1 Month Later

Finally, things have taken a turn for good. The pain and scars healed, everything is calming down gradually- my anger. I have begun to live my life as a blessing and made up my mind to put the past behind me and focus only on the future because it consists of three people; Mother, Eugene and Christian. Nothing matters to me now. My everything is them and I want things to remain like this. I don't want any more tribulations, I want to live a peaceful life.

Everything came back to normal. It's been six months of our marriage and it feels like six years to me. A lot. And I mean A LOT happened in these months. His apprehension, pushing me away, breaking me, saving me, the distance between us, me being defiled, him saving me again, our confessions, our sweet honeymoon- the sweetest and memorable moment of my life, my truth and now, finally everything is normal. All the dramatic events of my life have ended and now everything is monotonous.

And I feel so happy to have him. So blessed. Christian is everything I could dream of in a guy. He is loving, caring and I love him so much. I am grateful to have him in my life. He is the pillar of my broken house, preventing it from falling apart. He was there to hold me when I needed him the most.

But right now I am angry at him. Today is my birthday and he didn't even wish me. I normally don't get angry on trivial things like this. To be honest, I haven't even celebrated my birthday ever since Eugene went to a coma. But, now Eugene is awake and I want to celebrate. I stomped my feet on the ground as I sat on my usual seat grumpily.

Christian narrowed his eyes at me as he asked,

"You okay?" I puffed and didn't reply to him.

"Not gonna tell me?" He said leaning in. I turned my head away and put my chin on my palm. He pinched my arm slightly as I yelped, "Eek! What are you doing?" I asked, rubbing the spot.

"Tell me what happened?" he asked sweetly.

"What is it today?" I asked angrily.

"Eugene's Birthday, I guess.." He said trailing off, holding his chin.

"And mine too!" I whined.

"Your birthday was two months ago," he said.

"No. I am born today. And today is my birthday too but no, you didn't wish me and by the way, even if my birthday was two months ago, why didn't you wish me before too?" I was infuriated. He gawked at me as I pouted. He then burst into laughter. "What happened to you?" he asked. I gasped at his action. How dare he... I clicked my tongue at him and scowled. He stood up and patted my head,

"Okay, my queen, you are born today. Happy Birthday and ... back then the day, We were supposed to start our lives anew was your birthday," he said the last part sadly as I looked at him with a sad look. That was my birthday? I decided to not to talk about this matter as I said,

"Today is mine and Eugene's birthday. By the way, when is your birthday?" I asked happily.

"10th July." He said

"Oh my God! After 10 days!?" I exclaimed and became enthusiastic.. for his birthday? Well, I should be but well today is my birthday.

He nodded as I grinned. I wonder what caused me to have such a mood swing but I am not complaining.

We then had our breakfast. Christian stood and kissed my forehead before leaving for work. "Take care," I said as he smiled and left.

After he left, I opened my phone and saw a text from Eugene wishing my happy birthday. A sudden realization hit me, Christian should have stayed home with me today. And once again, I am angry that he left for work instead of spending the day with me.

I was whining but then Henley came with a dress. I looked at her in confusion.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Henley. She smiled and said, "Sir want you to wear it and get ready and come with me." I tilt my head in confusion. She then grinned and wished me,

"Happy Birthday, Ma'am. It's for you, from me" She put the dress aside and gave me a box.

"Thanks." I smiled and opened the box and saw a star-shaped brooch. I grinned looking at it.

"It's beautiful." I thanked her. It's such an exquisite brooch. I really liked it.

"I am glad you liked it." She smiled.

"Please get ready now." She said as I nodded and left with the dress.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The dress is so enthralling. It's a maroon evening-length A-line gown. It's so elegant, such captivating grace it has. I smiled as I looked at myself. I kinda feel like some aristocratic woman because of these aesthetically pleasing attributes of the dress.

I applied makeup in accordance with the dress and I looked truly alluring. I smiled as I walked out and asked Henley,

"How do I look?" I asked as I spun around. Her eyes glimmer in admiration as she squeaked,

"It's gorgeous! You are looking so irresistible." I laughed and chuckled, "I expect this reaction from Christian as well."

"He will fall head over heels for you." She said. "I hope so." I smiled.

We were about to leave but I stopped Henley and said, "Before we go there. Take me somewhere else first."

"Where?" She asked. I smiled and I whispered to her. "The hospital." She gave me a baffled look but I just winked at her and said to myself, "I hope it's what I am thinking."

***

After this, Henley took me to a hotel. It's a lavishing hotel. Of course, it would be a five-star hotel. The staff greeted me decently as they showed me a table, it seems like it has been reserved especially for me because it was away from others. I sat down but an easiness lingers in my heart as it seeks Christian who was nowhere to be found. My lips formed a thin line as I sat there alone, slightly uncomfortable.

I didn't even order anything but they served me Spaghetti, my favourite dish. I was perplexed but then they removed the curtains from the stage, I gasped as I saw Christian playing the piano. My eyes widened in shock. I didn't know he could play the piano. He spared a glance at me and mumbled, 'happy birthday'. I smiled widely, then he began to play a song. I closed my eyes as a feeling of solace took over and I felt so connected to him. The music is so pacifying. A feeling of extreme rapture filled me as I became oblivious of all the things around me thinking about him and him only. The feeling of being blessed to have such a divine bond with him. A glee filled my whole being when he began to sing. I know this song all too well. It's every lyric brought me close to him as it seems like it's made for us; Hamdard. (A person who shares your pain and sorrows)

Pal do pal ki hi kyun hai zindagi

Is pyaar ko hai sadiyaan kaafi nahi

to khuda se maang loon, Mohalat main ek nayi

Rehna hai bas yahaan

Ab door tujhse jaana nahi

Jo tu mera hamdard hai

Jo tu mera hamdard hai

Suhaana har dard haiJo tu mera hamdard hai (Now that you are my compassionate partner)

Teri muskurahatein hain taaqat meri

Mujh ko inhi se ummeed mili Chaahe kare koi sitam ye jahaan

In mein hi hai sada hifaazat meri Zindagaani badi khoobsoorat hui

Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin

Jo tu mera Hamdard hai

Jo tu mera Hamdard hai (Now that you

Suhaana har dard hai

Jo tu mera Hamdard hai (Now that you are my compassionate partner)

Teri dhadkanon se hai zindagi meri

Khwaahishein teri ab duaen meri

Kitna anokhaa bandhan hai ye

Teri meri jaan jo ek hui

Lautoonga yahaan tere paas main haan

Vaada hai mera mar bhi jaaun kahin

Jo tu mera hamdard hai

Jo tu mera hamdard hai Suhaana har dard hai Jo tu mera hamdard hai (Now that you are my compassionate partner)

I put my hand over my mouth as tears dwell in my eyes. I felt so exhilarated. My heart flutters with happiness to have him in my life. The inexplicable feeling of intense love and affection for him. My heart indulges itself in every moment I spend with him. The passion of him for me is immense. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stood up from my seat as I ran to him and engulfed him in a hug. He hugged me back as I began to cry. He rubbed my back as he whispered,

"Happy Birthday, Love." I slowly pulled away and wiped my tears and smiled brightly.

"I didn't know, you can play the piano too."

"Only this...Tyler is a professional... He taught me.." He smirked. I laughed a little.

He got up as he looked at me with those dark gems of intense fondness which also evoke the feeling of being a treasure in me. Enchanted by each other, a feeling of love emerges from us. He cupped my cheeks as he pulled me close. Under that sharp gaze of in-depth emotions; I melt. I closed my eyes as I let myself drown in the delicacy of his lips.

I felt his lips upon mine, tenderly like always he moved his lips in such a way that it made my heart skip a beat. A feeling of desire and longing for him was induced in me as I ran my hands in his soft lock, pulling them slightly while deepening the kiss. The feeling of the kiss was divine, it made me feel like floating. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him, I got lost in those bottomless pits of affection as I found myself so engrossed in his alluring form similar to a Greek God that I didn't notice his one hand moving down and stopping at my back, pulling me close. A moan left my mouth when my body made contact with his as a sudden feeling of heat rushed in me.

My heartbeat became so rapid when I felt his smirk. He deepened the kiss while his other hand moved to my neck. The synchronization always made me flicker with cravenness for him more. These divine sensations of lust and love are precious to me as they are embedded deep into my core.

He slowly pulled away, we both were panting, blood flowed to my cheeks as I felt my body heating up. Feeling so sensitive, I decided to move back a little as I took a step back and turned my gaze. I bit my lips shyly when I felt his eyes scanning me from top to toe. I gulped hard, he took a step closer and held my hand. I looked at him innocently as he said,

"You're looking so.." His eyes observed me again, stopping at my eyes, "divine.. ." I smiled faintly and spoke feebly, "Thanks." He tugged a strand of my hairs behind my ears as he moved to my ears and whispered, "And seductive too." My heart skipped a beat as a shiver went down my spine, giving me some kind of peculiar satisfaction. I raised my gaze and looked at him. He then again held my hand and took me back to the table, "Don't blame me if your food turned cold."

"I'll even eat poison if you feed me." I, once again, spoke without thinking. And he again stopped and turned to me. I gave him a guile look. He stared at me for a second and then he let out a painfully slow laugh. My lips formed a thin line as he gave me a dark look.

"I rather kill that person who dared to give you poison."

"I was just saying."

"So do I."

"You are serious," I said sternly.

"Well, yeah.." He said scratching his neck. I sighed. "Leave it." He smiled sweetly and how can I refrain myself from not melting myself in it.

We sat down as he sat beside me, and offered me a bite. I opened my mouth as he fed me. I smiled and said, "Thank you, Christian."

"Huh? For what?" He asked, confused.

"For everything." I smiled earnestly. He smiled back and didn't say anything. I inhaled as I let this feeling of being in heaven fill me up...

You truly are my Hamdard.

***

When Christian made my life this happy. I felt like I also needed to do something for him. And today is the day, His Birthday. I decided to give him a surprise. What I am doing for him is nothing as compared to what he has done for me but still, I wanted to do anything I can for him.

I called mother, Eugene, Henley also and Tyler. I wanted to call Candice too but she is out of town with her fiance. I told Henley to not let Christian come home before six. I decorated the house to his liking and prepared his favourite chocolate cake. I am feeling so excited.

Everyone is present except Christian. Seems like Henley gave him too much work.

"Is the cake ready?" Mother asked. I nodded and smiled.

"You seemed so excited for it," Eugene said.

"I am excited about his gift more." I grinned and looked at Henley who also grinned.

"What kind of gift is that?" Tyler asked intrigued.

"Wait for it~" I sang. My heart fills with content when I think about it.

"Seems like our Birthday boy is going to be late, until then, Sister-in-law, can I talk to you alone?" Tyler asked. I nodded as we went to the corner.

"I don't know whether I should talk about it or not but.." He said nervously. I tilted my head in confusion as I asked, "What is it Tyler?"

He took a deep breath and said, "Do you remember that day... at the party.. you know that.." I felt slightly awkward about it as I looked away. My heart clenched as I said, "Tyler... I left that behind please don't talk about it... I don't want to remember it." It is the only memory and the only feeling I can't erase from my mind and body. Even though I have forgiven Christian but the disgust of it still sometimes lingers in my heart and I don't want to recall it, especially now.

"I just want to say. That no one but I knew about that day. Christian told me to watch and not let anyone get closer."

"Then how did Mother come to know about it?" I asked.

"I stopped everyone but Merlin still somehow Merlin came to know about it. She is the one who told Aunt. But, no one knows about it." He said reassuringly. I bit my lips and looked away, lost in unfathomable thoughts. After a silence, I formed a smile faintly and spoke, "Thanks for telling me." He nodded and left.

I leaned on the wall as a tear rolled my cheek.

Maybe no one hears us but what about those loud pleas of mine, what about those tears I shed, what about that revolting touch that shattered me?

I hugged my sides tightly and quickly wiped my tears. I shouldn't feel like this. It's not good for us. I gulped and shook my head to shrug these thoughts off. I took a glass of water and finally calmed down. I walked out with a smile plastered on my face.

Soon, Christian came and he was surprised. When he entered we all shouted,

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

A laugh escaped his lips as he was taken aback. I ran to him as I hugged him. I pecked his cheeks and wished, "Happy Birthday, My Love. And Welcome Home" He smiled as he cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead. I grinned as I held his hands as we walked closer. "You have done so much for me so I also wanted to do something for you," I said softly. Christian's grip on my hand tightened as he looked at me, "Sophie, you might not know it but your presence is the greatest blessing of my life. You are my everything, I am nothing without you. You have done so much for me just by staying beside me." I smiled sheepishly as he gave me a side hug and kissed my forehead.

"Enough, love birds," Eugene complained from behind. "Don't be jealous of us, Single." Christian teased him. "Oh, Shut it. I am not jealous." He muttered as we both laughed.

Everyone then wished him one by one. He looked at Henley as he said, "Now I know why you gave me that file." She chuckled nervously. "I wanted to help Ma'am out."

"Oh, Leave it Christian." I said, clinging on his arms and Christian asked, "Did you arrange it?"

"Yes!" I squeaked in blithe while clapping. He chuckled as he said, pinching my cheeks, "Thanks, I'll go and freshened myself first." I nodded as I removed my hands and he left.

He came down after a few moments, in his casual clothing. I can barely contain my excitement. He walked down as Samuel got the cake. He looked at it as he asked, "Did you make it?"

"Yes. I know you love chocolates. So I made a chocolate cake for you."

"Dude, you should be thankful to her," Tyler said. "I am very thankful." He said to Tyler while his eyes were fixed at me.

"What?'I asked shyly.

"You're looking very pretty." I blushed and looked away.

Then he turned his attention to his cake. I felt so enthusiastic. He cut the cake as I felt so enlivened. I jumped in happiness, my elation is beyond any words. My heart is leaping out of my chest from excitement. We ate the cake as he complimented,

"It's delicious." He said. I murmured a 'thanks'.

Then every one gave their gifts to him but I didn't give him anything. Finally!

I can't take it anymore. I am dying to give him my gift.

Christian looked at me as I grinned.

"You are so excited about your gift. Aren't you going to give it to him?" Eugene asked.

"Of course, I will," I said cutely.

"Your presence is enough for me," Christian said looking at me lovingly to which Tyler hooted from behind.

"Not only mine," I said as I went to get my gift.

I took the file and I gave it to Christian. Christian's smile faded when he looked at the file. A look of dread flashed in his eyes but I didn't react as I looked at him intensely. He looked at me and then at the file.

"It's ... my gift?" he asked hesitantly. I nodded. He opened the file as his eyes widened in disbelief. I tittered as I shouted,

"We're going to become parents!"