Last night something had changed.I felt at peace.There wasn't a big boulder on my shoulders this time.I was at ease.Almost as if the man had erased all the fear.And I wanted to believe him, desperately wanted to believe him.But something held me back.A barrier.A wall.Making me shut myself in my safe cocoon for the millionth time.

But I felt safe.

A groan sounded in the large room making my eyes snap to the figure on the bed.Biting my lower lip, I mentally contemplated whether to wake the man up or not.Pulling the dupatta over my head, I got up from the window seat.My feet dragging me to the man's side.

Another hiss escaped the man's lips making me take another step forward.My hand reached forward to shake him a bit but too afraid of his reaction, I withdrew it back.

My grey eyes glanced up at the clock seeing it past eleven in the morning.He would usually be at work at this time but oddly today he was home and sleeping in.

He turned in his sleep making me almost swallow my gasp.As he lay on his back, I looked down to his restless face.His forehead wrinkled in lines as he frowned unpleasantly.

Gaining the courage, I kept my hand softly on his forehead, feeling the skin burn under my hand.A soft sigh sounded in the room, as the man's face visibly relaxed.

Drawing my hand back, I looked worriedly at him, as he burned in high fever.Gulping down my dry throat, I shook his shoulder gently,

"Wake up-"I said gaining no response from him.

He stirred making me step back.

His eyes opened as he glanced up at me with his charcoal eyes.I tried to form any word or sentence but nothing came out making me clamp it shut.The man in pain, kept a hand on his forehead as he rubbed it.

"Please get up, I'll get you breakfast and medicine."I said softly.He nodded before sitting up in bed.Taking that as a que, I walked out from the room.Going in the kitchen, I made breakfast for him and searched for the painkiller.

Keeping everything on the tray, I walked back only to see him still on bed, again sleeping.

Placing the tray on the bedside table.I kept my hand on his burning forehead.Pressing my fingers gently on his skin, I massaged it gently trying to soothe the pain.

He turned on the other side making enough room for me to sit.A small smile grazed my lips.

Even in his sleep, he knows how to care about others.

Massaging his head, my fingers gently slid in his soft dark strands.Brushing his hair back from his forehead.I gazed at his features.His sharp jaw that was covered in a little stubble adding more to his manly features.His long curled lashes that lay on his cheekbones.He had a straight sharp nose that a little crooked.His thick eyebrows.His lips that were in a thin line.

Without a doubt, the man was handsome.He could have anyone, anything.But pity that he was stuck with me.Even in his sleep he looked intimidating.He had an aura, it was hard not to notice his presence.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I brushed his hair back yet again.He moved his head on the soft pillow getting into a much comfortable spot now.His hand suddenly reached towards mine making my breath hitch.

Taking my hand in his, he placed it in his hair: indicating that he wanted me to run my hand through his hair.My skin seemed to have frozen under his burning touch.His hand pressed my fingers making me move my hand.My fingers running through his hair gently.Removing his hand, he sighed.Leaving me breathless.

Minutes passed by silently.But a sudden ringtone echoed through the room making my eyes snap to the device on the bedside table.His phone was ringing.

The man moved in his sleep making me grab the device in my hands.The device went silent making me sigh in relief but it was short lived as it started to ring again.

'Ammi' It read.

Gulping the lump in my throat, I stood up making moving out of the room.Closing the door gently behind me, I battled with my mind and heart; whether to receive the call or not.

My subconsciousness won as I sled the green button and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Assalam O Alaikum." A soft voice greeted making my hold on the phone to tighten.

"W-walaikum Assalam."I replied quiet hesitantly.The line went silent and I almost thought that the line dropped

After a minute or so the woman said unsure,

"Arsalan?"Wetting my dry lips I replied,

"He is sleeping.I am-"

"Amal."The woman spoke as if she had known me since a long time making me blink my eyes stupidly.

"Yes-"

"Oh, its so good to finally speak to you."She spoke making me shift on my feet.She knew about me.

"I-i"I didn't know what to say as I stammered.

"Beta, I am Naheed Khan.Arsalan's mother.And your mother in law.How are you?"She spoke warmly.

"I am fine.How are you?"I asked taking a seat on the dining table chairs.

"I am good.Where is Arsalan?I hope he doesn't bothers you much."She spoke in a teasing manner making me look down at my feet.

How should I tell you that its the other way around.Its me that bothers him.

"He has a high fever so he is sleeping."I said instead.

"Ohho, he must have overworked.I always tell him to rest as well but he's a workaholic."

I thought about the pass days, he did work day and night.Even after coming from home he would shut himself in his home office.Feeling guilty that I didn't look after him, I bit on my bottom lip ashamed for my behaviour towards him.

"Did he take any medicine?"Her words cut my thoughts short as I almost whispered,

"No, he didn't wake up yet."

"Okay.Be a little careful Amal, my shehzada gets a little grumpy when he's sick."She spoke softly making a smile appear on my lips.

"I will be."

"Okay than I will talk to you later.Take care."

"Allah hafiz."I said.

"Allah Hafiz-Um Amal.Take care of him.Keep him happy."

And with that being said, the line went dead but her last words kept playing in my mind.

Take care of him.Keep him happy.

She wasn't talking about his sickness.She was telling me to keep him happy, to give him happiness.To comfort him, to support him.To trust him.Something I wasn't yet able to do.

Burying my hands in my hair, I whispered out,

"Ya ALLAH."

*

Passing him painkillers and the glass of water.I stepped back.Picking up the empty bowl of popcorns, I walked to the kitchen before keeping it the sink.

"Amal-"The deep masculine voice called out making me walk back to the living room.

Looking down at the man, who sat watching television.He glanced up at me before returning me the glass of water.A smile danced on his lips but he tried to hide it.

"Do I still have fever?"He asked innocently.

Of course he knew, if he had fever or not.Why was he asking me??

I looked at him, as he stared at me with his charcoal eyes.

"I'll get the thermometer."I said quietly turning around.

"No"The man said immediately making me to stop in my tracks.

"Jee?"I asked confused.But the man had other plans as he pulled my hand.Making me tense as I jerked a little closer to his sofa.Keeping my palm against his forehead, he rose his eyebrows at me.

I remained motionless in my place, as his touch sent shivers down my spine.Seconds turned into minutes as we stared at each other.

I pulled my hand back, breaking the spell.Averting my gaze, I stepped back.

"No."I spoke trying to force the two alphabets out.

He didn't have any fever now.

I turned around walking away trying to gain my breath back.

"Amal wait-"He said making me stop yet again.The playfulness from a few minutes ago was gone.

I kept my back at him trying to escape the space he occupied.

"Want to grab some after dinner coffee? "He asked.

I shifted on my feet not knowing how to answer.I had never seen out on London's streets since I got here.It would be nice to look around-or so I thought.

"Okay."I spoke softly making my way into the kitchen.The man followed close behind me.

"Great, I'll just get my coat and we can leave."He said walking in the bedroom.Closing the kitchen lights, I walked behind him.The man moved around getting his keys and phone, while I pulled my shawl out from the closet.

Wrapping the cloth around my shoulders, I was all set to go.The man grabbed his jacket before his eyes landed on me.

"Amal, its very cold.The shawl would help you."I looked down at my feet mentally smacking my head.

"I don't have anything else."I whispered out quietly.

I could feel his heated stare on me, as he whispered back,

"You could always borrow, wife."My eyes snapped to his as he passed me one of his coat.Oversized coat.

Taking it from him, I pulled the shawl off before shrugging the long coat over my shoulders.The dark blue coat was very warm and large over my small form.

The sleeves sent past my fingers hiding my hands.As I stared down at my hidden hands.A deep chuckled sounded in the large room, and I snapped my eyes at him.

Moving forward, he straightened the collar of my-his coat making the phenomenon of breathing to stop within me.

"You can adjust for tonight.I'll buy a new one for you."He spoke before walking out making me follow behind him.

As we stepped out of the apartment building and in the dark of the night.The cold air surrounded us making me pull the coat closer to my body.It smelled of him.Of his manly cologne.Making me inhale it once more.

The man walked closed to me, as he seemed to know his way very well around the neighbourhood.Rounding the building we came across another street.Walking down, I tried to match his big strides as the man moves forward.

Lights and noises greeted us as we came before the main market.People dressed in warm coats and mufflers moved around.Walking their own ways and it seemed as if it the daytime.As if this wasn't night for them as they enjoyed themselves.

Many shops were lined across and a fountain remained in the centre of the circular markets.My husband's pace had slowed down a bit and I took my time looking around the place.

It all looked peaceful.In a side, a man played guitar creating a lovely melody as people gathered around him.

I shivered a little in the cold.The man besides me also looked around.We stopped in front of a cafe, the aroma of coffee wafting past my nose.

We quietly walked inside the buzzing cafe, the warmth greeting us.Taking a table in the centre of the cafe we sat down.

I sat across from him.My lashes felt heavy to even look up because he just infront of me.Making me conscious.I only fiddled with my fingers sensing eyes on me.

A waiter soon approached and only then did I looked up taking in the small cafe that seemed to be very warm and cozy.It looked like the happiest of place for many.As people chatted and laughed loudly.Freely.

"She'll have a cup of hot chocolate and a cup of black coffee for me."He ordered for both of us making me mentally thank him.

But hot chocolate for me??

"Its my favourite cafe in town.They serve the best of coffee and tea.Bashar and I mostly come here."He informed reducing some of the obvious awkwardness.

"Oh."I spoke softly, nodding.

The same waiter came back with our cups and placed them in front of us.When he didn't withdraw his hand away from my cup, I looked up at him seeing him grin brightly at me.

I looked down immediately and he pulled his hand back.My heart beats quickened and I sensed fear in my veins.

"Amal- its getting cold."The voice said making me look up at the man who drank his coffee.I smiled slightly before bringing the cup towards,my lips.

The chocolatey creamy texture melted against my mouth making me hum to myself.It was delicious without a doubt.

"You want to order something else?"He asked looking up at me.

I shook my head, voicing.

"No."

We quietly drank our contents while the cafe buzzed around us but they didn't seem to effect us.When the waiter came back with the bill, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.Wanting to get away from the man who bored holes in me.

Arsalan stood up before the waiter, his height towering over the shorter man.His jaw was clenched as his face hardened.Slamming the money on the table, he moved a step closer to the shorter man,

"Look at her one more time and I'll have your eyes with my next dark coffee, Charlie."The man threatened making my breath hitch and I flinched at his sharp tone.

The waiter shook on his feet before he barely whispered a quick 'sorry' and scrambled off his feet disappearing behind the counters.My widened eyes, only grew larger as the large man pulled my hand in his and dragged me out of the cafe.

His long strides didn't match my smaller ones, and so I pulled my hand back from his tightened hold making him to stop in his tracks.

He turned around to me, a dark look flashing across his face.His blazing eyes colliding with my pale ones.I inhaled and exhaled.His jaw clenched and unclenched as he took a step closer.

"Stop being stubborn"He said angrily.

I took a step back but when he held my hand this time, I pulled away.

"I'll walk besides you."I said looking at my shoes.

"Fine."He said angrily.

We started to walk again but I knew we weren't walking back home.The main market ended and we stepped on the main roads.The shops there were all closed.The traffic wasn't even much, barely a car or two moving down the road.The darkness was shaded by the lamp posts here and there.

We walked down the silent roads, passing shops.A yawn left my lips and placed my palm against my mouth feeling the cold skin of my face.

Suddenly, all sleepiness vanished from my lips, when the sound of glass shattering pierced my ears.I jumped at my place and a gasp left my lips.A second later an alarm sounded somewhere near.

"Shit."Escaped from the man besides me as he looked behind us.With fearful eyes I turned to where his eyes were.Behind us in a jewellery shop someone had broken in and was trying to get out my damaging the display glass.I remained motionless on my place, fear crowding me.

"Amal come-"The voice reached my ears and a large hand wrapped around my arm.My eyes couldn't move away from the scene as I saw two men getting out from the shop.

I was being dragged away.When I turned around to the front, I was being pushed in a dark alley.My back hit the cold wall and I hissed on the impact.My ragged breathing made it hard to stay calm.The large man was before me as he shielded my body.His hands landing on the wall behind my head.Caging me in.

His eyes were focused on the alley way but I couldn't see anything because of being caged in.

"Move back."I said overwhelmed with everything happening.

"Shsh- quiet Amal."He hissed quietly down at me his index finger landing on my lips.Shutting me.

"Lets go home."I spoke again despite his finger.

He looked down at me angrily.

"If you even stepped out right now, they can kill you and no one would even know."He spoke gritting his teeth.

I sank my back in the cold wall trying to get away from his threatening voice.A second later we heard rushed footsteps moving back and froth in the silent night.

A manly voice rushed something out in his thick british accent but the fear clouding my mind didn't comprehend it.

"Go and catch them."I said looking up at the man.

"That's the police work.They'll get the robbers themselves."He said glancing down at me.

A laughter sounded and my hands shook as my heart thudded loudly in my ears.Arsalan looked down at me, his dark eyes softening.

"Amal, calm down.You're safe."He whispered.

I just shook my head too afraid to say anything.The footsteps were getting closer again.I gulped, a scream was bubbling in my mouth and I wanted it out.

As if realizing the man's eyes widened and he kept his palm against my mouth.

"No."He mouthed.Tears brimmed my eyes.

"Amal- do you trust me?"He asked.

My eyes moved away from his and to the alleyway from where some light illuminated.But he turned my head towards himself again, with his free hand.

"Look at me only."He stated and I complied.His charcoal eyes were a shade darker as he looked down at me.

"Are you afraid?"He asked.

I nodded my head.

"Okay.But keep looking at me."I nodded again because my words got fumbled against his palm.

A man shouted outside and I closed my eyes tightly.

"Amal, trust me."He stated making me open my eyes.

I slowly nodded.

"Hold my jacket and pull me closer."He instructed softly as he took a step closer.His hands now resting just behind my head.

My shaking hands gripped the front of his jacket and I pulled him closer.His towering figure coming closer.He didn't need to say more as I slowly hid myself in his jacket.

My head landing on his chest just where his heart was.His racing heart.He exhaled a deep breath out making placing his head on mine.And we fixed like a puzzle.

"You're safe."He said with a sigh.

We stayed there for twenty minutes more.Before we heard no noise from outside.I kept murmuring prayers all the way till we stepped inside the apartment.

Sitting on the prayer mat for tahajjud, I raised my hands in a crescent.

"Keep him safe ALLAH."Was all I could pray.

***

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_Hafsa