In The Midst Of Serendipity

|Chapter 19| The New Inclusion

"Go and change. Your clothes are in the wardrobe."

He laid down and turned his back towards me. I sighed and meekly walked towards the washroom. I decided to take a warm shower as I can't handle the itchiness of the fabric.

By the time, I can came out.
The lights were already off and he was out sleeping. Should I also sleep on the bed? There's no couch here. I can't sleep on the floor. I sighed and placed my now folded wedding dress on the chair.

I silently walked towards the bed and carefully laid down. I was almost on the edge but I don't want to by near him by any chance. I closed my eyes, fatigue of the day washing over me and before I even know, I dozed off...
****

Sun rays penetrated through the window lightening the whole room. I was awake. Since it's a new place, I had trouble sleeping last night. Also the mere thought of sharing a bed with Shah Zain was enough to keep me awake at night. He was still sleeping soundlessly.

His back was towards me. The whole night, my mind was replaying everything. How he hated me? How he loathed my presence? Zohra aunty's accusations and sharp gazes were playing in my mind over and over again. I was unable to sleep. After offering my fajr prayer, I recited the Holy Quran.

It gave me immense peace and my mind was relaxed. The calming breeze was like honey. When it was about 8 in the morning, I finally decided to fresh up. I carefully opened the bathroom not wanting to wake him up. I firstly took a shower and then chose my outfit for the day.

After getting showered and fresh, I wrapped the towel around my hairs before opening the door and coming out. It was almost close to 9. Should I wake him too? The breakfast will start soon. I took a deep breath before making my way towards his side of the bed. He was still sleeping.

Should I call him or shook his shoulder? I don't know what to do. I was still contemplating whether to wake him up or not when the room's door knocked. My attention was immediately diverted and I made my way to open the door. As I opened it, Zubeda khala was standing there. She passed me a small smile before saying

"Subha bakhair, bacche."

(Good morning, dear)

I smiled and greeted her back. She is such a sweetheart. She then informed me

"Beta, Shehnaz Begum is calling you and Shah Zain beta downstairs for breakfast."

I nodded my head before saying

"We will be down shortly."

She nodded and left. As I turned back after closing the door, he was already up. He was sitting on the bed rubbing his temples. He doesn't glance at me. I stood rooted at my spot not knowing what to do.

He took a long breath before his eyes briefly met mine. Suddenly, all the sleepiness vanished from his eyes and hardness took it's place there. His jaw clenched and I decided to inform him

"Shehnaz Ammi is calling us downstairs."

He didn't say anything and went inside the bathroom and slammed the door hard. I visibly flinched due to the impact. I sighed. I walked towards the dresser and stated to get ready. It's my first day and I don't want to be the target of some Desi aunties pointing out that how I am a newly wed bride and I should dress appropriately.

After about 15 minutes, I was ready. I was wearing a beautiful dark purple colored dress with golden work on it. I paired it with oxidized hoop earrings and bangles in my wrists. My face was filled with light makeup. I kept my hairs open as they were still wet. Lastly, I adjusted the duppata on my shoulder and just then the bathroom door opened.