Rumaan's POV

Today was the wedding day. The groom's family was about to come for the nikah, and I was getting ready in my room for my dear sister's wedding.

But something wasn’t right, because I wasn’t at peace. I thought being away from her would give me some relief, but no—I couldn’t find peace at all. And after Muneeb’s arrival, whatever little peace I had also flew away. I didn’t like them talking too much or being together. Hana always became comfortable around him, even started smiling for him—which clenched my chest, seeing her smile for another man. And Muneeb! I didn’t like the way he stared at her. Many times I noticed him looking at her with emotions that made me want to hide my Hana in my arms. But I couldn’t, because I was the one who wanted this damn break. So I had to bear it.

But one thing gave me comfort—that Hana tried to keep her distance from him. That made me realize this girl would never be with anyone else, because she loved me way too much to even think about another man.

My Jaan. My Hanu, I whispered and smiled.

After I was done getting ready, I came out of my room.

"Rumaan! Beta, where were you? The groom's family is here at the gate! Your baba was looking for you but couldn’t find you, so he went alone. Go and bring them inside," Mama said, rushing toward me.

"Okay, okay Mama, I’m going," I replied and walked to the entrance.

After we welcomed the groom's family, we went inside. Shazam and I sat on the stage, talking to each other, and I gave him some warnings like, “Don’t forget my sister has a very strong and handsome brother,” and “Never make her cry or you will face the consequences.” In the end, we all laughed while Baba glared at me—not seriously.

An hour later, Qazi Sahib came, and we all went inside for Fathima's nikah.

I was the first one to walk inside, but my legs rooted to the floor, my breath caught in my chest, my heartbeat stopped for a second, and my jaw dropped as my eyes landed on a breathtakingly beautiful girl walking toward us.

The one who always managed to steal my breath with her beauty.

Yes—my Hana. My beautiful wife. The one who always made me crazier for her with every passing day.

She was standing on the top of the stairs, looking at the entrance, wearing that dress I bought for her. She looked like a bride. My bride!

My heartbeat raced when our eyes met, but Hana quickly averted her gaze as she noticed something behind me. I turned and saw everyone coming in, but my eyes caught a person standing beside me—mirroring the same expression as mine while looking at Hana.

That person was Muneeb.

I clenched my jaw and fists, holding myself back from punching him. Taking a deep breath, I snapped my fingers in front of him. He flinched slightly.

"MINE," I reminded him with a hard expression. He lowered his head, embarrassed, mumbling, "I know," before walking away.

After the nikah was done and everyone went to the stage, we enjoyed a lot. Ariba really tried to grab my attention, but my eyes were only on one girl. My Hana!

I shamelessly stared at her the entire time. She wasn’t unaware of my gaze, which made her blush constantly, and many times she smiled shyly—the very thing I had been yearning to see.

★★★★★

After the rukhsati and emotional moments, everyone went to their homes, including Marzi Aapi’s whole family. I went to my room, changed, and lay on my bed. But sleep was nowhere near me. Only one face revolved in my mind—Hana.

For the last two weeks, I had controlled myself. But after today, I couldn’t anymore. I wanted Hana in my arms. But how?

Tossing and turning after many failed attempts to sleep, I got up. It was already 1:30 a.m. but I was still restless. Sighing in defeat, I rubbed my face with both palms and decided to go to Hana's room. I knew she must be sleeping, and I wasn’t going to disturb her. I just wanted one glance—maybe then I could find peace and sleep.

As I strode out of my room, about to walk toward the stairs, I heard someone softly sniffing from the kitchen. I turned and walked there.

Standing at the doorway, a smile tugged at my lips when I saw Hana sitting on the counter, eating a burger and weeping like a child. She wore a cute pajama with a dupatta hanging on one shoulder.

"Why Allah? Am I that bad?" she mumbled between bites.

"I know he is angry... but he could have at least complimented me once."

"I wasn’t looking beautiful?"

"He doesn’t like me anymore," she kept mumbling, some words I understood, some I didn’t. Tears rolled continuously down her cheeks.

"Ahem, ahem," I cleared my throat to get her attention. Her head snapped toward me, and she quickly wiped her tears with her dupatta.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, stepping closer.

"I... I was hungry," she mumbled, taking another bite, while I stood there silently watching her.

She grew tense under my intense gaze, peeking at me beneath her eyelashes.

I took another step, which made her choke on her food. I quickly grabbed a glass of water and rushed toward her.

"Careful, girl," I said, rubbing her back while handing her the glass. She gulped it down in one go.

"Are you okay?" I asked. She nodded, biting her lips—and my eyes instantly landed on them, where a droplet of water still lingered.

My heart began racing, and desire surged inside me. I swallowed hard, locking eyes with her innocent gaze.

And here began the battle between my heart and mind.

Control, Rumaan! You wanted this break from her.

No! I can’t. This break has given me nothing but restlessness.

But you wanted her to realize she doesn’t have control over you.

The truth is, she has complete control over me.

Think again about the break—

To hell with the break! I want her, that’s it!

Finally, my heart won. I leaned closer to her lips. A gasp escaped hers as I licked away that droplet of water.

I grabbed her leftover burger, put it aside, and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. Her hands automatically clutched my shoulders.

I brushed her lips, then moved to her chin. She leaned her head back, giving me access, and I kissed her throat, earning a soft moan. Slowly, I returned to her lips.

Her eyes were closed—my permission.

I pressed my lips against hers. A whimper slipped from her as I nibbled gently. She froze, not responding, which frustrated me.

"Hanu, kiss me back," I whispered against her lips.

After a few seconds, she began moving her lips, fisting my shirt tightly at the shoulder.

The kiss deepened, slow at first, then growing passionate. I lost all patience, and she matched me with the same hunger—making me realize just how much she missed me, the way I missed her. I bit her lips, drawing another moan.

Pulling back, I buried my face in her neck, kissing her as she tilted her head, granting me more access. Her fingers tangled in my hair; I bit her skin lightly, making her fist my hair and forcing a groan from me.

"Jaan... let’s go to my room... It’s been a long time," I whispered into her neck. She nodded slightly.

I lifted her in my arms, and she wrapped hers around my neck, smiling softly at me. Leaning down, I kissed her forehead and carried her to my room.

Closing the door with my foot, I laid her on my bed and sat beside her.

"You know how beautiful you looked today?" I murmured, tracing my finger from her temple to her jaw and down to her neck. She closed her eyes momentarily before reopening them.

"Really?" she whispered. I nodded.

"Then why didn’t you tell me before?" she asked softly.

"Because of my stupid ego," I admitted, removing her dupatta. I held her mehndi-covered hands and kissed her palm.

"Thank you for that dress," she said with a shy smile.

"So Fathima told you?" I asked, brushing her hair back. She nodded.

"If she hadn’t told me, I wasn’t planning to wear that heavy dress... I wore it only for you," she confessed, making me smile as I hovered above her, removing my t-shirt.

"Hanu, I’ve missed you so much," I whispered, kissing her forehead.

God, I really missed her in my arms.

"Me too," she pouted, and I couldn’t resist pecking her lips. That peck turned into another passionate kiss.

I kissed her jaw, then buried my face in her neck, leaving trails of kisses there.

"Maan... I love you... please... don’t leave me again," she whispered breathlessly, moaning softly.

Meri Jaan, I’ll never leave again, I promised. Truly.

Because that night made me realize where my peace was.

And my peace was my Hanu. My wife.

It’s confirmed now—I can’t live without her.

********

Hana’s POV

I snuggled into something warm, and a small smile curved on my lips as my nostrils caught his fragrance. I knew who he was. He was my Maan.

I slowly opened my eyes and found him sleeping peacefully on my chest, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding me closer. My one arm was resting on his head, and the other wrapped around his back. I smiled. He looked so innocent.

And I knew he never thought before doing anything. He was always short-tempered—a man of “do now, think later.” I knew Maan would never intentionally hurt me. He just lost his temper sometimes in anger, and I had to keep faith in him. He needed time to adjust to this new relationship.

I sighed and kissed his forehead.

It was the first time I woke up by his side. Otherwise, I always went back to my room—or should I say, Maan always asked me to go before morning. But last night, he didn’t tell me to leave. Instead, he laid his head on my chest, snuggling his face in my neck, and I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep.

I looked at the clock and saw it was 5:30 a.m.

Before anyone sees me in his room, I should go…

I thought and slowly unwrapped my arms, trying to free myself from his grip, but he held me tightly, almost as if he was afraid to let me go. Still, I knew if he found me in his room when he woke up, he would be angry.

After many attempts, I finally managed to free myself. Getting up from the bed, I covered him with the blanket, picked up my dupatta, and walked out of his room.

---

Author’s POV

Stepping inside her room, Hana went to the washroom. After showering, she performed her wazu (ablution) and began her morning prayer.

Meanwhile, Rumaan stirred uneasily in his sleep, feeling an emptiness beside him. His hand reached out, but he couldn’t find anything, and his eyes fluttered open.

He sat up, adjusted his memory, and realized Hana had left his room. Last night, he had willingly fallen asleep in her arms, feeling peace for the first time. But now, restlessness consumed him again.

How dare she leave me without telling me? he thought angrily, pulling on his shirt and striding out of his room.

He opened her door without knocking and stepped inside, only to see Hana sitting on the prayer mat, her hands raised in dua (supplication).

He smiled faintly and sat behind her without making a sound.

“You woke up this early?” she asked after completing her prayer, without turning back.

“How did you know it’s me?” Rumaan asked, looking surprised.

“I can feel you around me,” she replied, turning toward him. In response, he only gave her a smile so full of emotion that it warmed Hana’s heart.

“Why are you awake this early?” she asked, standing up and folding the prayer mat.

“Because you left me,” he said, pouting. Hana gave him a sad smile.

“You don’t like me staying with you until morning,” she said softly, placing the prayer mat in the wardrobe. Rumaan walked toward her and held her hands.

“But now I want you to stay with me always… in my arms when I sleep,” he said, his eyes restless. Hana cupped his face gently.

“Maan, what happened?” she asked with concern. But he stayed quiet, just staring at her.

“Come,” she said, leading him to the bed. She sat down, and Rumaan instantly lay down with his head in her lap.

“Now tell me, what happened?” she asked again, caressing his forehead.

“Hanu! I’m feeling restless,” he said like a child. Hana looked down at him with love.

“Why?” she asked. He took her hands and placed them over his heart.

“I don’t know,” he lied. He knew very well what was happening, but he didn’t want to tell her. When he woke up and didn’t find her, he felt suffocated. When he saw her again, his heart calmed. A strange fear gnawed at him, as if something bad was going to happen. But he ignored it and smiled when Hana’s lips touched his forehead.

“Hana… Jaan, never leave me. Ever.” The words slipped from his mouth, and he himself was shocked at his condition.

“I won’t,” she whispered, running her fingers through his hair. Rumaan’s heart filled with contentment, and he closed his eyes.

---

In the morning, around 9:30, Hana woke Rumaan, and he quietly came out of her room, glancing here and there. Not finding anyone, he walked away—but Ariba saw him leaving Hana’s room, which boiled her blood.

Later, Hana began to feel dizzy and nauseous. She sat on her bed, taking deep breaths, but couldn’t hold back her vomit and rushed to the washroom. Coming out, she lay on her bed feeling weak. She didn’t go outside and drifted into sleep without realizing it.

When she woke again, it was 11 o’clock. She freshened up and, stepping out of the washroom, saw someone standing in her room.

“What are you doing here?” Hana asked harshly. Every time she saw Ariba, her blood boiled, and she wanted nothing more than to throw her out.

“Just came here to see you,” Ariba smirked.

“You may go,” Hana narrowed her eyes and was about to turn away when—

“How was the night?” Ariba asked, her tone laced with poison. Hana’s anger flared instantly.

“Get out of my room,” she snapped loudly, turning to face her.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk… Hana, Hana, Hana… I’m your well-wisher. Just want to tell you that Rumaan is using you,” Ariba said, smirking. Hana glared at her.

“What do you mean?” she asked in a bored tone, crossing her arms.

“He’s not going to give you the rights of a wife. He’s playing with you—”

“I don’t want to listen to anything from you. Just go!” Hana cut her off, glaring.

“He loves me… and thinks of you as his se* toy,” Ariba spat. Hana’s eyes widened, and the next second, her palm landed hard across Ariba’s cheek.

“How dare y—” Ariba began, but Hana didn’t give her the chance.

“I’m his wife! Wife! And you’re nothing! You can’t manipulate me and break my marriage. I went through a lot just to save it, and you think you can destroy it?” Hana yelled furiously. Ariba was stunned to see this side of her.

Only Hana, Ariba, and Rumaan were in the house. His parents and Riya with her husband had gone to Fathima’s in-laws to deliver the morning breakfast, as per ritual.

Meanwhile, Rumaan was making breakfast for Hana, knowing she hadn’t eaten. But he froze when he heard yelling from Hana’s room.

“Maybe he doesn’t love me now, but I know he accepts me as his wife, and he will never cheat me!” Hana shouted with confidence. Ariba smirked.

“He accepted you as his wife just to warm his bed—” Ariba didn’t finish, because Hana slapped her again. Just then, Rumaan entered the room.

“Shut up! Just shut up!” Hana screamed in frustration as Rumaan walked toward them, shocked. Ariba saw him in the mirror and immediately began her act.

“Hana… please, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” she said, shedding fake tears.

“Leave my—” Hana stopped as she saw Rumaan. She ran to him, teary-eyed.

“Maan… tell her to leave. Leave our life…” Hana begged, holding his arm. But Rumaan’s eyes went to Ariba’s bleeding lip. He didn’t feel pain for her, but he was stunned by Hana’s violent behavior.

“You hit her?” Rumaan asked in disbelief. Hana wiped her tears and nodded.

“Yes! Do you know what she said? She said—”

“It’s nothing, Rumaan. It’s my fault,” Ariba cut in quickly. “I told her you’re my friend, and that I also have a little right on you, and she took it wrong.” She sniffled fakely.

“That’s why you slapped her?” he asked Hana, shocked. Hana shook her head.

“No! She’s lying!” Hana protested, but Rumaan shook his head in disappointment, removing her hand from his arm. He couldn’t bring himself to trust her words because she had lied to him before about the pickle matter.

“How could you hit her, Hana?” Rumaan yelled. Ariba smirked silently as Hana’s rage burned hotter.

“Yes, I slapped her! And I will slap her again if she dares come between us. Tell her to leave my house!” Hana screamed.

“Hana, you’re not in your senses!” Rumaan shouted, frustrated.

“I am in my senses! That’s why I’m telling you—drag her out before she destroys our marriage,” Hana cried, her voice breaking as tears streamed down.

“She’s my friend, for God’s sake! Why are you making this a big deal? Why are you becoming my headache, Hana? Why are you making me regret giving you and this marriage a chance?” Rumaan yelled, pulling at his hair in frustration. Hana’s heart shattered, but her jealousy and rage blinded her to his pain—her greatest mistake.

“I. Said. Throw her out of my house!” Hana screamed, her voice shaking with fury. Rumaan stared at her wide-eyed. Ariba smirked, satisfied.

“You won’t do it? Fine! I’ll do it myself!” Hana grabbed Ariba’s elbow and began dragging her out. But Rumaan caught Ariba’s other hand and pulled her back.

“She’s not going anywhere!” he growled through clenched teeth.

“This is my house! And I want her out!” Hana snapped.

“This is not YOUR house. This is MY house! You’re living here only because of me!” Rumaan roared, not realizing his words were stabbing her heart like a knife.

“And she’s my friend. As long as I want her here, she’ll stay,” he declared. Hana shook her head, her anger peaking.

“And I’m your wife! If I don’t want someone in my husband’s house or life, I can throw them out!” Hana yelled. Rumaan smirked bitterly, losing himself in frustration.

“Do you think I care about your likes and dislikes?” he mocked, his tone cutting like a blade.

“You should! Without my will, you can’t do anything!” Hana shot back, challenging him for the first time. His sinister smirk widened.

“No, Hana. Even if I want to sleep with her, you can’t stop me,” he said cruelly. Hana’s heart plummeted. Her voice trembled.

“You… can’t… do this…”

“Do you think you can stop me?” he challenged. Hana nodded firmly.

“Yes, I can.”

“Then stop me,” he said coldly. Grabbing Ariba’s face, he crushed his lips against hers.

Hana stumbled back in shock, her eyes wide. It felt like her soul was ripped away. Her heart stopped. Her breath caught. The world crumbled. Her tears fell uncontrollably, her entire being trembling from the unbearable pain.

Rumaan froze the second his lips touched Ariba’s. His eyes widened in horror. He hadn’t realized what he was doing until it was too late. He didn’t move—but Ariba seized the chance, holding his face and kissing him deeply.

Hana’s soul broke.

Her patience, her hope, her love—everything slipped away. Her vision spun, darkness consumed her, and she collapsed to the ground lifeless.

As Rumaan heard the thud, he snapped out of his trance, shoving Ariba away. He turned to see Hana on the floor, unmoving.

A scream tore from his throat, followed by uncontrollable tears.

“Hanaaaa!”

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