Missed me?

"How are you feeling?" Yasmeen was the first to pull back, her eyes softening as she took over his expression. Despite the fact that the lights weren't turned on-that coming from the corridor thanks to the door left open, and the curtains pulled apart, gave sufficient lightening for her to see his face.

Her lips slanted into a frown, taking note of how haggard he looks. It's obvious the past few days have been hell for him-it shows on his face.

Subconsciously, she pulled him to the side so he's sitting on the bed-almost as if standing will hurt him even more. Why did she do that? She has no idea. She was simply looking for a way-any way possible to ease his problems despite knowing how difficult that would be.

Asad didn't bother to hide his pain, and sadness from her. If he hides it from everyone, he couldn't do that to her. "The truth?" He questioned, tilting his head upwards to meet her eyes filled to the brim with worry.

Yasmeen's hand moved to the side of his face, and then she gave him a grim nod. "Yes."

"I feel lost." He admitted, feeling like his whole world is crashing all over again. Some might think considering it's been two weeks since Ama's death, he should be able to move on or at least look like it.

But it's more than that. It isn't just Ama's death that's bothering him. Admittedly, it should top the list but in his current predicament, after all that he'd learnt that fateful day, his head is simply an utter mess.

There's no telling which is worse.

All three news are grueling-excluding the whole marriage to Tauhida part. That isn't even an option. In fact, he'd wiped it out of his head the minute he heard of Ama's demise and hasn't given it a second thought since then.

It's not happening. It's as easy as that.

"-I don't know what to do." He added, his voice low as he felt his resolve cracking.

The weird fact is, since the realization of Ama's death-the moment he truly broke down and cried-he hadn't cried a wink since then-not even to have glossy eyes.

It was like he had no tears in him since that day. He couldn't even bring himself to cry even if he wanted to. It simply didn't want to come.

So, he disappeared to get some alone time. No communication, no phones whatsoever. The only one aware of his location as Yasmeen suspected was Chief Air Marshal Ahmad Gidado-considering he's the one person Asad couldn't hide from even if he wanted to.

Besides, he simply disappeared to the man's safe house in Abuja, and has basically been living an invincible life since then. He couldn't bring himself to return to Yasmeen in that situation, because Allah knows he doesn't know what he would've done.

He wasn't thinking clearly, there were a lot of things that could go wrong-with their marriage especially. Had he returned then, maybe he would've made a decision he would be regretting at the moment.

Yasmeen's expression softened even more if that was possible. She placed her other hand on the left side of his face, and caressed the growing stubble with it.

She doesn't know what to think exactly. For him to admit that to her openly...she doesn't know. It just feels like they've unlocked a whole new phase of their relationship.

She swallowed thickly, darting out her tongue to sweep it across her lower lip. She found herself breathing out a reply in a low tone. "And you still came back to me?" That's what's surprising her even more.

For him to be in that state, she supposed he would be avoiding her even more. Don't men like to be in control of their emotions before they present themselves to others-you know, so they would always seem calm and collected and uphold that image.

Or maybe, that's her lack of history with them that's giving her that impression.

His reply though, she wasn't prepared for it.

Asad held her gaze, never wavering not even for a brief second. And without so much as a second though, he gave her an answer that she's sure will forever be imprinted in her mind. "I'll always come back to you." That right there, is the affirmation and assurance she didn't understand its gravity at the moment.

In a way though, he was more of assuring himself than her.

Despite everything he'd learnt, he'd come to a decision over the weeks he'd taken to himself.

He chooses Yasmeen. He will always choose her.

History be damned. It can't dictate his life; he won't allow it.

Although not in the way it meant to him, his reply got to Yasmeen even more than she thought it would. Because her stomach was instantly in flips, her heart hammering behind her ribcage.

He had made her feel this way so many times, and yet, none of it could compare to this moment. It felt different...more intimate.

Ever so slowly, almost in a trance, she moved closer to him-closing the space between them. Lowering herself down, she settled on his lap with each leg on either side of him while her hands moved to wrap themselves on the nape of his neck. His hand instinctively moved to hold her waist in a tight, but assuring way.

Yasmeen swallowed thickly, her breath hitching for a brief moment though her mind wasn't on the move she initiated herself. She's honestly initiating a lot of things, which is unexpected of her.

Where did she get the confidence to do this? She has absolutely no idea and doesn't care to know either.

Nonetheless, the moment was too beautiful to ruin. Her mind stood no chance against what is bound to happen-and she didn't allow it to even think of doing so.

The man's darkened gaze was unwavering as ever, not wanting to miss a single act of hers. He didn't want to initiate anything though; this is all up to her.

She waited to see any sign of hesitation from him, her eyes searching his for anything that will diminish the little confidence she built but there was none. So, she took that as her sign to dive in closer. And, she did.

With too much slowness she'd ever see herself being in, she leaned close to him eliminating the space between them. She wasn't thinking clearly, all that's running through her head is Asad-no one and nothing else. Only a few seconds after flicking her eyes close, her lips met his for the first time ever so velvety.

She of course has no idea what she is doing, it's not like she has a manual in her head or anything. She's simply winging it.

Considering he'd seen this coming, Asad wasn't exactly taken aback by the osculate. In fact, the minute her lips met his, he flickered his eyes as his hand unhurriedly slid from her waist to her neck, tilting it so he could take the lead.

God knows there are more than a few times when this particular moment crossed his mind in the past, but, he was quick to push them away not wanting to start something she isn't ready for.

What started as a slow, sensual action escalated slightly, though maintaining a pace fit for them both. Their lips only pull apart for a few seconds so they could both regain their breaths, before it was hastily merged together again with more urgency.

His hand that was on her waist tightened, and so did the one holding the nape of her neck in place. As her head tilted to the side, her back arched against his, wanting to eliminate any distance left between them.

Her hands had a mind of their own, because somehow, one of it moved to his hair in need of a trim-though not necessary one hastily, and ran her fingers through it. Her senses went haywire, too submerged in the moment to care about anything else.

Breaking the kiss for a brief second, Asad tilted his head to the side to pepper the side of her face with pecks. His warm, minty breath reached the area first before it was covered with kisses that had her stomach churning. From the corner of her lips, down the base of her neck, she was left a shuddering mess.

By then, both their breathings came out haggard. Yasmeen's head was a mess-barely anything was getting through to her aside from his touch and the way he was making her feel things she'd never experienced.

Asad on the other hand though, almost at the brink of losing his sanity like her, still was more conscious of their actions than she is. So, after peppering kisses all the way down to her neck, he pulled back hesitantly.

But it only lasted for a second, because he was quick to lean down and capture her lips again as if he couldn't get enough-only this time, it lasted shorter than the other. "We should stop this." He breathed out hoarsely, after pulling back yet again. His tone though went against his words; because it didn't seem like he agreed with what he's saying.

Blowing out a breath, Yasmeen blinked repeatedly as if to clear her foggy mind before meeting his eyes. Her body still very much conscious of his body pressed against hers-the warmth travelling from his to hers coursing through her vein like burnt embers. One of his hands was still caressing the nape of her neck, and the other around her waist, pulling her close to him had tightened though not enough to inflict harm.

"Why?" She breathed out, despite having an inkling what's going on in his head. She didn't want to stop though in all honesty. Because, why should they?

Asad's lips stretched into the smallest of smiles, almost as if he wants to tease her for asking such questions. Shifting his hand so he could run his thumb across her lower lip, his dark, and hooded gaze lingered there for a brief second before he lifted it to meet hers. "Because I only have so much self-control." He answered, his voice coming out much lower than he intended. And Lord was it doing things to her. "I am not exactly a saint, so I can't make any promises."

His answer reminded her of the first time she stepped foot in the house, and questioned him about their bedroom arrangement. That sounds like ages ago now.

Her lips stretched into a small smile, as she drew her lower lip between her teeth before releasing a small breath. "That still doesn't answer my question." She wants a straight answer, not whatever excuse he's giving. "Give me an accurate answer, Asad."

Instinctively, he found himself raising a brow. Did she just call him by his actual name? Wow, this is definitely an improvement in their book.  And truth be told, he wouldn't be lying if he said he wouldn't mind hearing her call him that for the rest of their lives. It's much better than that 'bros' thing.

Despite the elation he felt regarding that though, and despite wanting to tease her about it-he knew he needed to answer her question. So, his expression yawed serious. "It's just not the right time." He stated, his eyes straying to her lips again. He didn't let it linger though, knowing he might just end up doing something that will contradict his words. So, he looked up to meet her eyes. "I don't want to take advantage of you to escape from my worries."

"And what if I say I don't mind?"

This time around, he couldn't help himself. He found himself letting out a wide smile. It was the first time in two weeks that he's smiling-already feeling his mood lifted because of her.

Caressing the side of her face, he leaned down to peck her forehead before whispering out his answer. "Well, I do." And with that said, he moved his hand to her waist as he gently shifted her to the bed before getting up. Noting the slight glare, she sent his way, he chuckled slightly. "I'm going to take a shower-had a ten-hour flight, you know."

Yasmeen watched as he disappeared off to where she could only guess is the bathroom. When he was no longer in sight, she blew out a frustrated breath before realization dawned on her.

Her eyes instinctively grew wide as saucers. Reaching both her hands out, she smacked her cheeks lightly with it as if to snap her back to reality. "Nashiga uku ni diyar Khalid. What did I just do?"

How is she supposed to face him again? La haula. It hasn't even dawned on her till now. She racked her brain, thinking of what her solution to this problem will be. But, only one thing crossed her mind. The most obvious one.

Run.

So, she ran. Like always.

She carried her slippers-not really-and ran to her room to hide there forever.

It's official, Asad Gidado has completely messed up her mind-she will probably need to factory reset herself. But on another hand, she doesn't want to.

She loves who she is becoming-minus the overconfidence that she doesn't know where she got it from. What is all these please? What is Asad turning her to? She has no idea. She refuses to believe this is all normal. This virus called Asad has infected her system and she'd probably need an antivirus. 

Or better yet, this has to be the work of Iyalawo. The old witch has been silent for a while; she's now making a full time appearance. Perhaps, she had even possessed her to make her all these stuff. She wouldn't be surprised.

Her village people have always been after her.

So, yes. Like always, she made a mental agreement with the Faculty of her Heart and Department of Hormone to pin the blame on the Management of Iyalawo. End of discussion.

On reaching her room, she opted to do the same thing he did-that is to shower. Besides, she had basically spent the entire day at the hospital. She's sure she reeked of hospital medicine and whatever. She had a long day too, so, taking a shower to ease her sore muscles sounded like a good idea.

And it helped, because by the time she was done and all dressed, she was feeling much better than she did earlier. She could even think better now-and was trying hard not to dwell on her earlier embarrassment.

For the first time since they got married, she actually put effort into picking out what to wear. No, she didn't pick out a lingerie-she hasn't lost her mind completely yet and Iyalawo hasn't won over her yet. Even earlier, she was sure it was Iyalawo's doings. Now though, whatever charm or juju the woman used on her has worn off.

To think it actually worked enough to make her initiate their first kiss. The thought had blood rushing to her cheeks.

Did that actually happen? Did she really kiss Asad?

Subhan Allahi, she's a goner. It's official. Bawani second thoughts. Zahiri kenan.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she picked out a decent nightwear that consisted of her usual pants and shirt. But no, this time it wasn't of any animated character. It was a plain long sleeve cropped hoodie and sweatpants. It covered a decent amount of skin.

As for her hair, she combed through it and then packed it into a neat low ponytail. Not bothering to cover it, because she believes they've passed a certain stage in their relationship, she sauntered out of her room and strolled over to his. Knocking on the door, she waited for a 'come in' from him but it never came.

Just as she thought about simply strolling in, a thought crossed her mind. She wouldn't want to subject her innocent eyes to any inappropriate-not-sight so she'd respect herself and mind her business.

Turning around on her heels, she made a mental note to return later. However, as she was about to make her way to the kitchen to whip up something for him, she noted the door beside Farrah's open slightly ajar. She wanted to simply walk away, but the curious part of her was having none of it.

So, without much of a thought, she pushed the door open and stepped in with a salaam. Her gaze fell on the figure that stood by the window, staring at what she has no idea since he's blocking it.

Blinking, she looked around the room she'd never been to in confusion. Her brows drew in, lips set into a deep frown. The room is nothing like she ever expected. She thought it would be empty, or maybe he's turn it into a small office or workout room of some sort but it was nothing like that.

Instead, all she saw was the last thing to ever cross her mind. In all honesty, it hasn't even made an appearance in her mind in the slightest.

Paintings.

A long string of paintings that she couldn't even count from a glance.

The room was definitely a studio of some sort. There were paint brushes, paint buckets, white canvasses and even paintings that did nothing to lessen her curiosity. For some reason though, it made her stomach quiver in uneasiness.

And to make matters worse, Asad seemed to have realized her presence in the room then. Because he turned around at that moment, his expression grim.

"Asad..." She swallowed thickly, suddenly no longer knowing what to think. Her gaze shifted behind him to the canvas he was blocking, and instinctively, she found herself walking towards him to see what it is. Why didn't she just ignore it? That's what you're thinking yeah?

She couldn't though.

Not after who her gaze fell on. Subconsciously, she found herself blowing out a shaky breath. "...who is she?" Her voice came out low, almost dreading the answer. Her stomach was in knots, and not the good kind.

She didn't expect him to answer in all honesty, but he did. And maybe, she would've preferred him not answering to the answer he gave her, because it hurts more. But in all honesty, it was her insecurities that made her feel so.

"Someone very important to me." Why did she assume the worse when he said that? 

She took in a sharp breath, as she tore her gaze from the painting with great difficulty. Her heart felt stenosed, and she could hear its loud thumps reaching her ears. "Someone you couldn't let go of all these years?" She questioned yet again, her voice filled with dread as she met his eyes that were still pinned on the painting.

"Yes. Someone impossible for me to forget no matter how hard I try-I always find myself drawn back to her."

Yasmeen could swear she felt the life being squeezed out of her. It isn't supposed to hurt, some might think. But, it does.

It hurts because she loves Asad. She doesn't want to admit it, but she does.

And to think there's another woman, whoever this is that still holds this kind of presence in his life...it scared and hurt her.

Could she be Farrah's mother? Does she finally have to face the woman that could be a risk to her marriage life?

Normally, she would've zipped her lips shut and ignored her negative thoughts. But, she couldn't then no matter how much she wanted to.

So, with her stomach still in tight knots, she voiced out a question she didn't want to, yet desperately needed to hear in order to quench her doubts and worries. "Who is she?"

For the first time since she stepped foot in the room, she saw an emotion flick across his expressionless visage. It was gone as quick as it came though. So, even as he tore his hollow gaze from it to meet hers, she wasn't sure whether it was his answer that knocked the breath out of her or the look he featured.

"She's my birth mother."

~*~

Uhmm...what did I write???????

*Carries my slippers and innocently walk away* I no fit again. Ah, spirit if Iyalawo leave me alone!

Anywayssss, thank you so much for the exam prayers. I couldn't reply all, but I meantally said 'Ameen' to any I saw so...I truly appreciate.

About two exams got postponed so I'm done for the week by today. I have a few days off before Monday again... *Cries in emoshonal damage*

Nonetheless, I'll try to give you another update before Monday In shaa Allah.

For the meantimes, let's all agree that ASAD IS THE ONE! Dude literally sets the bar up high! Wani abu ma sai kunzo chapter 44. Single people, you will be oppressed o! Toh, I've said my own.

Ten chapters to go!

Also, Asad's mother????? Una no understand, abi?

I'm sure you didn't see it coming.

Legit saw people guess Farrah's mother, Yasmeen's mother, whoever's wife and whatever. You guys know the guesses you dropped sha. But, none were kwaret. Hehe. I no fit give you everything to be obvious now. As a student in the faculty of Iyalawo, and Department of Vawulence, wetin I gain if I do that?

Hope you're all doing well by the way. Saw we have more readers...welkam aboard all. Take a seat, sip Pepsi, and join the ride though we're nearing the end.

Buckle up though! Because the next few chapters will be one hell of a ride. Ko ni it messed my brain like this. Na one kind connection, sunan wani kdrama da aka sake yau starring Hae In wai 'Connect'. Sha, brace yourselves.

Dazzal. Have a goodnight.

Oh, btw, who missed my ANs???? I know, they are to die for.

Love, Jannah.