Zara and her mom arrived at Myrah's house after stopping by a family friend house. By that time, Zara was already exhausted. She knew how her mom can be. Her visitation from one friend to another. She carried her bag from the backseat together with a few things they bought for Myrah. Shutting the back door, her mom was no more in sight. Which means she has already entered inside. Zara let out a weak breath. Today's going to be one long day for her not to talk of Minal's arrival. Earlier when they spoke on the phone, she just said okay not because she's really okay with it but by the way, her mom was excited about Minal coming to stay with them. By Allah, there's something about the girl she isn't convinced about. Her mind was focused on the thought up to her way towards the entrance door.
"You this girl, what took you so long to come in" Farah started. She was already seated at the couch comfortably. Legs crossed, sipping a milkshake.
"I was carrying the bags. Assalamu Alaikum Aunt" she greeted Myrah who was also sipping milkshake but her own is a strawberry flavor, whereas her mom own is chocolate flavor. Zara stationed the bags on the empty couch as she also made herself comfortable on the single couch.
"So Myrah what and what should we buy." Farah started taking out a pen and a notebook.
"We have to make a list. Furniture, kitchen appliances and all"
"We have a lot to do"
"Mom, no need to spend a lot. I want the wedding to be simple. A Walima with just few people. I don't want a lavishing wedding" Zara voiced. She wants to have a simple and private wedding which will consist of only family and friends. She doesn't want a wedding whereby they will be the talk of the town.
"You're my only daughter, we need to make this wedding the best" Fara insists.
"Let it be Farah. Her opinion matters the most. If she wants a simple wedding then so be it. Besides we will invite all our friends. So there's nothing to complain". Myrah explained. A giggle erupts from their mouth. They look like young teenagers. Seeing them discussing made a smile out of Zara's lips. Her family are trying their best to see them happy. She excused herself upstairs leaving the two with their endless discussion. She searches through Aunt Myrah's room for any book to read. She knows Aunt Myrah's has a thing for books. After much searching, she found one. Settling herself on the desk, she scribbles through the first page finding the book interesting, she adjusts her sitting position as she concentrates on reading. Her phone vibrates from the side indicating a message. At first, she ignored it but when it vibrates again, she let out a small sigh. Taking the phone off the desk, her eyes stopped at the message that was sent to her by Fawwaz.
Are you still in our house?
On my way back and Minal is with me.
She was supposed to feel happy for seeing him again instead she felt something like sadness. Why must today turn out like this. She type away replying with 'Okay'. Keeping the phone back down, she continued her reading.
One hour later
As Fawwaz informed, they came together with Minal holding her small duffel bag. Raising her head, their eyes met and Minal let out a smile which Zara find somehow annoying which made her not to return the smile back.
"Assalamu Alaikum" she greeted both Farah and Myrah who are still on their never-ending discussion. A smile made it way out of Farah's lips as she responds to her greetings.
"How are you Minal? And Ma?" she asked keeping the pen on the desk, focusing her attention on her. Zara resists the urge to roll her eyes at how Minal sat close to her mother.
"Alhamdulillah. Ma is fine too. She said I should extend my greetings"
"That's good. When the wedding invitations are ready, I will make sure, I sent her one. Insha Allah" she clarified. Fawwaz and Zara eyed each other at the same time. Zara didn't miss the smirk that curved up at the corner of his lips. He indicates her to follow him outside through his eyes. They left quietly without them noticing but little did they know, a certain person was watching their every move. Minal felt anger rise inside her as Farah went on and on about the wedding. She let out a fake smile pretending to be interested in their conversation when deep down, she was pissed.
"What?" Zara started immediately they were out.
"That's it? You're not going to ask how my day went. How I cope up with your thought all over my head? Seriously Zara" he fake hurt placing his palms below his chest. Zara rolled her eyes but deep down, she felt happy that he couldn't stop thinking about her all day. And his thoughts are all over her head too.
"Well, no need to ask. I can see your day went well since you have a company" she blurted out without having control of her mouth. She mentally scolds herself. Now Fawwaz will think of her as a jealous girlfriend. The look on his face tells her he would definitely tease her to his heart content.
"Wow. I didn't know my wife to be, loves me so much that she couldn't bear to see me with another woman. Well, I enjoyed her company" he ushered teasingly. Zara's eyes widened in wonder.
"Then you can go and keep enjoying her company because I don't care" She leaps forward ready to unlock the door when his next word stopped her on her tracks and she finds herself blushing.
"You know you're mine and I'm yours. So there's no company I would enjoy than yours. Being together with you like this is something I want to look forward to in the future. Therefore, don't worry you're my only woman. My lover and my wife Insha Allah" Zara couldn't help the thump she felt in her heart. Certainly, Fawwaz doesn't stop at expressing his feeling for her.
"Why are you quite? Are you angry?"
"Zara?" he bombarded all at once seeing her back still facing him. Getting a cold treatment from her is something he dreaded to happen. He hates making her angry. Heck, he doesn't even know if she's angry or not.
"Please look at me Princess" and that made her twirled around hearing him call her princess.
"What was that name for?" she asked blankly even though she likes the name especially because it's coming from his mouth. With his soft voice. A smile made it way out of Fawwaz's lips. He knew she liked the name but want to tease him and maybe play a little hard to get.
"Your new nickname" he stated.
"And why did you choose to name me princess" she throws back with an equal smile like his.
"Because you deserve it and because you're my Princess" Zara felt shy by his statement. Fawwaz is making it hard for her heart falling deeper in love day by day.
"You know you're not the quite and unromantic Fawwaz I know before. You're now a talkative, and romantic Fawwaz"
"Well people change and I decided to change like this. I really can't wait for the day. The day you will be my wife Zara. I think I will be the luckiest person that day" his voice was now low and soft as he stares at Zara lovingly. Feeling his heart thump with each moment he looks at her attractive face.
"Seriously Fawwaz you're flattering me too much. I know for the fact that I will be the happiest woman for having a handsome, romantic and old-fashioned husband like you"
"And who says I'm old fashioned?"
"I know it because you have a bad taste in clothes and so many things. You remember-" her words were cut short when the entrance door was pulled opened revealing Minal.
"I think the lovey-dovey will have to come to a halt because Zara's attention is needed" she uttered tight lipped, the bitter tone clearly visible from her voice.
"I think I have to go back to the office. Father is waiting for me there" Fawwaz ushered glancing at his phone.
"Okay bye. Be safe" Zara answered back.
"Ameen. Take care of yourself too" without a waste of time he walked to his car. Zara watched his disappearing figure as she muttered a prayer for protection. Minal eyed Zara from the corner of her eyes. All this will not last. She thought.
"Congratulations," she started again.
"In one week time you will be Mrs. Fawwaz," Zara noticed the sarcastic tone coming from her voice. She knew her mind is telling her about Minal's bad vibe.
"Thank you" she was about to enter when she stopped.
"Can I ask you something?" Minal's brows knit in confusion for a mere second before letting out a smile. Zara could see through her fake smile.
"Sure go on"
"Do you have anything against Me and Fawwaz's relationship?"