I continued to stand to the far side of the room. My eyes glued to my feet, while I occasionally threw a glance around the hall. The Haveli was in an uproar since this morning, in preparation of Zaira's 9th birthday party. The sound of laughter mixed together with everyone's chattering continued to clash against my ears. Yet, I stood fidgeting in my place, feeling very much like a fish out of water. But that's how I had always felt here, anyways.

Someone who didn't belong—

My train of thoughts was interrupted, when there was a sudden rush of excitement soaring through the ball room. Everyone had started singing the birthday song and my eyes followed the track of noise to her figure appearing at the far end of the door.

At that moment, watching her from my hiding place afar, I couldn't help but become overwhelmed, by a sense of striking contrast of status difference. Over there, on one end of the room, stood people; who held a legitimate right to be here. And SHE was part of that group, as well. Whereas, I—I was just an outsider, trying to forcefully fit in; just like 'he' had mentioned several times already.

Really! What was I thinking? I shouldn't have come here. And I wouldn't have had, after his warning to stay away from her. But—only because Nanna said, to not worry about the silly stuff Harris had spouted, did I stupidly assume, that she might become happy to see me, too. I had even pestered Nanna and Gramps to help me buy a gift for her birthday and in the end, could manage to find, nothing but a book. Just brilliant!

'You're a complete daft, Rayyan Huzaifa Abdullah! Utterly mug!' I thought looking at the english copy of "Le Petit Prince" and a new copy of "The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr.Hyde", wrapped in a gift wrap by Nans.

With a deep sigh, I turned up my gaze towards the vast deep ocean like distance separating us. We were literally oceans apart. She was standing there, looking like a little princess, in her pink frilly frock. Her expressions bewildered, by all the attention, as she desperately clutched at her Nanny's hand in attempts to cower behind her, hoping to escape from the overwhelming attention. Whereas, I stood here in my place, deflated; making vain attempts to catch her eye through the crowd.

Just then the crowd began to disperse and I caught her visibly scanning around the room. Her eyes still at a lookout and her feet not halting, until they had finally caught my gaze and froze there.

I sensed her sucking in a sharp breath, as she gaped at me with widening eyes. Only a moment later, her mouth had broken into a wide grin and she had shaken off her Nanny's grip, before bee lining towards me.

Whilst watching her run over that insurmountable gap separating us, so effortlessly—so simply, I couldn't help but feel bowled over. How easy was it for her to leave the protective embrace of her circle and dash towards me. Was she daft, too? Couldn't she comprehend the consequences of her actions? Did she wish to be ostracised too?

"You are here!" She breathed out with a gasp, muffled over by the sweet sound of her laughter. I could only gape at her open mouthed for a few moments, before my head slowly bobbed in a nod.

"I—Happy Birthday—" Not sure how I had managed to quack out those words, but following that, my hands had on it's own, held out the book towards her. Last time I saw her was a few days ago and I had noticed then, how intently she had read through the synopsis of my book.

Her eyes widened slightly at my this action, as she gingerly extended her hand to take hold of it. It didn't take a moment for her face to break out in another wave of bewilderment.

"Is this—" She couldn't finish, because I had cut her off with a sharp nod. She watched me for a moment, before drifting back to the books, which she was now clutching to herself, as if holding onto dear life. Her mouth opened, as if she meant to say something, but the moment was lost, when her Mom came in and started dragging her away.

"What are you doing here—making everyone wait—" Her Mom scolded, while she craned her neck, to turn and watch me flabbergasted
.
"Mummy—Rayyan—" She tried saying but was cut off again.

"What Rayyan—?! He isn't going nowhere! Worry about your own actions first—!" She listened to her chastising, with tears prickling the corners of her eyes and I could do nothing but watch her, being dragged away.

••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••

I stood in my place, outside the hospital; leaning against my car, while keeping a lookout for her. My gaze fixated towards the exit gate from which she was supposed to emerge. I knew about her off timings but, just in case, I had arrived half an hour earlier. Although, by now, an hour had already passed. Every time someone came out, I would find my eyes perking up, unintentionally; expecting her to appear before me. Yet, would only be rewarded with disappointment.

Even still, I had continued to patiently stand my guard. A surge of excitement bubbling within me, just at the thought of capturing her reaction, when she discovered my surprise.

Just then, I finally caught sight of her, whose face was turned away from me. She remained engrossed in some discussion with her friend, whilst making way towards the parking lot. I had to bite down on my lips to stop myself from smiling at her sight, awaiting her to notice me.

'Any minute now—'

I kept thinking, until she casually threw a glance in my direction and turned away as abruptly; only to freeze in her tracks a moment later. I stifled a smile at watching the shock brimming in her eyes, when she slowly returned her gaze to meet mine. I caught her sucking in a sharp breath at my sight and it hardly took a moment for her face to erupt into a beautiful smile.

However, what I didn't see coming was her running towards me, in her state. Immediately my face had scrunched into a look of horror, as I scolded her to stop running, whilst dashing towards her.

"God Zai! Can you please consider your state, for a moment?!" I remarked anxiously, while holding her at an arm length; making sure that she was alright. However, Zaira seemed to be completely oblivious to my worries, as she continued to gawk me through a breathtaking smile, between gasping for breaths.

"You are here!" She cried out finally and in the next moment, she had crashed against my chest. Her arms thrown around my neck, in delight. I froze in her sweet embrace for only a moment, before my arms found her frail waist. My face buried in the softness of her neck, as I inhaled in her sweet scent.

"I missed you, sweetheart—" I gasped out, near her ears. My grip around her tightening, when I pulled her closer to myself even more, if that was even possible.

"How—How did you—I thought you weren't supposed to be back before tomorrow!" She cried out suddenly, before pulling away from me. I peered down at her face, smiling softly and brushed away the stray strands falling on her face, before gently tugging them behind her ear.

"I wanted to surprise you—" I murmured against her lips, before pressing a soft kiss against them.

"And I love you." She breathed against my mouth, with a gorgeous smile, making me go in for another kiss.

"And how's my little Zeyni? Did you take proper care of your Mama, while I was away?" I questioned my little princess, while pressing a hand against Zaira's belly.

We were nearing the end of our 7th month of pregnancy. And Zaira was adamant to not stay home, doing nothing. So, I had no other choice but to relent. Only under the condition that, she would stop going to work, before her last month and if during all that time, her health deteriorated even once, then we would to put a halt to it, without any room for further negotiations.

"She missed you very much—She only ever kicked when you called." Zaira added, dropping one final peck against my cheek, before linking her arms with mine, as I led her towards the car.

"That's my little princess." I commended my daughter, while patting her Mother's tummy once again and earned yet another, kick for Zaira.

——————————————

"Rayyan—" I heard her gasp out, before she had clamped a hand to her mouth. I watched her frozen figure, with her turned back to me; as she gawked at every inch of the house covered in red roses, lights and balloons.

I left town for 3 days, due to an urgent meeting with a client, but somehow managed to get done with it, in less than 2 days. And, without waiting for morning to arrive, I had set upon my way to home; knowing all too well, that Zaira was supposed to be on a night shift. I had just enough time to set everything up, quickly, before she was there to see it.

Taking slow steps, with a smile on my face, I came up behind her and wrapped my arms gently and protectively around her.

"Happy 1st anniversary, my beautiful wife. I can't think of words to thank you—For becoming a part of my life, for blessing me with all the happiness and love in this universe and for making me—the luckiest and most grateful man alive." I murmured softly, with my face buried in the crane of her neck, while I pressed a lingering kiss against her skin.

"Rayyan—I—I completely forgot—!" She cried out, before turning in my embrace. Her hand clutching at the front of my jacket in alarm.

"That's alright, sweetheart. I will forever remember it for the both of us, InshaAllah." I returned gently, before touching my lips to the side of her face. Only pulling away, to cup her face in my both hands, to watch her gape at me apprehensively.

"What is it?" I inquired with a hint of worry to catch her shake her head at me

Turning away from the the concern in my gaze, she traced her tongue over her lower lip, before finally succumbing to biting down onto them.

'I definitely owe more right to doing that.' The thought crossed my mind and I just barely managed to suppress the urge to act on my desires, right then and there.

"You always render me speechless, Rayyan. How—how do you always manage to take my breath away—" She remarked slowly, but I didn't let her finish. Pressing my lips against hers, I physically rendered her speechless.

"Preferably like this?" I joked and earned a face flushed with embarrassment at that, which she dismissed with a gulp, while she averted her gaze to her hands pressed against my chest.

"Just when I think, I can't love you anymore than this—you go and prove me wrong. How is it humanly possible to have this much love for one person, Rayyan? It really—completely and honestly, leaves me at a loss." She murmured, shivering slightly; until, I had once again enveloped her in my embrace. My chin resting atop her head, with the side of her face pressed against my chest.

"Zai—My sweet, lovely, Zai—You can't even imagine, how much love I have for you in my existence. I am not even there anymore. It's all you—You're all of me. I am nothing, without you or apart from you, anymore. If you ask me to bring you the world—I'll spend everything in my power and beyond to make it yours. I'll bring it for you—and make it yours. No matter what it is or where it is—" I confessed and sensed her shaking her head against me. She pulled away just enough, to hold my face in her soft and warm grasp.

"—But you are my world, Rayyan. All of it. How can I ask for anything more, when I have already got more than I could possibly deserve? I can't even think, which good deed of mine had become so beloved to Allah, that he wrote you to be mine. You're my Mojza, Rayyan. My most precious Miracle—You're my every reason, Rayyan—My Forever and ever—"

She breathed out the words slowly and softly, whereas, I could only watch her unblinking and shivering from the effects of her words, which unbeknownst to her, were shaking me to the very core.

It was in that moment, when I was absolutely sure, that it was me who was blessed with more than I could've ever imagined to ask for. A lot more than I could've had possibly deserved. And all of it was owing to Zaira's kismet that had manage to change me. Into someone, who was capable for her. Who was good enough to be with her. To love her, cherish her and protect her. And really—what a heavy responsibility had Allah bestowed upon me. I knew Allah didn't burden a soul, more than it's capacity and there was nothing else for me to do, except pray to Him. To be granted with the strength and wisdom to be able to fulfil my promise.

"And good women are for good men, and good men, for good women." (Quran 24:26)

An Ayat, that I had heard Gramps mention so many times before, crossed across my mind just then. However, dismissing my fears, I once again took hold of her and enveloped her in my embrace.

••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••

I ran down the hospital hallway, in search of her. My legs were shaking miserably, yet, I continued to run. I didn't even know how I had managed to drive, in this state.

"Rayyan—" I stood at an intersection, looking for the way towards the OT, until Uncle's voice drew my attention. Gasping for breath, I jogged towards him, who had stood up from his seat, in the waiting area.

"Zaira—is she—" I couldn't even form any thoughts. The lump of tears was blocking my airway and I had done a good enough job to hold them away, so far.

"They went in an hour ago—Shouldn't be too long, now—" Uncle was saying, when tears had begun to escape through the confines of my eyes. With a sharp gasp, I made a futile attempt to brush them away with the back of my hand, but they were nowhere near ending.

"Son—Rayyan. She's okay—Zaira is going to be okay, InshaAllah—" I heard Uncle say, as he pulled me against himself; his hand extending up to pat my back, owing to the slight height difference. For a few moments, I could only stand there, desperately trying to not break apart and crumble, then and there. Until, Uncle slowly let go of me. His hand lingering on my back comfortingly, as he pulled me down, to sit to his one side on the bench; with Auntie sitting onto the other side.

They both had arrived this week, for Zaira's delivery. Auntie was supposed to stay with us for the month, to help Zaira with everything. But Uncle had tagged along too, to stay until her due date.

I was still in the court, when I had received Uncle's call. However, didn't see it until just a while before. Upon calling him, I had found out that Zaira had went into labour and was rushed to the hospital.

"I should have been here, with her. I am sorry—I didn't see—She must've been in so much pain. I—" I gasped out the last part. My gaze fixated to hands clutched in my lap. Just the thought of it—her pain—and the guilt of making her go through it alone—it was killing me and crippling me from inside. She must've been so scared—my Zai—

My thoughts were interrupted, with Uncle's solemn voice.

"Zaira asked me to not call you, more than once. She said, 'Daddy, when Rayyan comes, please tell him, I was okay. Tell him, I was very brave and hardly in any pain. Or else, he is going to be heartbroken, Daddy. Please don't scold him for not being here. I know how much he wanted to be here with me, right now'." I looked up at him as he finished, to find him looking down at his feet with a small smile and tears brimming in his eyes.

"You know, Rayyan. Zaira, she—She has never asked me for anything. Not even once. I knew she didn't want to marry you—but she never dared to utter those words." I could only watch him unblinking, whose gaze was now fixated to his hands knotted in his lap.

"This was the first time, she had asked me for something. And I think, I can laugh and cry at the same time, just thinking of her silly wish. Of all the things she could've asked me for, this is what she asks for? (Maanga bhi to kia). It may seem insignificant to others, but how important and desperate, my little baby was, only I know. Despite being in so much pain herself, it was 'your' pain, which was of more consequence to her." He was saying, with tears dripping down his cheeks, but he made no effort to wipe them away.

"Parents tell their daughters, 'May you get a lot more love in your next home, so that our memories might seem insignificant to you, in comparison—' But, I know with a surety now, more than ever, that you really did manage to give her more love than anyone else, in her life—And I don't know how to thank you for that—" Before he could finish, he had turned in his seat, to clutch at my hands, in his, before bringing his forehead down to touch them.

"Uncle—! Please—You have no reason to thank me. Instead, I should be the one to thank you—for trusting me with your precious daughter—" I cried out desperately, before clutching his cold, shrivelled hands in mine. He gawked me with a teary smile at this, but before he could say anymore, we were interrupted by the emergence of doctor in charge. I had immediately rushed towards her, in a frenzy.

"How's she? How's Zaira—" I cried out desperately and didn't calm down until I had finally seen her up and awake.

"She is so beautiful darling—and perfect, just like you." I murmured softly and pressed a lingering kiss against her temple. Holding her close to myself, I inhaled in her sweet existence, before turning up my gaze to watch Zeynep, being the center of her grandparents fascination at the moment. Just then, Auntie threw a glance in our direction and addressed me with a heartwarming smile.

"I have got 4 daughters Rayyan. And I have witnessed this during every single delivery. Their husbands would inquire, immediately, how is my baby? The health of mother wasn't of much consequence to them—But you're the first one, Rayyan, who had asked about MY daughter's wellbeing, before your own. I must say, you've managed to win me over with this. MashaAllah, my Zaira is blessed with the best. May Allah SWT protect you both from every evil eye. And May the love between you two, only continue to grow more with every passing year." Auntie added tearfully and I could only watch her at a loss of words. But before, I could think any further, Zaira tightened her hold around me and brushed a soft kiss to my cheek.

"MashaAllah. Ameen. InshaAllah." She gleamed, while pronouncing out the prayers loud enough to resonate through the room, which was met with equal enthusiasm by her parents, who returned her prayers.

"Ameen." I whispered finally and softly nudged her head with mine.

••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••

"And 1-2-3! PEEKA BOO!" I exclaimed cheerfully, while playing with my 3 month old, adorable, little Princess; who was reclining in her rocker, squealing happily at my attempts.

"Zai! Let's go! We are ready to go for our walk—Aren't we excited! Yes! Yes, we are!" I cooed towards the end, turning to my little Zeynep, who was now busy, in making attempts to jump out of her chair; shrieking in delight, when I extended my arms to pick her up.

"Rayyan—! You just came back from work! We are not going anywhere, before you have your dinner." I heard Zaira's call from the kitchen and immediately dropped all efforts to utter a single word in protest. Instead, resorted to picking my little princess in my arms and came to see her mother.

"Uh-Oh. Mama is furious with us, Zeyni. I guess, we'll have to eat our greens first." I eyed Zai's back skeptically, before turning to watch Zeynep in my arms, who was addressing my worries in her baby language, very seriously. Just then Zaira turned towards us and shifted Zeynep from my arms into hers.

"Honestly. I think you both are my babies!" She cried out exasperated, with a shake of head and turned to leave, when I pulled her against myself by grabbing at the back of her waist.

"But, you're only my baby." I retorted cheekily and caught her smile in a flirty kiss.

"You're such a tease, Rayyan! I can't even stay mad at you for a single second." She chuckled, before giving me a peck on my cheek. I followed her retreating back and raised a fistbump to Zeynep; who eagerly slapped it, just like I had taught her.

'We make such a good team!' I thought and pressed a kiss to my second baby's forehead.

~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••~••

I crept into the house, slowly. Careful to not make any noise and wake them up. Work kept me late and I had only now managed to get free.

Walking into our room, I could see Zeyni, laying awake beside Zaira, who was fast asleep. Her one hand resting protectively over Zeyni, who was quietly trying to capture in her little hands, the stars forming on the ceiling, from the rotating lamp.

With a smile, I inched towards them and slowly bent over my little Princess, whose eyes immediately perked up at my sight. A beautiful smile forming across her face, matching her mother's; just like her laugh.

"How's my Precious Princess?" I gushed in a whisper and she began squealing, raising up her hands, in call, to be held. I picked her up and immediately she leaned against my chest, softly. Her hand coming up to clutch the top of my collar, fondly.

Stifling my smile, at her actions; which were the spitting image of her mother's, I felt my heart melting for this precious baby, in my arms. Quickly and quietly, adjusting the duvet cover around Zaira, we made a discreet exit.

Playing with Zeyni, in her room, I listened to her stories, of whatever had transpired during her day. After 4 months since her birth—I felt, that I was beginning to understand the meaning behind her incoherent words. I could comprehend when she was hungry, or needed a diaper change, or was just sleepy.

Like right now, she was getting hungry and after her meal, she would quickly become sleepy. So, after making her drink her bottle, I walked around the room, reciting Quran from my app for her; just like Zaira did it. All throughout the pregnancy, Zaira never failed to go to bed before reciting her Quran and she felt that, this had become instilled in Zeynap; who wouldn't go to sleep without it, anymore.

Shortly afterwards, she had fell asleep. I came down to rest on the couch, for a while, before putting her to her own bed, in our room. In the midst of it, I somehow fell asleep on the couch and was woken up, by Zaira; who was taking Zeynep from my arms.

I rubbed my eyes at her, who only gave me a small smile before leaving the room with Zeynap. In that short while, she had returned to catch me eating icecream from the container, which I had bought for her on my way back.

"I'll warm up your dinner." She returned softly, while coming up to me. I shot her a small smile before tugging her towards myself by grabbing at her waist and pulling her onto my lap.

"I got you icecream—" I murmured against the skin of her chest, whose arms were by now protectively wrapped around my back.

"My sweet, sweet Zai—" I hummed softly, before pressing a kiss to the hollow of her neck.

"Mmm—Cold—" She moaned, craning her neck, reflexively and giving me better access, in process.

"Uh no. Definitely hot—" I teased, but didn't stop my torture. In the next moment, I had brought her down to lay back onto the couch, before coming on top of her myself. Her eyes looking back at me, were shining with yearning and affection, as she traced the angle of my jawline, with the tip of her fingers.

"Zai—I realised today that I haven't take you for a honeymoon, yet." I added breathlessly, before bending over her again. Holding her hands above her head, I continued to nibble onto the side of her neck. She could only answer in moans for a while.

"My every day is a honymoon with you, Rayyan Huzaifa Abdulah—" She finally managed to gasp out breathlessly; whereas I was nowhere near ready to stop. However, her words had caused a low groan rise in the back of my throat.

"—Very sexy—Zai—" I gasped out, unable to calm my laboured breath.

"Someone's in a mood today—" Her breaths came out raspy, intermingling with mine and becoming one and the same.

"Always—and forever—" I cracked out a moan from her blazing touch against my skin.

"Even—when I am old—and wrinkly?" She managed to get this out between moans, while shivering from my caressing strokes.

"Unfortunately, for you—it's only going to get worse, with time—" I gasped out between breaths and stilled her mouth by capturing her lips in a deep and carnal kiss.

"You are mad—" She groaned against my ears, Her back arching towards me, as her fingers ran it's length through my hair.

"Only for you—Forever and ever—" I remarked against her skin breathlessly and knew with surety, that I meant to keep this promise, with the last breath in me and beyond that. InshaAllah.

Assalamualaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barakatuhu!! Thanks for reading always. Don't forget to vote and share your thoughts☺️❤️