*Unedited *

I went straight to ammi. I know she would be freaking out on Rehan's sudden visit. She is always like that when Jiju does the same.

"Aimen!" She spoke as I entered the kitchen. Panic was written on her face. "Why didn't you say me that he is coming?"

I smiled "I don't know," I said. Having Rehan here today is the best surprise I could ever get.

"Ya Allah! What I will do now? I have not started anything since you two just had the breakfast and now Rehan is here for lunch. This is why I ask you, people, to wake up in time." No matter what, every other situation will make your mom blame your late-waking habit.

Now, Ammi is in a typical, desi Mom role, panicking over the sudden arrival of her son-in-law. In her words, there's no good food at home which can be served to her son-in-law. Where the "good food" is equal to the big lavish feast. I will never understand her point. For me, Rehan and Jiju are just like any other members of the family but for her, they are "The Sons in law" and should be treated royally.

"Calm down Ammi. He is just Rehan" I said. But she was in her world. Taking the vegetables and placing them back. She did the same with plates. "Ammi.....you leave this. I will make the lunch. You just make sure I do everything right" I said following her.

"Are you sure?" She asked. I nodded. This is will be quite hard because it's the first time I'll be making something for Rehan. I'm making a proper lunch for the first time. In no way I'm letting ammi work as she had a tiring day in the shop, today.

"What are you gonna make?"

"Biryani". His favourite.

"Hope you will make it good" Ammi said opening the fridge.

"Inshaallah. Your one-month training will surely help. Also, you are here" One month between my engagement and marriage was hectic with all the training of Ammi in making me a "chef". It's the other thing that I have only half of the recipe in my mind and now I'm wholly dependent on that training.

"Before you start anything give this to Rehan. He might be tired" she handed me a glass of orange juice. Oops, I came here to get him something to eat but the juice will be perfect. I placed it in a tray and carried it to my room.

"Hey!" I say as I entered the room.

"Hello" Rehan replied smiling in my direction. He was buttoning his shirt. How much I missed his smile?! He was looking super handsome in his blue button-down shirt.

"For you" I handed him the juice.

He took the glass. "Thanks, love" he kissed my forehead. I bet my cheeks would have turned dark red. How much effect does he have on me? I smiled looking at the man I love. I must have realized it late but I can't deny the fact now. His eyes had more amount of love than mine. I dunno what has made him love me this much even after all my foolish acts of hating him. I dunno what good deed I have done for having Rehan in my life. All I know is that Allah has truly blessed me by giving Rehan as my life partner. Alhamdulilah.

"May I know the reason for your beautiful smile?"

You. Should I confess my feeling?

"Thanks for coming," I say instead. I think I should wait.

"Well don't thank me. I did this out of selfishness" He caressed my cheek with his thumb. "It's hard to live without seeing you." He whispered.

We stared at each other until the thought of lunch brought me back to reality. "You take rest. I have some work to do" I said picking up the books which were in my bed.

"Nah! Your brother has challenged me in a game. I have to win" he said.

"Then best of luck. My brother is an excellent gamer"

"Your husband is no less, sweetie" he winked making me go all red again.

*******

Aimen. The mere thought of her brings a big smile to my face. My heart skips every time I see her. Life was hard without her. I can't believe I'm so in love with her that a moment without her makes me crazy. She has changed these days. Changed in a good way. I have never seen her this happy. That glint in her eyes tells that she loves but why can't she just admit it? I can't wait for the day when she will say it to me. Inshaallah it will be soon. Inshaallah.

"I won! I won!!!!" Someone jumped beside me bringing me back to reality.

"Whoa...whoa...when did this happen?"

"Told you Jiju no one can beat me," he said in a singing tone. I like this kid. He is amazing. Trust me he is much more mature than Javid and Aadil. At least he doesn't go all crazy when he wins the game as they do.

"Maybe you cheated?" A new voice said. It was none other than my dear lovely wife.

"I'm not you, didi" Sarim sticks out his tongue. Aimen copied him. Cute.

"Why? Can't see your husband lose?" I asked with a wink. She blushed hard giving a cute smile. I love it when she blushes. I know my comments make her uneasy but I enjoy seeing her go all red with only my words.

"Lunch is ready. Come on" she said and disappeared without answering my question.

"Come on buddy. Let's go" I said to Sarim, who led to the dinning table.

This house is not that big but a comfortable one. It has everything in it which makes it a home. The living room is quite big when compared to others. Aimen's room was kinda messy but taking my "neat freak" nature into account you can pass it. A smile crept in my face when I think of the first time I came to this house, the time when Aimen almost broke my nose by smashing the door. Didn't I mention she is a wildcat?

"Smells good ammi" Sarim said taking his seat.

"Thanks, lil' brother. I made it" Aimen grinned placing some biryani on my plate. Did she make it? Wow! She remembers my favourite dish.

"What?" Sarim's eyes widened. "I'm not eating it. Allah has blessed me good health and I'm not going to spoil it" he shoved his plate away.

"Behave like a kid. It's good. I have tried it" Aimen growled. So she is a bad cook. But this biryani seems so yummy.

"This is what you say every time. Have made anything edible except chai(tea)?" He turned to me. "Jiju, don't eat this" I laughed at their fight.

"Ammi..." Aimen whined.

"Sarim. Just eat" Ammi scolded him and he sat back in his seat like a defenseless animal.

I bit my lip controlling my laughter but failed miserably. They are worse than Sidra and me. "Umm...Can I eat this?" I asked looking between the siblings.

"No"

"Yes"

"Since my wife has made something special for me, it deserves a try," I said. Aimen face lit up. Sarim made a face as I stuffed a spoonful of biryani in my mouth. "How's it?" She asked.

I paused passing a glance at everyone. "Delicious"

She squealed throwing her arms around my neck and awkwardly pulling back when her mom laughed.

******

"How was your trip?" She asked making patterns in my chest.

"Not that good without you," I said inhaling her hair. Her sweet scent filled my nose. She laughed causing vibration in my chest. "You are always this cheesy?"

"Well, yeah!" I said. She snuggled more into me. I wrapped my arms around her waist bringing her even closer.

"Did you miss me?" I asked.

"A lot"

"Why?"

"Because I..." She started but stopped in a midway.

"Because?" I raised my eyebrows though she cannot see me.

"I...I missed you. Can't I miss you without reason" She struggled to move away but I caught her. Unwillingly, she laid back placing her in my chest.

Silence enveloped between us but a comfortable one. Both in our world.

"Wake me before asr," she said.

"Okay!"

"Sweet dreams" she mumbled yawning.

"I love you," I say as I removed her hair from her face.

My heart stopped when I heard her faint whisper "Love you too"

Did she really mean it?