It was the start of December and the weather got really cool.

Life in karachi was nice. But I can't say the same for my married life. It's been a week since she asked me that weird question and since then, she hasn't approached me in bed at all. She's been sleeping in her study. In the morning I would find my breakfast waiting for me on the table and in the evening I would find dinner all set. All that was missing was my grumpy wife. If I wait for her, then she'll arrive at midnight and retire to her study and leave early before I would wake up.

It's been a week and this has been carrying on. I want to ask her but I can't seem to get my hands on her. But I think her birthday would be the best occasion. If I can't get her at home then I will catch her at her work place. I found out where her hospital was too.

Now all that I'm waiting for was 5th October. Thankfully I excused myself early from work and left for the jewelry store. I wasn't quite sure what she would like and knowing she has issues with accepting gifts, so I just bought a simple gold necklace for her.

When I arrived at the bakery, I was disappointed to know that they couldn't make the cake like how I had explained to them. I tried explaining to them in the little bit of Urdu that I knew but they just didn't understand.

"Listen, I'm trying to tell you to just write 'my dear grumpy wife' after happy birthday. It's that simple." I repeated my statement that I had been repeating for the last half an hour. But this guy was either too dumb or just plain ignorant. He began  rambling in Urdu or was it something else, I couldn't understand and the worst part was that I came during the break so he was the only one around the bakery.

"I've had enough. I want to see the manager." I said in a tone an octave higher then normal because I was clearly getting pissed off at this guy and the time for Asr prayer was drawing near so I needed to hurry.

"Excuse me." Said a make voice from behind me. I turned around to face the man. He looked Caucasian, with turquoise eyes and brown hair with a stubble on his face. He looked like he was of my age. On this side, he was holding hands with a girl on his left and boy on his right--they looked like twins and bore great resemblance to the man.

"If you don't mind, I couldn't help but hear your predicament. Mind if I help out." He said in flawless Chicago accent.

"Of course, please." I relayed with relief. He nodded while the children ran off to the pastry counter. The man started with the attendent.

"What is it that you want exactly?" He inquired. I explained to him and he got it through to the idiot.

I know I shouldn't be thinking that the man was an idiot but what could I do, I was a bit agitated.

"Okay, he said that he'll get it done in five minutes." He told. I smiled and breath a sigh of relief.

"Thanks a lot. You saved me a lot of trouble." I voiced my concern. The man smile. "My pleasure but word of advice, this poor man is a newbie and he doesn't know how to speak in English. If you like this particular brand for confectionery items then I suggest you go to the central bakery. The employees there all know how to communicate in English." He informed.

"Thanks for the info." I said and shook hands with him. "Though it's partly my fault. I'm just new around here and even after two months of studying at an Urdu centre, I still can't get my head around urdu." I drawled and scratched the back of my neck as my ears turned red.

"It's quite understand."

"Anyways thanks for your help. I'm Zackriya Islam by the way." I told. He gave my hand a firm squeeze. But the kids were starting to fight so he turned his attention on then.

"Ibteshaam, stop teasing your sister. And only one item, bacho." He yelled but his tone was laced with tenderness for the children. "Wife's birthday huh?" He raised an amused brow at me. I smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, but she's not in a good mood so I planned a surprise for her. I'm Wanna make amends. Even though it wasn't my fault at all."

"I understand. But what can we do? Mine is pregnant and boy, the mood swings and tantrums she's throwing  this time are unbelievable. So I came here and brought the kids with me so we could pick something for her to cheer up. Her cravings for sweets sets everything right." He told and chuckled and I joined him. "Many congrats, Subhan Allah."

"Thanks, Alhamdulillah. Anyways,
I'm shehzad Atish." He introduced himself and gave me his name card.

"If you need any help, be sure to give me a call." He claimed and bid me farewell.

I was grateful for his help and placed the card in my wallet. I got the cake and thankfully made it in time to the masjid for Asr prayers. I also got time to get a fresh bouquet of flowers and red balloons.

Praying that my plan works out, I went to the hospital. Grabbing the things in my hands, I walked to the reception.

"Excuse me. Asalam alaikum," I greeted the receptionist. He looked at me and replied back in English, to my utmost releif.

"Can you please direct me towards Amber Islam's office."

"I'm sorry but there isn't any Doctor here by that name. If you'd like, you can check the name list of the doctors over there." He instructed me towards the right.

That's when I realized that Amber still kept her surname as Zaid in practise. I should ask her why though later.

Her office was on the second floor. As I went up and got to her office, I knocked twice but there wasn't any answer. I tried opening the door and it easily clicked open. The lights were on and so were the various machines and intruments. I set the things on the coffee table near a corner.

Where was Bree?

I glanced around and found her dupatta (I think that's what it's called) on the back of her desk chair. I took the soft chiffon material in my hand sniffed her fragrant scent of fresh berries and grapes. Today I'll make amends-- screw my pride. Somethings are more important.

I got out of the office and asked a nurse about her whereabouts. She told me that Amber was called in the ER. I went back to the ground floor. There were many people crowding the ER so it was a bit difficult for me to spot Bree. I looked around in the sea of people until finally, there is navy blue scrubs and a white lab coat, she stood by a stretcher, treating a little boy.

However, in that moment of time, I was stunned as I looked at my wife afar. Because for the first time, I saw her smile. Her eyes were twinkling and gleaming and there was a certain look of compassion and tenderness marring her facial expressions as she held the boys hands and soothed him by carassing his forehead. Suddenly, I felt a pit of rage boil inside of me. Was it possible that I was getting jealous of a boy who received more of my wife's attention then I ever did?

Maybe because with her smile and bright lit face, she looked absolutely gorgeous.

But that look faded away as soon as she saw me staring at her from a distance. The tender look in her eyes was again replaced by stoic iciness.

With long strides, she came to me and began to drag me away to a nearby room."What the hell are you doing here?" She seethed through clenched teeth, her eyes turning hard as she crossed her arms.

"Woah, take it easy," I raised my hands in surrender. "I came here to see you that's why." I explained and tried to touch her shoulders but she avoided my touch. I grimaced.

"Why?"

"What's wrong with me wanting to meet with my wife at her work place?" I queried. "That's no reason. You shouldn't have come here." She stated.

"And why is that?" I inquired. I don't know what's wrong with this woman.

"Because I haven't told anyone that I'm married and now if they saw me with you then everyone would wonder who you are and my reputation would be at stake." She explained.

What? What the hell? I felt myself getting upset on this revelation.

"Why haven't you then?"

"I don't need to. It's my business and I choose not to tell anyone." She retorted.

I fisted my hands at my side. "I can't believe you. Why haven't you told anyone. You should Bree, if it's a matter of your reputation, then you need to tell everyone that you're married because sooner or later they would find out and that again, wouldn't be good for you." I pacified her. Her features hardened further and her eyes darkened with anger.

"How fucking dare!" She hissed through her teeth. "You are no one to dictate what I do and don't do." She claimed.

OK that's it. Such insolence. I can't take this any further.

"On the contrary, I'm your husband and I have every right!" I snapped, my voice raising.

"Keep your tone down." She ordered. "No I won't. I don't know what's wrong with you. Why are you behaving this way?" I demanded, my body shaking as I tried to control my emtions.

Upon hearing my words, her features  softened and her eyes and expression went blank. "That's right, I'm crazy. There, now leave." She said in monotone.

I frowned. Whenever a situation called for her to use her emotions, she would immediately switch them off and act as if nothing effects her. I closed my eyes and took a really deep breath; a wave of calmness spread over me.

Opening my eyes, I faced her with a smile and neared her. She took voluntary steps back but I quickly grabbed her shoulders. "I missed you. I couldn't see you or talk to you at home so I figured that I ought to catch you here at work. and today was special. It's your birthday." I revealed. Her eyes widened and the surprise there was uncanny. So she didn't realize today was her birthday.

How weird is that? I mean I'm her husband but still personally, I'm still I stranger to her and yet I knew because I found out when I looked at her date of birth on her ID on our Nikkah day.

She turned away to leave. "I don't care because it's not important. I don't celebrate my birthday or even bother to remember it." She claimed bitterly was going to leave but I immediately grabbed her wrist and pulled her to my chest. She stiffened and was going to push me away but I held her tightly.

"It's important because you matter. You mean a lot and what's more important, you mean a lot to me so this day IS important." I emphasized, looking her straight in her eyes. They softened and something flashed in those brown depths. She stopped struggling and her head hanged a little low.

"So come on, I planned a little surprise for you." I told her jocundly and took her hand in mine. But she released it from my hold and walked with me back to her office. People around us began to look at us with surprise and skeptism but Bree went on with her head held high, not bearing  anyone any mind.

I should talk to her again about her informing her colleagues about our marriage. We have every right to get public. I would proudly tell everyone that I'm married but I don't understand why Amber has a problem with it. Does she not feel proud to be married to me? Maybe but for now, I need to focus on my goal at hand.

As we arrived at her office, she called in her assistant and told him to cancel her appointments for the next hour.

Now that was something. I'm glad that she's taking the time to be with me. I gave her the bouquet. Her face was still expressionless but I noticed her eyes: her mind was in deep thoughts.

"Bree?" I snapped my fingers in front of her eyes. She blinked and focused on me. I beamed at her. "Stop thinking so much and come here." I slowly pulled her to my side and led her to a small mirror that was hanging with a small sink underneath. I took her dupatta off her head and turned her to face the mirror.

Standing behind her, I glanced at her reflection. She was only looking at me with a composed expression. Even through the scrubs, i detected her fruity scent. I opened her tight bun and set her hair on her shoulders. She was about to protect when i placed a finger on her lips. "Just for a few minutes. For me, please." I pleaded, burying my nose in her thick dark blocks. She was a few inches shorter then me but she fit in perfectly because it gave me the advantage to overpower her when I please.

I hugged her gently from behind. Oh I've missed you so much this past week Bree. You've been torturing me with your absence for far too long.

With my arm wrapped securely around her waist, i took out the small rectangular box from my inner coat pocket and took out the delicate necklace.

I saw her silent observing eyes grow wide when I tied the chain around her neck. Her hand came up and examed the delicate object.

"Happy birthday, my dear wife." I whispered alluringly in her ear, our eyes glued to each other through our reflections. She shuddered when my lips met her earlobe.

"Come on, let's cut the cake." I told cheerfully and I was surprised that she was complying without question. We sat down and I opened the box. I held her take in a sharp breath when she saw the cake. I chuckled.

It was a picture cake. I had taken a picture of her when she was silently having tea in the kitchen and she didn't even notice me taking it. Her hair was tied in a bun and she was wearing her dark rimmed glasses while reading a file.

The remarks below read. 'Happy birthday my grumpy wife.'

"When did you take this?" She asked in monotone, her eyes glued to it. "That's irrelevant. Now cut the cake." I said and gave her a knife. She looked at it for a few seconds and the gazed at me-- her espression was one filled with wonder at my gestures.

I couldn't help but think--why is she so taken aback? Maybe no one did this for her in a long time. Maybe.

That's why she said that she didn't celebrate or think it necessary. But what really bothered me was that I didn't get any reaction from her.

Shouldn't a woman scream with joy and bounce up and down in excitement? Or if nothing, the least that could be done was a brightly lite smile spreading on her face.

But here I am, witnessing her brick face. Not even a ghost of smile was playing on her lips.

I did this because I was anxious to see her smile. I wanted to make her happy.

I desperately wanted to ask her if she was happy at my little attempt but I couldn't get the words past my mouth.

She sliced a small piece and heaved it towards me. I smiled. Taking her hand in mine, I took a bite and then ate the whole piece. Licking her fingers painfully slowly while my eyes were set on her face, a dark scarlet blush crept up her cheeks. She tried to release her hand from mine but I caught her wrist and kissed her palm.

"I missed you. I wanna make amends." I murmured against her palm, my eyes gazing deeply into hers. I saw a look for guilt flash through her eyes, the brown depths becoming coy. Where the bold confidence gone that she shows on bed? Otherwise in broad daylight she's so shy or reserved to make any contact or even try to touch.

"O-okay," she stammered and quickly looked away. "You've been keeping me on a tight leash this past week. Why?" I inquired, placing my finger under her chin and making her face me. She turned away again so I wrapped my arm tightly around her shoulders and pulled her closer.

"Why did you snap at me that day?" I pushed. She was silent and looked everywhere other then me. I figured she wouldn't answer so I sighed and let her go.

"S-sorry,"

I could be wrong but I think that I held her mutter a soft sorry. I looked at her and smiled. She was looking at her hands. I gently caught her hands and turned her towards me.

"It's okay. But a little warning next time before you try to blow my head off." I joked and chuckled. She just stared at me blankly. She nodded and squared her shoulders, schooling her features.

"Thank you. For this." She remarked, her tone slightly laced with gratitude. I smirked my signature smirk. Her eyes slightly widened. Yes, she understood what I wanted.

"I think, a kiss would suffice for now." I muttered and leaned in closer to her. She understood and her blush brightened.

She sighed lightly and gave me a quick peck on my lips. My brows furrowed in unsatisfaction. I pulled her by her waist and leaned in to kiss her myself but she placed her small hand on my mouth to stop me.

"Not now. Tonight." She mused as her eyes were still on my lips. I kissed her fingers. "You're right. Then i won't be able to control myself." I chuckled and put some distance between us.

"But have you really been so busy that you couldn't sleep in our room?" I inquired. She was musing about it.

"Actually, it was my time of the month so I needed some privacy." She mumbled. I chuckled and her blush deepened.

I smiled tenderly and carassed her warm cheek. "I love it when you blush this much." I uttered and controlled myself from crossing the limit.

She ignored me and began to cut a piece of cake for me. I accepted it and whenever I would catch a glance of her, she was deep in thought and her fingers kept carassing the necklace on her neck.

From outside, I heard the maghrib azaan. "Would you like to come with me for prayer?" I asked and put down the plate.

"Um, I'm busy here. You go on ahead." She said and picked up the paper plates and disposed them in a dustbin.

Come to think of it, ever since I have been here, likes been almost two months, I have never seen Amber pray. I know it's not my business but still I can't help it. I know Amber is far from the ideal wife that I wanted but the only reason I wanted to marry a pure born muslim woman was because I thought that her ideals and values would be more firm then a convert.

"But Bree," I started softly and caught her hand. "I want to pray with you. I want to remember the Lord together with you." I insisted.

"Look," she said with an annoyed tone. "If I want to pray then I'll pray if I want. Now please don't ask me this again." She stated and jumped to her feet.

I was left dumbfounded.

Want? You pray when you want? No you pray because it's your mandatory responsibility towards Allah and oneself.

I approached her but a knock on the door caught her attention and she rushed out. I cleared my things from the office and went out towards the masjid. After i was done with the salah, I raised my hands and asked Allah to help Amber.

I think she needs it badly.

When I got home, the house was empty. Usually I get back 8 pm and her is also back and has dinner ready. But looking from her situation, she must he busy. The apartment was near the hospital so Amber would come back early to have dinner ready for me and then she would leave again.
Ive decided; I'm going to help her around with house work from now on.

I had dinner ready and texted Bree when she would be back. She texted that she'd be back in an hour or two so I decided to watch TV. Around 10 pm, I heard the door open. Getting up, I was near the door when the door flew open and Bree jumped on me, her lips colliding with mine.

"Bree?" I breathed when she released me and started to take her coat off. "We should have dinner first." I said, getting excited at her eagerness.

"For me," she said and pulled open my button shirt, popping many buttons. "You're on the menu." She breathed and jumped on me again.

Alright then, i would have you at any time.

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