M A G H R I B sounded through the air. Alarming the free flying birds to return home. The call to prayer brought with it the end of the Holy month. Every eye was full with tears. In such times of uncertainty, Ramadan had provided them with the comfort that they needed.

Hoor was rushed to ensure thay everything was prepared on time. It had taken longer than expected at the market. So now she needed to power through the preparation. Her henna covered hands, proving to be of no help in such a moment.

"Mustafa ajain, iftari ka time honay wala hai," she shouted from the kitchen.
Adding the last few remaining crispy samosas to the platter. She was rushed to put everything on the dining table so that Mustafa and her could say their dua's before breaking their fast.
"Araha hun jaan," he replied from the office.

Wheeling himself into the dining room, he was greeted with the wonderful sight of his wife already seated. Her eyes closed in prayer. Mustafa joined her instantaneously. Closing his eyelids and raising his hand in prayer. To ask for forgiveness and everything that his heart desired.

A few seconds later, the siren resounded. Alerting the people to break their fast. Mustafa and Hoor recited the necessary prayer and popped a date into their mouths. Chewing slowly. After which the hurriedly drank their glasses of milk.

Hoor made Mustafa a little plate, filled with a plethora of snacks that she had prepared. Usually, their iftaar was simple, but today being the last roza they wanted to make it special.
"Hoor kuch kha lo phir jana," Mustafa stopped Hoor.
"Nahi Mustafa. Maghrib ki namaz late nahi karte. Mein bas abhi aati hun," she passed him a soft smile.

Ever since she was young, her mother had taught her to not delay the fourth prayer of the day. And even during Ramadan told both her and Ali to pray before eating whatever little they had managed to put on the table. It was a habit that had stuck. And she was sure, it would be near impossible to let go of ever.

"Acha ruko. Mein bhi ata hun saath," Mustafa wiped his hands.
Following Hoor. He wheeled into their bedroom. Hoor helped him perform ablution first, after which she did hers and then the two prayed. With Mustafa leading them in prayer. Hoor and Mustafa each said a small dua in their hearts. To their One Creator.

Finally free from prayer, both husband and wife sat down and began to eat peacefully. Eventhough, the things had become cold, they still relished the flavour that was oozing in their mouths. Making it impossible to stop. And so one after the other they kept popping the fried items in their mouth. Stopping only when they felt that their stomachs would burst open.

Hoor was thankful that she had not had any henna applied on the insides of her palm. That would have made it impossible to eat anything. So she wiped her hands carefully. Trying to avoid taking off more mehndi than usual. Applying vicks to her hands, so that the colour would be more dark, she headed out into the lawn. Sitting on the white seats, with Mustafa, awaiting the arrival of the new moon.

A silence clouded around them. Making them feel comfortable. Their silent breaths wafted into the warm air, as it continued to touch them. The sun less sky, now beginning to give way to the stars. The clear skies making it easy to see everything.

After an hour or so of gentle whispers and soft touches, a moon, the width of a strand of hair, graced the sky. The glow and beauty it possessed, a description that could never be worded. Hoor and Mustafa recited the four qul's and prayed that the new moon of Shawwal be a sign of prosperity and happiness.

"Naya chand mubarak!" Hoor was the first one to break the silence.
"Ap ko bhi naya chand mubarak," Mustafa smiled.
Leaning in to give her a kiss. The two smiled as their lips united. Mustafa was thankful that his side of the lawn was secluded. Protecting him and his wife from any unwanted visitors.

T H E N E X T M O R N I N G
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Mustafa was the first one to get up. Shaking his young wife gently from the shoulders. It was only five thirty in the morning, but they had to be up early. The jammat would begin at six fifteen. And Mustafa needed to reach at least fifteen minutes before in order to get a good place to pray.

"Hoor uth jao. Saray paanch ho gaye hain. Namaz keh liye tiyaar hona hai mujhe," he shook her.
Hoor immediately sat up. Smiling at her husband. She rang the bell, waiting for one of the servants to help Mustafa into the bathroom.

She fixed her appearance, taking her veil in a way to protect her from the eyes of an unknown man. As the man helped Mustafa into the bathroom, Hoor opened up the curtains. Letting the light flow into their large bedroom. Placing Mustafa's outfit on the bed, she entered the bathroom.

Hoor took off Mustafa's night suit. Turning on the shower. As the water began to cover Mustafa's body, Hoor took off her own clothes. Joining Mustafa. They were both on a level of intimacy that she no longer felt shy baring her body to him. They were married. It was not a crime. If anything, it made her feel closer to her husband.

Hoor cleaned Mustafa with gentlest of touches. Ensuring that she did not hurt him at any moment. Her soft caress warmed Mustafa's heart. Filling it with pride that this was his wife. Once the two were cleaned, Hoor wore her night suit once again, asking a servant to lead Mustafa into their bedroom.

Mustafa was wrapped in a towel. However, it did not feel awkward. Thankfully, their bedroom windows were double glazed. Meaning, he could see out of the room, but you could not see inside. Hoor helped him into his black fitted kurta and trouser. Blow drying his hair and applying his favourite perfume. Mustafa left the room at 6 on the dot. Kissing his wife before leaving.

After he had left, Hoor got herself dressed. She opted for a black raw silk anarkali that had chiffon fitted sleeves. The cuffs and border of the floor length frock, covered in black sequins. Her duppata was made of organza, and all four sides were covered in a multi-colour embroidered lace. Having hints of golden sitari. She wore the earrings she had bought yesterday and blow dried her hair. Styling them in soft waves. Keeping her makeup light, she sat down to wear her black heels.

She looked at the clock, only to realise it was seven. Hastily praying the eid namaz she was about to head out when her duppata got stuck into something. Hoor turned, only to discover it was Mustafa's wheel chair. Usually, she would have yanked it out, but this being a new duppata Hoor bent down, taking it out slowly.

"Aankhon mein teri, ajab si ajab si aadaien hain...
Dil ko banadein jo patang saan see
Teri woh haawaein hain," Mustafa began to hum the famous Bollywood song.
They had just watched the movie last week and Hoor was obsessed with it. Truly it was that iconic moment. But they had made it theirs.

Hoor laughed as Mustafa began to sing. Whilst she blushed, his off key voice made her laugh like a maniac.
"Eid mubarak meri Hoor," Mustafa greeted her, after he had stopped belting out the lyrics.
"Khair mubarak Musi," she hugged him thrice.

"Mustafa hum logon nai nashta ammi ki taraf karna bai. Jaane sai pehlay mujhe meri eidi dein," she brought her hand forward.
Smiling, Mustafa gave her a thick wad of cash.
"Itni ziada!" She was stunned.
"Ji! Ap ka haq hai Hoor. Na mat karna," he smiled.

Mustafa proceeded to take out a velvet box from his pocket.
"Haath lain," he gestured towards her left hand.
Hoor did so without hesitation. Smiling, Mustafa pulled out a ring, sliding it on to her fingers.
"Aur yeh humaari shaadi ki angoothi," he raised his own hands to show the platinum band he was wearing.

Hoor thanked him, it was stunning. The diamond band that surrounded the emerald like a halo. Shone in the summer light. It was ethereal. Everything and more.

Hoor's heart felt full. She thanked Allah, who had looked out for her. Eventhough she had doubts about her decisions, He proved her wrong every time. And she finally began to understand why, her mother told her to leave the results on Allah.

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Whew ladiess. Mujhe bhi mera aankon mein teri moment chahiyeeee warna I need a refund. PeriodT!!