Dua’s POV

"Let's celebrate!" Saleem shouted. We laughed. Momin pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me.

"I'm so happy today," he said, his face inches from mine. This was the first time he came this close to me in public, and my heartbeat surged. I wrapped my hands around his shoulders and whispered, "Me too," smiling.

We began swaying as a romantic song played in the background. Our hands intertwined—mine resting on his shoulder, his on my waist.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, meri Dua, meri duniya (my Dua, my life)," he whispered back, making my heart flutter and a bright smile bloom on my face. We stared into each other’s eyes.

Rango bina jaise ho asmaa

Khushbo bina jaise behti hawa

(Like the sky without colors

As if the passing wind without fragrance)

Jaise bina haya ke parda ho koi

Jaise bina dua ke… sajda koi

(Like some veil that doesn’t hide any shame

Like the act of bowing to God without a prayer)

He twirled me around before pulling me to his chest, hugging me from behind, his cheeks resting on my temple.

Tere bina… main

Tere bina… main

Ke tere bina… main

O… ke tere bina… main

(Without you, I am incomplete)

Momin smiled at me before bending down, wrapping his arms around my knees, and lifting me up. I held him by his shoulders as he twirled me slowly, all the while staring at me with a wide smile. I was smiling too.

Aa tujhko chahun mai tootke

Jaana kabhi na ruthke

Oh… aa tujhko chahun mai tootke

Jaana kabhi na ruthke

(Come, let me love you from the depths of my heart

Never go away, never stay upset with me)

He slowly placed me on the ground, pulled me closer, and pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his love.

Jaise bina rooh ke jism ho koi

Jaise bina wafa ke ishq koi

(Like a body without a soul

Like love without faithfulness)

Tere bina… main

Tere bina… main

I moved behind him and hugged him from the back.

Ke tere bina… main

O… ke tere bina… main

(Without you… I am incomplete)

He turned, beaming at me. I placed my palm on his jaw, caressing it, and rested my forehead against his. My eyes filled as I saw the crazed love in his gaze for me and the moist happiness glimmering in them. I placed my hand on his beating heart, still swaying gently to the music.

Tujhe bandh me main tavees sa

Apna banalun mai khuda

Yahi minnatein, yahi hai dua

Ishq mukammal ho mera

(I want to tie you around me like a holy thread

I’ll make you my God

These are my prayers, these are my wishes

May my love be complete)

He cupped my cheek, wiping away the tears I hadn’t realized had escaped.

O… yahi minnatein hai meri aayena judai

Bezar se jaha me jiyunga nahi

(These are my wishes, may there never be separation

I will not live in this dull, boring world without you)

We were lost in each other’s embrace, forgetting the world, eyes closed, hearts entwined in bliss.

Tere bina… main

Tere bina… main

Ke tere bina… main

O… ke tere bina… main

(Without you… I am incomplete)

"Woah!" someone exclaimed, pulling us out of our trance. The song had ended. Everyone clapped, showering us with compliments. I blushed, looking down.

"You two are truly the definition of lovebirds," Palwasha beamed.

"We are," Momin said proudly. I blushed harder, trying to walk away, but he held my wrist and pulled me back toward him.

"We are married," he whispered in my ear, and I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach. I could feel everyone’s gaze on us, which made me even more embarrassed. Today, he was showing his affection openly, sending new sensations through my entire body.

Still, I composed myself and turned to face him, confidence painted on my face.

"So what?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"So…" He trailed off, smirking.

"So?" I raised my eyebrows. He came closer, and my eyes widened.

"Allah Miya, everyone is here," I thought.

"Nothing… just saying," he winked and moved back, still smirking. I let out a breath of relief but glared at him as I walked away.

---

"I'm nervous to face everyone now," I admitted. He held my hand and gave it a firm squeeze.

"Now it’s done. And no one knows about our nikah except those in the apartment," Momin said, looking calmer.

"Why are you suddenly calm?" I asked, wondering what had changed. Earlier, he had been almost depressed.

"Because I have you now as my wife. It’s done. We can’t change anything, so why worry? Let’s just be happy that we’re married," he said, smiling at me.

We were heading home after spending almost a whole day at the party. It was 7 PM; we had left the house at 9 AM. We had told Mama that we were going to Saleem’s house for a gathering, and as long as Momin was with me, Mama and Papa had no objections. They trusted him more than anyone.

The car stopped in traffic. I scooted closer, resting my head on his shoulder and intertwining our fingers. Momin looked down at me while I looked up.

"Thank you, Momin," I said softly.

"For what?" he asked, brushing hair away from my face.

"For agreeing with me. Now I can go to America without worry," I admitted. He shook his head.

"Thank you, Dua. Honestly, I was afraid to let you go this far from me. But now I know, wherever you are, you’ll always be mine. You will always be my wife," he confessed, kissing my head. I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"And you will always be mine," I whispered back.

The traffic light turned green, and we drove home, hearts full.

---

Momin’s POV

I was happy. I was relieved. But deep down, guilt lingered. I decided to ignore it for now and enjoy my remaining days with my Dua—my wife. In a few weeks, she would leave, and the thought made me sad.

The next morning, I got ready and headed toward Dua’s room. As usual, no response. If she didn’t have college, she wouldn’t wake up this early. I opened the door and stepped inside, walking slowly toward her bed.

She was cuddled with her teddy bear—the one I had gifted her. I hesitated for a moment but then…

She’s my wife.

Smiling, I sat beside her and gently took the bear from her hands. She stirred but instinctively wrapped her arms around my waist, nuzzling her face into my stomach. My breath caught. I’d never experienced this before. I always woke her by calling or shaking her, but today… today felt different. Today, she was mine.

I slid completely beside her, hugging her tightly. I brushed her hair away from her face.

"Good morning, biwi (wifey)," I murmured, kissing her temple.

A beautiful smile spread across her lips. I knew she was awake the moment she snuggled into me.

"Good morning, hubby," she whispered, kissing my cheek with closed eyes.

"This is so different, Dua. So peaceful," I admitted. This was the first time we were like this—no fear, no hesitation, just peace and love.

"Perk of being married," she giggled, opening her eyes and resting both hands on my chest. "By the way… what are you doing here? How could you sleep beside this innocent, alone girl? If my family saw you like this, they’d kick you out!"

I flipped her gently, hovering over her. Her eyes widened, her cheeks instantly flushed. My Dua was blushing.

"What are you doing, Momi…?" she whispered.

"Firstly, I came to share some romance with my wife. It’s our first morning after nikah. Secondly, this innocent girl is mine. I can do whatever I want. And lastly, if anyone tries to kick me out, I’ll take you with me. Nothing in this world can separate us now. We’re tied by the sacred bond of nikah," I said, kissing her nose. She wrapped her arms around me tightly.

"Thank you for making my first morning as a wedded woman so beautiful, my romantic husband," she murmured, placing her palm on my cheek. "I always dreamed of waking up next to you on our first wedded morning, and you fulfilled that dream," she said, pressing her lips to my forehead. We shared a smile, hearts full… until…

"Dua, are you awake?" Maham’s voice called.

Our eyes widened. She pushed me as I quickly got off the bed. Dua also scrambled, almost tripping over the blanket, but I held her waist. The door opened, and Maham’s eyes went wide as she saw us.

"Uh… I also came here to wake her up," I awkwardly explained.

"Momin, you go. I’ll come after freshening up," Dua said.

"Okay," I mumbled, walking out of the room.

**********

Maham’s POV

I returned to my room, trying to control my tears and anger. Today, I saw Momin in Dua's room. She was wrapped around him, completely in his arms. That sight was both disgusting and painful.

Why can’t they just stay away from each other? Is it really that hard?

Because they love each other.

"No! No one loves him as much as I do," I whispered to myself.

But he loves Dua.

"It’s just infatuation. How could he love her? She’s so rude and selfish," I muttered bitterly.

Don’t be blind, Maham. You’ll get hurt, my subconscious warned, but I shook my head.

"I can’t live without Momin. I will do anything to get him," I said with determination. Yes, I would do anything to win him. I truly loved him. All my childhood, I had loved him. I tried to ignore it, but how could I? He was so sweet, so caring, and I had always been there for him after his parents’ death. I had tried to be his solace. But now, since Dua arrived, he never noticed my love. He found comfort in Dua. She always made him a part of her world—her school, her friends, her studies, her hobbies, her dreams. She never asked about him—his likes, dislikes, hobbies, or work. And yet, he chose to be with her.

And I… I had always been the one who wanted to know more about him. But still, he loved being with Dua. I couldn’t understand what was so special about her that Momin fell for her. Dua didn’t deserve a man like him. She was my sister, and I loved her, but whenever I thought of Momin being with her, she became nothing more than an enemy in my eyes.

I just hope that after Dua leaves, I will have Momin. I will make him fall for me.

---

Dua’s POV

"Good morning," I announced with a cheerful smile. Everyone smiled back at me. I sat in my usual chair beside Momin.

"Morning, mera baccha (my child). Looks happy?" Papa asked, smiling.

"Definitely. Momin bhai (brother) gave her something. As we all know, she was on a food strike which only Momin bhai could break," Rafay said with a smirk, looking at me. I shot him a glare.

"Tell us what he gave you. Bhai, you tell us—what she was asking for?" he added, first asking me, then Momin.

Momin looked at me with a smirk. "Should I?" he mumbled. I gave him a warning look that clearly said, don’t you dare tease me. He smiled and shook his head.

"It’s between us," Momin said, glancing at Rafay.

"But bhai…" Rafay began, but Momin’s look immediately shut him up.

"Fine. I was just curious. No need to scare this innocent child," Rafay mumbled. We all chuckled, shaking our heads at him.

I was busy with my food when I felt Momin’s hand slip into mine. He intertwined our fingers and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I looked at him from the corner of my eye, raising my eyebrows in question. He gestured for me to come upstairs with his eyes, then excused himself and walked out of the dining room.

I smiled sheepishly at my romantic husband. It felt so peaceful and satisfying to call him my husband. Knowing he was mine made me greedy for him.

---

Momin’s POV

I called the manager to inform him that I would arrive a little later, thinking: why not spend some time with my newly wedded wife, even if I was late?

"Okay, I’ll come before 10," I said during the call. Then I felt someone’s presence behind me. Two arms wrapped around me from behind, and I instantly knew who it was.

My Dua.

"Okay, bye," I said into the phone, ending the call. Sliding it into my pocket, I turned to face her. I wrapped my arms around her and stared into her eyes. She looked at me with so much love and affection that my heart skipped a beat.

"My husband… only mine," Dua murmured, caressing my cheeks and leaning up. For the first time, I didn’t pull back. Why would I?

She is MY WIFE.

She placed a kiss on my chin, then on the corner of my lips. I closed my eyes momentarily, then opened them. "I love you," she mumbled near my lips. I could feel her nervousness, her shyness—she had never kissed me first.

Maybe this was the right time. I should give Dua what she wanted… and finally, give myself what I desired most all my life.

I leaned down slowly and, to be honest, nervously, placed my lips on hers. Her breath hitched—but not just hers. Mine did too. I immediately pulled back, realizing the electricity shooting through my body. I saw the same expression on her face; she felt it too.

Don’t laugh at us. This is our first time, for God’s sake.

I leaned down again, seeing her eyes close as she leaned into me. I pecked her lips once, then twice, before finally connecting fully. I moved my lips softly and slowly, exploring her, while she remained still—frozen.

When I said that behind her confident nature was a beautiful, innocent, naive girl, I meant it.

She hadn’t kissed me back yet, so I pulled away, staring at her. When she didn’t feel my lips, she opened her eyes. She stared at me, and I at her.

"Kiss me again," she demanded innocently.

I didn’t need to be told twice. I pressed my lips to hers again.

Yes, my Dua loved experiencing new things, and this was something new… beautiful, and ours.

I nibbled her lips until she finally opened for me, kissing me back. My arms tightened around her waist, and one hand went to her neck, thumb caressing her jaw. She cupped my face with one hand and rested the other on my shoulder.

We kissed with love and passion, completely lost, until our need for air pulled us apart. Foreheads pressed together, we caught our breath, then opened our eyes and shared a radiant smile.

"This was amazing," we both mumbled simultaneously. She giggled, and I chuckled, hugging her tightly.

"I want to experience more, Momin," she whispered into my neck. Sometimes, she didn’t shy away from expressing her feelings for me.

"So do I, jaan (love/life). But for now, it’s enough. I have to go to the office," I said, pulling away slightly. "After I return, I want to take you somewhere. That’s why I called you here—to inform you. Be ready at 5." I cupped her face and kissed her forehead, lingering for a few moments before stepping back.

"Okay, I’ll be waiting," she said, kissing my cheek. I waved goodbye and walked toward the door.

"I love you, Momin," Dua called out, making my lips curve into a bright smile. I stopped without turning back, shouting:

"I love you too, Momin ki Dua (Momin’s Dua)!"

I walked out, knowing that if I looked back, I would end up kissing her soft lips again. My face shone like the moon, and my smile radiated as if no one else in the world was happier than me.

Unaware, a pair of ears had caught our confession—breaking a heart silently.

★★★★