𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟕

ARZO

We wake up thirty minutes before the jet lands and go back to our seats for the landing.

When we exit the plane, I find a car waiting for us to take us to our resort. After loading our bags into the trunk, we get in the car and let the driver take us to our destination.

After a long drive, we arrive at our resort.

We both get out of the car and the driver opens the trunk before he and Faizan start taking out our bags.

I go to pick up my bag but Faizan stops me by saying, “no.”

I blink at him, he takes the luggage from me and says, “you’re not carrying any of these.”

“Why not?” I sign, “I am stronger than I look, I can carry these.”

“I never said you couldn’t, amar. I don’t want you to carry anything when I’m here. If it were up to me, you wouldn’t have to do any work.”

“That would make me lazy. And if ammi finds out, I’m going to get scolded.”

“I wouldn’t tell a soul.”

He pecks my cheeks and tells me to go inside. I give him thumbs up, sneakily pick up my shoulder bag and rush inside before he stops me.

Our resort stands tall by the ocean with its sleek, contemporary lines and expansive glass walls that reflect the sea. Balconies and terraces provide breathtaking ocean views. Lush, manicured lawns surround the resort, enhancing its beautiful tropical look. A spectacular pool merges with the horizon, surrounded by sun loungers and shaded cabanas.

I make my way to our room to take off my hijab and make wudu.

By the time I step out of the bathroom, I find Faizan present in the room.

“Go fresh up, I’ll pull out our prayer mats.” I sign to him.

“Okay.”

With a kiss on my head, he disappears into the bathroom and I open one of our luggage to take out our prayer mats.

I pull out my phone and check the direction of the Kaaba then place the prayer mats according to it.

I put on my hijab just when Faizan steps out of the bathroom.

He stands beside me on the prayer mat and kisses my head making me smile then we start offering Salah.

After offering Salah, like always, Faizan does dhikr on my fingers while I rest my head on his shoulder.

When he’s done, he interlocks our fingers together and kisses my knuckles, my smile widens. I look up at him, locking my eyes with him.

“You haven’t eaten for a while.” he says, his thumb caressing my knuckles, “let’s head to the restaurant and eat before we do something else.”

I nod in agreement. We both get up and I make my way towards my bag to take out my outfit while Faizan puts away our prayer mats.

I go into the bathroom, take a shower and change into a white oversized white shirt and a long beige skirt.

I exit the bathroom so Faizan can go in.

I pair my outfit with white sneakers, a beige hijab and put the necklace Faizan gave me back around my neck.

I pack my tote bags with necessities needed for the beach. I’ll ask Faizan to go to the beach after lunch.

Faizan steps out of the bathroom dressed in a plain white shirt with a beige flannel over it and beige trousers. The white shirt traces out his muscles, thankfully the flannel doesn’t drag your eyes to trace out his muscles.

For me it is different.

Why must he look so attractive in such a basic outfit?

“Ready to go, amar?” he asks after putting on his shoes.

I nod, pulling the bag over my shoulder. Faizan interlocks our fingers together then we leave the resort.

The restaurant is on a walking distance from our resort so we didn’t have to take a car.

Faizan opens the door of the restaurant and lets me go in first. We take our seat on the table by the tall glass window of the restaurant which overlooks the beach.

“Can we visit the beach after lunch?” I sign after we place our orders.

“Of course, amar. You don’t have to ask.”

“I like asking you questions.”

“I see,” he says, the corner of his lips turning up. The act making me smile itself.

“Am I allowed to ask you a question?” he asks when our food arrives.

I nod after we thank the waiter.

“You’re studying fine arts.” I nod at his statement, “why not marketing when you want to do that job?”

I take a moment then look up at him to answer, “Marketing wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do when I chose fine arts. I chose it because I wanted to be successful as a painter. Try to sell my paintings or give them away for auctions.”

“Why aren’t you doing that?”

I shrug, “I don’t feel like it would work anymore… I don’t think any of my paintings are worth exhibition like. Api said they are but as long as I don’t see it, I am not going on that path.”

“Why don’t you make one?”

I blink at him, “what?”

“Make a masterpiece for yourself. I’m not saying that the inspiration will come overnight but what if, instead of looking at something new for your inspiration, you look at something you already love or admire and paint its meaning." He says, “Masterpiece isn’t always about what you paint but what the meaning behind it is.”

I stare at him for a moment, processing his words then ask, “Do you think I will be able to do it?”

“I know you will do it, amar. I believe in you.”

ᯓᡣ𐭩

After lunch, we went to the beach, laid out a blanket, sat on it and talked.

Correction: I rambled and he watched with a hint of his beautiful smile.

Now, we’re walking by the sea, holding hands, the cold breeze hitting us.

There’s no one here except us right now.

I stare ahead at the empty pathway of sand, an idea clicking into my head.

I step in front of Faizan, facing him, he stops in his tracks.

“Do you run?” I sign.

He frowns at my random question but answers, “yes?”

My smile widens, “catch me if you can.”

“What-”

I dart away from him, speeding into a full run ahead.

Adrenaline rushes through my veins as my feet push me forward through the cold breeze. My heart pounds in my chest, each beat syncing with the rhythmic thud of my feet hitting the sand. I'm about to turn my head to see if he's behind me when-

A squeal escapes through my lips when a strong pair of arms wrap around my waist, lifting me from the ground.

“Caught you,” his deep, firm voice sends a shiver through my body.

A heartfelt laugh escapes my lips as my back crashes with his front, warmth spreading through my body.

Another sound mixes with my laugh.

His laugh.

Not a chuckle. But a strong, genuine laugh.

I turn my head to see a huge smile spreading across his face revealing a tiny dimple on his cheek.

The smile makes his face so beautiful. I will sit for hours and stare at him like that. He has the kind of smile that’ll make anyone smile in return.

He puts me back on the ground, keeping his hands around my waist as I turn around to face him, placing my hands on his chest.

“That was very impressive, amar.” he says, his smile still in place.

I don’t say anything and just stare at him with a small smile.

“What?”

I slightly shake my head.

We stand in the middle of the beach, eyes locked with each other, the sound of the ocean meeting the sand surrounding us, the cold breeze passing through.

His eyes drop to my lips for one split second before they lock back with my eyes and I hear the moment my heart skips a beat.

None of us say or do anything, both not sure whether to say something or move.

He leans in first and captures my lips in a soft kiss.

My eyes close and I return the kiss, feeling his grip tighten around my waist.

The softness of the kiss sends a warm shiver down my spine, making my heart flutter.

My arms wrap around his neck, hands disappearing into his hair as the world around us fades.

The kiss breaks after a moment, leaving both of us breathless. Our eyes locked with each other, indicating what we both want.

His lips curl into a beautiful smile.

He places a peck on the side of my mouth and softly says, “let’s head back to our resort.”