12. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒓𝒉𝒚𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒚, 𝒈𝒐

By eight o'clock the next morning we were already on the way to the Airport. We had a flight by Nine but my mother being like all moms came over by seven and basically drove us out of our house saying we'd be late if we didn't go now.

Yeah okay Mom, we'd definitely take more than two hours to reach the airport. We were literally like thirty minutes from the Airport, what could go wrong?

~

We were late.

The traffic prolonged the car ride so after a 45 minute drive, we finally reached the Airport. We were cutting it close so we rushed into the Airport. My Abaya flying everywhere, his flying everywhere as we rushed to make it on time. Thank God that we did, that would've been embarrassing if we didn't .

After checking in, we passed through security and found our gate, my excitement and nerves building.

Boarding the plane, we settled into our seats and fastened our seatbelts and went through the usual procedures and waited to take off.

This being my first time on a plane, I could feel the nervousness creeping up on me. It only increased when I heard the pilot's announcement over the intercom,

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard Delta Airlines. We're currently preparing for departure and will be taxiing to the runway shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts, stow your tray tables, and ensure all electronic devices are in airplane mode. Thank you for flying with us, and we wish you a pleasant journey"

I gave out a low shaky breath as I started to hear my heart pounding in my ears.

"Hey hey, deep breaths baby" Hassan said after noticing my stiff posture, taking my hand that was tightly holding onto my seat and rubbing it softly in a soothing manner "I'm right here okay?"

I gave him a brief nod and held unto his hand tightly.

With a comforting smile, he whispered, "Three words rhyming with try, go"

I looked at him sideways and he chuckled while beckoning me to answer.

"Cry" I felt a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach as the plane taxied, the acceleration down the runway felt like a force pulling me back, making my heart race even more.

Hassan grabbed hold of the end of my niqab and lifted it up a bit and gave me a peck on the lips then whispered "Go on"

With a furious blush, I searched my mind for another word that would rhyme, my mind fuzzy from what just happened plus the jitters from the plane moving.

"Sigh" He nodded, pecking me on both my cheeks now. My cheeks could melt off with the how hot they felt right now.

"Sky?" His eyes looked at me adoringly as he kissed me on the gap between my eyes. He reached behind me and i heard the pulling up of the window curtain from the plane window.

"Turn around" He said with a soft smile as he motioned with his head, encouraging me to look at the window.

I turned around and was met with clouds from my window seat. The realization that I was suspended high above the earth for the first time made me grip unto Hassan's arm, unsure whether it was awe or fear.

"Look at the creation of our Rabb, Nur Ayn"

His steady presence and comforting words created a sense of security, allowing me to gradually ease into the unfamiliar sensations of flying.

The in-flight experience was filled with meals, entertainment, and some much-needed rest.

Upon landing in Paris, I was less scared though it was still nerve wracking but hassan got me thorough it.

The airport's international charm greeted us. Clearing customs, we retrieved our luggages and stepped into the vibrant city. In search of a car, we navigated the airport's transportation options, I eagerly waited  to explore the enchanting streets of Paris.

~

After completing the necessary paperwork and receiving the keys to our rental car, we made our way to the parking lot.

Following a GPS, Hassan navigated the roads, and I was immersed in the beauty of the French scenery. Hassan had been here before for work so he pointed out some places for me as I eagerly tried to look at everything at once. I was acting like a child in a candy store.

Upon reaching the hotel, Hassan parked the car and we entered through the entrance.

We walked up to the receptionist's table and found a petite dark haired lady looking through a large black book.

"Hello" Hassan greeted politely.

She looked up and smiled at us warmly.

"Bon soir! Welcome to La Belle Étoile Hotel. How may I be of assistance today" She asked cheerfully with a heavy accent.

"We were just checking in, I have a reservation under Hassan Musa"

"Please give me a few seconds as I go through the list of reservations made" She responded, as she went through the laptop beside her and looked back up after a few seconds with a smile.

She grabbed a form off the table and told Hassan to fill it. After completing a quick check-in form, we received our key card, settled payments, and got information about hotel amenities. With everything in order, we headed to our suite, ready to enjoy our stay.

We got to our honeymoon suite, and I was captivated by what I saw.

Soft, ambient lighting created a warm atmosphere, and the room was designed elegant decor. The plush bed was adorned with delicate linens and petals, giving off an inviting charm. There was also a spacious en-suite bathroom, and large windows framed picturesque views.

After I was done exploring, I walked back into the bedroom and found Hassan sitting on the bed drinking a bottle of water, he saw me and motioned me over with his unoccupied hand.

I walked to him with glee and sat beside him.

He reached behind me and untied my niqab knot and I felt the breeze of our air conditioned room glaze over my face directly as I let out a relieved sigh. Sometimes I forgot that I can reveal my face to him, having been used to covering up in the presence of males.

I reached up and unpinned my hijab and neck up I was finally uncovered and enjoying the ventilation in the room.

"Better?" He asked knowingly, his gaze flittering to different parts of my face.

"Yes" I answered abashed.

"It was almost painful not being able to see your face for all those hours" He said, his intense gaze still on me.

I slapped my hands on my cheeks as I gave him my back in embarrassment.

This is something I don't think I would ever get used to. Hassan was so vocal and affectionate. And I know I'm so lucky but I also can't help being so awkward.

He let out a laugh as he hugged me from behind, laying his head on my shoulder.

"I'm so awkward, I know" I let out after giving out a little laugh too.

"You're everything I've always wanted and more" He let out quietly.

I all but melted as I tapped unto his arm around my waist and he let go, sitting up as I turned around and gave him a tight hug.

And we sat on the bed in comfortable silence, basking in each other's presence. No words were needed. And that was one of the beautiful things about my marriage with hassan. Sometimes we would just sit in each other's arms in silence and it would be the most soothing feeling ever.

How ever did I get so lucky.

~

Totally forgot that i was supposed to put out another chapter on Friday 💀but enjoyyyy.

Ygsss i feel like no one's acc enjoying the book cause im getting no feedback🥲.