Ameen had a love and hate relationship with those cats. He likes them, yes. They're cute, yes. But he absolutely hates it when they wake him up from his precious sleep so early in the morning. It was one of those days again. And he felt that familiar nibbling near his ears, purring for him to wake up.
The black cat looked like he wanted to say, "yo hooman, feed me already. I'm so hungry." With his eyes so close to him, and body comfortably laid beside him, more precisely between him and his wife. The cat continued to stare at him with the same boring look.
"Why don't you wake her up?" "You'll never let me cuddle you, but when you want food you come to me first. Life is so unfair." Throwing the quilt off his body, Ameen stood up lazily. While the excited cat jumped down their bed and walked out, where he knows food will be served.
Ameen sighed but a smile appeared on his face as he took a look at her sleeping figure on his bed. He had to pinch himself to believe this was happening and he's not dreaming. It felt like it though. Every day feels like a freaking dream with her. A very beautiful dream that is.
Mahira looked ravishing, with her hair all over the face and the tired yet content look even while sleeping. She just looked so damn gorgeous that he wanted to go back and do things to her again, his breath hitched as she stirred in her sleep and groaned softly when her hands couldn't find his presence beside her.
He beamed at that sight, as he joined her back on the bed and caressed her cheeks lovingly, "go to sleep, I have to feed Kabir." She named them, yes. And he instantly decided to not let her name their babies ever. No freaking way. Kabir was a good name, Masha Allah. But the white cat's name is what got him the most. It was a cute name too, but everyone has different tastes and Ayla is not something he liked.
"Don't go." She murmured while pulling him close to her and snuggled into him tightly. He kissed her hairline and inhaled her smell. Damn, that intoxicating smell.
"Your boy gets all cranky if we don't feed him. He is so annoying, I'll be back in a moment," Ameen tried to free himself but her grip was stronger as she held onto him possessively. His smile widened at her actions.
God, she was so cute.
"Be back soon." He heard her incoherent voice, with a shake of his head, Ameen detached himself unwillingly and was about to get up. But her wrist caught his hands, "wear a damn shirt before you step out. How many times I have to tell you."
"You're wearing mine, Hira.I am so lazy to go find a new one." He smiled smugly as she woke up with a jerk and gave him a look.
"If that's the case, take it back. I have no issues." His smile vanished and his eyes darkened, "you have nothing beneath that. You sure have no problem?" Leaning close to her, he kissed her near the lips.
Mahira closed her eyes contently and smiled as she felt his stubble tickle against her chin, "its not like you haven't seen me before. I have no issues with you taking it back, but I will definitely have an issue if you step out like this." Her voice was all stern and possessive.
"You know what, our cats are going to hate me so much. But I don't care. I am going to eat you up- His voice was cut off by an annoyed intruder who looked angry, her meows told it all.
"Damn." Ameen whined as the white cotton ball got onto their bed and gave them a look that said, "why am I not fed yet hooman?"
"Ayla, my baby." Mahira petted her dearly while the cat's face softened a bit, but she still had that angry mean look on her face.
"You should feed them, my babies are so hungry. Why didn't you feed them already?"
"Woah, look at you throwing the blame on me. Who was the one suggesting me something else?" Ameen scoffed.
"When did I, I mean... I just woke up." Mahira feigned innocence, as he huffed and got up to leave. "wear a shirt, Ameen." She yelled again.
"Come on, Ayla. Let's feed you." he smiled mischievously whilst unlocking their door. The cat as though it understood what he meant, ran before him through the cat hole they made especially for them.
"I'm serious, Ameen. Wear a damn shirt."
Mahira would totally hate it when others, especially the ladies staff stare at her husband in such a state. It hasn't happened before and there's no way she's letting it happen, with force she ran towards their closet and pulled out a t-shirt for him.
Her breath hitched when she felt him standing behind her. With a grin, he took the t-shirt from her hands and wore it silently.
She watched him without another word as he leaned in and pecked her lips, "if our cats aren't so hungry... I'll tell you that after feeding them." With a groan, he left the room as she stood there in a daze.
Married life has been amazing so far. Alhamdulillah.
Mahira couldn't help but smile in contentment as she looked back at things, all of it has made their relationship stronger than ever and she's grateful for every single thing.
Their childhood crush, the innocent teenage dating phase which ended up nastily but in the end they did tie up together. She'd give Ameen all of the credit. Had it not been for his determination and strong love to have her back, she wasn't sure if this day would ever be possible. But that guy, who is now her husband has made it possible.
The word husband sent chills down her spine every single time and it has been three freaking months of their marriage already.
"Thinking about me, huh?" A voice snapped her out of the thoughts and she yelped when he wasted no time and directly lifted her up in his arms, with desire filled look in his eyes.
"Tell me I'm not dreaming." He whispered huskily whilst laying her down on their bed, as though she was a flower. She chuckled with a shake of her head, "no, Its not a dream, Ameen."
He asked that question every single day, and she replies to him with the same happy smile all the time.
His shirt was ripped apart from her as expected and they spent the morning in heights of ecstasy as he made sweet love to her until somewhere around eleven in the morning, until they were worn out and tired.
***
"Ammi called us over tonight, should I say yes?" Mahira asked while they played with the cats in the cat room, Alya was lazing around on Ameen's lap, but Kabir looked energetic as he played with his chew toy sitting on top of the cat tower. She just sat there, watching them all silently.
It was her turn to become emotional, for she was living the life of her dreams and it was making her feel overwhelming every single day. The summer's sunlight was blazing in through the glass windows, as she stared out at the skies.
"We can, but I have other plans. How about tomorrow?" Ameen answered while petting Ayla affectionately, she seemed to love him a lot these days that Kabir started sending him mean looks. It was only fair considering that the annoying cat takes his wife's attention all the time.
"Ammi would feel bad, she is already making your favourite dishes it seems. We can't let her down." Came her instant reply, She smiled at the sight as Ayla curled into his lap and enjoyed getting all the attention.
Kabir was a curious and energetic cat, while Ayla comes under the lazy category. Who only loves sleeping and getting petted by both of them. But they both are such couple goals and loved each other so much. Mahira's phone is filled with all those cute pictures of how they both cuddle and sleep much to Ameen's dismay.
"fine, I guess. We can go, but I'm not letting you stay the night. You did that three days ago." Ameen whined like a kid making her laugh, "I won't stay the night, Ameen."
"Pakka?"
"Of course,"
"Isn't Ayla gaining a lot of weight lately?" He wondered aloud and his wife nodded in agreement, "We'll go to the vet tomorrow." Mahira replied a bit worriedly, after Ameen these two little creatures have all her heart and she can't see even a scratch on them.
There was a knock at their door, and a maid came in, "Sir, it's lunchtime. Salika mam wants you all to come down." With a nod, she left the room and Ameen looked at Mahira for help as their cotton ball seem to have slept on his laps.
"You can't move, you'll disturb her." was her instant answer.
"Then bring the lunch here, and feed me," Ameen demanded making her smile brightly, that sounded like a good idea.
Mahira walked out of the cat room with red cheeks and gasped lightly whilst crossing the library which so happens to be on the same floor as the cat room. With a shake of her head, she ran away, trying to erase the picture of her elder sister's intense make-out session from her mind. Damn, they're so wild. It was very awkward, but she prayed to Allah for harmony to remain intact in her sister's life.
After her marriage, their relationship seems to have improved a lot. For starters, they have coffee in the evenings, together and discuss random topics. It was such huge progress for them. And she was glad about that.
"Where's Ameen, dear?" Salika smiled warmly as she entered their dining room, her father-in-law was eating some salad in the meantime. Ameen totally inherited his father's likes for food.
"He's kind of busy now, would it be okay if I take this to our room and feed him, aunty?" She bit her lips shyly as the word feed came out involuntarily. Damn, how she wished for the earth to swallow her.
Salika passed a teasing smile and nodded her head, as she served her husband the lunch knowing very well that its useless waiting for her elder son and daughter in law to come down as well.
This is how they spent the Sundays in the Qureshi Mansion and Mahira seemed to like it so far.
***
"Abeera, where is your Chachi?" Ameen asked lazily as he came home after a very busy day at work. He was a motorbike retailer, who imports and exports bikes. He loves riding bikes and decided to do something with them on his own and so far it has been going good.
He could have easily joined his brother's business but the fire in him to prove his worth to Mahira's parents from a very young age, has kept him motivated to start his own business and he's loving every bit of it now.
The same father-in-law who once told; he was too immature to marry his daughter, has praised him yesterday regarding his works and that made him feel like he has achieved something so big. But nothing beats the feeling of happiness and accomplishment when he muttered his three qubools and made her his wife. That was the happiest day of his life.
"Phone," the little girl replied cutely as she played with her miniature kitchen set bringing him out of the daze. The girl is always intrigued about her little toys and never gets bored of playing with them. She's very active and hyper all the time. The wide smile on her face is all it takes to make someone's day.
Abeera has everyone in their family wrapped around her tiny little finger and she absolutely loves getting all the love and affection. Especially the love of her family, but she gets a bit scared of outsiders or the people with whom she is not used. Kissing her forehead affectionately, Ameen walked towards his room and saw his sister in law crossing him with a glass of milk.
"Hey, Ameen. Is Abeera still in the living room?" Mawra asked, to which he smiled, "yes bhabhi. She is. Her nanny was with her."
Ibrahim and Mawra once got into a huge fight regarding this nanny for Abeera, but they ended up having one anyway. Because Abeera is such a troublesome and hyper kid, and would always run away or hide somewhere intentionally or unintentionally panicking everyone. Their house being so big didn't help either.
"Oh, thank God. I made your favourite biriyani, don't be late for dinner." With a small smile, she left from there and he grinned at the thought of food before walking upstairs, where his wife and cats would be waiting for him.
"What's with that smile?" Mahira beamed at him, as she took his files and helped him remove his watch and jacket. Ameen let her take care of him as he stared at her angelic face.
"Bhabhi has prepared my favourite biriyani. I love her cooking."
"I can't believe Mawra has excelled in her cooking skills so much, I mean you should have eaten her food when we were young, God... They were so horrible." Mahira chuckled as she unbuttoned his shirt, it was like a habit. They do this every single day after marriage.
"She's good, but I love yours more. Don't tell her that." Ameen's eyes widened slightly as she had a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"I will think about it, but get bathed first." Mahira smiled as Alya came near his legs and licked his foot.
"See, even she's telling you to bath. You should go before Kabir comes, he's waiting to play with you." Ameen grinned as he pulled her along with him and she went without any complaint with her cheeks so bright.
***
"Alizah is getting married this month," Mahira yelled excitedly as they watched a Netflix movie that night, with her settling comfortably on top of him, cuddling him tightly. Ameen just hummed as he played with her braid, while she texted her friend.
"I'm going to be the camerawoman on her big day." She beamed excitedly, as she kept the phone aside and gazed up at him, "of all the jobs, you wanted to be a photographer, I never knew why..." Her husband asked with amusement, as the movie played in the background while all they did was watch each other's faces and talk random stuff.
"I have half a million Instagram followers now, it started with a simple two hundred different people whom I know, and my other friend, who wanted to try out for modelling and wanted someone to click her portraits. I clicked a few and she was cool with me posting them on my public account where I posted random quotes." Her whole face beamed with excitement as she explained her craze.
"It got so many likes, nearly some ten thousand... Cool, right? I give 80% credits for my photography skills and 20% for her face though. She wanted me to be her personal camerawoman for some days and I was like okay. There it began, and it continued during my college days as well. I got myself this camera with the money I earned through her and it's just something I do for fun," laughing she continued, " I'm not a professional, but my photos are no less than that. What started off for likes and followers ended up becoming something I love, so yeah. I get called by few Instagram models, wedding planners, event management etc, etc. Nothing very big. But I have fun."
"I follow your photography account, it's so aesthetically awesome. And you're a very talented woman, Masha Allah." Ameen kissed her deeply as his eyes shone with pride and admiration as she smiled throughout the kiss.
Getting praised by her Ameen for the works she does mean so much to her and she blushed at his compliment. He always has this freaking effect on her.
***
Be ready at six- Ameen
Mahira huffed at the paper and stared at a very pregnant Ayla helplessly, who watched her back lazily, "what does he think of himself. Making plans without informing me and what the hell should I wear now?"
Ayla blinked confusedly while Kabir played with his toy.
"You tell me, Kabir. What should I wear, God, It's five already. Who informs about the date just one hour before?" She whined at the other cat, who didn't seem to care.
Wear something comfortable.
Her phone pinged suddenly and she glared hard at the screen, "what the hell is comfortable?"
Ayla meowed at her as though taunting her to stop being so dramatic and walked out of the room, Kabir who got bored of the toy ran behind her.
"You all are useless pets, not even helping me. Ugh, what should I wear?" Her eyes fell on a maroon shirt and a pair of blue jeans paired along with it. She always does that, arranges her wardrobe by pairing her dresses for easy access and literally sighed in relief while picking them.
"This will do," Smiling to herself she got ready quickly and curled her hair making sure it was perfectly done, and a beam appeared on her face when the familiar scent invaded her room, "you're here."
"Oh, yes I am." He grinned while taking long strides and placed a small kiss on her cheeks before placing a flower pot on the table behind.
"What is that for?" Asked a curious Mahira, as she examined the pot, "a sapling?" Ameen questioned her back with a small smile.
"I know, but why?"
"Weren't you the same girl who once said, 'I don't want any bouquet, they get dried so quickly, If they do want to give me flowers, they should directly get a flower pot instead.' Same words."
"Wow, how the heck do you remember all those stupid things I say, like literally."
"I just do, where are my babies?" Ameen looked around, hoping to spot any of their cats, but found none.
"Must be in their room. Let's go plant it, okay?" Mahira asked excitedly, and her husband followed her behind with a shake of his head.
Together they planted that sapling while he helped her water it, the smile on their faces never left that whole evening and it only increased when the real fun part came.
"Wear this." Mahira took the helmet in her hands as she stared at her excited husband, who signed her to sit behind him. After making sure that she wore her helmet right, he roared the engine to life and started riding the bike excitedly.
"Hold onto me tightly, okay?" Ameen yelled as strong wind messed with his hair, "I always do." Mahira replied whilst tightening her hold on his torso making him smile widely, "Where are we going though?" She asked.
"Nowhere," Ameen yelled back. Because of the speed, his normal voice gets inaudible most times.
"Okay, this is cool." Mahira likes drives like this, where they go nowhere, in particular, just drive as long as they want and go back home. They are weird that way. But her eyes get stuck on something and another weird idea passed through her mind.
"Stop the bike, Ameen." She yelled exhilarated-ly, making him halt at once as he turned behind to eye her quizzically, "what happened? Do you want something?" He asked, worrid-ly. They were literally in the middle of nowhere.
"For a fact, I do."
"What is it, yaar?"
"Nothing big, just look at that." She pointed to a huge banyan tree and grinned at him, "really? At this time. I don't think it's safe." He was apprehensive over this absurd wish of hers, "you're here to protect me. I don't care about the rest. Let's go..." Was her reply.
Ameen did not know if he should be flattered or worried. The girl in front of him has too much faith in him that it scares him sometimes.
"Fine, you climb first. I'll come after you." He sighed defeated-ly,
"You're the best." After removing the helmet quickly, she jumped out of the bike excitedly and gave him a deep kiss before running to climb the tree, while he followed her behind in a daze.
Watching her climb it has left him feeling all kinds of nostalgic as he stared up and smiled at the memories. She was his crush once upon a time and then his girlfriend, and now sitting in front of him was his wife. The girl who loves climbing trees.
Oh, how far they have come.
"This is so cool, let's take a selfie and cherish the memory." Mahira opened her phone as he sat beside her, holding on to her hands tightly. Worried about her falling down. She always does.
"Smile," They posed for three-four pictures before a comfortable silence engulfed them for a while as they silently watched the vehicles moving, chirping of birds, noises of insects were heard in the background and a cool breeze hits their skin, making her shiver slightly.
"You cold?"
"Hmm."
"Let's get down, I'll go first." Having no faith in her climbing down skills he went ahead first and watched her get down, just as he has guessed she slipped from there just like all those years ago and he caught her safely like always. A sheepish smile formed on her lips as he glared at her in disapproval, "don't be mad, okay. I knew you'd catch me."
"What if I didn't."
"That can never happen. You always catch me. I know my Ameen." He was still very mad.
"Ameen?"
Silence.
"Baby..."
Silence again.
"I love you..." She huffed cutely while he made her wear the helmet and sat on his bike, followed by her, "I don't know why I can't climb down properly though, I had to fall every time."
"I will be there to catch you every time." His tone surprisingly was soft.
"You will?"
"Always."
"Without any second thoughts, Hira." A beam appeared on her face as she held onto his torso tightly.
"And I love you too." She kissed his shoulders in response making him smile as he drove ahead.
This was Ameen and Mahira, distance and misunderstanding couldn't stop them from becoming one for they were meant to be together, forever and ever.
T H E E N D