Readers I am updating two chapters today. This is the second chapter with a surprise. Hope you like it.

Salim's POV

After our breakfast, my Vaapa (Father) and Amma (Mother) were getting ready to meet somebody regarding their transfer. While leaving for office I informed Umar about the appointment I had booked for him with an eye specialist. I hurriedly said a bye to everybody and started walking towards the stair case. As much as possible I prefer to use stair case. Just when I was entering the parking lot, I received a call from the card shop that our wedding invitation was ready for delivery. In addition to the formal invitations prepared by our family, Kayal and I decided to design an invitation to give to our friends and close colleagues. She wrote the content and I did the designing work. I picked it on my way to work. It had come out very nicely. Since last night I was longing to see Kayal. Now I have got an opportunity.

After reaching my office, I messaged Kayal in our group. "Kayal, invitations are ready ma. Shall I come to your office in the evening on my way back to drop them?"

"I am now starting for TKN Hospital. They are inaugurating a new wing with a Minister. Have to cover the event. When I am done there, I will drop by your office. I will text you before starting from there. Is that okay Salim?"

"Okay ma."

In a way I was happy that I could meet Kayal in the morning because, I have heard from her that all the reporters will be working like maniacs in the evening before filing their report. They will be very much tensed then. It is only on rare afternoons that Kayal has her lunch in the office. She mostly has lunch in whichever place she is stuck at that time. TKN Hospital is in the same lane as in my office. The thought of meeting Kayal in few hours made me work really fast.

Almost an hour later the smell of fire reached my cabin. From my window I could see that some building was burning. Ya Allah. Please let everybody be safe. Many of our employees rushed to the terrace to see what is happening. Only after reaching the terrace I found out that it was TKN Hospital which was in fire. Ya Allah. I called Kayal. She didn't pick up. I was worried and called her again. She still didn't pick up. I rushed from the terrace to reach down. On my way Francis Sir caught me. "Ali, what happened?"

"Kayal is in TKN Hospital."

"Don't worry. She is experienced in first aid and rescue service. She can take care of herself. Be careful."

He knows that Kayal is my Fiancée. I nodded my head and started running towards that hospital. Taking my car means I will be blocking the road for fire engines. There were already few vehicles stuck in the middle of the road. I prayed to Allah(SWT), please don't let anything happen to Kayal. Please. I beg you.

It was completely chaotic when I reached that hospital. Alhamdulillah, the fire was contained to one small wing which was away from the main building. I was running around in search of Kayal when I heard a loud wailing sound. I turned towards the sound to see a young Doctor carrying Kayal in his arms and running. She was crying with pain. Ya Allah. I ran and got her in my arms from that Doctor saying, "I am her Fiancé."

That guy nodded his head and said, "Emergency room is in the first left, second room. Take her there immediately."

Kayal saw me and cried, "Salimmm, it is paining. It is paining."

"Please don't cry ma. You will be fine. I am just taking you to the emergency ward."

Within a minute, I went to the emergency ward. I placed her in the cot. Kayal was in uncontrollable tears screaming in pain. One middle aged Male Doctor and one young Male Doctor came rushing inside. First the middle aged Doctor said, "Thank you so much for saving so many lives ma. Thank you very much. Sir, who are you? Please wait outside."

Kayal was holding my hands very tightly. I said, "I am her Fiancé. I want to stay here. Please Doctor. Let me."

He saw my face and he saw our hands. He immediately agreed. Only then I noticed Kayal's burn. There were burns in her right leg and she was bleeding from her right chest and right palm. A nurse came rushing in with some medical supplies. What was left of Kayal's pyjama (worn from waist to ankle) was torn with scissors. I could have asked for a Lady Doctor. But it was chaotic and Kayal needed help immediately. Kayal yelled in pain. After looking at her leg, the Middle aged Doctor said, "It is only second degree burns. It may take a week to ten days. But she will be fine." He then started treating her leg. Kayal was shouting with pain. Few years back I dropped some hot water in my feet while cooking. It was very painful. To imagine that Kayal must be suffering hundred times more than that brought tears to my eyes. If at all if I could absorb her pain, I will absorb them without blinking my eye lid.

The Nurse lifted Kayal's kurta and started cutting it with the scissors. I couldn't help, so I asked, "Are there any lady Doctors here?"

The young Doctor replied, "Sorry Sir. Ours is a Speciality Hospital for new born babies. Mostly Doctors come only during Consultation hours. There are just three Duty Doctors now. All of us are men. We have only two lady Doctors and both of them will be coming in the evening only. You can take her to KMC(Kilpauk Medical College, a Government Hospital which specializes in taking care of Burn Victims). But she is bleeding and needs First Aid."

I nodded my head. Kayal was still holding my hand very tightly. There was a huge cut in the right side of her chest and she was bleeding heavily. There were some glass pieces stuck in her skin. The nurse then cut her Brassiere as well. Kayal yelled and said something unintelligible. I am not sure why Kayal cried now. Is it because of the pain or is she feeling violated? The Middle aged Doctor was carefully treating her leg. The young Doctor said, "Sir, it is only an external cut but she is bleeding very badly. I need to stitch her up immediately. Can you please hold her tightly and if possible please close her eyes as well. She is very afraid now."

I sat sideways in the cot and took Kayal's head in my lap. I took her in such a way that her face was buried in my abdomen. I gently stroked her head. That young Doctor started working in the bleeding area. Why? Why is this happening to Kayal? She has never done anything wrong to anybody. Why is she made to suffer so many times? It is just not fair. Kayal was struggling to come out of my grip. But the Doctor was still stitching her up. So, I held her very tightly and said, "Please ma, just few more minutes. You will be alright. Please ma."

My shirt had gone completely wet with Kayal's tears. Suddenly the room's door opened and I heard the most painful wail I have ever heard in my life from Athai (Kayal's Mother). She immediately closed the door stopping Maama (Kayal's Father) from entering the room. To see your twenty two year old daughter almost naked in between three men can shatter even the strongest hearts. I turned towards the Nurse and said, "They are her parents. Can you please go and tell them that Kayal will be fine in few days?"

The Nurse nodded her head and left the room. I could hear loud cries from outside. The Young Doctor said, "By any chance, do you know her blood group? She has lost lots of blood. She needs a transfusion at the earliest."

I said, "O Negative Group."

The Doctor said, "It is a very rare group." When the Nurse entered the Doctor said, "Nurse check with our blood bank for O Negative."

The Nurse made some phone calls from the telephone in the corner and said, "No Doctor. It isn't available."

I first thought of suggesting Kayal's Mother's name. But she herself is in no condition to donate blood. My Amma and Akka also belong to O Negative Group. But just few days back a blood donation camp was held by our mosque and all of us donated blood. So I thought of calling her blood buddy, Ahmed. I said, "I will try through a friend who is of the same blood group."

Both the Doctors nodded. I called Ahmed. When I told him about Kayal's condition, he promised to start immediately. At last when both the Doctors were done Kayal dozed off due to the medication. I gently laid her head in the pillow and brushed her hair away from her tear stained face. It was just yesterday I thought how beautiful she looked while looking at her photograph in my mobile. Why my Lord? Why did you do this to Kayal? Both the Doctors left giving few instructions to the Nurse. The Nurse then took her scissors and cut Kayal's panties as well. It seems she had suffered from First Degree burns in her inner thighs. First Degree Burns heal within a day. The Nurse quickly applied some ointment in her inner thighs. The Nurse then asked me, "I have to dress her now in this Hospital gown. Can you help me? Or Shall I call her Mother?"

I said, "I will help." From the loud cries I could hear from outside, I could sense that Maama was crying uncontrollably and Athai was trying very hard to manage him. I slowly lifted Kayal and held her when the Nurse tied the knot from the back.

When she was done, the nurse said, "She will be sleeping for another few hours. Do not disturb her."

I said, "Okay."

When I came out, I first hugged Maama and consoled him. Then I told them about Kayal's health condition. When both of them went inside, I waited outside. I called my Vappa and informed him about everything. He said he will start immediately with Amma. I then called Francis Sir and informed him about Kayal and asked for my leave.

I chose a corner seat and sat down. It was still chaotic, but not that much. It seems Fire Engine had come and dozed off the fire from that building. What did I do to deserve this from Allah(SWT)? Every man dreams about seeing his wife for the first time. Is this how I have been destined to see her? She was wailing with pain, suffering from second degree burn and bleeding from her chest. Two other men were looking at her. Agreed they didn't look at her with lust, both of them were thorough professionals. But still why Allah(SWT)? Why?

Just then I saw somebody sitting beside me. It was Ahmed. He said, "I donated my blood."

I said, "Jazakhallah Khair Ahmed."

"Wa iyak."

I didn't know what to say after that. He said, "Ali Bhai, why are you worried? I spoke with the Doctor here. Kayal will be fine in few days. Second degree burns will heal quickly. But you have to be careful about the infections. Alhamdulillah there is just one blister."

"Alhamdulillah. I was just thinking that it is not fair. Kayal is one of the most wonderful woman I have met in my life. Why should she be made to suffer? I pray for her daily. I fast for her."

He took my hand and said, "Come with me."

He took me to another emergency room. From outside we could see a baby with almost charred legs. Ahmed said, "Kayal and the other Doctor Moses who saved seventeen babies from NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) without any harm couldn't save two babies. One baby is suffering from third degree burns in her legs and another baby is suffering from third degree burns in her face as well as upper part of the body. Can there be any fair reason for Allah(SWT) to let those babies suffer? Moses who saved Kayal and those two babies risking his life is suffering from third degree burns in both his hands. Do you think it is fair? Life is absolutely unfair Ali Bhai. You can pray to Allah (SWT), Jesus, Murugan or all of them together, life would still be unfair. Religion is like a pillar which you have to hold after falling down. Take a tight grip and stand up again. Do you remember the verse, 'Do the people think that they will be left to say, "I believe" and they will not be tried?' Take this as a test from Allah (SWT). Even though I am not very close to Kayal, I know that she is strong enough to handle this. Be there for her and support her. She will be fine in no time."

I nodded my head saying, "Jazakhallah Khair Ahmed."

"Wa iyak. I am leaving now to help with other patients. Allah Hafiz."

"Allah Hafiz."

After that I found an empty room and bowed down in front of my Creator. I felt my mind getting cleared after surrendering myself to Him. I remembered my Ishtikaara dream where I had to bear a lot of pain before reaching Kayal. If this is my test from Allah (SWT) to test my love for Kayal, then I have to give my answer loud and clear to Him. I decided on what I had to do now.

When I came out, I saw my parents entering the wing. I went near them and told them about my decision. They didn't even think for a nano second and agreed saying, what I had in mind is the right thing to do. All of us then went to Kayal's parents and spoke about it. Maama was hesitating, but he too agreed when I made the necessary promise to him. I then called my Akka (Elder Sister), Umar and Mustafa and made the necessary arrangements. My Vappa and Amma also left to make few arrangements.

Kayal was shifted to another fully air conditioned suite type of room and was given a blood transfusion. She didn't wake up when all of them assembled in front of the hospital room within the next hour. All of us men prayed our Dhuhr in an empty Hospital room. When I returned after our prayers, Amma who was waiting outside said, "She has woken up."

I went inside Kayal's room saying "Bismillah". She should agree to what I have in mind. Her parents were with her. It seems they haven't told her anything yet. Athai said, "Ali, you talk to her. We will be waiting outside. Aunty didn't fully close the door. Kayal didn't look at my face. She was looking elsewhere. Before I could say anything she said, "Do you still want to marry me Salim?"

I was shocked with her question. "Kayal do you think I am so narrow minded that I will stop loving you because you have burned your leg while saving seventeen babies?"

Before I could say something else, she said, "I am not talking about my leg Salim. I know how sensitive you are about few things."

Ya Allah. She is worried that I will judge her because two men had to touch her to treat her. They saw her naked. "Kayal, look at me ma." She didn't look at me. I raised my hand to turn her face towards me, fully knowing that she will turn before that. She looked at my face but not my eyes. I said, "I am fully aware of what you are implying. Please believe me when I say it changes nothing in our relationship. I was there with you all the time. Few years back when I got myself hurt in Jallikattu (Bull Taming) I had to let a woman nurse stitch me up because the male Doctor in the ambulance was busy with another guy who was heavily bleeding. I know you wouldn't judge me because I let a woman nurse touch me. So am I. I am not going to judge you for anything. If at all if it had been in my power to make any other alternative arrangements, I would have definitely done it. So can we please forget about it and concentrate only on you getting better quickly?"

She nodded her head but still didn't look at my eyes. I continued, "I am going to ask an important thing to you now Kayal. Please agree to it. I want to marry you right now. I have made all the arrangements for our Nikkah. Everybody is waiting outside. If you agree to it, we just have to change our dresses and get married."

I could see that she was shocked, "Salim, this is a hospital."

She looked directly in my eyes now. I said, "I don't care Kayal. Only thing about which I care now is I don't want to spend even one more day or one more hour or even one more minute away from you. I want to get married right now. I want to be your husband now. I ......."

She interrupted, "Okay, let's get married."

I had happy tears in my eyes. She too had happy tears in her eyes. Both of us smiled. I then went outside and informed everybody about Kayal's decision. I went to change my dress in another room with Umar and Mustafa. I opened the cover and found my jhubba, a fresh set of undergarments, a towel and soap. There was a bathroom in the room. I immediately rushed inside, took a quick shower and changed to my new set of clothes brought by my brother Umar. When I came outside Umar said, "Masha Allah. Anna, you are looking very handsome." It was a dark green color jhubba.

I smiled and nodded at him. Mustafa said, "He is right. This color suits you. Now come fast. I am sure the bride will be ready before you."

"That would be embarrassing. Please come fast."

On my way I called Ahmed to join us. When I entered Kayal's room, she was sitting in the cot wearing a similar color skirt and a light color top. I have never seen her in skirt before. Masha Allah. She looked beautiful. I asked Akka to buy a dress for Kayal. Alhamdulillah, she selected a skirt because as of now it would be very comfortable for Kayal. Kayal was smiling even though she was suffering from severe pain. I think somebody plaited her hair differently because her hand was bandaged. She was surrounded by my Amma, Akka and Athai. The Imaam of our mosque and Vappa entered the room. He was the Imaam whom my Uncles consulted long back about our marriage. He knew Kayal since the time she brought in relief materials during floods. My Vappa spoke "Can we start the nikkah?"

Her father said, "Okay".

Vappa signaled the Imaam to start his little speech. Imam spoke about the benefits of Nikkah. Umar was broadcasting it to my family members in Trichy, Chennai and Delhi through Skype whereas Mustafa was recording it in his mobile. The Imaam first asked Maama (Kayal's father) to get consent from Kayal asking whether she agreed to the marriage of her own free will. Kayal looked at my eyes and said, "Yes."

The Immam asked Khayal's father to hold my hand and repeat after him. "I give in marriage my daughter, Kayal, to you, in the presence of the two witnesses, do you consent to it?"

To this I replied, "With my whole heart and soul I consent, consent, consent".

After this, my Amma offered me a glass of payasam (Kheer/Milk based dessert). I drank some. After this the Imam offered his supplication. "Oh! Allah, grant that mutual love and reign between this couple that existed between the Prophet of Allah and his wives". All of us said "Aameen". The nikkah was solemnized. Now Amma got the glass from my hand and gave me the Karugamani (Black beads joined in a gold string). I wore it in Kayal's neck amidst the chant of kuluvai (a musical roar in chorus made by women with their mouth) made by my Amma and Akka. Now I got the glass from Amma and fed the Paayasam to Kayal because her right hand was bandaged. Amma and Akka chanted the kuluvai again. She drank it with a smile.

The Imam entered all the necessary details in Nikahnaama (marriage register) with the help of my Vappa. He then left after greeting Allah Hafiz to everybody. If at all if our marriage had been conducted in our home, it would have been little more elaborate. But since this was a hospital and the Doctors warned us about infection, we had to see to it that there were very few people in the room and all of them had to leave at the earliest.

Now my Amma brought in a box full of sweets. She asked me to feed one half of the sweet to Kayal first and then to eat the other half. This is neither a cultural practice nor a religious practice. It is something which we follow in our family. I went near Kayal, she happily opened her mouth. I gave one half to her and ate the other half. I was happy to see the smile in her face.

My Mother in law also greeted us. "Vaazhthukkal(Congratulations) Ali. And Kayal see to it that he doesn't shed any tears because of you". She teased her daughter, well my wife, ummm actually my Kayal. As the realization hit me that she is now mine somehow I got few tears in my eyes thinking about the grace of Allah(SWT).

I said, "Nandri Athai (Thank you Aunty)".

Just then Mustafa asked all of us to pose for pictures. Kayal knew what I had in my eyes were happy tears. Still, she came near me and whispered in my ears, "Don't worry. I will not be such a bad wife. You don't have to cry about marrying me."

To this I smiled and turned her towards the camera and placed my hand on her shoulders. I could sense the goose bumps in the back of her neck. She turned towards me with a smile. I think Mustafa got that moment. And then everybody took few more pictures with us. I took my mobile phone from my pocket and took a selfie with Kayal by my side and my hand on her shoulder. Wow. I think what brings beauty to a face is a simple honest smile. Both of us had that and I was happy about it.

Everybody was talking to each other when I turned towards Kayal and said, "Yey azhagi, naan unnai kaadhalikkiren (Hey beautiful woman, I love you)."

She glowed like a star and said in a very low voice, "Finally, I got to hear it from you."

I wanted to pinch her nose for teasing me and not replying with 'I love you too'. But my Maama was coming near me. He hugged me and said, "Vaazhthukkal Ali (Congrats Ali)."

"Nandri Maama (Thank you Uncle)".

He then left because Vappa called him. Now Amma and Akka came near us. Amma said, "Masha Allah, you look really beautiful with Karugamani."

Wearing Karugamani (Black beads tied in golden strings) around a woman's neck in marriage is inspired by Tamil tradition of tying Thaali. Thaali is mostly a yellow thread/chain with a pendant signifying the God, nature etc. Tamil Muslims mostly wear Karugamani which might have been inspired by Marathas or just to show that we are different from Hindus and Christians. In most Muslim families the bride groom has to give the Thaali/Karugamani to the bride in her hand and she has to give it to the Bridegroom's sister who will wear it around the bride's neck. But in few families like ours the bridegroom has to wear the Karugamani in bride's neck. I liked it because I wanted to. Masha Allah, it looked beautiful on Kayal.

Kayal smiled and said, "Thank you Athai."

Umar also came near us and said, "Congrats Anna and congrats Anni."

When we said, "Thank you", Mustafa joined us by keeping his hand on Akka's shoulder. He said, "Both of you, congrats on your instant Nikkah."

Both of us laughed and said, "Thank you."

My grandparents and other family members also wished me through Skype.

Ahmed also wished us and hugged me. He then left quickly because he was helping out with some patients. Then Amma said, "Ali, all of us are leaving now. We will send lunch in some time. Take care of Kayal."

I said, "Okay Amma."

Since my parents invited my in laws to our home for lunch they also started with my parents. Athai said, "We will be back by evening. Take proper rest."

Kayal said "Okay Amma" and hugged Athai.

When everybody left the room, I closed the door and latched it. I came near Kayal who was still standing and cupped her face in my hands and kissed her forehead remembering her wish that 'The kiss' is for Nuptial night. I said, "Please don't frighten me like this again."

She said, "I don't want to. Now come with me." She dragged me to the cot. She lied down in the cot. I helped her and covered her with a blanket.

She pulled me down with her left hand and said "Lie down with me."

I know people who are thin have strong bone weight. I have experienced her strength while struggling with me. But now, since it was unexpected I almost lied down in the cot. The bed was big enough to hold two people. So I lied down properly. I thought of letting her snuggle in my chest but she gently pulled me towards her and kept my head in her left chest. I thought it would be uncomfortable for her. I said, "Kayal this..."

She said, "Salim, first sleep for some time."

I said, "Kayal...."

"Shhhhh Salim. I am not going to talk to you unless you lose that redness from your eyes. First sleep for some time. No more talking."

I looked at my eyes while taking bath. It had got very red, may be due to crying or the pain I was suffering from inside. I might be the first man in history to snuggle around my wife's chest within ten minutes of marriage. But now, I neither cared for History or Geography. I just cared for Biology. The most basic Biology, a human being's heart beat. Kayal's heart beat was like a lullaby to me. The best lullaby a man would want to hear. Throughout my life I may cuddle Kayal in my arms to sleep. But today, I needed this comfort. Till this second I didn't realize how much I craved for this comfort. But Kayal knew it and offered me without even me asking for it. As if that wasn't enough to lull me to sleep, Kayal massaged my head by drawing little circles with her fingers. The last thing I remember before going to sleep was how her body stiffened and relaxed in a second when I circled her waist with my hand. She kissed the top of my head and I slept smiling.

Kayal's POV

The only reason why I agreed to marry Salim today was the pain I saw in his eyes. Nobody should go through such pain and definitely not my Salim. I knew how sensitive he is when it comes to me. I felt agreeing to Nikkah may lessen his pain. I was ready to push back my pain to make Salim happy, well, for our happiness as well. I was also happy that we got married today. I too didn't want to stay away from Salim anymore. One reason why I cuddled him to sleep was to let him know that I am okay now. He was sleeping by holding my waist tightly as if something might happen to me if he loosens his grip. I continued massaging his head while thinking about all the events that occurred today when I heard a knock in the door.

I said, "Please wait, I am coming."

It must have been just half an hour since he slept. I didn't want to disturb his sleep. I tried to wriggle myself from his hold. But he had a good grip on me. I didn't want to irritate the person who was waiting outside. So, I did the only possible thing. I tapped his shoulders and whispered in his ears. "Salim, please take your hand for a while. Somebody is knocking the door."

He didn't even stir. He must be very tired. I tried to get up from his hold again when Salim slightly stirred. I said, "Salim, I am sorry to disturb your sleep. Somebody is knocking the door. I will see who it is and will be right back."

He suddenly woke up. "You wait here ma. I will see who it is."

The redness in his eyes had visibly reduced. He slightly opened the door and went outside. I sat up thinking we might be having some visitor. Within few seconds he came inside smiling with a bag. It smelled of Biryaani. Oh my God. Till this smell reached my nostrils I didn't realize how hungry I was. Salim said, "Umar brought lunch for us. I will just wash my hands and come."

He went to the washbasin in the corner of the room and washed his hands and opened the food container. He said "Bismillah" and fed the first morsel to me. "Yummy Salim." He smiled and then had the second morsel for himself. It was nice to know that he was comfortable to share food with me. When we were done with Biryaani and Fish gravy we had Baadaam Paayasam (Almond and Milk Based Dessert).

After washing the empty food containers he came and sat next to me, placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Hai Azhagi (Hai Beautiful)."

"Salim, what is this with the new endearment?"

"That's because just yesterday I learnt the truth about your name."

I gave him a confused look, "What truth?"

"That Kayal is the name of a fish. The name Kayal is very beautiful. Till yesterday I thought it meant beautiful. So, I thought it was an apt name for you. But now that I know the real meaning of your name, I don't want to call you with that name like everybody. I want to call you 'beautiful', what I thought was the meaning of your name, at least in private."

I laughed and said, "Nice explanation."

"Tell me, do you like it?"

"Of course, it is sweet."

"Then come here."

He pulled me closer and whispered in my ear "Azhagi, Azhagi, Azhagi." (It is a common custom to say a name thrice while naming a child).

I laughed and looked at his face. "Just because you started calling me beautiful doesn't mean that I will forget that you cheated me of my marital right?"

He gave me a confused look, "What marital right are you talking about?"

"My Mahr. Just because I am not a Muslim doesn't mean that you shouldn't give me Mahr."

He smiled and said, "Normally the Mahr is Rs 10,000. Vappa mentioned it in Nikkahnaama. I will transfer the amount to you right now." With that he took his mobile out.

I said, "Salim, you are so outdated. BMMA has given a draft recommendation. I think according to it, you should be giving me a year's salary as Mahr. But, I don't want money as Mahr."

He was amused and asked, "Then what do you want?"

"Clause 1: A cup of coffee."

He laughed, "You want a cup of coffee for your Mahr?"

"Not just one cup of coffee, one cup of coffee for every Sunday morning of our lifetime. Daily you can cook or help me in the kitchen whenever you want or whenever I may request you to. But every Sunday morning I want a cup of coffee made by you."

He gave a cute smile with a dimple and said, "Okay. My pleasure. What is the next clause?"

I couldn't stop myself from poking his dimple. He said, "Ouch."

"For a very long time I wanted to poke your dimple. Now that we are married, I can poke it as much as I want."

He pinched my nose. I whined, "Salim."

"I wanted to pinch your nose since forever. It feels so good to pinch it. Now tell me about the second clause."

I said, "When we start living together we may have some differences between us. There might be some arguments. But, I don't want anything to be carried forward to the next day. Every night how much ever angry or frustrated you are with me, you still have to let me sleep in your arms for at least ten minutes. Physical distance between a couple increases the distance in a relationship. And let's just say I will be happier if you yourself pull me into your arms. So the second clause in my Mahr is to let me sleep in your arms for at least ten minutes every night. Do you agree?"

His cheeks reddened instantly. "Agreed. It is a good idea. But, tell me why do you want to limit it to ten minutes and not more than that?"

"Salim, ten minutes is minimum. More than that is appreciated. Yet, I have a feeling that how much ever romantic it may sound, after ten minutes your hands as well as my neck may start aching. I saw you rubbing your neck sometime back, even you might have strained your muscle while sleeping in my arms."

"You are right ma. I might have strained a muscle because of my bad pose. But, those thirty minutes, I slept very peacefully. So let me warn you, you are not going anywhere away from my arms while sleeping. If lying in my arms for a long time is uncomfortable, move down and snuggle in my chest. Fine?"

I instantly snuggled myself in his chest. It felt like home, as if I belonged there. He wrapped both his arms around me and said, "Yey Azhagi (Hey beautiful), never worry about hurting my arms. It seems like I have been waiting forever to pull you into my arms."

"Salim, I will remind you this when you tell me about your aching arms in the morning."

He laughed and said, "I wouldn't mind" and placed a kiss on top of my head.

I tightly hugged him with my left hand. I suddenly got reminded of his dream and lifted my head, "Salim, tell me about the dream when you woke up by rubbing your lips."

He gave me a surprised look, "Who told you about that dream?"

"John. When I called all my friends to inform about our engagement, I called him as well. He said a lot of nice things about you and how you used to wake up in the middle of the night and say 'Astaghfirullah'."

"Ya Allah. I can't say about that dream now. Then there will be no thrill when we actually kiss in the nuptial night."

"Salim, are you telling me that you will wait for three weeks to kiss me? Aren't we Halaal now?"

He stroked my hair and said, "Of course, we are Halaal now. But you were the one who said that you want your first The Kiss in the nuptial night. Then I also promised Maama (Father in law) that we will start our Family relationship only after the wedding of your custom. So till then we have to be like Dating Husband and Wife. I can kiss you now but it will be difficult to stop at that. So first, let's focus on getting you well soon."

I got curious now, "Salim I never talked to you about kissing."

He scratched the back of his neck, "I think it is high time, I tell you all the truth. Yesterday I met Reshma Sister and Feroz in a Friend's engagement. Reshma Sister asked me whether I missed you. I said that I missed you a lot. So she asked me to wait for a surprise in Skype. She called me in Skype just when you were entering Vidhu's place yesterday. I actually saw you all the time when you were answering all their questions. I disconnected the call when you said, Good night."

I kept my hand in mouth, "Salim. How is it that all my friends team up for you? I can accept Reshma, but Vidhu?"

He gave me a shy grin and said, "I think I am really sweet."

I mock glared at him. He kissed me in my forehead and said, "You look really cute while glaring at me. So your purpose of glaring is lost."

I smiled and snuggled in his chest again. He again wrapped me in his arms and said, "Do you remember the time when we were working on the presentation about Jallikattu (Bull Taming)? The day before the presentation both of us were in the small roundtanna and both of us left for our rooms. When I entered the room, John was on phone with Sara. Since you said, "That guy seriously gives me a headache" referring to me, John thought it would be fun to listen to your conversation. Sara's mobile was in speaker mode all the time you talked about love and relationship."

I interrupted, "I remember chatting with them about you. But I don't remember all the nitty gritty stuff now. What did I say about you?"

He smirked and said, "You said, I quote, "He is too handsome, he has a beautiful smile, a cute dimple and he has got the sexiest hair I have seen in men. I always have the urge to run my fingers through it.""

Urghhhhhhhh. I buried my face in his chest. "Why is it that my friends and family join hands with you to embarrass me? When you came to propose, Amma also told me that you were the driver of our car when we were returning from Trichy after Fathima Anni's marriage. "

He said, "Yes, that too."

I looked up at his face, "I want revenge Salim."

He asked me in an amused voice, "What revenge?"

"Since I can't ask any of your friends to play twenty questions with you and broadcast it for me, I will ask you them myself. You better answer them honestly."

He smiled and nodded his head.

The song I have attached is 'Kalyaana Malai' from the movie Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989). Music by Ilaiyaraaja Sir, Lyrics by Vaali Sir, Singer – S.P.Balasubramanyam Sir.

My favorite lines are

To be blessed with a beautiful wife who is a loving companion is a delight

Lust begins while lying down in her lap and having romance

A good wife's love is equal to crores, my heart sings in 'Thodi' Raagam (melody) for her

This is a happy kingdom.