Safa's eyes fluttered open upon feeling the feather light touch in her hair. Squinting her eyes, she found her husband's figure lying next to her while his hands gently caressed her hairs. She was snuggled to his side while his one arm was wrapped around her waist. Legs tangled, they laid next to each other. She just stares at him as he seemed busy running his hands through her hair. His eyes were closed and he was breathing calmly.
"Good morning, Wifey."
Butterflies erupted in her stomach at his endearment and she saw his eyes fluttered open. The shade looked ten times darker now. With the sun casting his yellow haze on his tan skin, he was the epitome of manliness. His hands glided to her face where she felt his thumb running in circles on her cheeks. Dipping his head lower, he placed a light kiss on her forehead. Her hold tightened on his shirt which she gripped during her slumber.
"How long have you been awake for?"
She asked while tucking a loose strand beside her ear. He pulled her closer and replied
"Not long. I've been watching you sleep for fifteen minutes."
She passed him a coy smile and teased
"Aren't you a creep."
Almost on instincts, her hand shoot up to his hair where she ran her fingers through the thick strands. He sighed and let his head fall in her neck. He has grown accustomed to her presence. It's been days since they both started to sleep in one bed. And he'd be lying if doesn't enjoy the feel of her soft skin against his own. It's like two pieces of puzzle finally adjusted together.
"We should head downstairs."
Her angelic voice reached his ears and he reluctantly let go of her before falling face down on the bed. He heard her chuckling and the sound made his day. He loves it when she laughs like this.
So freely like she has no care in the world.
And she shouldn't. Because he's here to take care of anything and everything.
He adjusted his head on his elbows and regard his wife as she ties her hair in a low bun. When she reached to turn off her side of the lamp, she felt a tug and her hair fell loosely all over her back.
"Don't tie your hairs. I like them this way."
She huffed and leaned to take her claw clip only for him to hide it behind his back.
"What are you doing?"
She asked when he hid the claw clip beneath his arm.
"You look beautiful."
His confession widened her eyes as a red hue coated her cheeks. She pulled back and let her hair stay loose. She was aware of the scorching stare her husband was throwing her way. It's hard to ignore, as it is.
"I'm going to shower first." She said to him and he nodded. He jumped up right before she could open the door and put his hand atop hers. She regarded him with confusion written all over her face when he leaned in deliberately touching his nose on her cheeks .
"Want me to join?"
He whispered near her ears before trailing his lips down her slender neck. A gasp came before a hard push made him stumble back. He barked out a laugh while throwing his head back upon seeing his red tomato. Her cheeks looked like they caught on fire. She averted her gaze and quickly stepped inside the bathroom and closed the door with a bang. Even after she opened the shower, she still felt his laugh booming in the room.
Way to start my day.
~~~~~~~~~
Descending the stairs, she walked toward the kitchen. The preparations were being done for the breakfast. She quietly went and started to make tea for everyone. It's become a habit. To make tea for everyone. Her university will be starting soon. She heard soft paddling of footsteps and turned to see her husband standing at the entrance of kitchen. All the maids automatically scurried away to give the couple some privacy. She gulped as she saw the intense look in his eyes. He closed the distance between them and stopped just a mere feet away from her. Tilting her chin up, he asked
"What are you wearing for tonight?" She subconsciously leaned to his hand and said
"I'll wear something from my closet."
"Go to shopping. Mehreen and Natalia will accompany you too."
She just nodded and saw him taking out his card.
"Don't, please."
She kept her hand over his and stopped his motion. He looked up surprised at her and questioned
"Why Pheonix?" He cupped the side of her face.
"You don't have to spend your money on me. I'll manage." For a long moment, he didn't say anything. Just stared at her. She dropped her eyes to her feet, not wanting to hold the contact.
"You're my wife. My responsibility. Whatever is mine is ultimately yours."
His declaration melted her heart and she looked at him. He was gazing at her with a soft look. She couldn't help but say
"Thank you."
"Never thank me for taking care of you." Placing a kiss on her forehead, he whispered
"I'll take you all for shopping. Goodbye."
In a heartbeat he was gone while opening a zoo of butterflies in her chest.
She likes it. The feel of his hands on her. The intensity of his eyes as he stares at her. She likes everything. Waking up next to him, curling to his side, laughing with him and when he caresses her hairs.
She let out a huge lunge of air when the realization dawned upon her
I'm falling in love with my husband!
~~~~~~~~~~~
"You're attending the function tonight?"
Subhan asked the man sitting on his couch.
"Yeah. My father is at my throat for it."
Replied Altamash. He was still busy on his phone. Not once looking up.
"How many people will be there?"
Subhan asked in general. He was trying to engage him in a conversation. Because, he knew he had an argument with his father. It's obvious from his behaviour. He's acting odd.
"Business men at most, there's also many new faces invited."
"Interesting." Subhan said to no one in particular.
"I think it will be nice if we try to gain more share holders for Noorie project."
Altamash finally placed his phone aside and acknowledged his friend.
"You're right. Let's finish this work soon. I have to be at home by four."
"Eager much to see your wife?"
A smirk coated his lips and Subhan threw a pen at him while barking
"Shut up." Only loud laughter followed. ~~~~~~~~~~~
Safa draped the shawl around her shoulders and waited for the other two girls.
"Purple will look good on you." She heard Mehreen's voice and turned to see both the woman arriving.
"Sorry Bhabhi to keep you waiting."
Mehreen muttered while Natalia simply ignored her presence. She's a hard nut to crack. She's just like her mother. Carbon copy.
"Come on ladies."
They heard the manly voice and there stood her husband with his hands in his pockets. His shades were covering his eyes. She felt giddy seeing him after the realization that dawned on her. Averting her eyes, she followed him out. He opened the front door for her and helped her get inside all the while ignoring the stares of the other two ladies.
"They're so cute." Gushed Mehreen while Natalia only pushed her to sit.
"Shut up."
Subhan glanced at his sister and saw her eyes boring holes on the back of the passenger seat. Sighing, he ignored her. She hasn't misbehaved with Safa yet. And God forbids, if she does. He'll not take it lightly.
Soon they reached the mall. His phone rang at the same time and he urged the women to go forward while he took his call. All the women headed to the clothes shop and started to rummage through the racks. Safa was feeling oddly left out of place. Like she doesn't belong here. She hasn't felt this the first time she came with Mehreen because she didn't have to buy anything for herself. But today's different. She just walked with them and see them trying on different dresses. Nothing catches her eyes. Everything was very expensive. But a particular red saree caught her attention. The fabric was silk and the material was almost shiny. It was plain and simple, but something that she would prefer. She looked at the price tag and her eyes almost bulged out of her sockets at the zeroes after the first two digits.
"Strange isn't it? We met again."
She craned her neck and regard the new voice. Her eyes widened at the familiar face. He was the same man that stumbled into her at the mall. He looked even more dangerous now. With his black suit and evenly black hair. He resembled a movie villain. She doesn't know why she feels this way. But the way his eyes regard her was unsettling. Like needles on her skin.
"On a shopping spree again." He took one step forward while she took one back. A ghost of a smirk lined his face before he composed himself. She ignores his presence and started to walk back when he said something that caught her breath
"I hope you like those bangles."
Snapping her head back at him, she seethed
"That was you?"
"Of course. Who else?" His smug expression angered her.
"I'll return those. That wasn't necessary."
She said through gritted teeth.
"Ouch woman, no need to get feisty."
Throwing a smug expression her way, he walked out of the store. She breathed deeply and looked up only to be surprised. There stood Natalia with a distaste expression on her face.
"That wasn't....". She tried to explain, but was cut off.
"Don't bother."
Natalia walked away while Safa sighed. The day was taking a turn and she can't say she likes it.
"Bhabhi have you picked anything?" She heard Mehreen and decided to mask her emotions. Turning toward her, she shook her head. Mehreen walked to the same rack where she saw the saree and took it out.
"Here try this out."
Safa hesitated. The piece cost way too much.
"Just take it."
Mehreen urged and she complied. Changing into the red saree, she instantly fell in love with it. It was modest, covering her back and stomach while the blouse was covering her arms. It would be foolish to reject this piece. She came out after changing out from it and saw Mehreen and Subhan discussing something before the girls eyes darted to her and she closed the distance between them.
"You like it?" Safa nodded and Subhan immediately take out his card and paid for thier dresses.
They went to jewelery store next, but she wasn't feeling well. The incident in that store was running in her mind and she can't help but want to go back home. Just leave this place.
"You okay?" She felt her husband's hand on her elbow and she shook her head.
"Just not feeling well." He nodded his head and said
"Let's go home then." Before she could argue, he was already telling Mehreen and Natalia to go back home. They were done with their shopping fortunately.
The entire drive back from the mall, Safa felt uneasy. She can't help but feel somewhat threatened by that man's mere presence. She closed her eyes and prayed for everything to go smoothly.
For once!
•••••••••••
Asalamoaliukm everyone
Here's an update.
Tell me your thoughts in the comments.
Till then, Allah Hafiz.
P.S: Thank you for all those who comments on my story. Your words motivates me a lot. Thank you all.