***

Sitting on the chair, I glanced at everyone.Numerous eyes turned to look at me, making me stretch my lips in a soft smile.The chair from besides me was pulled making me flicker my gaze to my husband's, as he sat down.

Pairs of five chairs and a table was splayed around us allowing the guests to sit comfortably.The garden was large enough to have all the arrangements made to finest.And a total of thirty close relatives were invited.The waiters and caterers rushed as Salah and Imraan ordered, checking on the arrangements.

The smoke from the barbeque wafted past my nostrils- the sharp smell of burned coal filling me senses.Turning my face to the side, I looked at the corner where the barbeque was set up as the caterers did their magic.My smile widened more as my stomach grumbled lowly.

My husband smiled amusedly at me making me conscious of my acts as I turned to my family.Everyone was engrossed in their own worlds as they talked off.Eyes wrinkled and lips curled making bubbling laughter to whisk in the air.My heart sighed in contentment making me rest my back against the chair.

" Amal, you okay?"Aunty Neelum asked softly making me nod at her.

Our table was filled with our family.The long wooden table was covered with a velvety red covering with golden borders with tassels.The white chairs matched the theme of the event and stood out against the red cover of the table.White china plates had dull gold lining around the borders and shiny stainless spoons were set on the table, each plate before a chair.Silver candles stands stood proudly with the candles as the flames danced on the tunes of air.White flowers mixed with red roses that looked freshly bloomed were bunched on the centre of the table.The spectacular lighting created a beautiful spectre with the darkened night.

Minutes later dinner was served for us.And my eyes widened like saucers at the variety of food as the dishes were piled in.Seekh kebab, Chicken Tikka, Naan, biryani, Korma , salad, butter loaf decorated our table.My mouth watered but I prayed silently to ALLAH that all the hungry people out there could get something to eat before they sleep.

Shahwar filled my plate making me pass her a smile, in thanks.Taking a spoon full of biryani, I found my big nose ring be the first obstacle in eating.

Holding it sideway, I ate with my other hand but still it irritated.I looked besides me, seeing Shahwar eat whilst she talked to her husband.The chair scraped making me glance at Zarah as she stood up.

" Oh, I completely forgot-"She said making me give her a smile.

But before she could reach me a large hand reached towards my spoon.Lifting the spoon up to my lips, my husband beckoned me to take a bite.Warmth flooded my body as I looked down at my lap feeling various eyes settle upon us.The hand holding my nose ring shivered as my husband fed me again.My lashes felt more heavy as I lifted them up to look at Arsalan.

Oblivious to all the eyes on us, the man remained focused on his work as he filled my plate with kebabs.Taking another bite of the food, I smiled from the bottom of my heart to the man as my heart swelled with more love for him.

Oh ALLAH!

When dessert rolled in, I was delighted to see the traditional wedding dessert Kheer.After dinner a photoshoot was done with the relatives as we returned back to our sofa. The guest said their farewell not before wishing and congratulating us.Dua's were showered upon is making us feel more blessed.

I smiled at something Bashar had said when Ammi walked towards me.The woman smiled down at me as she caressed my cheek lovingly.Her eyes flickered towards Arsalan as she said,

" Shehzaday, should we take Amal home."Her heart beats picked up speed as I turned to look at Sikander bhai, seeing the man come to stand besides me.

A warm hand curled around mine making me eyes to settle on the man besides me, my husband.He didn't need to say anything, his charcoal eyes spoke silently asking for my consent.

Amal lets go home.

I gave him a nod seeing him smile.Arsalan stood up before helping me stand too.Uncle Nawaz stepped forward as he placed a hand on Sikander bhai's shoulder.

" Amal becomes our responsibility now and we would take leave now.Its time that you rukhsat her."The older man spoke.

Sikander bhai moved forward, as he placed a hand over my head like a brother would do.

" Stay blessed.May our ALLAH fill your and your husband's life with all the happiness and may you both always stay together."Tears brimmed my eyes as I listened to his words.Although I loved my husband with all the fibers and cells in my body but a rukhsati was still the most emotional time of every girls life.When Hoor stepped closer, I couldn't hold back as I embraced her and cried softly.Suddenly missing aunty Shahana.

Hoor wiped my tears as she hushed me up.Kissing my cheek she stood besides her husband.Sikander bhai held the Holy Quran over my head as we walked on the rose petals that led to the main double doors this time.

A few steps away from the door and my brother stepped back making me wave at them and smile softly.My husband's larger hand wrapped around my palm as we stepped up the three stairs.Surprisingly the wooden carved doors were shut making me knit my eyebrows together.

" We are home."I managed to say to my husband.He looked down at me with his captivating charcoal eyes.Tonight, just something about his eyes was different.Like a midnight sky they were dark but the sparks in them seemed to be like the stars on a full moon night.As if all the stars from the sky above were absorbed in his pools of charcoal.My daze was broken as our gazed faltered when the doors before us were opened.

Our cousins grinned at us as they welcomed us.Our aunties smiled as I took the first step inside the house with my husband.Rose petals kissed the air before they were showered over us.

We were guided towards the main hall sofas, wedding rituals awaiting us.Shahwar and Ahya smirked at me making me conscious to what rasms awaited me.

The next hour summed up with glossed smiles, cheery grins and shy stares.Hearts bloomed and love exploded.The bond our family shared only grew more stronger.The pillars only strengthening.

Climbing the last of the step, I felt my long dupatta pool behind me as Zarah left the border making me smile at her.The bedroom door came into my view my heart skipped a beat.My sweaty hands fisted my skirt as Shahwar stood by the door.

My husband was still downstairs and would be coming up any second and the thought itself had my breathing deepening.

Frozen to my spot, I was pulled to the bedroom door.The dark wooden door

was pushed open and I stilled as my eyes widened.My large eyes stopping on each single detail.

" We are going now.Your husband is coming."The women teased and in the next second they were gone as they closed the door behind them.

A thousand flickering candles decorated all of the bedroom floor.The dark illuminated only with the candles.The once dark walls were ivory and pastel blue now.A polished arm chair was in one corner with a chest of drawers.The bed was dark wooden polished and was in the centre of the room, decorated like a bride.The four posters had roses curtained around the bed hanging from the ceiling.The strong scent of roses was mixed with the sweet vanilla of the scented candles.The balcony sliding doors had ivory chiffon curtains hanging with pastel blue textured border, and besides the doors were large vases filled with bouquets.The vanity table was also polished and had all my accessories decorated on it.

As if my feet had a mind of their own, I moved forward.A clear path was made from between the candles making it easy for me to reach the bed.I was very stunned by the beautiful decoration that I felt tears float my eyes.

Sitting on the bed carefully, I pulled my skirt up.My hand caressed the dull golden bedsheets as I settled in the centre of the large bed.Rubbing my sweaty palms together, I looked down at my dark mehndi.

The door knob twisted and my eyes shot to the door as it was opened.My nervous breaths slowed down as I saw the man who stepped in.Closing the door behind him, he locked it.My grey eyes raked over his form seeing the turban he once wore now tucked under his arm.His tall frame leaning against the dark door as he stared at me.

My eyelashes shied down as my heavy lids dropped down.Silence wafted in the air, mixing with fragrances of roses and vanilla.With even twenty six steps between us, I could feel a heated gaze bore through my skin causing goosebumps to arise.

I blinked a few times before glancing at the man again seeing a smile playing on his face.My own lips curved in a smile but the shivering made it hard to keep the smile intact.Warm shivers running down the length of my spine.The romantic atmosphere around us screamed a thousand things at us.And my stomach knotted in a good way.

The air around shifted as the man took slow steps towards me.I breathed in a long deep breath trying to calm my racing heart, I feared that he could even hear the beats of my heart.The moment his hand slid the roses curtains aside, I lowered my gaze.

Arsalan sat on the bed, before me.His large figure leaning towards me.I could mentally feel the soft music playing in the background.

A hand reached towards mine.

Grey clashed with charcoal.

My eyes met his.

My hand met his.

Smiling at him softly, I glanced at him.Arsalan smiled too as he held my hand in his larger one.Bringing my hand up to his mouth he kissed my knuckles making me blush furiously.Heat travelling up my neck and filling my cheeks making the tingles to race all over my body.

" You look haseen, janaan."The man whispered in a husky tone as if he spoke any louder the candles would scold him.

" Thank you."I managed to say out softly burning under his stare.

" If it would be possible, I would always want to wake up to you being a bride.My bride."He said with the same husk.My cheek became crimson as I looked away, my gaze settling on the candles now.

It wasn't the candles burning now.It was me.My body was set on fire, his fire and I was all ready to get burned.He burned me slowly, drugging me into his love and charm that I couldn't help but love him more immensely and greatly.More passionately.

" Amal-"Arsalan spoke making me hm and look up at him.His eyes told a thousand things to me.Love becoming a prominent expression on his face as he stared at me like I was the most prized possession.He still had my hand in his.

" Won't you ask for your gift?"The man looked amused now as he smiled at me widely.My eyebrows knitted together at the change in his voice.I nodded my head and pulled my hand back just to settle my dupatta smug against my shoulder.

" Yes, my gift."I demanded emphasizing by showing my palm to him.Arsalan chuckled before he shifted.His hand dug in his Sherwani's pocket as he pulled out something- something very unexpected.

Placing a silver key on my palm, he closed it.Pulling my hand towards my body, I gazed at the key confused.

" What is this?"I asked.

The man leaned towards me, his head resting on my lap now as he looked up at me.

" Its the key to our house.Your house."He told.

The smile slipped down my face as I stared at him in shock.

" Arsalan-"

" Shsh-"His finger pressed against my lips as he husked me.

" Its your now.Its your wedding gift my lovely janaan.I got it renovated however I wanted to ask for your consent but nonetheless our bedroom is still the same and when we get back to London you can decorate it any way you want."The man grinned but my heart clenched at his thought in a good way.

My hand reached his hair as I ran my fingers through the dark strands.My vision blurred as tears flooded my eyes.

" Did you like your gift?"He asked making me tighten my grip on the key.

" I loved it."I whispered as tears streamed down my face.The man sighed loudly as his hand reached to wipe the tears away.Different emotions ran through me, making me lean down and peck his forehead.

" Arey Amal-"Arsalan said as he sat up.His thumbs brushing my cheeks as he brushed away the tears.

" Come here."He said standing up.His hand pulled at mine making me slide down the bed.He lead me before the balcony's glass doors and pushed the chiffon curtains aside.

My heavy dupatta mopped the floor behind me as I pulled it up.My figure looked short against my husband's tall figure as I had gotten rid of the killer heels.

We stood before each other, facing the glass doors laterally.

" Don't cry janaan."The man spoke as he held my shoulders.His face constricting in pain as he looked at me.I smiled at him getting a hold of my frenzy emotions.

" I have a surprise for you."He spoke making me look expectant at him.

" What is-"

A heart shattering sound made me shut my mouth.My eyes widened at the scene before, my mouth agape now.The dark night sky lit up with various colour and lights.The sound seemed to be muted as the fireworks kept on illuminating the sky magnificently.

It looked surreal and almost majestic.My palms cupped my mouth as I stared at the sky in complete bliss.My heart was exploding now.I had never seen fireworks from this close all my life and now-

I turned to my husband and grinned.He reciprocated my actions and grinned back.His arms reached around me and curled.His front pressed against my back as he swayed us lightly.

" This is the best night of my life."I confessed tilting my head up to look at him.Arsalan kissed my cheek in response and I turned my head back to the sky allowing the man to nuzzle my neck.Tingles sprang in my skin as his stubble brushed against my heated flesh.

The fireworks lighted the night sky for a good six minutes before the after smoke smeared against the dark horizon.Silence spread all around except for the rhythmic beats of two hearts that became a beautiful melody for us.

A feathery kiss was brushed against my flesh making me hiss.My hand reached towards the arms around me and I held Arsalan's arm as my energy to stay standing started to drain.

Gulping down my throat, I closed my eyes as another tantalizing peck was given to me.My skin flooded with heat and warm shivers ran down my spine.

Breaking through his arms, I turned around to face him.Arsalan looked down lovingly at me, his eyes dark now like the night sky outside making me tilt my head and frown.Were his eyes always this dark?

I shuddered under the scrutiny of his gaze.My long lashes shying down as the man took a step forward.His arms reaching towards my waist again.My uneven breaths mixed with the soft gasp as I was pulled towards my husband's hard body.My trembling hands stilled on his chest, my palms flat against his black sherwani.

" Arsalan-"I gasped.

" Be mine."He pronounced out.The words caught me off guard as I blinked at him.The atmosphere changed and butterflies tickled my insides as I stared up at the man.

" Will you be mine Amal Arsalan Khan?"He asked in such loving way that my heart skipped a beat.

With a flattering heart, I nodded.

" I will be yours Arsalan Khan."And just as I uttered the words out, I was pushed against the glass doors.A gasp ripped out from my mouth at the sudden movement.Muscular arms caged me in and the distance between our bodies reduced.

Arsalan stepped closer, that I could feel his body heat wavering off.His very familiar cologne wafted past my nostrils making me inhale in a breath.

" Are you sure Mrs.Arsalan, that you've made the right decision?"Arsalan asked in an amused tone.I cracked a smile and nodded my head slowly.

" Yes, I am very sure."

" Well then, you have no escape left-"His voice lowered and his face leaned closer.

" -because you've now signed your eternity with me."He completed, leaving me in heated flesh.

His hand trailed up to my face, brushing softly on my each and every feature.His thumb brushed against my lower lip as he gulped roughly.I swallowed down my throat as a reflex but that seemed to be a mistake as the man growled lowly.

Pressed against the cold glass, my chest heaved up and down in anticipation.But my husband didn't leave me waiting as his fingers tugged my big nose ring away from my nose very softly.His arm slid around my waist as he held me curled around him.Whislt his other hand reached to my neck.

Inching closer, he brushed his lips against mine and I closed my eyes the moment his lips met mine in a passionate kiss.I melted within his grip as he kissed me only like a lover would do to his beloved.

His lips were hot and soft against mine coaxing me to mash against him.His hand on my waist, was now caressing my back making the butterflies to go crazy.

My hands reached between us and I curled my arms around his neck.Holding onto him for my dear life.My fingers gripped at his collar as my lungs started to scream for air.Getting the message, Arsalan broke off the kiss.

I opened my eyes seeing the man heave before me.His dark eyes trained on me with a determination in them.Taking in large breaths, I slid my eyes down his features finding his lips a dark shade of pink.I blushed crimson under his eyes as he smirked.

" Only mine Amal."He whispered darkly as his hand reached forward and took out the pins from my dupatta.In a careless manner, he dropped each pin down on the floor.When the pins were out, my dupatta easily slid down on my shoulders.

" Arsalan-"I squeaked as he scooped me up in his arms- bridal style.Effortlessly he carried me to the bed before lowering me down against the mattress.His hands traced down the length of my body, before settling on the curve of my waist.

" I love you Amal."Arsalan spoke making me sit up and cup his face.

" I love you too."I said and brushed my lips against his, allowing him to take the lead from there.