Chapter 24: part 6

Shiza’s graduation day was a whirlwind of emotions. The pride on Farhaan's face as he watched her receive her degree was enough to make her heart swell. He had flown in from New York just to be there, and his presence meant the world to her.

As the evening rolled around, Farhaan had planned a special celebration just for the two of them.

Farhaan picked her up, dressed sharply in a black suit that made Shiza’s heart skip a beat. She wore a stunning white dress that accentuated her glowing complexion. The restaurant he chose was intimate, with soft lighting and a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

Over the meal, they shared laughs and stolen glances, the chemistry between them palpable. Farhaan leaned forward, his voice soft yet teasing.

“You’ve always been brilliant, but seeing you on stage today... Shiza Saiyed, you’ve outdone yourself.”

Shiza blushed, twirling her fork around the dessert on her plate. “You’re being dramatic.”

“I’m serious,” he said, his tone sincere now. “You’ve worked so hard, and I’m so proud of you.”

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she looked up to meet his gaze. “Thank you, Farhaan. It means a lot coming from you.”

He smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Don’t get too used to my compliments, though. I still need to keep you on your toes.”

Shiza laughed, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

After dinner, Farhaan suggested they take a walk. To Shiza’s surprise, he drove them to a nearby park, where the cool evening breeze and twinkling lights set a magical ambiance. They bought ice cream from a small vendor and strolled hand in hand, sharing stories and teasing each other.

At one point, Shiza playfully swiped a bit of ice cream onto Farhaan’s nose. He paused, feigning shock. “Oh, you’re in trouble now.”

She giggled, trying to run, but he caught her easily, spinning her around. They both laughed until their sides hurt, the world around them fading away.

As they sat on a bench, Farhaan wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “This is perfect,” he said, looking at her.

“It is,” she agreed, resting her head on his shoulder.

When they returned home, their family was gathered in the living room, waiting for them with mischievous grins.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to come back!” Azeem teased.

Saleha joined in, smirking. “Did you two have fun? Or should we give you more time?”

Farhaan raised an eyebrow, his smirk matching theirs. “Jealous, are we?”

Shiza, on the other hand, tried to hide her embarrassment, but her flushed cheeks gave her away.

Their mothers exchanged knowing looks, and Rabia spoke up. “I think it’s high time we stopped teasing them.”

Iqram nodded in agreement. “Yes, it’s about time we start planning their rukhsati. They’ve waited long enough.”

The room erupted in cheers and congratulations, leaving Shiza and Farhaan speechless for a moment.

Farhaan turned to Shiza, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “Looks like they’ve made up their minds. Are you ready for this?”

Shiza met his gaze, her smile soft but confident. “I’ve been ready for a while now.”

Farhaan’s grin widened, his eyes filled with warmth. “Good, because I can’t wait to bring you home.”

As the family discussed plans and dates, Shiza and Farhaan shared a look that spoke volumes—this was the beginning of their forever.

The day of their rukhsati arrived, and it felt like a dream to Shiza. The house was adorned with lights, flowers, and an air of celebration. Farhaan looked dashing in his ivory sherwani, his confident demeanor softened by the emotions swirling in his chest. Shiza, on the other hand, looked breathtaking in her red bridal attire, her veil delicately pinned and her jewelry sparkling under the lights.

As the formalities of the rukhsati concluded, Shiza bid a tearful farewell to her family, embracing her mother, sister, and father tightly. Farhaan stood by her side, his gaze unwavering and protective, silently assuring her that she wasn’t stepping into the unknown—she was stepping into a home filled with love.

The house was alive with laughter and chatter as Shiza’s rukhsati marked the beginning of a new phase in her life. Although the couple already lived under the same roof with their extended family, the atmosphere felt different now. The realization that they were no longer just cousins but husband and wife brought a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As the celebrations wound down and the family began retreating to their rooms, Rabia, Farhaan’s mother, called out, “Farhaan, don’t forget to escort your bride to her room.”

Shiza’s cheeks burned at the playful giggles that followed, but Farhaan, ever the confident one, smirked. “Of course, Ammi. She’s my responsibility now.”

Farhaan followed Shiza to her new  room, where she hesitated at the door, her heart pounding. He noticed her pause and leaned in slightly, his voice soft but teasing.

“What’s wrong, Mrs. Saiyed? Suddenly shy?”

Shiza turned, trying to glare at him, but the blush on her cheeks gave her away. “I’m not shy.”

He grinned, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “Good, because I was hoping my wife wouldn’t kick me out tonight.”

Shiza rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. “You’re impossible.”

Farhaan chuckled, taking in the room that had always been his but now felt different to both of them. He walked over to her, his gaze warm but mischievous. “You know, I always thought my room looked nice, but now it feels perfect—because you’re here as my wife.”

Shiza’s breath hitched at his words, and she looked away, busying herself with adjusting her dupatta. “You’re teasing me again.”

“Always,” he said with a smirk. “But can you blame me? You’re just too much fun to fluster.”

Farhaan noticed her fidgeting with her bangles and gently took her hands in his, stilling her movements. “Relax, Shiza. It’s just me.”

She glanced up at him, her nervousness melting into a shy smile. “That’s the problem. It is you.”

He raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Ouch. I didn’t know my presence was so intimidating.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “Not intimidating. Just... distracting.”

His smirk turned into a genuine smile as he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “Good. Because I plan to distract you for the rest of our lives.”

Shiza’s cheeks turned crimson, and she playfully swatted his arm. “Farhaan!”

He laughed, pulling her into a gentle hug. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. For now.

As they stood there, Farhaan pulled back slightly to look at her, his hands still resting lightly on her shoulders. “Shiza, I know we’ve always been close, but this... this is new for both of us. I just want you to know that I’m here for you, always.”

Her eyes softened at his words, and she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know. And I’m here for you too.”

Farhaan’s smile widened, and he couldn’t resist teasing her one last time. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me now, Mrs. Saiyed.”

Shiza laughed, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As they settled into their new dynamic, the love and ease between them made it clear to both of them—and everyone in the house—that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.