Nearly 7000 words. This story is not gonna be on hold. I have been through the nags of not getting updates from my favorite book, so no matter what I go through, I would in shaa Allah not deprive you guys of your updates.

Dedicated to kaNisar kithaab_lover9 ihaaa_ mnhlwrites makeitmatter tala-al-badru Tuba-love-to-write @sadaf846 for sending me love and motivational kind words. I can't put forth how happy and blessed you people made me feel. I love you all to the moon and back❤

Note: This chapter contains content of other language but I have added translation. Don't skip any part, it took so much of my time and effort to mend this chapter.

Keep me motivated by commenting loads!!!!

Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem.

Jesima stifled a yawn as she removed her pristine green operating scrubs. She opened the tap and after putting the hand wash, she rubbed her hands together in front of the water.

"I have been curious for a long time now, Amy", Rafa started doing the same procedure as her friend, " Why did you choose to be a Gynecologist?",

"Hey! since a long time I have been wondering the same, why did you choose this subject, Ahmed?", Jesima turned towards Ahmed who was removing his surgical mask, " Any specific reason?".

"First of all, stop calling me Amy. I go with one of the best names in the World, Ahmed which is also one of the names of our Holy Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh), and secondly, I thought you guys would ask me the day we became friends, you people are quite late asking this question", he shook his head.

"Amy suits you and it's lovely, and we don't want to disrespect your name by disrespecting you", Rafa pointed her finger, " because the name belongs to my beloved".

"Whatever! No amount of talking would make you simply leave that stupid Wattpad name away. I am not going to try, either".

" That's good. You better stop trying".

"Ahmed, you didn't answer the question yet?", Samra interrupted slowly and at once he swiveled his face towards her, his eyes glinting, " If you want to know the answer, I am never going to deprive you of the question", Ahmed chimed and for a split second, the couple locked gaze.

"Ahem", coughed Rafa making the couple in question to look away and the layers of skin beneath Samra's veil colored crimson.

" You better answer soon Ahmed", Jesima looked at her watch, " I am sorry to say, but I am getting quiet late", she sighed tiredly, for the day unfolded with an excess amount of cases piling up the hospital for check-ups and deliveries. At first, they had come to organize their things in their respective cabins but later, they all were called in to do humungous amounts of chores. Alas, they can't complain because a Doctor is never off duty. Doctors are always expected to treat patients whenever and wherever they are.

"It's actually a bit sentimental, I hope I won't make you guys shed tears",

" It would depend on what sentiment you behold".

"My mom died while giving birth to me", his answer to the said question made the chirpy air turn eerily quiet, making the listeners suck to put forth replies." I don't know what complications happened but they couldn't save her. Apparently, as I grew up I wanted to become a Doctor, and then, when the time came to select which field I would plunge in, I eventually selected this because I don't want another child to grow without the shoulder of a mother. No matter what happens, I would try to save my patient's life till my level best and the rest lays in Allah's hands".

"Aw! Ahmed, you are great, you know that right?", Rafa confronted for the first time wiping a tear and her love for this brother in Islam increased ten folds than before.

" I know", he chuckled lightening the situation but he failed to lighten the weight that fomed in Samra's chest, her throat clotted and her lungs ran out of air. She felt suffocated all of a sudden, so in order to breathe in the fresh air, she slowly slipped away from the chaos her friends unintentionally caused.

Jesima withdrew soon as well, stating she's running late which sure she was. Her hijab flickered with the cool breeze of the night and another yawn escaped her mouth while she rubbed her tired eyes, taking her phone from her bag and dialed Aashiq's number.

"Just on the corner, will reach in a minute or two", he said at once after attending her call.

" Okay", she cut the call and fiddled her legs, her tender fingers running through the beads of her sling bag, waiting for her husband to pick her up.

As per his word, his car came forth the long driveway of the hospital and it took a stop near her standing posture. The door of the car automatically opened and she stifled yet another yawn and got inside.

"You look tired?", Aashiq stated once he ignited the engine of the car and it started to march out through the alley of the Hospital.

" I sure am, today was a heck of a day. Too many cases piled in", she leaned on her seat.

"You sure, you on for this?", he asked uncertainly of their previous plan of the night.

" I promised you that I will come for the date. Don't mind my clothes, you just carry on to drive to the place. I don't break promises when I feel tired".

"Jesima, it's totally alright, we can do this some other day", he turned the car towards the left and into the highway.

" No problem Aashiq, let's do this. Actually, I am hungry too, in order to fill my empty stomach, I must have to accompany you to the date. I am evil, did you forgot?", her reply made him shake his head, and nevertheless, he started driving towards their destination of the night.

Aashiq stopped the car near the hotel which he had reserved for the two, "Jesima, we have arrived. Now you can feed your tummy in the name of my date", he showed his dimples as he smiled pulling his seat belt, and turned towards her and seeing her, his lips dropped that beautiful smile and they perked up in amusement.

Jesima's head leaned on the headboard of the seat, her hands falling to her sides and her forehead held no creases and her long eyelashes kissed her cheeks, her lips parted slightly and she breathed in rhythmic moments while her body fell limp to the waves of elite slumber.

Aashiq was so immersed in her beauty that he jumped suddenly at the knock on the window, he abruptly turned to see a man clad in suit smile back at him enthusiastically. Aashiq gestured with his fingers 'one second' and restarted the dead engine only to take the car to the side of the foyer in order to leave space for the upcoming cars. The man followed behind, so Aashiq opened the door and stepped out.

" Good Evening! Mr. Ahamed! It's a pleasure to have you here tonight in The Park Grand Resorts. I am the Manager and my superior's personally asked me to take care of your visit", the Man smiled at Aashiq.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Gentleman", Aashiq shrugged pulling his jacket to himself.

" Sir, the hotel suite is organized as per your wishes and the table is set with candle lights--",

"--Er! Excuse me! I think I won't be able to make it tonight",

" What do you mean, Sir?", the man eyed Aashiq a bit warily.

"I meant that I wouldn't be able to make for dinner. I am sorry, I have suddenly got an acquaintance to work on and it needs my upmost attention".

" But sir, you ordered for the whole lobby to yourself--",

"Yeah! Yeah!", Aashiq nodded his head in agreement, " I will ask my Secretary to do the payments", Aashiq took a few steps back, " and you can make use of the food by inviting the guests staying in your Hotel for free dinner", he shouted running back to his car before the man could say anything more.

Once inside, he started for their home. He was in the middle of the valley which led to the Elite households in the city when his phone started beeping continuously. He slowly pulled the car to the side and searched for his Bluetooth, putting the phone on silent. The small machine which used to be connected to the ears to answer calls was nowhere to be seen. He quickly took the phone in his palm and read the name of his 'Personal Secretary' on the lit-up screen. He slashed the call to the side and put his phone near his left ear.

"Hello! Sir, Good evening",

" Good Evening! James", whispered Aashiq slowly glancing at his wife who was sound asleep, and at once he noticed that her head hung low, so he reached for her and pushed her head to lean on the window ever so slightly, touching her light brown hijab.

"Sir, Park Hotels called in to inform me that you canceled the visit, should I be doing the payments?".

" Yes please", Aashiq sighed running a hand through his hair, "And add a tip to the Manager there. He seemed like he would choke up any minute with shock".

" Okay! Sir, I would finish them up.And Sir, there are a few things I need to discuss, before you leave for your trip. Can I detail you on the information now?",

"Brief me the tasks, James".

" Sir, you need to sign some papers regarding the new partnership amendment and Mr. Evans has fixed an appointment to meet you in person, Mr. Pauling would be doing the presentation on the Board meeting tomorrow on the slum housing project we have targeted to build on Nigeria----", the secretary was speaking with the flow but it fell on deaf ears.

Aashiq's gaze momentarily had swept to Jesima and he sucked in his breathing the next moment, his brain completely lost functioning and his hand stilled holding the phone. Jesima's hijab had loosened making a strand hair fall to her face. It reached till the flare of her nostrils and the air which erupted from the air conditioner made it dangle slightly. The brown-colored strands danced on her skin, she flared her nose in her sleep, and the tip of her nose, in the meantime turned a shade of pink.

Should I move it?

or

Should I not?

His brain cells started functioning battle against each other. On the contrary, "Sir, Sir, are you listening?", the secretary prevailed bickering on the background.

The phone slipped through his hand, falling down to the seat and his unaware self was busy admiring his wife. The time she sleeps, is the time he was able to see her, completely. Jesima's pink lips frowned in her sleep due to the intruding hair strands which was disturbing her peaceful sleep.

Gulping, Aashiq moved forward until he was close to her seating. His hand raised in the air, his finger reached her face for the first time and he took ahold of the piece of heaven and he was about to push it back through the hijab when a loud honking car passed them over, causing a bizarre to the romantic moment. Aashiq's head turned to the front and then he turned back to his wife and he saw her, with eyes wide open petrified .

He quickly moved back to his sleep. Jesima abruptly pushed the strand back, her heartbeats chaotic and she was left without any air supply for her poor lungs.

" Are we there yet?", she asked coughing awkwardly.

Aashiq who was gripping the steering wheel to steady his profile, smiled in amusement.

What was that supposed to mean?

....

Friday rolled by sooner than the both had anticipated. The two days kept both of them busy in completing their own tasks. Jesima was packing her bags and she did not even get to see a glimpse of her husband, he was busy completing his last-minute office chores. At a once, she even doubted that they were going to fly to a different country given his busy schedule. Nevertheless, she got readied herself.

"Why are we going inside the airport?", she removed her shades and swiveled to look up at her husband.

" To board the flight".

"Directly?", to which he nodded in reply, " What about the check-in?",

"That's not needed, actually", he shrugged and she watched him in confusion.

" What not needed, Aashiq? What if you are carrying a bomb, they need to know?", her eyebrows furrowed together.

"Am I really carrying a bomb?", he inquired chuckling.

" Okay! But seriously dude. What are we? Even VIP's check-in the terminals".

"You will see, Jesima".

" See what?".

"Patience", he smiled with his dimples on, making her roll her eyes.

" Whatever", she folded her hands on her chest, "You told me, there's a surprise?".

" Yes, it's in the car which is behind us", he gestured to the back and Jesima turned to see a black Range rover following them.

"A car full of surprises or the car is the surprise?",

" A car full of surprises".

"Really, what might that be?".

" I told you earlier Jesima, Patience is a virtue, so be patient", he said pulling her leg.

"What are you now, A saint?", and he burst out laughing at her quizzical self. Jesima leaned on the window watching the car pass by terminals and a long glass shutter opened for them when Aashiq showed his card. The car went through the lane of roads until it stopped near a private plane.

" Ugh! This was expected", she rolled her eyes, "but wait", she shrieked making Aashiq stop midway from getting down the car. He motioned with his eyes, asking what.

" You sent me a plane ticket. How is that even possible if we are boarding a private jet?", she asked her eyes trained on him, " Did you buy a ticket in order to ask me out?".

"No", Aashiq giggled, " It was a fake one which I made".

"What?", her eyeballs rounded, " You tricked me?",

"I am sorry but you can put it like that".

" You fooled me", she hit him with her clutch, horrified that she had believed a duplicate ticket to be real.

"Leave it, Jesima. It doesn't matter", he smiled warmly and she laughed at her own self before getting down.

The lights of the airport shined in the dark night and a private airplane which was also one of the belonging to her rich husband stood tall, towering them. The cool breeze of the night ran chills down through her body and she hugged herself tight.

The car which was told to be her surprise came to a stop near them and the door opened, through which got down Maahi followed by Ali and from the backseat came out Shabna and Fathima.

" You must be kidding me?", she turned to Aashiq, who had his hands down his pocket.

"Not this time", he grinned while she ran towards her best friend and hugged her tight. " Assalamu alaikum, Shabna", she squealed.

"Wa alaikum assalam, Jessie", her dear friend responded to the hug with the same excitement underlying.

" Hey! Fathima", she turned towards Fathima and grabbed her into another hug. "Bro!", she gleamed at Maahi and, " Oh my Gosh! Ali", she whirled towards Ali.

"Salaam to you too, Sis", Maahi wished running a hand through his hair.

" Guess you haven't grown since the time we left", joked Ali as he went to shake Aashiq's hand.

"Hey! I am always a kid at heart", she stomped her feet, and all her friends who were like her own family greeted her husband. "Where are the kids?", Jesima asked Shabna.

" I wasn't able to manage the twins, Jessie. So I called Mum in. Now, she's in Maahi's house with Hafila Aunty. They both agreed to take care of them".

"You people are so cunning. Why do you leave your children home, depriving their enjoyment?", Jesima said.

" It's not safe to carry kids on a jungle trip", Maahi replied.

"Jesima, you should first come and see the tantrums Khadija puts. Mom says, she has totally gone on Asad", Fathima cooed.

" And Madam, what enjoyment are we depriving of six months old children?", smirked Shabna putting a hand over her hip.

"I thought they grew up", Jesima bit her lips.

"Guys, one sec", Aashiq gestured as he moved towards a man in a suit in between their conversation.

" Jesima, for a man as rich as him, he sure is generous".

"He is, Alhamdulillah", Jesima nodded her head in agreement.

" What is he actually?", asked Ali.

"He is everything",

" What do you mean?", Shabna asked with perked up brows.

"I can't say what actually he is. I think our Author is his huge fangirl, so she had put almost every talent in him",

" Can you elaborate? I didn't get you."

"For starters, he is an Architect. He is a perfect homemaker, he paints amazing stuff, he writes breathtaking poems, and the list goes on. I won't be surprised if our Author makes him come back with a Captain suit now and announce us, he's going to fly the flight".

" Jessie", laughed Shabna, " This is just exaggeration, nevertheless I agree with you about the Author".

" Of course, she would fantasize things. Did you forget what her name actually is, Miss Fantasy?", Maahi joined in.

"Alas, she fantasizes the best of stories. Be grateful she didn't separate you two", Ali gestured towards Maahi and Shabna.

"You would never give up on her Ali", chuckled Fathima.

"I would never give up on her for sure because she never gave up on me, on us", Ali reminisced his memories and looked up at his dear wife, Fathima.

"I don't know whether to laugh or cry at that", Jesima replied with sarcasm dripping on her tone.

Aashiq came back, " The Pilot is ready to take off, we can now board in", he gestured them to the stairs and one by one, they started boarding in. Jesima came by Aashiq, "Thanks for the surprise, I love it", and he smiled and said, " I know. It makes me happy to see you happy", her heart leaped a beat and she silently climbed up the stairs.

....

The flight time was fifteen-hour long, so they first had dinner which was homemade by Shabna, chicken sandwiches, and some swiss roll cake. After dinner, they took turns sleeping in the attached bedroom on the plane. Shabna, Fathima, and Jesima discussed everything that they had missed about each other. Aashiq was the last one to retire for the night and Shabna pushed Jesima to go and accompany him but she shook her head and sat rooted to her same spot.

"Girl, are you sure you are in good terms with him?", Shabna whispered to Jesima in order not to be heard by anyone.

" Why do you think so?".

"You people don't look like normal couples".

" What normal couples actually look like?", shrugged Jesima.

"Wait, you have finished your graduation and the period of time you asked from him is over now, right?",

" It is Shabs, but I can't force things to happen. We are going with the flow and we both like where we are heading".

"I truly hope you get all the sunshine in your path".

" Don't hope. It will In shaa Allah".

After landing at nine in Cebu the next morning, they had to undergo few procedures and they occupied a nearby hotel to freshen up and have lunch. Soon after lunch, they started to Moalboal, their destination which was a three-hour ride by road.

"What are we going to do?", Ali asked sitting comfortably in his seat beside Aashiq and on his left sat Maahi who was facing Jesima towards Jesima's right sat Shabna and Fathima, in the jeep.

" What about a game?",

"Anthakshri",

" What is Anthakshri?", asked Ali. Ali is a reverted Muslim who was a pure-blood American and he married Fathima because he fell in love with her the moment he saw her.

"Bro, it means a game of songs", giggled Jesima.

" Then it's a no, from my side", he shook his head immediately, "I still don't understand when you people talk in Urdu and Tamil at home", he laughed.

" With time, you would get used to it", chimed Fathima.

"Let's make Aashiq sing", Maahi said.

" Aashiq?", Jesima asked borrowing her eyebrows.

"Yes, I have seen him sing in one of his Instagram posts and he sang amazing", Maahi confronted making Jesima's eyes go wide.

" Instagram? You stalk my husband on Instagram?", she questioned at once.

"Jesima, being you, I for sure know you would ask me this question next", Maahi smirked, " I wasn't stalkin. You know, when initially his proposal came, I was looking out Aashiq and his profiles to know how he is and if he is worthy of marrying a girl who is like my own sister", Maahi patted Aashiq's back, "But now, I will say you are more than lucky to have a husband like him".

Jesima sealed her lips at that and Aashiq looked from Jesima to Maahi, " Bro! This still doesn't convince to sing, right?".

"Bhaijaan! One song, please. We all are curious now", Shabna intertwined.

" If you do have a good voice, why not try?", Jesima whispered lowkey and Aashiq's gaze momentarily drifted to Jesima who was fiddling her fingers, a specific act which she did when she was nervous and when she had no proper comebacks to throw.

The jeep went through a tunnel filling them with pitch-black darkness to elude their vision. When the jeep finally came out of the tunnel, Jesima's face was the first to be visible with the daylight, her white hijab flickered with the wind and Aashiq sang,
" Muzhumadhi avalathu mugamaagum
(Full moon would be her face)", and she looked up to see his face which came out of the darkness into light and his eyes were already trained on her.

"Bro, wait. I will grab my tab to play the translation", Ali unzipped his bag.

" Muzhumadhi avalathu mugamaagum
(Full moon would be her face)",

Malligai avalathu manamaagum
(Jasmine would be her fragrance)

Minnalgal avalathu vizhiyaagum
(Lightning would be her eyes)

Mounangal avalathu mozhiyaagum
(Silence would be her language)

Maargazhi maadhaththu
Paniththuli avalathu kuralaagum
Magarandha kaattin
Maan kutti avaladhu nadaiyaagum

(Dew drops of winter
would be her voice
Deer calf of the fragrant forests
would be her walks)

Avalai oru naal naan paarthen
Idhayam kodu ena varam ketten
Athai koduththaal
Udanae eduththae sendru vittaal

(I saw her one day
and asked for her heart as boon
She did give
but immediately took it back and went away!)

Ohoo..muzhumadhi avalathu mugamaagum

Kaalthadamae padhiyaadha
Kadal theevu aval thaanae
Athan vaasanai mananil
Poochchediyaaga ninaithen

(She is indeed the island of the sea,
untouched hitherto,
In its fragrant sands,
I wished to be a floral shrub.. )

Kettathumae marakkaatha
Mellisaiyum avalthaanae
Athan pallavi charanam
Purinthum mounaththil irunthen

(She is indeed the melody,
unforgettable after hearing,
Even after understanding the stanzas,
I stood in silence.. )

Oru karaiyaaga aval irukka
Maru karaiyaaga naan irukka
Idaiyil thanimai
Thalumbuthay nadhiyaai..

(She being one shore,
and me being the other shore,
In between gushes the river of solitude..)

Kaanal neeril meen pidikka
Kaigal nianaiththaal mudinthidumaa
Nigazhkaalam naduvae
Vedikkai paarkkirathae..

(Is it possible for the hands to fish
in the waters of mirage?
The time stands testament to the
happenings of the present..)

Ohoo..muzhumadhi avalathu mugamaagum

Amaithiyudan aval vandhaal
Viralgalai naan pidiththu konden
Pala vaanavil paarthae
Vazhiyil thodarnthathu payanam

(She comes along with peace,
And I grasped her fingers..
The journey continued while witnessing
the many rainbows along the path.. )

Urakkam vanthae thalaikkodha
Maraththadiyil ilaippaari
Kan thiranthen avalum illai
Kasanthathu nimidam

(As sleep caressed my head,
I rested under a tree
When I woke up, she wasn't there
and the minute turned bitter..)

Arugil irunthaal oru nimidam
Tholaivil therinthaal maru nimidam
Kangalil maraiyum
Poimaan pol odugiraal

(She was by my side, in that minute,
She appeared afar, in the next minute..
She runs like the false-deer
that eludes the vision..)

Avalukkum enakkum naduvinilae
Thirai ondru therinthathu edhirinilae
Mugamoodi aninthaal
Mugangal therinthidumaa..

(Between me and her,
a screen stood opposing,
When mask is worn,
would the faces be visible?)

Ohoo..muzhumadhi avalathu mugamaagum",

"He is desperate for you", Fathima leaned in to press Jesima's cold hand and Jesima's gaze lingered out of the window, her face fully flushed red.

" No, he is head over heels in love with you", Shabna murmured near her ear and Jesima coughed in reply.

Aashiq saw the exchange and he himself looked out of the window, his body chaotic because the song was very close to his heart, it resembled his current state. But not once did he thought he would be singing the song for her.

"Bro, the lyrics are to die for", Ali switched off his tab and placed it in his lap.

" You have magic in your voice, really", Maahi cordially admired.

Of course! He would have sweet voice. Author, you would be dead flesh if you ever stumble across my path. Why do you have to make me a tomato for his treat?

"Jesima", Shabna called and Jesima whirled towards her, " You know, I can understand your state. It's not easy for girls to fall in love and we always dinge with uncertainty that whether we truly love or not or to try and give ourselves. I know, things didn't went as per you planned them. But, Allah has given you someone, who loves you immensely. Cherish it", she silently spoke.

"It's not that easy Shabs", Jesima looked up to meet her eye.

" I know, I know. Did you forget Fathima stood on the same shoes as you, few years back. Confused whether to give Ali a chance or not?", Shabna asked and Jesima nodded in agreement, "But giving him a chance to take care of her and plunging into marrying him was her best decision. Even though at first she didn't liked him or love him at once, but when she trusted Ali with the keys of her heart, he safeguarded it with his life. He lit up each step she took with his love. See how glowing and happy she is today, Masha Allah".

" Shabna, if you really want me to give him a chance. Please ask him to sing once more?",

"Is someone already in love with the songs their husband is singing for them?", to which Jesima blushed in reply and looked down.

" Bhaijaan! Your wife wants to hear another song now", Shabna told loudly gaining everyones attention and Jesima glared her friend who in return winked back mischievously.

Aashiq's heart erupted beating unsteadily at the sight of her and she turned again towards the window, hiding any glimpse of her face.

"Un Kaigal Korthu
Unnodu Poga
En Nenjam Than Yengudhe
Dhinam Uyir Vangudhe

(Holding your hands with mine,
To walk with you by my side,
My heart is yearning, as it takes
my life away everyday.)

Un Tholil Saaindhu
Kan Moodi Vaazha
En Ullam Alaipayuthey
Ayyo Thadumaarudhe

(To lay my head on your shoulders,
And live my life with eyes closed,
My heart flows like waves in the Ocean,
Oh, it staggers along the way.)

Un Kannam Mele.. Mazhai Neerai Pole
Mutha Kolam Poda Aasai Alladudhey
Nee Pesum Pechu Naaldhorum Ketu
Endhan Jenmam Theera Yaekam Thallaadudhe

(On your Cheeks, like the drops of rain water,
To make an art of kisses - the heart
desires unfalteringly.
To listen to you speak all day,
Hoping to live this life just with that,
A longing burns inside me.)

Oh Penne Penne
Yen Kanne Kanne
Unmai Sonnaal Yenna
Unnai Thandhaal Yenna

(Oh Girl, Oh Girl,
The Apple of my eye,
Why don't you say the Truth?
Why don't you give yourself to me?)

Oh Penne Penne
Yen Kanne Kanne
Unmai Sonnaal Yenna
Unnai Thandhaal Yenna

(Oh Girl, Oh Girl,
The Apple of my eye,
Why don't you say the truth?
Why don't you give yourself to me?)", He paused telling each desire of his heart, when Maahi patted his lap and then he looked up at Maahi, " Bro, I know this song. I think the next stanzas would suit me more", he said.

"Go ahead bro", Aashiq gestured him while Shabna looked up perplexed at her husband.

"Ezhu Kadal Thaandi Unakaaga Vandhene
Indha Nadhi Vandhu Kadal Seruthe
Vennilavai Vetti Mothirangal Seivene
Adhu Unai Sera Oli Veesuthe
Andha Vinmeengal Thaan.. Undhan Kan Meedhile
Vandhu Kudiyerave. Konjam Edam Kekuthe
Indru Un Kaiyile. Naan Oru Bommaiye
Oonjal Pol Maaruthe. Adi Un Penmaiye

(I came crossing the seven seas to come, reach you,
This River has flown down to join the Ocean.
I will carve the Moon to make a Ring for you,
And as it reaches you, it exhumes a beautiful aura.
The Rainbow in the sky can be seen in your eyes,
To live there, it asks you for space.
In your hands, I am a puppet now,
Like a Swing, your feminine beauty changes over.)

Oh Penne Penne
Yen Kanne Kanne
Unmai Sonnaal Yenna
Unnai Thandhaal Yenna

(Oh Girl, Oh Girl,
The Apple of my eye,
Why don't you say the Truth?
Why don't you give yourself to me?)

Oh Penne Penne
Yen Kanne Kanne
Unmai Sonnaal Yenna
Unnai Thandhaal Yenna

(Oh Girl, Oh Girl,
The Apple of my eye,
Why don't you say the Truth?
Why don't you give yourself to me?)", he finished beaming at Shabna and she blushed with joy, " You know I have given myself to you completely and by any chance did you forget you already have three kids back home", she joked yet feeling very happy on the insides, and everyone shared a good laugh together.

....

The lyrics of both the songs caused goosebumps to crawl down her skin. She had read his journal and now, he openly put forth the state of his heart, how much he loved her and how much his heart yearns for her to accept him. But, at the end of the day, he gave the choice to her. If she is still not sure, he wouldn't force her, she knew that by now.

"Oh my God! A FREAKIN treehouse", Fathima exclaimed with excitement as they walked down the hanging chains of a bridge made up of wooden logs.

" Aashiq has planned it so thorough and amazing", squealed Shabna, knocking Jesima from her reverie and she concentrated on the back of her husband leading them through a forest path.

"You both are a gone case now", Jesima sighed, " Welcome to the official Fanclub of my husband".

"Astaghfirullah",

" Guys, there are a whole lot of girls who die on him, fangirling. Trust me, I have seen".

"What? For real?",

" Yes".

The walk consisted of five minutes and they were standing beneath huge trees on top of which were houses built. A ladder and steps carved with wood-lined the way to go up. Aashiq showed Ali and Fathima a treehouse and then Maahi and Shabna their own. Excited Fathima ran through the passage with Ali on the toe. Shabna and Maahi bid adieu after Aashiq had informed them about the dinner arrangements and he also told them to make him a call if they needed anything additional.

When Maahi and Shabna went on their way, Jesima stood towing a pebble with her Adidas shoes. "Let's go", Aashiq waved and she followed behind him.

" I hope you would like the space we would be spending the night", he said as he climbed further up and when she did not reply, he stopped in his tracks and turned back to see the spiral pathway empty. His heart clenched with fear and he at once started to climb back down with hurried footsteps, "Jesima?", he called but there was no response. He was on the final turn of the stair which landed on the muddy flooring of the forest where he saw her and he released a breath which he was unknowingly holding and relief washed through his facial features. Her back was towards him, so he walked up to her front, " What are you doing?", he asked but the sight of her made him do a double-take and bite his lower lip in awe.

A beautiful blue butterfly sat on the bridge of her eyebrows and her eyes were lowered to the ground. The sight was to marvel for.

"I got a visitor", she whispered in a husky voice.

" I don't know who to praise, the butterfly or the beholder of the butterfly", he slowly murmured, his hand on his accord went inside his jean pocket and grabbed his phone, "Both are breathtakingly beautiful", he clicked a photo.

His fingers gingerly reached for the small attractive Allah's creation but the fly reacted in reflex, fluttering its wings as it flew away. " You scared it", laughed Jesima.

"I am sorry".

" No, It's okay. I thought I would freeze in this posture to eternity, it got hooked up on my brow. You saved me, Thank you".

He nodded grinning and they together climbed the wooden stairs. The room was enormous and in the middle laid a king-sized bed with white sheets over a soft mattress and all the sides were balconies and open. There wasn't any electricity but candles lighted throughout the room. To the side was a mirror and dressing space and through it was a small passage which lead to an attached bathroom with white ceramic tiles over the wood and a gigantic bathtub was placed in the corner. The balconies rounded the tree, and there was a two-seater dining table made with wood in the open space.

"This is wonderful", Jesima happily viewed each and every nook and crook.

Jesima took her handbag and moved towards the dresser, she sighed as she unpinned her hijab and stretched her hands while Aashiq sat on the corner of the bed removing his boots. She unclasped her clutch which held her hair in a messy bun and the brown colored beach waves fell like a waterfall and reached beneath her hip line.

Aashiq finished removing his socks and looked up at Jesima and his eyes went wide at the length of her hair. This was the first time he was seeing her hair which were so long. He previously has seen her hair clasped in a bun or messily plaited. Suddenly, his heart desired to run his fingers through the length but before he stood up, she marched towards the bathroom.

She felt tired until her core due to the continuous lengthy travel. She splashed water and cleaned her face. She walked out of the bathroom to see the room empty. She moved towards the open pillars of wood towards the balcony and found Aashiq on one of its corners speaking coherently over the phone. She leaned on the railing and gazed at the thick forest, it was almost sunset time and the light of the sky had already started to dim and become dusky. Birds chirped as they returned to their nests to rest, and insects buzzed in the distance. A faint sound of waterfalls reached her and she moved through the balcony looking at the forest until she came to a halt on her steps, the treehouse where Ali and Fathima were occupied came into view. Fathima was standing leaning in the railing and Ali hugged her from behind, he whispered something over her ear and she laughed, her face glittering with the mirth of love. Jesima sighed at the sight of the lovey-dovey couple and took two steps at a time and went towards Aashiq.

"If Indian cuisine isn't available, Arabian would go", he spoke through the phone and when he noticed her presence, he waved his hand to inform her to come close and his lips twitched into a smile showcasing his dimples.

She smiled back and biting her lower lip moved close towards him and leaned on the railing, waiting for him to keep the phone and she played with the leaves that fell near her.

" Masha Allah, this place is so serene, right?", Aashiq said after cutting the call.

"Yes, Subhanallah. Allah's creation is just perfect without any flaw."

"That sure is. If this Dunya is so perfect then I can't stop pondering the beauty of Jannah".

" I know right? And when this perfect Creator says that the beauty of Jannah is so immense that no eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard of, no matter how much we imagine the place to be splendid, we are going to be surprised with it's unwavering beauty. "

"Subhanallah. May Allah make us one of its inhabitants".

" Aameen", she replied gleefully.

Aashiq suddenly climbed the big branch that fell near the railing, "Aashiq, what are you doing?", Jesima squeaked terrified, " Watch out. It's risky".

"No, it's not. The branch is wide enough. Come on, hop in", he gestured with his hand.

" I am not coming there", she folded her arms.

"Trust me, Jesima", Aashiq trimmed his beard with his fingers, " The sun is going to set".

When he stood persistent on the big branch, Jesima grabbed the pleats of her white kurta and climbed over the railing. She gazed down at the long-distance from the top of the tree to the basement of the flooring of the gravel.

I am surely going to die. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.

She basked her hand over the branch and put all her weight on her palms as she left the safety of the premises she stood and climbed over the branch. She clutched tight on the branch for a good minute making Aashiq roll his eyes at her antics and then slowly got up to stand balancing her feet on the branch.

"If I pass this, I am sure I can cross the pul-seerat bridge during the day of Judgement", she bickered to herself.

" Jesima", Aashiq giggled, "It's wide and safe, come here".

She treaded with one step at a time and was about to reach him when she felt like slipping, " Hey", Aashiq grabbed her waist and gripped her tight. She was really a drama Queen, he thought to himself and used this opportunity to hold her hair and run his fingers through the ends. After a second, she steadied herself and both sat watching the sun dip at the end of the sky, promising to raise with the same brightness on the next day.

They chit-chatted dangling their legs, talked about their favorites, tried to learn each other's preferences, and enjoyed their time until it was late night.

When they hopped back in the treehouse, dinner was already arranged with candle lights. Devouring the dishes, they talked some more.

When Jesima liked the dessert Kunafa a bit too much, Aashiq passed her, his share and she gladly accepted. She wasn't fat or lean but she was a heavy foodie when it came to food. She was the type of girl, who no matter what she ate wouldn't grow an inch from her zero size hip. She had perfect curves and a good amount of flesh in her bosom. Moreover, she was blessed. She did diet sometimes to control the desires of her nafs, but this trip was an expulsion. She had put all her hold in her room and locked it tight, planning to enjoy as much as she could without any boundaries set.

It was almost eleven, Aashiq went to freshen up leaving Jesima all alone in the room. When he came back, he saw her extinguishing the candles one by one, he followed the same procedure from his side. Aashiq and Jesima doused the small fire that erupted from the red candles with their hands until they bumped their head meeting at the center point. Jesima smiled as she got up, twisting her hair and putting a rubber band through it to form a ponytail. She laid on the right corner of the bed almost hanging to the floor.

"I don't bite you know", Aashiq snickered pulling the comforter a little higher to get inside the bed. " I am still not sure about that. What if you turn a vampire after midnight?", she bellowed quietly.

He tucked himself comfortably inside the bed, "Are you sure, you don't want more space?", he asked after a minute of pause.

"Almost certain".

Knowing well about her, he turned in the opposite direction, closed his eyes, and started reciting the dua before sleep. On the other hand, Jesima was about to plunge into the deep waves of slumber when all of a sudden she heard an eery growl of an animal in the distance. She gripped the comforter tight. The sound of rumbling became closer and closer in the silence of the night. The growl becoming louder and louder, each passing juncture.

She visibly gulped, fear gripping her throat, and slowly, slowly she started moving towards Aashiq and she suddenly stopped when their backs touched, biting her bottom lip in anticipation.

"Planning to push me down, in order to occupy the whole bed?".

" I am not that cunning".

"Then, what are you doing behind my back?".

" Er!", she clamped her teeth, "Is it really safe here. I think a wolf is down the tree. What if it climbs up?", she huskily whispered with fear.

Aashiq twisted and turned to face her, crease lines lined her forehead, and her face which was slightly visible through the beam of the moonlight clearly gave away her fear. " Jesima, turn".

"What?".

" I said to turn". With quivering brows, she obliged turning her face away from him and her back faced him now.

He put a hand over her small waist and pulled her close, her back touching his body and his hand which held her waist wrapped itself comfortable."Don't take benefit of my fear, Aashiq?", she squirmed under his hold.

"I won't, I promise", he said with earnestness, " Now sleep. I won't let any animal hurt you".

How am I supposed to sleep when you are this close?

" Jesima, I asked you to sleep", his face laid itself on the crook of her neck and she felt goosebumps crawling down her skin.

Oops! Did I wonder it loud?

***

How was the chapter?

Do you like the scenes of Aashiq and Jesima?

Which character has attracted your attention till now?

Finally,

Did you love it?

***

Question by TheLearningSpirit

When would Shabna and Maahi do the cameo?

Your answer is this chapter. Go up and read.