To say Yasmeen was surprised would be an understatement.

She had honestly completely forgotten about her birthday. With her whole marriage with Rafael issue, then marrying Asad and moving to another country—it has been the last thing to cross her mind.

She should've known there's something up especially with how sweet has been to her the whole day, but that never crossed her mind. So, you can imagine her surprise as to how he found out and even plan this whole thing to make her day.

"Are you sure you're the same man I met a few months ago?" Yasmeen questioned, after blowing her candles and thanking the workers that sang a birthday song to her. With her hands clasped together in front of her, and her lips stretched into the biggest grins out there, she tilted her head upwards to look at him. "What did you do to that Asad, huh?"

Asad shook his head, blowing out a small breath. This girl won't allow him to rest and simply enjoy the moment. "He got married." Was his only response, as he left her chair and went ahead to settled on his opposite her.

Her eyes playfully narrowed at him, though the butterflies in her stomach danced to whatever tune her heart was playing when he said that. "Anya you're still the same man?" She pressed, because she's honestly wondering whether he's the same man she met then. "Maybe you're a twin or something, because that Asad is always frowning—it's like you no get joy for life."

Settling on his chair, Asad quirked a brow slightly as his larking expression disappeared—instantly feigning solemnity. He nodded slowly, as if he's agreeing with her.

Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table and intertwined his fingers, his gaze leveling with hers. "That reminds me, you do know I haven't forgotten about the dent you left on my car, right? Want to talk about that?" If she's looking for the old Asad, he'll bring him to her.

That instantly had her zipping her mouth shut. She's trying to coax him into borrowing her his car, bringing up what she did to the other one wouldn't do her any good. So, she cleared her throat and choose to stop teasing him instead for her sake.

"This looks delicious." She said instead, bringing a piece of chocolate cake to her mouth. The minute it touched her taste buds, she held back the urge to moan because Subhan Allahi, she wouldn't mind having this the entire night.

Taking another forkful of it, she brought it towards Asad without giving much thought to it as always. She never thinks about stuff until the last minute.

And he just happens to be someone who goes along with her acts even though he teases her about it sometimes. This time around though, he didn't. Instead he leaned down and took it from her.

"Tastes good, yeah?" She questioned, bring the fork to take another piece.

In response, he simply nodded because his phone chose to ring at that moment. Picking it up, his gaze fell on the caller ID making him sigh. "She'd been quiet for long enough I guess." He muttered, making a move to answer it.

"Huh?" Yasmeen looked up, since she didn't get what he said.

He simply shook his head, tapping the answer button and then passing the phone to her. "Your call."

With brows squished together, Yasmeen dropped the fork and collected the phone from him—wondering who it could be that's calling her through him. The Facetime went through just in time she brought the screen to her face, and with zero warnings, the voice belonging to the last person she expected came through—louder than she hoped.

"Yasmeen! Wato you've forgotten about me ko? You're too busy making me nieces and nephews that you've forgotten about your sister's existence!"

Yasmeen nearly dropped the phone, her eyes widening the size of Mercury. Instinctively, her eyes shot up to Asad's who unfortunately for her, heard everything. The woman on the other end wasn't exactly being quiet so anyone close to them would've heard.

Thankfully, they are alone there.

But, he still heard.

Her mouth hung open, blood rushing to her cheeks. And to make matters worse, the man simply chuckled and then shrugged. At that point, all Yasmeen wanted to do was dig the ground, jump in, and never come out.

What is this again please?

"Oh, kallon soyayya ma kukeyi? Kodai kodai..."

"Shut up!" Yasmeen snapped her gaze to meet that of the woman on the other end. "Please." She added through gritted teeth, hoping she'd save her from more embarrassment.

But she should've known that wouldn't happen.

A cackle came from the other end, the type befitting of witches from movies. Forget, Yasmeen has been talking about Iyalawo all this while, she's forgetting that if anyone's Iyalawo, then it's this woman.

Her sister, Nusaiba no doubt is a local witch—no one can convince her otherwise. That woman has to be Iyalawo herself, because she has every character of hers.

Unable to handle the embarrassment, Yasmeen dropped the phone on the table and buried her face between her hands. As much as she misses Nusaiba, the woman is about to make her life hell—and it would've been okay if they are alone but no, Asad is here.

And truth be told, she'd rather not go through this in front of him—the embarrassment will be too much.

Nusaiba's cackle died down, though she still sported that grin that screamed more trouble. "Anyways, happy birthday bookworm! Feels like it was just yesterday I ate naman sunan ki and here you are, clocking twenty-one."

Yasmeen huffed out a breath. Leave it to her sister to exaggerate things. Nonetheless, she picked up the phone again, playfully narrowing her eyes at the woman on the other end. "Thank you, but it's now you're remembering abi?"

"Says who? Yarinya ask your husband, shima I was the one that told him." As if to confirm her words, Asad who's listening to everything nodded in confirmation. "Ehen! Don't joke with me."

"Toh, Iyalawo. Whatever you say..." For the next few minutes the two caught up before ending the call—after Nusaiba made Yasmeen promise to call her. The woman went on to ramble about things Yasmeen would've absolutely loathed to hear in front of Asad, but before she could finish, Yasmeen ended the call.

"You should've let her finish." Asad said, taking the phone Yasmeen handed back to him.

She shifted her glare to him, though her cheeks were burning. Of all the times Nusaiba choose to bring out this side of hers, it had to be then. Nonetheless, she tried to act like she wasn't about to dig the floor and move there for the rest of her life. "You would love that, wouldn't you?"

He shrugged, not giving her a straight response. Nusaiba is probably the one sibling of Yasmeen Asad sees himself being friends with—he hadn't met the others, but from what he heard, they aren't the very best.

Nusaiba though, they are on the train of becoming best friends. The woman not only talks a lot, she tells him a lot of stuff about Yasmeen—most of which if the said woman knows about would send her elder sister to an early grave for. So, that will be their little secret—up until it comes out anyway.

Their dinner was served, and as expected, the food was exquisite. Desert was served right after, matching the light atmosphere around them as the two conversed about everything and nothing.

They were definitely getting along, and both liked it that way.

After his conversation with Zoya, Asad thought about it. And after the way he and Yasmeen have spent the day before and that one, he came to one conclusion by the end of the night—something he had been yet to accept all this while.

He would make his relationship with Yasmeen work. He'd love, and cherish her until the very end. Like he told her before, they are in this for life. There's no going back.

However, as he quietly watched her laugh about a joke she made, his lips stretched into a warm smile—his heart swelling with happiness. Oh, what he would give to have every day be like that one—with her of course. This is what he wants—she's not a pity case to him.

She's his wife, his halal. And he'll treat her the way she deserves, and is supposed to be treated.

And then it struck him like lightening, as he zoned out of whatever she's saying at that moment. This whole emotion and all is new to him, it's been so long since he felt that way towards someone.

Is he falling for Yasmeen Khalid already?

~*~

"I am exhausted!" Yasmeen complained, a yawn escaping to which she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. She then stretched her arms to get rid of the sore muscles that wants to do nothing more other than go back to bed and slack around doing nothing.

But, it's nearing eleven and her stomach was rumbling. She'd stayed up late reading The Silent Patient after both she and Asad had retired to their rooms—to wear off the day's exhaustion. She obviously didn't do that until about 3am. And even then, she had to resist the spirit of 'One more chapter' knowing that will lead to another hour or more of reading.

It was a miracle she was able to pray Subh on time, because the devil had been tempting her with sleep. She fought against it though, and prayed before crashing again only to take up now.

She'd always been one to sleep late—Mama complains about it all the time but well, Mama isn't there so...

Covering her messy hair with the first vintage scarf in sight, she headed to the door and without a warning, pulled it open. When her gaze fell on the man there, she instantly rose a brow in questions.

Asad awkwardly cleared his throat, before dropping his hand by the side. He looked away, having caught red handed. And as if to show he's nervous and a bit embarrassed, his other hand reached to the nape of his neck and rubbed it. He seems to be doing that a lot these days.

"Uhm...I-I was just about to..." He trailed off, not knowing how to explain the situation to her accurately.

What is he supposed to say? That he's been standing there for about twenty minutes unable to muster the courage and knock? Actually, it's not that.

He was worried he'd wake her up, and at the same time, he was wondering whether she's already up. He could've opened the door and checked in, but they aren't that close and he doesn't want to push his limits.

All in due time.

As of now, he was stuck acting like a teenager around his crush, unable to mutter comprehensive words because his mind is all jumbled up. Her questions from the night before popped in his head, and he found himself asking the same questions.

Is he the same Asad from before? Where did that one go to?

He'd blame this on that fever of his. Since that incident, he hasn't been himself. For Allah's sake he's the one making her nervous, not the other way round. And she's not even doing anything but he's here, acting as if he's having his first crush.

'Get it together, comrade!' His inner voice screamed, hoping he'd get his act together.

It worked. Sort of.

Yasmeen's head tilted to the side slightly, holding back the urge to laugh at the look he's sporting. "Yes..." She dragged, "...do you need something?"

Asad cleared his throat, straightening his spine as he gathered his thoughts. He can't afford lose his calm, not now of all times. Yawing his expression blank, he tried to tuck away the nervousness. "Yeah." Somehow, he managed to keep his voice strong this time. "I wanted to show you something." He was quick to add. "If you aren't busy that is."

Her smile faltered, a myriad of possibilities clouding her mind. She thought the surprises are over since her birthday has passed. Now he wants to show her something again?

Should she be scared?

"Well, I'm not doing anything exactly..." ---'Except feeling so effing hungry' She wanted to add, but refrained from doing so.

He smiled, seemingly trying to hold himself back from grinning widely. "Come with me then." With a silent jut of his head in the direction, he started to lead the way while she warily followed.

They weren't going anywhere far. In fact, it's the door next to hers. She's never been into that room, or the one after just like she'd never been into his room before. Only hers, and Farrah's.

Truth be told, she'd been curious as to what those rooms are—but never enough to check. She knew she could do that, since Asad didn't exactly say a thing about doing otherwise. But, for some reason, she's never been that curious.

Except now.

Her brows squished together, as she watched him push the door open without a hint of hesitation whatsoever. For a second, she was planted there while he trudged in. But, she was quick to gather her thoughts and follow him right in—only to stop a few steps in—her mouth falling open.

Asad who had turned around just in time to see her expression didn't bother to hide his grin—the look on her face makes everything so worth it. "Figured you'd need a home library." He'd witnessed her love for books, and Nusaiba had told him all about it.

So, when he left her with Tauhida yesterday, he had help turning the empty room to a home library. He'd been planning it for the past few days—he only had the chance to put it in action with her gone yesterday. He had it completed earlier in the morning—not that there's much to do.

"—feel free to fill it up with as much books as you can." He added, his gaze never leaving her awestruck expression.

Yasmeen wasn't sure if her brain was still working then, because it's like everything in her has been halted. Is she still dreaming? Or did Asad just make one of her lifelong dreams become a reality?

With built-in shelving, a cozy sofa and upholstered ottoman couple with a pair of armchairs that screamed comfort as one reads, she was finding it hard to believe all this is real. There was a painting anchoring the wall space between shelves, and a pair of sconces to provide ample light for reading.

The shelves were empty, like he said, she's free to fill it up as she pleases. It would take a long time, but that's perfectly okay because all she needs is the library—her own, and she has it now.

She snapped out of the reverie, and like always, she did yet another thing without giving it much thought. This time around, she was the one who was quick to close the distance between them by throwing her arms around him, her lips stretched into a wide grin. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Not expecting the sudden action, Asad took a few steps back before he steadied himself—his arms instantly wrapping around her securely to keep her close. A slight chuckle escaped his lips, having her release a squeal of excitement.

The hug lasted for a few seconds, before realization dawned on her and she was quick to detach herself from him, blood rushing to her cheeks. What is wrong with her these days? She seems to be the one crossing the limits—not that there's any.

Instead of taking it the wrong way though, Asad chuckled yet again—finding the look she's sporting cute. He really isn't the same Asad he was then. Maybe he should see a doctor because this side of his is creeping him out.

He didn't dwell on it though, not wanting to ruin the moment.

Albeit bashful, Yasmeen couldn't help but stare at him with a look that had him raising a brow. "What?" He questioned, his lips slanted into a small frown. "Is there something on my face or what?"

She shook her head, still sporting a soft grin. "No..." She voiced out softly. "I just never pegged you the romantic type." She doesn't know what all these meant to him, but to her, this is romance in her books.

And like she said, she never thought he'd be romantic type.

"Really?"

"You just don't seem like it." She shrugged earnestly. "So I never pictured you one."

Asad nodded slowly, as if making a mental note. "Then I'd have to prove you otherwise. You'll take back your words real soon, trust me." Closing the distance between them with slow strides, his gaze held hers, not wanting to miss any expression of hers.

When his hand slid to her neck, covering it while his thumb caressed the side of her face, he didn't miss her sharp intake of breath. He didn't comment on it, his gaze too focused. Instead, he leaned down, and ever so softly, he placed a feathery kiss on her forehead—the action lasting for a few seconds while she instantly flicked her eyes close—her heart hammering behind her ribcage.

"--Starting now." He whispered, and she was too caught up in the moment to notice it.

Not even as he pulled back slightly, his thumb still caressing the side of her face while she peeled her eyes open to meet his, her senses went haywire. The intensity in his eyes, and the promise in his words were making it hard for her to think clearly.

Thankfully, he pulled back completely, taking away the warmth his body provided being in such close proximity as he turned around to pick up something.

She blew out a shaky breath, missing the warmth already. As much as it was toe curling, it was comforting too. His tender actions never fail to provide her assurance—as if saying everything will be okay, like he'll be her safe haven will the need for one ever come.

That's what Asad is to her at this point. He's slowly maneuvering his way into her life without realizing it, and she isn't sure how to feel about it all.

"This one is from Farrah." His voice came, piercing through her thoughts as he turned around with a box now in his hand, and then handed it over to her. "Said she wanted to give you a birthday present too."

She took in a sharp breath, and then blinked repeatedly to gather her thoughts. She took the box from him, her lips stretched into a soft smile at the thought of the little girl. Taking off the lid, she carefully opened it to behold her gift. "The Little Mermaid?" She voiced out, when her gaze fell on the novel.

"Said you reminded her of Ariel. Apparently, you're both pretty." Asad stated, his tone laced with amusement as he remembered his daughter's words. When Yasmeen chuckled due to the words, he found himself adding softly. "She's right. You are beautiful."

She looked up, her breath hitching for a brief moment. Asad should give her some time off please. He's just throwing knee weakening sentences and acts all over the place. She was quick to evade his gaze, because she isn't sure what she would do if she keeps staring at him like that.

Instead, she focused on getting the book out, and then she flicked the first page. Her fingers stopped midair, when she saw what's written in a very messy handwriting. She was able to put the words together, after going over it a couple of times.

She gasped, her hand reaching up to cover her mouth as her heart swelled. She could feel her eyes glossing.

'Will you be my Mama?'

~*~

Dropping update because una dropped comments on the last chapter and because I'm in a good mood today.

Asad is after my heart! These two are my absolute favorites this year, they are oppressing me like this.

And Farrah my babyyyyy, she's the sweetest! God abeggggggg I don't wanna be a mechanic I wanna be a ballerrrrrr.

On a serious note, does anyone know how to drop out of uni? I don't want this digiri again. Boko ba dole bane. Na to move to my village and become a herbalist like this. Haka kawai jami'a zai kashe ni.

Sha, all is well...not.

Try dey include me and everyone still in this hellhole called University in your prayers please. Jazakumullah khair.

Love, Jannah.