Papa was on the armchair doing a crossword puzzle in a newspaper. Mama had come and sat on the armrest beside him, running a hand through his hair. She wasn't shy to display minor acts of affection such as these.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Pay attention to me." She took the newspaper from his hands. "I was thinking something. I want to go to Pakistan and get all the shopping done from there. I was thinking I'd take Hoor along, stay there for a month or so, and get whatever I need from there. Mama's there too, she can help me. Once the Nikah is done, Hoor and I can leave. Arsal has his internship, so he can't come. Rohaan wouldn't ever want to come there for a month, although I'd ask him, and Haya has already said that she has matches since it's the season, so she can't come either. Hoor is free till September, so I'll take her." 

"Matlab, saari planning karli hai?" He looked at her amused.

*"Meaning, you've planned everything out?"

"I'm the mother of the bride-to-be, Rehan. I need to think quickly. Slacking or procrastination is not an option."

"And what does Hoor have to say about this?" Papa glanced at me.

I shrugged. "I won't go for a month. Just long enough to get my shopping done." 

"It's going to be unbearably hot, Anya." He said, looking worried.

"Mama's house is air-conditioned." My mother said. "As for the transport, I'm sure Mr Rehan Tariq would make good arrangements for his beloved wife and daughter." She smiled in my direction. "Right, Hoor?" 

"Especially for the daughter who's about to get married..." I joined in, pouting slightly for effect.

"My Drama Queens." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Up to you, Anya. Just let me know the plans, so I can make all arrangements."

*

Anabia

"Meri pari, meri Hoor ki shaadi!" Mama's voice sounded emotional over the video call. "Ma Sha Allah!"

*"The wedding of my fairy, my Hoor!"

"Mama, you have to come for the Nikah." I was busy sorting things out in my wardrobe, so I wasn't looking at the camera directly. "Then Hoor and I will fly to Pakistan with you, In Sha Allah. I need to get all the wedding shopping done from there. In fact, I'm trying to see if the rest of my kids can come for at least a week or so as well, so I can get their shopping sorted. You know how the boys are, they're not going shopping for themselves. And Haya will not be bothered initially, but she'll panic last minute."

"Aur Rehan?" Mama asked.

*"And Rehan?" 

"Unhain to main bulake hi chodoongi, chahe jaate waqt, ya waapsi ke waqt. Dulhan ke baap hain, unke liye to maine khaas custom-made banawane hahin, In Sha Allah." I had many plans for my family. "In fact, I'm thinking, Rehan, Rohaan and Arsu can wear matching outfits."

*"I'll definitely get him to come there, whether it's while we're going, or before we fly back. He is the father of the bride, I have to have special custom-made outfits for him, In Sha Allah."

"The Nikah is on a Friday, two weeks from now?" She asked.

"In Sha Allah." I walked around the room, bringing outfits to the bed to look through them. "Anaya Bhabi said we can organise it in the outer grounds of the B&B. It has a beautiful view." I sighed. "Mama, I have to go. I'll call you later. Oh, and Arsu said that he left you messages, but you didn't reply!" 

"Kambakht phone hai, beta. Battery gets drained so quickly. Kamran keeps saying that he'll buy me a new one, but I keep refusing." Mama complained.

*"It's the wretched phone, dear."

After the call ended, I stood with my hand on my hips, thinking things through. I was still standing there when Rehan came in.

"Mujhe tang karne ke naye mansoobay bana rahi ho?" He teased.

*"Are you making new plans of how to tease me?" 

I looked at him. "Naye? Abhi to purane bhi bohat tareeqay hain aap ko tang karne ke."

*"New? I still have a lot of old ways to tease you."

He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me from the side. His amusement had drained away, leaving behind an almost sorrowed expression. "Hoor jaa rahi hai, yaar."

*"Hoor is going."

"Yes, she's going to Pakistan with me. I told you."

"No, I meant she's getting married and leaving us. It feels so weird. Not in a negative way, but I cannot imagine even one of them not being here anymore." He spoke quietly.

"Udaas ho rahe hain?" Although I smiled teasingly at him, my own heart sank as his words made me realise that we were about to get our Hoor married off.

*"Are you missing her already?" 

"I don't know how people consider daughters burdens. I feel like I'm giving away a part of myself, Anya." 

There were horrible men out there who did not value their daughters. But for Rehan, Hoor and Haya were his whole world. Of course, he loved Arsalan and Rohaan as well, but he had a strong bond with his daughters which made him softer towards them. I felt tears in my eyes. "Well, since we are talking about that, they were once literally a part of me, inside me, and now Hoor..." My voice broke. He was right. How weird would our home feel without even one of our children?

"May Allah bless them all with long, healthy and blissful lives. Ameen." He whispered, kissing the side of my head.

"Ameen." I snuggled up against him. "Where did the time go, Rehan?" 

It felt like just yesterday that I was fangirling over my favourite author, who eventually became my husband. And now, with the Mercy and Blessings of Allah, we were about to wed off our Hooriya, In Sha Allah.

*

Hooriya

Henna covered hands.

Rapid heart beats.

Breathless moments.

As Muslims, we are raised to believe that the prologue of a love story starts at Nikah. It's the beautiful beginning of a pure love that was written since before we were born, blessed by Allah Himself. It is the completion of half our deen (faith). It sounds like a fantasy, a world woven in the realms of fiction, to those who don't believe in the institute of marriage. It was a fairy tale far from reality.

But how could I consider it a fairy tale when I was living those moments. The curtain of jasmine flowers divided us, my sheer dupatta covered my head, but I could strongly sense his presence. This was no fairy tale. This was my beautiful reality, granted by Allah after my innocent wish. Alhumdulillah.

It wasn't happening too quickly. In fact, I felt like I had waited too long for this moment. 

"Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, do you take Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, as your husband, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?" 

*Haq mehr: A gift or a token that must be mandatorily given to the wife by husband, as a part of Nikah. It could be money, property, or any such thing, and solely belongs to the bride.

"Qabool Hai." I whispered.

"Beta, you have to speak up just a little." The Imam told me, gently.

I held onto Papa's hand tightly, feeling nerves overwhelm me. "Qabool Hai."

"Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, do you take Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, as your husband, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?"

"Qabool Hai."

"Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, do you take Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, as your husband, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?"

"Qabool Hai."

 Life-defining moments can seem almost simple, but they leave a great impact upon us. In two words, spoken thrice, I was almost bound in Farhaan's Nikah. Now, we awaited his answer.

"Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, do you take Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, as your wife, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?"

"Qabool Hai." His voice came from the other side, loud and clear.

"Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, do you take Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, as your wife, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?"

"Qabool Hai."

"Farhaan Faiz, son of Faiz Jamshed, do you take Hooriya Rehan, daughter of Rehan Tariq, as your wife, with the haq mehr of ten thousand pounds?"

"Qabool Hai."

It was official. I was officially in his Nikah. We were officially married. 

"You okay?" Papa leaned closer to ask me.

"I am, but I'm not." I squeezed his hand.

Everyone congratulated each other around us, but Papa remained focused on me. "I've been married for almost twenty-five years, Ma Sha Allah, and I still understand your feeling very well." He gave me a soft smile. "I can only pray that your marital life is as blissful as mine has been, meri jaan. Ameen." 

"What's the secret?" I asked.

"Well, I would tell Rohaan and Arsalan that the secret is to listen to your wives." He grinned.

I giggled.

"But the fact is that it's hard at times, but both of you need to have plenty of patience, and willingness to compromise. You're life partners, be open and honest with each other, consider each other's opinions and feelings, okay? Anger and ego are both unavoidable, but both must be controlled well." 

At that point, Faiz Uncle came around and Papa got up to hug and congratulate him. 

I glanced down at my gold coloured maxi dress with copper and silver sequins, with the bodice heavily embroidered, as well as the sheer sleeves. The sheer dupatta had a beautiful border, and was dotted with tiny beads. Over this dupatta, a red dupatta with the words 'Qabool Hai' written in Urdu in golden letters on the border. Hareem Khalla had found it in Birmingham and got it especially for me.

"I might be Farhaan's Phupho, but I am no less than a Khalla for you and your siblings, Hoor." Reem Khalla had told me. "Anabia is like my sister; she's been a constant source of strength for me. Her kids mean the world to me. I might be officially representing Farhaan, but know that secretly, I'm from both sides."

"Guys, please step aside. The groom needs to see his bride!" Ifra announced, looking stunning in a light blue maxi dress that brushed the floor, barely exposing her silver open-toed sandals.

A loud hooting came from Faizan, Rohaan and Shayaan.

"Heer Heer na akho adiyo, main te Sahiba hoyi, ghodi le ke aaye le jaaye... ghodi le ke aaye le jaaye. Au mainu le jaye Mirza koi, le jaaye Mirza koi, le jaaye Mirza koi..." The song began to play.

Ifra and Haya moved the curtain of flowers aside, while I kept my gaze on my lap.

Farhaan stepped forward, dressed in white shalwar kameez and a black waistcoat. 

"Mat sharmao, ghungat uthao!" Haya and Ifra called out in unison.

*"Don't be shy, lift up her veil!"

I smiled to myself, as everyone laughed around us.

"After eons we reached this stage. God knows when he'll lift up the veil." Faizan joked, again making everyone laugh. 

"Alright, show's over! Youngsters, leave if you can't behave." Hareem Khalla called out. "Farhaan, she's your bride, beta. You can go ahead and lift the veil, nobody will mind. Would you mind, Hoor?" 

I shook my head, barely stifling giggles. I felt the veil being lifted, and I closed my eyes, my lashes brushing my cheeks. I felt his fingers move aside my maang tikka (forehead adornment) before I felt his breath against my hairline as he recited a supplication. Finally, he blew it softly over me before his lips brushed against my forehead. "Ma Sha Allah." He whispered.

Again the boys hooted, and Ifra and Haya said, "Haye!"

Anaya Aunty came around from the side, and placed a hand on Farhaan's arm. "If you both want, you can go upstairs and talk." She helped me up, and took the red dupatta off before folding it and draping it over her arm.

Farhaan wrapped his arm around me to steady me, and I stared up at him in awe. Meri dua qabool hui. Alhumdulillah, Ya Rabbil Alameen.

*My prayer has been answered. Alhumdulillah, Oh Lord of the Worlds.

"Hoor, you look like a fangirl." My twin teased me in a whisper as she came on my other side. 

Farhaan Faiz has his arm around me. Don't faint. Don't trip. I ignored my sister's teasing because I was too busy being anxious.

The B&B staff smiled warmly at us as we stepped inside, leaving the outdoor venue where the Nikah had been held. An elderly gentleman held out a bouquet of roses towards me, and nodded. "Congratulations, Sir and Madam." We nodded our thanks towards the staff.

"What happened?" Farhaan teased me as we ascended the stairs. "Don't you want to hire an Uber and go home today?" 

"If you want, I will." I teased him back. We walked through the fancy corridor towards a set of double doors. Farhaan unlocked it and pushed it open. We stepped into a beautiful bedroom. The bedroom itself had the lights off, while the sitting area was lit up by recessed lights on the ceiling, a clear indication that the room had just been prepared for the newly married couple's post-Nikah conversation, rather than a wedding night. Gorgeous red roses rested in a glass vase in the centre of the table. There were two empty champagne flutes with a bottle of lemonade resting in a bucket of ice by the glass coffee table. On the table itself was a fruit bowl, and beside it rested a fancy box of chocolates. 

"We can either have the lunch served here, or downstairs with the others." Farhaan spoke after a few seconds of silence. He had been observing me as I looked around the room.

I glanced at him, remembering our conversation from the day when our families had set the Nikah date.

"I have a lot of things I want to say to you, Hoor, but I feel that it would all be more appropriate after Nikah." 

"I agree. I have many things that I want to say too." I said.

"In Sha Allah shadi karlain, phir khoob batein karainge."

*"In Sha Allah, we'll get married and then we'll talk a lot." 

But now that we were here, alone in a room together after our Nikah, I didn't know where to begin.

"Be comfortable. No need to be anxious or nervous." He stepped towards me and placed his hands on my shoulders. "I promise, I will not do anything against your will, Hoor."

I turned away and took my heels off, my height immediately decreasing. Walking around the room, I looked at the large double-bed, the beautiful modern desk with a lamp and stationery that had the B&B's name imprinted on it. I moved the curtains aside and stared at the green countryside breathlessly. I loved it here. As I turned, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror- the smokey-eyed make-up, the gorgeous shade of lipstick, the updo which almost sparkled with a hint of glitter. I adored the gorgeous bridal jewellery set. I was a bride. Farhaan's bride.

He appeared behind me, placing his hand lightly on my hips. "You look gorgeous, Ma Sha Allah."

I looked up at him, a small smile appearing on my face. "You look handsome too, Ma Sha Allah." 

"Hoor..." He breathed out my name, setting butterflies fluttering uncontrollably through my stomach. "Hooriya."

I looked up into his blue-green eyes. My heart was in a state of disbelief. His gaze moved down to my lips. I bit my lower lip, almost feeling like my lips felt shy feeling his heated gaze upon them. He leaned closer. My hand fisted up on the front of his shirt, clutching the soft material of his kameez. At some point, his waistcoat had been discarded, and I felt the hardness of his chest against my knuckles. He stepped forward, and I moved back. But I wasn't moving away from him... I wanted him to come closer to me. I wanted to know how it felt to be wanted by him, after years of yearning for him. My back pressed against the wall of next to the dressing table mirror. My gaze fell on his lips. The distance was decreasing between us, my heart rate was increasing. 

I've loved you for a long time. My mind uttered the words that my lips hadn't dared to. 

And then there was no gap between us. His mouth me mine, and I gasped softly. It was an unusual feeling being kissed on the mouth, yet it was beautiful in the sense that the man who was kissing me had complete right to do so. I wanted him to do so. He was the one I'd wanted to give all the rights to, and he is the one who ended up having all the rights. 

I wasn't sure how to react at first, or what to do. For a few brief seconds, I felt his mouth over mine, but then I decided to kiss him back as he was kissing me. I slid my hands over his back as I started to relax in his embrace. Our first kiss that was a little unusual for me, turned into a passionate expression of love, a physical confession of my feelings rather than a verbal one. 

I felt elated and irrevocably in love.

*

"Our beautiful bride, Ma Sha Allah!" Aizah Appi held out her arm as I approached the table where the ladies were sitting for lunch. She stood up and hugged me. "Welcome to the family, Bhabi." 

It felt strange to be called that. Everything felt strange. I was married. I'd barely exchanged a single kiss with my husband before we were called downstairs for lunch. And now we were back down here, where I was being called 'Bhabi'.

"Anabia and her family were always family anyway." Hareem Khalla pointed out. 

Tomorrow I was flying to Lahore with Mama. I just had tonight to confess to my husband. He needed to know how I felt, how I'd always felt.

Trying to remain as patient as possible, I had lunch with the ladies from both sides of the family, while Farhaan ate with the men. Occasionally, I caught him staring at me, while at other times he caught me sneaking a glance at him. Each time our gazes met he smiled, and I blushed and dropped my gaze away.

But once dessert was over, he was nowhere to be seen. 

My family was ready to leave as Papa had to drop Dado and Dada Jaan off. I was going in the car with my brothers and Haya, as far as I knew. 

I found Faizan Bhai as he chatted to Mikael Bhai, the son of Farhaan's Rida Phupho. Greeting them both politely, I asked, "Faizan Bhai, Farhaan kahaan gaye hain?"

*"Faizan Bhai, where did Farhaan go?"

"He just went inside, Bhabi." Faizan Bhai gave me a soft smile. "He'll be out very soon. He has to come and take you home after all."

"He's driving me?" 

"Of course." 

Glancing around, I ensured that nobody was paying attention to me and I headed inside, holding up my dress to avoid tripping. I stopped at the foot of the staircase, pursing my lips, wondering whether to go or not. A few guests staying at the hotel passed me by and a couple of ladies complimented me on my bridal look. I smiled politely at them, all the while facing an internal dilemma.

Should I go up?

No. You'll seem to desperate.

Desperate? He's my husband now.

Just wait downstairs for him.

But I want to tell him how I feel. I've waited too long...

Hoor, shut up and go outside.

I turned to go. But then a thought made me turn back and ascend the stairs. I had a right to express myself to him. We weren't dating, for Allah's sake! I was in his Nikah.

Halfway down the hall to the room where we'd just been, I turned back around. I was too nervous. I shook my head. No, I can't do this. Abort mission. I began to make my way back to the stairs.

Hoor, for Allah's sake! He's your husband!

The emotions of the day all crashed down on me and I burst into tears. My heart and my mind were at war, forcing me into two different directions. I felt confused. A part of me yearned to run to him and tell him everything, while the other part of me felt that I was being too eager and impatient.

"Hoor?" 

I froze. Oh no. I slowly turned around and looked at him, and my eyes widened. He was standing wearing his shalwar and a white vest, as he dabbed a towel over his face. 

"Theek ho?" He asked, freezing in his action as he read my expressions.

*"Are you okay?" 

And as my tears had made a sudden appearance, the words slipped out as if on their own accord. "Bohat mohabbat karti hoon aapse. Bohat arse se mohabbat ki hai aapse, aur zindagi bhar tak karti rahoongi, In Sha Allah."

*"I love you a lot. I've loved you for a long time, and I will love you all my life, In Sha Allah."

He looked like he was in awe as he heard my confession.

Stunned at myself, I turned and ran towards the stairs.

"Hoor!" He chased after me, I could hear him. And because I was in a heavy dress and heels, he caught up to me and took me in his arms. "Yaar, aise kaun karta hai? Itne pyare lafz kehke kaun aise bhagta hai?"

*"Who does this? Who runs away after saying such beautiful words?" 

Me.

He released me, and took my hand instead, leading me back to the bedroom. 

"Everyone's waiting to go..." I insisted.

"I'm dropping you off, they know it." He closed the door of the bedroom once we were inside. "So, what were you saying?" He pressed me against the door, stepping up very close to me and leaning down until our lips were inches apart.

And suddenly, my confidence was gone. His bare arms, his torso that was being clearly outlined in the white vest. He had thrown the towel aside, and I watched as a drop of water dripped down his throat and underneath his neckline. 

"What were you saying, Hoor? Say it again..." His voice was low, almost pleading.

"I've said what I had to. It's your turn." I gathered the courage to place my hands on his waist. 

He pecked my lips quickly. My hands scrunched up the material of his vest as desire flowed wildly inside me. He kissed the corner of my mouth. The desire inside me became unbearable and I turned my back towards him, feeling my body shiver. He moved the dupatta aside, and I felt his fingers trace the bare skin at the base of my neck, above the neckline of my outfit. I felt his lips move there slowly, his body press against mine. 

"Mohabbat ho tum meri. Aisi mohabbat jiska ehsaas mere se pehle poori duniya ko hogaya tha." He chuckled softly.

*"You're my love. Such a love that the whole world became aware of it before I did."

"You were my childhood crush for so long, Farhaan. As years passed by, I dismissed my feelings repeatedly as just a crush. But..." I shook my head. I was crying as I spoke, feeling beyond emotional. I was in love, I was married to my love, I had a beautiful life. Alhumdulillah. 

He clasped our hands together, and we started at each other. I tilted my head back against the door, as I looked up at him. He, who had given me unconditional support, selflessly, for as long as I could remember. He who had been nothing but caring and sweet towards me. He, who encouraged me every step of the way, even when I was uncertain.

"I'm in love with you, Hoor." He admitted in a low husky voice. "I cannot bear seeing you upset or in pain. I'd do anything for you, to protect you, to keep you safe. I'd give my life up for you, and I can swear on that."

"I'm in love with you too, Farhaan." I hugged him tightly, resting my chin on his shoulder.

As we kissed once again, I started giggling.

"What?" He chuckled in amusement.

"The way I was going up and down the hallway..." 

"It's okay. I've always known you're a strange one." 

"Farhaan!" I lightly slammed a fist against his chest. 

His gaze intensely locked with mine, he grabbed that fist in his hand. I smiled and tried to free myself, but he didn't let me go. A small smile appeared on his face as well, a teasing glint in his eyes. The sounds of my bangles jingling broke the silence as I playfully attempted to free myself.

"Chodain." I finally spoke.

*"Let me go."

"Nahin choda to?" He asked.

*"If I don't let go?" 

I thought about it. "I'll tickle you." 

To my utter surprise, he lifted up his vest. "Go ahead and try."

I resisted an urge to squeal. I was trying not to stare at his stomach, but my gaze automatically went there, as if pulled by a magnetic force. He had an impish smile on his face as he realised the effect he- and his abs- were having on me.

"Farhaan!" Aizah Appi's voice came from the other side of the door, down the corridor.

He let me go, and as I fumbled to open the door, "Meri dulhan ho. Kahan jao ki bhagke mujhse?"

*"You're my bride. Where will you go by running away from me?" 

My cheeks warm, I ran out like a filmy bride. I almost bumped into Aizah Appi, who raised both eyebrows at me and gave me a knowing smile.

I smiled back at her, blushing, before continuing past her.

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Well, I thought I'd give you a surprise, feel good chapter for once. No cliffhangers.

You guys definitely didn't expect this, did you?

Hoor and Farhaan are finally married!

But...

I've added to your confusion. Who will Haya be with? Who do you guys ship her with more?

Thoughts and comments?

Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote!

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