Ch. 27: Unsolicited Whispers

Alizey's P.O.V.

I heard Jia Api's footsteps grow louder towards her bedroom door, cuing me to go over to the stairs quickly. Her words rang in my ears.

"Did you get your food already?" Api asked, catching up to me.

"Huh?" I looked at her. "Yes. Fawad left his phone upstairs, so I was just grabbing it for him."

"Jia! Kahaan reh gayi thi? Khaana lo. Aa jao," Mama called after spotting us.
(Where were you? Take some food. Come)

I went over to the sofa and sat down next to my husband, handing him his phone.

"Thank you."

I flashed a small smile at him then reached for my plate.

Fawad watched me pick up my fork.

"Bhai was waiting for you to eat," Harris teased.

"Oh. You didn't start eating yet?" I looked down at Fawad's untouched plate on his lap. "Please eat."

He nodded and mirrored me as I took a bite.

After I forced myself to swallow, I found that I suddenly wasn't hungry anymore.

Boring how? Looks? Personality?... Everything?

"What's wrong?" Fawad asked quietly.

I shook my head, "Nothing." I gave him another weak smile before busying myself with pushing the rice around my plate.

As everyone continued to eat, I felt Fawad's eyes return to me every few minutes. At some point, Jia Api had made a joke that had everyone chuckling. I can't recall what it was even about. I was suddenly wondering if I possessed the ability to make everyone laugh like that.

"You're done eating already?" Fawad's eyebrows furrowed when I stood up with my half-empty plate.

"Yeah. I'm full from the appetizers," I mumbled while making my way to the kitchen.

Maybe I was boring. I didn't have very many friends. Harris was my cousin. He probably felt obligated to hang out with me because we're related. Mala, she's just moved back to town. I'm sure there's other people she'd rather hang out with.

I began putting away the rest of Mama's cooking into containers and washed the pots, my thoughts getting louder and louder. My mother eventually asked me to give her a hand with the desserts, after which she announced the news about Amaira Api and Mateo's wedding.

I avoided eye contact with Fawad, who was studying me intently while I stood in the living room as everyone congratulated Api. Once things settled down, we let our parents be downstairs and returned upstairs to sit on the sofas in the lounge.

My eyes gazed into nothingness as everyone chatted when I suddenly felt Fawad wrap his arm around my waist. He pulled me closer and held me to himself, searching my eyes intently.

My breathing grew shaky and I felt the pricking in my eyes as I stared at his pretty orbs.

I just want to be enough for you.

I pressed my eyes shut before he could see the tears forming in them and leaned into him.

"What happened, Alizey?" he murmured into my ear before pecking my cheek.

I inhaled deeply and opened my eyes, pushing a closed-mouth smile to my lips. "Nothing, baby."

He gazed into my eyes, as though trying to read my mind. Unsuccessful, his shoulders slumped slightly. He then leaned in and kissed me gently. And each worry and distress fled my body instantly.

"Ohhh ew! Get a room!" I had almost forgotten where we were until I heard Harris groan.

I broke the kiss immediately, trying to figure out where to hide my face while my cousin and sisters were ogling at us with amusement.

"Just close your eyes," Fawad countered nonchalantly, keeping his grip firm around me so I couldn't dig a hole and bury myself.

"She's his wife. If he isn't going to be lovey dovey with her then who's he going to show his affection to?" Jia Api nudged our cousin with her elbow.

"Exactly," Fawad agreed, pecking my neck.

"They can do whatever they want, but behind closed doors-"

"Be quiet, Harris!" I whined, turning into a beet.

He opened his mouth then quickly shut it when I shot him a glare.

"Have you guys thought about kids?" Amaira Api probed with genuine interest.

Fawad and I looked at each other.

I don't know what his thoughts were on the topic. Everything now, in a sense, was so new between us. Although we had blurred the lines of the boundaries between us prior to knowing about his past, it felt like we were just now truly a couple. This phase of our relationship, to me, was equivalent to the dating stage of a serious relationship. We were now more vulnerable with each other, which meant that we were now also more sensitive. We were learning more about each other and how to navigate and care for each other's feelings as a romantic partner. I think it was crucial we focused more on each other for now before we thought about kids.

I turned towards Api, "Not any time soon."

What if after Musa, Fawad doesn't even want any more kids? I glanced at Fawad immediately. This was something I wanted to know.

As an author, I've written a character who was widowed at just 26 years old. While the book ended about a month after her husband's death, I know she would never remarry. No one can take the place of her husband. She is not able to give her heart to someone else, nor can she be loved like her late husband loved her. Similarly, it wasn't impossible for Fawad to potentially not want any more children after Musa to honor his position in his life. He didn't want to move on from Sana. I don't know.

Fawad studied my eyes silently, deepening my confusion.

"I'm too young to be a khala," Jia Api laughed.

"Mama was already raising you and I at your age," Amaira Api retorted, pushing our sister's head playfully.

"Couldn't be me," Jia Api lifted her eyebrows. "I don't know how she got married so young. There's so many people out there. I can't imagine getting tied down to someone any time soon. Like Ranbir Kapoor said in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, dal chawal (lentil soup and rice) for pachaas saal (fifty years)? No thanks. I don't even like dal."

I couldn't help but laugh a little at her last statement. She expressed her dislike for dal with such seriousness while scrunching her face.

"What are you? Biryani?" our elder sister countered.

"No. She's pulao, aur woh bhi khayali wali," Harris answered.
(She's pilaf, and that too, imaginary)

Jia Api squinted at him, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're talking as if Phupa is going to let you stay unmarried until you are in your 30s. Did you forget how Zey almost got married to Tahir Bhai? She was only 22."

"Papa wouldn't force me."

"That's what Zey thought."

"It's different. Alizey had just graduated and started working instead of doing more school. I'm almost done with dentistry program."

My gaze lowered. It was true. Papa perhaps gives more weight to my sisters' words because they had pursued more education like he wanted. Unlike me.

"If she didn't want to, then that's her choice. She shouldn't be forced to do anything that she doesn't want to do," Fawad asserted firmly.

My eyes softened while I gazed at my husband.

"And I don't think success should be defined in terms of academics," he added, "That isn't to say that those aren't achievements, because they are, but there are other paths to success and success is subjective. Alizey's passionate about writing. She might have not gotten her publishing deal had she not given time to what she finds joy in."

Jia Api nodded eagerly after giving Fawad a blank stare, "Exactly. I totally agree." She then looked at me, "How's it going with your book?"

"It's good," I smiled softly, "Alhamdulillah. Still in the editing phase."

Fawad and I went home just before Maghrib. After we finished our prayers for the night, Api's words circled in my mind while I idly arranged a light dinner. We weren't that hungry, but I knew we'd grow peckish before going to sleep.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist while I poured some beaten eggs and frozen veggies into the pan of noodles.

"Baby," Fawad murmured before stealing a kiss from over my shoulder.

My heart melted immediately.

"You've been quiet today."

"Really?"

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head with a small smile before pecking his cheek then mixing the noodles.

"Tell me."

I hesitated, wetting my lips.

"Alizey," he let go and made me face him.

I sighed. "Do you think I'm boring?" I asked softly.

He paused for a moment, as though confused by the question. His eyebrows then furrowed as he searched my eyes, realizing I was actually waiting for an answer. "You're serious?"

I nodded.

"No," he answered like the question itself was dumb and he wasn't understanding why he was having to answer this. "Where is this coming from, Alizey?"

I turned back to the stove, turning off the flame. "I was just asking," I told him with a light laugh, trying to brush off the topic.

But in reality, I wanted him to answer if he thought my personality was boring, my conversations, my hobbies, my interests, my appearance—everything.

He wasn't buying it, "Did someone say something to you while we were at your parents' house?"

"No... and I'm just feeling tired. We went back to work right after coming back from Big Bear. It's just all caught up to me I guess," I mumbled softly. "The noodles are done. I didn't put anything in them except for eggs and some green beans and corn. Sit down, baby. I'll bring it to the table. Let me take out the ketchup."

"I got it," he opened the dishwasher and took out two bowls.

After we ate our light dinner and cleaned up, I adjusted the balcony's sliding glass door then began climbing into bed. "I'm glad we only work till Tuesday." Our offices were going to give us a few days off for Christmas and New Years. Haadi and his mother had invited us to spend New Years with them next week.

"Alizey."

"Hm?" I got under the blanket.

"Do you want kids?"

I looked at an inquisitive Fawad, who was sat up next to me. I didn't expect to have this conversation tonight itself.

"I do," I answered softly, searching his eyes, "Do you?"

"I do."

Relief flooded my heart at his words.

"I wasn't sure what your thoughts were on the matter when your sister asked, so I thought we should talk about it," he added.

"I wanted to discuss it with you too," I reached for his hand, intertwining our fingers. "I know what your stance was on marriage after Sana and that changed, but I didn't want to make any assumptions about kids because I wasn't sure if you wanted Musa to-"

"I want a life with you, Alizey. With everything it can include. I want a family with you, that is if you want it too."

A smile bloomed on my lips. "I want a family with you too," I then gave his hand a squeeze with a cautious expression, "but just not now. Not yet."

"Yeah."

I gestured between us, "This is kind of new, and I want to-"

"I understand." And I knew he did. I didn't have to explain myself further. "And there's a lot to take into consideration before we get there," he said. "I wouldn't want to continue living in this apartment when we have a baby. We would need a bigger space."

"I also would want to pay off my student loans first and get a different job too," I then began clarifying, "Baby, I know you can support all of us with your job and your inheritance, but you know it's important to me to have a financial standing of my own."

With what I make, it was just enough for me to fit in all my expenses, which included half the bills, my loan payments, gasoline, and a bit of groceries. I'm only left with a few hundred a month to spend freely. It wouldn't be enough for a baby and all the expenses that would come along with having one. I would want to be able to provide for my child financially and not rely on Fawad entirely for his or her expenses.

Fawad leaned forward and pecked my forehead. "I know, and I respect that."

"Thank you-"

"But you should know, Alizey, that I'm not your father."

I stared at him.

"Spending on you brings me joy. If you were to use my money for anything, it would bring me satisfaction knowing that I was able help fulfill my wife's needs or make her happy. I would never taunt you for it. You have a right to my money."

I hugged him, resting my cheek on his shoulder. Fawad was the sweetest. He had a heart of gold.

He wrapped his arms around me firmly. "I don't want you to hesitate to ask me for money if you ever need it. I wouldn't look down on you for it. F*ck, you loved me when I was a mechanic, Alizey. You never made me feel ashamed of it. You looked at me with pride. How the f*ck could I patronize you?"

I giggled quietly at his seriousness. "I love you."

"I love you too."

I snuggled into his embrace, holding him tighter, "Aise sone doge mujhe?"
(Will you let me sleep like this?)

He pulled me onto him as he laid down, cuddling me, "Aise."
(Like this)

I moved my head back and we shared a goodnight kiss then dozed off soon after.

"Zey!" Mala beamed when Fawad and I walked into her family restaurant for breakfast the next morning.

I reached out towards her for a hug, "Mala!"

"This must be Fawad. Hi. Nice to meet you," she gave him a polite nod.

"You too. Alizey's told me a lot about you."

"Good things I hope," she laughed. "Please have a seat. What are you two in the mood for?"

"Halwa puri," I grinned while Fawad and I sat down at a table across from each other.

There were 3 other occupied tables.

"Anything to drink?"

"Chai," I looked at Fawad, "Do you want coffee?"

"I'll have chai too."

I smiled with surprise.

"Regular or masala?" Mala asked.

"Hmm. Masala," I answered, Fawad nodding in agreement.

Mala smiled and gave our orders to the kitchen then quickly returned. She sat down next to me. "So, how's married life treating you both?"

I glanced at my husband with warm eyes, "Alhamdulillah."

"Alhamdulillah," he peered back at me affectionately. He was holding my hand under the table.

It was still surreal to me that I was seeing days like this. It felt like they were straight out of my books.

"I've never seen Alizey so smitten by someone before-"

"Mala!"

"No, go on," Fawad teased.

Mala laughed, "She can go on and on about you. I don't think she even realizes it when she does it."

"Gang up on me, why don't you," I muttered, my cheeks turning pink.

Fawad smiled while Mala giggled.

"That evening she came over to my place, she was looking at your pictures on her phone. She didn't think I noticed, but I did. She was missing you that much."

"Really?" Fawad asked, smug.

"Jab Abbas aayenge, tab tum dekhna," I threatened Mala playfully.
(When Abbas comes, then you watch)

"He already knows I'm insane and talk to his pictures," Mala rolled her eyes jokingly, making me laugh. "But Zey really loves you. I'm so happy she met you."

"I don't know what I would've done if I never met her," his thumb stroked my fingers. "You two met in high school. How was Alizey like then?"

"Have you ever watched Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?"

"Your sister was mentioning that movie yesterday," Fawad told me before answering Mala, "I can't say I have."

"Well, she was just like the main character Naina Talwar. Studious and a bit quiet but loads of fun if you got to know her."

"Oh gosh," I sighed with a smile, "I used to have a big crush on Bunny. I used to wish I could go on a trekking trip like them in the movie, meet someone like him, and develop a small mutual friend group."

Fawad's eyebrows furrowed slightly with jealousy.

"He was such a f*ck boy, Zey!" Mala laughed.

"I know, but I didn't understand all that when the movie came out! I was young!"

All I used to want back then was a fun, carefree guy who would make me feel special and bring color into my boring life.

Often times, what we want isn't what we truly need. Fawad wasn't flamboyant, but he was everything I needed. He made me feel whole in a way that I never knew I wasn't until I met him.

"Bunny was the main dude in the film," Mala explained to Fawad. "He flirted with every girl he saw. He had a crush on Naina, but he basically indicated that she was the type that should be loved properly instead of taken casually. They weren't in touch for years, but when they finally met again at their friend's wedding, he was acting all possessive over her like he was her boyfriend. F*ck outta here!"

I began, "Listen-"

"Nooo!" Mala didn't want to hear any justifications for Bunny.

"Listen!"

"Fine, what is it?"

"I got nothing," I laughed, which made Fawad chuckle, "In my defense, he was really cute in that scene where he showed up at her door on New Year's Eve and kissed her."

"Yeah, whatever," Mala fanned the air before turning to Fawad, "Anyway, you don't have any interest in leaving Zey behind to pursue photography and travel the world, do you?"

"No," my husband answered, amused.

"Good," she looked at me, joking, "Yeh humsafar hai."
(He's your life partner)

"Tha nahin?"
(He wasn't?)

"Tha, hai, aur In Sha Allah, hamesha rahenge."
(He was, is, and God-willingly always will be)

Fawad watched us, confused.

I began explaining, "She was making a very lame-"

"Hey!"

I giggled, "-reference to that Pakistani drama Humsafar and its title song. It's because your name is Fawad and the main actor is Fawad Khan."

"Hey!" Mala interrupted with wide eyes before Fawad could respond, "Did you ever realize?"

"What?"

"You married Fawad, and Fawad Khan in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil married a character named Alizeh. The world works in strange ways I tell you," she wagged her finger.

Huh. How about that.

Fawad stared at Mala.

"Fawad never watched that movie either," I explained.

"Kuch khaas baat honge tum mein jo isne tumse shaadi ki warna yeh toh Bollywood filmon ke alawa aur kuch bhi nahin jaanti hai," Mala shook her head jokingly.
(There must be something special about you that she married you because she doesn't know anything other than Bollywood films)

"Woh toh hai," I smiled lovingly at my husband, squeezing his hand.
(That is true)

Fawad and Mala talked for a bit. They asked each other about their professions, family, school, and where they grew up. As I watched them talk, I couldn't help but smile. Here Fawad and I were having breakfast at my close friend's restaurant where he was getting to know her. Nearly 8 months ago, Fawad didn't even want to talk to me. When we bumped into each other at the hills the second time, he was irritated by me trying to ask him questions. Now if I didn't talk to him, he would look at me with sad eyes wondering why I was ignoring him.

"Order 4!" someone called out from the kitchen.

"Ooo! That's you guys. Let me bring it," Mala got up, not even waiting a moment for us to offer her help.

She returned with piping hot mugs of masala chai, a basket of freshly puffed up puri, sooji ka halwa, aloo ki sabzi, and a desi omelet.

"Before you start asking why about the extras, it's my treat," Mala shut me up before I could open my mouth. "Apne jeeja se pehli baar mili hoon. Thori si toh khaatir daari banti hai."
(I've met my brother-in-law for the first time. It makes for some hospitality)

How sweet. I sighed, pleased. "Thank you."

"Thank you," Fawad repeated courteously.

The meal was delicious, and our day together was filled with fuzzy feelings and joy. I probably enjoyed Fawad's first weekend not working overtime more than him because I had him all to myself.

Monday afternoon, I went over to Susie's cubicle to pick her up for lunch with Irtaza.

"Hi Susie. Ready for lunch?" I asked standing next to her while she typed on her keyboard.

She sighed with a pout. "I brought my lunch."

"Oh. What did you bring? I thought on Friday you said you wanted to get sushi."

"I know I know, but I'm starting this new diet-"

"Why?" my eyebrows furrowed.

Susie was quite thin already. She had a figure that belonged on runways.

She waved me closer, so I leaned down. "Vic got cheated on by her boyfriend," she whispered. "Before they broke up, her boyfriend told her that he wasn't attracted to her body because she's not fit."

My wide eyes wandered over to Victoria's cubicle. The poor girl had dark circles and looked like she could disappear in her oversized sweater.

And not fit?! Susie and Victoria's figures were nearly identical. Their entire clique looked like they were A-list celebrities.

"I don't want Aaron's eyes to wander. That's why I'm going to have this," she opened the lunch box on her desk and showed me a mush of boiled, unseasoned vegetables.

"Susie, you and Victoria are perfect the way you guys are. You don't have to put yourself through this. And it sounds like a good thing that Victoria broke up with that guy. She shouldn't be with someone so shallow that only looks at her body. He should love her for who she is, for her heart."

"It's easy to say, but they're guys, Alizey. If they like what they see, that's what they go after. They don't think too much about it."

My expression faltered as I took in her words.

"Ready for lunch?" Irtaza appeared behind me.

Lunch with Irtaza made me forget about Susie's new crash diet. I was too busy laughing at the funny story he was telling me. He had gotten news from back home that one of the cows from their dairy plant escaped and everyone in the nearby neighborhood were locked up in their homes out of fear.

Later that night, I was sat up in bed with my phone, reading up on the next chapter Judy and I were going to work on the following evening.

"Alizey."

"Hm?" I glanced at Fawad while he stirred some boiling ravioli.

"Are you free Friday night?"

"Why?"

"There's somewhere I wanted to take you."

I smirked, "Are you asking me out on a date, Raza?"

He looked at me with amusement.

"If you are then- Hmm, I'm not even actually sure if you are. You didn't technically ask me out so," I shrugged, speaking in a playful nonchalant manner.

Fawad set the wooden spoon aside then approached me. He sat down on the bed in front of me and took my hand. "Alizey Ahmed, will you go out on a date with me this Friday?"

"I think I have to check my calendar. I might have some plan-"

Fawad jerked me forward then kissed me. "You don't," he said with a smile.

"I don't," I affirmed lovingly, gazing into his eyes. I wrapped my arms around his neck, "I would love to go on a date with you, baby."

He pulled me onto his lap, hugging me to himself. "It would be my honor." He kissed my shoulder.

I love him.

He moved his head back and began leaning in when my eyes widened as I suddenly remembered, "The ravioli!"

Fawad sighed, his arms dropping from around me. I giggled, watching as he got back up to drain the little lobster and cheese filled dough pockets.

The following evening, Fawad picked me up then dropped off me to meet Judy at a cafe. Judy and I only had a third of the book left to go over.

After the editing session, my husband came to take me home.

My cheek rested against Fawad's shoulder as we held hands, exiting the elevator and walking towards our apartment. "I'm tired."

It was the last day before the holidays, so there were several reports I had to get through. My brain was fried by the time I was meeting with Judy.

Fawad pecked my head before tilting his own, placing it on mine adorably. "You had a long day."

"You must be hungry. Did you eat any snacks?"

"I'm fine, babe."

My shoulders slumped as I remembered we had to cook again tonight since there weren't any leftovers. "Baby, can we order delivery?" I asked him, watching while he unlocked the door with his keys.

"Why?"

I stepped inside behind him and took off my shoes, "It was our last day of work," I didn't want him to think I was lazy, "It would be nice to kind of cele-" My eyes lit up when I crossed the corridor and spotted a heart-shaped box filled with red roses on our bed next to a white bag. "Forever roses?" I sped over to the bed and lifted the box, grinning at Fawad with surprise, "Are these for me?!"

He nodded, gazing at me with soft eyes as he approached.

My palm grazed over the soft petals. These roses were said to last for at least a year, and they were quite expensive. "Why?"

My husband placed his hands on my waist, "To remind you."

I searched his eyes in question.

"You're special, Alizey. You deserve to be treated that way."

My eyes couldn't help but water. I'd always dreamt of things like this, but for them to actually happen, I couldn't believe it.

"When you told me that I hadn't asked you out properly last night, it made me realize that I could have done better-"

I began shaking my head, "I was just joking-"

"But I'm not. I want to give you the best, Alizey."

"I already have the best," I told him softly, "It's you. Thank you." I got on the tip of my toes to kiss him.

My knees nearly buckled at the soft, velvety caress of his lips. I smiled at him dreamily until I remembered the bag.

"What's this?" I turned and opened it. I reached inside and pulled out a pretty black dress.

"For Friday... Did you like it?"

"Are you kidding? I love it!" I held the dress up to my frame excitedly. "Thank you!"

He took the dress from me and put it back into the bag. "I picked up dinner while you were with Judy. Go freshen up, babe. We'll pray then eat so you can rest after."

It was only then did I notice the to-go containers on the dining table. Fawad really knew how to treat a girl like a princess.

The next day, we didn't do too much. There were some household chores that we took care of leisurely. On Thursday, we spent the day with my mother. Fawad tended to her garden while I leant an ear to Mama. She was worried about what people would think when she tells them about Api's marriage to a Hispanic man. Later that night, the three of us went out for dinner with Mami and Harris.

It was now Friday evening. Fawad was out getting a haircut before our date, while I had just finished my makeup and was doing my hair.

I gave my hair one more curl and pulled on the spiral to loosen it. After I unplugged the curling iron and set it aside, I gave myself one more look in the mirror and smiled.

Mine and Fawad's actual proper first date! Hehe! A love filled evening of just my love and I!

I changed out of my pjs and tugged the dress on before returning to the mirror. It fit like a glove and felt snug.

My eyes trailed down the glass before getting stuck on my stomach.

'Vic got cheated on by her boyfriend,' Susie's voice echoed in my ears out of nowhere. 'Before they broke up, her boyfriend told her that he wasn't attracted to her body because she's not fit.'

My stomach was not flat. I had a small pouch that the dress outlined.

I turned to the side, and my tummy suddenly looked like a balloon.

'I don't want Aaron's eyes to wander. That's why I'm going to have this.'

My orbs traveled to my legs.

The photos I had seen of Sana flashed in my mind. Her thighs were almost half the size of mine, tone and slim. Jia Api too shared a similar stature to Sana, both petite in frame and model-like.

'It's easy to say, but they're guys, Alizey. If they like what they see, that's what they go after. They don't think too much about it.'

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the door unlocking. "Alizey?"

"Ov-" I cleared my throat, "Over here."

Before he appeared from around the corner of the corridor, I sucked in my stomach.

Fawad paused, and we both took in the other's appearance. My husband was yet to change into the outfit I'd selected for him, but he looked mesmerizing with his fresh haircut and beard lined-up.

He walked over towards me slowly, and my heart began racing. I felt his hand on my lower back as he gave me another once-over. He then leaned in and placed a slow gentle kiss on my lips that left me yearning for more.

"You look very pretty."

"Thank you," I whispered, gazing up at him, dazed.

"Are you ready?"

I nodded.

"I'll go change, and then we'll head out."

I nodded again before he pecked my lips and disappeared with the dark semi-formal attire I had laid out for him.

My body relaxed slowly. Fawad wasn't like that. These whispers in my head were for no reason. That was one of the reasons why I fell in love with him; he wasn't shallow nor did he care for things on the surface. He was one of a kind, my Faadi.

I shook my head, as though physically ridding myself of the disturbing thoughts, and pushed a small smile to my lips.

After a spritz of perfume, I chose matching black heels and a small black purse to go along with my dress.

Fawad really made me feel quite silly about the thoughts I was having in front of the mirror just a few moments back. His eyes wouldn't leave me from the moment we stepped out of our flat hand-in-hand. He was keen on ruining my lipstick before we even made it out the building. As soon as the elevator doors closed, he had me cornered against the metallic wall with his lips on mine.

When the elevator dinged before revealing the parking lot, we opened our eyes, and the glimpse of desire I saw in his was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

He tugged me along to his car, and like a gentleman, he opened the door for me.

We rode to the restaurant in silence. He held my hand the entire time while I gazed at him. The romantic evening was upon us, and we were feeling the love.

My husband gave the car to valet, and I floated alongside him to the inside of a posh Brazilian steakhouse that happened to be halal.

"Reservations for Fawad Raza," he told the receptionist.

The woman checked her tablet then looked up at us, extending her arm, "Right this way."

She led us past the main dining area and into a private dining room that had a view of the glimmering skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles.

"Please have a seat. A waiter will be with you in just a moment."

I nodded politely.

Fawad pulled out the chair for me and tucked it in behind me as I sat down.

"This is beautiful," I told him after he sat down in front of me, my eyes bouncing around the room. The view, the bright contemporary architecture of the room, the leafy vines adorning the tops of the walls—the restaurant belonged in Architectural Digest.

He took my hand and brought it to his lips before resting our intertwined fingers on the table.

A waiter entered with a basket of warm cheese bread and butter along with two menus. We were to choose side dishes that would go along with the variety of meats we were going to have. Fawad had selected the all you can eat experience for the both of us; the style of this restaurant was as such that waiters would approach us with different meat cuts on skewers and serve it to us to our fill.

Thus, our night was filled with love-filled glances and slices of meat cuts that I had heard of for the first time—picanha, costela, maminha, fradlinha, and who knows what else.

"I'm so full," I told Fawad after putting my fork down.

"Me too. It was really good though."

"It was. Alhamdulillah. Thank you for bringing me here."

"Thank you for joining me."

"I really had to free my schedule, you know? I'm quite busy nowadays."

"I bet. You're a soon to be renowned author-"

I groaned playfully, rolling my eyes. "Not again."

Fawad chuckled quietly. "Would you be offended if I sold your autograph online in the future? I think I'd make a couple thousand."

I gave him the side eye before sighing. "Not if you give me half the profit."

We both laughed. He then stood up, "Let me take a picture of you by the windows."

I nodded and got up. I smiled at the camera while he held up his phone. Once he slid his phone back into his pocket, I turned around, admiring the pretty view.

"Thank you for the most perfect first date, Fawad," I grinned. "I'll never forget it."

My eyebrows furrowed when I noticed his faint reflection in the glass had disappeared.

I turned around, "Fa-" My gaze lowered to my husband, my lips parting.

He was down on one knee, holding open a box with a diamond ring resting in it. "I know the circumstances that brought us together weren't the most favorable, and we've left it in the past, but I know how special this is in every girl's life, and I didn't want you to miss out on it just because of how we got married. I want you to know that it's a privilege to be married to you, and I want to give you the respect of properly asking if you would be willing to spend the rest of your life with me. When I asked you out for this date on Monday, it was sh*t, but I wanted this to at least convey how much you mean to me. You are my biggest blessing. You are my heart, Alizey. I found myself again because of you. I found my deen again because of you- I know I'm rambling on and I'm not the best with words when it comes to expressing myself. You're an author and you're more eloquent, so-" he let out a nervous deep breath, cutting himself off adorably, "Will you marry me, Alizey?"

I rushed over to hug him, nodding eagerly while tears streamed down my cheeks. He stood up, taking me into his arms.

We pulled back, and a watery giggle left my mouth as I gave him my hand, "Yes. I would love to."

He slid the sparkling diamond ring onto my finger. It was stunning and just my style.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending to the most perfect date that we sealed with a sweet kiss.

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