Momin ki Dua’s POV

"Dua, are you done?" Maham stepped into my room with a bright smile on her face.

"Han, almost," I replied, picking up my handbag and shoving my mobile into it.

"I placed your luggage in the car already. Now let's go—you’re getting late," Maham said hurriedly.

"Maham, there’s still time. You go; I will come," I said.

"But Dua…"

"Maham, I said go, I will come," I cut her off rudely.

"Okay," she said, walking out. I sighed and sprinted toward Momin’s room. Yesterday night we had spent together, and Momin said he wouldn’t come to the airport. I hadn’t argued or insisted because I didn’t want to spend my last night in sadness and fights.

Opening the door, I stepped in, only to find darkness. The curtains blocked the sun’s rays, and the lights were off. It was 7 a.m., and Momin had left my room at 5 a.m., so he must be sleeping, I thought. I walked toward the window and shoved the curtains aside.

"Momin…"

Turning back, I found him lying on the bed, his arms covering his eyes.

"Momin," I called again, walking toward him.

"Momin," I repeated, holding his hand and trying to pull him.

"Dua, go. You’re getting late," his voice came hoarsely. He didn’t remove his hands from his eyes.

"Momin, are you okay?" I pulled his hands away, and instantly my heart sank. His eyes were red and misty, causing mine to pool with tears.

"Momin, are you crying?" I asked, my voice trembling. He looked away and sat up straight. I hugged him tightly.

"Please don’t be sad. I can’t see you like this," I mumbled into his chest. He wrapped his arms around me.

"Dua… Jaan, please don’t leave me," he whispered in a broken voice.

*"Momin…" I pulled back and held his face. "It’s only for a few years. I will be back. Don’t be upset," I said, wiping a lone tear from his cheek.

"I don’t know why, Dua… my heart isn’t allowing me to let you go. Something is bothering me. I… I don’t know how to live away from you. After losing my parents, you were the only one my heart could accept. This heart can’t accept anyone else after you. My heart wants you. I want you to live this life with me," he spoke in a broken voice, and I felt tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Okay, I won’t go," I said, and an instant smile spread across his face.

"But tell me first—would you be happy seeing emptiness in my eyes? I love you, Momin. Maybe I could leave my dreams for you, but I know I won’t be happy, and I could never make you happy," I spoke, staring into his eyes. "If our four years of separation bring peace and happiness for the rest of our lives, don’t you think it’s the better choice?" I said, my tone filled with conviction. He frowned, surely thinking about it.

"You’re right. I won’t forgive myself if I see any regrets in your eyes in the future. I want to give you everything I can. And if it means swallowing this sorrow of being away from you for four years, then I will do it," he finally agreed, and the look of acceptance made me inwardly sigh in relief.

"Thank you," I said, standing up and holding his hand, pulling him out of bed.

"Let’s go. You’re coming to the airport to drop me," I said. He sighed and nodded.

"You go; I’ll come in ten minutes after freshening up," he said. I nodded.

"Okay, don’t be late," I said, turning to leave, but he held my wrist.

"Always remember, you are mine," he spoke. I turned to him.

"I will never tolerate you being close to any boy. Pyaar ka dusra naam bharosa hota hai aur tum mera bharosa ho [Another name for love is trust, and you are my trust]. I trust you more than anyone, Dua. Don’t break my trust ever," he said with intensity, staring into my eyes. A shiver ran down my spine.

"I won’t," I said, crashing my lips onto his, making him believe that I belonged only to him. "I love you," I confessed against his lips.

"I love you too, Momin ki Dua," he whispered.

---

My whole family came to the airport to see me off. My grandparents were sad that their troublemaker was leaving. Mama cried when I was going inside, but Papa comforted her. Papa was also sad as he kissed my forehead and gave me blessings, while Momin’s eyes again filled with tears, and I had to side-hug him in front of everyone. They all understood and didn’t give us odd looks. But only Maham was smiling the entire time. I smiled, hugging her tightly. Surely my sister was happy to see me going to live my dreams.

"Dua!" Seema Aapi ran toward me as soon as I stepped out of the airport. We hugged and squealed in happiness, meeting each other after two years.

"Aapi!! I missed you so much!" I exclaimed. She was three and a half years older than me, and we shared a very friendly bond.

"I missed you too, baby!! Let’s go—mama will be waiting for you," she said, kissing my cheeks before dragging me along. We sat inside her car and drove off.

After an hour or two, we reached Riya phupu’s house. Riya phupu pulled me into a hug as soon as she saw me.

"Phupu ki jaan!" she kissed my cheeks, showing how much she loved me. I was used to receiving everyone’s love like this, and it made me feel proud. After that, I met Humdan bhai, who engulfed me in a brotherly side hug. Phupu patted my head lovingly. I was happy to meet everyone.

"Where is Bia?" I asked, looking around.

"She went to her hostel this morning, saying she needs to do arrangements for your room," Seema Aapi informed me.

"Hostel? I thought I would stay with you guys," I asked, pouting.

"Aww… Mera bacha, we also wanted that. But your university is three hours away from our home, and that’s why Rabiya also stays in the hostel and comes every week," Phupu said. I inwardly smacked my head. I didn’t know about this. Rabiya hadn’t informed me.

"You told papa about this?" I asked. She shook her head.

"No, I talked to him, and he said to take care of you and make sure you’re okay, and I said I would. I thought he knew that you wouldn’t be staying with us but in a hostel?" Phupu asked, looking at me with confusion.

"No, Phupu. I didn’t know and I didn’t tell papa about this. I thought I would stay with you all," I said.

"What!? Rabiya didn’t tell you about this?" Humdan bhai asked, and I shook my head.

"This girl!!" he exclaimed angrily.

"Leave it, Humdan. Dua, don’t worry about that for now. You just arrived—tell us, how is everyone?" Seema Aapi began questioning. I spent the rest of the day with them. Phupu cooked my favorite dishes and pampered me with so much love.

By the end of the day, I fell on the bed, and before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

**********

Momin’s POV

I was waiting for her call, but it never came. Humdan called Rumaan uncle to inform him that Dua had arrived, but he couldn’t talk to her since she was having lunch. I thought she would call me afterward and waited all night, awake, hoping to hear from her—but she didn’t.

The next day, I checked my mobile every other minute, but still no call. I went to the office without breakfast, not in the mood to eat.

The whole day dragged on, my anxiety growing with every passing hour. In the evening, I returned home, freshened up, and stayed in my room, staring at Dua’s picture. It was the first time we were apart, the first time a day had passed without hearing her voice.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard a knock at the door. I stood up and went to open it.

"Assalamualaikum," Maham greeted me with a bright smile. I forced a smile in return.

"Walaikum assalam," I replied, stepping aside to give her space to walk in.

"What are you doing here all alone?" she asked, sitting on the couch.

"Uh… nothing," I muttered.

"Missing Dua?" she asked.

"Hmm," I sighed.

"Momin… you shouldn’t shut yourself off because of her. She went to live her dream. We can’t stop living because of her," Maham said softly.

*"I know, but…" I trailed off. How could I explain that my life starts with Dua and ends with her? Maham couldn’t understand.

"I can understand. I know you love her," she said, making my head snap toward her. "Don’t be shocked. Anyone can see it," she smiled, but I could tell the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

"Yes, yes I do. I love her," I confessed, remembering Dua’s beautiful smile. A smile crept onto my lips.

"Hm… but I think she doesn’t love you the way you love her. You’re giving her way too much importance than she deserves," Maham said, bitterness lacing her tone. I was shocked to hear this.

*"Maham…" I began.

"Uh… I mean, look how selfish she is. She didn’t even call you! I’m angry at her," she suddenly said, pouting. I smiled inwardly. So, she was angry at her sister—that’s why she was saying this.

I went to her and sat beside her, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Don’t be angry at Dua. She loves you. She must be busy or tired—that’s why she couldn’t call. But trust me, she will call…"

My voice was cut off by my mobile ringing. I stood up and went to the bed to pick up the call.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry, meri jaan! I’m sorry! I was surrounded by Phupu, Hamdan bhai, and Seema Aapi yesterday. When I came to my room, I fell asleep instantly!" As soon as I picked up, I heard her hyperactive voice. An instant smile spread across my lips, and a sigh of relief escaped me.

"Momin?" Maham looked at me questioningly. I almost forgot she was there.

"It’s Dua. I’ll talk to you later," I replied, walking toward the balcony.

"Where are you going?! Don’t you have time to talk to me!? I called the next moment I woke up. I didn’t even go to the washroom for a pee!" Dua said, a mix of anger and sadness in her tone.

"I was talking to Maham. Do you think I would ever ignore you for anyone?" I asked.

"No, you can’t. But who knows? You might forget me since I’m not around to protect you from all the girls waiting for their chance with you," she said. I could imagine her pouting and shook my head at her insecurity.

"You are in my heart, mind, and every cell of my body, just like blood runs through my veins. I’ve already given you myself. You don’t need to be afraid that I’ll develop feelings for anyone else. My heart isn’t with anyone else—it’s always with you," I confessed, pouring my heart out as usual.

"Cheesy much!" I heard her say, but I could tell she was blushing. I laughed softly.

---

Dua’s POV

I woke up and looked around, realizing I was in unfamiliar surroundings. After a few seconds, I remembered—I was in the USA, at Phupu’s home. I sat on the bed, missing Momin terribly.

Momin!!!

Shit! I forgot to call him before sleeping. Searching for my mobile, I dialed his number. Hamdan bhai had given me a new SIM card last night after dinner.

As soon as he picked up, I began blabbering, but then he said he would talk to me later. I felt a pang of sadness and frustration. Then he explained he was talking to Maham. We started talking, and he expressed his feelings, which caused me to blush.

"Cheesy much," I said to myself, lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling. I heard him laugh.

"I’m missing you," he muttered after some time.

"You should," I replied with a grin.

"And what about you? Aren’t you missing me?" he asked.

"Umm… why would I miss you?" I said in a fake, arrogant tone. Truthfully, I was missing him immensely.

"Because I’m your husband, and I think that’s reason enough for you to miss me," he said matter-of-factly.

"Hmm… right, but I think I should forget you and focus on my dream."

*"What?!!! No, Dua. Don’t you ever think to forget me? You should focus on your dream, but there’s no need to forget me. I’m…" he began, panicking, and I burst into laughter.

"Momin, Momin, Momin! Relax, meri jaan. I can never forget you. You are always in my heart and mind. You are the other part of me—my soulmate, my husband," I proclaimed, smiling like an idiot. I heard him sigh softly in relief.

★★★