The next morning I wake up with a headache, all the crying last night took a toll on me. I knew he wasn't going to be easy but what I did not know is that he would go to this extent to hurt me.

What was my fault Zaan? All I wanted was for you to love me back the way I do. Why are you making this so difficult for me?

Come on Noorie, there is no time for self pity right now. Get up and smash the day. You cannot give up this easily. Remember your promise. With that new determination I walked into his bedroom to remove his clothes for the day, I see he is still sleeping on his bed. If he does not get up now he will be late for his office so I take his phone and set an alarm for 10 minutes later, then choose his kerchief and perfume for the day along with his watch. I go into the kitchen seeing Riyana is already there

"Good morning Riyana! Let's make breakfast, yeah?"

"Morning, ma'am! Waiting for your instructions next."

With that, I cook with Riyana telling me how to do it mostly. Darn it! Should have listened to Mama when she said she would teach me cooking. Things would have been easy now.

We finish cooking as soon as possible and then I rush out of the house asking her to make sure Zaan goes after eating.

I can't face him right now, I need time to think things through. How am I going to deal with his stubbornness? How exactly am I going to work on make him realise adultery is a sin?

With my jumbled thoughts I reach college and park my car. I am walking towards my morning class, Ashfa told me she would meet me there.

"Noorie, hey!! Wait, Noorie!", I hear a loud voice from behind and stop. I turn around, Rizwaan is waving from the corridor I just passed. He has two more guys with him that I recognisw from the freshers party.

He introduced me to them, the tall one with turquoise eyes is Ahad and the muscly guy is Asad. I smile politely.

"Noorie, the girls and are going to the theater today after classes. Will you join us?" I have never been to watch a movie before.

"I am not sure. Umm..."

"Come on Noorie. Don't be a spoilsport now. Let's have fun, loosen up will ya?"

"Alright, if you insist."

"Cool, let's all meet up here after classes."

I wave at them and start walking towards the class. I used to inform mom if I am hanging out. I don't want to call Zaan now. So let's stick to texting him about the plans. In case, he gets worried.

'Hey, I made movie plans with college friends. We will be there at the Orchid Mall for three to four hours probably. I will be late.'

That should be fine. All day long, I didn't focus much on the lectures. All I could hear was Zaan's voice echoing in my head. He is turned off when he looks at me. That might me the worst a wife has ever heard from her husband.

Why are you so difficult Zaan? Why can't you just see me for who I am? I know I dress conservatively but that's just how it's supposed to be.

Forget about it Noorie. Take a break from all the thinking. Let's try enjoying college life.

Just as decided we head towards the mall. This is one of the biggest movie theaters of the city so most people prefer it. The movie turned out be a rom-com. Great, just what I needed for a break.

Rizwaan paid for my snacks, even though I insisted he doesn't have to he was too stubborn. He even held my hands just so I couldn't get the the money out of my purse. How childish! But I need to agree he is a gentleman.

Anyway, now that I am back at home I need to focus on how to appeased husband. Just wait Mr.Durrani until I sweep you off your feet.

I make dinner by myself entirely with Riyana interrupting here and there when I would go wrong. Most of it was how Zaan likes. I also got the maid to clean his room because I know very well he doesn't like workers in his room when he is around.

I noticed now the living room wasn't as lively as I would like it to be. So I order a beautiful wall decor and and asked for a customized photo of our wedding to hand it there.

I think the room needs a few flowers. So I ordered antique vases from the online store. That should be all.

I have decided staying away from Zaan wouldn't help my case much. So the goal is to interact with him. Isn't that how most relationships are built strong? With open interaction. So I ma going to start off there.

I see it's almost time for him to arrive so I rush into my room. I wore a bright red saree. Although I haven't worn such outfits before marriage, I want to dress better for Zaan so I am hoping he likes me in this outfit.

Just as I go into the kitchen to check for any last minute changes,I hear the front door opening. I know it's him, I can feel it.

I walk towards the living room, with a glass of water. I see he has a slightly tired look and red eyes. Is he drunk again? Hope not.

"Assalamu alaykum! How was your day? Here frink some water." I give him water and take the blazer out of his hand. This wasn't the one I put out for him. Infact, I don't think i have seen this blazer and blue shirt in his closet. How could I miss them ? Maybe you didn't retain the memory of Noorie. After all it's just been two days.

I am surprised at the fact that he didn't resist my actions. I mentally smile and turn around, " Don't think you can seduce by putting up this good wife act. And definitely not by this hideous look you pulled out."

And there is his hateful remark I missing. Note the sarcasm.

"I am not trying to seduce you, it's what every wife does. And your comment on my look says you noticed me. Which means, goal accomplished", I give him a sweet smile and say that as normally as I could trying to mask the hurt.

He stands there for a few more seconds staring at my face, then turning around goes towards his bedroom.

When he comes down, he comes straight to the dining area where I have kept all the dishes ready. He doesn't spare me another glance as he eats his food. His jaw is clenched all the while. I was half expecting yum to walk out midway without finishing after he realises I cooked it. But he finishes food as fast as he could and goes into his study.

I sigh in relief. Atleast he doesn't hate my food. That puts a smile on my face. If it's for him, I will cook all day long. Goodness, the things you do for love.

I make two cups of steaming coffee and go into his study, keeping one beside his laptop. I settle myself in the couch not far away from his desk.

"Zaan, tell me how was your day at the office?" No response. Sad.

"Come on, are you going to pretend I am not in the room now? Stop being chilidish", I try again. He cleches his jaw but there is still no response.

I begin tapping my foot on the floor, waiting for a reaction out of him. He finally snaps his head looking me straight in the eye, "Stop irritating me and get out of here before I throw you out myself. You are not my wife for me to tell you how my day was."

It stung like a bitch but I won't let any emotion on my face. I just smiled pretending to be victorious about getting a reaction out of him. That just makes him more furious if his blazing eyes are anything to go by.

"What's so wrong with me asking about your day? And I am your wife in every way. Legally, religiously and spiritually."

He gets up from his chair, walking towards me so fast I couldn't even decipher what's happening, he pulls me up holding my wrist.

I land on his chest with a gasp, unable to comprehend what's happening. He walks two steps aside and pushes me against the book-stand beside the couch. His one hand holding my bare waist in a tight grip and the other one the back of my neck. My face heats up at our proximity and I can't help but feel the goosebumps.

He has never been this close to me," You have some audacity to shout back at me in my own damn territory. This is not your Mansion where you were the princess. Don't ever speak to me in that tone again." I hear his deep baritone laced with hatred. I stare deeply into his eyes, trying to see if he has ever seen my like a woman. Like his wife. But he hides everything from like I am a bad omen that needs to be kept away. I can't help the pain that seeps up into my eyes, running down in the form of tears.

He takes his hand away as if he has been burnt, rushing out of the study just like he always does. Leaving me writhing in pain. But I wipe my tears away the next moment.

I am not going to cry for him anymore.