Chapter fourty

At exactly 7:50 pm, the couples arrived at Zara's parent's house where the anniversary party will take place. The two brides were dressed beautifully in their new dresses which were gifted to them by their mothers-in-law. Their hands were intertwined as they made their way to the entrance door which was embellished with flowers. The moment they set their foot inside, flower petals were showered onto their bodies from every direction.
"And here comes the newlyweds." Cheered Farah. Greetings were exchanged between them and the families.
"Assalamu Alaikum to you mother and father" Zara greeted her parents. The two are wearing matching outfits. They answered to her greetings with a contented smile on their faces.
"Congratulations on your 23rd wedding anniversary" Fawwaz chipped too.
"Thank you, son. I know I've said it but I will still say it. Happy married life" said Farah. Fawwaz muttered a 'thank you'
After the pleasantries and congratulations were exchanged, they all settle at the main parlor where delicacies of all kinds were arranged on the big center table. A full family.
"Okay since we have nothing to do why not we play a game" Zara started trying to ease the silence.
"What game?"
"It's a game and it's not a game. Mom will ask a question and dad will answer it. Which will focus on their marriage life"
"You are so troublesome Zara do you want to embarrass your father? What if I couldn't answer some question"
"Well, I know you can answer them. Who is with me?" Amir was the first to raise his hands followed by Fawwaz then Sumayya.
"You these troublemakers are really something," Said Khalid who has been pressing on his phone for a while.
"Don't worry Uncle. This game will be fun. After Mom and Dad are through with their own. It will be your turn"
"You can't be serious?"
"Yes, Father. It's not only their anniversary but like a get together so you all will have to participate too." Fawwaz chirped in now in a standing position.
Farah let out a sharp breath. "Okay enough of the bickering. Let's start before I change my mind"
"Great. Now you can start asking dad. No. Change of plans. I will ask both of you and we will see who knows the other well." Farah throws dagger at her daughter's direction getting a shrug from her in return.
"So, are you all ready?" Their silence tells her they are indeed ready.
"First question for you dad. Who argues the most?" Zara held in her laughter seeing the glares she got from her mom in return.
"Well, your mom. She argues at the tiniest thing" Jawad answers smugly.
"That is because you always try to provoke me at the tiniest things too". They all laugh.
"Next question for you mom. Who is the most arrogant?" Farah didn't hesitate in answering
"Him. His arrogance is beyond your imaginations. If-"
"Next question Zara." Jawad cut his wife off knowing that if she starts blabbering about how arrogant he is, they won't be able to enjoy the rest of the party"
"Sure. Who confessed his love first?" Jawad glanced at his wife clearing his voice.
"Skip," he said.
"No, dad. It's a must for you to answer the question you're being asked"
"It's okay Zara, he's shy to admit it because he confessed first" Zara didn't miss the blush that crept through her mother's face.
"Wow, I didn't know brother in law is so romantic like this" Myrah teasingly winked at Jawad. Zara could feel Fawwaz eyes on her from the corner of her eyes. Earlier events flashed in her head.
Three hours ago
After their little romantic moments, Zara got dressed into her maroon gown gifted to her by her mother in law. She sat in front of the vanity mirror as she applies hair cream to her sleek black hair.
"Masha Allah. My wife sure has a beautiful hair" Fawwaz appeared from the door, standing behind her. Come to think of it, it is his first time seeing her hair open.
"Let me help you" he announced seeing how she's applying the hair cream fascinates him and he finds himself having the zeal to touch it and feel it's silkiness. Zara didn't argue. She passed him the Voila hair moisturizer. Fawwaz turned the bottle and was about to dab it onto her hair when Zara halted him.
"Are you trying to wet my hair with the cream. You are to dab it in your palms then you apply it to my hair" Fawwaz lips forms an 'O'. A chuckle made it way out of her lips.
"I can't believe you don't know how to apply hair cream. I mean, don't you apply to your hair or see Aunt applying it on her hair" He shrugged his shoulder in return.
"I know how to, I just want to mess with you. I want to see your reaction, if you will stop me or not" Zara shakes her head at her husband's sense of humor. He pours out the cream onto his palms and kneads it on her hair gently. Massaging it from every angle.
"From now on, you will be leaving your hair open that way I can caress it and feel it's softness."
"And why will I do that? I don't like leaving my hair open."
"Do it for me then"
"No"
"Please"
"No"
"Please princess" spooning her around, the way she was facing him, he crouched down to her level.
"Please Princess, you look more beautiful with your hair open. And besides I will be the only one to see it. Huh?". The way he pleaded to her was in such a way that she has no option than to nod her head.
"Sure. But it will only happen when you do as I say. Do you agree?". The corner of his lips twitches up. He knew for the fact that her statement will not be valid. He knows how to have his way with her without any problem.
"Come here". He ushered opening his arms. Zara got down from the chair and embrace herself in his arms, resting her head on his chest.
"That's my princess."
"I love you Fawwaz" Her sudden words surprised him. What he has been trying to get out of her mouth. Now she finally said it. She finally let out what he has been wanting her to say for a long time. Circling his arms around her body, he heaves out a sigh of relief.
"Me too. I love you princess"
"Zara" Fawwaz's voice snapped her out of the little reverie.
"Huh?" She asserted. Their focus now on her.
"What are you so engrossed on. I've been calling out your name since" he mumbled.
"Nothing. So as I was saying-"
"Let's stop the game. It's getting late. We family have something for you"
"Get the envelope Farah" Jawad commanded. She did as she was instructed. Going to the dining, she came back with two white envelopes and pass it to her husband.
"Here" Jawad passed each one to them. "It's a holiday ticket to Maldives. It's our gift from us, your family. Everything is already set. The visa and the schedule. What you need to do, is to get ready. You will be leaving in the early morning flight." He explained.
"I would like to say some few words." Myrah declared.
"I would like to say Alhamdulillah. All gratitude goes to Allah for giving us life, food shelter. For Allah is the planner. This isn't only planed by us but what Allah subhannahu wa ta'ala has written for us. No one can change was Allah has written to happen. Our parents prayers are with us up to our children and we will continue to pray for you too. A lot has happened in this family within the last month, but we stood stronger and put our patient in Allah and all is well now. My last word to you, no matter the circumstance you find yourself in, don't lose hope. Sabr is the key. Go to Allah with your problems. Tell Allah your problem, for he is the hearer. You might not know what having Sabr in your heart will bring to you."
"Thank you for the word of advice Aunt," they all say.
"It's okay"
"Now it's getting late. You should go home and start preparing for your holiday trip". Came Yasmin's voice.
Farewells were exchanged between them and their families. Getting their families back and supports is something to be proud of. The smile on their faces is priceless. That's the only thing she wants to see them with. Happiness. Always.
The couples came out of the house, hands intertwined together. Fawwaz glances at Zara and she glances back. Happiness was visible on their faces.
"Are you ready to go on a holiday with me princess?" He asked. Zara nodded her head in answer.
Back to Amir who asked the same question to his wife.
"Maldives here we come" they all exclaimed cheerfully walking hand in hand towards their car and off to their holiday.
They might not be perfect but their lives changed for the better. A life filled with Love, care, and happiness. Life isn't a bed of roses and at times it throws you in an unpredictable situation but as time passes
by, everything you went through will be worth the patience. Sabr is the key. Insha Allah
THE END