Author's POV

When he returned home, it was late-he had a dinner meeting, which he had informed Aina about earlier.

He stepped inside, unlocking the door with the spare keys his father had given him before leaving for the meeting. He was heading straight to his room when he stopped, spotting Aina asleep on the couch. Her head had fallen back, and her phone lay on her lap. It seemed she had fallen asleep while using it-waiting for him.

He walked over and softly called her name, but got no response. Kneeling in front of her, he whispered,

"Ai..." then paused, his voice catching as he stared at her flawless face.

The most beautiful and innocent face he had ever seen.

She was always beautiful, but tonight-tonight she looked even more radiant. A strand of hair had fallen across her cheek, making her appear even more alluring. He stood, picked up her phone, slipped it into his pant pocket, hung his office bag on his shoulder, then gently bent down. Wrapping one arm around her back and the other under her knees, he lifted her in his arms.

Aina's eyes snapped open in alarm. She stared at Saim with wide eyes, while he bit his lip, trying to suppress a smile as he carried her toward their room.

"I... I can... walk," she said in a barely audible whisper.

"I know."

"Toh... put.. me.. down?" (Then... put me down?) she said in a breathy voice.

He deliberately slowed his pace, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"But I can take you to our room. You're not that heavy," he said, pulling her a little closer, forcing her to place her hands on his shoulder in surprise.

"Aap thik hai?" (Are you okay?)

Saim chuckled and looked down at her. She was staring at him as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Do you think I'm abnormal?" he asked as he pushed open their room door.

"Haan," (Yes,) she nodded, then immediately shook her head, "Nahi!" (No!)

He placed her gently on the bed and leaned close to her face.

"I'm not abnormal..." he whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear and softly caressing her cheek.

"I'm just your normal husband."

Before he could stop himself, he placed a soft kiss on her warm cheek.

Aina's eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips. Saim laughed softly and walked into the washroom to change.

When he returned, he found her lying on the bed-but what made him chuckle was the way she had completely buried herself under the blanket, clearly avoiding him.

"Aina," he said, settling beside her on the bed. He waited, but she didn't respond. Slowly, he pulled the blanket off her face and smiled, noticing her trembling lashes.

"You brought this upon yourself," he whispered, then immediately started tickling her stomach.

"Yeh... chhodein... hahaha... nahi..." (Leave me... hahaha... no...) she screamed between laughter as he joined her, both laughing uncontrollably.

"Do... don't!" Aina gasped, panting, and he finally stopped, lying beside her, still laughing softly.

He used to do this to cheer her up when they were kids-well, more accurately, when he was a teenager and Aina was still a child.

"Look at your face," he chuckled, staring at her flushed cheeks.

She quickly pulled the blanket over her face again, but he snatched it away. Her eyes were closed, lashes trembling, cheeks and nose red from blushing. Her lips were soft and pink, and she nervously wetted them with her tongue. She looked so heartbreakingly attractive that Saim had to swallow hard against the rising emotions in his chest.

"Ain... I didn't do anything that should make you act like this," he whispered, moving closer and caressing her cheek. "What will happen to you when I do things?"

The flirty question slipped from his lips before he could even think.

Her eyes flew open.

"What... will you do?" she asked, like an absolute idiot.

He leaned in closer.

"Should I tell you... or show you?"

He was now almost hovering over her. Aina's heart flipped. Her breath caught in her throat.

He was flirting.

He is flirting.

He is flirting with me.

"Show me."

And before she could stop the words, the desperate girl inside her-the one who longed for him-spoke first.

The girl who wanted to be so close to her husband that no force could ever separate them.

Her thoughts scattered the moment she felt his warm lips on hers.

A gasp left her mouth.

He kissed her softly, then pulled back. The shock on Aina's face brought Saim out of his daze.

Yes, he had done that in a daze.

Pulling away quickly, he turned his back to her, yanking the blanket over himself. His eyes shut tightly, regret washing over him.

What will Aina think of me?

That I have bad intentions? That I can't control myself? That I'm desperate?

The pain of that night resurfaced and began haunting him all over again.

She's my cousin for God's sake! How could I kiss her like that?!

"I am your wife."

His eyes shot open at her soft voice.

"You have every right on me." She spoke gently.

He turned toward her. She was staring at the ceiling.

Aina didn't know why she said it-maybe because she saw the turmoil and regret in his eyes. Maybe she wanted to remind him of what their relationship truly meant.

She turned to look directly into his eyes.

"I am your wife."

And in that moment-everything changed.

Her eyes showed love. Longing.

Saim saw softness in her eyes... and perhaps something more.

Yes. She is his wife.

He has every right in the world to love her.

"Yes! You're my wife!" he suddenly leaned over her and cupped her face.

"You are my wife!" he exclaimed, kissing her forehead, and Aina closed her eyes.

"Biwi ho tum meri!" (You're my wife!)

He kissed both her eyes.

"Biwi ho." (You're a wife.)

Then her cheeks.

"Meri biwi." (My wife.)

He kissed her nose-and then he kissed her lips again.

He pulled the blanket off her, running his hands along her arms. He brought her delicate hand to his lips and kissed her palm.

"Meri pyari biwi," (My beloved wife,) he whispered close to her ear, interlocking their fingers.

"Mera poora haq hai tum par." (I have every right on you.)

He kissed the soft, cotton-like skin of her neck.

"Sirf mera haq hai." (Only I have the right.)

He pulled her dupatta off and dropped it to the floor.

"Meri ho tum." (You are mine.)

He cupped her face again, locking eyes with her.

"Did you hear me, Ain?"

Aina, still frozen and barely able to process anything, nodded slowly.

"You are only mine."

Her beauty made him feel insecure-like he wasn't worthy. She was young, innocent, the most beautiful girl in their family. He was mature, ten years older, average-looking...

But if he had asked Aina, he would've learned the truth: she was already crazy for his so-called "average" looks.

Aina understood why he kept repeating himself-he needed to believe he was with his wife, that nothing was wrong. And he needed her to believe it too.

To believe that no matter how different or imperfect they were, she was his-and he would happily spend his life with her.

With trembling hands, she cupped his face.

"I was always yours. Make me yours completely."

A tear slipped from her eye. She didn't fear showing him the love she held. She didn't fear that he'd doubt her.

All she wanted... was him.

He gently pulled her up and slowly unzipped her kurta, his eyes constantly searching hers for hesitation.

There was none.

Only shyness-and those trembling lashes.

She held onto his shoulders.

He slid her kurta down her shoulders. Aina shut her eyes and tightened her grip on him when she felt his lips against her skin.

He left wet kisses on her neck and shoulders. She ran her fingers through his hair and along his face, moaning softly.

Her trembling fingers reached for the hem of his T-shirt, slowly lifting it. Feeling her hesitation, he helped her remove it, tossing it aside.

Hesitantly, she placed her hands on his bare chest.

He paused and looked at her.

She was mesmerized. She touched his biceps, then his chest, slowly dragging her fingers over his abs. His daily workouts had done justice. Her eyes filled with awe. He was hers.

Only hers.

"Don't stare at me like that with such innocence... it'll make me want to ruin it," he whispered.

"I want to be ruined," she whispered back.

"Ah... the innocent daughter of the family wants to be ruined by her husband," he teased, brushing her cheek.

Small smiles played on both their lips.

"The rude, serious eldest son of the family wants to ruin his wife," she teased back, wrapping her arms around him.

Where that boldness came from-she didn't know.

"Are you sure?" he asked, tracing her lips with his fingers.

"Hmm."

"Soch lo." (Think about it.)

"If you agree now, there's no going back. You'll have to live your whole life with me."

"Soch liya." (I've thought about it.)

They were equals. If one was fire-the other was petrol.

And the fire... ignited.

Tears slipped from Aina's eyes. Pain engulfed them both. But they didn't stop loving.

They wouldn't stop until they had completely ruined themselves... for anyone else.

--

"Take my name," Saim whispered in her ear.

"Can't," she replied simply.

"Why?" He stopped and looked at her.

"I just... can't."

"I want to hear you say it."

"We'll talk about this another time."

"No. I want to hear it now."

"Do you want me to call you Bhai (brother) like this?"

"What the...!" he stared at her, shocked.

"That's why I'm telling you-don't force me, please..." she begged, pulling him closer.

"Not before you call me by my name," he said stubbornly.

"Why now?" she asked helplessly. Of all times, why now?

"It's my fantasy... to hear my wife say my name while I pleasure her," he breathed, voice low and raspy. He wanted to fulfill every dream he had buried-every wild, secret fantasy-with his wife. With Aina.

"Saim, please..." she whispered-without realizing she had just said his name. She had been practicing it in her mind ever since the day she mistakenly called him Bhai after their Nikah.

So, it slipped out unconsciously.

"Again," he demanded, gripping her waist.

"Saim!" she moaned, clutching his shoulders.

"Again."

"Saim!" Her voice grew louder with every repetition.

"Saim!"

"Shhh meri jaan! Do you want our family to hear your not-so-innocent voice?" (Shhh my love...)

"Saim!" she cried out again, and this time her voice was muffled by his lips.

"Oh Ain..." he groaned into her mouth as he collapsed against her.

__________

After some time, they were wrapped in each other's arms, still fully clothed. Aina was almost asleep, but something was weighing on Saim's heart, and he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Ain?"

"Hmm," she hummed softly, her face resting on his chest.

"You were a virgin," he whispered, recalling the blood and the pain she had endured.

"Yes, I was," she shot her head up to look at him. A wave of anger and disappointment rose within her. This wasn't the kind of conversation she had hoped to have with her husband after their first night together.

"No! No meri jaan... I was just saying I didn't do anything that night. I didn't ruin you. I didn't taint you that night."

[No, my love... I meant that I didn't touch you that night. I didn't harm or defile you.]

He quickly explained, noticing the change in her expression.

Aina felt a heavy ache settle in her heart. Saim was still thinking about that night.

"I didn't know," she whispered, burying her face in his chest and holding him tightly.

"Hmm... I know. You were unconscious too," he mumbled, understanding that she had been just as unaware as he had been.

A silence enveloped them.

"Can I ask you something?" Aina asked after a while.

"Hmm," he replied, gently stroking her hair and back.

"Was it your first time?" She looked up into his eyes. She needed to know. Even if it wasn't, she would still love him. But the pain of knowing might burn within her forever. "Am I your first woman?" she asked, like the innocent child she still was in Saim's eyes. He lived in London, and it wasn't easy to come out of that place with one's innocence intact.

"You are my first and last woman," he said, then kissed her forehead. Aina exhaled a shaky breath and placed a soft kiss on his chest, holding him tightly.

Yes, she was his first woman-but would she truly be his last?

________

The next morning...

When Aina entered the dining room, she found everyone already having breakfast. For some reason, she felt shy and avoided eye contact as she quietly sat down beside her mother-in-law.

"Saim nahi utha?" Shamim asked, placing a paratha on her plate.

[Didn't Saim wake up?]

"Nahi," Aina replied without lifting her gaze.

[No.]

"Kyun? Is he okay? Woh toh nahi sota itni der tak." Shamim looked at Zubaida, both watching the beautiful young girl, whose glow was undeniable.

[Why? Is he alright? He never sleeps this late.]

Shamim frowned slightly, but when her eyes fell on the red mark beneath Aina's ear, her confusion vanished. She exchanged a knowing smile with Zubaida. They had always sensed the emotional distance between the couple, even after two months of marriage. But now, seeing Aina blush merely at the mention of her husband, their concerns melted away.

The men of the house were deep in business discussions, while the cousins busily planned a holiday.

"Woh..."

[Um...]

"Koi nahi. Sone do," Shamim cut in gently, sensing Aina's hesitation.

[No worries. Let him sleep.]

"Tum yeh lo." She began filling Aina's plate.

[Here, take this.]

Aina sighed in relief and began eating. The elder men left for their offices, while the younger ones shifted to the living room, continuing their chatter.

As Aina stood to clear the table, Shamim and Zubaida approached her.

Shamim pulled her into a warm hug.

"Allah! Meri pyaari bahu." She kissed her, leaving Aina surprised.

[Oh God! My lovely daughter-in-law.]

She called her meri bahu? She had always called her meri beti.

Still confused, Aina looked at her mother, who then pulled her close.

"May Allah bless you with all the happiness in the world," Zubaida said with heartfelt affection.

"And beautiful children," Shamim added cheerfully.

And in that moment, Aina understood. They knew about last night. Aina blushed fiercely. Zubaida quickly took the empty dishes to the kitchen, sensing her daughter's embarrassment.

"I hope my son doesn't disappoint you," Shamim whispered mischievously before walking off, leaving Aina wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

---

Saim was awakened by sunlight streaming through the curtains. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at his phone-it was 9:30 a.m. He was late.

Sitting up, he looked around the room. Aina wasn't there.

Why didn't she wake me up? Where is she...? And then, the memories of last night came flooding back, jolting him fully awake.

He rubbed his face and went to the washroom. Staring into the mirror, a lazy smile crept onto his lips. There were teeth marks on his shoulder and a small cut on his lower lip.

"Uff Ain!" he groaned, gripping the sink.

[Oh God, Ain!]

How am I supposed to hide this cut on my lip? This is going to be embarrassing.

After showering, he noticed clean clothes neatly folded on the sofa-cream kurta shalwar. Aina had placed them there.

So, my wife doesn't want me to go to the office today.

"Little minx," he smirked, getting dressed. The day already felt perfect. He informed his secretary he'd be taking the day off.

Meanwhile, Aina was in the lounge sipping coffee, while Zaid and Affan sat beside her, deep in discussion.

"Bhai, please don't force me," Aina protested for the tenth time.

[Brother, please stop pressuring me.]

"Ainu... we'll get you double cheese pizza with a burger-and new stuff too," Zaid tempted her with a grin.

They were trying to persuade her to convince Saim to let them attend a concert in Dubai. Everyone knew it wouldn't be easy-Saim was not just their brother, but their boss. They had recently joined the company, and he held the authority.

"Bhai, he'll eat me alive if I support you two again." She looked exasperated.

[Brother...]

"Last week, you went out of town for some event, and I had to beg him."

"That was only for a day," Affan muttered with a pout.

"Exactly! It was only one day and even then, he wasn't willing. Now tell me-how will he approve an entire week off?" She raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Aina..." Zaid was about to respond when they saw Saim walking toward them. Dressed casually, not in his usual office attire. The brothers frowned. They assumed he'd still go in despite the time, but clearly, he had other plans.

"Ain," he called out from behind the sofa where she sat.

Aina's heartbeat quickened. A warm blush spread across her cheeks as flashes of the previous night danced in her mind.

"Nashta khilado yaar... bohot bhook lagi hai," he said casually, placing his hands on her shoulders.

[Please serve me breakfast, I'm starving.]

"Ji," she replied meekly and stood without making eye contact, heading toward the kitchen.

Saim bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. She was clearly dying of embarrassment. The bold little Aina had vanished.

"Bhai... are you smiling?" Zaid asked suspiciously.

Saim turned to glare at him.

"Haan to? Can't I smile?"

[Yes, so?]

"But... without any reason?" Affan added.

"I have my reasons," he smirked, "which I don't want to share with you." he added when he saw them opening their mouth to ask 'what reason?'

"Bhai... what happened to your lips?" Affan suddenly noticed.

Saim froze.

"Mosquito bite."

He walked off to the dining room, relieved to find only Aina waiting there with his breakfast.

He smirked, then quickly composed his expression.

"God! Please feed me properly, Aina. You drained all my energy last night," he said with a straight face, making her wish she could disappear.

"Ka...kya?" she gasped.

[W-What?]

"Kya kya? I'm starving. I don't even have the energy to stand up," he continued dramatically.

[What do you mean what?]

"You tired me out."

"I didn't do anything," she whispered defensively, making him smirk again.

He turned his chair toward her, pulled her closer, so now she stood in front of him while he sat, their faces inches apart, her hair forming a curtain around them.

"Accha? Should I remind you what you did? You didn't even let me breathe," he whispered.

[Really?]

'Don't stop, Saim,' was all I heard from your lips." He pecked her lips.

"You're so shameless!" she pushed him away, mortified, and ran out of the room.

Saim burst into laughter.

"Arre nashta toh khilado, madam!" he called after her.

[Hey, at least serve me breakfast, madam!]

Realizing she wouldn't return, he ate with a soft smile on his lips.

---

"Okay sorry, baba. Now do you want to ruin my day by staying upset? You wanted to spend the day with me, right?"

She was in the garden, scrolling on her phone when he approached. She tried to slip away, but he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"I didn't ask you to take the day off," she mumbled.

"Oh... so you want me to go to the office wearing kurta shalwar?"

"So what's wrong with that?" Aina bit her lip, suppressing a smile.

He turned her

to face him.

"So you don't want to spend your day with me?" He looked hurt.

Aina smiled and placed her head against his chest, gently wrapping her arms around him.

"I want to spend my whole life with you, my every single breath with you. I want to spend every living day of my life with you," she whispered.

Saim felt his heart flip at her words.

"That we will do. Insha Allah," he prayed softly.

But some prayers are destined to remain unanswered.

★★★★