The golden rays of the morning sun tiptoed through the half-closed curtains, dancing merrily on the walls of the cozy room. Shahmeer stirred in his sleep, slowly, he opened his eyes, greeted by a sight that filled his heart with indescribable joy.
His Zar, his newly wedded wife, lay peacefully beside him, her delicate form softly illuminated by the gentle morning light. Her tousled hair cascaded over the pillow, framing her innocent face like a halo. The sight of her filled Shahmeer's heart with overwhelming love, a love that was new to her, for she had never experienced such emotions before.
Zartasha's life had been marked by miseries from an early age. Her parents' untimely demise had thrust her into a world of struggle and hardship, where love was a foreign concept. She had grown up witnessing the cruelties of life, her heart shielded from the tender affections that others often took for granted.
But now, as Shahmeer gazed at her slumbering form, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to show her the depths of love and affection. He knew that it would take time for Zartasha to fully understand and embrace these newfound emotions, but he was determined to be patient and guide her through this journey.
He gently shifted, careful not to disturb Zartasha's peaceful sleep. He reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch as tender as a whisper. Zartasha stirred slightly, her hand instinctively finding its way to Shahmeer's side, as if seeking comfort in his presence.
A soft smile played upon Shahmeer's lips as he watched her, his heart swelling with indescribable tenderness.
He marveled at the beauty of the moment, realizing that their love story was just beginning to unfold. They were two souls, intertwined by the threads of destiny, embarking on a journey of love and healing.
A knock on the door broke his trance, and Zartasha's sleep was also disrupted. He got up carefully and opened the door. His mother was standing there with a warm smile. Just as he turned around, Zartasha woke up and looked around, hurriedly grabbing a dupatta that was laying beside her and directing her gaze towards the door where he was facing his back.
"She is sleeping, Mama," he informed his mother. Before his mother could speak, Zartasha came from behind and greeted her with Salam.
"Walaikumasalam, bachay. I just came here to tell you that your dress is in the closet for today. If you don't feel comfortable in it, choose something else. Okay? Everyone is waiting for breakfast. After that, you both can rest," She said. Zartasha nodded, her heart welling up. This family was showering love unconditionally. She had never experienced such a thing before.
Shahmeer closed the door as his mother walked away, his gaze fixed upon Zartasha who appeared lost, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Hey, what's wrong, Zar?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice.
"Huh! Nothing," she replied, her voice trembling. But before she could walk away, he reached out and gently held her hand.
"You can share anything with me. Now tell me what's bothering you," he reassured her, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"This... all of this, it's too much," she thought, contemplating whether to open up to him. After all, he was her husband, and communication was key in their relationship.
"What's too much, my love? You deserve all of this and more. It's normal, and it will be like this from now on. Okay? For now, get ready, and we will sort out everything" he explained to her, his words laced with utmost politeness and understanding. He gently placed his lips on her forehead, and in that tender moment, she felt a spark ignite within her. It was the second time he kissed her forehead, and each time, it felt surreal, as if living in a dream. Patting her cheek affectionately, he motioned for her to get ready.
Zartasha indulged in a blissful moment of tranquility as she immersed herself in a relaxing bath. The soft, warm water embraced her tired body, relieving the tension and stress that had accumulated over the past few days. She closed her eyes, allowing the subtle aroma of lavender to envelop her senses, transporting her to a realm of serenity.
She stepped out in a deep red shirt, with delicate motifs that gracefully adorned its surface. The traditional churidar pajama complemented the shirt, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
She looked around the room, but Shahmeer was nowhere to be seen. As she heard a knock on the door, she opened it to find Shifa standing there with a smile.
"Good morning, bhabhi," Shifa greeted her cheerfully.
"Good morning," she replied to the chirpy soul.
"I thought you might need some help getting ready, so..." Shifa explained the reason for her arrival.
"Yes. Umm.. I'm not familiar with getting ready." she confessed.
"By the way, you don't need much makeup or materialistic things because you are naturally pretty. I'll just give you a natural touch," Shifa complimented her.
Shifa adorned Zartasha with jewelry that accentuated her beauty. She chose a set of delicate earrings, crafted with glistening gemstones that twinkled under the soft morning light. Around her neck, a pendant hung gracefully, its intricate design reflecting her refined taste. Her fingers delicately wore rings, each one a symbol of love and commitment.
With a light touch of makeup, Shifa enhanced her natural beauty. She opted for a subtle foundation that evened out her skin tone and a touch of blush that added a youthful radiance to her cheeks. She applied a hint of shimmering eyeshadow to her eyes and accentuated her lashes with a few coats of mascara. A soft, rosy hue adorned her lips, giving them a natural and inviting allure.
Draped over her shoulders was an organza dupatta embellished with exquisite embroidery and adorned with heavy borders, completing her ensemble. As she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a sense of astonishment. The woman staring back at her looked different, more confident, and radiant than she had ever imagined.
Just as she marveled at her transformation, her beloved husband Shahmeer entered the room. Beads of perspiration glistened on his forehead, evidence of his recent exercise routine. His attire, in contrast to her formal ensemble, exuded a relaxed charm. He wore a casual light blue linen shirt that accentuated his masculine physique, paired with comfortable beige trousers, conveying a sense of effortless style.
"I'm leaving. You both come quickly," Shifa excused herself and left the room.
She felt a wave of nervousness and excitement wash over her as Shahmeer approached her. His eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, time stood still. "Breathtaking," he whispered, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Her heart fluttered, and a smile adorned her lips. She cherished his words, treasuring the compliments that were so rare in her life before.
"Wait for me, we will go downstairs together,"Shahmeer said warmly before he left to freshen up. She stood there, feeling a mix of emotions-happiness, anticipation, and a newfound confidence that had bloomed within her.
Hand in hand, they descended the grand staircase, their steps synchronized with the beat of their hearts. Love radiated from their intertwined fingers, weaving a palpable sense of togetherness as they made their way towards the room below.
Zartasha's eyes gracefully swept across the dining area, taking in the sight of the table adorned with an inviting spread. A centerpiece of freshly picked flowers stood proudly, showcasing nature's vibrant beauty. The tablecloth, a pristine white canvas with delicate lace trim, exuded an air of elegance and sophistication.
Plates adorned with warm croissants, their golden, flaky crusts glistening in the morning light, beckoned her closer. They were accompanied by bowls of whipped butter and an assortment of fruity jams, promising a symphony of flavors. As her gaze shifted, she marveled at the colorful display of freshly cut fruits, meticulously arranged to please both the eyes and the palate.
But it was the vibrant array of traditional Pakistani breakfast dishes that truly captured Zartasha's attention. Stacks of crispy parathas, straight from the sizzling tawa, tempted her taste buds with their irresistible aroma. Bowls of creamy, sweet halwa sat alongside plates of spicy omelettes, each one a masterpiece in its own right. The tantalizing scent of channa masala, a spicy chickpea curry that complemented the parathas perfectly, hung in the air, promising a feast fit for royalty.
She greeted each family member with a warm "Salam," her voice filled with genuine affection. The room echoed with the exchange of pleasantries, as loved ones inquired about each other's well-being and shared tales of the day ahead. The breakfast table served not only as a place to savor delicious food but also as a space for connections to deepen, bonds to strengthen, and love to flourish.
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