"And you became the moonlight in my darkness..."
A S usual, Anabia and Adila khala were doing the house chores. They were now preparing the lunch. Since yesterday, Anabia had felt Adila khala's behavior towards her a little cold. She wasn't as warm as used to be.
"Khala, ap mere se naraz hai ?" She asked, cutting the onions for the raita.
"Mein apse naraz kiyu hogi bahla ?" She coldly said.
"Khala, muhje nahi pata meine kiya kiha hai lekin apka bartaw muhje dukh de raha hai." Anabia said helplessly. She didn't have a lot of people in our life, except Mehraan and her Adila Khala.
"Anabia muhje to lakta tha ke app Allah ki bandi hai, uska rawf hai apko. Lekin yeh hijab to bas dikawa hai." Her words hurted her. Her hijab was her pride not some show off. Anabia felt her eyes getting moist despite the onions.
"Apka kiya bhol rahi hai, Adila khala ?" She asked genuinely confused.
"Kal app Mehraan sahab ke bahon me kiya kar rahi thi ? Cousin hai lekin phir bhi na-mehram hai apka. Wo to larka hai, kesi bi karke bach jaye ga, lekin ap par zindagi bhar ka dagh lag jaye ga." She bitterly made a judgment without knowing the entire truth.
"Allah ke ussol sab keliye barabar hote hai, khala. Larka yan larki yeh Allah nahi dekta. Wo bass gunnah dekta hai." She replied and stormed out of the kitchen. She was hurt by her khala's words. She should've asked her for an explanation instead of jumping to the conclusion.
"Oye manhoos. Come here." Shaiza said, pointing towards Anabia.
Anabia quickly wiped her tears and turned to her with a fake smile. "Ji ?"
"Do my pedicure and manicure. I was going to the parlour but my feet are hurting so do it for me." Shaiza ordered, picking her nail paint color.
"Me? But why would I-" Anabia was cut off by a voice.
"Shaiza what's this? She isn't your servant. She won't do your pedicure or manicure. Stop ordering her around." Mehraan said with a stern voice to his sister. He hated her behavior towards Anabia.
"But bhai..she can do it, it's no big deal." Shaiza argued back.
"Can you do Aqsa or Asma's work ?" He asked.
"Never! Why would I do their work ?!" She exclaimed in disbelief.
"Exactly. Anabia go in your room." Anabia nodded and was about to go downstairs when he stopped her.
"Your real room, means dadu's old's room." He said without looking at her.
"But..that room is Aqsa's."
"Not anymore. I told her to shift back with Asma and she did. It's your room now. I don't want to see in the servant quater anymore. Shift your things there, right now." Anabia nodded, her heart fluttered at his care.
Thanking her Allah for bounding her fate with his, she went to take her suitcase.
~ ~ ~
Anabia was unpacking her suitcase while lost in her thoughts. She wondered if it was the beautiful bond of nikkah that her think about Mehraan in a different way. She longer saw him as a cousin only, she was attracted to him and noticed his every movement. She even knows his like and dislikes now.
"Ya Rabb what is happening to me ?" She was now grinning like an idiot.
Her eyes suddenly fell on two envelopes which were in the suitcase. It was blur but than she remembered where she found those envelopes with Mehraan and her name. It was from her dada jaan's cupboard. A frown appeared on her face as she picked them. Her finger caressed the soft brownish paper as she could smell her dada jaan's cologne.
She hesitated weither she should give Mehraan his letter or read it herself. Her legs automatically dragged her to his room as she knocked. It was one in the night and very late. What if he was sleeping? But to her surprise, she heard a faint voice.
"Oh, Ana, koyi kam tha ?" Her heart flipped a beat at the nickname he gave her. It made her feel loved, and close to him.
"Uh..woh, muhje apse baat karni thi." She timidly stood, her hands nervously fidgeted with her dupatta.
"Ao, behto." He placed his laptop on the bed, beside him. And patted the place in front of him. With timid steps, Anabia sat in front of him.
"I won't bite you, Ana, stop being so nervous around me." He chuckled slowly and Anabia felt her heart flipped a beat at his beautiful smile.
"Uh...I was cleaning Dada jaan's cupboard the other day, and I found these." She forwarded two envelopes and gave one to him, with his name on.
"Dadu wrote us letters ?" A lot of questions ran in his mind but the first was, 'why would he write a letter to them ?'.
"Let's read them together." They shrugged and opened the two envelopes. Anabia opened hers and Mehraan his. And they both started to read their own letters in silence.
"Dear Bia,
I know by the time you will read this letter...I will be gone. I don't know how but I know my time is near. I am not afraid of death, nor am I sad. I have lived my life peacefully, worshipping my Rab. In fact, I am quiet happy, I am finally going to meet your dadi jaan. I had missed her a lot and now Allah has finally decided to make us meet again." A tear left her eye and fell on the brownish paper.
"I know life is not going to be easy for you without me, but remember partner, life was never meant to be easy, if you are not happy today, Allah will give you your happiness tomorrow. But never lose hope. He will never abandon you. Remember to never cry or bow your head in front of anyone but the Almighty. He is the only one who will listen to you after me.
The next thing I am going to tell is very important, you might hate me for it but I had to. To make sure you're in safe hands. Your nikkah with Mehraan was planned by me. I've always seen you as my Mehraan's bride but also know that Shabana will never let that happen.
That's why, I had payed those villagers to make you both nikkahfied. Mehraan and you are made for each other, Bia. There is no one who can compliment you better than him. I know he will never let me down, and that is why I gave him your responsibility before leaving this world. My way of getting you both married might be wrong, but my intentions weren't, my bacha. So please forgive this dada jaan of yours if you can.
Jab mene tum donon ki joori nikkah ke baad dehki, haye me sadqe, enni sonni jori hai tum donon ki." Anabia's cheeks turned into a deep shade of pink. She could already imagine her grandfather's expression when he wrote this letter.
"My blessings are always with you both, May Allah bless your couple, May He give you pious children. Remember, I am always with you, even when you cannot see me." By now, Anabia had became a crying mess. No wonder why Jamshaid was so keen on sending her with him. He planned all this, because he knew his time to return back where he belonged was close.
Mehraan has read half of his letter, and was still trying hard to control his emotions while reading the other half.
"- I know Mehru" Mehraan hated that nickname given by his grandfather, but so many childhood memories were attached with this mere name. "- I know you would never go against your mother wish, and you never thought about Bia more than just a cousin. That is exactly why, I planned for you both to get married." And suddenly, everything made sense; why those gaon wale were smirking and lying not to forget that the maulvi was all ready.
"I am sorry, Mehraan, but you and Bia are made for each other. I've always wanted you as my Bia's other half but never had the courage to tell as I knew, you would reject her because of your mother. If you love me, Mehraan, never let down my Bia. She has a small heart, just like a child. She can be childish at times with people she loves but she knows when to be mature and how to fulfill her responsibilities." Mehraan nodded as if Jamshaid was in front of him and then chuckled at his action.
"Give her the love she deserves. Cherish her the way she should be.
And never leave her. You might not love her today, but I promise you, the power of nikkah will make seeds of love grow between you two. Respect is the first step towards love.
I know there will be a day when you will be torn apart between choosing your mother and your wife. Choose your wife. Your mother will forgive you someday Mehraan, but Anabia, she has no one. If you leave her, she will have no relationship in the house and Shabana will throw her out of the house.
Don't disappoint me, Mehraan. I've trusted you with my most precious gem. Don't be rough on her. May Allah bless you both...if Allah wills, we will meet again in Jannah." Mehraan wiped his teary eyes quickly, he didn't want to appear weak in front of Anabia.
Those letters cleared at their thoughts and minds perfectly. Both knew they are ready to give this relationship a chance. To give them a chance. While Anabia was ready to make herself a perfect wife for Mehraan.
Mehraan was ready to be a perfect husband for her. He promised himself to protect her. To always respect her. And he knows, soon he will also fall in love with her. It was true that Anabia had all the qualities Mehraan wanted to in his wife. She was loving and caring. She has a kind heart and does not want any bad for anyone.
In short, she was made for him.
"Ana..." He whispered looking at her teary form. Her dupatta had fallen down, leaving her brown waves in display for his eyes. She was sniffing continuously. Mehraan put the paper on the side table and gathered her petite form in between his arms. From afar, it looked like a giant bear was protected a small girl from this cruel world.
"H-he did al-all...th-this." She whispered, clutching his shirt in her small hands.
"He did, and I think he was right." Mehraan voice was thick with emotions.
"M-matlab ?" She stepped back to look at him.
"Matlab ye ke, you have everything I ever wanted in my partner, you have such a pure heart. If dadu hadn't done this, you would've felt lonely. I want us to have a chance, Ana. We can make this work together." His soft eyes held so much care that Anabia felt her heart melt.
"B-But...Tayi Ammi.." Mehraan smiled, it was a very small step but she was slowly opening to him and talking about her fears.
"When the right time will come, we will tell her. And I will handle everything. Mmh..." He grabbed her hand and give it a squeeze and told her to smile with his hands.
"Wh-What..if y-you..change your mind and l-leave me ?" Just the thought was heartbreaking. She didn't want to lose and Mehraan was no different. He didn't want to lose the precious gem his dadu has given him and disappoint him.
"Never. Do you understand ? I will never leave you. It's Mehraan's promise to never leave his Ana. I will be your charming prince with a shining armour." Anabia's eyes widened as it hit her. She remembers that day perfectly. He knew ?
A months before
Jamshaid's death,
"Partner, can you tell me about yours and Dadi jaan's love story ?" Anabia asked cutely, Jamshaid had already told her many times the same story but Anabia always asked him again. Just so she can see the love and admiration her grandfather hold for her grandmother, even after all these years of companionship together.
She placed her head on Jamshaid's lap. He caressed her hair, lovingly.
She couldn't help but mourn for someone who would love her the same way her grandfather loved her grandmother.
"Ah...those were the beautiful days, when I was young and handsome. I still am handsome but I was a little more at that time. And your grandmother, she was a hoor. Zaafira was my father's servant's daughter. She was worked for us like her father. Her father was my father's personal driver and she used to help with the house chores. She had one dream, study." Mehraan came back late from his work, and was about to go in his room when he stopped mid track.
He saw the door of his dadu's room ajar and Jamshaid's voice stopped him. Whenever he saw Jamshaid, he was always rough and strict but when it came to Anabia and himself. Jamshaid was a completely different person. When he heard Anabia's voice, he couldn't help but feel curious.
"- but unfortunately, she didn't have any money to do so. So I gave her my old books and helped her studying. We used to all this in secret, at night, in the garden, when everyone was asleep." Mehraan wondered who he was talking about.
"- her heart-shaped face under the moonlight, her pink lips, her brown almond eyes...everything about her was perfect." He felt as if Jamshaid was describing Anabia. She was looking like an angel under the moonlight.
"- You look a lot like her. Just as beautiful as her. I loved to teach her new things every day. And the fact that we did it behind everyone's back was so thrilling. Itna mazaa ata tha, I miss those days. Haye, ye umar bhi itni jaldi bar gayi hai. Manhoos kanhi ki." Mehraan lowly chuckled at his grandfather. He was the only one who could curse his age.
"Phir kiya hua ?" Anabia asked, though she already knew.
"Phir kya hona tha, mohabbat huyi tumhari dadi jaan se. Itni achi thi, koyi bi karle ta. Thank God, I was the one she loved or else I would've not been able to see her with someone else. Then, we had a lovely marriage with our parents blessings. We've spent our lives supporting each other. We had beautiful children and I continued to love her as her husband but also as her lover. Bus ek hi shikayat hai muhje usse..." Anabia frowned curiously.
"Kesi shikayat ?"
"muhje akela chor kar chali gayi." Jamshaid whined like a child making Anabia laugh. She got up from his lap and hugged him mumbling "Me hu na apke sath. Hamesha."
"I know, Partner. I know." He kissed her forehead while Mehraan looked at them with eyes filled with admiration. The sight was so cute.
"Dada jaan ?" Anabia whispered with a pout. When he nodded, she continued. "Do you think I will ever find my charming prince with a shining armour ?" Jamshaid chuckled.
"Of course, Bia. Who knows, maybe you've already met him."
He held his hand in front of her and indicated her to held it with his eyes. With a trembling hand, Anabia placed hers with his making him hold it tightly.
It was promise, of a forever companionship...
"Pakka ?" She asked innocently, her sad eyes had a hint of hope.
"Pakka." He kissed her forehead and Anabia felt over the moon.
~ ~ ~
Anabia was panting hard as her period cramps were killing her. Her period were bad, really bad. She was standing in the kitchen, her back resting on the counter. Her eyes were closed as she clutched her kameez on her stomach area.
"Anabia, are you ok ?" Faariz asked her, he was anything but caring. He was just trying to be close to her. Nothing more.
"I am fine, Faariz bhai." Anabia emphazed on the word brother to push him.
"No you don't look good, I can
help y-" He was cut off by a husky voice.
"B-Bhai ?" Faariz said as soon as Mehraan was in front of him. He was taller than Faariz as he was a good 6'2 compared to Faariz who was 5'9. Moreover, his intimidating aura was scary.
"You don't need to help her. Koyi kam sham nahi hai kiya tumhe? Pura din idher se udhar ujhalte rehte ho. Find a job and settle down. Now, go." Faariz pratically ran from there and cursed Mehraan under his breath.
He turned to Anabia and saw her cooking some pasta for everyone. She was looking in a pain. He checked if anyone was around and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her from behind. "What happened ?" He asked softly.
"Kuch nahi.." Her expression was betraying her. Mehraan groaned and turned her around.
"I hate lies, Ana. Don't lie to me." He gritted out. "Kiya hua? Are you in pain ?" This time, he was more gentle.
"I-I..my stomach..hurts." She blurted out.
"Does it hurt too much? Do you need pain killers? Or should I take you to the hospital ?" It was too much for her small heart. No one never cared for her other than her dada jaan.
"No, it's normal..." Her cheeks burned as she said. "I have my periods..." Mehraan's ears turned into a pink shade as he averted his gaze. He scratched his neck. He looked cute. Anabia let out a chuckle.
"Oh..you don't need to make food. Adila khala will make it. Go, and rest for a while." He patted her cheek and turned around to check if anyone was there. "I'll come when I can. Now am I allowed to go to work, begum ?" He asked teasingly.
"Mene apko kab roka ?" Anabia questioned back, crossing her arms on her chest. She was trying to intimidate him but she rather looked cute. Mehraan pinched the bridge of her nose and smiled.
"I am going, Allah Hafiz." He kissed her forehead. And after hearing her reply, he went to work while Anabia didn't listen to him and continued her work.
~ ~ ~
Mehraan ran a hand on his face tiredly. His day was exhausting, he had a lot of work. It was around mid night and no one was awake. He untied his tie and unbuttoned the two first button of his shirt. He then went in the kitchen but stopped in the dinning room when he saw a plate with food, and a glass filled with water along with a note.
He sat on the chair and took the note.
'I made kheer and chicken curry as per your likes. Sorry I couldn't stay awake as I had my cramps. Finish all your food, Allah doesn't like those who waste food. Don't tire yourself and sleep after eating.
Ps: Don't forget to pray Isha.
Your wife, Ana.'
Mehraan grinned at the note, even his own mom didn't do something like this for him. The last sentence made him smile, she was pious and in this journey with him she will help him get closer to his Lord every day. And that's all he needed. Whenever he would come back from work late night, he had to heat his food and eat alone. Which he hated to do, till now. He wished Anabia would've stay awake but her health was more important. He made a mental note to check up on her before sleeping.
Soon he finished his dinner and washed his dishes. He grabbed the note and a bottle of hot water and went in his wife's room directly. Surprisingly, her door was not locked and Mehraan thought to tell her to lock her door from tomorrow. Faariz and Saifaan are his cousins but he knows how they are, so it's better if she sleeps with the door locked.
He entered her room slowly and closed it behind him. A smile reached his lips as he saw her sleeping frame, but what intrigued him was the frown on her face and how she was clutching her abdomen tightly. Her expression held pain. He walked to her and woke her up, as she wasn't sleeping peacefully. "Ana, jaan..." The second word escaped his lips before he could stop it.
"Mmm..Mehraan ?" Anabia slowly opened her eyes and panicked when she saw a man in her room. But that man was her husband.
"Relax jaan, I just came in your room to check up on you but you weren't looking fine in your sleep. So I woke you up." He caressed her hair making her lean in his touch. He put the hot water bottle on her abdomen making her close her eyes with a sigh.
"Thank you..." He kissed her forehead and let her sleep soundly.
~ ~ ~
A month had passed. A month of their closeness and a month since they've got to know each other. So much has changed in this month, Anabia and Mehraan have started to spend some more time together. When everyone is asleep, Mehraan would come in Anabia's room and spend the night till fajr.
At first, Anabia wasn't comfortable, perhaps why Mehraan had kept a good physical distance between them except a few forehead kisses. He had this new desire to have her close, to feel her but kept them buried in him. They would have late night talks, when they would talk about anything and everything. Mehraan would tell her how is days was and Anabia would do the same thing.
As the days passed, Anabia became more and more comfortable with Mehraan's touch. She liked it when he touched her. It was different from when he would touch her 'accidentally'. They've soon started to sleep together and developed the habit of sleeping in each other's arms. It was Mehraan's favorite thing to do, while playing with Anabia's long hair.
Now, they were in a stage of their relationship were they trusted each other completely and were comfortable with touches, they were yet to have their first kiss. Anabia have learned to open herself to her husband but there was still something she wasn't opening about.
Only if she would've told him...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As-salamu alaykum readers !
It was a long chapter !!
Translation in the comments.
More of Mehraan and Anabia's moments as y'all asked me !
Mehraan is such a sweetheart :) Now...I think we need some more drama perhaps ?
Next chapter is filled with drama *smirks*
Don't forget to vote !
Till next update Allah Hafiz 💓