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*

Iman

"Hurry up! Appi and Hamza Bhai will be coming over with breakfast!" I told Taif. I brushed my hair quickly, and pulled a tangle too hard, wincing in pain.

Taif came into the room, wearing black jeans and a pale blue button-down shirt. Using a small cloth, he cleaned his glasses and wore them. "I'm ready."

I wore a navy blue chudidar suit, with a plain blue undershirt (shameez) and a black lace maxi over it. Slipping my feet into a pair of high heel black stiletto heels, I turned, my hair cascading down my back.

"Haye Allah!" He looked at me from head to toe. "Ma Sha Allah!" He placed his hands on my shoulders and kissed my forehead. 

"Maybe we can ask Appi to bring lunch instead... or dinner?" I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

"You want to hold our Valima dinner here?" He reminded me.

"Oops." I said. "True."

"Besides, your sister and brother-in-law will figure it out." He grinned. 

"Poor Appi will probably blush for both herself and me." I laughed. "Come on. We're meeting them in the lobby." If we had a suite, we would have invited them up here, but it felt strange to bring them to the hotel room where we had gotten busy last night.

I slid my arm through Taif's and we headed out. Unlike my parents, or even Hania Appi and Hamza Bhai, the height difference between us wasn't massive. I wasn't exactly short, in technical terms, having partly inherited my height from my father's side of the family. In fact, with her sweet, naïve face and her short height, Appi looked like my younger sister.

As we stepped into the lift, he looked at me. "Is your Valima outfit ready?" 

"Yes, you're Ammi Jaan will bring it to the parlour tonight."

"Are you sure that you'd be comfortable in it?" He looked uncertain.

"Trust me, Taif. I would never wear something I would not be comfortable in. This is purely my choice." I kissed his cheek, since we were alone in the lift.

When we got downstairs, Appi looked ecstatic to see me. We hugged like we hadn't seen each other in years. Meanwhile, Hamza Bhai and Taif hugged as well.

"Aww, my baby is here!" I leaned down over Hassam's pushchair. "Assalam Alaikum, jaani." I reached down and rubbed the knuckle of my index finger against his chubby cheek.

The four of us had breakfast together, and it was great. 

"You know, I can see a glimpses of Mama in you today." Appi told me. "Ma Sha Allah."

I smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, Appi. That means a lot." I paused. "How is she anyway?"

Appi smiled sadly. "She couldn't stop crying. But Papa was there and he said that he would take care of her."

I struggled not to cry myself. I hated it when Mama cried. I had made her cry so much that each tear drop from her eye now felt like an ember of hell fire over my heart. It hurt like nobody's business.

"I'm not that bad." Taif smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, it made more sense when it was Hania's rukhsati." Hamza Bhai teasingly looked at his wife. "With her marrying the bad boy and all."

"I think Mama was crying over the fact that we have one more member on Team Papa now." I looked at Taif.

Everyone laughed at that.

"Stop making fun of my Mama!" Appi said, pouting protectively.

"She's mine too." I pretended to get all competitive.

"She was mine first!" 

Appi and I laughed, reaching for each other's hand.

"Well, I'll have Papa then." I knew that was going to irritate her.

"He was mine first too! Hani Papa is famous everywhere!" She looked at me, triumphantly.

It was a beautiful atmosphere, the daughters of Jasmina and Fawad Ali, with their husbands. I had never been happier in my life.

*

Taif was wearing a dark grey suit, with a dark blue tie, his hair neatly brushed back.

I stood beside him, my arm through his, ready to enter the restaurant banqueting hall for our Valima. My mother-in-law had let me choose my own outfit, and I had opted to wear a peach lace sari, with a short sleeved grey blouse.

This sari had once belonged to Mrs Jasmina Fawad, when she was newly married. It had been kept in the Ali family home, in one of the trunks, and I had asked Appi to find me an outfit of Mama's for my Valima, which she had.

My hair was in a braid, resting on my left shoulder, with jasmine flowers entwined through them. My outfit and my appearance was a dedication to my mother, and I hoped that she would be happy seeing me.

Her reaction was the reason that I'd requested that the hall lights were not turned off at our entry.

I walked in with my husband, with my parents-in-law following us.

I looked around and immediately saw my parents. Mama had tears in her eyes, and she pressed her fingers over her mouth, stunned. 

Taif smiled at me, and walked me over straight to my mother and father, who both looked at us proudly.

"Assalam Alaikum!" We greeted them, and they replied happily.

"Meri pyari si Mani. Ma Sha Allah. Mujhe yakeen hi nahin ho raha ke yeh aap hi ho." Mama placed her hands on my shoulders.

*"My lovely Mani. Ma Sha Allah. I can't believe it's really you."

"Why should Appi be the only one who gets to look like your daughter?" I smiled. "I also need to show everyone that I'm the daughter of the eternally beautiful Mrs Jasmina Fawad. Ma Sha Allah." 

"Meri jaan." Mama hugged me, and the dam of tears behind my eyes threatened to burst.

"Love you forever, Mama." I kissed her cheek.

"Love you too, Mani."

I stepped back and turned to hug Papa.

"Meri choti patakhi. Or shall I say, choti Mina?" He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and kissed the side of my head.

I smiled at Taif, as I stood between my parents. My father's arm was around me and I held Mama's hand. Appi and Hamza Bhai stood just to the side with their kids, and we were surrounded by our close relatives.

Everyone I loved was present at the Valima of Drs Iman Fawad & Taif Bukhari, and I couldn't be happier about that.

I have long realised that family always came first.

****

The restaurant was located in the older part of Lahore, so my family and relatives had to travel a bit of a distance to reach here, but nobody was complaining. Everyone was in a happy and jolly mood, Ma Sha Allah.

Taif suddenly stood up, holding an arm out towards a middle aged woman who was approaching us. "Iman, this is Ghazala Phupho, a cousin of my father. Ghazala Phupho, tussi Iman noon milo."

*"Ghazala Phupho, meet Iman." 

I stood up. "Assalam Alaikum." 

"Walaikum Assalam." Then the woman began to rapidly speak in Punjabi, making me blink at her, confused. Yes, I had learnt basics of Punjabi, but not at this level. I looked at Taif helplessly, who smiled.

"Phupho, halay Iman noon aini Punjabi nai aandi. Thoda ahisa bolo tussi." He spoke to her gently and politely.

*"Phupho, Iman doesn't know this much Punjabi right now. Speak a little slower please."

"Tu te kehnda peya si ay Punjabi kudi ay!" She glanced accusingly at my husband.

*"You said she was a Punjabi girl!"

"Punjabi family toun ay, magar aino Punjabi aini nai aandi halay." He explained.

*"She is from a Punjabi family, but she doesn't know this much Punjabi yet." 

"Urdu aandi ay?" She looked at me in a scrutinising manner that made me feel very uncomfortable. Fortunately, Taif and I were at our own table, so nobody could hear this embarrassing confrontation.

*"Do you know Urdu?"

"Thodi si." I muttered.

*"A little."

The Phupho looked mortified. "Fair kaidi zaban boldi ay tu, kudiye?"

*"Then what language do you speak, girl?"

For some reason I felt like she would be offended if I told her that I was only genuinely fluent in English. "English." Why should I be ashamed? It's who I am. "Thodi bauti Punjabi aandi ay. Papa layi sikhi si."

*"I know a bit of Punjabi. I learnt it for Papa."

"Tussi pilao lita ay? Bohat aala ay. Chako tussi." Taif decided to change the topic.

*"Did you have pilao? It's delicious. Try it." 

He led Ghazala Phupho away and I sat down on my chair, my cheeks warm.

Taif returned to me, looking sheepish. "I'm sorry, Iman."

I shrugged. "It's okay." I stood up. "I need to go to the restroom, if that's okay." 

"Why wouldn't it be okay? Go." He looked puzzled at my formality.

I walked past him and towards the door, feeling shaken by basically my first post-marriage taunt. I had to keep reminding myself that I was Iman Fawad and I was too tough to be emotional over something like this.

As I reached out to push the door open, it opened on the other side and Ibrahim walked in. He paused, staring at me with a strange expression. "Iman! Wow... I mean, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Ibbi." I gave him a forced smile. "Please excuse me."

"Are you okay?" He looked concerned.

"Just not used to dressing up so Eastern." I joked weakly before walking past him and out of the door.

I went to the restroom and relieved to see that I was alone in there, which was a rarity for a restroom near a wedding venue. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself and taking a deep breath. My silver jhumka earrings hung all the way to the bottom of my chin, with the matching necklace glittering in the lights of the bathroom. I felt like changing into my usual comfortable close and going home and binge watching a Netflix medical drama.

Well, I'm going with Mama and Papa tonight to the Ali family home. I ignored the large amount of relief flowing through me as I remembered that.

****

As I entered the hall again, I passed behind the table, where Hania Appi, Rabia Bhabi and Ismael Bhai sat, having a quiet conversation.

"...It's so hard to believe that Ibrahim actually liked Iman all along." Appi shook her head. "But he never showed it..." 

I froze in my steps. I was hidden from their sight by a pillar, fortunately, otherwise I would have faced yet another mortifying moment. 

Ibrahim liked me? I thought about the time when I had felt heartbroken at the idea that he didn't return my feelings. Astaghfirullah! What am I thinking? I just married Taif, for Allah's sake! Stop your disturbing thoughts and focus on your Nikahfied husband.

"Iman?" 

I jumped as someone grabbed my arm and I turned to see my mother standing there, frowning in concern. "Ma-Mama." 

"Kya hua? Tabeeyat theek hai?" She placed the back of her hand over my forehead.

*"What happened? Are you feeling okay?"

I nodded. "I'm just tired."

"Of course you are, jaan. Weddings suck the life out of brides especially." She slid her arm through mine and led me away from where a bombshell had been dropped on my head. "But I will pamper you so much till the moment that you go back home." 

I smiled weakly. I saw Taif had been taken to a table with Hamza Bhai and my other male cousins, and it warmed my heart to see him getting along well with them. 

"I'm going to make a larger copy of one of your photos taken today and I will hang it right next to Hania and Hamza's wedding photo, where I've hung my most precious photos." Mama told me, leading me to the table with the adults of my maika.

"It's a tribute to you, Mama." I looked at her.

She reached up with her free hand, resting it on my cheek. "My little Mani." 

"Woh aagayi hamari doctor sahiba." Ahad Mamu stood up as he saw us coming. Resting a hand on my head, he gave me duas for my happiness and future.

*"There she is, our madam doctor."

I grinned at him, and held up a hand to high-five him, something I'd been doing since childhood. I then moved around to where my Arhaan Mamu now stood. He placed his hand on my head, also giving me duas.

"How are you, Iman?" He asked, his voice as low and gentle as ever.

 "Alhumdulillah, very well." I smiled at him. 

"May Allah always keep you well and happy. Ameen." He patted my head again.

I then turned to my Phupho and hugged her.

"My gorgeous angel." She hugged me back tightly. "Ma Sha Allah, you are definitely a shadow of Jasmina Bhabi today."  

I politely greeted Zafar Uncle and hugged my Mumanis. 

I stayed with the adults until Noor and Amara came and dragged me away to where all the cousins were now sat- along with Taif. I sat as far away from Ibrahim as possibly, but I felt awkward being around him now. If I hadn't meant Taif, and I was still the old Iman, I would have been overexcited. But now, I was in love with Taif and I was in his Nikah. No more crush nonsense.

****

"You really should come with us, Taif." Papa told my husband.

"In Sha Allah, another day, Uncle." Taif placed his hand over his heart in respect. "I apologise for not being able to come today."

"You're welcome anytime." Mama smiled at him. "But do have lunch with us tomorrow, please."

"In Sha Allah, definitely." Taif nodded. "But only if you don't take too much trouble..."

I laughed. He looked at me, questioningly. "It's okay, Taif. You'll get to know Mama very soon."

"I feel awful, Aunty." Taif looked at her. "You must have arranged everything and I..."

"It's okay, don't worry." Mama's smile was reassuring, as was her gentle tone. 

Taif hugged Papa and Hamza Bhai, and bowed his head in front of Mama to get her blessings, before turning to where Hania Appi and I stood. "Appi, Allah Hafiz." He nodded at her, before turning to me.

"We'll wait by the car." Mama slid her arm through Papa's and led him away, and Hania Appi did the same with Hamza Bhai. 

I smiled at their attempt to give us privacy, even though we were right outside the wedding venue, surrounded by our own guests and other people. "Allah Hafiz, Taif." 

"Allah Hafiz." He briefly glanced around and when the coast was clear, he leaned forward to quickly kiss my cheek. "Take care."

"You too." My cheeks were burning. 

For a few moments, we just stared at each other, before I walked away towards my parents' car.

"Iman?" 

I turned to look at him over my shoulder.

"You look stunning, Ma Sha Allah." He spoke softly. "May Allah protect you from evil eyes. Ameen." 

"I wish the same for you. Ameen. And you look very handsome as well, Ma Sha Allah." I replied. My heart pounded hard, and I felt sad at the idea of spending tonight away from him, yet there was an excitement of being with my family. Bittersweet is the only way I could describe this moment.

I walked the short distance to where my parents stood by Papa's car. "Papa, can I drive?" 

"You're kidding me right?" He raised an eyebrow at me.

I giggled. "Of course. It's worth it, seeing your expressions." 

Mama laughed as well. "That's my girl." She looked at him. "How does it feel to be on the other side of the teasing, Fawad sahab?" 

"Meri beti hai. Meri hi team main waapis aayegi, dekhna." He said, confidently. 

*"She's my daughter. She'll come back to my team, you'll see." 

"Aapki beti hai? Aur main kya houn? Sauteli maa?" Mama grabbed my arm, almost protectively. 

*"She's your daughter? And what am I? Her stepmother?"

I smiled at their banter. 

"Sauteli maa. Sochne waali baat kardi aapne, Mina." Papa smiled at her, before giving me a wink. I laughed harder.

*"Stepmother. You've given me something to think about, Mina."

We got into the car.

"Is umar main aapko kaun milegi?" Mama asked.

*"Who will you find at this age?"

"Mil to abhi bhi sakti hai agar main chahoon." He replied. "Kyun, Mani? Sauteli maa chahiye?"

*"I can still find one, if I want."
"Tell me, Mani? Do you want a stepmother?" 

"Papa, come on. You'll make her cry." I leaned forward to put a hand on Mama's shoulder and squeezed.

"Aise thodi ronay donga aapki Mama ko. Inhain pata hai ke yeh meri jaan hain." He gave her a loving smile.

*"I won't let your mother cry like this. She knows that she's my life."

"Fawad." Mama shook her head.

"Don't worry, Mama. I'll never let you have a competition." I said.

She smiled at me and then Papa. "I know your father would never get a competition for me. He's too much in love with me, even now." 

I sat back in my seat, still smiling. I wanted a beautiful, adorable relationship like this with Taif. The way my parents teased each other, flirted with each other even now, I wanted to have a relationship like that with my husband, even decades from now. 

****

<Taif: Where are you?>

<Iman: Just landed in Beijing. Allah! Taif, where do you think I am?>

I grinned.

<Taif: Sorry, I meant to ask what you were up to, but I typed wrong, and in an attempt to rectify it, I accidentally sent the message.>

<Iman: I just showered and finally got rid of all that hairspray.>
<Iman: Now I'm heading down to be with my family.>

<Taif: Enjoy! Meanwhile, I'm going to bed. Feel knackered. In Sha Allah, speak to you in the morning?>

<Iman: In Sha Allah. Allah Hafiz. Sweet dreams.>

<Taif: Allah Hafiz, officially-but-not-on-paper Iman Taif.>

I laughed. Dork! I raced down the stairs of the Ali family mansion, a sappy smile remaining on my face. I saw Mama and Appi sat on the sofa, and I rushed forward and flopped down between them.

"Oww. Mani!" Appi protested, pinching my arm.

"The space next to Mama is mine tonight." I made a face at her, before leaning my head on my mother's shoulder.

"Such a baby." Appi told me.

"Says the girl who spent twenty-one years of her life not even being able to find the smallest of things without Mama's help." I teased her.

"Iman." Mama shook her head. 

I took Appi's hand in mine and squeezed it, while still resting my head on Mama's shoulder. I felt at peace and happy. Yet, I really wished that Taif was also here. Hamza Bhai had spent the night at ours after his Valima with Appi. "Where's Papa?" I asked.

"Praying Isha." Mama replied. "He'll be down soon."

My phone buzzed and I glanced down at it.

<Taif: Every time I close my eyes, I keep picturing how gorgeous you looked tonight. Ma Sha Allah.>

I bit back a smile.

"Never thought I'd see the day Iman blushed!" Appi smirked, noticing my expressions. "Look at her, Mama. This madam used to tease you, and then me." 

"Ma Sha Allah." Mama kissed the side of my head. "Hania, don't tease her." 

"Wow, tables have turned. Mama defending me against you!" I grinned triumphantly at my sister.

Appi just giggled.

<Iman: Picture Ghazala Phupho then.>

His reply was almost instantaneous.

<Taif: For the love of Allah, Iman!>

Papa walked into the room then, and I jumped up and rushed up to him, as if I was a toddler. 

"Walid Sahab, tussi aagaye ho?" I wrapped my arms around his waist, smiling up at him.

*"Father dear, you're here?" 

"Aino ki ho geya ay ik din wich?" Papa asked Mama, while kissing the top of my head.

*"What has happened to her in one day?" 

"Shayad waalidain ki kadar aagayi hai." Mama replied, smiling.

*"Maybe she has learnt the value of her parents."

"Iman, husband is messaging you." Appi held up my phone and I could see the notifications repeatedly pop up, lighting up my phone screen.

"Hania, ghalat baat hai." Mama told her in disapproval.

*"Hania, that's wrong."

"Wow, twice in one night! Can we make it a hattrick?" I was enjoying this a lot. "Remember how Mama ended up with your phone that one night in Edinburgh and Hamza Bhai..."

Mama glared at me now.

"Just like old times." Papa chuckled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. 

"Yes, as if they are still teenagers." Mama didn't look impressed. "Both of you need to grow up now." 

"Not yet. I have a world to see before I grew up." I said, cheekily. 

Hania Appi waved the phone in my direction, her eyes sparkling with humour and mischief. I made a face at her. 

****

"We're going to my in-laws' Lahore home after lunch." I told Mama the next morning, as I watched her prepare breakfast. "You and Papa have seen that home, when the Bukhari family invited you last time. How is it?" 

She paused, looking uncertain, but then smiled. "It's a lovely home. There's a real Lahori feel to it, and it's beautiful."

"Mama?" I raised an eyebrow at her.

She looked at me briefly, before she continued making scrambled eggs. "Remember how I told you and Hania the story of when me, your Papa and baby Hani had to stay at his Dado's house? I told you how I found it very different from what I was used to, but that experience taught me a lot, Mani. Always be grateful for what you have. Never look down on anyone. And above any materialistic thing is family, never forget that."

"I'm not going to have an easy time, am I?" I guessed.

"I'm not saying that, meri jaan." She sighed as she scooped the eggs onto a plate. "But Iman, life doesn't always stay the same, and we have to often adapt to new and unfamiliar circumstances. As long as Taif supports you and is a loving partner, you'll get through anything. Trust me. I know that better than anyone."

"Mama, I have heard that circumstances often change people. What if he changes?" 

"You can't go into a marriage with negative thoughts like that. So far, Taif has given us no reason to doubt him. Remain positive, okay? Because if you already allow doubts, things will be much harder." She gave me a small smile. "I know that your father has provided you with a life of luxury, Mani, but we've also tried our best to teach you about standing by your supportive partner through each and every circumstances, and that includes the difficult times. The true test of a relationship is in difficult times, in fact."

"What if I can't adjust? As you said, I'm used to luxury." I was also genuinely worried about that.

"As I said, don't start this marriage with negative thoughts. Give yourself and Taif a chance. I trust you, Mani." She looked me straight in the eyes. "He is a good, genuine guy, Mani. I have faith in both of you, and Allah, that you will get through everything together." 

I gave her a hug. "I love you, Mama." 

"I love you too, meri jaan." She kissed my cheek, without hugging me back, as she was still holding a spatula in one hand.

****

After a beautiful lunch with the family, Taif and I headed off in a cab. 

"How are you feeling?" He asked me.

"I have no idea. I'm numb." I sat very still, with my hands folded neatly over my lap. I was wearing a light blue shalwar kameez, with slim-fit shalwar with sheer lace at the bottom ends. The upper part of the outfit consisted of a plain blue sleeveless shameez (undershirt) with an A-line lace maxi that had white lace on the hemline and also at the sleeves. The dupatta was plain sheer light blue with a delicate, narrow white lace border, and was loosely draped over my head.

He put his hand on mine. "Remember who are you. The confident Iman Fawad, Ma Sha Allah."

I smiled at him. "You're right. Bring on the new chapter of my life."

He held onto my hand for the rest of the way.

We arrived in the older part of Lahore, stopping outside a three-storey home with brown gates and an olive-coloured bordering wall. Taif and I stepped out of the car and I looked up at the house. Through the brown bars of a window upstairs, I could see a couple of children peeking out curiously.

"Taif Bhai aagaye!" I heard the shout from inside the house, which made me smile.

The gate opened, and my parents-in-law stood on the other side, smiling warmly at us.

"Assalam Alaikum." Taif and I both greeted them.

"Walaikum Assalam!"

Mrs Bukhari hugged me, while Taif hugged his father. Then, as his mother hugged Taif, Mr Bukhari ran a hand over my head, giving me his blessings.

"Welcome." My mother-in-law smiled at me.

We were led inside the house, with two steps leading through the front door. As we stepped inside, my eyes widened as I saw how crowded the house was. It was filled with excited and happy relatives.

Mrs Bukhari led us into the living room, where she got us to sit down. I looked around and saw all eyes were on me, and I smiled at them politely.

Taif sat beside me, clearing his throat. His cheeks were slightly pink, and I'm guessing it was because he didn't like being the centre of attention so much.

"It's okay." I told him quietly. "I'm the main focus anyway, being the new bride and all." 

He laughed unintentionally loud, and everyone looked at us curiously.

"Aur beta, aap sunao. Suna hai aap bhi doctor ho?" A woman I didn't recognise asked. Most of the people, I recalled seeing at the wedding function, but not her.

*"Dear, you tell me. I heard that you're also a doctor?" 

I nodded. "Jee."

Then it was like Prime Minister's Question Time, with questions being asked left and right. I felt a little overwhelmed, especially when people spoke rapid Punjabi.

"Shadi ke baad kaam karo gi, ya chodh do gi?" Another relative asked, much to my chagrin. 

*"Would you work after marriage, or quit it?" 

"Shaadi job chodne ke liye nahin ki." I replied as best as I could in Urdu. "And I didn't go through years of medical education, just to give it up after marriage."

*"I didn't get married to quit my job?"

"Kyun chaday ay naukri?" Taif added. 

*"Why should she leave her job?"

"Cooking aati hai?" Moving onto the next sexist stereotype question.

*"Do you know how to cook?" 

"For Allah' sake, Mani, learn at least basic cooking properly." Mama had often said to me.

"Why? I'll be too busy working long shifts to cook. Everything comes frozen these days anyway." I had replied.

"Cooking is one skill that everyone should have, regardless of gender, because you never know when such circumstances will arise where you'll have to use that skill!" My mother had tried to give me her wisdom, and I had just laughed it off.

"I can follow instructions on a video and cook like that." I said, weakly, not sure if my answer will really be appreciated.

"Logon di jaan bachandi hai sadi kudi. Koi gal nai agar aino cooking nai aandi. Thoda bota main wi sikha daiyan gi, koi gal nai." Mrs Bukhari spoke up in my defence.

*"Our girl saves people's lives. It doesn't matter if she doesn't know how to cook. I'll teach her a little anyway, no issues."

I looked at her gratefully, and she gave me a reassuring smile. I love the whole concept of women supporting women, but especially when the supporter happens to be my mother-in-law. This behaviour is not usually expected from a Saas.

"Iman, some of Taif's cousins will show you around the house." Mrs Bukhari told me. "We've set a room specially for you both. Let me know if you need anything in there."

I nodded and stood up as a few girls approached me. I followed them out, listening to their excited chatter. But just as I stepped out, I heard someone comment, "Ameer khandaan di lagdi ay."

*"She looks like she's from a rich family."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

****

There was no air-conditioning, just a ceiling fan that was very noisy.

"...life doesn't always stay the same, and we have to often adapt to new and unfamiliar circumstances." Mama's words rang in my head as I paced the small room. 

The cousins had left me alone in the room after a house tour.

"Besides, I'm not living here. It's just a few days." I muttered to myself as I walked over to the window.

There was a knock on the door. 

"Come in." I turned, ready for another round of questions.

But it was Taif. He entered and closed the door behind him. "Hey, I'm sorry about those questions."

"Why are you apologising? Did you ask them to ask me those questions?" 

"No, but they are my relatives and I feel responsible." He walked over to me.

"Oh, Taif, imagine if we all actually were responsible for the actions of our loved ones or relatives. Nobody would be able to live a guilt-free, burden-free life." 

"I don't expect you to give up being a doctor."

"Good. Because that was one of the marriage conditions." I placed my hands on his shoulders. "It's okay. Yeah, I'm annoyed at the discreet sexism, but I'm not going to sit here and overthink about it. You or your parents are happy with my career, and that's all that I care about. What other people think is irrelevant, no offence." 

He smiled. "I'm proud of you, Iman." 

"Join the long queue of people who are." I winked at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm blessed to have found a partner like you, and in-laws like your parents. The way your mother stood up for me really warmed my ice-cold heart." 

"Ice cold heart?" He laughed. "Iman, you have one of the softest hearts I know, no matter how much you pretend otherwise." He wrapped his arms around my waist. "I missed you last night." 

I grinned. "I wish I could say the same, but..." My words froze in my throat as I looked into his eyes. The way he was looking at me seemed to bring out a new and unexpected shy side of me.

"Haye, yeh sharmana mar daale ga." He also grinned, resting his forehead against mine.

*"Oh, this blushing will kill me."

"I'm not blushing." I automatically tried to look tougher...as usual.

"Well, you didn't have blush on..." He pointed on.

"How did you even notice that?" I asked.

"Aapki to har saans ki bhi khabar hai. Chehra to phir bhi nazar main rehta hai." He spoke softly.

*"I'm even aware of every breath you take. The face is still visible." 

"I love you, Iman." He added before I had even the time to react to his super romantic dialogue. "I may not be able to provide you with luxury, but I promise that I will try to not ever let you feel that."

"I love you, Taif. Just be a supportive, loving partner, and we'll get through everything and anything together, In Sha Allah." I basically mirrored my mother's words; of the woman who was a living example of how a loving and supporting partner can get you through anything and everything.

"In Sha Allah." He kissed my forehead. "Come downstairs whenever you're ready, okay? They're going to be making tea soon." 

I nodded.

He leaned forward and quickly pecked my lips. "Haye, meri khush naseebi! Bas rab ki meharbani hai." 

*"Oh, my good luck. It's simply due to the generosity of God." 

"You're too much, Taif." I smiled, my cheeks warm again.

"You have no idea, Iman. I really and truly feel blessed to have an amazing person like you as my wife." He laced our fingers together. "And you know what? Dr Fawad Ali is not the only career idol for me. So is his younger daughter."

"Me?" I blinked, confused. "I'm literally a baby in the career."

"From what you told me, you fought against your darkest side to achieve your career goals. You had, what in stories, is known as a major character development. Why wouldn't I be proud of you? Why wouldn't I consider you a career idol?" 

"I'm proud of you, Taif. Even in today's times, it's not very easy to find males so supportive of their wives and their careers as you are. A strong man is not one who overpowers a woman and oppresses her. A strong man realises her potential and supports her throughout." 

His smile was so adorable that it made me smile as well. Taif had the sort of innocence that made me very overprotective of him. It was one of the reasons that I had fallen in love with him.

He headed out of the room, still smiling, and as the door closed behind him, I couldn't help laughing to myself with happiness. And then a strange thought occurred in my head. Maybe with Ibrahim, I could have a life of luxury, pampered greatly. But I have no doubt that nobody in this universe can make me feel the way Taif does. And I would not give this feeling up for any wealth or luxury in the world.

It was funny. He came looking for my father, and he found me as well. It was almost like something in a novel or a film.

Alhumdulillah.

****

Will Iman continue adapting well to her new life?

Yes, to some extent, this chapter is meant to be like history repeating itself. The way Mina ended up living through new and different circumstances, her daughter is going through the same.

But will Taif remain as supportive as Fawad was to Mina?

Thoughts and comments?

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