Author's POV

In the morning, Aina woke up with sunlight hitting her eyelids. She stirred in her sleep but felt a weight on her. She opened her eyes.

Right in front of her was Saim’s face. He was in deep sleep, holding Aina in his arms. She smiled while gazing at his peaceful face. Turning fully toward him, she placed her hand on his cheek, gently caressing his cheekbone. Her eyes filled with gratitude and joy. She was living her dream life. Saim had always been her dream. She didn’t know when or how she started loving him, or when her love turned into junoon (obsession), but she only knew one thing—if he was ever taken from her, she would lose her mind.

She leaned closer to his face and softly placed her lips on his forehead and then on his nose before hugging him tightly.

"Main bohat pyar karti hun aapse." (I love you so much.)

"Please never leave me. I'll die."

She felt his arms tighten around her.

"Never," he whispered, pressing his lips gently near her ear.

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

"Get ready by 7. We're having dinner out," he said, standing behind her. She turned around and smiled brightly, nodding happily. He chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

Aina spent her day thinking about what to wear and how to look for the rare date her husband had planned. After spending the whole day preparing, she was finally ready in a navy blue saree.

Aina’s fair skin glowed in the navy blue saree. The sleeves were full, but her waist was slightly visible, which made her uncomfortable. The blouse was a little short for her liking. She also knew Saim wouldn't like it, but changing wasn’t an option anymore. So, she took a black shawl and draped it over both shoulders.

She stepped out, and as always, everyone praised her appearance—just then, Saim entered the house.

He was once again mesmerized by her beauty. She looked breathtaking. Aina smiled at him, and Saim felt his heart skip a beat.

He composed himself and said he would be down in ten minutes, then headed to their room. As promised, he returned ten minutes later, fresh and dressed in a navy blue shirt, black coat, and black pants. Aina grinned, noticing how they were twinning.

"Woah… Bhai and twinning!" Affan and Zaid teased, making everyone smile at the beautiful couple. They made them stand side by side and took several photos—some with Saim holding her from behind while she blushed, and others where they held hands and smiled at the camera.

"Allah mere bachcho ko nazar-e-bad se bachaye," (May God protect my children from the evil eye) Zubaida said, taking some cash and circling it around their heads.

"Can you guys please let us go now?" Saim asked, smiling at his overexcited family. They nodded and cleared the way. Saim extended his hand toward Aina, which she held, and they both stepped out.

They sat in the car, and Saim glanced at her every now and then, making her cheeks flush with warmth.

"Saim, concentrate on driving," she said, trying to hide her smile.

He smiled and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

"You look breathtaking. I love sarees on you. You should consider wearing them more often," he said, kissing her knuckles gently while she smiled at him, her heart fluttering.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

The atmosphere was serene. It was an open-air restaurant with soft music playing in the background. They had dinner while exchanging small, sweet conversations. Aina was content with everything—her smile never left her face.

A group was singing romantic songs, which made the atmosphere even more magical. They were even calling audience members on stage to sing for their partners. Aina felt butterflies at the thought of Saim singing for her—and just then, a girl approached him with a mic.

"Do you want to sing for your partner?" she asked. Saim was startled, then shook his head. Aina’s face fell slightly. The girl then turned toward Aina.

"Do you want to sing?"

Without a second thought, Aina nodded. Saim's eyes widened, and he shook his head.

"Come then," the girl said, holding Aina’s hand and pulling her toward the stage, while Saim kept shaking his head.

They seated Aina in front of a mic stand. Aina got nervous for a few seconds but then shaking her head she looked at Saim before singing.

Zindagi se maine meri

Kuch nahi manga kabhi

(I never asked for anything from life)

She gestured for him to come closer, and he obliged suprised.

Zindagi se maine meri

Kuch nahi manga kabhi

(I never asked for anything from life)

Tu jo mere paas hai toh

Door mujhse gham sabhi

(Now that you're with me, all sorrow is far from me)

She smiled, making Saim smile as well.

Muskurahat banke mere

Honth pe bikhra rahe

Pyaar tera aur mera

Aise hi chalta rahe

(May your love keep spreading across my lips like a smile,

May our love continue just like this)

Her voice was casting a magical spell.

Mujhe hai teri har ghadi fikar

Kahin ye tera mann gaya jo bhar

Na jaane tumhe kab lage khabar

Main kab ki hoon mar mitti tum par

(I worry about you every moment,

What if you lose interest in me?

You have no idea—

I've already surrendered myself to you)

The entire audience fell silent, enchanted by her voice.

Main teri raah dekhungi

Tum bhi kuch aisa karna

Nahi aaye toh ro dungi

Tum na kuch aisa karna ×2

(I will wait for you,

You should do the same.

If you don’t come, I will cry,

Please don’t ever do that.)

People began dancing with their partners. Saim stood with his hands behind his back, right in front of her. He was surprised to hear her sing this beautifully. It felt like they were talking with their eyes. Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she tilted her head slightly.

Tu samne baitha rahe

Tujhe dekha karun raat din

Dheere se phir tujhse kahun

Dil dhadakta nahi tere bin

(May you always sit in front of me,

So I can look at you day and night,

Then softly tell you—

My heart doesn’t beat without you)

Saim felt his heartbeat quicken. Her eyes filled up.

Tujhi se meri saanson ka safar

Tujhi se mere ishq ka asar

Na jaane tumhe kab lage khabar

Main kab ki hoon mar mitti tum par

(My every breath begins with you,

The effect of my love is because of you,

You don’t even know—

I have long surrendered myself to you)

A tear rolled down Aina’s cheek.

Main teri raah dekhungi

Tum bhi kuch aisa karna

Nahi aaye toh ro dungi

Tum na kuch aisa karna

She stood up and walked down the stage. Smile on the lips and tears in the eyes make her heavenly.

Main teri raah dekhungi

Tum bhi kuch aisa karna

Nahi aaye toh ro dungi

Tum na kuch aisa karna.

Saim wrapped his arms around her. He could feel her trembling with emotion. The crowd applauded the beautiful couple.

"My Ain" he whispered tightening his hold.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

"May I come in?" Saim was in his office when Reema knocked on the door, seeking permission.

"Yes, come in," he looked up and replied with a small smile.

"What are you doing? I mean… are you busy?"

"Uhm… not really." He closed his laptop and gave her his full attention.

"Just wanted to talk to you," she said while sitting down across from him. "About Aina."

"What about Aina?" A frown appeared on his forehead.

"I think… Aina doesn’t like me working here," she said sadly, looking down as if she might cry.

"What do you mean? If that were true, she’d tell me. But she understands your situation. She hasn’t mentioned you since I explained everything."

"Then why did she tell me I should go back and try to convince my family?"

"When did you meet her?" he asked, confused.

"She came to the office yesterday to talk to me."

"What? Why didn’t you tell me?"

"I’m telling you now—" Reema paused, thinking. "So Aina didn’t tell you about our meeting?"

"No, she…" Saim stopped himself from revealing anything in front of Reema. "Maybe she just forgot." He tried to defend her.

"No, Saim. I think she’s hiding something."

"What do you mean by hiding?" He asked confused.

"Sorry to say, but the way your marriage happened—she was forced into it. She shouldn’t be this happy. Yet, she is. If I were her, I’d take years to accept someone who tainted my name, who was forced upon me. But looking at her, it’s like she was never forced into this marriage."

Her words planted a seed of doubt in Saim’s mind, though he still tried to disagree.

"That’s the past, Reema. I’m happy with her now, so please don’t say anything bad about my Ain. She’s innocent. She just accepted me because she—"

"She loved you even before marriage."

"Oh please, then I must’ve loved her before marriage too, because I accepted her and I’m happy with her!" he snapped.

"Do you love her?" she asked directly, staring into his eyes. He went silent. Saim didn’t even know what love meant.

When he decided to marry Reema, love never crossed his mind. When he was forced to marry Aina, he thought he loved Reema. But after marrying Aina, it was surprisingly easy to move on. That meant he probably never loved Reema.

And loving Aina? He had never thought about it. A couple of nights was beautiful—he’d been on cloud nine since her confession. But he hadn’t yet considered his own feelings.

"I… don’t know," he said in confusion.

"Does Aina love you?"

"Yes, she does," he replied, this time with a small smile.

"See? She loves you despite the age gap, and despite being forced into this marriage."

Her words echoed in his mind. Reema smirked slightly, knowing her logic was working.

She placed her hand on his.

"I think she always loved you. Do you remember how she reacted when I sat in her seat beside you when you took me to meet your family? Or how she fainted after learning you were marrying me?" She felt his hands grow cold, but continued. "And Saim… did you ever try to find out what happened that night? You didn’t allow alcohol at the party. So how did you both get drunk and forget everything? I think someone drugged you. A little alcohol doesn’t wipe your memory like that."

Saim felt like his heart might stop. He wanted to silence her, but his voice failed him. His thoughts raced.

How Aina fainted when she heard about his engagement.

"I’m not your sister."

"Ye meri jagah hai." (This is my place.)

"Inhone meri jagah le li." (She took my place.)

"Aap bahut bure ho! Kitni aasani se meri jagah kisi aur ko de di." (You're so bad! You gave my place to someone else so easily.)

And her tear-filled eyes.

"Main bahot pyar karti hun aapse." (I love you so much.)

"Hamesha se mohabbat karti hun aap se." (I’ve always loved you.)

Her confession? last night' song?

"No. Aina started loving me after our marriage," he muttered, pulling his hand away. "Don’t plant these thoughts in my mind, Reema. My Aina is innocent. She just accepted me as her husband after marriage—nothing more, nothing less."

He stood up, grabbed his mobile and laptop, and walked toward the door.

Reema watched him leave and smiled widely.

"You took my fiancé, Aina… but I’ll take your husband. I’m not the kind of girl who forgets and forgives. I’ll take back what was snatched from me. Saim was mine… and he’ll be mine again."

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

Saim was driving fast, his mind clouded by Reema's words.

He didn’t want to reach a conclusion where Ain would be the one at fault. He was finally happy with her—his Ain. He didn’t want to shatter this beautiful life they had built. If Aina turned out to be guilty… he didn’t know what he would do. Maybe destroy everything. Even himself.

He stopped the car abruptly, got out, and was about to head inside when his eyes caught Aina in the garden. She was touching the flowers, her smile dreamy.

Unknowingly, his feet moved toward her. She turned around sensing his presence, her smile widening, her eyes sparkling.

“Aaj aap jaldi aa gaye?” (You came early today?) she asked, beaming, wrapping her arms around his elbow.

“Raha nahi gaya aapse mujhse door, haina?” (You couldn't stay away from me, right?) she added teasingly with a bright smile.

“Main bhi aapse door nahi reh sakti.” (I can’t stay away from you either.) She intertwined her fingers with his.

“Anyway... look at this!” she pointed toward the flowers. “I planted it today. I want us to remember that as this plant grows, so will our love. We started our loving married life yesterday” she said, blushing at the end.

Unconsciously, a smile formed on Saim’s lips as he listened to her, watching her blush. The moment was so beautiful—he didn’t want to ruin it.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked gently. She nodded, still lost in her own blissful world.

“Did you love me before our marriage?” he asked softly, instantly feeling her grip on him loosen.

She looked up at him, and in that moment, she saw everything in his eyes—questions, doubts, uncertainties. Her heart ached.

So, Reema had succeeded in her first attempt.

Her eyes welled up, her lips quivering. Saim’s heart tugged at the sight of her tears.

“Haan... maine... aapse... hamesha mohabbat ki hai, Saim.” (Yes… I’ve always loved you, Saim.)

The innocence and honesty in her voice were undeniable. Not for a moment did he feel anything negative in her confession.

She stepped away, turning her back to him.

“But when I found out you had already chosen someone else, I stepped back. I was shocked and hurt, but your happiness mattered more to me. I accepted your choice, accepted that you were never meant to be mine. But fate had other plans. Allah made you for me, and I forgot all that pain. Saim, please don’t misunderstand me... I don’t know when or how, but I fell for you.”

Her body trembled as she sobbed.

“I never said this before because… I thought you’d say it was my evil eye that separated you and… Reema…” her voice trailed off when she felt him wrap his arms around her from behind.

“It’s okay, baby... it’s okay. Loving someone isn’t in our control. And I’m glad I wasn’t forced on you,” he whispered, turning her around and gently holding her face. Her cheeks were soaked in tears.

“I’m happy that I’m the man you’ve loved since the beginning.”

He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a warm embrace.

He wasn’t prepared for her answer. But Aina’s innocence and honesty calmed him in a way that a denial never could. She was pure. She was his Ain. And her truth had soothed his restless heart.

•••••••••••••••

“Yes, I asked,” he said, answering the question as he picked up the call.

“So, what did she say? I’m sure she must have denied it,” Reema’s voice came from the other side.

“No. She admitted she loved me before our marriage,” Saim replied calmly, his eyes fixed on the bathroom door Aina had just gone into.

“What? But—”

“Reema, please... don’t say anything against my Ain.” His tone turned cold.

“She is innocent and honest. The doubts you planted in my mind were false. I’m happy in my life, Reema. Please don’t do this again.”

“Saim…”

“Please don’t call me when I’m home. You know this is my wife’s time. Bye.”

His voice was firm and unyielding as he ended the call.

When he turned around, Aina was standing outside the bathroom door, watching him. She wore a simple white kurti with black trousers. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, a few strands resting on her cheek, making her look enchantingly beautiful.

That innocent, radiant girl—was his. Only his.

He smiled and stretched his hand toward her. She smiled back and placed her hand in his. He cupped her cheek gently.

“You are mine, Ain. Only mine,” he said with intense sincerity, wrapping his arms around her back tightly.

“Yes, I am only yours,” she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Then kiss me. Love me,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Aina cupped his face and, without hesitation, placed her lips on his. It was her right—her rightful kiss—and Saim felt the butterflies explode in his chest.

The soft kiss deepened into something more passionate. She was laid gently onto the bed, with him following her.

He began kissing her neck as she clutched his shoulders, her body arching with the sensation. His hands roamed freely, possessively.

“Saim...” Aina moaned breathlessly.

“Meri jaan...” (My love...) he whispered, cupping her face.

“Please don’t ever change yourself. I’m crazy for your innocence.”

“You’re the one ruining my innocence,” she whispered teasingly.

He laughed at her mischievous tone.

“And I’m proud to be the only one. Your everything belongs to me now—even your innocence.”

He kissed her forehead, holding her close.

He was content. Peaceful. Whole. He had accepted Aina’s love with all his heart, and he knew the day wasn’t far when he too would fall madly in love with her.

The seed of doubt Reema had tried to plant—Aina’s love had torn it out completely.

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