Chapter 6: part 5

As their gazes locked, a deep understanding passed between them. Sheheryar’s dark eyes softened, yet there was a question in them—a silent request for permission. Zaina’s breath hitched, but she gave him a small, shy nod, her cheeks heating as she lowered her gaze.

With her unspoken consent, he leaned in slowly, giving her every chance to change her mind. His closeness made her heart race, her palms resting against his chest instinctively, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

Finally, his lips met hers in the softest, most tender kiss. It was gentle, filled with the weight of years of unspoken love and the joy of finally being together. It wasn’t hurried or demanding—it was pure, a sweet affirmation of their newfound bond.

Zaina felt her nervousness melt away as she closed her eyes, letting herself be consumed by the moment. For Sheheryar, it was like touching a dream he’d held close for so long.

When he pulled away slightly, his forehead rested against hers, both of them catching their breaths. His voice was barely above a whisper as he said, “MashaAllah, Zaina... you’re perfect.”

Her lips trembled into a soft smile, and she whispered, “You’re not so bad yourself, Sheheryar.”

His deep chuckle resonated through her, and he gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “You don’t know what you’ve done to me, Aina. You’ve made my world complete.”

Blushing furiously, she lightly pushed his chest, murmuring, “Sheheryar, stop saying such things.”

But he only smiled wider, pulling her into another embrace. “Get used to it,” he said with a smirk, his voice full of promise. “You’re mine now, and I’m not going to stop reminding you of how much I love you.”

Zaina buried her face in his chest, her heart fluttering at his words. In that moment, she knew—this was her home, her happiness, and her forever.

Sheheryar smirked as he pulled back, his dark eyes glinting mischievously. “You know, Zaina,” he started, his voice dipping into a playful tone, “that was my first kiss.”

Zaina’s eyes widened, and her cheeks turned crimson. “W-what?” she stammered, trying to move away, but he gently held her wrist, stopping her.

He tilted his head, his smirk turning into a teasing grin. “What? Surprised? Did you think I was out here kissing anyone else?”

She bit her lip nervously, her eyes darting anywhere but to his face. “Well… it was my first kiss too,” she whispered so softly he almost didn’t hear her.

His teasing grin widened. “Really?” he asked, leaning closer to her, his voice dripping with mock innocence. “So, what you’re saying is... we’re each other’s firsts?”

Her blush deepened, and she tried to free her wrist, but he held on firmly. “Stop it, Sheheryar,” she muttered, her voice laced with embarrassment.

“Oh no, Aina,” he teased, leaning even closer, his breath warm against her ear. “I’m just thinking... since we’re both new at this, maybe we should practice a bit more. You know, to get better at it.”

She gasped and smacked his arm lightly, finally yanking her wrist free. “Sheheryar! You’re impossible!”

His laughter filled the room, a rich, deep sound that made her heart flutter. “What? I’m just being honest! Practice makes perfect, right?” he said, winking at her.

Zaina turned away, her face burning as she tried to hide her smile. “You’re shameless,” she mumbled, fiddling with the edge of her dupatta.

He reached out and gently turned her to face him again, his tone softening but still playful. “I’m shameless because I love you, Aina. And I love the way you blush like this. It’s my new favorite thing.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she tried to hide her face again, but he cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. “Get used to it,” he said with a smirk. “Because I’m not going to stop teasing you, especially now that I know how adorable you look when you’re flustered.”

Zaina let out a huff, but the small smile on her lips betrayed her. “You’re impossible,” she repeated, though her voice was softer this time, tinged with affection.

“And you’re mine,” he countered, pulling her into another quick hug before letting her go. “Now, come on. I think I’m going to need some tea after all this excitement. Care to make it for your shameless husband?”

She shook her head, laughing despite herself. “Fine. But no more flirting!”

“No promises,” he called after her, his laughter echoing as she walked out of the room, her heart fluttering like never before.

Zaina stood at the kitchen counter, carefully pouring steaming tea into the cups. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she thought about Sheheryar’s endless teasing since their nikah. It seemed like he couldn’t stay away for even a moment without finding some excuse to touch her or make her blush.

Just as she placed the teapot down, she felt familiar arms wrap around her waist. She froze for a second before relaxing into his embrace, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Sheheryar,” she whispered, her voice a mix of amusement and mock annoyance. “You’re incorrigible. Let me work.”

“Work?” he murmured against her shoulder, his voice low and playful. “Being close to my wife is more important than anything else.”

“Sheheryar, someone will see,” she protested softly, though she made no effort to move away.

He chuckled. “Let them. We’re married, remember?”

Before Zaina could retort, a loud clearing of the throat startled them both. Sheheryar slowly loosened his hold, but not before stealing a glance at the source of the interruption. Standing in the doorway, holding a glass of water, was Usman Saiyed,

Zaina’s cheeks turned a fiery shade of red as she quickly stepped away, adjusting her dupatta. Sheheryar, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Well, well,” Usman said, his tone laced with amusement. “What do we have here?”

“Taya Abbu!” Zaina stammered, her voice barely audible as she lowered her gaze. “I… I was just making tea…”

“She’s an excellent multitasker,” Sheheryar quipped, leaning casually against the counter. “She can make tea and make my day at the same time.”

Zaina shot him a horrified look, but Usman chuckled, clearly entertained by his son’s antics.

“Shameless,” Usman said, shaking his head with a laugh. “You’re just like your mother. Sheheryar, you’re married, not living on another planet. At least pretend there are others in this house.”

Sheheryar grinned unapologetically. “What’s the problem, Abbu? It’s perfectly normal. Right, Zaina?”

Zaina’s face turned crimson, and she busied herself arranging the tea tray. “I… I’ll take this to the living room,” she mumbled, desperate to escape the situation.

Usman watched her retreating form with a fond smile before turning back to Sheheryar. “You’re lucky, Sheheryar,” he said, his voice softer now. “She’s a gem. Take care of her.”

“I will,” Sheheryar replied earnestly, his playful demeanor giving way to sincerity. “Always.”

Usman patted his son’s shoulder and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Sheheryar standing there with a satisfied smirk.

As Zaina nervously carried the tray into the living room, she felt Sheheryar’s eyes on her. She risked a glance at him, only to find him grinning at her in that infuriating yet endearing way.

Somehow, despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t help but smile back.