Hashim's POV...

Its been almost 8-9 months since I came here.It was quite good experience working with Baba and Uncle,I learned alot of things.

Tomorrow is my flight back to Pakistan.Indeed I missed my homeland,Mama's love and Ayesha's advices but most of all I missed Asmara.We talked daily but only on texts or voice calls,no face time,no pictures sharing,I wanted to see her but it would be awkward if I had asked for her picture so I just skipped this.

She started trusting me on her little things,began sharing her daily routine,her college life,her likes and dislikes with me.I never stopped her.I remained a good listener for her cute little talks.She is like a transparent glass which can never hide anything.Whenever she was angry,she showed anger,whenever happy,her words and enthusiasm reflected her happiness.I have never told her that I missed her but still she said she misses me whenever she felt.I love her this side..so clear,so pure...

In this entire span here I bought a number of gifts for her but I never asked Uncle to send her these gifts because I wanted to give them by myself to see her cute reactions.

(Beep..beep)

Asmara's message"Can you call me,if you are free?"

I smiled seeing her text and dialled her number and at the very first ring she picked up the call"asalamoalaikum!"

"W/S!So happy today?"I asked sensing her happiness.

"Yes!how do you know?"she asked.

"Because I know you inside out Mrs.Hashim."

"No."she said.

"Why do you think so?"I asked.

"Because you don't know my reason for happiness."she replied chirply.

"I can tell...let me guess."

"Hmm...hmm guess guess!"she said.

After thinking for a while I replied "I don't know,let me ask from my wife."

She laughed and said"my exams got finished today so it's my independance day."

"Wow...it's time to celebrate then?"I replied.

"Not actually,I have to take entrance test for university,so I have to study."she replied sadly.

"Student life is best,you would love your university life,college is boring,I know."I told her.

She hummed in response.

"All your happiness vanished thinking about test.Silly girl don't be sad,it would be good,have trust on yourself."I said trying to cheer up her low mood.

"Anniversary!"she said vaguely from the other end of phone.

"What?"I asked.

"Ayesha Api texted me Happy anniversary.Is it her own marriage anniversary today?"she asked being confused.

Before I would reply her she started laughing and in between her laughs she said"Ayesha..Ayesha api is so funny...who texts happy anniversary to others on their own anniversary.I think she mistakenly did it...hahah."

"I also got the same message."

"Hahah means she is gone mad."Asmara said cutting me in between.

"You are gone mad.It's our anniversary dear Asmara,she wished us."I replied when I got to know that it's the same date when our nikkah was done,a year ago.

"Ou..our?"she said slowly.

"Yes...Ms.dumb!"I replied with a smile on my face.

"But we are not married yet."she replied being confused.

"For Allah's sake Asmara!we are married.It's been a year,we are bound together by nikkah."I said face palming myself.Allah has given me such a rocking wife who always gave me shocks!

"Oops,sorry."I heard her innocent apology.

"It's okay."I sighed.

"Happy anniversary Hashim!"I heard her saying.

I smiled at her antics,she is so unpredictable.She is able to change my mood within seconds from happiness to shock to contentment.

"Hello,are you there?"she asked breaking my train of thoughts.

"Yes!"I said.

"You will not wish me back?"she asked.

"Why would I?"I asked.

"Ok,I don't need any wishes."she replied hastily.

I smiled at her reply.

"Asmara...I am feeling sleepy,will talk to you tomorrow."I said and ended the call because I have only 2 hours to sleep then I would be heading towards airport to board my flight but Asmara have no idea of my return tomorrow.I want to surprise her,to see her shocked face seeing me infront of her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey beautiful ladies!what's up?"I said entering the room where Mama and Ayesha were busy talking.

Ayesha and Mama both came and hugged me simultaneously.

"Hashim,my Son!"Mama said kissing my forehead.

"How are you?Idiot,you said you are coming tomorrow?"Ayesha slapped my head.

"I just wanted to surprise you."I said hugging her.

"Ooh I got it,it's your anniversary today,that's the reason you came today!"Ayesha said excitedly.

"Nothing like that."I said shrugging my shoulders.

"Liar!"

"Think whatever you want."I replied.

"Stop bickering both of you,you go freshen up Hashim.I will get something for you to eat"Mama ordered.

I went to my room,got freshen up and had my meal with Mama and Ayesha.I gave them their gifts which I bought for them,we had a little chit chat,I missed all this in abroad.

I went to Ali uncle's home as I wanted to meet Asmara,hope she would be at her home.I rang the doorbell,no one opened the door so I rang again.

"Have some patience!I'm coming,you both came so ear..."Asmara said opening the door and stopped seeing me,her eyes got widened,she rubbed her eyes twice,it seems that as if she just woke up,she was looking so cute in her sleepy look,messy hair.

"Who are you?"she said putting her index finger on her chin.

And I got another shock!

"Asmara?"

"You look like Hashim but he is not here so who you are?"she said innocently,indeed she was still in her sleep.

I smiled,this is not what I expected.

"Let me come inside first."I said entering the house.

"You...help..help!"she started shouting.

I placed my hand on her mouth to stop her from shouting,we were so close,I said"stop shouting Asmara.I am Hashim!"

Her eyes widened in shock after realization struck her.I removed my hand from her mouth,she was still in shocked state looking so beautiful and mesmerizing,lost somewhere.

I kissed her cheek,and whispered in her ear"Get up sleepy head,It's not your dream!"

Her trance broke and she placed her hand on her cheek and in the next second her eyes got teary,tears running down on her cheeks,she hugged me tightly as if her life depended on it.Due to her sudden hug I lost my balance but I controlled myself from falling back,she hid her face in my chest,her tears wetting my shirt and her tiny fists clutching my back tightly.I hugged her back and kept stroking her hair silently,none of us spoke.

After about 5 minutes she loosened her grip on me and moved her face away from my chest.Looking straight into my eyes,her eyes moistened again.I shook my head negatively,cupping her face,I wiped the tears from her cheeks and said"don't cry Asmara,If you are unhappy to see me,I'll go back and send Hashim."and she smiled

"You are Hashim."she said holding my hands.

I laughed and said"umm...but I think I am the duplicate one."

She smiled widely with teary eyes and said""

"Yes,I am your Hashim.Thank God you recognized."I said kissing her forehead,lips lingering on her temple,her hold on my hand tightened and it all felt surreal.

At that movement,I felt myself deeply in love with her.She is so innocent and we share the purest bond.How was it even possible for me not to fall for her.

The door bell rang breaking our moment,Asmara gasped and moved away,ran to open the door.

On opening the door Aunty and Sara entered the house with shopping bags in their hands.

"Assalam...Oh Hashim you are here?"Aunty said coming towards me.

"Yes Aunty.I came today,how are you and Sara what about you?"I asked both of them.

"We are fine bhai,you?"asked Sara.

"I am fine dear."I said and saw Asmara talking to herself combing her messy hair with fingers with a cute pout.

Looking in the direction of my gaze,Aunty and Sara saw Asmara's antics and Aunty said smilingly"Asmara,beta go change your clothes and comb your hair properly not with your fingers."

Asmara smiled sheepishly and ran inside.

We all laughed.

"Asmara said you were coming tomorrow?"Aunty asked.

"Yes,Aunty actually I wanted to surprise Mama and Ayesha,so I lied."I told Aunty.

"Okay beta.How's your Mama and Ayesha doing?"asked Aunty.

"Doing good."I replied shortly.

"Hmm...good,Sara where is Asmara call her here."Aunty said.

"Ok Mama."Sara said and went to her room.

Now I was sitting in lounge waiting for Asmara,replying to all the questions of Shiza Aunty.

"Mama!you called?"Asmara said descending from the stairs,her hair were perfectly combed now but open.

"Yes..go make some tea,your husband came after almost a year.You should give him a warm welcome."

She nodded her head and went to kitchen.

I was watching Asmara's expressions,when Aunty said your husband,her cheeks turned red,her eyes down,she put her hair strands behind her ear...all shy...I laughed inwardly.

"Umm Aunty actually,I am a little tired so I should leave now,My friend is there at my house,so may I take your leave."I said standing up from couch.

"But...your tea."

"Next time Aunty,it's urgent,Allah Hafiz."I said heading out of the house.

Actually my reason of escape was Aunty's constant questions as I was tired so I was unable to cope with this situation anymore and Asmara madam went to make tea.I was damn sure she would take atleast an hour for this.I only came here for my wife but what could be done now,my poor fate.I got no time with my wife.I'll take her for dinner,as it's our anniversary!

Dated 2March,2020.