Chapter 21: part 3

The Saiyed house was abuzz with excitement as everyone prepared for the big family wedding. Saleha and Azeem were running around, teasing each other and occasionally dragging Farhaan into their banter. Meanwhile, Shiza was still upstairs, struggling to pin her dupatta just right and ensure every detail of her outfit was perfect.

“Where’s Shiza?” Rabia asked, glancing around the living room. Everyone else was ready, their vibrant attire reflecting the joyous occasion.

“She’s probably still getting ready,” Nadia replied, adjusting Suha’s earrings.

Rabia turned to Farhaan, who was leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone. “Farhaan, go check on Shiza. We don’t want to be late.”

Farhaan looked up, slightly surprised but nodded. “Sure.”

---

He climbed the stairs and reached her door, knocking lightly. “Shiza? Ammi says we’re getting late.”

“Just a minute!” came her slightly frantic reply from inside.

Farhaan chuckled to himself, leaning against the doorframe. “That’s what you said ten minutes ago.”

The door opened suddenly, and Shiza stepped out, adjusting the bangles on her wrist. Farhaan’s teasing words caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. She wore a deep emerald green lehenga with intricate gold embroidery, her dupatta draped elegantly over her shoulder. Her hair was styled with loose waves, and her minimal yet striking jewelry completed the look.

For a moment, he couldn’t speak, his eyes locked on hers. Shiza noticed his silence and frowned slightly. “What? Is something wrong?”

Farhaan blinked, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Wrong? You just made every bride at the wedding irrelevant.”

Her cheeks turned crimson, and she averted her gaze. “Stop it, Farhaan,” she muttered, stepping past him.

He followed, a playful smirk on his lips. “I’m serious. If this is what you look like as a guest, I’m scared for the day you’re the bride. How am I supposed to focus on anything else?”

“Farhaan!” she exclaimed, her embarrassment evident in her tone, but she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

They reached the stairs, and Farhaan offered his arm with a dramatic flourish. “May I?”

Shiza rolled her eyes but placed her hand on his arm. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

“And yet, here you are,” he quipped, his tone light.

---

When they entered the living room, everyone turned to look, Saleha and Azeem immediately bursting into grins.

“Finally!” Azeem exclaimed. “Bhai, what took you so long? Were you giving Shiza a lecture on punctuality?”

“Something like that,” Farhaan said smoothly, his eyes flicking to Shiza, who avoided his gaze.

Rabia smiled knowingly, nudging Nadia. “They look good together, don’t they?”

“They do,” Nadia agreed, her voice soft with affection.

As the family piled into the cars to head to the wedding venue, Farhaan found himself stealing glances at Shiza, her laughter and easy banter with Suha only making her more captivating in his eyes. And while he teased her mercilessly, there was no denying the growing admiration and affection he felt for his wife-to-be.

Farhaan spotted Shiza standing with Parvez, a cousin from the groom’s side, near the garden area. Parvez was leaning in slightly, his laughter overly enthusiastic as he spoke to her. Farhaan’s jaw tightened. He adjusted his cuffs and strode over, his confidence radiating with every step.

As he approached, he caught the tail end of Parvez’s comment. “You look stunning tonight, Shiza. I’m sure everyone here agrees.”

Farhaan stepped into their line of sight with a calm, amused expression. “Oh, absolutely. She looks breathtaking,” he said smoothly, his voice deep and laced with authority.

Parvez turned to Farhaan, a little startled. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

Farhaan tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. “Farhaan Saiyed. You might’ve heard of me. You know, her husband?” He emphasized the last word with a deliberate pause, his eyes glinting with playful dominance.

Parvez’s smile faltered, confusion evident on his face. “Husband? I wasn’t aware Shiza was married.”

Farhaan raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Oh, really? I thought it was obvious. But don’t worry, I’m here now to clear up any... misunderstandings.” He slipped his hand into his pocket, his stance casual but his presence commanding. “You see, our nikaah happened before I left for London. The walima hasn’t taken place yet, but I figured being her husband is reason enough for me to step in.”

Parvez shifted uncomfortably. “I... I didn’t mean any offense.”

Farhaan’s smirk turned sharper, though his tone remained light. “Oh, no offense taken, Parvez. Just thought I’d introduce myself before you wasted too much of your time. Shiza’s mine, you see.” He turned to Shiza, his gaze softening. “Shall we, biwi?”

Shiza, her face flushed with both embarrassment and something she couldn’t quite name, nodded silently.

Farhaan turned back to Parvez with a friendly smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Enjoy the wedding, Parvez. There are plenty of single ladies around—perhaps focus your energy elsewhere?”

Without waiting for a response, Farhaan offered his arm to Shiza, who took it hesitantly. As they walked away, she whispered, “That was unnecessary, Farhaan.”

He chuckled, leaning in just slightly. “Unnecessary? Maybe. But effective? Definitely.”

Shiza shook her head, though her lips quirked into a reluctant smile. Farhaan’s sharp wit and unapologetic possessiveness left her heart racing, even as she tried to maintain her composure.

As they walked towards the car after the lively wedding celebration, the night air was cool and filled with the faint sound of distant music. Shiza was adjusting the folds of her lehenga, trying to keep up with Farhaan’s long strides.

“Slow down, Farhaan. I can’t walk this fast in this outfit,” she called out, her voice tinged with both frustration and amusement.

Farhaan turned, a teasing smirk on his face. “You’re always complaining, Mrs. Saiyed. I thought you’d be used to walking gracefully by now.”

Shiza narrowed her eyes at him, but before she could retort, her heel caught on the edge of her lehenga, and she stumbled.

“Shiza!” Farhaan’s reflexes were quick as he stepped forward, catching her before she could fall. His arms wrapped around her waist instinctively, pulling her close to steady her.

Her hands clutched his shoulders, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. Their faces were mere inches apart, her wide, startled eyes meeting his intense gaze. The cool breeze played with her hair, brushing it against his cheek, and the warmth of his hold sent shivers down her spine.

Farhaan’s expression softened, his usual teasing smirk replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable. His eyes searched hers, silently asking a question, a request for permission.

Shiza’s breath hitched, but she gave a barely perceptible nod, her eyes never leaving his.

Farhaan leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted, but she didn’t. His lips met hers in a gentle, heartfelt kiss. It was tender yet electric, a moment filled with unspoken emotions that had been building between them.

When they finally pulled apart, Shiza’s cheeks were flushed, and her heart raced. Farhaan kept his hands on her waist, his forehead resting lightly against hers.

“I like you so much, Shiza,” he confessed softly, his voice carrying a sincerity she had never heard before.

Shiza’s lips curved into a shy smile as she looked into his eyes. “I like you too, Farhaan,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

His lips broke into a boyish grin, and he chuckled softly. “Well, that’s a relief. I was worried you were only tolerating me for my sass.”

Shiza laughed, her tension melting away. “Sometimes, I wonder the same about you.”

Farhaan shook his head, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “No chance. You’ve had my attention since the day of our nikaah, and every day since then, you’ve only made it worse.”

She blushed deeply at his words, her heart swelling with joy.

Farhaan helped her straighten up and made sure her lehenga was no longer a hazard. “Now, let’s get you safely to the car before you trip again. I can’t keep saving you all night.”

Shiza rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here we are,” he teased, offering his hand to her.

Hand in hand, they walked to the car, a newfound closeness settling between them, their hearts lighter and their bond stronger than ever.