© All copyrights belong to StarsAndMoon1447 on Wattpad

*

Hooriya

Everything had been normal. I'd slept through the long flight, only waking up an hour or two before touchdown in Lahore. 

I felt quite refreshed as we got off the aircraft, smiling as I noticed the bright late morning sunshine. The smile only lasted until the moment I felt a blast of heat lunge out towards me as we stepped into the terminal building. Despite the air-conditioning, he heat felt almost suffocating.

Luckily, we seemed to be the only long-haul international flight at that time, so immigration didn't take too long. Before I knew it, we were heading towards the baggage belt, where we collected her suitcases and headed towards the exit.

"Hoor, message Papa to let him know that we're here, and tell him that I'll call him once we're at your Nano's." Mama told me as she led the way towards the exit.

"I don't have a local SIM, Mama. And it'll take me a few minutes to set up the daily data passport." I reminded her. 

She rummaged through her purse and handed me her phone. "Use this. I changed the SIM before landing. You can message Farhaan as well." She gave me a cheeky smile.

I unlocked the phone and smiled at her wallpaper. It was a family photo of us in a theme park. Papa had his arm around Mama's shoulder, holding Haya in one arm, while she held a toddler Arsu in her arms. Rohaan stood just in front of them wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt and matching shorts. I stood just beside Papa, clutching onto his sleeve. "Why don't you message him? I feel like I'm violating your privacy." I handed her the phone.

"Hoor..." She sighed.

I gave her a smile. 

Shaking her head, she took the phone from me and messaged him. I saw the smile on her face as she typed. Ana_B messaging her beloved author, Rehan Tariq. After sending it, she handed the phone over to me. "Your turn."

I couldn't help giggling. But before I could bring up Farhaan's name, the phone rang in my hands and I saw my father's name on the caller ID. A cheeky grin appeared on my face.

"Hoor." Mama's eyes widened as she raised a finger at me. "Don't you dare."

I answered the phone, pressing the phone against my ear. Mama pressed a hand over her forehead, sighing in exasperation.

"Assalam Alaikum. Mujhe laga bhool jaogi mujhe wahan pohanchte hi." My father's voice was low and sleepy.

*"I felt like you'd forget me as soon as you reach there."

"Walaikum Assalam." I replied, sweetly. "Mama to bhool gayi hain. Woh to main hi hoon jise aap yaad hain."

*"Mama has forgotten you. It is I who remembered you."

I continued grinning at Mama, who just continued walking, shaking her head.

"Hoor. Baap ke saath shararat karti ho?" He sounded amused. "How are you both? How was the flight?" 

*"Are you being cheeky with your father?" 

"I slept all the way." I replied. "It was nice and comfortable."

"And yet you tease the mother who is the reason you get to travel in luxury almost for free?" He asked. 

"Teasing is reserved for people I adore." I said. "It's my weird way of showing affection. Anyway... how's everyone back home? Is Haya missing me a lot?" 

He laughed. "So much peace here." 

"I can't believe you! This is our value for you?" I gasped out dramatically.

"What can I do? I tease the people I adore." He repeated my words and I couldn't help laughing. "Where's your mother?" 

"She's just making her way to Kamran Nana and Nano. I'll get her to call you back." I saw my grandmother and honorary grandfather walking up to us with big smiles on their faces.

"Okay. Take care okay, Hoor?" 

"I will, Papa. You take care too. I love you. Allah Hafiz." 

"I love you too, Hoor. Allah Hafiz." He ended the call.

"Hooriya!" My grandmother hugged me tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Meri gudiya, meri pari, meri jaan..."

*"My doll, my fairy, my life..."

"Congratulations! I'm so, so happy for you. The son of Faiz Jamshed, the son of a family we know so well... it's the perfect choice for you!" Nano kissed my forehead.

"I'm not happy that you couldn't make it for my Nikah." I frowned, feigning anger.

"I'm so sorry, Hoor. In Sha Allah, we'll be there for the wedding functions." 

Kamran Nana ran a hand over my head, giving me countless blessings.

My phone started ringing, to my surprise. I reached into my bag and pulled it out.

Farhaan.

The others smiled knowingly, seeing the expression on my face. Nano placed a hand on Mama's back and began to lead her towards the car parking, while Nana took my luggage trolley and began to follow them.

"Assalam Alaikum." I answered the phone call. 

"Walaikum Assalam. You reached there okay?" Farhaan's voice sent my heart fluttering.

"Alhumdulillah." I winced as I stepped out into the sunlight. Already there was a harshness to it that pierced at my skin. "It's so hot here."

"No kidding? Hot in June? In Pakistan?" He teasingly asked.

"Funny." I rolled my eyes, even though it wasn't a video call.

"Stay hydrated. Take care, okay?" He said. 

"Farhaan...were you tracking my flight?" I bit my lip. 

"You wish." He scoffed.

"Whatever you say." 

"Okay, I'll let you go now. Give my Salaam to all." He said. "And Hoor?" 

"Hmm?" 

"Anything you need, anything, let me know, okay?" 

"What are you going to do from all the way in London?" 

"Don't underestimate me." His smile was heard clearly in his voice. "Allah Hafiz."

"Allah Hafiz." I said, softly.

After the call ended and I joined the others, Nano teasingly asked, "How is Farhaan?" 

I ducked my head, avoiding looking directly at anyone. "He said Salaam to all."

"Walaikum Assalam." They all replied.

"And my father wants to speak to his wife as well." I diverted the attention to Mama. "Don't make him wait."

"Anabia, tum bhi baat karlo shohar se." Nano told her. 

*"Anabia, you go ahead and speak to your husband too." 

So while the rest of us waited in Nana's car, Mama spoke to Papa on the phone outside, not even caring about the headache-inducing sunlight. Kamran Nana sat at the front with the driver, and I was going to be in the middle, facing the full blast of the air-conditioning.

I heard love is blind...but is love also weatherproof? I smiled as I watched my mother. She had the expressions of a newly-married woman herself as she spoke to Papa. Ma Sha Allah.

*

I got out of the car outside Nano's home in Lahore, worn out from the flight. The warm air hit me hard. While a part of me enjoyed it, another part of me wanted to immediately find shelter in an air-conditioned room.

The driver started to unload our luggage and I glanced around at the quiet neighbourhood. It felt unreal. We were here for my wedding preparations. Suddenly excitement started to overpower my homesickness.

"Hooriya, come inside, beta! Why are you standing out there?" Nano's voice came from inside.

As I began to turn, I saw a pale hand suddenly reach forward and grab my wrist, making me cry out. I looked up into eyes that were heavily adorned by eyeliner. The pale face of the woman had a mane of wild brown locks surrounding it. Her lips dark red, uttering silent inaudible words. She wore a dark black robe and both her wrists were covered with bracelets made from unearthly looking gems. The way she was looking at me made me terrified. Her grip tightened on my wrist.

I was washed by fear, as if someone had poured a bucket-load of it over my head. "Mama!" I cried out.

"Zareena, nass aithon!" Nano's scolding voice was folded by her roughly yanking the strange woman's arm away, freeing me.

*"Zareena, get lost!"

The odd woman kept her piercing gaze on me, still muttering under her breath.

The world might laugh is disbelief, but the concept of black magic is very much real in Islam. It's a strictly forbidden act that amounts to Satanism. I've seen TV shows on it, I've read books on it. 

"Mama!" I sobbed out, panicking.

"Hoor!" My mother appeared by my side, wrapping her arms protectively around me as she glared at the woman.

I was trembling, and I tightly hugged my mother. 

*

"Rehan, kuch nahin hua." Mama reassured my father over the video call.

*"Rehan, nothing happened."

"From her voice it didn't seem like nothing, Anya!" 

"She panicked and called you. It's okay. Mama says the woman's harmless." My mother said. 

The moment we were inside, I had directly called Papa without concerns for roaming charges, telling him that I wanted to come back home.

"Who is that woman?" Papa sounded furious.

"She's just a wanderer, she has no home. She seems scary, but she is harmless, Mama reassured me."

"Let me see Hoor." His voice softened.

Mama handed me the phone. I was huddled up on the sofa in Nano's living room. 

"Hoor, are you okay?" Papa looked worried.

I nodded slowly.

"Be brave, okay? And remember, whenever you are in a fearful situation, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi." He said.

Again, I nodded.

"May you always remain under Allah's protection, all of you. Ameen." Papa said. 

"Ameen." Mama ran a hand over my head.

*

<Hooriya: Something weird happened today...>

<Farhaan: Why does something weird always happen with you?>

<Hooriya: I'm serious... I'm creeped out!>
<Hooriya: 😱😱😱>

I lay back in bed in my room at Nano's house. The bed was large enough that I almost fit fully on it even if I sideways...which I was doing right now. Farhaan was currently at work, and had told me that he would call me later if I was still up.

<Farhaan: What happened?>

<Hooriya: This really scary woman grabbed my wrist roughly as I got out of the car outside Nano's house and was just glaring at me, muttering something under her breath.>

The phone started ringing. He was calling me, most likely worried about me.

"You okay?" He asked once we had greeted each other.

"I'm fine." I stared up at the ceiling, my hair tumbling down the side of the bed.

"What was that all about?" He asked.

"Allah knows. But Nano says she's harmless." But the woman's piercing gaze wouldn't escape my mind. I laughed at myself. "I immediately called Papa and told him that I wanted to come home. He got so worried as well." 

"Do you still want to come home?" 

"No, I think it was just an initial shock. Nano says that it's nothing to worry about, so I'm going to believe that."

"You and drama... match made in heaven."

"That's exactly why we got married." I laughed harder.

"Yeah, I'm not the dramatic one in this relationship." 

"Really? Shall I remind you how to long you took to realise your feelings?" I smiled. "Soap level drama, I'm telling you." I got up and headed to the mirror. Holding up my left hand, I admired the diamond ring in my henna-covered hands. 

"I really have to go now, Hoor. As you know, from June the B&B starts to get busier." 

"Okay, focus on work." I said. 

"I need inspiration." 

"Oh yeah? What could that possibly be?" I teasingly asked.

"Surprise me." 

As the call ended, I took a selfie of myself in the mirror. I wore a soft maroon t-shirt with black and maroon matching night-suit trousers. I had changed into nightwear so that I could get some sleep. As refreshed as I had been after the flight, the time difference was still making me a little drowsy. I sent him the photo with a smiley.

<Hooriya: Inspired? 😊>

<Farhaan: 😘>

The mini-horror in my life faded away, brushed aside by the love of my family and sweet moments of romance.

*

<Hooriya: Awake?>

I had just prayed Fajr and was about to return to bed. The truth was, I hadn't slept well... and not just because of the time difference, but each time I closed my eyes, I pictured that creepy woman's gaze. Eventually, I left the bedside table lamp on. As I was dozing off finally, the air-conditioning hum stopped, thanks to load shedding... and I was awake again.

I was still awake when the Fajr Adhan (call for prayer) sounded from a nearby mosque. 

<Farhaan: Yeah. Fajr?>

<Hooriya: Yes.>

<Farhaan: Slept okay before that?>

How did he know me well enough to ask me that?

<Hooriya: Well, you know how it is...time difference, chance of environment...>

<Farhaan: Hoor, you know what I mean.>

I took the dupatta off and sat on the bed, staring at the screen. I had no idea whether to be honest with him, or whether to spare him the worry.

<Farhaan: Can I video call?>

Immediately, I glanced across the room at the mirror. I wasn't arrogant or vain, but I was comfortable with myself. All I did was smoothen the strands of hair on my head, before I pressed the video camera button on the screen.

He answered almost straight away.

"Assalam Alaikum. Seems like someone was impatiently waiting to video call me." I teased.

"Walaikum Assalam." He was leaning against the head board, and although I couldn't see past his shoulders... I could tell that his torso was bare. 

"I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." 

"I'm fine. Alhumdulillah." I lay on my side on the bed, propping up on an elbow while I held my phone with the other hand. 

"Aren't you sleepy?" 

I shook my head. "I'm still running on London time."

"Is everyone okay there? How are your Nano and Kamran Uncle?"

"Everyone is well, Alhumdulillah." I replied in a soft voice. "Aren't you tired? From the messages, I got the feeling that you had a very busy day."

"It was busy, no doubt. But this is necessary too." He smiled.

I smiled back.

"Darr lag raha hai na?" He guessed correctly.

*"You're scared, right?" 

I nodded.

"We need to do something about that, don't we?" His eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully. "First, close your eyes and recite Ayat-ul-Kursi."

I did as he said before opening my eyes again. 

"Now tell me, Hoor? What type of dress do you want for the baraat?" 

"I want a traditional red...maybe red and gold." I replied instantly. "Nothing over the top, but nothing too simple either." 

"Do you think I should wear a sherwani or a suit?"

"Sherwani." Again, I replied quickly. "Desi look really suits you, Ma Sha Allah. Especially what you wore on Eid-ul-Fitr last year..."

The thought of him in that shalwar-kameez made me blissfully lose myself in that memory.

He smiled. "Any other requests, Madam?" 

I giggled, sleepily. "You can wear a suit for the Valima if you want..."

"We'll see. Mama and Aizah will select your Valima dress, and I'll get something according to that, In Sha Allah."

My eyes starting fluttering shut, but I forced them to remain open. I wanted to talk to him so much more.

"You know, all my Phuphos are planning on attending, In Sha Allah. They always treated your mother like their little sister, and they are so excited that you are a part of our family now. Ma Sha Allah. In fact, Dania Phupho and Sumi Phupho will probably call your mother so that you all can meet up while you're in Lahore."

"They are sweet..." I smiled, my eyes shutting. I was still listening to him, but only after closing my eyes had I realised how weary they were. I'll just close them and listen to him.

"Hoor?"

"Hmm?"

"You look beautiful, Ma Sha Allah."

"Hmmm." The phone started to slip from my fingers and I opened my eyes and steadied it.

"Go to sleep." He spoke gently.

"I'll have a nightmare about her." I whispered. "Maybe if you send me a photo of yourself to inspire me to have good dreams...?" 

"Nice try." He chuckled.

I smiled even as my eyes closed again.

"I didn't know how I didn't realise that it was always meant to be you, Hoor. I always wanted to take care of you, to protect you. And in recent years, I started to realise that I'd do anything to see you happy, although I didn't dwell to deep into the reason why I felt that way." 

....

*

Farhaan

The phone seemed to have slipped out of her hands, because suddenly all I could see was the ceiling. Through the video call, I heard her soft and even breathing. She was finally asleep, at peace after her scary experience.

<Farhaan: No matter what time of the day (or night), call me if you need me.>

I ended the call and then stared at her photo which was my phone wallpaper. Hooriya as my bride on the day of the Nikah, just two days ago. It was just two days since she was my wife, but it felt longer. My connection to her felt too strong to be just two-days-old.

Chuckling, I held my phone up and took a selfie before sending it to her. I would have normally thought that it was a cheesy, silly thing to do, but with Hooriya it seemed sweet. It was a nice feeling to be able to exchange photos with my wife like that. It certainly eased the difficulties of this long-distance.

Hooriya Farhaan.

*

When I woke up early in the morning and turned the alarm off, I saw notifications of messages from Hooriya.

<Hoor: Thank you for the 🔥 inspiration! Ma Sha Allah! My morning began with a smile.>

I grinned. Getting up from the bed, I headed to the bathroom to perform the morning routine, including a shower. When I came out, a towel wrapped around my waist, I picked up the phone again.

<Farhaan: Glad to be of service.>

*

Hooriya

I bit my lip as I read his message.

<Hooriya: I like this service...a lot. Keep it up!>

Mama and Nano were making tea arrangements, while Kamran Nana had gone to get kulchay and channay for breakfast.

*Kulcha is a brother of Naan. The difference (as per Google) is that kulcha is made using refined white flour, whereas naan tends to be made with wheat flour.

I'd offered to help, but Nano wanted the 'young bride' to stay out of the kitchen. Mama had began to protest, but Nano had firmly said that here, I'd be pampered endlessly and that there was nothing my mother could do about it.

"Here? Mama, she gets pampered everywhere, Ma Sha Allah- by her father, at her Chachu's, at Saim's and at her Dadiyal's." Mama had said.

"And In Sha Allah, at her Sasural. I know Faiz and Anaya will treat her like a daughter." Nano had spoken fondly as she looked at me.

*Sasural=in laws' place.

I scrolled up the message and saw his photo from last night again. He had given me enough glimpse of his chest and abs to cause me to squeal. I couldn't stop staring at him. By every right, he was mine. 

"Hoor?" 

I jumped, sitting up straight on the sofa as Nano and Kamran Nana came in, followed by Mama who carried the tea tray. Nano set the dishes down, while Nana unpacked the delicious food. 

"I'll bring the bowl for the channay." Nana excused himself to head to the kitchen.

"Hoor, what's wrong with you? Help out a little!" Mama told me off.

"Anabia, what did I tell you? I do not want her to do any chores, okay? My sweetheart will be getting married soon, and I want her to enjoy her time as much as she can right now." 

"Nano, Mama's right. I'm sorry." I stood up. 

"I am not saying your Mama is wrong. I know where she's coming from. But it's my wish that my Hoor relaxes here and enjoys her time here as much as possible. When people get married, everything changes. Who knows when you'll be able to come here and stay with me like this?" 

"Farhaan mujhe khud le aayainge yaahan, aap dekh laina, In Sha Allah." I hugged my grandmother.

*"Farhaan would bring me here himself, you'll see, In Sha Allah."

"You're both always going to be welcome here." Nano kissed my cheek.

Nana returned in the room, and we all settled down to eat.

"I know it's impolite, but can I please take a photo of the food?" I asked, shyly. 

"Of course, chanda." Nano said, even as Mama gave me a disapproving look.

"I want to send it to Farhaan." I quickly added, which softened my mother's expressions.

I took the photo and messaged him.

<Hooriya: Desi breakfast.>

<Farhaan: Traitor. I thought that was our thing.>

<Hooriya: I'm in Lahore, and you expect me to miss out on this?>

I set my phone down and ate along with my mother and grandparents. I noticed the affectionate gestures between my Nano and Kamran Nana. He ensure we were all eating well, but he poured the channay out for Nano, and shared a kulcha with her. 

"More?" He asked her softly as she finished.

Ma Sha Allah.

I didn't know much about Zohaib Waleed, but I knew that he had made my Nano miserable. She had spent years alone because of him. A part of me sometimes wished to find out the family history, but Mama had asked us never to question her about it, and I had respected her wish.

Zohaib Waleed was an irrelevant chapter in our lives. 

And Nano was very happy with Kamran Nana, Alhumdulillah. I could tell how Mama and Saim Mamu seemed satisfied that their mother was happy and with a loving and caring companion.

*

Lahore lived at night. After Maghrib, new life seemed to be breathed into the city, with families openly out and about shopping and eating out.

On my first full day here, we went to a large supermarket. Nano wanted to stock up the house with my favourite food, snacks and drinks.

I filled up the trolley with goodies, but each time I picked out a snack, I thought about one or the other of my sibling. I missed them, each one of them. But especially Haya. I missed her craziness.

As I was bringing back a box of Choco Pies, I accidentally overheard a silent conversation between my mother and grandmother.

"...I really wish he was here. I could really use his help right now, but we can't even leave the kids alone." Mama was saying, softly.

"Your kids are not exactly kids right now. Their grandparents are there, Yasin is there and Saim is there. They can all keep an eye on them." Nano paused. "Or does Rehan not want to come?" 

"Why wouldn't he want to, Mama? It's his Hoor's wedding." Mama sighed. "Sometimes I wish that I had a sister or even one Nand. Even if Rehan was here, how much will he help with the outfits and jewellery?" 

"You should have asked Hareem." 

"Hareem is helping out Anaya Bhabi, of course. Don't forget that she's technically from Hoor's in-laws now. She needs to help her brother and sister-in-law as well."

I felt bad for my mother. I was just chilled out and relaxed, while she had so much pressure on her, so much burden on her shoulders. 

"Don't worry, Anabia. I will help as much as I can, you know that. Bas Allah himmat or takat deta rahe, to In Sha Allah hum manage karlainge."

*"May Allah give us strength and power, and In Sha Allah, we'll manage it all."

I felt guilty. Here I was, picking out snacks happily, while Mama was stressed out over my wedding arrangements.

They noticed me, and Mama gave me a small smile. "Got everything, Hoor?" 

I walked up to her and set the box down into the trolley. "Mama, I'll do everything to ease your burden, I promise. And just because Papa isn't here, doesn't mean that you don't have his support. One word and he'll leave everything and come here to you." 

"It's not a burden, Hoor. It's my responsibility, and I'm fulfilling it happily. Don't misunderstand me, meri jaan."

"You mother and daughter are the same. Unnecessarily stressing." Nano shook her head. "In Sha Allah, we will manage together." 

"Look who's talking about unnecessarily stressing. Where do you think I got that quality from?" Mama teasingly asked her.

"Anabia, tumhari shaadi bhi to hui thi na. Hoor ke paas to phir bhi baap ka sahara hai, Ma Sha Allah. Tumhare Papa ko to rukhsati pe rukne ki bhi fursat nahin mili." Nano said, emotionally. It was obvious that she hadn't meant to admit it in my presence, because she froze after she'd spoken those words.

*"Anabia, even you got married. Hoor, at least has the support of her father, Ma Sha Allah. Your Papa didn't even bother staying for your bridal farewell."

I blinked at Mama, stunned. "What?"

Mama briefly closed her eyes, as if to compose herself. "We're in a supermarket. We really shouldn't be discussing that right now. Let's pay up and go." 

As we waited in line to pay up, I was pushing the trolley while Mama and Nano were ahead of me.

"Tumhare aur Rehan ke beech main sab theek hai na?" Nano asked worriedly, in a low whisper, probably thinking that I couldn't hear.

*"Is everything okay between you and Rehan?" 

Mama smiled. "Ma Sha Allah, it's been decades and I still have no complaints against him. Alhumdulillah. He's an amazing husband, an amazing father. I just miss him. I just want him to be here for support, I guess."

To my surprise, Nano started singing. "Sajan mera us paar hai, milne ko dil bekarar hai." She laughed.

*"My beloved is on the other side/abroad; my heart yearns to meet him."

"Mama!" My mother looked at her mortified.

"What?" Nano asked. "I was talking about Hoor."

"Nano!" I gasped out.

My Nano laughed. "Ek hi halat hui hai tum donon maa beti ki."

*"Both you mother and daughter are in the same state."

I smiled.

"In front of my daughter who's about to get married!" 

"What, doesn't she know her parents? She's already in Farhaan's Nikah. She's not a child, Anabia. You know better than anyone about the importance of seeing some form of affection between parents." 

Kamran Nana, who had been waiting by the exit for us, and I carried the bags to the car, and he started to load them into the car trunk.

We got into the car and drove off.

Nana had gotten me a SIM earlier, and I had my own local mobile package.

<Hooriya: I bought snacks!>

<Haya: I hate you. We are officially not related.>

<Hooriya: You cannot deny my relation to you even if you try all your life.>

I sighed. This long distance seemed to have made me realise the importance of all the people in my life that I now missed...and it had just been two days! How was I going to manage weeks?!

My phone buzzed, and thinking it was Haya, I unlocked it and gasped.

It was a very shirtless photo of Farhaan, holding a book open on his lap.

<Farhaan: My Hoor's favourite activity.>

Marwayega mujhe inka shararati andaaz!

*His mischievous nature will get me killed!

My cheeks turned red, even as I knew that everyone was too busy in a conversation to really notice what I was feeling so shy about.

<Hooriya: My favourite activity? Reading or watching you shirtless?>

My eyes widened and I attempted to delete the message. 

<Farhaan: 😉>

<Hooriya: 🔥😘😍>

I almost wanted to fan myself dramatically. How can text flirting be suddenly so...hot?

It seems that our true love story will start with distance...

*

Surprise! Another chapter... but I have been sacrificing sleep for it, so no more chapter for two or three days. 

I almost added another cliffhanger... almost... but I felt sorry for you all.

Thoughts on the dynamics between Farhaan and Hoor?

Thoughts and comments?

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