Atifa's pov :

"Oh my God, you didn't tell me!" Emaan exclaimed while taking my hand in hers and examining it.

"What?" I asked, confused as to what she was talking about.

"What what? The fact that bhaijaan gifted you this ring. It was your muh dikhai gift right?" She asked me, her eyes glimmering in excitement with a wide grin covering her face. ('Show your face' ceremony)

"Oh that... Uh, yeah." I replied, flustered, as I tried to pull my hand back. We were still at our house, sitting in the living room, about to head to the mall. I was kind of thankful that not everyone's attention was on us.

"Oh, show me too." Ammi chimed in, coming to sit beside Emaan as she took my hand from her and looked at the ring. "It's beautiful." She added, looking at me with a smile.

"I know right! I was just about to say that to her." Emaan added, winking at me.

"What is beautiful? Even I want to see." Bhabi joined us while sitting beside me, a smile on her face. There went my statement regarding attention down the drain.

"Bhabi Saad bhaijaan gifted Atifa this ring. See." Emaan extended my hand to bhabi now, making me internally groan. I should just take out my ring and let them all see until they are satisfied and then wear it again.

"Ma Shaa Allah, I never knew Saad had such a great taste. He isn't interested in shopping much." Bhabi commented, watching the ring. I was so grateful that I was already wearing my niqab. Thank God that they couldn't watch my face or my reaction. I was sure that my cheeks betrayed me.

Both the brothers were busy discussing something which was the reason for us waiting to go to the mall. As for Amira and Alayna, they were busy running around the room, trying to catch one another. Their happy giggles ringing around the house gave us a completely homey feeling.

Alhamdulillah for this. I murmured as I thought about how complete this felt. My ammi beside me as she chatted away happily with bhabi and my best friend. My sister was playing with her new friend and my sister-in-law around the house, making it a home. And my husband was talking with his brother as we waited for them.

My husband. It sounded so weird coming from me. I was married now and had a husband. It just felt so unrealistic, so much like a dream that I never even dared to imagine. It was like my prayers were answered in the best way possible, but now, I didn't even know how to thank Allah for that.

Isn't it said that don't despair from the mercy of Allah, for he always accepts our prayers. When we pray, one of these three things will surely happen. The first is that our prayers will be answered immediately and we will get what we prayed for. The second is that we won't get what we prayed for, but we will, instead, get something much better. And the third option is that our prayers won't be answered in this world, but we will surely get the rewards or our prayers will be answered in the hereafter. Subhan Allah. Isn't that a win win situation for us? The feeling was so overwhelming that I could feel a lump forming in my throat.

There is no harm in praying for something that we want. Because either we will get it here and if not here then on the day of judgment. We wouldn't lose anything if we pray. We have nothing to lose. In fact, Allah loves those who ask from him. He loves to listen to the voice of his creation calling out to him, asking him what they want. And he doesn't like to turn away his believers, who are asking something from him, empty handed.

Excusing myself, I quickly made my way back to my room before ending up in the washroom to calm myself down. I took off my niqab before letting a few tear drops roll down my face as I squeezed my eyes shut. I gripped the washbasin tightly while glancing at my reflection in the mirror. This time, I let my emotions flow because these were the tears of gratitude and I didn't want anyone to notice me like this.

After calming down a bit, I washed my face before stepping out with my niqab in my hand. I was surprised to see him standing near the door as he typed away something on his phone, a small smile playing on his lips. He still hadn't noticed me and taking advantage of that fact, I quickly tied my niqab. If there were any traces of tears or my eyes being red, now they wouldn't be visible.

I was making my way towards the dressing table to check my niqab when I saw him glancing in my direction. Pocketing his mobile he informed me, "Uhh... We were waiting for you but since it was getting late, Aunty left with the kids and Emaan. We have to join bhai and bhabi now."

I nodded my head in understanding while turning to look at him after fixing my niqab. "Shall we go now?" I questioned, my voice weak yet firm.

"Yeah sure." He replied before moving away from the door and making his way downstairs. Sighing in relief, I followed him after closing the door.

._._._.

"I'm sitting in the front!" Bhabi exclaimed just as he was about to open the door of the passenger seat. It was a rented car which they brought from the airport until their stay here.

He glanced at bhabi before sighing and opening the back seat door just as bhabi made her way to the front. I opened the other door before sitting down and closing the door, making bhabi glare in his direction. He sat down and closed the door just as bhai started the car.

"Saad, you should be the one opening the door for your wife like a gentleman." Bhabi sweetly reminded him, making him look at her with wide eyes.

"So you mean I'm not a gentleman?" He questioned incredulously.

"No, not now. Abhi aapki harkat se to nahi lag raha tha." She replied, honey dripping from her voice. (It didn't seem like that from your behaviour right now.)

He scowled at her and muttered something under his breath, making me smile in amusement.

"Jee, kya kaha aapne? Hame sunai nahi dia, zara zor se bolenge aap?" She added while narrowing her eyes at him. (Yes, what did you just say? I couldn't listen, can you please repeat it loudly?)

"Kuch nahi." He muttered, looking away. (Nothing.)

"I thought so." She replied with a smile, making me suppress my chuckle. But bhai didn't hide his amusement as he laughed, making him look at bhai helplessly with a glare.

"Ab hum chalein? Ya yahi ruk kar mujh pe hasne ka irada hai aap logo ka?" He asked annoyedly while I looked away, biting my lips to stop myself from laughing out loud. Poor him. (Now shall we go? Or do you guys plan on laughing at me while sitting here?)

"Phir aap kaam hi aise na karo ke bande ko aap par hasne ka mauka mile." Bhabi added one more comment and this time, I leaned back in my seat and covered my mouth with my hand as I stared at them, amused. He kept staring out of the window without replying anything. (So don't do anything which is going to give people a chance to laugh at you.)

"Chalte hai, bas dua padh lo sb." Bhai replied in amusement, controlling his laughter. (We are going, just read the dua everyone.)

I smiled before muttering the dua quietly just as the car started moving.

بِسْـمِ اللهِ وَالْحَمْـدُ لله، سُـبْحانَ الّذي سَخَّـرَ لَنا هذا وَما كُنّا لَهُ مُقْـرِنين، وَإِنّا إِلى رَبِّنا لَمُنـقَلِبون، الحَمْـدُ لله، الحَمْـدُ لله، الحَمْـدُ لله، اللهُ أكْـبَر، اللهُ أكْـبَر، اللهُ أكْـبَر، سُـبْحانَكَ اللّهُـمَّ إِنّي ظَلَـمْتُ نَفْسي فَاغْـفِرْ لي، فَإِنَّهُ لا يَغْفِـرُ الذُّنوبَ إِلاّ أَنْـت

"Bismillaah, Alhamdu lillaah. Subhaanal-lathee sakhkhara lanaa haathaa wa maa kunnaa lahu muqrineen. Wa 'innaa 'ilaa Rabbinaa lamunqaliboon. Alhamdu lillaah, alhamdu lillaah, alhamdu lillaah, Allaahu 'Akbar, Allaahu 'Akbar, Allaahu 'Akbar, subhaanakal-laahumma 'innee dhalamtu nafsee faghfir lee, fa'innahu laa yaghfiruth-thunooba 'illaa 'Anta."

Translation :
With the Name of Allah. Praise is to Allah. Glory is to Him Who has provided this for us though we could never have had it by our efforts. Surely, unto our Lord we are returning. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Glory is to You. O Allah, I have wronged my own soul. Forgive me, for surely none forgives sins but You.

It is the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to read this dua while travelling. He used to recite it while climbing his camel.

The rest of the drive to the mall was silent except for bhai and bhabi talking quietly every once in a while.

._._._.

"You seriously just did that?" Emaan asked me incredulously, looking at me with wide unbelievable eyes.

I rolled my eyes before replying to her. "Yes Emaan, I did that. What's so unbelievable about it?" I questioned, frustrated.

"I just can't believe you. Of all the things that you could have asked him, you asked for a cake? A CAKE? Are you for real?" She exclaimed, making me pout. Obviously she couldn't see that.

"He stole my cake and ate it while sharing it with everyone." I told her, annoyed.

"So what? It was just a cake man! And aunty has warned you about sweets so why would you do that?" She counter questioned, making me glare at her.

"Yeah exactly! That's the reason why I asked for a cake. I mean, I won't be able to have it otherwise." I replied sheepishly in the end, making her shake her head. We were sitting in a restaurant, still in the mall as we chatted quietly, not wanting to grab any attention.

"Accha phasaya aapko Atifa ne bhaijaan." Emaan remarked, turning her attention to him, making me groan mentally. He just looked confused. I kicked her from under the table, making her glare at me. "What did I do now?" She asked, making me squeeze my eyes shut. This girl! (Atifa has put you in a great dilemma, brother-in-law.)

"Nothing. Just stay quiet." I muttered while looking away, making her grin at me mischievously.

"What if I don't." She teased and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Just complete your lunch." I muttered back, not knowing what I would do if she wouldn't stop her teasing.

"See, I'm already done with it. Now let me talk to bhaijaan." She pointed at her plate before turning back to look at him mischievously. A smug smile on her face.

Ya Allah Help me! This girl was going to ruin my whole plan. I didn't even know how was she my best friend? And I also didn't remember her changing her side. I just looked at him, hoping he would ignore her comments.

"As I was saying, yaar bechare aap! Kitna tang karti haina aapki biwi aapko. Matlab ke nikkah ko hue ek din bhi nahi hua ke uski demands shuru ho gai, haina?" Emaan deliberately said loudly, grabbing everyone's attention. My eyes snapped to her as I glared daggers her way. (Poor you! Your wife troubles you so much, right. I mean, it hasn't even been a day since you guys got married but here she is, already demanding things from you.)

"Konsi demand?" He was still as confused as before, if not more. (Which demand?)

"Oh you don't remember? Cake wali demand, aur konsi?" She replied, making a confused face. Realisation dawned on his face as he shifted in his place awkwardly. Then she turned to look at me and told me innocently, "Dekho, he doesn't even remember it. Tum bhi bhul jao ab." (The demand for a cake, what else?) (See, he doesn't even remember it. Now even you should forget about it.)

Before I could reply, ammi interrupted us. "What cake? Which demand? I'm getting confused here."

"It's nothing ammi, Emaan is just teasing me." I muttered playing with my fingers nervously. I really felt like killing Emaan right now.

"Don't lie. Aunty you won't believe it, she-" Emaan was saying when I kicked her foot, making her yelp in pain and glare at me.

"Accha kya ho raha hai yaha? Koi bataega hame?" Bhabi chimed in, making me look away from Emaan and glance at him helplessly. (Okay what is even happening here? Is someone going to tell us?)

He gave me an assuring nod before clearing his throat. "Kuch nahi bhabi, Emaan ko to bas tang karna aata hai isliye ched rahi hai ye." He replied and I could notice a hint of a smile on his lips, making me smile in return. (Nothing sister-in-law, Emaan only knows how to annoy others that's why she is teasing her.)

"Hawww, dekhiye ye bohot buri baat hai. Aap ab apni biwi ki side le rahe hai. Mai to bas aapki madad karne ki kosish kar rahi thi!" Emaan whined with a pout while I grinned. (Hawww, see this is not fair. Now you are taking your wife's side. I was only trying to help you!)

"Apni biwi ki hi to side le raha hu, kisi aur ki to nahi na. Now don't tease us Miss. Emaan warna I will start finding a groom for you." He replied, making me duck my face as I felt my cheeks getting hot. Although they couldn't see my face, I still couldn't meet anyone's gaze. Apni biwi. That word sure did have an effect on me which I didn't want to accept. Maybe it was just my hormones playing with me. I couldn't trust myself right now. (I'm only taking my wife's side, not anyone else's, right.) (Now don't tease us Miss. Emaan or else I will start finding a groom for you.)

His words seemed to have worked on Emaan as she muttered something under her breath and made a disgusting face, earning a chuckle from others. All the while I was busy trying to suppress my grin and trying not to look in his direction.

._._._.

"When I was trying to save you, you made me shut up. Now good luck. Enjoy." Emaan taunted him with a smirk as she lazily strolled past us, a smug look on her face.

"Accha na, forget about her. Go and buy the cake, it's getting late." I whined with a pout which obviously he couldn't see. He was glaring in Emaan's direction before turning to glare at me. Sighing, I looked away. "Accha, it's okay. Forgot about it." I added quietly before quickening my steps to reach others. (Okay,) (Okay,)

I heard a sigh from behind before he stopped me. "Okay wait, I'm going to buy it. Just don't be upset."

"Really?" I turned around to look at him with hope filled eyes, my voice having an undertone of excitement.

"Yes." He smiled slightly while staring at me, making me avert my gaze. A smile played on my lips.

We walked to where the others were standing, near the cafe, waiting for us. We decided to grab a cup of tea or coffee before heading home as it was already getting late, and by the time we reach home, it would be Isha. Just as they were all about to head inside, he excused us. "Actually you guys go ahead, we will join you all in a while. I actually have to check out something." He said in his deep and smooth voice, making me grin in victory.

"Okay but you can go alone too right, what's the need to take Atifa along with you?" Ammi questioned with furrowed eyebrows, making Emaan grin at us teasingly.

"Aunty, they just got married, let them spend some time together." Bhabi replied, winking at us, making my cheeks heat up as I looked away.

"Okay go ahead, but be back soon. We will be waiting for you guys here." Ammi replied before finally making their way inside.

"Come, let's go before it gets too late." He told me as he held my hand and started walking towards a bakery. My hand went haywire. I could feel tingles all over it as I looked at it, trying to control that feeling.

We stopped when we reached our destination and I quickly pulled my hand back before rubbing it with my other hand, trying to make that tingling sensation fade away. I looked around at the different cakes present here, not meeting his gaze. "We want a chocolate cake. Can you show us the available options?" I could hear him faintly asking the guy behind the counter.

My mind was hazy with different thoughts and feelings overcoming them. I shook my head before looking in the front. This was definitely due to my hormones. Nothing else. I assured myself while glancing at the various cakes lined in in front of me.

"Which one do you want?" His voice brought me out of my thoughts as I blinked my eyes before looking at him, dumbstruck. He raised his brow questioningly when I didn't reply. Realising he was asking me something, most probably about the cake, I looked away from him and towards the cakes once again.

All of them looked mouth-watering and inviting and, for a moment, I contemplated if I should just ask him to buy all of them. But my sweet ammi's angry face came in front of me and I immediately discarded that idea. I decided to go with the one having chocolates on top of it, also deciding to buy other cakes some other day. "That one." Pointing at it, I told him. But I couldn't believe my voice came out this meek.

Clearing my throat, I glanced at him. He nodded his head before asking the worker to pack it for us. "Are you happy now?" Turning to look at me, he asked me in an amused voice.

"Very!" I heard myself replying to him enthusiastically without my permission. I heard him chuckle, making me look down in embarrassment. God! What happened to me?

Just as we were about to leave the bakery, the bag in our hands, we heard a familiar voice calling us. Turning to look in the direction of the voice, a low groan escaped my lips, making him chuckle in amusement. There stood Amira and Alayna wearing identical cheeky grins as they waved at us excitedly. Behind them stood the devil herself. Emaan had a devilish smile on her face as she winked at us.

There went my plan of not sharing my cake with anyone this time.

._._._.

I couldn't help but feel irritated watching the silly and teasing grin on Emaan's face as we entered the cafe. Heaving an irritated sigh, we made our way towards the table where everyone sat and chatted away.

"Alhamdulillah you guys are back! I was getting a bit worried thinking where you both went and so, I asked Emaan to go and check." Ammi exclaimed in relief, making me groan internally.

"Ammi, we were gone for like ten to fifteen minutes." I replied while sitting across her. He took his seat beside me while shaking his head.

"Wait really?!" She checked her watch before laughing awkwardly. "I thought it was more than that." She added sheepishly.

"Wait, so you aren't going to ask them what they bought?" Emaan piped in, making me look at her warningly. I glared at her through gritted teeth.

"Oh yeah, I actually forgot! What did you guys buy?" Now everyone's attention was turned towards us, making me shift uncomfortably in my seat as I glanced at him, hoping he would help us out. The kids had identical cheeky smiles on their faces as they stared at us knowingly. 

"I actually wanted to buy a cake." He replied, making my head snap in his direction as I looked at him with wide eyes. Was he actually covering up for me? Awwwh how sweet. Wait what?

"You wanted a cake?" Ammi furrowed her eyebrows while looking at him suspiciously.

"Yeah bhaijaan, YOU wanted a cake?" Emaan asked him teasingly, making bhai and bhabi suppress their smiles.

His gaze flickered towards me before he looked back at ammi with a small smile. "Yeah."

"I don't know why but I can't actually believe you." She replied, still looking at us suspiciously. "You told him to buy that cake, didn't you Atifa?" Now she turned to look at me in disapproval, making me look at her sheepishly. I was once again kind of thankful that she couldn't see my expression. My niqab was really my saviour. Alhamdulillah for that. I grinned and stayed silent while looking down. I wouldn't agree, nor would I disagree.

"Aunty rehne dijiye. Unhone to bas ek cake hi liya haina." Bhai told her, making me look at him gratefully. (Aunty leave it. They just bought a cake, right.)

"Jee aunty, waise bhi usne pehli baar kuch manga hai shaadi ke baad Saad se. Ab hum use mana to nahi kar sakte na." Bhabi added, making me blush as I looked away. My gaze met his and I noticed a hint of amusement and smile there before I looked down. (Yes aunty, and anyways, she asked something from Saad for the first time after their marriage, we can't deny her.)

Squeezing my eyes shut, I played with my fingers as I hoped for the topic to change. "Accha, now order whatever you guys want." Ammi finally changed the topic, making me sigh in relief. (Okay,)

Picking up the menu kept in front of us, I scanned the items quickly just as the waiter came with others order and took our order. "Cold coffee and..." I glanced at ammi as I trailed off. I wanted to order something sweet but I knew she would start giving me a lecture in front of everyone right now if I did that.

My gaze roamed around before landing on the person sitting beside me. He was looking at me with narrowed eyes. So he knew what I wanted to order? "Cheese croissant. A cold coffee and cheese croissant for her. And I would like tea with cheese croissant." Before I could add anything else, he added, making me glare at him. He just smiled sweetly at me.

I stayed quiet until the waiter left before stomping my foot on his foot, making him jerk and yelp in pain. "What happened Saad? Are you alright?" Bhabi seemed to have noticed it as she asked him, her voice concerned.

He glared at me murderously before turning to look at bhabi. "Yeah bhabi, I'm alright." He smiled at her. She nodded her head before turning her attention back to whatever bhai was saying.

"Why did you do that? I wanted something else na." I mumbled angrily while he suppressed his chuckle, making me more annoyed.

"You want that cake or not?" He asked me quietly and I glanced at him to see if he was serious. He had a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, giving away his seriousness.

"I want it." I replied with a pout anyway, making him grin.

"Yeah so you will have to do with croissant for now. Or else you know what your lovely ammi will do." He replied, a knowing look on his face.

"Khadoos." I mumbled under my breath and he shook his head, trying to suppress his laughter. (Rude.)

"Me or your ammi?" He questioned teasingly while I glared at him. The waiter brought our order and kept it in front of us.

"Shut up!" My reply was as fierce as my gaze. The teasing grin didn't seem to leave his face as I grabbed my coffee cup angrily.

._._._.

GLOSSARY :

- Muh dikhai - A 'show you face' ceremony in which the bride gets a gift from her husband when he watches her face for the first time after marriage.
(There are different traditions regarding this in different places.)

- Khadoos - Rude.

._._._.

▪ Who is the one who usually gets roasted in your group or family?

._._._.