I feel loved.
I feel important.
I keep my proudness and happiness inside while giving my family members a pout who is looking so worried and are pampering me alot that I can feel Ziyan sitting totally annoyed by my family drama who are just being sweet unlike this jerk who after seeing my injured hand scolded me but I thank Ziyan for wrapping it in such away it looks like I have some serious injuries.
"Aunty she is fine" Ziyan mutters beside me when Laiba aunty's worried frown does not die, well everyone are worried except two souls, no three souls, Ziyan, my lovely mother and my brother who is looking at us with his famous bored expression which screams 'god I have witnessed this so many times, show me something new and I'll react'.
But I keenly avoid these unbothered souls to not ruin my mind and I concentrate on other is giving me the vibes of being a princess.
When Ziyan understands that my family will come under the category of being the most dramatic and they will win the first price too, he takes his phone and starts using it making me feel annoyed now. I hate when people keep their eyes on their phone when everyone our gathered together.
Being the curious human I am, I take a peek to see him scrolling up the food app.
Food app it is, how can I even sit back without intruding him.
"What are you ordering?" I press my body against his arm while ignoring the eye roll he just threw at me "Can you buy me some mousse my tongue is begging for something sweet" I sweetly smile at my ever so rude husband who ignored me.
"Ziyan!" A whine leaves my lips at how of a jerk he is, he tilts his head to look at me and raises his eyebrow, a very hot move of his which makes him look effortlessly handsome but let's ignore that.
"What are you looking for? Please add my request to your list too" I sweetly tell him and he scoffs at how over honeyed my tone his "I am ordering tortillas, thought of asking you to make them but there is some other scene going of here, so how many should I order?" He sarcastically mocks me and I do not reply to his mocking because I don't have a decent, good, shutting up someone mouth comeback so I reply to what he is questioning.
"There are so many people so maybe 50?" He lifts his head up in a quick speed at my suggestion "sorry? 50? For hardly 15 people?" He raises his brow and I give him a stern nod.
"Yes! One person with atleast eat 3 tortillas right?" I speak a little logically "do you think Naim will eat 3, he will hardly finish up 1 and your talking about 3 one person" He scoffs not understanding my logic answer.
"You order 50 tortillas, I am telling you they will eat" I give him glare so atleast he listens something his intelligent wife is saying.
"And if they don't, your going to eat them up" he warns me and I shrug nodding before adding "the mousse" I point at his phone and he nods before letting me order what I want.
......
I am making my best cute puppy face to get away from Ziyan's intense glare, even though I am intelligent I am a human so sometimes I should not act like I know everything.
Everytime my family acts like they have never seen food before but today even when the gravy Ziyan cooked tastes finger licking- no one is eating more than two tortillas.
And as for me I feel like my stomach will explode in only one and a half but let me tell you these tortillas are big, like very big but not for these two young men's Ziyan and Fuzail they are sitting very casually while I am stuffing these big round breads in my mouth with difficulty.
"Please I am full!" I whine shaking my head when Ziyan brings another bite towards my mouth, since my hand is 'injured' he is feeding me, even though my left hand is injured he is still feeding me and this is a very big advantage for this guy.
Because he is in charge so he doesn't take a no as an answer and I cannot hide these roti's in my palm secretly and quickly sneak into the kitchen to drop it there so everybody can think I have eaten everything like a good girlâthis is something I do when I was a kid, but quickly apologise to Allah for wasting food and soon Abbu's lecture on how people are suffering without food and how I should be thankful comes in my mind and that makes me feel more guilty for wasting food but that does not stop me from doing it again. I am a brat I know.
"Atleast complete this Ziah" I lick my lips when he pats them gently to open and take what he is having in his hand.
"Ya allah just eat it Ziah, by now I would have smacked you for keeping me wait, that poor guy's arm must be paining from holding his hand up since past 5 minutes" Mamma gives me a hard glare while showing some pity towards Ziyan, who is indeed being very patient with me.
So I reluctantly open my mouth and he fills my mouth with the delicious food.
"Do you want to drink water?" I shake my head at his request while chewing it as slowly as I can.
"Okay, so do you know why we surprised you today?" Grandma speaks with a little exciting voice and we all give our attention to her "Nope!" My voice comes out louder than expected and when they turn to look at me oddly I quickly open my mouth asking Ziyan to feed me and he chuckles but does as asked.
"Because Ziyan and Ziah's wedding was the only thing that happened normally and after that we were not able to do any rituals, so we have come to take the new bride back to her house for few days and then she can return" I choke on my food when I her words reaches my ears which I am clearly not liking it.
"Why?! I am not going anywhere!" I oppose to this idea! I love this home! Okay, my house is also a nice one no offence but I don't have a Ziyan there, who will pamper me 24 into 7.
"Girl, don't be desperate, you can stay with your husband after a week stay in your mother's house too, god kids nowadays can't live without their hubby" Fuzail scoffs while mumbling the last part which was clear to my ear as he fills his mouth with fruits. A pout forms on my lips at his words and I quickly shake my head not at all liking the idea of staying away from Ziyan, not even a bit and in the process of denying I am forgetting how of a brat and love sick puppy I am looking.
I turn to look at Ziyan for some hope, asking him with my eyes to not abandon me but I see him glaring at fuzail who clears his throat and shifts in his place.
"I meanâZiah is staying here since a month I guess so she is used to staying her so staying somewhere else for a week will make her uncomfortable I think" Fuzail blabbers out as if he was force to change his sentence. Nisma giggles at her brother who is acting odd.
"I said you Mamma this would be her answer" My mother sits back with a calm expression and a small smile as if she knew this was going to happen.
"Yeah...I did not expect that, I thought she will be very happy hearing this, because I was so excited to meet my parents after my marriage and stay with them for like 4 to 5 day, but nowadays kids can't leave their husbands I guess maybe they are satisfying them alot" she shakes her scoffing and I know grandma is blunt and when it comes to rituals she is more blunt and speaks without thinking what she is saying. "Ammi calm down, she is a kid" mamma takes a stand for me not liking his own mothers words.
But grandma scoffs at her "Oh hania, she is married, she is not kid anymore, she must know things more than you and I, but anyways I am not going to take a No as an answer I have called all the relatives since they want to see the bride so she has to come and stay in her home, and not act like a desperate women who cannot leave her husband, and you know how upset I get when rituals are not followed, so say your daughter to not act like a modern kid and always stay with her husband" IâThis is the very new side of grandma everyone must be seeing, I myself was shocked seeing this side of her in my cousin sister's wedding, it was a love marriage and god knows how much drama grandma made that day.
She acts all cool most of the time but when it comes to rituals and discipline, nobody can get to the level of her on insulting someone. That is the whole reason why I don't like when grandma comes to our house. Her cool talks is amazing and funny but her serious talks makes us hate her even though she will change back to herself in few quick minutes later. But she never uses such harsh words that it is hurting my heart a little from the way she is speaking so low of me.
"Nowadays kid's acts like they are the only one who got married and the way they clingeâ" before she could complete her sentence which I am sure has insults filled in it someone interrupts.
"Its not about nowadays kids grandma, it is about how much my wife is loved in her married home that she does not want to leave us even if it is for a day" Ziyan finally speaks while filling my glass with water and the way his tone is low and deep I can tell he is not liking the way my grandma is speaking.
"Instead of scoffing I think you should be happy" even though his tone is calm I can tell he is upset and he is an inch away from glaring at my grandma.
"Oh boy of course I am happy why wouldn't I be happy for my little girl!" she takes it against her and gets a little angry that mamma has to hold her arm to calm her down and I am squeezing my fist tightly out of nervousness. Ziyan brings the last morsel towards my mouth and when our eyes meet I see all hidden anger behind those orbs.
I quickly open my mouth not at all protesting, after feeding me he lifts his lids to finally give his famous glare to grandma who never gets affected by anyones glares but his glare is something that can make anyone shutup.
Ziyan shifts his gaze towards Naim and Saif who are looking at the scene with wide eyes and a confused frown at her incoherent words but when they see Ziyan's stare they quickly stand up and leave like obedient kids.
"Grandma, I know you love Ziah, but sometimes words should be said to ourselves first before it is said to others, and I did not like the way you just spoke to my wife, grandmother or mother I would not let anyone insult my wife when I am sitting right next to her. She just shared her thoughts of not staying anywhere other than her own house and for that I don't think it is anywhere near showing how much you love her by calling her desperate and that her needs are being fulfilled. As nasty as it sounds you did not care and just said what ever your tongue wanted to and you would not like it If those words are said to you, would you?" He calmly insults her with most respectful words and I am just loving the way he is taking stand for me, goodness, my eyes are glistening with tears but I keep it low, don't ask me the reason why I am fell head over heals in love with this man, I am sure you can clearly see it.
"I am not disrespecting you, if it is your rituals and if it is so important and that you cannot say no to the relatives but to your little girl, she will do as you are saying" Before I could do little happy dance, he breaks my heart with his words.
I love my family, but they are boring!
"Okay then and yes it is very important and she should come." She speaks with a full stop as if no one should argue and I hold back a whine.
"Let me complete grandma, she would have done whatever you said after throwing a little tantrum and ofcourse I would have also helped you explaining it to her on how important this ritual of yours is but now when I just saw you insulting her right infront of my face while others said nothing on her behalf even after seeing her face which looked like she was about to cry for being called desperate and making her feel insecure I don't think I can trust anyone with her" I squeeze my legs together at how serious this situation has changed. I hate when he reads right through me, it did hurt a little when she insulted me but I tried my best to keep it hidden.
"Son that was not her intentionâ" Mamma tries explaining sensing that Ziyan is pointing at her and Abbu for not saying a word against grandma.
"Don't!" Grandma glares at mamma to not speak a word.
"Who do you think you are who cannot trust her parents on their daughter?! They were the one who were taking care of her since she was born, and you say you don't trust them!" She yells and everyone except Ziyan flinches at how angry she looks. I hold Ziyan's arm feeling a little scared on where this is going.
"I am. Her husband" he clearly states "who has more rights on her than anyone" he casually speaks and everyone shuts their mouth after this sentence of his. Grandma breathes heavily and before she could say anything a voice echos through the room scaring the shit out of everyone.
"Sit down" I jump on my seat when a very dangerous voice of grandpa echoes through the room, who I didn't even realise was sitting in the table with us.
"Astaghfirullah!" Fuzail who was unfortunately sitting right beside him holds his heart which must be shaking because of the sudden rough yet stern voice
Grandma gives grandpa a glare but he is looking at his empty plate with a hard expression "I said sit down" he lifts his eyelids up and that was enough to make my grandma sit in her place like a chicken. I giggle mentally at grandpa's power over grandma.
I know half of the stories of her and grandpa she said are only mind made stories because grandpa is not someone who will run after a women, of course he will show the best care but running after a women like grandma describes is beyond believable.
The room was filled with complete silence, pin drop silence, the silence that all teachers wishes for.
"Ziyan apologies" Aunty whispers to her son who let's out a sigh before opening his mouth "I am sorry grandma if I was disrespectful, But I do not tolerate when someone is insulting Ziah even if it was before our marriage or now, and if you ask other they would tell you how mad I get when someone looks down at Ziah, so you should know that when I could not tolerate a word against when she was just my cousin and now when she is my wife even if I see other looking her with those judging eyes I would kindly tell them to divert their gaze before I made them do it with my words" he gives her small fake smile and she gasps at how possessive he sounds.
"Why would I even say such thing to my little baby?" She slaps her forehead and thinks for a second, god old people. What can we even say now?
Everybody chuckles looking at her but I see Ziyan rolling his eyesâoh god he is still mad.
"Did I talk to much?" She whispers to her husband who gives her a glare and she nods understanding she did.
"Anyways, I liked the way you took stand for my daughter, good good" she grins and I don't like that grin, My eyes moves towards everyone and I see everyone giggling and soon the giggles turns into laughter but Abbu is looking at Ziyan with those heart, admiring eyes that I cannot understand what is happening.
Ziyan stares at me for a second and then he turns his stare towards his mother who is grinning brightly, a scoff leaves Ziyan's lips before he speaks "Don't tell me it was a filthy joke you guys planned"
"It was!" Nisma yells laughing out loud as if it was the most funniest scene she has ever witnessed, well everyone are laughing except me, Ziyan and grandpa, ofcourse grandpa is not involved.
An inaudible curse leaves Ziyan's lips which was audible to my ears but I am still in the state of shock not believing how good their acting was.
Ziyan stands up with his and mine plate ignoring everyone's loud laughter and Awe's at how cute he looked while supporting me and taking stand for me.
I keep my eyes on Ziyan's figure who is washing the plates and after washing and cleaning his hands he walks towards the fridge.
I see him grabbing a soft drink and after taking a sip while leaning against the counter he then walks towards us and sits beside me on his usual place.
"Hmm?" He forwards the drink and I quickly shake my head not wanting to drink anything.
Why do I feel like he is not at all enjoying sitting here.
"Where is your phone?" He questions me in a quiet tone and I quickly hand him my phone which was laying on the table. I see him opening the call log and my curiosity builds up more wanting to see whom he is going to call but grandma speaks.
"Ziyan darling don't take it to heart about what I said, We are leaving tomorrow to our place so I was thinking I should test my son-in-law, and I should tell you he passed the test." Her grin widens as she speaks looking all happy after pulling the stunt which impressed everyone except me and Ziyan, I am not sure about grandpa.
Ziyan gives her a polite smile nodding to act like a gentleman because I can tell from the way his jaw is clenched he just want to leave this place.
God! Grandma!
Already this guy hates gathering since uncle left us and Ziyan always makes excuse of being busy whenever we all meet and comes home late if we are gathered in his house and excuses himself saying he is tired and now when he finally agreed by himself that we should have a get together, someone has to come and ruin it.
Before grandma continues, Ziyan's phone rings and he mumbles an apology to grandma who opens and closes her mouth.
He pulls his phone out and presses it against his ear, "please excuse me, I'll come back in few" he politely tells and stands up before placing my phone on my lap and walks away with his phone pressed against his ear, but I do not hear him speaking.
Sighing I look down at me, only to gasp mentally since I can't do it physically when I the screen of my phone where Ziyan is on the call.
Ya allah this guy.
His excuses are smart just like him, other than me nobody suspected him, grandma continues to grandpa who nods at everything she says while the others go back to do what they were doing and my cousins are bickering over which movie they are going to watch.
And I nibble my lower lip when the call cuts which was done by Ziyan and not me.
Oh god!
.....
"Ziyan?" I crawl towards him after changing into a comfortable night gown. Everyone are still down, it's already 12 and the movie is not ending so they thought of staying the night here except Ammi Abbu Saif and Grandma and Grandpa because they are leaving tomorrow.
They left two hour's ago and after my constant messages of asking him to come down he finally came only to bid them goodbye and quickly left after they left without forgetting to check on aunty who is now sleeping soundly.
They ordered some burgers and pizza as late night snack and as much as I want to sit and enjoy with them knowing how fun it will be, I need to talk to my husband too whose mood is not so good so I excused myself saying them I am really tired and I want to sleep, which was a lie.
"Hey?" I poke his arm to grab his attention as I lay on my stomach "hmm?" A sleepy hum leaves this guys lips who is sleeping on his back with his arm draped over his eyes.
"Look at me" I again poke him arm with a pout not like the way he is ignoring me. "Ziyan!" I whine clinging onto him and he finally moves his arm away to show me his heavenly feature.
"What is it Ziah? I am tired" he mutters and was about to break my heart by turning his back but my sentence stops him "I miss you" A whisper leaves my lips not liking the way I am admitting some cringe lines which are so true.
He breathes out heavily before dropping his hand spread open "Come here" his gentle voice melts me and I quickly snuggle into his warmth "Are you angry? I am sorry" I whisper against his neck where I am safely hiding my face.
I missed this hug so much, the way he squeezes me, I just love it to the core.
"Why are you sorry baby? You did nothing" he runs his finger through my hair and like instant noodles it instantly calms me down heheheâthat was such a lame joke ever.
"Then why are you ignoring me, you're not even talking to me" A pout forms on my lips and when my lips touches his neck in process, a sudden urge to kiss his next takes over me so I press soft, wet, gently kiss all over her neck.
"I was not ignoring you sweetheart I was just busy" I hear him groaning under his breathe and I giggle enjoying the way I am making him weak.
"Hmm stop that Ziah" he squeezes my waist when I nibble on his neck like he does when ever he gets a chance.
And soon a gasp leaves my lips when he flips my body and hovers me, goodness that hot sudden move of his, can kill me anytime soon.
I look at him with wide eyes while my breathe is hitching in my throat.
"Sweetheart You don't want to start something you won't be able to end, do you? And on top of that there are guests downstairs and you out of all should know if I start you wont keep it low" he leaves gentle pecks on my jawline making me loose my already lost mind. But even while losing my mind I slap his arm while blushing like a a mad women at his words.
"We are good now?" He stops what he was doing and looks up with gentle gaze "when were we not good sweetheart, I did not like your grandma's tone, that's why I left the place, even though it was joke I hate such jokes my love, and I hate it to the core when it involves you in a wrong way" he mutters over my lips and a smile makes its way over lips, a very shy one. All because of this handsome jerk who was once nothing but just a cousin to me and now means the world to me.
"I love you" I whisper feeing overwhelmed by his words "Not more than me baby" he whispers back with a teasing smile and before I could argue he claims my lips, tilting his face he kisses me ever so gently poring all his love and possessiveness.
And soon we lay in each other arms cuddling to each others warmth and breathing hushed breathes while groaning muffled groans while he whispers sweet nothing and does everything that my innocent soul is too shy to witness.
My dream was to marry this hunk since I was a kid which died as I grew up but never thought my my silent prayers of him being my husband which I do mentally would come true. And I never thought my boss who always was a jerk would make me fall so hard for him that it does not even hurt.
And now I have learnt that it is all the Matters of heart which can change from attraction to hating him for nothing to loving him over everything.
.............