• n o o r •
It was Friday and we were just wrapping us the week in the office.
"I'm going to LA to meet my boyfriend's parents. What are your plans for the weekend? " Caroline asked.
"Uh... I don't have any plans. Probably would take some rest and recharge myself." I said.
"Well... Good for you." She said and stood up to leave.
Faaris was waiting for me downstairs so I called the day off and went downstairs.
The car ride to home was silent but it felt like something was going on in Faaris's mind. He seemed distracted and perplexed. I wanted to ask but I didn't know how to initiate a conversation after being tough on him for so many days.
On reaching home, I went to take a shower. Showering at night was definitely more therapeutic and relaxing than showering in the morning so I took my time, inhaling the new lavender scent of my body wash. About half an hour later, I changed into my pyjamas and walked into the bedroom where a strange sight awaited me.
The lights in the room were dimmed and there was a pathway lined by candles leading out of the room. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion and started walking in between the candles. The path led to the stairs where a bouquet of roses was waiting for me. I picked it up and climbed down the stairs, a smile appearing on my face. By now, I had a little idea what was going on.
Not bad, Faaris.
The trail then led me to the entrance of the lounge where something else was waiting for me. I picked up the small box and unwrapped it, revealing a ring. It didn't look like an ordinary ring but a very expensive one, as evident by the shine of the diamond.
I wore it in my finger and then walked forwards, reaching the end of the trail that was at the drawing room couch. There was an envelope there waiting for me. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Faaris standing against the kitchen counter, staring at me. I looked at him momentarily and then picked up the envelope.
I tore the envelope and revealed what looked like tickets to Pakistan, TO PAKISTAN!!!
"Seems like we will be visiting Food street pretty soon." Faaris walked over to me and said.
"Ya Allah!" I shrieked. Overwhelmed with emotions, I jumped up in excitement and wrapped my arms around Faaris, almost knocking him out. He stood still for a moment and then hugged me in return, hiding his face in the crook of my neck.
"Does that mean I am forgiven?" He asked.
"Yes. Yes, yes." I repeated, controlling the tears appearing in my eyes.
I know it hasn't been quite long since I came here but for me, it was a lifetime. Though US had been very welcoming, I missed everything about my country, my home and my family. Papa's support, Mama's food, Maheen's teasing, Dado's snarky comments, everything. No amount of videocalls and phone-calls could make up for the absence of their presence in my life.
As my emotions started to stable, I realized my position. Faaris and I were clinging to each other, his lips dangerously close to the nape of my neck.
"Faaris." I whispered.
"Hmm." he nuzzled, his hot breath warming my skin.
Something stirred in my belly and I pulled myself away from him. He looked disappointed at the loss of contact and that made me blush.
"I'll cook something. You go freshen up." I said.
"Sure." he said unenthusiatically.
•••••
Two days later, on Monday, I was busy with work as usual. Hassan was working with me on a project while Caroline had taken a leave today.
"I won't be coming this week and the next week." I informed him as we finished editing the work.
"Why?" He asked, surprised.
"I am visiting Pakistan." I said.
"Wow, that's great." He smiled. "Bring some biryani from there for me, will you?"
"I'll try but I am not responsible if it gives you food poisoning. It's a long flight." I chuckled.
Few minutes later, I got a text from Faaris saying he was in the parking lot. I excused myself to leave but Hassan decided to leave at the same time and we ended up walking to the parking lot together.
"Good evening, Mr. Faaris." Hassan said to him as he reached his car parked just behind Faaris'.
"Good evening." Faaris replied.
"Where is your car?" Hassan asked me.
"Umm..." I sighed. There was no point in hiding our relation after forgiving him. "I think I'll be leaving with my husband tonight."
I heard two gasps, one from Faaris who had not expected me to say this and the other from Hassan for... Well, the obvious reasons.
I passed Hassan a smile as I walked over to the passenger seat of Faaris's car and sat inside. Faaris, who was staring at me dumbfoundedly, smiled at me and settled on his seat. It took Hassan a few minutes to realize what had happened and by that time, Faaris had driven away.
"Why this sudden reveal?' He asked.
"No reason." I shrugged. "I was tired of hiding something that didn't need to be hidden."
"Good." He replied.
•••••
It was the night before our departure. Earlier today, we went to the mall to buy gifts for my family and now, we were engrossed in packing. Faaris' bags were packed very sophisticatedly while mine looked like a bird's nest compared to his. Earlier today, we went to mall to buy gifts for everyone at home. I bought a fancy crockery set for Mom and a few jackets for Papa as he loved them. For Dado, Faaris suggested buying a new pair of earphones and for Maheen, I bought a stiletto heel and handbag.
"Done?" Faaris asked as he entered the room with two cups of coffee.
"Almost." I said and with his help, put everything to a side.
I then sat down on the bed beside him and picked up the warm cup in my hands.
"Why are you taking me to Pakistan for a full week? I know it will disturb your work." I said.
"Your happiness is more important." He replied and my cheeks grew warmer.
"Really? Or are you trying to just wash away your guilt?" I sarcastically said.
"That too." He chuckled and I rolled my eyes.
We then discussed a few things about our departure and then lay down to sleep. We were laying down facing each other, a silent conversation happening between us. I didn't want to close my eyes while his were open, so the staring contest went on for like forever.
It was him who broke the silence and said, "It wasn't just guilt. I would never make an effort for someone other than you."
"Why me then?" I asked shyly.
"You..." He sighed and scooted towards my side of the bed. "Noor Faaris Humayun Shah, you are the most important person in my life."
"Why?" I repeated.
"Because you are my wife." He said and his fingers cupped my chin softly. "And believe it or not, this word means a lot to me."
"Why did you lie then?" I asked, the dim light coming from the moon adding to the intensity of the conversation.
"I don't know. I messed up, I know. I wanted to save my friendship and my marriage but that's where I was wrong. I couldn't save both." He said.
"You are important to me too, you know?" I admitted meekly, scooting a little closer.
"I know." He replied and traced his hand to my jaw. Goosebumps appeared on whatever skin he touched, turning me into a blushing mess.
He leaned towards me, his eyes burning deep into mine, making my breath hitch. His lips reached my temples and placed a kiss there, leaving small tingles on the skin. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as his lips moved to the apple of my cheek. My heart was racing inside my chest and my body was getting hot in the freezing cold weather.
Not knowing what to do, I snaked my hands in his hair and pulled him slightly towards myself. He rolled me over so now he was hovering over me, his lips leaving a trail of burning from my cheeks to my jawline.
All my senses were turning into mush and my knees were growing weaker. Thank God I was on the bed or else, I would have fallen down.
Faaris' mouth was making his way towards my neck while his fingers gripped my waist from under my T-shirt, making small circles on the bare skin. A small breathy sigh left my mouth and that's when I realised what was going to happen.
Consummation of my marriage.
"Faaris," I called his name but it came out as a moan.
"Noor," He whispered in my ears and bit my earlobe.
"Faaris... stop." I said although every part of my body was telling me not to.
I didn't have to say twice as he stopped immediately and looked deep into my eyes. His pupils were dilated with lust and I felt a little guilty for stopping him.
"I am not ready." I said, feeling nervous over his possible reaction.
For a small moment, I thought he would get angry at me for stopping him from exercising his right. We have heard stories of how some men force themselves on their wives. It has been few months since our marriage and as patient as he was, he was still a man. But contrary to my expectations, he nodded in understanding.
He parted away from me but before doing so, he placed a small kiss on my lips.
"Goodnight." He said, his voice a little throaty.
"Goodnight." I replied.
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