Heer's P.O.V.
Magical. Enchanting. Perfect.
Mine and Salaar's first kiss, well proper first kiss if you ignore kindergarten, was all that and more.
Salaar paused, taking in the word of endearment I had called him—ruhum. A grin spread on his mouth and he leaned in for another kiss. Just as he placed his lips on mine, both of our phones began ringing at the same time.
It was the shortest kiss, but it was enough to send my heart racing.
"Yahan bhi koi chain nahin hai," he muttered while pulling away.
(There's no peace here either.)
I giggled quietly, simultaneously realizing how pink my burning cheeks must be.
We reached for our respective phones, answering the FaceTime calls from our parents.
"Happy birthday, Heer!" they all wished at the same time.
"Thank you!"
"We were just about to cut the cake," Salaar informed, propping his phone then mine on the table so our parents could see.
"Oh! Let's sing!" Ami suggested.
Then suddenly everyone began singing 'Happy Birthday' to me through the phone, Salaar included, while I cut the cake. I finally blew out the candles, which were well melted past their midpoints.
Salaar fed me a piece of the cake before I held some up to his mouth. "Happy birthday," he wished me again sweetly.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"Kitni badi ho gayi hai meri beti. Waqt kaise beet gaya itne jaldi, pata hi nahin chala," Baba remarked with an emotional smile.
(My daughter has grown up so much. I don't know how time flew by so fast.)
"Tum ruko, Imran. Jab nana banne chaloge, waqt beetne ko kya kehte hai, tab asal mein samajh aayega."
(You wait, Imran. When you are about to become a grandfather, that's when you will really understand what it means for time to fly.)
"Nahin nahin," Anne shook her head, "walime se pehle koi khush khabri nahin!"
(No no, no good news before the walima!)
Alright. Yep. It was time for us to hang up the phone.
"Anne," my eyes widened.
"Haan, Halima, thik keh rahi ho. Heer ke liye sab bohat mushkil ho jayega. Waise halaat mein zyada pressure hoga uss ke liye-"
(Yes, Halima, you're right. Everything will be very difficult for Heer. In that condition, it will be too much pressure for her-)
"Ami," Salaar called. "Ab rakhte hai. Kal baat karenge. Shab bakhair."
(I'm going to hang up now. We'll talk tomorrow. Good night.)
"Goodnight," I echoed, quickly reaching for the end button.
Salaar and I looked at each other silently for a moment before we began laughing. He reeled me into his arms, and I held him tightly, nestling into his warm, cozy embrace with my eyes closed. The contentment I felt couldn't be described. My love, my Salaar.
He pecked my temple. "The birthday girl's sleepover party isn't over yet."
I moved my head back to look up at him incredulously, "What do you mean?! Sally, you have work in the morning. Let's go to bed now."
"It's officially your birthday now, love," he placed his hands on my shoulders and guided me back to the sofa.
"I know what you have in mind, Sally. You want to stay up until the sun comes up, and I appreciate your sentiment, canım, but we should sleep now."
He gently pushed me down in front of the coffee table, "Sit."
"Maanti hoon ke tumhare saath sleepovers fun hai, balki bohat bohat fun hai, ab tum meri baat maan jao aur chalo sone!" I called after him while he walked over to the coat closet.
(I accept sleepovers with you are fun, rather they're very very fun, now you listen to me and let's go sleep!)
He returned with a game, the operation one where you have to pick out little objects from crevices using tweezers while making sure not to touch the sides of the holes. "I got this new one. I think it'll be fun. Do you have a steady hand?"
"You're not going to listen to me, are you?"
"Did you say something, love?" he smirked.
I sighed, shaking my head with a defeated smile. "Don't complain if I dump a bucket of water on you in the morning when you're struggling to wake up."
He took my hand and pressed a kiss to it before opening the box, "I won't."
We spent the next few hours playing several rounds of the game along with a few other games he bought. One was about solving a mystery and another a 100-piece puzzle. We also ate our pizza. All the while, we had other films playing in the background.
Salaar had returned with a glass of his favorite vanilla cold brew after washing the dishes.
I stared at the nearly complete puzzle. It was a picture of a fruit basket. There were only three more spots left to be filled. "Uh. Sally. Are you sure there were 100 pieces in the box?" I looked down at my hand, "I only have these two."
"What do you mean?"
"Where's the third piece?"
He placed himself next to me, "Are you sure you're not sitting on it?"
I moved to the side and we both checked. My shoulders deflated, "All this for nothing."
"Not for nothing, love. It was every bit worthwhile if we both enjoyed. And I definitely had a great time seeing how you were trying to jab some of the pieces together because you were convinced they fit when they clearly did not," he laughed.
I laughed sarcastically, mocking him before pouting. "They looked like they did. It's not my fault they made all the pieces look so similar."
"If they actually fit, then they would click together easily like this," he took my hand and intertwined our fingers. "You wouldn't have to force them."
My cheeks couldn't help but turn pink. "You're right," I murmured.
"I know I am," he shrugged cheekily before taking a sip of his drink.
I rolled my eyes playfully. I then fought a yawn. It was just about 4 AM. "Can I have some? I'm falling asleep," I giggled softly.
"Of course, baby," he handed the glass tumbler to me.
"Mmm, it's better than mine, Sally."
"And my name is Rihan. What a lie, love," he shook his head while pressing the two pieces into the puzzle.
"I'm not lying! It's really good."
"Say it as much as you want. I'm not doing your makeup again, if that's your intention," he said while searching the puzzle box.
I pushed him while we both chuckled. He really didn't know how to take a compliment.
"Here it is. The last piece," he plucked it out of the box. "It was stuck under the instructions paper."
"Maybe the makers put it there on purpose to make people read the instructions because we didn't," I giggled.
"Could be."
After we admired our hard work, he tugged on my arm as he stood up, "Let's go to our room."
I followed him, "Are you actually sleepy now despite having the cold brew?!"
"No. We're going to look at the stars."
"From the window?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Then?"
"Get into bed, I'll be back."
I remained stood, watching as he switched off all the lights in the flat.
He sighed as he walked over to the closet, "Love, just do as I say."
"How are we going to watch the stars like this?"
"Heer."
"Fine!" I got into bed and laid down, getting comfortable under the covers.
"Close your eyes."
I sighed. "They're closed."
"Don't open them until I say so."
"Okay."
He drew closer after closing the closet door, "No peeking."
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
I felt him get onto the bed and join me under the blanket. Seconds later, his lips pressed against my cheek gently. "Okay, you can open them now, sweetheart."
I opened my eyes slowly, a grin erupting on my lips as I stared at the fake yellow moons and stars on the ceiling. My eyes fell to the stuffed animal between us, which was projecting the shapes. I let out a gasp, "Sally! Where did you find this?!"
We used to pretend to stargaze using a stuffed animal projector when we were younger. We were so little and the ceiling would be covered in stars and moons. It used to feel like the entire galaxy would be over our heads, as if they were all real.
"I bought a new one. The one we used to share when we were kids stopped working, remember? I think it got chucked in the bin, but it looks the same, doesn't it?"
I petted the soft smiling giraffe, "It does. This brings back so many memories."
"I remember how happy it used to make you, so I thought what better way to look at the stars than this during our sleepover?"
"Thank you so much, ruhum," I moved closer, resting my head on his shoulder and slinging an arm across his chest, "I love it so much."
He wrapped an arm around me, holding me to him, "You're very welcome, sweetheart."
I smiled at him before observing the 5-pointed stars again, giggling, "It used to feel so real back then, but now they look so fake."
A sigh left his lips, "The effect of growing up."
"I still love it though. You brought the stars into our bedroom."
"You make it sound so romantic," he laughed softly.
"It is though. And so are you. Aur iss mehfil ko aur rangeen karne ke liye, ek shayari sunaya jaayein, Salaar Ghalib sahab."
(And to make this atmosphere more colorful, recite a poem, mister Salaar Ghalib)
"Salaar Ghalib sahab," he chuckled at the name. "Hmm, shayari?"
"Hm. Birthday girl ki khwaish hai."
(It's the birthday girl's wish.)
"Khwaish ya hukum?"
(Wish or order?)
"Hukum."
(Order.)
"Aisi baat hain toh..." he turned to his side and cradled my cheek, still holding me close, "Aap ke honth shayad jaam se lipte hue hai. Jab bhi chumta hoon, saare jahan jhoomne lag jaati hai. Aap ki ankhein shayad chand taaron se tarashe hue hai. Jahan bhi padti hai aap ki nigahen, saare andhera unn ke ujalon se khatam ho jaate hai."
(If that's the case... Your lips are perhaps covered in wine. Every time I kiss them, the whole world starts swaying. Your eyes are perhaps fashioned using the moon and the stars. Wherever your gaze falls, all the darkness ends from their light.)
I gazed at his beautiful hazel eyes mesmerizingly before slowly leaning in.
I was nervous about initiating a kiss for the first time, but it was the only fitting response I could think of for his words.
I closed my eyes and settled for a gentle peck, pressing my lips to his. As I began pulling away, his fingers brushed into my hair, engaging me in a proper kiss.
"I love you," I whispered after moving back, searching his eyes which is where I found the real stars to be residing.
"I love you too."
"Thank you for everything. You made my birthday so memorable. I'll never forget it."
"You deserve so much more. I'm sorry I couldn't do m-"
"There's nothing else I could ask for. This was beyond what I could've imagined. Thank you."
"Thank you for being born," he smiled.
I giggled, settling my cheek back onto his chest. My hand lifted to his head, my fingers removing his braids and combing through his hair so he would fall asleep. We continued reminiscing quietly until we fell asleep, just as the sun came up.
My poor Sally got up like a zombie two hours later to go to work. I made sure to make him some breakfast to-go seeing as he was too tired to eat. He stole a quick peck from my lips when I saw him off at the door. I wasn't too sure I would ever get used to the feeling. I felt like I was floating long after he was gone.
After I went back to sleep and woke up, I spoke with Anne and Ami over the phone where they wished me again and commented on my weirdly braided hair from last night. Haniya, Daniaal, Alejandra, and Seher Api also called to wish me later on.
I happened to find a "Happy birthday, Heer" text from an unknown number. Kamran. I knew it was him because it was one of the numbers he used to use to ask me to talk to him. I didn't respond.
When the doorbell rang in the evening, I rushed to the door with excitement. A tired Salaar let go of his portfolio briefcase and wrapped his arms around my waist, "Happy birthday, love."
I giggled, "How many more times are you going to wish me?"
He looked at me lovingly, "As many times as it makes you smile like that."
I leaned in and pecked his cheek, "I missed you, ruhum," I caressed his cheek, "You must be so tired. Take a nap then we'll have dinner."
"We have dinner reservations."
My eyes widened, "Again?! No, Sally. We already celebrated last night and you're so tired. We're not going anywhere tonight. Get changed and get some rest."
"It's already booked, love. I'll take a nap before we go, but we're going."
"You can cancel it-"
"No. It's still my wife's birthday and I want to celebrate," he let go.
"Ziddi kahika!"
(Stubborn!)
"Shohar hoon main tumhara. Agar tum ziddi ho, toh main usse bhi zyada hoon," he teased, grabbing his portfolio briefcase and putting it on his desk while loosening his tie.
(I'm your husband. If you're stubborn, I am even more.)
"Toh qubool karte ho ke tum ziddi ho?" I asked, following him to the bedroom.
(So, you accept you're stubborn?)
"Tum karti ho? Agar karoonga toh uska matlab hoga ke tum bhi ho."
(Do you? If I do then that would mean you are too.)
"Maindak!"
(Frog!)
He chuckled, changing into his pjs, "Ji meri macharon ki shehzadi?"
(Yes, my princess of mosquitos?)
"Jao, nahin baat karni mujhe tumse," I pouted, turning around.
(Go, I don't want to talk to you.)
I felt his hand on my elbow, turning me back around and pulling me onto him as he fell back on the bed. He rolled over so I was underneath him. "Magar mujhe karna hai aur tumhari baahon mein sona hai," he murmured, resting his head on my chest with his arms around me.
(But I do and I want to sleep in your arms.)
My arms automatically held him as I couldn't help but smile.
"We have to be there by eight, baby," he slurred before succumbing to his much-needed slumber.
I told Siri to set an alarm for 7 PM in case I fell asleep too. I pressed a few kisses to my sleepy Froggie's face before rubbing his back until I grew drowsy.
It was nearing 7:45 when I finished spritzing my perfume.
"Ready, love?" Salaar appeared from the restroom, clipping his watch around his wrist.
I stood up, dusting my dress, "Yes. Is this alright?"
He grinned, "It's perfect. You look beautiful."
"Thank you. And you look very handsome, Sally," I whispered shyly as he pulled me close.
"Thank you, sweetheart." His eyes studied me warmly, and it took every ounce in me not to melt. He leaned in and kissed me slowly. It was intoxicating. Every kiss we share, I lose touch with my senses.
I ignored the burning of my ears, my gaze resting on his mouth. I wiped his lips gently with my thumb, giggling softly, "You got lip gloss on your lips."
He chuckled softly, "Thanks. Is it gone?"
I nodded.
He smiled and pecked my cheek, grabbing my hand as we began walking to the car. I looked down at our linked hands, my 'K' tattoo peeking out from under my sleeve.
Kamran's initial may very well be tattooed on my wrist, but it no longer had anything to do with him. It was just a letter, and nothing more. Salaar's name, on the other hand, was written on my heart. I was made from him. And we were meant to be.
When we reached the front desk of the fancy Chinese restaurant, Salaar spoke up, "Hello. Our reservation is under the name 'Salaar Riaz.'"
"Aah. This way, sir. The rest of the party is already here," the hostess led the way.
"Rest of the party?" my eyebrows furrowed, looking at Sally questioningly.
He ignored me, guiding me by the hand.
Soon enough, a round table seating our parents came into view. They had all driven here from Manchester for my birthday as a surprise!
I greeted them excitedly, receiving warm wishes from them before we all sat down.
"Your Abu and Baba took half days at work today because Salaar asked us to come," Ami gleamed, "We all came in one car. It was so much fun, beta. It reminded me of the family holidays we used to take when you all were younger. Didn't it, Halima?"
"It did, Aiza. I missed Seher, Salaar, and Heer a lot on the way here. Do you remember during those road trips, Seher used to complain that she can't sleep because Salaar and Heer were being too loud because they were fighting over who gets to use the headphones for the CD player?"
Baba laughed, "Yes yes, and they used to listen to the same album over and over too."
"They were all Shah Rukh Khan songs, right?" Rashid Abu asked amusedly.
"Yes!" Ami answered with a laugh.
"Forget album," Anne contributed, "I lost count of how many times they watched Kuch Kuch Hota Hai when they were little."
"And remember? They would dance together during Koi Mil Gaya, throwing their own concert!" Ami added jovially.
Salaar and I looked at each other, laughing quietly at the fond memories.
We got to ordering and drank green tea while we waited for the food to arrive.
Baba, who was sat on my right, leaned closer and whispered, "Are you going to announce it now?"
Salaar still overheard. He looked at us questioningly, "Announce what?"
I gave him a sweet smile, squeezing his hand, before clearing my throat to grab everyone's attention. "Main aap sab ko shukriya kehna chahti hoon ke aap sab aaye hai itne door se sirf mere liye. Mere liye yeh bohat badi baat hain. Thank you. Aap sab ke maujudgi se mera janamdin itna yaadgar hua hai. Aur iss mauke par main ek khush khabri ka elan karna chahti hoon," I then quickly clarified, "Woh baat nahin hai, Anne, Ami."
(I want to say thank you to all of you for coming from so far just for me. It's a big deal to me. Thank you. My birthday has become so memorable because of all of your presence. And using this opportunity, I would like to announce a good news. It's not that, Anne, Ami.)
They relaxed in their seats, continuing to listen intently with smiles.
"You all know that Baba and I had a few meetings with that owner of that pastry company, and we haven't shared what's come of that. Well, I wanted to announce that, alhamdulillah, Hayat's done very well in its first year. I've also really enjoyed looking after the café and it's always been difficult for me to hand off control to others because of how special it is to me. I've put a lot of love into crafting the drinks that we offer, in developing the recipes that we use for the baked goods. The heart and soul of Hayat is nothing more than a girl's passion for creativity and just making someone's day through their favorite drink or pastry. Signing with the company would mean I wouldn't have full say in what's being served at the café, and to me that's losing out on the wholesomeness of Hayat. I don't want to join the deal just to make money when it's not going to feel true to who I am. And with that in mind, Baba has helped me realize that based on the café's earnings, there's actually opportunity to expand Hayat! If we get an investor, we can open a new location here in London!"
The table erupted in grins and cheers. Anne and Ami then bombarded me with questions.
"When are you opening the new café?"
"What are you going to call it?"
"What's going to happen to Hayat?"
"Is the opening going to be before or after the walima?"
"Jawaab dene toh do ussey," Rashid Abu chuckled.
(At least let her answer.)
I smiled, "I don't know when it's going to open, but be rest assured that it won't be until long after the walima. There's so much to do. We need to find an investor first and then afterwards, we need to find a location and get it renovated. And Hayat will remain as it is, under Alejandra's and my supervision." My head turned towards Sally, "I'll also be staying in London full-time now to start this new project. No more two-weeks here and there." His eyes lit up, watching me as I addressed our parents again, "I'll still visit Manchester to check in on Hayat and, of course, to visit you guys."
Our parents resumed chattering amongst each other excitedly.
"It's your birthday, but you gave me a gift," Salaar said quietly, gazing at my eyes, pleased. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. Congratulations."
"Thank you, ruhum," I whispered back.
After filling our bellies with yummy lo mein, fish, pot stickers, fried rice, veggies, and other delicious seafood, the waiters cleared the table. Salaar exchanged nods with the last waiter on his way out.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
"That. I saw that, Sally."
"I don't know what you're referring to, love."
"Ishaare kar rahe the usko-"
(You were giving him signals-)
"I'll drive this time, Imran," Rashid Abu stated.
Baba scrolled through his phone, "Alright. The GPS is showing 4 hours and 5 minutes. Not too bad."
"What?! You guys are going back this late?" I exclaimed.
"Your Abu has an important work meeting in the morning, beta," Ami explained.
"Abu!" I tilted my head, "You guys should have come on the weekend."
"It's your birthday today, dear. Not during the weekend," he smiled.
Before I could respond, a slice of cake with a candle on it was placed in front of me by the waiter.
"Wh-" The table began singing 'Happy Birthday' before I could even finish.
I was so so grateful for my husband and family. This was truly such a special birthday. And I'm not sure I had ever been wished so many times!
Salaar took pictures while our parents fed me forkfuls of the cake after I blew out the candle. Baba then took some of me and Salaar.
As we sat back down, Anne passed a small box to me from over the table with the largest grin.
"What is this?" While I opened it, I noticed Salaar fishing something out of his own pocket—another box. I looked down at mine and found a silver wedding band.
"You two don't have any wedding rings, so when Salaar told Aiza that he wants to give you yours tonight, I bought one for him on your behalf as a gift from your Baba and I," Anne clarified.
I gawked at my husband, who was gazing at me lovingly after opening his box. It held the most beautiful diamond ring.
My eyes watered, "Sally..."
"Record it, Seher ka Abu," Ami whispered excitedly.
"Immu," Anne also nudged him to do the same.
Salaar chuckled at them quietly before plucking the ring out of his box and extending his palm towards me. I placed my hand on his with a watery smile.
Our biggest fans, also known as our parents, cheered while he slid the ring onto my finger. I repeated his actions and pushed the silver band onto his left ring finger afterwards.
After our parents busied themselves with dessert, I placed my left hand next to Salaar's, admiring our rings side-by-side. "I love them," I gushed to him quietly.
He chose a ring that was just my style.
"Me too."
I snapped a quick picture of our hands. "Can I post it on my story, Sally?" I just wanted to make sure since he's shy about these things.
"Sure, love."
He watched with a smile while I wrote on the picture in white font, "Fall Equinox Formal ke shehzada aur uski shehzadi 💍💞💫 @SalaarRiaz"
(The prince of the Fall Equinox Formal and his princess)
He shared my story to his own right after. Several of our mutual friends liked the picture and sent messages to us writing, "Finally!", "I knew it!", or "Congrats!"
I showed Salaar my phone happily when I saw what Haniya sent when she slid up on my story, "😍😍💗"
He smiled. She really came around.
Upon bidding our parents farewell at the parking lot, it was decided we would all visit Api and Umair Bhai the weekend after next.
After we reached our building and parked, Sally and I entered the lobby when we heard thunder. We peered out the glass windows.
"We beat the rain just in time."
"I don't think it was in the forecast."
"Bin mausam ke baarish."
(Unseasonal rain.)
"We live in London, love. It's baarish ke mausam all the time," he chuckled.
(Rain season)
"True," I giggled, I placed my hand on the glass pane while watching the rain trickle down against it. It was soon engulfed by Salaar's large hand, his other arm now wrapped around my waist. He pecked my cheek then watched the rain with me. I sighed loudly.
"What?"
"Ring achcha hai," I stifled a smile, speaking in a faux haughty tone.
(The ring is nice.)
"Lekin?"
(But?)
"Lekin, tumne puchcha hi nahin," I shrugged with a cute pout.
(But, you didn't even ask.)
"Kya nahin p- Oh."
(What didn't I a- Oh.)
"Haan. 'Oh.'"
(Yes. 'Oh.')
"Toh phir abhi puch lete hai, meri jaan," his warm lips pressed to my neck before he moved away and grabbed my hand, pushing open the door.
(Then let's ask right now, my life.)
"Salaar! What are you doing?!" I squinted through the hard water droplets pouring down on us.
He pulled me to the middle of the pavement, both of us now soaked by the rain.
"Sal-"
He got down on one knee, brushing his fingers through his hair, making my heart skip a beat at the handsome sight in front of me. He took my hands with a grin, "Heer Qureshi. There's no one I would rather spend the rest of my life with, write my shayari about, or be madly in love with. Just as these rains are a blessing, you are all that and more for me, sweetheart. Jaan ho tum meri. Meri zindagi ho tum. (You are my life) I love you with all my heart. Please give me the honor of being your husband and allow me to make you happy. Will you marry me?"
The corners of his lips began tugging downwards into a panicked frown when I pretended to think about my response. I then giggled, "I don't think I have much of a choice left in this matter," showing him my ring to explain we're already married. "But still, a thousand times 'Yes,' Sally!"
His smile bolstered when he shot up and lifted me. I wrapped my arms around his neck while his lips connected with mine. The butterflies in my belly warmed up every inch of my body in this cold rain. He looked at me with nothing but love when we broke the kiss. He spun slowly, and I held out my hands, catching the rainwater in my palms. He watched me with pleased eyes.
I threw a handful of water at his face playfully, which made him put me down and start to chase me.
"Machchar!"
"Maindak! I'm wearing heels!" I squealed while darting across the pavement carefully.
That made him stop. "Fine. Stop running. I won't do anything. Let's go inside."
I finally came to a standstill, "I don't trust you."
A smirk tugged on his lips, "I'm telling you I won't."
"You're scaring me."
"There's no rea- Achoo!"
"Sally!" my eyebrows pulled together as I rushed towards him as he sneezed again. "Oh no, you're getting sick. Let's go inside."
"I'm- Achoo- Not getting- Achoo! Sick."
"Dikh hi raha hai," I tugged him inside quickly.
(I can see that.)
After we got changed, I wrapped my hair in a towel before drying his with another. He definitely enjoyed the pamper and knocked out minutes after I gave him some medicine. My big baby.
Soon enough, the day to visit Api rolled around. I had baked some cinnamon rolls to take for dinner since Anne and Ami were taking the rest of the food.
There was only one other car on the driveway when Salaar and I arrived.
"Saale sahab! Heer!" Umair Bhai greeted after answering the door.
(Brother-in-law)
"Hey," Sally hugged him.
"Hi," I smiled, handing him the tray of the ooey gooey baked rolls.
"This smells so good. What's inside?" he peeked through the foil. "Ahh, yes! Everyone's going to devour these. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome," I giggled.
"We also can't wait for Ami and your mum's cooking."
"I know right?!"
"Who's here?" Sally asked.
"Mama and Hina. They got here like 10 minutes ago. Seher just spoke with Ami too. They should be here in 20."
Salaar and I looked at each other. I didn't know what to expect from a gathering where Hina, Salaar, and I were all together after all that's happened.
"Umair, is it Salaar and Heer?" Api called before appearing next to him.
"Api!" I beamed upon seeing her small bump.
She grinned, wrapping me in a hug, "Hi!"
Salaar also greeted his sister with a warm hug. "How are you, Api?"
"Alhamdulillah, so far so good," she caressed her tummy. "Other than some nausea and tiredness, the little one hasn't been troubling me much yet."
"That's good."
"Why are you guys still standing out here? Let's go inside."
"When do you find out the gender, Api?" I probed excitedly.
"In a few more weeks. We might do a gender reveal party," she gushed.
"Let me know if you need any help with that. I'd be more than happy."
"Of course. I definitely will," she giggled just as we reached the living room where her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were sat.
Hina's eyes lifted to mine slowly as she grew still. I guess neither of us were expecting to see each other, but we should have. It was our sister-in-law's house after all.
"How are you, Salaar? Heer?" Hina's mum, Laiba Aunty, addressed us, pushing a small smile to her lips.
"Assalamwalaikum," my husband and I greeted her simulatenously. "We're good," I answered for the both of us, "Alhamdulillah."
"Walaikumsalam. Hm. I'm happy to hear that."
I wasn't too sure she meant that, given her tone and expression.
I cleared my throat. If I didn't do it, then the tension would become visible to the rest, "Hi Hina."
"Hi," she responded quietly.
"How are you?"
"Fine," she looked away and busied herself with her phone.
Salaar placed his hand on my lower back, and I could feel Hina watching through her eyelashes as he guided me to the sofa.
"What would you guys like to drink? And have some of the snacks," Api gestured to the fried appetizers in front of us.
"We're not guests, Api. Please don't exert yourself. We'll help ourselves. Please sit," I answered sweetly, taking plates for Salaar and I.
"Still. You two have come after so long-"
"No, she's right, Seher. Don't take too much tension in your condition," her mother-in-law cautioned, looking at me with her lips in a straight line.
Oh. She must be upset that I married Salaar and Hina didn't.
Api flashed an uneasy smile, sitting down. "Well, there's chai here, you just need to add the sugar," she pointed to the teapot. "If not, there's fizzy drinks and water in the dining room."
"We'll grab some later. Thanks, Api," Salaar answered.
We ate in literal, awkward silence, listening to the crunch of our samosas, until Api cleared her throat, "Ami was saying you are planning on opening a new Hayat branch in London, Heer?"
"Oh. Yes. That's the plan."
"Wow! Congratulations. That's amazing."
"Hina's also started her law school in London. It's been a few weeks. Right, beta? She loves it," Laiba Aunty shared with pride.
Salaar stopped chewing.
Hina nodded with a forced smile when her mum looked at her.
"I was going to tell you guys, but I forgot," Umair Bhai said, "You guys should all hang out when you get the chance. She's new to London and you guys have been there for over half a year now, so you guys can show her what you all know. It'll be fun."
"Yes. Hina's already made a lot of friends," Aunty continued to boast, "But I'm sure it would be nice for you all to hang out."
"Excuse me," Hina got up, gesturing to her phone while walking out into the hallway.
The doorbell rang soon after. Our parents came pouring in through the door after Api and Bhai went to answer it. After we greeted our parents, everyone settled down, including Hina who had returned.
"Kuch lengi aap, Ami? Pani ya soda?" I asked my mother-in-law, who was sat next to me.
(Will you take anything, Ami? Water or soda?)
Laiba Aunty whispered to Hina, urging her to ask Baba and Abu if they wanted anything.
Ami caressed my cheek, "Nahin. Thank you, beta. Baad mein le loongi jab khaana laga doongi."
(No. Thank you, dear. I'll take it later when I put out the food.)
"Itni lambi safar se aayi hain. Main khaana laga deti hoon. Aap aaram karein. Fikar mat karein. Main dekh loongi sab kuch," I got up, excusing myself.
(You've come from such a long journey. I'll put out the food. You rest. Don't worry. I'll look after everything.)
"I'll help Heer," Salaar followed me.
"Naseeb se milti hai aisi bahu. Dil bhar jaata hain mera Heer ke bartaav se. Meri bachchi," I heard Ami say lovingly.
(It's a matter of destiny to receive such a daughter-in-law. My heart gets full seeing Heer's behavior. My child.)
"Mera Salaar bhi heera hai. Itna shaant aur sushil bachcha maine toh aaj tak nahin dekhi, bhai. Kitna khayal rakhta hai sab ka. Sach mein, qismat se mila hai mujhe aisa damaad. Aur damaad kya? Apna hi beta hai mera Salaar," Anne added sweetly.
(My Salaar is also a diamond. I haven't seen such a patient and well-mannered child. He takes such care of everyone. Really, I received such a son-in-law by destiny. And what son-in-law? Salaar is my own son.)
"Bilqul. Meri beti bhi koi kam nahin. Jis ghar mein meri Hina jaayegi, uss ghar mein bhi woh toh roshni hi roshni lekar jayegi," Laiba Aunty posited.
(Of course. My daughter is no less. In whoever's house my Hina will go, she will take light into that house too.)
"Of course," Anne nodded politely.
Salaar scowled while searching for serving dishes in the cabinets after we reached the kitchen.
I watched him while unpacking the food, "Relax, ruhum. Why are you so tensed?"
"I didn't think she would be here, and on top of that, her mum's over there making unnecessary comments every time someone's trying to talk about you."
"It's fine, canım. We're here for Api and Bhai and to see our parents too. Don't let them overshadow it."
"When someone's being f*cking rude when it comes to you, I won't stand for it. Biwi ho tum meri. Tumhari khilaaf ek lafz bhi nahin gavara mujhe."
(You're my wife. I can't tolerate a word against you.)
Oh, he was getting angry.
I approached him just as he set a tray down on the kitchen island, wrapping my arms around his torso and looking up at him adorably, "Kisi ki jurrat hai ke mere shohar ke saamne mujhe zaleel karein? Uss shaks ka toh keema bana dena hai."
(Does anyone have the audacity to hurt me in front of my husband? He would turn that person into ground meat.)
That made him crack a small smile.
I pressed a kiss to his cheek. "If I'm not upset, ruhum, you shouldn't be either. Her mum's just upset that her daughter didn't get to marry you. Itna bada heera khoya hai unhone, itna bada nukhsan hua hai. Gham toh manayenge hi."
(She lost such a big diamond, she incurred such a big loss. Of course they'll be upset.)
He rolled his eyes playfully.
"Also, if Hina's not saying anything, why should we be so hesitant around her? We've moved on, canım. Right? Then what is there to be dancing around?" I searched his eyes, trying to reason.
He pecked my lips slowly. "Meri samajdar biwi."
(My understanding wife.)
"I thought we agreed no PDA near family!"
"I don't remember making such an agreement."
"I didn't think we needed to! I thought we both just thought that!"
"Well, yes, but everyone's in the living room."
"They could come here any minute," I struggled to get out of his embrace.
He frowned adorably, "But they're not going to! I want another kiss, love."
"No!"
"Baby-"
Salaar paused when he noticed me looking over his shoulder.
Hina stared at me for a few seconds, but I couldn't read her expression. "Mama asked me to help you guys."
Salaar let go and stepped aside, pouring a container of curry into the tray.
"That's alright. I think we got it," I told her.
She nodded before disappearing.
I looked at Salaar and gripped his jaws with my hand, pushing a hard kiss to his cheek, garnering his heart-melting smile.
Once we all ate our late lunch, Umair Bhai suggested that the elders chat downstairs while the rest of us go up to the lounge area. Hina had disappeared again and Bhai and Api were going to join us after putting away the leftovers.
There were a few sofas and a TV surrounding a coffee table in the lounge area.
"I'm stuffed," Salaar said, rubbing his tummy after we sat down.
"Me too."
"I'm going to back downstairs when they pop your cinnamon rolls in the oven though. I've had my eyes on them all morning."
I giggled. "I noticed, balım (my honey). That's why I saved you some to have later on at home."
"I love you."
"I know you do."
He chuckled.
I stood up, "I'll be back from the restroom."
"There's one in the guest room down the hall," he reminded as I walked off.
"Thank you."
I opened the guest room door and froze upon seeing Hina sitting on the corner of the bed, texting on her phone.
"I just need to use the restroom," I said awkwardly.
She watched me silently as I walked to the bathroom.
After I was done, I was nearly out the guest room door when I heard her say, "You're such a b*tch."
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Author's Note
Assalamwalaikum! Eid Mubarak! I hope you all had a very lovely Ramadan and Eid!
I hope you all liked the chapter. I would love to hear your thoughts on it x 💭