Between Banter & Breath!

 I entered my room, picked my notebook and pen, threw them on the bed and then laid on the bed on my stomach. The cotton sheets were cool against my forearms. I opened the notebook and started writing, my feet swinging in the air, the faint rustle of pages mixing with the whir of the air conditioning and then he entered the room. I turned to have a look at him, he came and I instantly turned my notebook upside down.

"You were writing something about me", he said with surety while closing the door behind him.

"Of course not", I replied. 

"Yes, you were", I said while laid beside me on his one side.

" No, I wasn't..", I replied.

" Yes, you were..", he teases.

" No, I wasn't...", I replied.

" Yes, you were...", he teased again.

"Mustafa! Are we kids?" I asked annoyingly.

"You're a bit, somehow", he replied while pinning the hair strand behind my ear.

I rolled my eyes and he nodded teasingly while smiling and then laid on his back.

"Why are you smiling like that?", I asked further while looking at him. 

"Because I like that you were writing about me", he replied while his eyes wandered on the ceiling. 

"Don't you think you're being a little self obsessed by thinking that I must be writing about you?", I asked while raising an eyebrow. 

"Of course not", he turned to me.

"The only obsession I have in my life is you", he replied while his fingers playing with the ends of hair as my wavy hair strands hanging over my shoulders close to the arms.

"Yes, you said. And I believed you", I taunted him teasingly.

As I was about to turn to my notebook, he pulled me towards him and I fell on his chest. His arms slide around my waist, his grip tightened but gentle and in a moment, he pinned me down on the bed, and he was above me, our faces inches apart, my heart raced, his one elbow rested on the bed besides my head while his other hand placed on the bed between my arm and curve of my waist.

"Look.....", I said as i was about to argue.

"I'm looking. I'm always looking at you. Besides, who else should I look at!", he interrupted and my mood shifted in an instant and I started smiling  under my lips.

"Who else could you look at? Huh? So you really have a thought to look at someone else", I replied, tried to argue while hiding the flutter in my chest.

"I disappear in you. I disappear when I look at you. I got lost when these wide, bright eyes of yours look at me. And in that moment, I intend to drown in them. I intend to drown in your love. I'm yours. My eyes can't see anyone else. There's nothing else that matters in this world except you. ", he said, his voice just above a whisper, his breath tingling on my skin.

Contents!

•  A forbidden love!       
• A spark that last!
• A perfect day!
• A night of love & laughter!
• As it rains!
• 
  
• A sanctuary!
• A place called home!
• Moments of vulnerability!
• The Gentle Touch!
• Embers of my gown!
• 
  
• The one that got away!
• 
  
• The unspoken tension!
• 
  
• A day before the get away!
• The eve of adventure!
• The space between!
• A peaceful moment!
• Beyond the facade! 

A Letter never sent! (Part-II)

جانتی ہوں کہ بہت دل دُکھا چکی ہوں تمہارا... لیکن ایک دفعہ مجھے موقع تو دو بات کرنے کا... اشارہ تو دو کہ سامنے تم ہی ہو... کہ میں ایک آخری دفعہ سب سچ کہہ سکوں... حقیقت کیا ہے آگاہ کر سکوں... کہ تمہیں جو حقیقت لگتی ہے وہ دراصل حقیقت ہے ہی نہیں... سچ کیا ہے میں کہہ سکوں... اتنے سالوں سے جو اس دل میں دفن کر پھر رہی ہوں... وہ بتا سکوں... جھوٹ کہتی رہی ہوں کہ تم پہلی محبت نہیں ہو... صرف اس لیے کہ بددل ہو تم...

مجھے لگتا تھا کچھ بھی کہوں... کچھ بھی کروں... تم نہیں چھوڑو گے.... غلط تھی میں... بھول گئی تھی کہ تم بھی دل رکھتے ہو... اتنےذ سالوں سے خود کو روک کر بیٹھی تھی کہ نہیں کوئی فائدہ نہیں سچ بتانے کا... بہت دیر ہو چکی ہے... حالات پہلے سے نہیں رہے... وقت بدل چکا ہے... جو کچھ دل میں ہے وہ دل ہی میں رہ جانا چاہیے... مگر اب روک نہیں پائی... سب کے روکنے کے باوجود تمہیں آواز دے بیٹھی... اندازہ تھا مجھے کہ جواب نہیں دو گے تم... پلٹ کر واپس آ جائے گی آواز میری... مگر پھر بھی ایک آخری بار... دیکھنا چاہ رہی تھی کہ شاید میں دل کا حال بیان کر سکوں... تم سے مل سکوں... تمہیں بتا سکوں کہ تم سے جُڑی ہر چیز موجود ہے اب تک میرے پاس...

اب جب اجازت تم نے دے ہی دی تو میں کچھ کہ ہی نہ سکی.. حالِ دل تو بیان ہی نہ کر پائی... ڈھنگ سے محبت کا اعتراف تک نہ کر پائی... 

اب تم جو یہ کہتے ہو کہ اس سفر میں میں اکیلی تھی... کچھ خوف خُدا کا کھاؤ تم... نہ میرا دل دکھاؤ تم... میں یہ خواب جو اکیلے دیکھتی تھی... سہانے خواب سجاتی تھی... جو اولاد تم سے چاہتی تھی... جو ساتھ تم سے چاہتی تھی.... جو آشیانہ اپنا سوچتی تھی۔۔۔ وہ سب تو کسی اور کو دے بیٹھے تم.. اب یہ خواب جو میں دیکھتی تھی... کہاں لے کر جاؤں میں ان کو... کیا کروں میں ان کا۔۔۔ جب وہ ۔میرے ہی نہ رہے...

جانتے ہو میرا دل کیا چاہتا ہے اس وقت.... کہ ایک دفعہ... صرف ایک دفعہ تم سے سوال کر سکوں... جو آنسو روک کر بیٹھی ہوں وہ بہنے دوں... اور پھر تمہارا گریبان پکڑ کر پوچھوں.... کہ کیسے کر سکتے ہو تم یہ میرے ساتھ؟ کیسے میرے خواب کسی اور کو دے سکتے ہو؟ کیسے بھول سکتے ہو؟ کیسے چھوڑ سکتے ہو؟ کیسے آگے بڑھ چکے ہو؟

مگر کیسے؟ کیسے کہوں؟ کیسے سوال کروں؟ کھو چکی ہوں... سب کھو چکی... کھو بیٹھی ہوں اپنا حق تم پر... حتی کہ تمہیں ہی کھو بیٹھی!

The Gentle Touch!

        In the afternoon, the main door creaked open, and I reached to open the entrance door, my heart racing with anticipation. As I pulled it open, I saw him standing there, a warm smile spreading across his face. He entered, and his warm, strong hand reached to held mine.

"Where have you been? I've been waiting for you," I said, while placing both of my hands in his hand, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

"Waiting? You could've texted me, I would've run back to you," he said with a smile, his lips brushing against my forehead as he kissed me, sending a gentle tingling sensation through my skin.

"I know... Actually, I have some abdominal pain. I don't know what the reason might be... maybe I've displaced my navel," I said.

"How? Did you carry something heavy?" he asked, his eyes searching mine with concern, his brow furrowed in worry.

"No, I haven't done anything," I replied, shaking my head, feeling a slight ache in my stomach.

"Let's go to a physiotherapist then," he suggested, his voice firm but gentle.

"No, I want to see my gynae," I replied firmly, trying to assert myself.

"As you say," he said, nodding, his hand gently moving a strand of hair off my face, sending a gentle caress down my cheek.

"Atif could've driven me but I wasn't comfortable to go to gynae with him. I wanted to go there with you", I added while looking up at him.

"Of course... I'll take you. Atif is here for the house. But for you, I'm always here", he replied while moving the hair strand off my face.

        At the clinic, the doctor's words, the only voice in the sterile, antiseptic-scented room: "She had her navel displaced, but I've treated her."

"But she hadn't done anything, then... " he said, his voice filled with concern.

"Actually, she has weak abdominal muscles, which is why she has to go through this frequently," the doctor explained, her voice calm and professional.

"Frequently?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine, and I felt a pang of guilt for not telling him sooner.

"I came here last month too, for the same reason," I replied, trying to avoid his gaze.

He understood and turned his attention to the doctor. "So, how can we prevent it? What are the precautions? What do you suggest?" he asked, his voice filled with concern, his jaw clenched in determination.

"Nothing much! Just a regular abdominal massage with some warm oil, and I'll prescribe some supplements to help her strengthen her abdominal muscles. Plus, stress makes things worse. So, make her stay away from stress," she suggested, handing him a prescription.

"Okay, thankyou so much!", he said while getting up. 

"Are you okay? Is there any pain?", he asked while he moved forward his hand, and I placed my hand in his.

"I'm fine.." I said while nodding and we walked out of the clinic.

        As we walked out of the clinic, the warm sunlight enveloped us, his fingers intertwining with mine, sending a sense of comfort and security through me.

"Why didn't you tell me about it before back then?", he asked, as he opened the car door for me.

"I thought it was just for once. I didn't know that it'll happen again...but here we are...", I replied while sitting in the car.

"What happened when you visited here last month?", he asked further as he started driving.

"I just had some abdominal pain so I visited here with sunny. Then, she treated me same as now. But she didn't tell that I've to go through this again", I replied. 

"You won't have to go through this again. We'll prevent it", he assured while kissing my hand.

        At night, he entered the room with a jar of coconut oil and a fondue cup, the scent of coconut filling the air.

"Aiiii, Mustafa," I said with annoyance, trying to roll away from him, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Can't we do it from tomorrow?" I asked, my voice muffled by the pillow.

"But you need it," he replied, lighting the candle and putting a scoop of coconut oil in the cup to warm up, the soft glow of the flame dancing across the walls.

The soft glow of the candle illuminated his face as he started unbuttoning my shirt, his fingers brushing against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

"Is the temperature of my hand right?", he asked while moving the back of his fingers on my abdomen from right beside my stomach to my navel.

I nodded and he took the oil from the cup in his hand to check the temperature and then dropped some drops on my abdomen and massaged it in with a light pressure.

As he massaged my abdomen, the warmth of his hands and the coconut oil seeped into my skin, relaxing me, making me feel like I was melting into the bed.

After a while, he grabbed the curve of my waist, brushed a kiss on my forehead, and I felt a sense of safety and comfort, feeling like I was wrapped in a warm hug.

I briefly opened my eyes to look at him, and then closed them again, drifting off to sleep, feeling his gentle touch as he buttoned up my shirt.

He laid beside me, pulling me into his arms, and I snuggled into his chest, feeling the beat of his heart against my cheek, the scent of coconut oil and his aftershave filling my senses.

The warmth of his body, the sound of his heartbeat, and the scent of coconut oil on my skin lulled me into a deep sleep, surrounded by his love and care, feeling safe and protected. 

The Eve of Adventure!

After driving for 5 minutes, he stopped the car in front of the salon, the bright lights of the building illuminating the dark surroundings. 

"Here we arrived," he said, his voice breaking the silence. 

"I'll be back in 20-25 minutes," I said while taking my bag from the backseat, the soft rustle of the bag's fabric filling the air. 

"Okay, I'll be waiting here," he replied.

I got out of the car and stepped into the salon, the warm aroma of hair products and the hum of chatter enveloping me like a cozy blanket. The sound of laughter and the click of scissors created a lively atmosphere, making me feel at ease. 

After about 35 minutes, I emerged from the salon, feeling refreshed. The cool evening air hit me, making me shiver. He was still there, in the car, waiting for me, his eyes fixed on the salon door. He opened the door from inside, and I slid into the passenger seat, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. 

"You're early! I thought you'd take more time," he said while I placed my bag on the backseat, the soft thud of the bag hitting the seat echoing through the car. 

"You look great. These wavy hair suits you," he added, his eyes scanning my face, making me blush.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest, and picked the shawl from the backseat. The soft, fuzzy texture of the shawl felt comforting as I wrapped it around me, the warmth of the heater enveloping me like a hug. 

"By the way, I made something for you for dinner," I said, my voice filled with excitement, as he turned the heater on a higher degree, the warm air caressing my skin. 

"Really?" he asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement, making my heart skip a beat. 

"Yup...., Chicken karahi, your favorite!" I replied while picking the tupperware from the dashboard, the savory aroma of the karahi wafting out.

He picked the tortilla, took a small portion of it, had some chicken karahi, made a bite, and then had it, his eyes closed in appreciation. 

"Oh! The aroma! The taste! Everything's great!" he said, his voice filled with sincerity, making me beam with pride. 

"If I hadn't tasted food made by you, I must've thought that it'd been ordered from a restaurant," he added, his voice filled with admiration.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I replied while raising a brow with a smile.

"Infact, it is. Have a try!" he said, while moving forward the tortilla to me. 

"No, I don't need... I'm feeling full," I replied.

As we continued our journey, the soft song playing in the background created a soothing atmosphere, making me feel drowsy. The dark landscape whished by outside my window, the occasional flash of headlights illuminating the car, making me feel like we were in our own little world. He drove smoothly, his hands confident on the steering wheel, making me feel safe and secure.

After about an hour, we were moving through a dark area with trees on both sides, the only sound being the creaking of the trees and the occasional hooting of an owl. The darkness outside made the car feel like a cozy cocoon, making me feel snug and protected. 

"Mustafa, I need to use the restroom," I said, breaking the silence, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Okay, there'll be a petrol pump nearby. We'll stop there," he replied, his voice calm and reassuring.

He stopped the car at a petrol pump, the bright lights illuminating the dark surroundings, making me squint.

"Let me see first. You wait here," he asked and got out of the car.

After a moment, he came back and opened my side of the door. "Come," he said, his voice gentle. 

I went out of the car, removed the shawl from my shoulders, and he took it from me. The cool night air hit me, making me gasp, as I got out of the car. 

As I came out of the restroom, The cool night air rushed in, sending a shiver down my spine. He wrapped the shawl around my shoulders, his fingers brushing against my skin. 

"Do you need anything from the tuck shop?" he asked, his voice concerned, making me feel cared for.

Uh-huh... It's too cool outside", I replied. 

"Let's get back in the car. Or you'll get cold", he said while opening the car door for me. 

I sat in and he took the driving seat. As we continued our journey, the soft song playing in the background lulled me to sleep, the warmth of the car and the gentle motion of the vehicle making me feel like I was floating on a cloud. I changed to a knee-to-chest position with my eyes closed, feeling the warmth of the car and the gentle motion of the vehicle, my feet touching his hand, as he rested his arm on the armrest.

He felt the chill from my feet, touched my feet again with the back of his hand, and then he stopped the car, pulled the short blanket from the backseat - which he always kept in his car for me, placed it on me, the softness of the blanket feeling heavenly on my cold feet. He placed the back of his hand on my forehead and brushed a kiss on my head, his lips warm and gentle, making my heart melt. 

And then, he started driving again, with his one hand on the steering wheel while the other, he placed his palm on my feet, his fingers curled to hold them, the warmth of his hand feeling like home in that cold night.

I opened my eyes, watched him drive, and he noticed my gaze, turned to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, making me feel like I was the only person in the world. 

"You up!" he said, his voice low and husky, making my heart skip a beat. 

"You need anything?" he asked further, his voice filled with concern, making me feel cared for.

"Uh-huh... But I need to use rest room again", I replied.

"Okay! Just a minute or two. There'll be something nearby", he said.

I nodded. 

"Something's stuck in my mind?" , he said.

I looked at him with a question in my eyes.

"You're feeling cold. Your feet are freezing despite the fact that heater is on", he asked, his voice filled with concern. 

"I don't know... ", I replied while looking away, avoiding his gaze.

"What you had for the dinner?", he asked. "What you ate after that icecream?", he asked further.

"Mustafa!", I called his name, my voice just above a whisper.

"Well.. you didn't.... Okay..", he said. "Now we're having dinner", he added while stopping a car infront of a restaurant.

"I don't want anything. I told you before. I don't have an appetite", I replied out of frustration.

"But you need it. Probably your BP is dropping", he insisted.

"But I don't want it. I'll have it when I feel like it", I said, feeling like being lectured for nothing.

"You need it or you'll faint as your BP is dropping", he said.

"Fine. Do whatever you want", I said angrily and got out of the car. 

He got out of the car and we entered the restaurant, the bright lights and the aroma of food hit me like a wave, making my stomach tingle with hunger. The warm atmosphere enveloping us, making us feel like we were in our own little world.

As we sat at the table, he was looking at the menu, his brow furrowed in concentration. 

"What do you want to have?" he asked, his eyes meeting mine. 

I sighed and rolled my eyes, my anger and frustration boiling over, the sound of the restaurant's background noise fading into the distance. 

"Order something", he said.

"Do whatever you want", I said while simmering with emotions and stood up.

"I'm going to restroom", I added while leaving the shawl at the chair.

"Let me come with you", he said humbly, picked my shawl and started walking after me.

As I got out of the restroom, he tried to wrap the shawl around me, his fingers brushing against my skin. 

"Don't you dare try to get close to me," I said, warning him, while taking the shawl from his hand, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"Till we get to bed," he said teasingly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"No, you'll not be going to sleep beside me. Find yourself somewhere else," I replied angrily, my heart racing with emotions. 

"If only you could sleep without my touch," he replied teasingly, his voice low and husky, making my heart skip a beat.

"Let's see then", I said and walked towards outside.

"Where are you going?", he asked while walking after me. 

"To the car", I replied, my voice short.

"What about dinner?", he asked further.

"I don't want to stay here. I'll have it in the car", I replied.

He opened the car door and I sat in the car. As he closed the door, he went inside the restaurant and after a moment, came out and sat beside me in the car.

After a while, the waiter arrived with the food, handed over everything to Mustafa. As he handed me my plate, looking at Alfredo pasta, my anger dissipated, the aroma of the pasta hitting me like a wave, making my stomach tingle with hunger. I took a bite, and oh, it was heaven, the flavors exploding in my mouth. He knew my love for pasta, and I couldn't stay mad at him, my heart melting with love and affection.

The Day before the Getaway!

I was sitting at the table in my office at my workshop, talking to a designer on a project about how I wanted it to be, who was standing beside me, while the manager, Jawaria, was standing in front of me against the table. 

In that moment, the resource person entered the room, still standing close to the door and said something to Jawaria. 

"....... arrived to pick, ma'am", I overheard and looked up from the file placed in front of me on the table. 

"Mr. Mustafa has arrived to pick you up, Ma'am", Jawaria said humbly with a sweet smile. 

"Okay... I'm coming", I said with a smile while slightly nodding. 

As I walked out of the workshop after seeing everyone off, the warm sunlight hit my face, and the sound of birds chirping filled the air. He was waiting for me in the car at the gate, opened the door of the passenger seat from the inside for me. 

I sat beside him, and he pressed the accelerator, and the car started to move smoothly. 

"How was your day?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. 

"Good.... Well, great", I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. 

"Okay... What are we having for lunch? Are you craving something?", he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. 

"Yes, please, even I just had a sandwich but I still have an appetite for something", I said, my stomach rumbling slightly. 

He chuckled and asked, "okay... What do you want to have? What are you craving?" 

"Something sweet... Maybe a cake or something..." I replied, my mouth watering at the thought. 

"Or maybe an ice cream.. yeah definitely an ice cream", I added, feeling a thrill of excitement. 

"Okay, anything else", he asked, his voice filled with amusement. 

I shook my head, and soon, he stopped the car near a cafe. 

"Shall we?", he asked with a glint in his eyes. 

I shook my head while knitting my brows. 

He got attentive. 

"I'm really tired. Can't you bring everything here?" I asked, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. 

He turned to me, his worried eyes fixed on me, held my hand in his, "Yeah, of course, anything you want", he said, while moving a hair strand off my face. 

"What is happening with you? You've been feeling tired a lot lately. Are you okay?", he asked, his voice filled with concern. 

I looked away, my eyes searching for excuses. "No, nothing. I'm fine", I said while trying to brush off his concern. 

"I think we should go to the doctor after that", he said trying to insist. 

"No, no. There is no need for that. I'm fine. It's just..... I couldn't, I couldn't sleep well last night", I said, trying to convince him. 

His concerned eyes fixed on me, looking for a clue to believe that I was actually fine. 

"Just drop me off at home after that. I'll take a nap. I think I need that", I continued, feeling a yawn building up. 

"Don't worry, I'll be okay", I assured. 

"Okay, as you say", he said. 

"Enough of this conversation, I want ice cream, man", I said teasingly, trying to lighten the mood. 

He smiled, "okay, just a moment", and went into the cafe.

As he dropped me at home, and went back to his office, I changed my dress and slid into my lounge gown, feeling the soft fabric against my skin, and went to bed to get some sleep. The cool sheets enveloped me, and I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sound of the air conditioner humming in the background.

In the evening, I was sitting on the couch in the living room, when I heard the creaking sound of the main gate and the sound of the tyres of his car entering the house. 

He parked the car, I got up, opened the entrance door, and the warm glow of the porch light illuminated his face. He entered home, he placed his laptop bag, on the stool near the entrance. 

"Are you going somewhere again?", I asked curiously, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"Yeah. I'm taking your car. The oil needs to be changed, the tank probably needed to be filled. Moreover, on the way back, I'll get it service too", he said, his eyes scanning the room. 

"Okay.. They called me. Everyone is asking about our arrival. I told them that we can't come today. we'll leave tomorrow in the morning. What do you say?" I said, feeling a sense of uncertainty. 

"If you say we can leave tonight?", he asked, his voice filled with determination. 

"No, I think we should rest today. We'll leave tomorrow", I replied, trying to sound convincing. 

"Okay. Whatever you say" he said. 

"Have you packed everything", he asked while looking at the packed suitcases. 

"Yeah, almost. Maybe a thing or two would be left. I'll do it afterwards", I replied, feeling a sense of relief. 

He nodded, " Okay, I'm going. I'll be back after about an hour or half".  

"Mustafa!", I called out his name. My voice barely above a whisper. 

He got attentive and turned to me.

"I need to go to salon. Can you take me afterwards?" I asked, feeling a sense of excitement. 

"Of course. Whatever you say", he said. "Be ready. When I'll be back. I'll take you", he added, his eyes sparkling with affection. 

I nodded and he went. As he left, I sat on the couch again, scrolling through reels, and then I thought of him, how he'd been busy, working for me, doing chores for me throughout the day. He must be hungry now, I left my phone on the couch, got up and went to the kitchen. 

I opened the refrigerator, take out some frozen chicken and some ingredients and light the stove to make his favorite chicken karahi. The aroma of spices filled the air.

As I was garnishing the dish, something clicked in my mind, "maybe we should leave tonight", I thought, feeling a thrill of excitement. I took out the disposable tupperware container, took out the chicken karahi in it, left it on the shelf and rushed to the bedroom. 

I took everything needed, packed the suitcases and bags. 

"Atif", I called out the caretaker. 

He rushed to me, "Please take these bags and suitcases into Mustafa's car", I said, trying to contain my excitement. 

I took my wallet, hand bag, my shawl and placed it on the backseat while he arranged the suitcases and the bag in the trunk. 

"You can take off from today. I'll inform when we'll be coming back", I said to Atif, feeling a sense of freedom. 

"And tell Atiya too that we'll not be here for some days", I added, trying to sound casual. 

"Okay, ma'am. Have a joyful vacation", he said smiling, his eyes sparkling with happiness. 

"Thankyou", I said while nodding, feeling a sense of gratitude. 

He left and the phone started ringing in the lounge. I picked up the call. 

"Hi, mom!", I said while walking up the stairs, the cool marble floor beneath my feet. 

"Hi, how you have been?", she asked, her voice filled with concern. 

"Good", I replied while locking the windows, the sound of the locks clicking into place. 

"I just got to know that you'll be leaving tomorrow morning, it's good. We'll have lunch together", she said, her voice filled with excitement. 

"Uhm, there's a slight change of plan. We'll be leaving tonight", I said, while locking the terrace door, the clinking sound of the keys and the shutter sound of the lock, was the only sound that could be heard in the home other than me. 

"That's good. Everyone have been waiting for you guys", she said, her voice filled with relief. 

"It's just me saying. Mustafa doesn't know about it. I didn't tell him yet. He isn't at home. I'll talk as he gets home", I replied, feeling a sense of guilt. 

"Still I've to go to salon, then we'll leave directly from there", I added, trying to sound calm. 

"Okay, have a safe journey" she replied while I put all the keys in my drawer and lock my bedroom too, the sound of the lock clicking into place. 

"Inform me when you leave", she added, her voice filled with concern. 

"Okay, I'll... Allah Hafiz", I hung up, feeling a sense of relief. 

I tossed the phone again on the couch and turned to kitchen, cover the lid of the tupperware, wrapped some tortilla in a paper and wrapping bag and place them on the dashboard of his car, so he could have it on the way, the sound of the bag rustling in the silence. 

I was coming back enter the home, meanwhile, the main door unlocked, I turned to have a look, it was him, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. 

"Shall we?", he asked, his voice filled with excitement. 

"I'm thinking of something....", I said, trying to sound casual. 

He got attentive. 

"Maybe we should leave tonight", I added, feeling a thrill of excitement. 

"Okay, whatever you like... I'll park your car then we can leave in mine", he replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. 

I entered the home, took my phone, my charger and the keys of the entrance. Meanwhile, he entered home after parking my car inside, I handed him over the keys. 

"Where are the suitcases and bags?", he asked while looking around, his eyes scanning the room. 

"Everything is in your car. I asked Atif to put them in your car", I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

"Okay, I'm going to lock everything up", he said and turned to walk to the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the hallway.

"Wait, I've locked everything, just these two doors remain; the entrance and the main gate", I replied instantly, my voice filled with a sense of urgency.

"So, shall we?", he asked again, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, and we walked out of the home, the cool night air enveloping us, and the sound of crickets filling the silence. 

He locked the entrance door, and the main gate, the clinking sound of the keys and the shutter sound of the lock, was the only sound that broke the stillness of the night. While I walked towards his car, parked outside, the gravel crunching beneath my feet.

The cool night breeze hit me, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of the city. I sat on the passenger seat, feeling the soft leather beneath me, and he took the driving seat, started the car, and we went off into the night, the stars twinkling above us like diamonds.

The city streets were quiet, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional hooting of a distant car horn. We drove in comfortable silence, the tension of the day melting away with every passing moment.

Embers of my gown!

After a long, relaxing shower, I slipped out of the bathroom wrapped in a soft lounge gown and a towel wrapped around my hair. I turned on a mellow playlist, the notes drifting through the living area like warm breath. 

I sat on the couch, letting my back slump against the plush backrest, my head resting on its top edge. I crossed my legs and placed them on the fire table in front of me, feeling the low hum of the flame flicker against my skin.

The fire’s gentle heat seeped through the table, mingling with the music to create a soothing melody. My eyes grew heavy, and I nodded off for a moment.

A sudden sting near my calf jolted me awake. My gown had caught fire! I picked the cushion beside me, smothering the flames with a frantic swipe. 

A sigh escaped my lips as the heat faded, but the irritation on the inner side of my right calf lingered, and the skin turned slightly red.

I wiped the spot with a clean wipe, the cool fabric a brief relief. I removed the towel from my head, diffused my hair a little, tossed the burnt gown onto the bedroom floor, and slipped into a fresh one. 

As I settled back onto the couch, I slept there. The soft rustle of fabric the only sound besides the crackling fire.

After hours, as I woke up in the evening, his worried face came into focus - must've arrived from work. Concern filled his eyes, searching for answers, as he was sitting on the edge of the fire table, an ointment in his hand and the burnt gown lying beside him.

“What happened to you?” he asked, his eyes fixed on me, as his empathetic gaze enveloped me. 

I sat up, smiled over my absent mindedness and said, “I just napped for a moment and my gown caught fire”. 

And then, I placed my foot on his thigh, while trying to look at my calf, his fingers gently wrapped around my lower calf just above the heel. As I caught sight of the burned area, it had already turned into a wide blister, covered with ointment – which he must have applied while I slept.

"Okay.. come on... We need to see a doctor", he said while placing the ointment beside him on the table.

I looked up at him; he sensed the terror in my eyes as I got scared seeing the wide blister. “I... I thought it was just a heat rash… I ignored it. What do I do now?” I muttered, feeling the sting of the burn pulse with each heartbeat.

“Don’t worry, we’ll go to the doctor. He’ll take care of it,” he reassured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

"Uh-huh… it itches when I touch it,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Okay, let me get a shawl so you don’t get cold. We’ll go see the doctor,” he said, wrapping the soft shawl around my shoulders. As he tried to lift me into his arms, and I rested my hand on his chest in order to stop him.

“I think I can walk,” I protested, trying to rise.

“Yes, you can, but the blister might pop. Let me help you,” he insisted, scooping me up without waiting for an answer.

*At the clinic*

The doctor cleaned the wound, his gloves cool against my skin, and explained that the blister needed to be drained and the dead skin removed.

I looked up at Mustafa, fear flickering in my eyes. He squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing reassuring circles on my knuckles.

“Why? I don’t want it…” I whispered.

“It’s necessary,” he said, kissing my hand. “It’s wide; it could burst on its own and get infected”, he added.

“Can’t it just stay like this?” I asked, hoping to avoid the procedure.

“It’ll pop anyway, and an infection could make things worse,” he replied, his voice steady as he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Nothing will happen. I’m here for you… okay,” he assured.

I nodded, the weight of the moment settling like a heavy blanket.

The doctor re‑entered, his instruments glinting under the harsh clinic lights. 

“Is it really necessary?” I asked, my voice trembling.

The doctor nodded.

“Okay,” I whispered nervously.

As he began, my hand fluttered nervously, fingers hovering mid‑air before dropping to cover my lips, then brushing my forehead.

 “Does it hurt?” he asked.

“No,” I said, as the doctor was removing the upper skin.

“Look at me. Don’t look at that,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine, trying to pull my focus away from the procedure.

I shook my head, a shiver running down my spine, and then I buried my face in his neck, the familiar scent of his cologne grounding me as the doctor worked.

The doctor removed the skin, clean the wound, the sting of the antiseptic burning like a cold bite. And then he wrapped it with a white patch. 

I placed my pillow over the blanket on his side of the bed, at the foot. I rested my head on it and lay down with one hand against my pillow and the other near my chin. My legs were slightly angled, with my feet touching the side table beside me. The flair of the gown was almost touching the ground. I slept really well, losing track of time. 

When I woke up, I realized I was enveloped in a blanket - it was from the guest room, as I was lying on our blanket. Seeing his pillow near my back, I realized it was him. I looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. 

I got up, left the room, walked through the kitchen and living room, and entered the guest room. He was lying there, sleeping. Seeing him sleeping, I slipped in beside him. As i did, he wrapped me in his arms without opening his eyes.

The Space Between!

The scent of fresh earth wafted through the air, as we reached his farmhouse. The farmhouse's creaky wooden floorboards groaned beneath our feet.

Everyone was exhausted from the long drive. So after dinner, everyone retreated to their rooms to rest. 

I was making my bed to go to sleep when Mustafa entered the room with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He stood there, looking at me. 

"What is it, Mustafa?" I asked annoyingly.

 "That's the question you need to be asked?" he replied, his voice low and husky.

"I'm going to bed," I said, getting into bed. 

He nodded teasingly.

"Are there any other rooms, Mustafa?" I asked with frustration. 

"I swear no," he said. 

"The bed is big; it's not a problem for me. But if you can't control yourself, then I'm all for it," he said with a mysterious smirk. 

I picked up the cushion from the bed and threw it at him. He chuckled and got into bed. 

"You'll only see this in your dreams," I said while lying down. 

"It's cold; you can lay close to me to keep warm," he continued. 

"Mustafa, sleep peacefully!" I said, closing my eyes.

In the morning, as I woke up, I slightly opened my eyes to find him sitting in front of me on the divan lying beside the bed, watching me as I slept. The morning light streaming through the window highlighted the sharp angles of his face.

"What are you doing?" I asked. 

"Nothing," he replied, his voice soft.

"Are you watching me like a pervert?" I said, getting up. 

He smiled and looked down. 

"Can't I watch my wife while she's sleeping?" he said, looking at me, his voice low and gentle. 

I rolled my eyes, "Ahh, not again..." I said, getting out of bed, the wooden floorboards creaked beneath my feet.

 As I walked past him, he held my hand, and I looked back at him. He gestured for me to sit beside him, and I sat. 

"Look at me," he said. 

I looked up at him. 

"I know you're hiding something from me," he continued, his eyes searching mine. 

I looked away, trying to hide it. 

"It's been days... I can see there's something in your eyes; I can read it, but I don't know what... but there's something," he added, his voice filled with concern.

"There's nothing," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, and got up, and went straight to the bathroom, leaving him there on the divan.

At night, I was searching for him, eager to escape the farmhouse with him. When I spotted him, he was sitting in the terrace with his aunt, a soft shawl draped over his broad shoulders, the dim lights casting a warm glow on his features. 

The scent of blooming jasmine wafted through the air. I stood close to the entrance, my eyes locked on him. 

"Mustafa... You got some time?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, while slightly gesturing outside. 

"Yeah, sure! Come here," he said, his deep voice resonating through the air as he removed the shawl's edges beside him, inviting me to sit beside him in his arms.

"I don't want to..." I said while starting to sob silently, overwhelmed by hormonal fluctuations as he couldn't understand.

The sound of my own ragged breathing was the only sound I could hear, until he got up and walked toward me.

He strode through the other entrance, his footsteps quiet on the wooden floor, and then suddenly scooped me up in his arms effortlessly. 

I was stunned by his sudden grasp and then melted into his warm embrace. The warmth of his body enveloped me, and I felt my tension melt away as he pulled me close and started walking towards outside.

"Can you see the waterfall? Isn't it beautiful?" he whispered in my ear, as he stopped near the window.

"Yeah! I want to go there," I said, my voice filled with excitement. 

"Okay, sure," he said, his chest vibrating against mine as he spoke.

As he carried me outside, the cool night air enveloped us, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. 

I became conscious that everyone was looking at us, their faces a blur as they admired the intimate moment we shared. 

I dug my face into his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of his skin, and forgot everything around us. The world narrowed down to the two of us, suspended in this moment.

After a while, a mischievous glint sparked in my eyes, and I held the neckline of his shirt with my teeth, looking up at him with a playful smile. 

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and asked while winking at me, "Are you hitting on your husband?" 

"Shouldn't I?" I said, raising an eyebrow, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"Oh! I'm all for it...," he said, his lips brushing against my cheek and down to my neck, sending shivers down my spine. 

I giggled and playfully jabbed at his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his shirt. 

He smiled and kissed my forehead, the touch sending a flutter through my heart.

Meanwhile, we reached the embankment of the waterfall and sat down on the grass. He enveloped me between his arms, my head naturally finding its place on his shoulder, my upper back resting against his chest, as we looked at the waterfall, taking in the serene, peaceful environment. 

The sky above was a canvas of twinkling stars, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy smell of damp soil.

Then he asked, ''Can I ask you something?'', his warm breath whispering against my ear. 

I nodded, feeling the gentle vibration of his chest as he spoke.

''What happened back there? You started sobbing out of nowhere,'' he continued, his deep voice filled with concern.

I sat straight, between his arms and turned to him. ''I've been feeling overwhelmed since evening because there's a lot of people back there,'' I replied.

''Why didn't you tell me about this?'' he asked while taking my hands in his, concern filling his voice. 

''I've been looking for a way out to spend some time with you alone, despite the fact that I've been pushing you away for days," I said and looked down.

''I'll always be there for you... even if you throw me out the door, I'll come to you through the window,'' he replied. 

''You're the only thing I want in this life. I don't want anything except us,'' he added, his lips brushing against my hair.

Midnight Cravings!

   At night, I was lying on my bed on one side, my one arm on my pillow across my face while the other arm was above my stomach; my legs were slightly angled. He came to bed and placed his head on my thighs; my knees were near his shoulder as he lay down.

 "Aren't you sleepy?" I asked. 

"Not really," he replied, his voice low and relaxed. He looked up at me, his eyes soft in the dim light. 

"What were you thinking about before I came over?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. 

"Brownie with chocolate ice cream," I said.

 He chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That sounds like a perfect midnight snack. Should I get it for you? Or maybe you should come with me too."

I was like, "No, I don't want to change," but he insisted, "Okay, but on one condition: I'm going in this nightgown, and I'm not getting out of the car", I said. 

He grinned mischievously. "Deal. But just so you know, I'm going to make sure everyone sees you in all your nightgown glory." 

I playfully rolled my eyes, but a small smile played on my lips. 

"Just get the car ready," I said, throwing a pillow at him. 

He laughed and quickly got out of bed, pulling me up with him.

As we both headed out into the night, the cool air hit me. The city lights felt like stars on earth, and the peace was undeniable. When we arrived at the ice cream shop, he got out and went inside, leaving me in the car. I watched as he chatted with the clerk, laughing and smiling. 

A few minutes later, he emerged with two servings, each with a giant brownie chunk and a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top. He got back in the car, handing me my serving. 

"Here it is," he said, grinning.

I took a bite, and the combination of warm brownie and cold ice cream was heavenly. I closed my eyes, savoring the taste. 

He watched me, smiling. 

"Good?" he asked, already knowing the answer. 

I nodded. "Mmm-hmm".

A Sanctuary!

He came to my workplace to meet me, carrying burgers for me in a paper bag. As he approached, I stepped forward to hug him over the shoulder. Sensing the distress on my face, he wrapped me in his arms, tightening his grip. 

Concern was evident on his face as he whispered, "What happened? Are you okay?" in a worried tone. 

I closed my eyes, feeling his tight embrace. My mind relaxed, my anxiety dissipated, and I found calm and peace. Time seemed to stand still as I held onto him for nearly 6 - 7 minutes. He kept his grip firm, allowing me to relax at my own pace. 

As I finally pulled back, he held me by the arms, looked at me with concerned eyes, and said, "Better now?" 

I blinked and nodded. 

He handed me the burgers and said, "Let's grab a spot and talk about it?" His voice was soft, his eyes still filled with concern. 

I nodded silently, feeling a sense of numbness wash over me. 

He kissed my forehead, took my hand in his, and guided me to the car. And the car stopped near the lake's winding track.

        We sat in comfortable silence for a moment on the weathered wooden bench near the serene lake, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore creating a soothing melody. 

"Want to talk about it?" he asked, his eyes showing concern as he turned to me, his voice low and gentle.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool lake air fill my lungs, and said, "I don't want to work!" 

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with understanding and empathy. "What happened?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned, as he reached out and wrapped his fingers around mine.

I felt a surge of comfort from his touch, and the tension in my body began to ease. 

"I'm not happy here! This job is giving me stress. It's increasing my anxiety," I said, my  words laced with frustration.

 The sound of birds chirping in the distance seemed to fade into the background as I spoke.

He squeezed my hand reassuringly. 

"Tell me the reason, who's causing you problems, so I can make it better for you?" he asked, knowing well that I had joined this profession because I had dreamed of it since college.

I shook my head, feeling the softness of my hair brush against my shoulders. "No, not at all. Don't get involved in this. I just... I just want to quit this job. I'm fed up with it," I said, my voice cracking slightly.

"Okay, then quit. If it costs your peace, then quit," he said, his words a gentle breeze on a summer day. I looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

"Like I mean... certainly, you don't need to earn. I've got us. I've got you. There's no need for you to be unhappy," he added, his voice filled with conviction.

I felt a pang of uncertainty. "But then what? What do I do?" I asked, my eyes searching his face.

"Whatever you want. My cards are already with you. You already have my support. Enjoy your life," he replied, his smile warm and encouraging. 

I nodded slowly.

"Okay, but I need something to keep me busy. I can't stay at home," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. 

"I'll find something, maybe another job or something of my own," I added.

"Okay, that's fine too. If it makes you happy, go for it," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 

"Decide and tell me. Whatever you like, I'll arrange everything for you." As he spoke, he gently stroked my hand.

I felt a sense of gratitude and love for this man, who had always been my rock. I knew that with him by my side, I could face anything.

A Warm Embrace!

I was standing near the entrance door, with one foot on the leather-upholstered stool, buckling up my heels, when the entrance door unlocked. I looked up, and it was him. 

As I caught his glimpse, I moved my arms forward, and he slid his hands around my waist, the warmth of his palms seeping through my clothes, wrapping his arms around me and enveloping me in his warm embrace, familiar scent – a mix of fresh air and his cologne. 

As soon as I felt myself against his chest, the soft fabric of his shirt a gentle caress against my skin, I closed my eyes. His hands moved up and down on my waist, the gentle pressure soothing, relaxing me. 

I tightened my grip as I hugged him over his shoulders, as if trying to hide myself in his arms. His grip tightened more around my waist, and I could hear his heartbeat, strong and steady, – certainly, he could feel mine too.

And then, he picked me up in his arms, and my feet swung in the air. The soft fabric of his shirt brushed against my skin. A soft smile spread on my face as he twirled around with me in his arms. And then he stopped and I stepped down, still enveloped in his arms, placed my hands on his chest, looked up at him.

"I've missed you so much", he said. 

I looked down and then he held my hand in his hand, leading to the lounge, as i was walking behind him while holding his hand. He sat on the couch, opened his arms, I sat in his lap. He enveloped me in his warm embrace, my head rested on his shoulder, my forehead rested against his jawline. 

The One That Got Away!

 

         I was lying on the couch, with my legs in his lap as he sat beside me. His fingers were tracing patterns on my calf as we watched Netflix. 

"Want some fruit?" he asked.

I nodded, and he got up, went to the kitchen, and grabbed some fruit from the fridge. 

Instead of watching the show, my eyes fixed on him as he sliced the fruit facing me. My fingers, curved, covered my lips as my nails touched my lips; my cheeks blushed. Then, his eyes met mine, and a gentle smile played on his lips. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my cheeks grew warmer, the blush deepening. My fingers remained curved, covering my lips, as if trying to hold in the emotions swirling inside me. 

The sound of the knife slicing through the fruit was soothing, but my attention was fixed on him. He finished slicing the fruit and walked back to the couch, a plate in hand. 

Meanwhile, I placed my legs on the center table near the glass of water. 

"Here you go," he said. 

Instead of taking the plate, I moved my hand forward so he could hold mine. He looked confused, took my hand in his, and then I pulled him onto the couch to sit beside me. 

As he sat, I grabbed his collar and pulled him close. As I was bending my legs on the couch from the center table, the glass beside my legs slipped and fell, shattering on the floor but i didn't care. His gaze shifted instantly as he heard the noise of the glass cracking into pieces, but I placed my index finger under his chin, moved his face towards me.

He looked me in the eyes and placed the fruit plate beside him. His hands reached my waist, and then I stood on my knees on the couch and moved to his lap, still on my knees in his lap. His hands held my thighs, my wrist on his shoulder, and my hands around his neck. My gaze fixed on his lips, our lips inches apart, and then I burst into laughter and placed my forehead on his shoulder. 

He realized I was just messing around and said, "Ah, you got me." He placed his hand behind my back and hugged me tight, and we both started laughing.

A Peaceful Moment!

        

It was almost 3 in the morning when we reached home. I entered the house barefoot, shrugged off my coat, and placed it on the couch before heading straight to my room.

 He entered the house after parking the car, holding my heels in his hand, and placed them near the entrance door. 

I casually threw my phone onto the mattress and positioned the pillow near the footboard on his side of the bed. I lay on my stomach, parallel to the footboard.

He entered the room behind me, and a warm smile spread across his face as he caught sight of me. He kissed my head and sat on the bed across from me. 

We started talking, and I shared gossip I'd heard at the family gathering, while he filled me in on what was happening there. Our laughter and giggles filled the room, and we lost track of time.

"Can you guess how long we've been talking?" he asked. "Without looking at the time," he added. 

"I don't know. How long has it been?" I asked. 

"Two hours. It's been two hours," he said with a smile. 

"Seriously!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in wonder, and my lips curling into a sweet smile as I blushed. 

He nodded and said, "These two hours could turn into three, four, or five. I can listen to you all day long."

"Sometimes I talk a lot, and then I realize I'm talking too much, so I try to refrain myself," I said. 

"Never do that in front of me. You can talk to me about anything, anywhere, anytime",he said.

"Even if I'm not around, I'm just a call away. I'll listen to you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. 

"Okay," I replied, looking out the window.

The sky was starting to dawn, and the light was peeking through the windows. The cool breeze was blowing, the leaves were rustling in the wind, and the chirping of the birds filled the atmosphere. 

"It's so peaceful, isn't it?" I said. "You know, I love this peace," I added. 

"I know," he said, his voice calm and gentle.

"Okay, do one thing. Lie back and close your eyes," he said, kneeling on the ground near the bed. 

"While your eyes are closed, listen to the rustling of the wind through the leaves and the chirping of the birds, and then tell me how you feel", he added.

"Okay," I said with excitement, and he brought his cheek close to my temple.

"Breathe in," he whispered, his voice calm and gentle. 

"Breathe out." 

"Breathe in", his voice barely above the whisper.

"Breathe out." 

"Breathe in." 

"Breathe out." 

"I could fall asleep in this peace," I said, bursting into giggles and turning my face to the opposite direction.

"Despite the fact that I've been sleeping for hours on our way home," I added.

        A warm smile spread across his face, and he kissed my hair, and then placed his pillow parallel to mine and lay beside me, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me close. My forehead rested against his cheek, and my hand was on his chest.