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Guys, I wrote Path One in the previous chapter by mistake and nobody even noticed. :D Even I just noticed now. *Facepalm*.

****

I stared at myself in the mirror and reminded myself that I was doing this for Hamza's sake. I wore a orange-peach lace long dress, with chudidar and a net dupatta. The sleeves were sheer and the entire outfit had floral patterns stitched over it. With that I wore silver and gold chandelier earrings, with a matching set of bangles that highly complimented my mehendi. Slipping my feet into tan high heels, I checked my reflection again to make sure that my hair was okay, resting loosely over my shoulders. 

Despite my internal turmoil, I behaved and dressed like a typical newlywed bride about to celebrate her husband's first birthday after their marriage.

Daniyal Uncle had made reservation for me and Hamza at one of the best and most expensive restaurant in Lahore as a birthday present. But Hamza had seen how much more comfortable I'd looked with my family earlier, so he had gone ahead and made his own birthday about me as well. He called up the restaurant and booked their event hall instead and organised a party for all our close family, including my Mamus and Phupho's family. He had sacrificed couple time on his own birthday, just to keep me calm and relaxed, and my heart seemed to overfill with love for him. 

When I'd told him that he didn't have to do this for me, he'd told me that he had done it for himself, because he had always wanted a huge family, after being stuck between his parents' argument most of his life. But I knew him very well now, and I knew that he was only concerned about making me happy.

I felt guilty because I was relieved to have everyone around. I liked the feeling of safety I felt around everyone. The concept of 'safety in numbers' was like a mantra to me now.

"You okay?" Hamza asked, concerned as we got to the restaurant.

"I'm just feeling bad because I couldn't get you a birthday present on your first birthday after our wedding." I sighed.

"You came back to me. That's the biggest present I could ever receive." He lifted up my hand and kissed my knuckles. "Because you're my life, Hania, and I can't even imagine life without you."

I got out of the car, and Hamza took a few seconds longer as he fumbled around for his wallet that had dropped between the seats. It was just seconds, but that was enough for me to go back to that awful night. The orange streetlights across the road seemed to be taunting me, and each shadow seemed to be hiding a malicious being that wanted to harm me. I was in open air, invisible walls seemed to be closing around me. I screamed, dropping down to my knees.

"Hania!" Hamza jumped out of the car and raced around the front to my side. Crouching down, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Han, you're okay. Look, I'm right here. You're safe." 

I looked up into his warm, worried eyes. "Hamza."

"Yes, Han. I'm here. I'll never let anyone hurt you again, okay?" He spoke gently, soothingly. "Do you trust me?"

I nodded without a moment of hesitation.

"Good girl. Now, get up. You're ruining that beautiful dress of yours." He helped me up and grabbed my hand. "You're Hania Hamza, a brave and strong girl. You won't let any a*****e take over your life like this. You're letting them win by letting your fear take over." 

"This isn't exactly in my control, Hamza." I whispered.

"Okay," He put his hands on my shoulders, staring straight into my eyes. "Every time you're scared, first recite Ayat-ul-Kursi. And remember one thing very well, Hania: when you're under Allah's protection, you can be out on an unlit dark road on your own, and there won't be a human, jinn or anything in this universe that can harm you. Sure, you got hurt, but think how much worse the situation could have ended up being. Allah still protected you, still kept you alive and well, Alhumdulillah." 

I smiled at him, feeling the huge darkness that had been surrounding me, release its claws from around me and evaporate into the night. "And you have become a way for Allah to remind me of all that." I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my head against his chest. "I love you, Hamza."

"I love you too." He kissed the top of my head. 

****

I've never realised it till now, but Hamza was seriously pampered by my family and relatives, and not just because it was his birthday. He was the first son-in-law in our generation, on my side of the family, and he seemed to love it.

I watched him talk and laugh with Papa, and I couldn't help smiling. I loved how well my two favourite men got along.

"You okay?" Mama appeared by my side. "Can I get you anything? Juice? Something else to eat?" 

I rolled my eyes. "Mama, calm down and sit down." I grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside me. 

"You sure you're okay?" She looked at me, worriedly. "Nazar lag gayi hai meri beti ko. You looked so beautiful during the wedding functions, Ma Sha Allah."

*"My daughter has been affected by an evil eye."

I held onto her hands, and smiled. "Mama, I've just been reminded that sometimes bad things are necessary for good things to happen. And Alhumdulillah, I'm alive and well, and here with you all. We should focus on that. Allah saved me, and that's all that matters now."

"I absolutely agree." Zafar Uncle had overheard it as he walked back into the room, after a phone call. "Because all those boys have been arrested now. Because you had been attacked in a wealth residential area, people had CCTV camera on their property, and we had clear footage to show that attack. It was pretty easy to catch them actually." 

"Alhumdulillah." Mama looked relieved. 

Zafar Uncle turned to me with a smile. "Now we need to make sure that Hamza stays away from the police station. We need those boys alive in order for them to get justice." 

I giggled. Then I looked up at him. "Thank you, Uncle."

"It literally is my job." He chuckled. "But also, nobody gets away with harming a child of our families."

The resulting consequences of my injury had been the negative feelings inside me, but it also made me realise the importance of my family's support. I had so many loved ones, Alhumdulillah, and they all had my back. It made me feel really special.

"Listen up, everyone!" Hamza called out, standing up.

"We're not toasting for the birthday boy!" Iman shouted back, causing everyone to laugh.

"You're hilarious, Iman. Seriously. Maybe you should become a comedian instead of a doctor?" Hamza raised an eyebrow at her, and we all laughed again.

What is he up to?

He turned back to face us all. "Hania, get here."

My eyes widened. What?

"Go!" Mama smiled, nudging me lightly when I didn't move.

Cheeks red, I got up and joined my husband. "What do you want?" I asked, almost warily.

He chuckled. "Rude!" He winked at me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "It's my birthday today, and as a way to be thankful to Allah for giving me life, and for giving me a chance to be a better human, I've decided to create a special charity based in England to support people that suffer from social anxiety."

I glanced up at him, stunned.

"Social anxiety is often taken lightly by people, whereas it's a condition that creates great difficulties in life for those that suffer from it." He spoke grimly. "I want to create a charity that helps these individuals find their confidence, and the right support to deal with this condition. I myself have not realised the importance of this until I met Hania. She's now the most important person in my life, and I suppose I'm being a little selfish, but the thought of anyone laughing at her for who she is, makes my blood boil. I want to support people who suffer from this like her."

I was crying now. My social anxiety had bothered me my entire life, and despite my parents' attempt to help me, I seemed to have never found the courage to try and recover from it myself. Him creating a charity to support people like myself was an incredible gesture, and if I ever doubted his love before, I would never do so again. We were now officially on epic love level.

"Thank you." Tears fell out of my eyes as I whispered to him.

"I'm not announcing this to brag." Hamza said. "I'm announcing this because the biggest birthday present I can receive is to support me in the creation of this charity, because I plan on creating it in Pakistan as well. I do not require financial support, but a lot of you are well-reputed doctors, and you would have connections with experts on this subject. I would like to discuss this with psychologists and therapists in Pakistan as well, and I hope you all can help me in this. I would especially ask you for help, Zoya Mumani, since you are a director of a major charity yourself." 

Zoya Mumani nodded, a tearful smile on her face. All my loved ones were touched by this gesture of Hamza.

Everyone started applauding for him. I'd never seen Daniyal Uncle look more proud of his son. And my parents? Papa immediately came over and hugged him, and Mama came by my side, giving him countless duas. I guess the best thing for parents to see is a husband who loves their daughter so much.

"We'll all help in any way that we can." Arhaan Mamu told Hamza.

I can forget everything, all the pain and the worries, as long as Hamza was by my side. I loved him so, so much now that I felt like my heart wouldn't be able to contain the amount and will burst.

Thank you for bringing Hamza into my life, Allah. I can never thank you enough for him.

****

"Hey." I walked into our bedroom from the bathroom that night and saw Hamza sitting on the bed, scrolling through his iPad. "What are you up to?" 

"Nothing. Just killing time." He set the tablet aside and looked up at me, holding out his hand. 

I walked over, took his hand and sat in his lap.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, brushing a loose strand of my hair aside. 

I was wearing a white camisole dress, with my hair in a braid. It still felt strange to me to walk around with bare legs and bare arms, but I was getting more and more comfortable with Hamza each day. It was winter, but the house was warm so I didn't feel cold at all. "I feel safe with you." I kissed his forehead. "Hamza, thank you for the beautiful gesture. Social anxiety has always troubled me, and had made me feel insecure about myself." 

"And my goal is to make sure that other people also get the right help to find their confidence and move past their anxieties. You had loving parents, a caring sister and now you have me, as well as your extended family, Alhumdulillah. Other people may not be as fortunate, and this charity will ensure that everyone gets help." 

"I love you." I whispered. "Thank you for giving me a chance." 

"No, Han. You are the one who gave me a chance." He kissed my neck as I straddled his lap now. "I messed up, but you still forgave me and learnt to trust me again, so I should be thanking you." He reached up and pulled the pony off my braid, slowing using his fingers to open up the braid, causing my hair to fall loosely around my bare shoulders. 

I giggled as he rubbed his stubbled cheek against the my neck and cheek, causing light tickling. 

"Would you grant me a birthday wish, Han?" He looked up at me with a small smirk.

"What is it?" I just knew that it would be something cheeky.

****

MATURE SCENES AHEAD

 We set up sheets and pillows on the floor of Hamza's photography room. After a pair of glass sliding doors, a couple of steps led down to a open room with large floor-to-ceiling windows that comprised of two of the walls. The other two walls were covered with photos from around the world. There was photography equipment set up on one end of the room, and a large table near one of the windows, which Hamza normally used to sort out photos. On the other end of the room was a two-seat sofa and a coffee table.

His birthday wish was for us to make love in here, and to wake up in the morning to experience the bright sunlight pouring in through the large windows. He wanted to express his love to me, while being surrounded by his other passion, his photography.

The sliding glass doors had frosted glass, and could be locked. And when lay on the hard floor, we were not visible from the windows. We had sufficient amount of privacy to get intimate here.

 Fortunately, there was a small shower-room in here as well, which my husband often used after spending hours working on his photos. We had brought clean outfits and towels along, prepared to leave the room the next morning without having to do a walk of shame.

Our robes came off as we entered the room, with me in my camisole dress now and him in his boxers. He barely locked the door before taking me in his arms and pressing his lips against mine. We stumbled down the two steps, locked in a passionate kiss, desperate for each other. His hands explored my body, and even through my dress, I felt like my skin was on fire at his touch. 

We slammed against one of the walls, rattling the photos hanging on it, but we didn't break our kiss. We stumbled around the room, probably causing some damage to thinks, but he didn't seem to care. Both of us just wanted each other right now.

Overwhelmed with lust, I didn't even realise when my head was on the pillow we had set on the floor. All I slightly remember was that shortly after we were lying on the floor, making out, I heard him tear open a packet, and within moments, we were united in purely passionate love. He didn't even take my dress of properly, just lifted it up, and removed the essential garments. 

As thick fog shrouded the city of Lahore outside the windows, Hamza and I created our own warmth long into the night, as we made love, repeatedly.  

My anxieties, my fears, all disappeared in the presences of Hamza Daniyal. As I was being loved, being kissed all over my body, being united in more than one ways with my soulmate, I felt that no negativity could ever touch me again. 

****

Winter sunlight poured in through the window, as I woke up in Hamza's arms, with my head pressed against his bare chest. We had showered and had prayed Fajr in our clean outfits, and now he lay there in his boxers, while I was wearing his shirt over my underwear.

I climbed over him, covering his body with my own, and began to softly kiss his neck.

"Han." He chuckled sleepily, and I felt him run his hand through my hair, fondly. "You can probably feel how excited you're making my body right now." 

I blushed hard as I indeed felt it, but I didn't back away. "May Allah bless you with a long life and a lifetime of happiness, Hamza. Ameen." 

"Usually, I wouldn't expect a dua after a 18+ comment, but thank you. I appreciate that." He opened his eyes and kissed the side of my head as I rested it against his shoulder now.

"I know it will sound cheesy to you, Hamza, but you're my soulmate." I got back down and lay beside him, resting my head against his chest again. "I love you so, so much that even the thought of being away from you terrifies me." 

"It's not cheesy at all, sweetheart. I know exactly how you feel, because I feel the same about you." 

"Hamza?" 

"Hmm?" 

"Make me yours again in bright daylight." I whispered, butterflies filling my stomach at the thought.

And so, after using protection, Hamza and I made love again, with the sun bathing us in its warm light.

****

"Hamza!" I screamed, pounding my fist against the door.

I was having a panic attack after the pantry door had closed behind me while I had been getting ingredients for breakfast.

There was a light in here, but I felt the walls closing in around me, my chest tightening with panic. "Hamza!" 

The door suddenly opened and a maid peered in, looking concerned. "Are you okay, Hania Bhabi?" 

I placed a hand over my heart, breathing hard, staring at her wide-eyed. I couldn't even respond, I was so frozen in shock. 

"I will get Hamza Bhai. You come and sit here." She led me into the kitchen and sat me down at a chair. 

For some reason, the panic had taken me back to that awful night when seriously terrible things could have happened to me. 

You know what makes the act of intimacy so beautiful? Consent. Take that away and it's a living nightmare. I've imagined the worst scenarios that could have happened to me that night, and them even laying a finger on me without my consent was a scenario that I placed even above being murdered. 

The way those vultures had staring at me wasn't because of my designer bags or my items. I had felt their disgusting gazes run up and down my body, ready to devour me at the first chance. I had found comfort in Hamza last night, even a panic attack over a completely different situation had made me remembered how I'd felt that night.

A sorrowful cry escaped my lips, and soon my shoulders were shaking with loud sobs. "Hamza!" 

He ran in, alerted by the maid, and crouched down in front of me, grabbing my hands. "You're okay, Han. I'm here. You're okay and you're completely safe. I won't ever let anything happen to you again." He recited Ayat-ul-Kursi and blew it over me.

"Hamza, please don't ever leave me." I practically begged him. "Always stay by my side. Aapki Hania ko aapki bohat zaroorat hai." 

*"Your Hania really needs you." 

He stood up and leaning over me, he hugged me, holding me tightly in his arms. "I promise that I will be by your side until I take my last breath."

"Hamza..." 

He kissed the top of my head. "I'm madly in love with you, Hania, and as your husband, one my responsibilities is to protect you from all harm, even mental harm. I will take care of you, look after you, but I need you to also turn to me whenever you need me. Never ever keep your fears, anxieties or insecurities to yourself, never bottle anything up, okay?" He pulled away slightly, but kept his arms around me. "Now, come on. Omar Bhai called to remind us of the trip tomorrow. We need to get ready for it, okay?" 

Omar Bhai, Ismael and their wives were going to go on their respective honeymoon trips soon, but Rabia had suggested that since everyone was together, we youngsters should take a day trip to Kallar Kahar, a tourist spot located between Lahore and Islamabad. We'd leave after Fajr and return before Isha. 

"Are you still okay to go?" Hamza asked me, pressing his lips against my forehead.

I nodded. "I could use this getaway." I looked up at him. "Saad Bhai is definitely not coming, right?" 

I thought of my little sister and how uncomfortable she'd be if Saad Bhai came along.

"No, he's not coming." He said. "And even if he was, he wouldn't go anywhere near Iman. I would make sure of that." 

Iman had told me not to tell him about Saad Bhai's pervert behaviour, but she said that I could tell him that she felt uncomfortable around our Phupho's second child. Hamza, out of respect, hadn't prodded further either, but had said that he would always ensure if it was up to him, that Iman was never ever alone in a situation with Saad Bhai.

It was actually funny how my own problems faded away when I was concerned about someone that I loved. But the fact is that I may not have Mani's confidence, but I was extremely overprotective of her. She was my baby sister, my first best friend, and I felt that protecting her was my responsibility as well. 

"Can I let you go now? My stomach is swearing at me because I won't feed it." He said, teasingly.

I looked up at him. "Few more seconds?" I pouted slightly.

He chuckled and held me tighter. "You're like a human version of our baby Hamia, sweetheart. So cuddly." 

I couldn't help giggling at that.

****

Hamza

Like other guys in my age-range, I was obsessed with with working out as well.

I picked it up as a habit to relieve the stress that my family life had caused for me, as well as the obvious fitness reasons.

But now I also did it because Hania had boosted up my ego a lot by complimenting my body more than once, and yes, like a wife appreciates a husband's praise, a husband also loves to be complimented by his wife. 

The stress in my life had disappeared, Alhumdulillah. Rabia was happily married, Papa was happy with both of his kids married, and of course Hania had spread so much life in my life, that just her presence had pushed all the darkness away. Alhumdulillah.

As I stood on the treadmill, exercising hard, with sweat dripping down my body, I heard the door of our home gym open and turned to see Hania enter, wearing a full tracksuit and trainers, and with her hair tied up in a high ponytail. I instantly smiled when I saw her.  "Hello, my beautiful sunshine." I winked at her, making her blush.

To my surprise, she locked the door before walking up to me. I turned off the treadmill and got off, breathing hard. I stood facing her, my grey vest soaked with my sweat, as I took a swig from my bottle of water. 

"Uncle has left for Islamabad for the night, and I've sent the staff home." She bit her lower lip. "I figured that I should get fit as well." Her tone hinted as something very adult-rated. 

MORE MATURE SCENES AS I FEEL LIKE THESE TWO DON'T GET ENOUGH MOMENTS

She unzipped the jacket of her tracksuit, and I saw her wearing a cropped tank top that exposed her stomach. F**k.

"Are you trying to kill me, beautiful Mrs Hamza?" I asked, quietly.

"I just want to exercise." She shrugged, pretending to be innocent.

"You want to get all hot and sweaty?" I teased her, winking at her again.

She slid her hands up my biceps, clasping them behind my neck. Tilting her head back, her medium-brown eyes met mine, and the currents between us could have powered the whole city during load shedding. I placed my hands on her hips, my thumbs brushing the bare skin of her stomach. Again, I felt an intense amount of desire for her. 

I pressed my mouth against her, and we shared an open-mouth kiss, with our tongues dancing around together. Pressing my hands against her bottom, I lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. For someone as sweet and innocent as Hania, this was an incredibly hot kiss. In fact, in less than twenty-four hours, Hania had already shown me a wilder, s*xier side of herself. I loved her no matter how she was, but I had to admit, the s*xy Hania Hamza really did amazing things to me and my body. 

Just as I felt like we were about to make love right then and there, a roar of a motorcycle tore through the silence of the neighbour. 

Hania pulled away, gasping, her face turning pale. Her nails dug into my shoulders and her knuckles turned white. As much as her nails caused me pain, I didn't care about that. She was tensed, terrified, and her gaze was fixed on the window.

"You're fine, Hania. Look at me." I told her in a reassuring tone. When she didn't turn to me, I reached out, holding her firmly with my one arm, and gently turned her face to look at me. "You're fine. You're safe. Allah kept you safe, and will always protect you." 

Tears filled her eyes and her lower lip trembled.

"Oh, Han." I set her down and embraced her, letting her cry in my arms.

My poor, sweet Hania was terribly shaken by the incident, and I promised myself that I would take her out of that darkness, just like she had pulled me out of the darkness of my painful path.

She was my Hania, my wife, and I'd be damned if I let her suffer alone. I would take care of her and I will make sure that she eventually moves on for this.

And to think that I once looked down on the girl who has now absolutely and completely become my life. 

****

I know that this book is mainly family focused, and was intended to be so, but I wanted some Hamza and Hania moments as well. They are the main couple after all.

Hamza has really come a long way from the guy who basically thought that Hania was too boring and plain for him. Now she has become everything to him.

Hania has found her safe-space with Hamza, but would she easily come out of this trauma?

Did you guys enjoy their moments?

Thoughts and comments?

Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote!