As the keypad unlocked the Whats App chat opened showing the last chat with Dania. But before Salman could scan through the chat, Nawal stirred in her sleep. His gaze flickered to his wife, who was blinking several times groggily. When finally her eyes could focus, she mumbled, "You are back."

Placing her phone on the coffee table, Salman tucked a loose strand behind her ear, "Why are you sleeping here?"

"I was waiting for you."

His tired features softened seeing how his wife had been waiting for him. A pleasing smile touched his lips. But he was more concerned for her than himself. Standing straighter to his full height of 6 feet, "Next time don't wait for me. You were sleeping in such an uncomfortable position."

"Ya" she murmured sitting up and twisted her neck in different directions to get rid of the kink. She rubbed the aching back of her neck muscles.

"See, how you are uncomfortable." He extended his hand to her, he said gently, "C'mon lets go up to our bedroom."

Grasping his hand, she stood up but swayed in her sleepy state as she took the first step. He slid his arm around her waist, "You are right I am not staying up in the living room anymore," she yawned as they walked towards their bedroom upstairs.

"Good" he squeezed her waist.

When they reached their room, she immediately buried herself in the winter duvet. Her eyes dreamily followed her husband who was unbuttoning his black shirt, "How is the situation at the company now?"

Peeling off the shirt from his broad shoulders and muscular arms, Salman rummaged his wardrobe for a t-shirt and pajamas to wear. "Better than before. Now all we have to focus is on the public relations for the next few weeks vigorously and we should be able to undo most of the damage."

"Inshaa Allah." Her eyelids slowly drooped and she was drifting to sleep when she heard Salman's voice, "Just couple more weeks then I am free. We can plan something out."

But she was sound asleep when he turned to glance at her. After changing and washing up, he sauntered to the bed, he slipped under the duvet and stared at her for a long time. She may not say it but she was missing him and that is why she was waiting for him in the living room. His heart squeezed in guilt. Soon very soon he will have enough time to spend all he can with her. He leaned forward, kissing her cheek he whispered, "Sweet dreams."

****

It was early winter morning, the light sun rays were flittering through the windows. The winter sun was softer unable to warm the places that its bright light touched. Nawal was folding their duvet and Salman was standing in front of the mirror tying his grey and white pinstripe tie when Nawal nervously approached him. She had been indecisive whether to ask him or not. She had a fair idea he would refuse her but her friends had been very persistent.

She sat on the bed and hopefully looked at him, "Tomorrow is the last day and then we have Christmas break." She warily said.

Their eyes met at the mirror's reflection, "My friends have been bugging me to go out for an afternoon of a shopping spree." Her lashes fanned her high cheekbones as she lowered them, biting her lips, hesitantly she asked, "Can I go?"

His eyes never left her as he tightened the knot of his tie, "Who is going?"

"Lisa and Aoife."

Picking the wooden brush, he brushed back his black locks, "How do you plan to go?"

She shrugged uneasily, "We will just take the Luas (tram/metro)."

He didn't reply. He quietly wore his shoes and her heart slumped. His silence had given her the indication she had dreaded. Heaving, she was making her way out of the bedroom to prepare his breakfast when his words stilled her, "Take Ammi's car and be back before I come back from work, okay?"

Her eyes widened and she whirled around, "Really?"

He walked up to her and nodded. Her face lit up with a multitude of emotions. She couldn't help herself and she hugged him tightly. Her head pressed against his chest and her voice muffled against his shirt, "Thank you. Thank you."

He smiled as he dug out his wallet from his pants back pocket and took out a debit card, "Here use this. I should have gotten yours made by now but all this chaos has had it slipped out of my mind."

She lifted her head from his chest and her smile widened, clutching the card she assured him earnestly, "Don't worry I don't plan to spend much."

"You have no restrictions when it comes to buying you know that." the backs of his fingers caressed her cheek.

Her eyes were twinkling when she pecked his cheek, she rushed out of the bedroom for the kitchen and called out after her, "This calls for making a special breakfast."

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. He was slowly learning it was small things in life that made his wife happy and he was determined to shower her with those happiness. Within minutes, he was presented by healthy oats and banana pancakes with maple syrup and a rather large cheese and mushroom omelette. After having such a hearty breakfast which man would ever refute his wife's requests.

****

It was raining harshly and the ice shards of hail were hitting mercilessly on the ground when Nawal left her last class for the semester. Covering her hijab-clad head with the hood of her winter jacket, she took out her phone that was continuously ringing. One glance on the screen made her frown seeing Daud was calling again.

She did chat with him but rarely. She was still trying her best to avoid talking to him. But it was impossible to ignore him completely. The last few days he had respected her choice of not chatting as much as he liked.

Sighing, she answered the call, "Hello Daud."

"How are you on this winter day?"

"Fine. Finally, classes are over. Looking forward to relaxing at home." She stuffed her hand in the winter coat for warmth.

"This means we can't meet?"

"Daud please you know I can't."

She was suddenly distracted as Lisa nudged her from behind, "Hey we are getting late for shopping."

Aoife mocked, "Yes the missus has a curfew and she can't be with us at Dundrum for long."

Nawal nodded, "Ya okay let's walk up to the car. I am coming." When her friends were few steps away, she said on the phone, "Okay Daud I better go. Bye." Without waiting for his response she ended the call.

Daud stood watching the serene city centre scene from his office window. His hand stretched over his head resting against the glass pane of the window. His broad shoulders hunched and his eyebrows furrowed. The holiday season had led to the immense decoration of the streets and shops but right now Daud wasn't feeling festive at all.

Dundrum Shopping Centre, is it?

He spun around and grabbed his discarded winter jacket from the couch and picked the key cars from the desk.

He strode purposively out of his office.

He was a man on a mission.

****

The shopping centre was decorated with various Christmas decoration whether it was the different sizes of Christmas trees in the shopping centre or the special lighting set up or the various coloured baubles hanging from the ceiling and the pine garlands. It was a busy time for the shops with only a few days left to the festivities last minute shoppers were crowding in each shop. There were some price reductions to a marketing strategy to attract further shoppers to the shops.

Lisa and Aoife were busy purchasing gifts for their family while Nawal had bought only a few different shades of MAC lipsticks from the BT2 stores.

"C'mon girls let's stop for a while and enjoy coffee?" Nawal tiredly groaned. Her legs were aching her for walking around after 2 hours of shopping.

"Let's have something to eat. I was thinking those tuna sandwiches." Aoife suggested.

Nawal's stomach churned uncomfortably at the notion of eating fish, "No not really coffee is all I want."

Lisa and Aoife were still enthusiastic to visit other shops but reluctantly nodded, "Ya I think I need some caffeine too." said Lisa making her among the crowds to the Butlers' Chocolate Café.

The three of them ordered their desired hot caffeine drinks and settled on one of the corner round tables next to the large windows. Nawal sighed in relief as she stretched her legs and cosily sat on the armchair.

"You didn't buy much." Aoife observed eyeing the small paper bag beside Nawal's chair after taking the first sip of her coffee.

Nawal nonchalantly shrugged, "I don't need much. I just tagged along to give you and Lisa company."

"Don't tell me being a strict husband he is also a miser," Aoife narrowed her eyes.

Nawal chuckled, "Oh no way. He isn't a miser at all. As he says I have no restrictions to buy anything." Her eyes had a distant look, "And he isn't strict...I ...guess he is just overprotective that's all."

"Well I wouldn't mind overprotectiveness if I have been given unlimited access to funds to purchase what I like," giggled Lisa.

Aoife rolled her eyes, "No way who wants a possessive man."

Nawal couldn't help being defensive, "It's not that at all. It's just his way of caring I guess."

Lisa glanced at Nawal over her cup of coffee as she took a sip, "Someone's in love with the hubby."

Nawal cheeks flustered in pink, laughingly she shook her head, "No I wouldn't call it love but yes I have come to like him and just accept his ways."

"Well good for you then. We better finish our drinks so I can complete this shopping list I have." Complained Aoife as she gulped rest of her warm coffee.

Nawal was astounded as to what she had revealed to her friends. She had never given her feelings for Salman much thought earlier. After uttering those words, she quietly contemplated about her feelings as she sipped the last of her coffee. In the last few weeks, there had been an amenable relationship and more so whatever she said to him, he agreed upon. It elated her spirits knowing he was trusting her. He had stopped mocking her and even though he was very busy at his work, he did give her little attention that didn't go unnoticed by her.

In the mornings, many times he dropped her to university even though it was out of his way. Or other times, he would give her several Euro notes never asking her how she spent it. The days she had classes in the afternoon, she overslept mostly, he wouldn't be furious as he used to be instead when she woke up in a rush, he always assured her to relax and take her time, he didn't mind to be late for a few minutes while she prepared his breakfast.

He never expected her to stay awake late at night. Lately, she had been extremely exhausted unable to stay awake late. He was always soundless so that she wasn't disturbed when he came back late night. It was only at fajr time or if she woke up during the night she would know he was sleeping beside her.

Her favourite time was after Fajr when he would take her in his arms in bed and softly speak, enquiring about her studies, assignments and even her friends. She was slowly opening to him in ways she had never thought possible. And many times, she ended up sleeping while he spoke. But he never complained.

Her life with him had become peaceful and she was content for the first time since she got married. She was slowly finding her way towards happiness now. She truly believed one day would come that she would find blissfulness in her marriage.

With these thoughts, she stood up as she pushed her chair back, "I am going to House of Fraser. Any of you want to come with me?"

"No way its definitely out of my budget," Aoife grumbled. Lisa also nodded.

"Ok I will call you up when I am done from there." Nawal said and left for the departmental store that housed all the luxurious brands.

Sauntering in the store, Nawal went straight to the men's section. Her hands touching the different fabric shirts on display. She was perplexed what to buy him. She had never bought anything for a guy before. Never did she buy gifts for her brothers. And in the four months of engagement with Daud, there was no occasion to buy him a gift. But now she wished to buy her husband a present. She gazed at the shirts, pants and ties. Salman had countless of all those. Buying him another shirt or tie would get lost in so many others in the wardrobe.

Frustratingly, her gaze drifted to other areas in the store when her eyes landed on the glass counter that was displaying wallets. Her lips spread in a victorious smile. This was the most ideal gift. A wallet that would also stay close to him, always reminding him of her.

After many minutes of scrutinizing the different types of wallets, she finally opted for Hugo Boss leather dark grey wallet. Her heart fluttered thinking what his reaction would be. She paid for the wallet and was still in deep thoughts of Salman as she stepped out of the store when a familiar voice called her name. Confused, her gaze rummaged the crowd in front of her and that's when her eyes rounded in recognition.

Daud was standing in front of her. He took a step closer to her and she stepped back, "What are you doing here?"

"I was out shopping." He inclined his head at the shop next to them, "Good bargains here isn't it?"

"I have to go. My friends are waiting for me." she said breathlessly. She stepped forward and to leave him behind.

But he clutched the strap of her handbag, "What's the hurry? Can't we talk for a few minutes?"

She whirled around and shook her head, "Someone will see us here. I don't want anyone having any wrong impression."

He lightly tugged at her handbag, "We aren't doing anything wrong. Just talking."

"How many times I try to tell you I can't." Nawal hissed.

"Okay okay. Not here then how about more private." Daud's one eye brow rose suggestively.

"No way am I going anywhere with you," she tugged hard at her handbag that Daud let go of it.

"Come to the level two parking. My car is parked in the third row."

"I am not." She stood firmly.

"No one will see us there. Just for a few minutes. It is difficult to get a hold of you these days."

She stared at him for a long moment, gauging his sincerity and then slowly she nodded in affirmation, "Only for a few minutes."

He backed away from her and smiled smugly, "I will be waiting then."

She bit her lower lip nervously, rubbing her temple, she wondered what to do? There was no harm to go and speak to him for a little while. But after this, there will be no more meetings. She couldn't go on like this anymore.

****

Half an hour later amongst the sea of cars, Nawal strode to the designated German car where a tall blue eyed man awaited as he leaned against it with his arms crossed over his chest. A hypnotic smile slowly spreading on his lips.

"I am glad you are here."

Two steps away, she questioned, "What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Come in the car. Anyone can see as you rightly pointed out."

She exhaled deeply, "Daud honestly I am getting late. I don't have time for all this."

His blue eyes probed hers, "Today you have no time for me." he scoffed, "How has time changed?"

"Time has changed and so have relations."

"For me time has stayed still." He opened the car door at the passenger side for Nawal. She reluctantly slid on the car seat. When Daud was seated at the driving seat behind the steering wheel, he turned to her, "Do you have any idea how much I miss you?"

She guiltily looked away at the windscreen unable to bear the hurt in his enigmatic eyes.

"You say go to your son and Susan. But even they left me." There was a terrible loss in his eyes. "I hardly go to my parents anymore and after all this chaos I have no hope from my other relatives."

She closed her eyes. She didn't want to hear all this. She felt devastated. Deeply distressed, where her life had finally found the peace she sought, he was still struggling. Her hands curled into fists on her lap.

"You have to move on, Daud. There is no point if we live in the past." she whispered.

His fingertips touched her knuckles, "How can I forget those poignant memories?"

"You will have to for your sake." She gently pulled her hand away from his touch.

"You know I sometimes dream of you." His voice lowering and his fingertips again grazing the back of her hand traveling up to her wrist. "Dreams full of laughter and those eyes of yours expressing so much happiness."

"D..d...daud I think I better go."

"Have you forgotten every single second spent together?" he murmured against her hijab-clad ear as he leaned forward.

She swallowed hard. He cupped the side of her face and turned her so their eyes met, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

Her eyelids lowered. She was fighting hard not to sink into this ocean of magical words he was voicing. Her weakness had always been his expressive words. Her chest rose high and low as her heart beat accelerated. His familiar musk scent cocooning her in its spell.

"I know I have been with many women in the past. But believe me after a while I always forget about them. But you" his fingers lingering on her cheek and then lowering to her chin, "You are different. Special. There are days I fight with myself saying I will not think of you today. But your thoughts invade me."

Her eyelids lifted and she was mesmerized by his blue eyes. "Your deep dark eyes, your cute nose and your freckles still drive me crazy. I look at your picture for hours sometimes." His eyes lowered to her lips, "But you know what I can't forget at all?"

"What?" her lips barely moved.

"Your lips."

His lips touched hers in a forbidden kiss. She stilled in fear and shock. He kissed her sweetly igniting the dying embers of flames of passion. Her mind rebelled, her heart conceded and her body reacted on its own.

In the car, old lovers rekindled.

Happy memories flooded back.

The future forgotten.

They both lived the moment.

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