Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
The rider should first greet the pedestrian, and the pedestrian the one who is seated and a small group should greet a larger group (with as-Salam-u-'Alaikum).
Sahih Muslim, 2160
In-Book Reference: Book 39, Hadith 1
*****
Hanan's eyes widened in awe as they arrived at their destination—a secluded private villa nestled in a corner of Goa. The gate swung open, revealing a meticulously manicured garden bursting with vibrant tropical flowers and the sweet fragrance of frangipani.
Hanan glanced at Ammar, who greeted her with a breathtaking smile. "Do you like the villa?" He asked, and she nodded in response.
A bodyguard opened the door for them, and they stepped out.
Hanan gazed at the villa standing before them—a stunning architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blended modern comforts with traditional Goan elements. Its white-washed walls exuded timeless charm, while large French doors enticed them to venture inside. The sound of trickling water reached their ears as they stepped onto the polished marble entrance, where a magnificent fountain sparkled under the warm Goan sun.
One of the bodyguards unlocked the door, causing Hanan's breath to catch in her throat as they entered the villa. The interior exuded elegance and opulence, boasting high ceilings, intricately carved wooden furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the rooms in natural light. Soft, billowing curtains swayed with the breeze, revealing glimpses of a private pool just beyond the terrace.
"Come, let me show you your room upstairs," Ammar said, leading the way.
"Here is your room" Ammar showed her a room.
"Okay," Hanan replied. entering the room.
"What about my luggage?" Hanan turned around.
"It will be brought up shortly," Ammar reassured her, and they noticed a bodyguard approaching with their suitcases.
"Here is your luggage," Ammar said, offering Hanan her suitcases. She nodded, taking it from him.
"See you later," Hanan said, smiling at Ammar before closing the door.
Her smile left Ammar in awe, as it was the first time she had smiled at him!
***
Hanan freshened up and offered her missed prayers before settling down on the bed.
The room was just as beautiful as the rest of the villa.
Hanan felt grateful for Ammar's comforting presence when she cried in the car. She appreciated that he didn't say anything but simply gave her solace.
Maybe he's not as bad as she initially thought?
A knock on the door interrupted Hanan's thoughts. "Come in," She utters.
Ammar entered the room carrying his suitcases and closed the door behind him.
"What are you doing in my room?" Hanan asked, eyeing the suitcase in his hands.
"Sweetheart, we're going to share the same room," Ammar replied, a smirk playing on his face.
"And why is that?" Hanan raised an eyebrow, suspicious.
"Because we're on our honeymoon," Ammar stated the obvious.
"There's no way we're sharing the same room!" Hanan exclaimed, standing up.
"We don't have a choice, Sweetheart. They only gave us access to one room," Ammar said with a serious tone, hoping to convince her and keep his lie intact.
"I thought you booked the entire villa!" Hanan looked at him, and he avoided making eye contact to maintain his facade.
"Yes, but unfortunately, they only granted us one room," Ammar explained.
"But why do I find it hard to believe you? Is this your plan?" Hanan questioned.
"Sweetheart, let's not dwell on this. Let me organize my clothes in the closet," Ammar said, not waiting for Hanan's reply as he entered the walk-in closet.
Hanan stared at him, her mouth agape.
After an hour, Ammar finally emerged from the walk-in closet.
"I thought you were planning to spend the rest of the day in there," Hanan remarked.
"Sorry, sweetheart, for keeping you waiting. I took a shower after organizing my clothes," Ammar explained, causing Hanan to observe him and notice that he had indeed showered, with his changed attire and wet hair.
"Sweetheart, I forgot to mention that you should go and have your dinner. I know you're hungry. I'll pray and meet you in the dining area," Ammar informed her.
"Okay," Hanan said, walking toward the door.
"Ammar, we're not finished discussing you staying in my room!" Hanan turned around, glaring at him.
"There's nothing more to discuss. I've already arranged my clothes in the closet," Ammar smirked.
"I'll let it slide this time!" Hanan said, leaving the room, while Ammar smiled as he watched her walk away.
***
Hanan had already changed into her pajamas and was currently lying in bed, engrossed in her phone.
"Sweetheart," Ammar immediately said as he entered the room.
"Waalaikumussalam," Hanan replied sarcastically.
"Sorry. Assalamu alaikum," Ammar smiled, moving to the other side of the bed, and attempting to lie down.
"Ammar, don't even think about lying down on the bed!" Hanan said, sitting up.
"Why?" Ammar raised an eyebrow, sitting up as well.
"We're not sleeping in the same bed!" Hanan stated.
"Where do you want me to sleep then?" Ammar asked, amused, as he had expected this and was only teasing her, as he didn't plan to sleep on the bed either.
"That's your concern," Hanan replied.
"Hanan, is this how you treat your husband?" Ammar asked, feigning hurt.
Hanan stood up from the bed and walked towards the walk-in closet.
After a few minutes, she returned with blankets in her hands.
Hanan spread the blankets on the floor and grabbed a pillow, placing it on top of the blankets.
"You can sleep on the floor now, my husband," Hanan said with a fake smile.
"Have I treated you well now?" Hanan added.
"Yes," Ammar finally found his voice after being lost in watching what Hanan was doing.
"Now, would you get up from the bed, my husband?" Hanan said with a sweet smile, and Ammar complied, standing up from the bed.
"Sweetheart, are you making your husband sleep on the floor?" Ammar asked, looking at the floor where she had spread the blankets.
"Yes, and you should be grateful that I even made the floor comfortable for you by spreading the blanket," Hanan said as she lay down on the bed, leaving Ammar standing.
"Hanan, you're making the great Ammar Sheik sleep on the floor? What would the world think if they knew that the wife I cherish the most is now making me sleep on the floor?" Ammar asked, adding a touch of drama.
"Ammar, please let me sleep in peace!" Hanan said.
"Okay."
Ammar went to fetch his MacBook from the sofa and turned off the room lights, leaving only the bedside lamps on. He settled down on the floor where Hanan had spread the blankets and started working on his MacBook as he had some unfinished work to complete.
"Aren't you going to sleep?" Hanan asked when she noticed him working on his MacBook.
"Yes, I usually don't sleep at this time. I sleep later in the night, and even then, I only sleep for a maximum of three hours," Ammar replied, turning around to look at Hanan.
"What? Why is that?" Hanan asked, shocked. Sleeping for only three hours seemed impossible to her, as she couldn't imagine sleeping for less than seven hours.
"I have insomnia," Ammar revealed.
"Why do you have insomnia?" Hanan asked.
"It's nothing," Ammar replied, not wanting to disclose the reason.
"You should sleep. Don't mind me," Ammar said, and Hanan nodded, deciding not to ask further since he didn't want to share the reason.
Hanan off the bedside lamp on her side, as she closed her eyes, and within minutes, sleep overtook her.
***
Hanan was peacefully sleeping on the bed when she was jolted awake by a piercing scream that echoed through the night. Her eyes flew open, and her heart raced in her chest as she quickly sat up. She switched on the bedside lamp, trying to locate the source of the scream.
"Ammar!" Hanan called out, panic lacing her voice. She threw the covers aside and hurried across the room to where Ammar lay. She found him thrashing on the floor, his face contorted with fear. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as he battled against the torment of his nightmare.
"Don't leave me. Don't leave me," Ammar chanted in fear.
"Ammar, wake up!" Hanan pleaded, her voice gentle yet urgent. She reached out and gently shook his shoulder, hoping to awaken him from the grip of his terrifying dream. He jerked awake, his breathing ragged, and his eyes wide with terror.
"Hanan?" He gasped, his voice trembling. Confusion mixed with fear as he struggled to orient himself in the dimly lit room. "Hanan, promise me you won't leave me too?"
"I won't leave you, Ammar," Hanan soothed her voice a soft melody of reassurance. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close to her chest. "You had a nightmare, but it's over now. You're safe."
Ammar clung to her, his body trembling against her comforting touch. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, seeking solace from the horrors that had plagued his sleep. Hanan gently stroked his hair, offering comfort to his troubled soul.
"Hanan, if you ever leave me, I will die," Ammar cried out, holding her tightly.
"I won't leave you, Ammar," Hanan said, patting his back softly.
Hanan gazed at Ammar sympathetically, wondering about the cause of his nightmares. It seemed this was not the first time he had experienced them.
"What could be the reason for his nightmares?" Hanan pondered silently.
"Thank you, Hanan," Ammar whispered, his voice filled with both relief and admiration. "I don't know what I would do without you in my life."
Hanan smiled tenderly, gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from his forehead.
They stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in the warmth of their embrace. Unaware of the passage of time, they eventually succumbed to sleep, finding comfort and peace in each other's presence.
***
Ammar was the first to wake up, finding himself in the safe embrace of Hanan. As he recalled what had happened during the night, he gasped in shock.
"Why did I have nightmares today of all days, when I'm sleeping in the same room as Hanan?" Ammar wondered.
It had been a week since his last nightmare, and he had hoped they wouldn't resurface anytime soon. If he had known he would have nightmares, he would have avoided sharing a room with Hanan. He didn't want her to witness his vulnerable side.
Ammar anxiously hoped that he hadn't revealed anything during his nightmares. He silently reassured himself, "I didn't, right?"
Looking at Hanan's sleeping face, he couldn't help but admire her beauty. The delicate curve of her cheekbones was accentuated by the soft interplay of shadows, casting an ethereal glow on her skin.
Even in her dreams, her perfectly arched eyebrows were slightly furrowed, revealing the depth of her emotions. Her long, dark lashes rested gently against her smooth skin.
The graceful slope of her nose added a regal quality to her countenance, harmonizing with the symphony of her features. The gentle curve of her lips, full and inviting, hinted at the serenity within her soul.
Every aspect of her face intertwined flawlessly, creating a captivating tapestry of enchantment. She was a true masterpiece!
"God, what did I do to deserve such a beautiful wife?" Ammar whispered to himself.
"Perhaps you saved the entire nation in your past life," Hanan replied, her eyes fluttering open.
"Now, you're sounding like an Indian girl," Ammar teased, smiling.
"When did you wake up?" Ammar asked.
"The moment your eyes started piercing through my face," Hanan responded.
"I can't help but stare at my beautiful wife," Ammar said, gazing at her.
"Get off my body," Hanan playfully pushed him away.
"I want to be close to my wife," Ammar insisted, hugging her tightly.
"Ammar, you're taking advantage of my kindness!" Hanan exclaimed, attempting to push him away, but he held onto her tightly.
"No, Sweetheart," Ammar chuckled.
"Thank you for being there for me during my lowest moments," Ammar expressed his gratitude.
"You're welcome. But why are you having nightmares?" Hanan inquired.
"I'll tell you, but not now," Ammar replied, and she nodded understandingly.
"You can let go of me now!" Hanan said.
"Nope," Ammar shook his head mischievously.
"Do you want us to be late for Fajr salah?" Hanan asked, and Ammar immediately released her, sprinting off.
"I'll perform ablution before you," Ammar said as he hurriedly entered the walk-in closet leading to the bathroom.
Hanan shook her head with a smile.
Ammar was truly something!
*****
Hello, lovelies😍
So Ammar is having nightmares? What could be the reason for his nightmare?
And our dear Hanan is there with him, she even comforted him.
Is Hanan's heart starting to waver?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Love Zahra💕