Sandal's POV:

'Nikkah is a bond that cannot be described in words, nor can be understood. It can only be felt and...you will feel it too... one day.'

'Feel... it? Sobia Baji sometimes you say strangest things.'

'It is not strange... You will understand after you got married.'

'Understand what?'

'Something that cannot understand now.'

'Try me.'

'Okay then! ...You know when Allah bound two people in Nikkah, a connection is automatically built between them... How do I put it? It's like, you will feel an attraction to him... You won't flinch at his touch... His presence makes you feel safe... and many more things.'

Those were the words Sobia Baji told me when I asked her about the relation of Nikkah once. I didn't get the concept back then, but now...

From last night both of us were together. Not for even once, I disliked him being near me. I didn't dislike his touch, nor feel like pulling myself back whenever he approached me. It felt embarrassing but not disgust or scared. I peeked from the corner of my eyes, he was busy on his phone, texting someone.

Again...?

I frowned looking at him. Sensing my movement he, looked at me and slid the phone into his pocket, giving me an apologetic smile. Which later turned into a genuine one, as his eyes took all of my appearances in. Quickly I averted my gaze from his face.

Our car stopped at the main entrance of the venue. But before I could move or say anything he held my hand tightly.

"Hey! ...." He said.

"Listen carefully, there will be media photographers tonight. I know you're not used to this but try to cope up with it. okay? Don't panic, I will be with you." I nodded and he got off the car.

~*~

He was right, there were many media photographers. It was a different sort of gathering. Everywhere I look I saw bright lights, high-class families, and glamour. It was hard for me to fit in, so I kept my gaze low. It saved me a lot from glances that were making me uncomfortable. But I still can hear unbearable comments, given by ladies. Maybe that's why he held my hand whenever he got a chance. It was quite embarrassing though because his friends and cousins won't stop teasing us.

Even when we were going home, he was still holding my hand. Looking out the window, he kept playing with the ring he gave me as a wedding gift. I don't know he was doing it unintentionally or not but it was making me feel strange tickling, not on my hand but in the heart. A part of me wanted to pull my hand and the other liked it.

What is this man doing to me...?

The car came to a halt and he got off before me. The driver opened the door for me and Muskan came to help me get out. When we come into the room he helped me again with my dupatta, without asking.

"Here you go." He said, stepping aside.

"Thank you." I said and walk to the dressing table.

I hissed taking off my heavy earring and he made a face like he was the one bearing pain. I took the second one and received the same look from him. It was so funny that I couldn't stop myself from laughing and he stared at me dumbfounded. Before I get hold of my laughter, I felt an arm around my waist and the next thing I know I was crashing into his chest. I gasped, as he leans to over my face.

"It's beautiful." He said almost like a whisper.

"What?"

"Both you... And your laughter... It's beautiful Mrs Ahmed." He said looking into my eyes and I felt my heart skip a beat. Quickly I averted my eyes and he pulled me closer.

"Don't look away."

"My dress... let me go." I said, looking into his eyes.

After a few seconds and he sighed dejectedly. I thought he was going to release me but instead, he embraces me tightly. His one arm was around my waist and the other on my back, holding me firmly. As he rested his head on my shoulder. I tried to push him away, so he could not hear the sound of my crazy heartbeats.

"Don't!... just for a few moments." His voice was soft, which I always liked. I found myself unable to say 'no' and relaxed my body. As he said, he released me in a few moments placing a kiss on my forehead.

"I am going to change first ... I won't take long okay."

With that, he went into the bathroom and it hardly took him five minutes to come out, wearing his black trousers and a white tank top. He mentioned me to go by tilting his head a little and I silently walk into the bathroom.

By the time I got out, he was already sleeping. Carefully I sat on the other side of the bed and then I remembered that I forgot my phone at Ami's home.

'How am I going to wake up for Fajar.' I mumbled.

Cursing myself on my stupidity, I got up again to switch off the light but in middle remembering that he is afraid of the dark. I sighed and lay down on the bed again. Soon I was pulled to his chest, he circled his arms around me as if he feared that I would run away. It was quite uncomfortable but I didn't ask him to leave me and don't know what happened that I also drifted into sleep.

~*~

I was waked up by the noise of the shower running. Opening my eyes I saw bright sunlight coming through the window.

I miss my pray again...

Sighing I got up and walk to the wardrobe and take out a cream colour frock with a red dupatta. Instead of sitting, I started to look around the room. I picked up one of his pictures from the sideboard and sit at the edge of the bed. He looked different in it and a bit younger with his dark brown hair, V-neck t-shirt with red sweater and jeans. I found his eyes captivating, it has always been. I was the one who was afraid to look at it.

"I will be happier if you stare at the original thing with the same intensity." I heard a husky voice right near my ear. I yelped and the frame slipped from my hand. We both bend down to pick it up at the same time and hit our heads. He hissed and back away holding his head.

"Ya Allah! I am so sorry Sir." I said massaging my head.

"What!... what did you say?" He sounded surprised.

"I am sorry?"

"No after that."

"After what?"

"Didn't you call me Sir just now?"

"Eh?... ah, no." He didn't say anything, just stare at me.

"I'll go get ready." I passed him to take my dress.

"Sandal." He grabbed my arm.

"Yes?"

"What is my name?" He spun me around to face him.

"What?"

"I asked... what is my name?"

"What kind of question is ...this?"

"Say my name Sandal." He demanded.

I bit my inner lip, looking down but didn't answer.

"My name, Sandal." He said pulling me closer.

"Ahmed." I mumbled louder enough for him to hear.

"What?"

"Ahmed... Ahmed Wali, that is your name." I said looking into his brown eyes and he smirked.

"Make sure to practice calling my name." He slid his hand against my arm and took a hold of my hand.

"I am not your boss anymore." Giving a soft kiss on the back of my hand he let me go. Without wasting a second I ran into the bathroom and close the door.

I know you're not my boss anymore...Ahmed!

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