Ahad emerged from the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up and a dishrag tossed over his shoulder. Naira watched him quietly, trying not to feel awkward as she leaned against the dining table. It was the first time since their marriage that she'd seen him so...domestic. His usual sharp edges were softened in the glow of their home. But even now, the commanding aura he carried made her throat dry.

"Girls, come here," he called out gently, his voice laced with warmth. Mina and Zara peeked out from behind the sofa, giggling before running over to him.

Ahad crouched, opening a jar of gummy candies from the kitchen counter and holding it out. "Only one each," he said, wagging a finger with mock sternness. "Or else your Ammi will scold me."

"Don't blame me," Naira muttered under her breath, though the corners of her mouth twitched.

As the girls giggled and hopped away with their treats, Ahad turned his full attention to Naira. "You're awfully quiet today," he said, crossing the room to stand closer to her. His height towered over her, but the softness in his gaze melted any intimidation.

"I'm just...getting used to everything," she admitted, her fingers fiddling nervously with the fabric of her sleeves. "It's been a lot."

"Hmm," he said, folding his arms. "Then maybe this will help."

Naira frowned as he whistled sharply. Within seconds, the sound of paws echoed across the floor. Five massive dogs, all sleek and muscular, bounded into the room. Their sheer size made her instinctively step back, her heart leaping to her throat. Mina and Zara squealed in delight, running toward the animals.

"Ahad!" she exclaimed, clutching the edge of the table. "Are you crazy? Those dogs are-"

"Perfectly trained," he interrupted calmly, holding a hand up to reassure her. The dogs halted in an impeccable line, sitting obediently at his feet.

"Shabaash, good boys," he murmured, stroking their heads one by one. Their intense eyes softened under his touch, but Naira couldn't shake her apprehension. "They won't hurt anyone unless I tell them to."

Mina toddled over, her small hands reaching for one of the dogs. To Naira's shock, the creature leaned down, its massive head nuzzling against Mina's tiny hand with surprising gentleness. Zara soon followed, throwing her arms around another dog's neck, giggling uncontrollably.

"They're...not as scary as they look," Naira admitted hesitantly, her gaze flitting between the dogs and Ahad.

He smirked. "Told you." He walked over to her and gently nudged her shoulder with his. "You can trust them. And me."

As if sensing her lingering doubt, one of the dogs broke formation and padded toward her. She froze as it rested its head on her lap, looking up at her with what could only be described as puppy-dog eyes. Her fingers hesitantly brushed through its fur, and the dog responded with a soft whine of approval.

"See? They're already smitten," Ahad teased, his deep chuckle sending warmth rushing through her chest.

"They must get it from you," she muttered, her face heating.

Ahad tilted his head, clearly satisfied with her response. "Maybe," he said, his voice smug.

Later that day, as Naira was tidying the living room, a piercing shriek broke the silence. She rushed outside to find Mina and Zara crouched inside Ahad's car, surrounded by a chaos of stickers. Bright, glittery decals of animals and stars were plastered across the luxurious leather seats and dashboard.

"Oh my God," she gasped, covering her mouth. "What are you two doing?"

Mina looked up innocently, holding up a sheet of stickers. "We're decorating!"

Before she could respond, Ahad appeared at the scene, his brows furrowing as he took in the sight. For a moment, the air seemed to freeze. Naira braced herself for a storm.

But instead of shouting, Ahad let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand down his face. "You two are lucky you're cute," he muttered under his breath.

Naira blinked, stunned by his reaction. "You're...not angry?"

"Angry?" he said, turning to her with an incredulous look. "It's a car, Naira. Leather can be replaced. Their happiness can't."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. How could someone so powerful, so intimidating, be so...soft?

Still, she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You're setting a bad precedent."

He chuckled, bending down to scoop Zara into his arms. "Fine. Next time, I'll tell them to ask you first."

As the girls continued to giggle and chatter about their 'art project,' Naira watched Ahad's expression soften further. He looked at the twins like they were the center of his world, and it made something ache in her chest.

"By the way," he said suddenly, glancing over his shoulder, "I found a new potato recipe for you. Aloo ki biryani. Thought I'd try it out tonight."

She blinked, startled. "You...cook?"

"For you, I'll learn anything," he said smoothly, his lips quirking into a teasing smile.

Her cheeks burned, and she turned away quickly, muttering, "Show-off."

He only laughed, the sound rich and warm. And in that moment, surrounded by laughter and glittery chaos, Naira realized that maybe-just maybe-she could let herself belong here.