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Susan's mind wasn't in cooking at all. Instead, all she could think of was the last time she had told him of the glad news and how it ended up in disaster. She paused in whisking the eggs and glanced at their son who was happily devouring the chocolate cereal. She smiled desolately, no it wasn't a disaster, that one night had given her the biggest blessing. But it had left her alone far more than she had ever been. In the moments when she could have had his companionship he had turned his back on her. Of course, she was well aware that he wouldn't react the same way. She was now his wife and they were a family. But still there was a niggling doubt especially knowing this was again an unplanned pregnancy.

With quivering fingers, she turned on the burner of the induction stove top. She took a deep breath and her hand gripped tightly the handle of the non-stick frying pan placing it on the warm burner. She felt him behind her even before his hand tentatively touched her arm. Startled, she jolted and the frying pan slipped from her hand and fell flat on the burner.

His warm hands rubbed her cool arms, erupting goose bumps in its wake. She was nervous. No cross that she was petrified. It might have been due to the pregnancy hormones already making their notice or it was all because of their past.

"Why don't I cook breakfast for us? And you can go and lie down on the sofa." his breath teased the wayward lock near her ear that had escaped its confinement of her early morning messy bun.

She nodded, she was shaking now. This was ridiculous. How would she tell him if she wasn't able to accept the reality? She turned to leave and he grabbed her wrist halting her. His eyes searched her face. She looked away and she missed the softness in his eyes. Squeezing her hand affectionately, he let her go and turned to the task at hand.

Within minutes, he had prepared a cheese omelette, tea and toast. "This is all I could make. It is late as it is and I thought you would be hungry." Daud poured tea in her tea cup.

"It's more than enough and it's scrumptious," she closed her eyes and took a bite of the omelette.

"Didn't know you liked my omelette this much. I will make breakfast every weekend then." His voice laced with amusement.

She shrugged and her cheeks flamed, "Ya well I get fed up of eating my own cooked food."

"Point noted," he nodded.

Together, they ate in silence but his gaze kept riveting back to her expecting her to reveal her secret. She never said a word nor even gave a hint. If she wasn't going to tell him he was going to take the matter in his hands.

"I was thinking to drop Yousef at Mom's for a while as I want to take you somewhere."

Her eyebrows scrunched, "Where?"

"I will tell you when we get there. Why don't you dress up and dress Yousef as well. We will drop him on our way."

"Do I need to dress up formally?" Susan asked as she pushed the chair backwards, standing up to get ready.

"No" he slowly shook his head, "Just wear your jeans and a cardigan."

An hour later, after dropping Yousef to Ibrahim and Chloe's home, Daud drove silently in the neighbouring suburbs of the city. The conflicted emotions within Susan had obliterated her speech. She was mutely looking out the window not able to notice where they were going or the quiet roads on that cold sunny winter morning.

Slowing the car speed, Daud turned to a quiet housing estate. There were new semi-detached houses on either side of the street. Susan blinked as it registered where they were. "Are we visiting someone?"

Daud parked in one of the houses front yard. Killing the engine, he turned to her, "No but I want you to look at this house and tell me what you think?"

Bewildered, Susan hesitantly made her way to the house. Daud had the keys and opened the front oak wood door. One by one Daud showed her the different rooms. There was a large living room in the front of the house, a warm and welcoming foyer and at the back of the house was dining room, kitchen and family room all in one with a magnificent glass top ceiling and glass wall that overlooked an endless backyard. The upstairs had four bedrooms. The master bedroom was as large as the studio flat she used to live in. The other bedrooms were also moderate sized with en suite bathrooms.

In the last bedroom which was the smallest, Susan stood by the window gazing out at the backyard.

"What do you think?" Daud whispered standing closely behind her.

"It's beautiful. It's a...a.." she was out of words, "an ideal family home."

"Our family home," he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Burying his face in her neck, he nudged her hijab from her cheek and kissed it, "I bought it" he breathed in her ear.

Her eyes widened and their eyes locked in the window where they could see their reflection, "Really?" she gasped.

"Yes, our home," he lowered the zip of her parka jacket, his hand slipping through the gap of the opening of her jacket, "Yours, mine, Yousef's" his fingers splayed over her cardigan clad stomach, "and our new baby's."

This time she gasped loudly and her already widened eyes rounded further.

She turned in his arms. Her lips trembled and tears spilled from her eyes. She laid her head against the thudding of his heart, "Thank you. Thank you so much Daud."

Cradling her face in his hands, his voice roughened with emotions, "I love you sweetheart. I would do everything in my power to make you happy and most of all make sure you are by my side always. Now that I know what it's like to be with you I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want any doubts or any misunderstandings between us."

She knew then he was hurt that she didn't tell him about the pregnancy, "I don't doubt you it's just with our history...." Her voice trailed off.

"I know," he leaned forward, his forehead touching hers.

She smiled. He knew her. How time had changed them and brought them together.

Her hands went around his neck, her still smiling lips touched his. She closed her eyes and there was only one thought,

She had finally found her home.

****

"How do women wear this all day?" Nawal muttered standing in front of the full sized mirror in her room. She straightened the pleats on her light pink sari and then again took a step in her high pencil heels. Thankfully this time she didn't step on the hem of her sari. She took another step. Finally, she was getting a hang of it. She was dressed for the aqiqa in a new light pink chiffon sari that was heavily embroidered with silver thread and floral lace. In addition, it was sparking with countless Swarovski diamonds adorned on its border.

After several attempts she was able to set the pleats in as perfection as possible. Now she had to set the pallu in the most appropriate manner. Thanks to the tailor, the blouse of the sari wasn't exactly decent and knowing her possessive husband she didn't want any trouble at all. With the safety pin between her teeth she was adjusting the pallu when Salman's voice startled her, "I have never seen you in a sari before."

Startled in the act of fixing her pallu, she spit out the pin and whirled around. Glaring at him, "Do you mind? I am trying to fix this thing." But it was impossible to stay angry at him especially how he looked in his royal blue three piece suit. In the last few months, he had resumed his gym routine and the results were apparent as broad shoulders filled out his blazer and his biceps bunched under his jacket.

The pallu slipped from her shoulder, landing in a chiffon pool near her feet. Salman's eyes roamed at the image in front of him.

The fitted blouse accentuated the curve of her breasts, the décolletage showcased a wide expanse of her cleavage and the dip of her bare waist was clearly visible, "I think I can stand here and enjoy the view." He smirked, "Let's just ditch the aqiqa all together." He winked.

Her lips twitched, "Oh no we don't. We are the hosts."

He took the steps to close the distance between them, careful not to step over her sari. His fingers danced on her sides. Her skins erupted in goose bumps as his fingers glided at her bare back, "I want to see you in a sari more often."

She chuckled, tightening his already perfect tie knot, "Hubby darling, we will be late if this keeps up."

He roughly pulled her to him. She lost her balance in those high heels and fell against his chest, "Salman, stop," she whined.

Mindful of not to ruin her make up for which he knew she took ages to apply it all, he playfully nipped her ear, "Only for now."

Her hands on his chest, she shoved him and straightened, "I still need to wear my jewellery, pin up this sari and not to forget arrange my hijab."

He slowly shook his head and backed off, "You really know how to spoil an intimate moment."

She ignored him as she turned to the mirror to pin her sari again.

"But no stopping tonight." He reminded her as their eyes collided in the mirror.

"Oh you don't worry, perhaps you are the one who will be wanting to stop after I tire you" she winked.

His laughter echoed in the hallway as he stepped out of their bedroom.

He loved this mischievous side of Nawal a lot. Perhaps, it was her boldness and naughtiness that had attracted him to her at the start. Her rebellious attitude was different and refreshing from other girls. He would never want to change her. He had tried to change her once due to his insecurities and he nearly broke her. For as long as he would live, he would work hard not to lose her spark. Even if it meant to moulding himself for her.

He had nearly lost her once, he would never risk that again. This is why he prayed when the time does come to depart from this world, he would want to go first. Life without Nawal terrified him.

****

The Shelbourne hotel grand hall was decorated in pink theme. Pink orchids, lilies and pink roses adorned the tables and the displays at the buffet tables. There were candles in crystal goblets illuminating the round tables. Pink chiffon bows adorned the tables. On the large flat screen pictures of Rania were running on a slide show. Soft instrumental music was playing in the background. The waiters and waitresses were serving soft drinks and fresh juices to the guests.

The Siddique family were standing near the entrance welcoming the guests. Guests from far and near all had come to the extravagant aqiqa of the first great granddaughter of Adil Siddique. Rania was dressed in a fancy frilly white and pink dress. She had behaved well as she slept peacefully throughout. The buffet dinner included a variety of dishes. By the time dinner service commenced at 8pm, Nawal's cheeks were aching from all the smiling at guests. Exhausted she slumped on the nearest chair beside Rania's buggy. She took a deep breath as the guests filed to a queue in front of the buffet. Perhaps, now she would get a minute to herself.

But she thought too soon. A hush fell over the hall. The hair at the back of her neck prickled. She looked up and gasped. There stood Daud with his arm around his wife and holding his son's hand at the entrance of the hall.

Muhammad smiled broadly and walked forward to the entrance. "Daud my son, you made it." Daud clasped his uncle's hand in a firm grip but Muhammad pulled him for a hug. This show of affection was unsettling but it brought warmth to Daud's heart. Releasing Daud, Muhammad smiled at Susan, "Assalam u alaikum beti."

Just then, Seema joined them and greeted Susan with an embrace and ushered to the ladies part of the hall. Daud made his way in the hall greeting his father and then his grandfather. Adil was seated on of the plush chairs. Daud bent his head in front of Adil in respect. His old frail wrinkled hand lightly laid on Daud's hair.

"Thank you for coming beta," he said hoarsely.

Daud stiffened and abruptly he lifted his eyes, blue eyes scanned the old wrinkled face. There were tears in Adil's eyes. Daud was speechless. He had never seen his Dada jaan expressing any feelings. What he saw was a remorseful man in front of him. Daud swallowed but he was unable to speak. Nodding imperceptibly he stepped back.

On the other side of the hall, Susan felt awkward. Knowing of Nawal and Daud's history. She expected hostility from the hosts. But before she could further be uncomfortable, she saw familiar faces.

Amal spotted Susan and rushed to her, "So good to see you. You have disappeared since your wedding." She winked, "Looks like Daud bhai keeps you busy."

Susan giggled, "No of course not. It's just getting used to married life that's all," she shrugged.

"Well I am glad you came today." Amal pointed at the far end table, "C'mon we are all seated there."

Susan nodded and followed Amal but then was stopped by the woman she dreaded the most to face. She didn't know what to say to her. The woman her husband had been after for so long.

But Nawal solved that. Smiling warmly, Nawal said, "Welcome Susan." Nawal stretched her hand out. When Nawal had requested Salman to forgive Daud, she had hoped that all kinds of animosity between them would fade. This is why she moved forward toward Susan. Whatever happened in the past was no fault of Susan. In fact, why a spouse should be blamed for something her husband alone was responsible of. The man she hoped her husband would forgive and let bygones be bygones.

Susan stared at her and took her hand hesitantly.

Nawal perceived her discomfort, "I have heard a lot about you."

That made Susan smile, "So have I."

"I would like to know you personally."

Amal interjected, "We have started coffee mornings every Wednesday mornings. You should join us Nawal and Susan. Ramlah and Sana api are there too."

Nawal's eyes brightened, "That's sounds nice. I would definitely be there."

"So will I."

Perhaps, this was a start of a new friendship that would play a vital role in the coming decades.

****

Yousef peeped in the buggy and gazed at the sleeping baby. He then ran to his mother and pulled at her dress, "Mommy there is a baby there." He pointed at the buggy.

Susan nodded, "Yes sweetie, she is your cousin."

"She?" Yousef's nose scrunched.

"Yes it's a baby girl."

"Ewww baby girl is yucky."

Horrified, Susan eyes grew large, "Yousef where are your manners."

Yousef shoulder's slumped, "But I like boy babies."

"Me too" Ejaz beamed.

Ramlah shook her head in amusement, "Boys will be boys. When they are young they say yuck girls and once they are old enough they are the one running after them."

Susan chuckled and then shuddered, "Please!! I don't want to think about what havoc they will create when they are in their teens."

Indeed, there will come a time when the "yuck baby girl" will be the woman Yousef's eyes will sought everywhere he will go...

****

The aqiqa progressed as guests ate dinner and slowly left the party leaving with good wishes and prayer for the little baby. Not once Salman approached Daud. In fact, he didn't acknowledge his existence. He was busy greeting and interacting the guests. But he was well aware of his presence. He was calming his erratic nerves. There were times where he would have walked out but just looking across the hall at his wife's reassuring face and smile his resolve strengthened and he remained calm. However, as the hall emptied, the tension rose. It was apparent as stark as the day light.

There was no point of ignoring the issue that was apparent as the sun on a sunny day, which is why when Daud stepped out in the courtyard of the hotel to smoke, Salman followed him.

Daud knew he wasn't alone. But he never turned around to confirm Salman''s presence. Lighting his cigarette, he inhaled the first puff of the smoke. "I was meaning to speak to you."

Few steps behind Daud, Salman crossed his arms over his chest, "Well you haven't made an effort to come and speak to me."

"You know bloody well I was incapable of walking let alone be able to speak to you." Daud said through his gritted teeth.

Salman's jaw clenched. This was not going to work.

"Look Daud I am doing this for family's harmony, I want to let go of the past and move on."

The tension eased from Daud's shoulders and slowly turned around. For the first time that evening, the men looked at each other in the eye. Blue eyes clashed with black ones.

They may have different thoughts and perception but the same blood ran through their veins. The both possessed the same surname. To the world, they may be brothers. But reality was there was immeasurable distance between them. Distance that was not easy to cross.

"I want to apologize to you firstly for how I went after you once Dada jaan had announced the chairperson positions. I had no right to get back to you personally. But what you did in return—"

"Was worse," Salman interrupted. He slowly shook his head in agreement, "I know I played a dirty game of revealing your son and your past. I apologize for that. I suffered a lot for how ended up getting married the day that was supposed to be your wedding day." Salman referred to the disastrous start of his marriage.

There was a faraway look in Daud's eyes and a hint of a smile on his face, "I don't regret that." In that moment, Salman could see Daud was a content family man.

"Well then it turned out for the best for everyone."

Daud's eyes flickered behind Salman and he voiced, "I want to apologize to your wife as well. What I did after you both got married was uncalled for. I was raging in my own fire and I didn't care who burned in the process."

Nawal's eyes watered. She pursed her trembling lips. Salman tilted his head and could see his wife standing behind him, composing her emotions.