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MATURE SCENE. READ AT OWN DISCRETION. SKIP IF UNCOMFORTABLE

Anabia

Our bodies moved together in sync under the duvet. The wild, loud night of intense passion had slowly morphed into a quiet, soothing session of lovemaking.

Hands clasped.

The skin that was exposed above the duvet glinted with sweat in the gentle candlelight.

The sounds of groans and soft moans filled the room, and as we reached the climatic conclusion, a contented cry slipped out of my mouth. 

He lay on his back, a smile on his face. My naked body that had been trembling with desire not too long ago, automatically moved closer to him, yearning to be snuggled by the man who had made it feel so loved, cherished and desired during this beautiful night of intercourse.

As I lay my head against his chest, he wrapped an arm around me and I briefly felt his hand press against my bottom as he pulled me closer until our lips met. My hand slid up his bare chest and onto his shoulder as the kiss deepened. 

"Rehan..." I breathed out, pulling away. I pulled the duvet up before pressing my forehead against his chest. "Aapko pata hai, maine itna aur aisa pyar kabhi nahin kiya jitna maine aapse kiya hai?"

*"Do you know that I've never loved anyone as much as, or in this manner as, I've loved you?"

"Maine bhi, Anya. Tum meri pehli mohabbat ho, aur akhri bhi." He replied, huskily.

*"I haven't either, Anya. You are my first and last love."

Our lips met again, and I placed my arm across his torso as our kisses became more and more heated. I knew without doubt that we were going to make more love tonight, but for some reason it had been important for me to convey to him that our lovemaking was more than just a physical act. Every time we made love, I locked another part of my soul to his for all eternity.

My husband, my lover, my best friend, my soulmate; Rehan Tariq was my everything.

And I was his in every way.

*

I blinked as I heard the sound of soft cooing beside me. I looked down to see that Haya and Hooriya had woken up. 

I'd been thinking about the night that I was sure that we'd conceived the twins. 

"Ana, do you need anything?" Saim shouted out from down the hall.

"No, I'm good, thanks!" I glanced around my old bedroom. My brother had actually set up a double cot for my twins during my last trimester, in case I had to come and stay here after their birth. I glanced at my daughters again. "This is your Nano's house. In a few days, In Sha Allah, you'll both also stay over at your Dada Jaan and Dado's house."

At the mention of my mother-in-law's name, my cheeks burned.

She hadn't immediately confronted her, and had actually given us a small, understanding smile, but the next morning, she had quietly spoken to us in the kitchen before anyone else had come.

*

"I'm sorry, Mum." I blushed.

"No, it was my fault. I'm sorry." Rehan glanced at his mother. My husband hadn't been embarrassed, but he felt bad that his mother had witnessed such an intimate moment that should have remained within the bedroom.

"Look, my darlings, I'm glad you guys have kept the romance alive. It's not easy after a baby, especially twins." She was almost whispering. "But Rehan, anyone could have walked in. Khadija is still Anabia's mother, but Yasin could have walked in. Beta, Anabia is your izzat. I feel ashamed saying this, but she could have been exposed to him in such a manner. That's wrong on all levels, especially for Anabia herself." 

*Izzat: respect.

I felt further embarrassed as I realised how right she was. Our religion has boundaries for particular reasons. Not only is PDA frowned upon, but I had allowed myself to be exposed, basically publicly, in a way that non-mehram males were forbidden to witness. "I'm so sorry."

"I know it's awkward hearing this from your Saas, my darling, but I'm Rehan's mother, therefore I consider myself a maternal figure to you. Hence, I feel like I should advise you, rather than let it be."

"I'm going to be more careful, Mum. Trust me, this wasn't Anabia's fault."

She took his hand in one hand, and mine in the other. "No more awkwardness and embarrassment. I trust you both, you're both mature enough. But, on a brighter note, I can pray that this marital bliss and love between you two to lasts for years to come, for all eternity. Ameen."

"Ameen." Rehan and I exchanged a smile.

*

I opened the door and called out. "Saim, can you help me take the twins downstairs?" 

His door almost immediately opened and he came out with a wide grin on his face. "Sure. Super Mamu to the rescue!" He entered the room and picked the little madams in one arm each. "And listen, Shahzaib is coming to visit. He wants to congratulate you for the twins." 

I tensed up. "Isn't he back in the US?"

"He was, but he came by to see Emaad Bhai. We have remained in touch, and I told him about the twins, and now he wants to come by and congratulate you." 

I followed Saim downstairs, watching my twin daughters comfortably snuggle in their Mamu's arms.

As we came downstairs, Mama came out in the foyer. "Anabia, I've made some more soup. Keeping having some at regular intervals."

"Okay, Mama." 

Mama smiled before glancing at Saim. "Saim, would you like me to make you a paratha?"

"No, thanks." Saim didn't even directly look at her. 

"Saim..." Mama began.

Saim just headed into the living room.

I glanced at my mother. "Don't worry. I'll talk to him."

She nodded, but there was a sadness on her face. She had seemed more relaxed and calm since being back home, but now there was tension between her and Saim. My twin was furious about the way she had acted with me at my home, in front of my in-laws. For some odd reason, I felt no resentment or anger towards her. Yes, I'd been embarrassed, but I didn't hold a grudge against her for it.

Mama headed back into the kitchen and I followed Saim. 

"Don't start. I know I'm gonna get a lecture." Saim had set Hoor and Haya on the sofa and was holding his both index fingers between their tiny fists. "She humiliated all of us, not just you." 

"She was telling me off because her concern for my daughters. I can't resent her for it. And she does have a right to tell me off."

"Not like that, as Rehan Bhai said. In front of everyone, Ana."

"It's okay, Saim. Let it go. There's no excuse for you to be rude to her, or to give her a cold shoulder. This is between her and me, and I have no issues against her." 

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then shook his head as if changing his mind.

"Saim, when I'm letting it go, why are you dragging it?" I sighed in exasperation.

He pursed his lips, but the moment he looked back at the twins, his expressions softened. 

I got up and picked Haya up and held her up. "Come on, Mamu. Don't be mad at our Nano. Our Nano is a sweetheart, and she loves us so much that she got overprotective of us! We are very special to her, so she was just looking out for us!" 

A smile appeared on my twin's face. "What can I do, Hoor, you'll see what it feels to be protective of your twin..."

"That's Haya, not Hoor." I giggled.

"Oops. Let's just ignore this tiny error by Mamu." Saim picked Hoor up. "I'm still their best Mamu."

"Tiny error?"

"Oh, shush, Anabia." 

I laughed. "Be nice to Nano, Mamu. In fact, if you are a good Mamu, you'll go and give her a hug right now, for Hoor and Haya's sake." 

"Do not emotionally blackmail me, Anabia."

"This is their first request for their Mamu. As their mother, I know what they want." 

"Chudail."

"Jinn." 

He picked the twins up and headed towards the kitchen, and I followed.

"Mama?" He called out. "The twins have been acting like tiny lawyers, and they feel like I shouldn't be angry at you if their Mama isn't." 

Mama was standing by the stove and she turned to look at us. She looked so vulnerable that I wanted to hug her tightly.

"Sorry, Mama. I was being unreasonably mad at you when even Ana wasn't angry." Saim exhaled out. "I brought the twins along so that you forgive me easily."

"Saim." Mama was in tears and she held her arm out to give him a one-armed hug, patting his back. "I am not mad at you. I understand your protectiveness towards Anabia. But, please take the twins out of the kitchen immediately. It's too hot in here." 

Saim leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "You are an amazing mother, Mama. And I cannot thank you enough for everything that you've done for me." 

Mama started sobbing and I moved forward and wrapped my arms around her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Anabia. I get so overprotective and sometimes I don't know what I'm saying or doing, but trust me, I only want what's best for both of you and your families." 

"Don't apologise, Mama. I can understand your sentiments a bit more now." I whispered.

I felt relieved that there was no huge drama between Mama and Saim. In all these years, we were a small, but strong family unit. Alhumdulillah.

*

Laila was holding Hoor and Saim was holding Haya, while Mama was making a make-shift nappy changing area on a sofa by spreading out a grey changing mat with white clouds printed over it. 

Saim was gently moving Haya's foot around, so Laila questioned him, "Are you already training her for football?" 

Mama and I laughed as Saim nodded. "Obviously. I have to prepare them to be on my team against their Chachu."

"Saim." Mama shook her head. "He loves them as much as you love them, beta."

"Yeah, but Yas and I have this competition going." Saim laughed.

"Yas? Are you on nickname level of friendship with him?" I smiled.

"Yeah, he's cool. Even though I'm definitely going to be the favourite uncle." 

"Saim." Mama narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't even accidentally make this joke in front of Rehan or his family. That's not nice."

There she was, our considerate and wise Mama.

"Say it like you always do. You'll be the favourite Mamu, and Yasin will be the favourite Chachu." Laila spoke up. 

My phone rang and I glanced down at it. 

Rehan.

I excused myself and left the room to answer it. "Assalam Alaikum."

"Walaikum Assalam." He sounded like he was driving. "What are you up to?" 

I smiled. "You tell me, Rehan. I've hardly been here a few hours and you're already driving wildly around the city."

He laughed and the sound of his voice made my heart fluttered like we were still on our honeymoon phase or something. "I'm just going to pick up some groceries."

"We had enough groceries." I frowned, sitting down on the stairs.

"Not enough to make dinner."

"Come over here. I'll make special dinner for you." I giggled.

"Yeah, I don't think so. I'll manage on my own." He laughed again. "How are you and my girls?"

"I'm your girl too, unless you've completely kicked me out of that category?" 

"Well..."

"Rehan." I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me. "Listen, I know you use airpods, but please focus on driving. Call me once you're home, In Sha Allah." The doorbell rang. "I have to go. Someone's at the door."

"Okay. Take care. Let me know if you need anything. Love you."

"I love you too." I ended the call and headed down to open the front door. I froze as I saw Shahzaib Malik Ghafoor on the other side. 

"Assalam Alaikum." He gave me a warm smile when I didn't speak.

"Walaikum Assalam." I muttered as Saim came in the foyer behind me.

"Hey, bro." Saim grinned at him before lowering his voice to speak to me. "Laila said if you can please get her hijab." He nodded towards the coat rack behind him.

I took my sister-in-law's hijab and headed inside to hand it over to her.

A few moments later, once Laila had put on her hijab, Saim entered the room, followed by Shahzaib. He greeted everyone and Mama and Laila replied warmly.

"Congratulations, Anabia!" Shahzaib turned to me. He was holding a small gift basket. "Hamna suggested I get this to congratulate you." He handed it over to me.

"There was no need, but thank you." I placed the basket in the corner of the room where a large gift basket was already place. My work colleagues Raj and Caitlin had come by earlier to drop it off, along with a card that was signed by everyone at work.

"Shall I make some coffee or tea?" Laila asked, standing up.

"No, thanks, Bhabi. I'm going to go now. Just wanted to congratulate Anabia." Shahzaib glanced my way. 

"How is your wife and your son?" I asked, politely.

"Alhumdulillah, great. Munira had gone to her parents' house back in the US while I am here." Shahzaib replied.

"Beta, betho. Kuch kha peeke jaao." Mama told him.

*"Dear, sit. Have something to eat and drink before you leave."

"Thank you so much, Aunty, but I really have to go somewhere else." Shahzaib put a hand over his heart as if showing his gratefulness for her offer. "Ma Sha Allah, you must be really enjoying this raunak in the house, right?"

*Raunak: liveliness.

Mama beamed. "Ma Sha Allah, yes. I cannot thank my Allah enough." 

"Do you know what Emaad Bhai's plan is regarding Hareem?" I blurted out.

"Anabia!" Mama narrowed her eyes at me.

Shahzaib looked surprised. "I think his intentions are pure, but he is a bit lost. But he will find his way soon, In Sha Allah. I have great hope."

"I hope so too, because my best friend and her family are suffering in all this."

"You know how protective she is of Hareem, man." Saim explained.

"I understand." Shahzaib nodded. "But trust me, Anabia; Hamna and I want nothing more than to see Bhai and Hareem Bhabi happy and together ASAP. We're doing what we can. That's why I came to London."

*

Hareem

I returned home from work, walking down the side of the main house to get to the annexe where Mamma and I lived. There were sensory lights on here, so once it was sunset, they came on anytime anyone walked through this little alley.

I was surprised to find Faiz Bhai and Anaya Bhabi sitting in the living room of the annexe. He was leaning back lazily, still dressed in his formal work outfit, and he was playing with a lock of his wife's hair as they chatted quietly. Mamma wasn't in the room. "Assalam Alaikum."

"Walaikum Assalam." They both replied. Bhabi's cheeks were pink as she glanced up at me. 

I sat down on the sofa opposite them. "God, what a day." I raised my eyebrows at them. "Any reason that we are graced with the presence of the great Mr & Mrs Faiz Jamshed?" 

Mamma entered the room, and took a seat beside me. I greeted, and she replied, placing a hand on my back. "Shall I heat up the food, Hareem?" 

"No, Mamma. What's going on?" I looked from her to my brother and sister-in-law, and then back.

"Harry, go get changed and get something to eat. I'll do the same, and then we'll talk, okay?" Bhai stood up. 

"Faiz, I'll warm some up for you as well. Eat here. I've made bhindi." Mamma told him.

*Bhindi: okra dish.

"I'll go change and come back." Bhai grabbed his work jacket and walked out.

"Mamma, I'll help you with the rotis." Bhabi stood up. 

"Rotis are ready, bachay. I just need to warm up the food." Mamma told her.

"I'll do it, don't worry." Bhabi reassured her and walked out.

"What's going on?" I asked my mother again once it was just her and me in the room. "Tell me. Is everything okay?" I paused. "Did Emaad's mother call?" 

"She did. But she wasn't very happy, Hareem. She thinks we are provoking Emaad to have the rukhsati as soon as possible, going against her word." 

"Yaar, what is this unnecessary drama?" I groaned. "It's not worth it. I should have stuck to my plan of living my life travelling and then checking myself into a retirement home." 

"If life always worked smoothly, it wouldn't be life now, would it?" Mamma ran a hand over my head.

"Mamma, smoothly? My life has been like riding in a car continuously on an uneven road with potholes! I can't even remember the last time it ran smoothly. Yes, it has calmed down in the recent years, but there's always that turbulence whenever our father is mentioned." 

"You're healthy, you have a roof over your head, you get three meals a day, you have a good job and a loving family. Alhumdulillah. Once we start being grateful for what we do have, Allah finds a way to compensate for what we don't." Mamma told me gently. "After what Jamshed did, your brother has tried his best to step into a fatherly role for his sisters, especially for you, Hareem. He knows how much the past impacted you." 

"I know, Mamma, and I am grateful for him." I leaned against her, closing my eyes. 

I am not being ungrateful, Allah. But I am starting to feel lonely now. I feel out of place amongst my siblings and their families. I have a spouse now, so why am feeling more alone than ever?

"Anabia is at her mother's." Mamma kissed my forehead. "Go spend some time with her and her twins tomorrow. I'm sure you'll feel better. In fact, I'll come with you to congratulate Khadija and the family." 

I smiled even as my eyes brimmed with tears.

*

Later, after Mamma had gone to bed, I came out into the garden. My heart was overwhelmed with emotions, and I wanted to cry under the comforting blanket of the night sky.

Be strong, Harry. This isn't you.

But I was a human too. I had emotions and feelings like everyone else. It was a different matter that I chose to hide them from the world, but I felt loneliness and anxiety as well. I glanced up at the sky and my gaze found a lone star. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I quietly spoke to it as if it was an empathetic companion, as lonely as I was in the silence of the night. "I know how worried my family is about me, and I hate it. They've been through enough. They don't need this tension from my side, especially not Mamma. I'm causing them pain and I feel helpless because there's nothing I can do about it."

"You can stop crying for starters." 

I jumped and turned as I saw Faiz Bhai walking my way from the direction of the house, a worried frown on his face. A light constantly remained on outside the annexe, for the sake of mine and Mamma's security, and so that it was easier for my brother to look our for us from the house.

He stopped in front of me and ran a hand over my head. "Why are you worried?" 

I wanted to deny it, to be the strong Hareem Jamshed who acted like she didn't have feelings. But I couldn't. My Bhai knew me too well. "What should I do? Celebrate this extra time I'm getting with my family?" I asked, sarcastically.

"Do you trust me?" He asked, quietly.

"Like a daughter trusts her father in normal circumstances." I admitted without hesitation.

"Then trust me. I'll never let anything unfair happen with this kid of mine, okay?" He promised. 

"And if it does? What if Sonia Aunty make Emaad divorce me?" 

"A gut feeling tells me that he'll never do such a thing, Harry." He spoke thoughtfully. "And if he, God forbid, does do something like that, then thank Allah that you dodged a bullet. Because if he can't stand up for you at this point, how will he be your partner through life?" 

"I'm scared."

"Don't be, Harry. Because we're all with you every step of the way, okay?" He said. "Keep trusting me the way a daughter would trust her father in normal circumstances." He gave me a small smile.

I smiled back at him. "We're not discussing this with anyone else, okay? I have a reputation to maintain, brother." 

He laughed. "It's our secret."

*

Mamma and I arrived at Anabia's mother's house with my car loaded with bags containing gifts not just for the twin, but Anabia as well. In fact, Mamma had purchased unstitched shalwar-kameez cloth for Khadija Aunty, Laila and Saim as well. Anabia's babies' births were huge occasions in my family too, considering our strong friendship.

"What was the need for all this?" Khadija Aunty asked, shaking her head. "It's enough that you both are here to see Anabia and her daughters."

"Oh, Khadija, Anabia has always been so dear to me." Mamma said. "I'm so happy about the news of her becoming a mother. Alhumdulillah and Ma Sha Allah. She has always been such a sweetheart that I feel that she would be an excellent mother, In Sha Allah."

Khadija Aunty ran a hand over my head. "I know what you're saying, Gul. Hareem has almost been like family to us as well."

Aunty led us upstairs, where Mum and I met Anabia and her daughters. While Mamma spoke to Anabia about the hospital staff where she gave birth, and how procedures had changed since I was born, I headed straight to where my lovely darlings were lying on the bed. 

"Hey, jaans. It's your Reem Khalla." I leaned down to kiss each twin on the cheek.

"I'll get you both some snacks and juice." Khadija Aunty eventually said, before she and Mamma left to head downstairs.

"So..." I began, holding Haya in my arms. "How does it feel to be back in this room as a mother?" 

She laughed. "It felt weird coming here after marriage, let alone now when my entire world has changed. Ma Sha Allah." 

We talked, laughed and chatted for a long time. She fed them, then changed their nappies and I couldn't believe that this was the same Anabia who was a part of my avoid-marriage plan. Now she was a wife, a mother, and she was fitting the roles perfectly, Ma Sha Allah. 

"So, the aqiqah is in a couple of days." Anabia suddenly told me. "I'll send you the details. Your whole family is invited, of course, but do ensure that you especially bring Gul Aunty. My parents-in-law are hosting a dinner. In fact, my mother-in-law feels that she found me a perfect sari to wear."

"That's cool, man. I think she's right." I paused. "What will Hoor and Haya wear?" 

"I have no idea, man. I'm so confused." 

"It's okay. We'll choose the outfits." I grinned. "They can wear their Reem Khalla's choice, right?"

"Of course." 

It was nice to be away from the troubles and drama of my own life, and to be celebrating the births of my best friend's daughters. 

*

Anabia

"What happened?" Saim appeared in the open doorway of my room.

"I don't know." I replied, tearfully. "I have changed them, fed them, but they won't stop crying! Where's Mama?!"

"I think she's making a new dish using a recipe on YouTube, and the kitchen door is closed due to the smell of the spices. I'll go call her." He immediately rushed away.

Hooriya and Haya were practically getting red in the faces from crying so much. I had no idea what I was doing wrong, and I had no idea what to do.

Within moments, Mama had rushed into my room, looking hassled. "Kya hogaya meri pariyon ko? Meri bachiyan, idhar aao Nano ke paas."

*"What happened to my fairies? My girls, come to Nano."

She sat down on the bed and ran her hands over their tiny heads. "Anabia, it's so hot in this room, beta! Is the heating on? The twins are wearing double layers, and the material is quiet warm. I think they're hot. Saim, go turn off the main heating!" She started taking the girls' onesies off, and Saim raced back downstairs. "Koi baat nahin, meri jaan. Abhi theek hojayega sab kuch. Meri shehzadiyan aise roti hain to Nano ka dil dukhta hai."

*"It's okay, my darlings. It will all be okay soon. Whenever my princesses cry, Nano's heart aches."

And the twins did calm down once they were just in their bodysuits.  

"Anabia, khuda ka khauf karo, kambal bhi diya hua tha uppar!" Mama shook her head at me.

*"Anabia, fear God, you covered them with a blanket as well?"

"I didn't want them to catch a cold." I said, timidly.

"The temperatures should be balance; not too warm or not too cold, meri jaan." Mama whispered as she placed her hands on the girls' chests. She looked at me, and she gave me a small smile. "Get some sleep. I'll watch the girls for a while." 

"I am tired." I glanced down longingly at my pillow.

"Saim!" Mama called out to my twin. "Come and take the twins downstairs, beta."

I laughed. "Mama, he seems to be their taxi service."

"Banta phirta hai na favourite Mamu. To apni duties bhi puri kare phir." Mama said, just as Saim returned.

*"He claims to be the favourite Mamu. Then he should fulfil his duties as well."

"Gladly." Saim lifted the twins up, and they looked even tinier in their bodysuits. 

Mama picked up their blanket and onesies, before running a hand through my hair. "Sleep as much as you can, Chanda." 

Gratefully, I snuggled into the bed as they all left the room.

*

"Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?" I breathed out.

*"What are you doing here?"

"Apni biwi se milne aaya hoon." Rehan replied, shrugging casually.

*"I am here to meet my wife."

I was sitting on a chaise lounge, dressing in a long silk red robe. I had no idea where I was, but I turned my head to see large windows beside me, but pure darkness on the other side. "It's late."

Rehan was wearing black jeans and a black shirt that was unbuttoned enough to reveal his chest completely. He stood up and held out his hand, and I took it and got up on my feet. I felt my hair cascading down my back. I tilted my head back to look up at him, and I felt him untie the knot on my robe. I gasped out as he pushed the robe back off my shoulders, before I felt it fall and crumple by my feet. I looked down and found myself wearing...a red bridal lehenga? I felt confused by this change, and I looked up at my husband bewildered.

Wordlessly, he took my hand and I saw my henna-covered hands, my red nail polish and my red and silver bangles. "Rehan..."

He led me across a ballroom of some sorts, with the only light in the room coming from a magnificent chandelier hung in the centre. He led me up some steps and towards the doors. He opened the door but we didn't step outside. We just stared out into pure darkness, holding hands.

Suddenly, we heard a loud cry from within the darkness, and my heart sank. "Hooriya? Haya?!" I screamed out.

"Papa!" The small voice of a little girl called out.

"HOORIYA! HAYA!" Shouting out, Rehan let go of my hand and jumped into the darkness, disappearing instantly from sight.

"REHAN! HOORIYA! HAYA!" I screamed out. As I tried to jump in after my husband, someone grabbed my wrist. I turned tearfully and saw the detective, his face once again hidden by the fedora hat.

"Your fantasies will end, and reality pierces like a shard of broken glass." He spoke in a low, husky voice.

I felt wetness on my chest and I glanced down to see blood through the blouse of my lehenga.

"Life ends with a snap of a finger." The detective continued. 

*

I woke up with a gasp. The room was dark and I was still alone...

...but there was still wetness on my chest that made me sit up straight with a frightened cry. I turned on the bedside lamp with a shaking hand and glanced down. 

Nope. Not blood. Leaking breast milk.

"Allah!" I placed my cold hands over my face, sighing deeply with relief.

There was a knock on the door. "Anya?" 

I wanted to cry, hearing my husband's voice. "Come in, Rehan."

The door opened and he entered. "Assalam Alaikum. Mama thought I should wake you up for dinner..." His eyebrows rose as he glanced at my chest.

My grey shirt was stained, and I blushed. "Walaikum Assalam. My dinner or the girls' dinner? Because my breasts just can't wait to feed them, it seems."

He smiled. "We're waiting downstairs for you, okay?" 

I returned his smile and nodded.

After cleaning up, I headed downstairs and saw Mama, Laila and Saim setting up dinner in the living room, while Rehan sat on the sofa, our daughters held against his shoulders.

We sat down for dinner, and I couldn't keep the smile of my face as I looked around at my beloved family. Alhumdulillah. I pushed away the terror of the strange dream, and focused on my reality around me.

Hoor and Haya were placed on the sofa between me and Rehan as we ate, both of us keeping an eye on them. 

"Hareem and Gul Aunty came over. Rehan, they brought so many gifts." I told my husband. "I invited Hareem to the aqiqah dinner as well. That's okay, right?"

"Wasn't that a guarantee, anyway?" He smiled at me. "Listen, tomorrow Mum wants to take you out for a bit to get that sari she mentioned. She said that the sales assistants at the stores are trained to help with outfits, and they can show you how to do it. It's not gonna take long."

"Hoor and Haya?" Iasked.

"Mum suggested that I drove you guys, and I can wait in the car with the twins while you both go inside." He looked at Mama. "In fact, why don't you and Laila go with them as well, Mama? I'm sure Anabia would like your opinion on the outfit."

Mama beamed. "I'd really like that, beta." 

It wasn't about getting a designer outfit for me. It was about how my whole family was being included in this; about how welcoming my in-laws (and husband) were towards my family.

*

The sari was gorgeous. It was a pale pink colour, with a full-sleeved blouse that had pink and silver sequins and silver embroidery. The pallu was sheer with a silver border dotted with the pink and silvers sequins that matched the blouse. 

"I don't wear cropped blouses." I commented, staring at my reflection in the mirror of the boutique. Fortunately, only ladies were present here. 

"This is just to try on." The designer herself told me. "We're going to give you a full-length blouse. This is just to give you an idea." 

To be honest, I loved it. It was stunning. I looked shyly at Mum. "Can one of you wait in the car with the twins and send Rehan in please? I want his opinion." 

The ladies politely walked out, leaving me alone in the changing room. 

A few minutes later, I heard his footsteps and I felt my cheeks turn pink. I turned, taking in a deep breath.

Rehan stood in the doorway of the changing room, eyes widened. "Ma Sha Allah. Hoor hamari beti hai yah tum?"

*"Is Hoor or daughter or you (play on the words Hoor 'a.k.a angel/woman of heaven)?"

His eyes scanned the length of the outfit from the bottom to the top. As he saw my visible midriff, he glanced up at me.

"They're going to give me a full-length blouse." I blushed harder. "This is just to try it on."

"You can keep this one for private purposes." He grinned.

I shook my head at him. "You're unbelievable." 

He walked right up to me. "You always look breath-taking anyway, Anya. But today, knowing that this outfit is for an event that's about our daughters...and you're the mother of those said daughters of mine..." He lifted my hand up and placed it over his chest, as he had once done it under the hidden waterfall in his parents' back garden.

I felt his heart pounding hard, and I smiled.

"How much does it cost?" Mama's voice came from somewhere outside.

The sales assistant told her the price of my sari.

"Are you serious, Nina?" Mama sounded shocked. 

"Khadija, it's my first present to my daughter-in-law as the mother of my granddaughters." Mum sounded calm in comparison.

Rehan had brought the twins along, apparently, and they were now with their beloved grandmother and Mumani.

I glanced sheepishly up at my husband, trying to hide a smile. He made no such attempt, and he chuckled, shaking his head.

"It is too much." I whispered, wrapping an arm around him.

"Nothing compared to how much our daughters mean to our whole family though, right?" 

I rested my forehead against his shoulder, smiling widely. I felt genuine happiness. My daughters were experienced so much love, Alhumdulillah. I'd had my beautiful small little world with Mama and Saim, but I'd always wanted a bigger family. I'd always wanted to be loved and cherished more than anything materialistic. And I'm glad my daughters had that. Loving parents, adoring grandparents, loving uncles and aunts. May Allah always have them surrounded by so much love, by family. Ameen. "I'm glad they have so many loving people. Alhumdulillah."

"So, the only thing left is siblings?" He teased.

I giggled. "Oh, they're definitely having siblings, if Allah wills."

"How much time does it take for Rehan to give his opinion, Anabia?" Mum's teasing voice floated through.

Rehan and I laughed and shared a quick sneaky kiss before he walked out.

Ya Allah, let my daughters have all the love in the world. Ameen.

*

You know how it goes...when everything is going well...

So, Khadija had definitely improved at her own home.

Do you guys feel that Hareem should move in with Emaad, even against Sonia's wishes?

The twins are truly blessed with loved ones, and it is making up for all the emotional wounds faced by Anabia as she sees how loved her daughters are.

The dream? Thoughts? I know I use dreams quite commonly in my stories, but it is common to dream about things that you've been thinking about. So, what has been on Anabia's mind? Any theories?

Thoughts and comments?

Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote!