Hey guys! I know I have made u all wait really long this time... So sorry about it 🙈 kaan pakad ke maafi chahti hu...

Been real stressed in personal life so the delay...

Anyways here's the new chapter to make u all happy... So sit back and enjoy

Happy reading!

Part 20 - Wedding bells and Family love

“Shaheer… No…” Pooja mumbled in a feeble tone taking my breathe away. I was startled for that moment and perhaps stumbled a bit on my feet while Pooja tightened her grip on my palm and held my shoulder to erect me on the slippery rock that we were standing on amidst the water stream.

I just stayed mum staring into her eyes yearning for her to speak still having the trust in her that she would not deny my proposal. Pooja caressed my cheek with her soft palm and smiled widely.

“No… Mein Pooja Sharma se Pooja Sheikh nahi banna chahti… but Pooja Sharma se Pooja Sharma Sheikh banne ko kab se taiyar hu!! Bas aap hi ka intzaar tha sheikh saab…!” And like always my lady had outwitted me in the game of words as she giggled faintly and hugged me with all her might as if she was waiting for this proposal and the moment since ages!

I felt like the happiest man on earth when Pooja accepted my proposal and the euphoria in my body was immense at that moment as I hugged her back and kissed her forehead profusely numerous times expressing my joy!

“I love you my baby! I love you soooooo much!” I squealed holding her closer in my embrace.

“I love you too jaan…!” Pooja mumbled against my chest basking in the precious moment of our life.

“And your wish is my command; you will be Pooja Sharma Sheikh. Actually I wouldn’t want you to change your name after marriage… mein toh bas aise hi…TV hero hu toh serials ki tarah kuch cliché lines bolke hi propose karunga na…!Hahaha” I chuckled as I confided about my proposing lines and earned a smack on my tummy from my girl in return.

“Uff proposal mei bhi nautanki karni hai na tumhe… haha! God Shaheer… but I want to add your name to my already beautiful name to make it complete. You complete me Shaheer…” Pooja chimed as she looked at me with her gleaming eyes.

“And you complete me Pooji” I said pressing my lips on her head again with affection and love. Pooja never failed to acknowledge and express my importance in her life and I felt blessed to hear such heartwarming words from her.

We stayed embroiled in each other’s arms for some more time amidst the nature in my Bhaderwah. The moments we spent were indeed precious and would remain memorable till eternity for us.

After spending some more quality time, we headed back home happily being content with our day out in my hometown. It was evening by the time we reached home and it was tea time for everyone when we entered, Mom dad were sipping on their tea while Ifrah was serving tea and biscuits to others in the house and the kids roamed around the hall playing some game as Aleefa had a hard time catching them to make them drink milk.

“Yayy… Mamu jaan aa gaye!” Amairah squealed in joy as she rushed towards me and wrapped her tiny arms around my legs.

“Poo… Pooja maami bhi…!” Aairah chimed while running to hug Pooja and thus diverting everyone’s eyes towards us. Pooja bent on her knees and hugged her flashing a wide smile while clearly being surprised over Aairah addressing her Maami for the first time as the kids called her Pooji until then just like I do.

“Maami?” Pooja asked Aairah blinking her eye lashes.

“Haan… ab apki nikah ho jayegi bhai se toh I thought the kids should start calling you Maami” Aleefa replied instead of Aairah with a huge smile and everyone else smiled at what she said.

Now, things made sense to Pooja that my entire family knew about me proposing for marriage to her and she turned all pink and shy as she nodded her head lowering her eyes to hide her flushed smiley face and stood up holding Aairah’s hand still in hers.

“Beta ji…dono idhar aoo” Mom smiled and called us to sit next to her and I signalled Pooja to follow me behind as I walked towards the sofa.

“Decide kiya?” Mom asked looking at both of us intently.

“Haa… haa ammi… Pooja ne haa kardi” I replied meekly looking at Pooja from the corner of my eye.

“Jee ammi… shadi ke liye haa ki meine… Humne aage kuch decide nahi ki… mera matlab shadi kab karni hai and all that” Pooja said coyly.

Mom stood up and caressed our faces with her palm and said “Beta tum maan gayi shadi ke liye isse badi khushi aur kya ho sakti hai… Shadi kab karni hai voh sab hum apke mummy papa se baat karke decide karenge…”

“Wow!! Finally bhai shadi kar raha hai I can’t believe this…!!” Ifrah squealed in joy as everyone in my family were waiting for my wedding since a long time and everyone had happy faces when we replied positively this time.

Mom hugged both of us and blessed us while dad and granny were next to give us their blessing. Aleefa and Ifrah left no chance to tease us and make fun of us right then about the proposal and wedding like little girls while they themselves were mothers to tiny girls.

After some more chitchat with everyone, we video called pooja’s parents and discussed about the proceedings of our wedding. Much to our surprise, even they knew that I was going to propose Pooja so they had anticipated a call like this already.

We smoothly discussed how, when, where and other thousands of questions regarding our wedding and at last zeroed in on having a close knit engagement in the next month in Delhi and a traditional Nikaah honouring my religious customs as well as a Punjabi wedding honouring Pooja’s religious customs in Jammu after 6 months though we wanted an early wedding but due to the work commitments of both me and Pooja we had to decide on a later date. Both our families were on cloud nine with our wedding on cards and indeed we both were also as happy as them.

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By the time all our discussions and fun subsided, it was almost 9PM so we all had a family dinner gleefully as it was a special day for all of us as Shaheer and I had finally decided to get married. After which since I and Shaheer travelled a lot that day we felt exhausted so we retired to the rooms to sleep. I changed into my night suit and sprawled myself over the bed waiting for Ifrah to come as we were sharing the room.

Shaheer was staying in the next room so I felt like seeing him before I slept so I texted him “Come and see me right now” and I closed my eyes reminiscing the entire day’s turn of events with a soft smile on my face.

Shaheer had surprised me by proposing out of the blue that day that too when I was least expecting it. He was so sweet that he popped the question in his own way, the way real Shaheer is, he stayed true to his roots, simple and heartwarming unlike others who organize an extravagant set up for the proposal. I was floored by Shaheer’s honest approach, he was too cute to deny and I couldn’t hold my emotions when he took my palm in his and very aesthetically proposed to me for marriage. I felt lucky and blessed to have found my life and soul partner in Shaheer so I could never ever dare to reject him but tried to scare him a bit by initially saying a No. However, I could not make my man sad on such a memorable moment so I had to give in and accept his proposal. Indeed that moment was straight out of my own fairy tale as my price charming never failed to amaze me with his unwavering, unconditional love for me!

While I was lost in my thoughts I felt the bed dip next to me and a hand wrapping around my torso. I realized it’s none other than my man who was being extra mushy from the time we landed in Jammu.

By the time I could open my eyes, they were shut again as I felt as Shaheer kissed the top of my eyes one by one making me blush and smile.

He then kissed my forehead as I held his neck with my palms and kissed him back on his forehead. No words were spoken as we hugged each other gently and Shaheer being the ideal partner moved apart and decided to give me a foot massage as he made me lie down on the bed and slid himself towards my feet.

"Your feet must be aching na..." Shaheer mumbled as he took my feet in his palms and pressed the pressure points while I left out a soft gasp as I felt so relaxed to his gentle massage.

"Ssshh... You'll be my death if you moan like this in my house now" Shaheer chuckled.

"Ooops! But shaheer rehne do na... It's ok" I resisted as I tried to pull back my feet but in vain as my man's hold was firm and I had to give in to his desire of pampering me. I loved how Shaheer took care of me with such sweet gestures often! Isn't he every girl's dream man?! I'm sure he is!

While I enjoyed relaxing and Shaheer did his work massaging my feet and teasing me by kissing my toes, we heard a knock on the door and I pushed him apart in a jiffy as I thought that the door wasn't locked and if anyone caught us like this we'd get teased to hell but to my luck Shaheer had latched the door.

"Oh god! Sorry sorry sorry! Lagi toh nai na...?" I asked Shaheer with concern as I had kicked him by my foot in shock. He chuckled and said it didn't hurt and it was okay I heaved a sigh of relief and signalled Shaheer to go open the door as I adjusted my clothes that were haphazard.

As soon as he opened the door Ifrah came in holding a glass of milk.

"Bhabhi voh..." Ifrah paused saying further as she looked surprised to find her brother in my room that too locked up with me but soon her surprised expression turned into a mischievous grin as she said

"Ah haan... Bhai I didn't know you shifted with Pooja already" Ifrah winked.

"Chup kar... Voh mei.. Bas... Aise hi.. good night bolne aaya tha" Shaheer fumbled in front of his own little sister as she chuckled at his embarrassed state.

"Acha... I never knew that good night's are said behind closed doors" Ifrah teased leaving us all the more awkward.

"Ifu ki bachi... Bas kar... I'm... I'm... Going! " Shaheer pulled her hair and was about to leave when Ifrah grabbed him inside again simultaneously squeaking a cry as he had pulled her hair.

"Haha bhai... Aaoouu... Acha baba sorry. I was kidding na... Chalo jao apni pooji ke paas... I'll come after some time..." Ifrah finally understood her dear brother's plight and left us alone giving our privacy.

After that we both just sat on the bed leaning on to each other as we silently soaked in the moment of bliss we were bestowed upon by God with lovely families, successful career and a happy life!

Shaheer left to sleep after spending some time with me and I dozed off to sleep. Perhaps around 4 in the morning I heard faint squeaks of someone spreading a carpet in the opposite small room. I woke up and walked till there to find Shaheer praying sincerely wearing a traditional pathan suit and a cap on his head. I had seen him doing the holy namaz several times before but this sight was something different... It was as if he was thanking Almighty from the bottom of his heart for everything that he's blessed him with. I could see how my naughty brat had turned into a sincere devotee as he adorned his face with peacefulness.

I just stared at him from the door till he completed his prayers making sure not to disturb him. Once he was done, he noticed me while folding the carpet he gave a soft smile and walked to me after keeping aside the carpet.

"Woke up so soon pooji? What happened?" He enquired.

"Kuch nai... Bas aise hi ankhein khuli aur pata nai aisa laga ki you're here so came to see..." I said looking into his eyes.

"Acha... Umm Itna sab kuch diya hai Allah ne hume toh... I had to thank him na? So I woke up early" Shaheer quipped.

"I know... I'm glad you didn't forget to pray... Suno na Breakfast bana du kya if Ammi doesn't mind?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course sweetheart. She won't mind... In fact Sab ko acha lagega" He eased my stress.

"Hmm... Acha chalo I'll take a shower and get ready then I'll start cooking by the time everyone will wake up... Vaise tum chaho toh help kar sakte ho meri" I chimed.

"Kisme? Shower or Cooking?" Shaheer smirked with a mischievous grin.

"Oh god Shaheer... You're impossible" I chuckled as I smacked his arm playfully and went back to room while Shaheer also flashed his million dollar smile and pouted at me enacting a kiss!

As I thought, after getting ready I prepared some punjabi delicacies for everyone like Aloo parantha, makke di roti and sarso da saag, of course with my man's help! Shaheer's family had introduced me to their customary Jammu cuisine so I thought I should make them eat my family food too while not forgetting to add normal food like omelette, scrambled eggs and toast too just in case if anyone didn't like my cooking could eat these... I didn't want to impose my thoughts on my new family as much as I wanted them to know my culture too.

But my new family was so sweet that everyone happily enjoyed the breakfast I made and loved all the dishes. In fact abbu ate more paranthas than expected and ammi loved the sarson da saag while kids enjoyed eating a different kind of breakfast and for a change didn't fuss about eating so Ifrah and Aleefa were happy about it! Surprisingly Shaheer's granny also liked the food and blessed me for taking the initiative of cooking breakfast that day.

Shaheer didn't fail to appreciate me for my little efforts to get along with his family that had become mine now.

"I'm proud of you my love!" He quietly half hugged me and mumbled in my ears while everyone were busy savouring the food and I blushed listening to my man's compliment.

That day went in a blink with touring around the left out places in Bhaderwah but this time along with the entire family and not just me and Shaheer... This vacation brought me closer to his family and assured me that I was indeed blessed to have found such an understanding and caring in laws and a soul mate!

By the evening, everyone else left to home but Shaheer took me along with him saying he had a surprise for me. I was indeed surprised and taken a back when he parked the car in front of a temple. It was a Shiva temple located amidst a small hill. He smiled at me and took me towards the temple saying I could visit this temple whenever we came to Bhaderwah after wedding. That was such a sweet gesture by him and I was too happy to react when he said it was his mom's idea to take me to the temple.

Though he belonged to a different religion Shaheer always respected my faith and my religious practices. Not only mine but everybody's as he believed in harmony and brotherhood of all faiths and beliefs. And I realised even his family was just like him, simple and beautiful human beings who respected every other person around them irrespective of religion, caste, community, race etc.

We both offered our prayers in the temple and went back home. We had dinner with everyone and called it a night after packing our bags as we had an early flight back to Mumbai the next morning.

Next day, Shaheer's mom presented me a beautiful kundan with pearls "Paasa" (an ornament worn by Muslim women) as a gift and told me to wear during our nikaah which I gladly accepted.

(Here's the paasa design)

Ifrah gave me a pretty kashmiri suit from her Clothing label and Aleefa gifted me an authentic Pashmeena shawl.

(Suit which Ifrah gifts Pooja 😀 - this is originally from Shaheer's sister's apparel page on insta do check out there are pretty dresses!)

(Pashmeena shawl that Aleefa gifts Pooja)

They were so endearing and generous to pamper me with such expensive gifts which I calmly said was not required as I only needed their love and blessings but they were hell bent on showering me their love with these gifts and I couldn't deny their love! After which we bid adieu to everyone with smiles and a promise to return again before the wedding.

With a happy and satisfied heart I and Shaheer left to our own Mumbai cherishing our moments spent in Bhaderwah.

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**After few days**

"Abey Saale! Tu ab bata raha hai?" 😏

"WTF! I'm not coming!"

"Yar this is so wrong...!"

"Pooja also didn't tell us 😒"

My phone was flooded with messages like the above and much worse with all possible cuss words when I dropped a text on the what's app group of my dear brothers from Mahabharat stating "I and Pooja are getting engaged in next 15 days! 😀😀 "

Instead of congratulating or being happy my crazy af brothers were miffed and annoyed with me which was bound to happen as I was actually late in informing them about the good news. I laughed out loud reading their reactions and messages while Pooja yelled from the kitchen

"Why are you laughing alone? Pagal ho kyaaa?"

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Thanks for reading 😊 That's it for this chapter guys! Hope u all liked it...

Please do let me know through ur votes and comments as they're the boosters for me to write in my stressful days!

Hope to be back very soon with the next chapter!!

Love,
Avni