Zaib's alarm blared and he leant over to disarm it. It was midnight and he had been lying awake since they had decided to take a short nap in the evening. His eyes flitted to Zoya who was curled up on his chest, breathing deeply. Her hair was sprawled over him and her sweet shampoo scent drifted to his nose. He breathed her in and felt comforted.

They had to get up in order to get ready for their twelve-hour flight from Seattle to Zurich in Switzerland. When choosing their honeymoon destination, Zaib had considered the countries they had already visited and wanted to visit. Switzerland was on their to-go list. He also wanted a scenic escape so he planned their trip accordingly.

Zaib didn't want to leave the bed and neither did he want to awaken Zoya, who looked very peaceful in her slumber but he was forced to. "Zoya," he whispered as he tapped her shoulder gently. She mumbled something incoherent and snuggled up to him even more.

His breath hitched in his throat at her actions, this was harder than he thought. "Zoya!" he whispered a bit louder as he pushed her shoulder gently. Her eyebrows furrowed and she pinched the fabric of his shirt, "Five more minutes."

"Okay love," he leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. This alerted all of Zoya's nerves and her eyes jerked open. "It's you," she breathed."I keep forgetting I sleep in the same bed as you," she airily giggled. Zoya lifted her head off his chest and got up, "What time is it?"

"It's midnight, we have to leave in thirty minutes," Zaib smiled at Zoya's puffy cheeks. Her cheeks would swell up when she was sleeping and he found it adorable.

"M'kay," she yawned as she lethargically wandered to the bathroom. Zaib chuckled and got up himself, preparing the small things.

-

"We have to take the train to the B gates?" Zaib inquired at the information desk at the airport. The man responded positively and Zaib thanked him before approaching Zoya, who leaning against their trolley bag, had her eyes shut at this time in the morning. "Zoya, we have to get the south train."

Zoya jerker awake and straightened her back, "Alright then." Zaib noticed how exhausted she seemed and made a side note in his head to not ever again book a flight so early in the morning. He assumed she would probably sleep on the plane.

They had both dressed comfortably for their long direct flight. Zoya was dressed in black trousers with a matching black sweatshirt and a long grey coat, keeping her warm. Zaib pulled on a white hoodie and black sweatpants and a heavy denim jacket for extra layering.

He grabbed the trolley bag she was holding and adjusted the strap of his backpack, grabbing her hand with his free one. "I can pull it, don't worry," Zoya suggested as she tried to take it back from him. She felt bad just holding onto his hand and letting him carry the heavy bags.

Zaib held on firmly and replied, "you hold this. I'll hold these." He signaled to his hand and then chuckled upon noticing the confusion on her face "I know you can, but you're very sleepy right now and I don't want you to fall over."

She nodded and gave him a little smile, tightening her grip on his hand. This was the first time she was holding hands with him in public and she found it very exciting regardless of the small glances they would get. They would already get attention because of her hijab, might as well hold hands.

However, she did struggle to keep up with his fast pace. Zaib had naturally long legs causing him to take larger steps than her and it didn't help the fact that she was a slow walker so it was a challenge to stay beside him. After a few minutes of fast-walking, Zaib noticed that Zoya was a bit out of breath and red in the face. "Are you okay? You look a bit flustered," he asked concerned.

Zoya huffed and she calmed herself down before replying, "Oh I'm fine, let's continue."

She was a bit embarrassed to admit this to Zaib since he would assume that she was very out-of-shape. She let go of his hand, "Let me just readjust my scarf." Her hijab was getting a bit dishevelled due to the strenuous walking they were doing. She was done in a minute and gave him a thumbs up to indicate they should continue.

Zaib shrugged and they walked for a few meters before Zaib realized the simultaneous sound of her footsteps were missing; Zoya wasn't at his side anymore. He quickly jerked around, his heart almost dropping. But thankfully she was only a little footsteps behind, struggling to catch up to him.

"Am I walking too fast?" He inquired, wondering why she hadn't caught up to him. She fell extremely quiet and then very uncomfortably nodded.

Zaib broke into a sinister smile. "Why didn't you just tell me?" He broke into another chuckle, awestruck at his lovely little wife. Zoya nibbled on her lower lip. Why was she constantly an embarrassment?

"Hey, it's not my fault my legs are too short. You're a giant," she muttered and he gave her a charming smile before leaning down and softly bumping his head against hers. She winced away, annoyedly while rubbing her forehead.

"Next time, just stop me from speeding up you little baby," she rolled her eyes, turning away from him but he instantly grabbed her hand and held it tight within his grip.

"I won't let go." And the couple, in-moderate-speed, proceeded to the south trains.

There were numerous people surrounding them, waiting for the train to approach. While they stood alert at the waiting area, Zaib rechecked his phone for any updates about the flight. Thankfully, the flight was taking off on time without any delays, which was a shocker since the city rarely had good weather, allowing flights to constantly face disturbances. Zaib glanced at Zoya who was unintentionally staring at something in the back.

Zaib followed her gaze and came across the little stall of churros situated right by the corner of the train. He glanced at his wife who was licking her lip and staring with vulnerable desire. He smiled to himself before pulling her along towards the stall.

She stared at him confused. "What're you doing? The train will approach soon!" She yelled but quietened when she eyed the stall.

The cinnamon scent hit them immediately and made her mouth water even more. "Two servings please," he called out, causing the middle aged man with a brown beard and a black bandana to nod, making the new batch.

Zoya's vibrant smile and the striking glint within her eyes was his reward.

When the snack was ready, she quickly jostled ahead and grabbed the bag of freshly cooked churros dipped in thick chocolate. She munched onto it irrespective of the blowing steam and gulped it down quick.

"Isn't it hot!" He quickly stalked ahead, amazed at her excitement. Some churros could get her all loud and cheery. To think, this was the weary Zoya who was straining to keep her eyes open just a moment ago. He surveyed her as she happily dived in and followed, eating.

Zaib noticed the terminal was filling up. He turned around only to see the train in view and quickly grabbed her hand before pushing through the swarming people. He stepped into the train sighing at the unbelievably chaotic sight before him. There was barely any space for movement. His first instinct was to protect Zoya.

Zoya, who was quite taken aback by this sudden change, stared at the crowd. Behind her were a bunch of females but she was still pulled along with Zaib towards the tall handrails. He ushered her forward, letting her grab the rail before putting his arms on both sides of her frame, making sure there were no elbows nudging her.

Her heartbeat escalated like she was riding one of the craziest rollercoasters but this one was a rollercoaster of emotions. These were minor gestures but they made her feel like she was secure from all evils of the world. Her beaming smile confused Zaib who was more concerned about guarding her.

After the fifteen minute ride, which seemed claustrophobic for others but incredibly warm for Zoya, they exited the train and Zaib exhaled with relief.

"You're so tiny, how'd you survive your life without getting trampled," he teased as they stalked towards the gates causing her to roll her eyes. The gates welcomed them and they boarded their flight.

(;)(;)

Throughout the flight, Zaib had been watching his wife while she at first sat solving some random crossword puzzles on the newspaper. When he realized she had been confused for a while, he sneaked a peak at the newspaper and most of it was filled.

"Stuck somewhere?" She shifted in her seat and nodded with a frown before placing the newspaper in his lap to see. Zaib grabbed the newspaper, his gaze scanning whatever she had already figured out.

X|e|n|o|g|r|a|f|t

He almost chocked at that word and eyed her like she had grown two heads. "What does number fifteen even mean?" He stared at her flabbergasted. Zoya leaned closer and grinned wide, feeling acknowledged.

"They hinted at it, here." She pointed at the clues and Zaib read through.

stranger's organ transplant

"Which basically means an organ transplant between two different species. Xeno, is a Greek word for stranger and I just figured out the rest," she explained earning an adorable smile from him. "Alright you little genius let's see what you are having trouble with."

Hearing him call her a genius made her heartstrings clench. She really wanted him to compliment her more.

"Number twelve, an imitation of others work. And it starts from... P," he muttered to himself and analyzed the eight boxes. Zoya surveyed him as he grew seriously focused, studying the unfinished crossword. His eyes lit up as he looked back at her.

"Pasti—" He almost yelled but quickly lowered his voice. Most of the seats around them were vacant since they were in the business class zone but the economy class was filled and he didn't want to disturb the sleeping passengers.

"It's pastiche, architects use it sometimes," he told her causing her to squeal victoriously. She quickly filled in the word and stared at the completed crossword with utter satisfaction.

"Where's my thank you?" He muttered, edging closer towards her with a sneaky smile. She giggled soundlessly before turning her head away towards the window.

"You only helped me with one so no, you're not getting a thank you," she told him, earning an unimpressed groan from him. He cupped her jaw intently and turned her face towards him before smacking a kiss on her cheek.

She squealed, pushing him away.

The rest of the ride she slept peacefully on his shoulder while Zaib watched some random show and when he grew tired, the sound of her breathing soothed him to an easeful sleep.

/:/:/:

The chilling air struck their frames as they stepped out of the taxi a few meters away from their cabin. Zaib instinctively grabbed Zoya's hand and wrapped his fingers around hers. "I told you to wear gloves!" He glared at her as she stood numb to the world, feeling like she was thrown into the arctic.

He brought her cupped hands to his mouth and exhaled, warming her. She felt his warm breath wash the ache away and pushed herself closer to him. "It's colder than the fridge!" She shrieked, almost losing her sanity.

He chuckled upon noticing the redness of her nose and bopped his nose against his, rubbing to create some friction. "That's because it actually is. It's minus twelve centigrade in Zurich at the moment," he explained and she visibly collapsed in astonishment.

He pulled off his gloves and grabbed her hands, putting them on her. "No, you'll be cold," she murmured, he heard her teeth clatter. He shook his head, grabbed the carrier bag and held her gloved hand within his.

"You're warm enough."

And he led her through the pathway. The cabin was situated on an uphill; however, it was not on the edge. Since it was a famous tourist attraction, there was a road developed aiding climbers to reach their destination. Zaib trudged along the slanted road as he made sure she was safely moving along with him.

"Have you ever been here before?" She wondered and he shook his head.

"No, I've travelled to New Zealand and Germany for some projects," he reminisced the time when he and his friends from university flew for further understanding of the worlds' diverse architecture. "Oh wow, how's New Zealand like?"

"It's pretty stunning. I got to see avalanches and great museums. There's some great architecture but as opposed to the scenic beauty, it's mundane," he described and she nodded, acknowledging him.

"Have you ever travelled anywhere?" He questioned. She nodded ecstatically. "When I was five, I visited Turkey. I don't remember much about it except for the blue mosque. In teenage years, I travelled to Malasiya for summer vacation and it was memorable." She smiled wide.

By now, the two were a foot away from their cabin. They were now on top of the hill. Zoya buzzed with excitement as her gaze dropped to the downwards spiral of snow capped mountains, creating the perfect view.

She stared breathless.

The endless sky extended above them like a layer of protection, beneath them the lively trees stood blossoming amidst the towering mountains and beside one another, they felt the warmth of a complete soul.

"Wow, it feels like we're at the top of the world," She breathlessly rasped.

Allah's blessings were a mixture of all kinds; Zoya wasn't sure what made her the happiest but she initially concluded that life had its moments of every color. There would be days where she wouldn't feel a thing lonesomely looking at such a wholesome view; there would be days she'd feel everything in one plain moment, beside him.

She turned to look at him, her eyes brimming with tears of contentment. "I love you."

Her word held enough rawness to give him the happiness of an entire lifetime. The voracious taste of marriage was now sinking in and Zaib never wanted this taste to leave his world.

💜