Author’s POV

She was sitting at the dressing table, going through her nightly skincare routine, while Saim lay on the bed, working on his laptop. Aina cast him a displeased look. It had been three days since their first night together, and since then, he hadn’t come close to her. He only spoke when she initiated the conversation, and always used work stress as an excuse. But she knew—it was after meeting Reema that he had started acting distant. The thought that she still had that kind of effect on him broke Aina’s heart.

She dabbed cologne on both sides of her neck, just like she did every night now. It had become part of her routine ever since her mother had told her to always apply it around her husband, even though Aina had never been fond of cologne before.

Once she was done, she walked over to the bed and sat down on her side, silently staring at him. Feeling her eyes on him, Saim looked toward her and raised his eyebrows questioningly.

"What are you doing?"

"Work?" he responded, though it sounded more like a question than an answer.

“Aap... are you not getting enough time to work in your office? It should be my time…” she started off firmly but mumbled the last part softly to herself. Still, he heard it. Her downcast eyes saddened him, making him feel guilty.

He shut the laptop.

“Okay, I’ll work later. First, tell me—why do you look upset?”

“You tell me. What happened to you? You’ve been acting strange since that day,” she said softly, making his brows furrow.

“Which day?”

“That day in the mall… when you met Reema Aapi there.” She replied. He mentally connected the dots and understood what was bothering her. He pulled her closer.

“It’s not what you’re thinking. I just wanted to finish up some work before we planned something.”

“What plan?” she asked curiously.

“Our honeymoon,” he smiled, and her cheeks instantly turned red, though a wide smile appeared on her lips. He stared at her with tender affection.

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Hmm. I’m planning to take you somewhere far away,” he said, kissing her cheek and breathing in her fragrance.

“Can we go to Kashmir?” she asked excitedly.

“Of course we can,” he whispered, kissing her ear. She smelled divine. “I love your fragrance,” he murmured, before placing a soft kiss on her neck. She gripped his sleeves at the sensation. With one hand, he placed his laptop on the side table, then pulled her even closer. She put her hands on his shoulders and gave him a gentle push.

“You have work to do,” she reminded him, though it was clear he had already forgotten about it.

“Work can wait... but I can’t anymore,” he whispered, making her blush. He kissed her warm cheeks.

---

A few days later, they left for Kashmir and spent some of the most beautiful days of their lives together. Saim was no longer hesitant, and neither was Aina. They embraced each other’s presence as if they had been close for years. Saim started cherishing her companionship. He felt restless when she wasn’t around, slowly realizing he was becoming addicted to her.

“Aina, get up yaar! Let’s go out for dinner,” Saim called out for the tenth time. But she refused to come out from under the blanket. It was freezing outside. She had thought she would love the snow, but she started shivering the moment they stepped out of the hotel room. Saim, on the other hand, wanted to enjoy every moment with his wife. “You did the same yesterday—we didn’t go out for dinner.”

“But we went out for breakfast!” she argued.

“Yeah... because mornings are tolerable for you compared to nights. But it’s unfair if we don’t enjoy the nights here too.”

“We can also enjoy in the room,” she mumbled playfully, eyes glinting with mischief from beneath the blanket. Only her eyes were visible, tempting and teasing.

“That should be my line,” he raised an eyebrow.

“But you’re too keen on going out instead of enjoying the cozy warmth here,” she said, hiding a smile behind the blanket.

“Baby, are you seducing me?” he teased, and before he realized it, he was under the blanket too. Aina turned to him and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I want your warmth,” she added softly into his ear.

“I ued to think you were the most innocent girl, but I was wrong... you little minx,” he murmured, taking off his shirt and pulling her closer into his arms again.

“We came here for our honeymoon, na? So let’s enjoy it,” she said, biting his lip.

“Again, that should be my line,” he whined, making her giggle against his lips.

---

“Maggie!” Aina squealed when they got tired of playing in the snow.

“Okay, okay! Why are you screaming?” Saim chuckled, walking toward the Maggie stall while holding her hand. They got their bowls and sat together, slurping the hot noodles happily.

“It’s spicy!” Aina exclaimed, blowing air from her mouth. “Saim, I need chocolate,” she declared dramatically.

“Here,” he said, already holding one out for her. He knew she’d ask for it after the Maggie.

“You’re the best!” She pecked his cheek before getting lost in the view and the chocolate again. Luckily, there weren’t too many people around. He shook his head with a smile.

“Only for my baby,” he kissed her forehead lovingly. He had always treated her like a baby, and marriage hadn’t changed that. She would always be his baby. He chuckled at the thought.

They spent two blissful weeks in Kashmir and then returned home. Aina felt like the happiest girl in the world—like she had achieved everything. She didn’t need anything more. She was truly content with her husband.

The feeling was mutual for Saim. He was happy too. Grateful that Aina had accepted him. Sometimes he still believed she deserved someone closer to her age—someone better. But now that she was written in his destiny, he’d be damned if he ever let her go. She was his. Only his.

***********

“Okay, okay! I’ll have my lunch first,” Saim surrendered as Aina scolded him over the phone for skipping his meals. Work had been hectic lately—he was managing the office on his own for the first time.

“Hmm.”

“Don’t go quiet now,” he said, getting up and walking out of his cabin. “Baby, I can’t take your silence.”

“Come home early and take me for shopping” Aina demanded sweetly.

“Aapka hukum sar aankhon par.” (Your wish is my command.) he replied flirtatiously and was rewarded by her lovely giggle.

“Bye!” she hung up without waiting for his response—just like the queen he’d made her into. And yes, she felt like his queen. He treated her like she was above everything else in life. She was the boss in their marriage, and he was her joru ka ghulaam (a husband who obeys his wife).

Saim was truly the best husband anyone could ask for. Aina prayed every day that Allah would protect their marriage from evil eyes…

But some evil eyes are destined to interfere—driven by past mistakes.

Saim was smiling at his phone when he suddenly bumped into someone.

“Uh… sorry…” His voice trailed off, and the smile vanished from his face when he saw Reema—looking defeated and tired.

“I…” she took a breath, eyes meeting his. “I need a job.”

_______________________

Saim returned home late that day and headed straight to their room. He collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling with a troubled expression.

“Saim!” Aina burst into the room. “Why did you come straight to the room? Are you okay?” she asked, rushing to sit beside him.

“It’s nothing. You know Papa and Chachu aren’t here, so the workload is a bit much,” he replied, sitting up to face her properly. “Sorry I couldn’t come earlier. I’ll take you shopping tomorrow,” he added apologetically. Aina smiled and shook her head.

He looked at her glowing face, radiating the happiness of a newly married woman. Her face was full of peace.

“It’s okay… But leave the office stress at the office. Don’t bring it into our room. I just want my husband here,” she said with slight irritation. Saim smiled and pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead.

After a moment, she spoke again.

“Look at my soft hands. Mama made me do so much cooking today,” she pouted, showing her hands. They were slightly red. He frowned.

“What did you do?”

“I cooked dinner. I tried three recipes today,” she said like a child. Everyone knew Aina hated cooking.

“Three at once?” he was surprised.

“Yes,” she nodded.

“Kya kya banaya?” (What did you cook?) he asked curiously.

“Chicken curry, rice, and salad,” she said proudly. He stared at her before laughing softly.

“Why did you go so hard on your soft hands? It wasn’t needed,” he said, kissing her palms gently.

“I wanted to cook for you. Mama says mard ke dil ka rasta pait se guzarta hai (the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach),” she said while playfully dragging her finger from his stomach to his heart.

“Mere dil ka rasta pait se nahi, kahin aur se guzarta hai.” (The way to my heart doesn’t go through my stomach, but somewhere else.) He bit his lip when he saw her cheeks flush crimson.

“You…”

“Why are you blushing?” he asked innocently. “Arre! I meant your smile is enough to skip my heartbeat. You don’t need to cook... One second, what did you think I meant?” he said, pretending to be shocked.

“Nothing!” she replied instantly.

“But your blush says otherwise...” he teased, making her pull away.

“Wha... we should go for dinner,” she tried to stand, but he held her wrists.

“Allah, Ain, you’re so dirty-minded,” he exclaimed in mock horror. She looked up, pouting.

“I’m not dirty-minded. You played me,” she said, offended at his smirk. He laughed and pulled her back—this time onto his lap.

“I’m your haq halal (lawful) husband. Even my thoughts are allowed,” he whispered, kissing her hands and cheeks. She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and getting comfortable on his lap.

“Yes... my haq halal shohar (lawful husband). Only mine,” she declared possessively, kissing his cheekbones. She trailed kisses from his cheek to his jaw, then to his neck. She loved him immensely.

His arms tightened around her waist. Her kisses didn’t stop, trailing along his throat, making him groan. His hands roamed her perfect body—one he had claimed many times by now, but each time still felt like the first.

“We need to have dinner. Let’s go,” she suddenly got out of his arms and rushed out of the room.

Saim remained frozen, watching her leave—but not before he caught a glimpse of her playful, hidden smile.

“Little minx,” he chuckled, getting up to change. He couldn’t wait to return to the room after dinner.

In that moment, he had almost forgotten the tension he brought back from the office…

...................

"The food is really good, Aina," he complimented her for the tenth time now. They had all finished their dinner.

"Mama, Chachi, we're going out," he announced as he saw his mother and aunt heading toward the kitchen. "Ain, come fast. I'm waiting outside," he added before stepping out. Aina went to grab her shawl and returned a few minutes later.

"So, where to?" he asked, starting the engine.

"Anywhere," she replied, opening the window to enjoy the cool breeze.

"Let's go for a long drive and then get some ice cream," he suggested, and Aina nodded with a smile.

"Saim..." After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Aina softly broke it. "I'm so happy," she murmured, staring out of the window, lost in her own thoughts. Saim glanced at her briefly. She turned to look at him. "Are you happy?" she asked, fear evident in her voice, which made him frown as he looked at her again. Her eyes were searching for something deeper. He pulled the car to the side of the road and turned to face her.

Smiling, he took her hand resting on her lap.

"Alhamdulillah (All praise to Allah), I never thought I could be this happy and at peace with someone. You are my comfort zone, Ain," he said, pulling her closer and pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. She smiled widely, cupping his face and kissing his lips.

"You are my everything, Saim. Everything," she whispered overwhelmed as a single tear escaped her eye. Saim wiped it away before continuing the kiss.

After some time, they went to an ice cream parlour and then returned home.

As soon as Saim closed the door to their room, he pulled Aina into his arms and, without any restraint, pressed his lips to hers.

"I can't wait anymore," he whispered against her lips. She clutched his shoulders as he gently pushed her back onto the bed. Within moments, they were lost in each other.

"You really drive me crazy, Ain," he murmured against her lips.

"Just admit that you can't stay away from me."

"That I can't," he agreed. "I can't function without seeing you," he confessed, kissing her neck. She had become such a beautiful habit—one he couldn’t live without. That was the reason why, when his father and uncle wanted him to go to Canada to manage their new branch, he refused. The project would take three months, and he couldn’t leave Aina behind since her classes were ongoing and she couldn’t accompany him. So, his father and uncle went to Canada with Affan, while Zaid stayed behind with him to gain experience. For the next few months, Saim was handling the company alone.

"And I can't breathe without seeing you," she said, hugging him tightly and whispering into his neck.

---

The next morning, Aina woke up and looked to her side, where her husband was still sleeping with his arms wrapped around her. Aina smiled and placed a soft kiss on his bare shoulder. "Good morning," she whispered, kissing his nose. He was in a deep slumber—they had slept late the night before. Aina blushed, remembering the night. It still felt unbelievable that she had received more than she had ever prayed for.

She carefully untangled herself from him and got out of bed, wearing only his oversized t-shirt. Saim stirred as he felt the sudden chill. His hand reached out, frowning when it didn’t touch her warm body. He opened his eyes and found her heading toward the washroom.

"Ain," he called out. She turned and smiled.

"Good morning."

"Come here," he said. She walked over to him, and he pulled her back into his arms, hugging her tightly. "Let's sleep a little longer," he said, snuggling into her hair.

"You sleep. I'll go take a shower," she replied, kissing his jaw.

"I can't sleep if you're not in my arms," he mumbled into her neck.

"How did you sleep before marrying me then?" she asked, pulling back slightly, feeling giddy.

"I don’t know. I’ve forgotten how to sleep without you in my arms," he replied, staring at the woman who had become so much more than he ever imagined someone could be.

She smiled, and he smiled back, and once again, their lips met.

Life has truly become beautiful.

************