From childhood to now, she believed in simplicity but today she didn't want to look simple! For the first time after getting married, she wanted to groom herself as more as possible. Wearing her favorite red floral print georgette Kurti with matching plazo she let her long hair hang on her back and shoulders. Her Deni never said but she noticed, that he likes her hair. This innocent little woman still didn't know how to do makeup but tonight she tried her best by putting on a minimal amount of eye makeup light blusher followed by a bright rose shade of lipstick.

Picking up the bottle of perfume she was about to push its head but stopped by a childhood fear... She listened in childhood that jinn(s) like fragrances and she did not wanted to be liked by them... She only wanted to be liked by her hubby... He's surely enough. So silently putting the bottle of perfume back she focused on her appearance.

Wait a minute...

She knew what jinn like... but... Doesn't know what Deni likes!!

Is this funny or weird?

Perhaps weird that they don't know much about each other's choices even after living together for four months... Or maybe they know but do not express it!

She was busy trying to conclude why was there relationship complicated when "Shifa..." a call from Mrs Kazmi pushed her to come out from the world of thoughts. She hurriedly slipped in the earrings while going out of the room.

"Ammi, aap aa gyi? Doctor ne kya kaha?"

Asked Shifa when found her mother-in-law sitting on the couch of the hall and she examined her beautiful daughter-in-law who was looking more beautiful than usual.

(Ammi, you're home... What did the doctor say?)

"Beta, aap Jaane ke liye tayyar hain?" Asked Mrs Kazmi after placing the glass of water on the coffee table and Shifa nod her head with a big grin. Regardless of Mrs Kazmi'a weakness, she was unable to stop herself to smile as she was extremely happy.

(Are you ready to go dear?)

"Ji Ammi, main tayyar hu.'' for a few moments Mrs Kazmi was seeing Shifa with some unexpressed emotions but then slowly pat on the couch just beside herself, it was a clear indication for Shifa to sit down beside her and she found no problem in fulfilling her demand.

(Yeah Ammi, I'm ready)

"Yeah, Ammi?" asked Shifa in a hushed tone, still extremely happy. Though Mrs Kazmi didn't want, still she decided to break this crystal heart.

"Shifa, beta aaj rehne dijiye, aap kal chali jaiyega Daniyal ke sath," Shifa's smile immediately dropped and she looked at Mr Kazmi who was also surprised to hear this demand.

(Delay this plan dear, please go tomorrow.)

"Umm... But why Ammi?" After all, she managed to mutter.

"Daniyal ke sir me shadeed dard hai, unhone aapko batane se mana kra tha lekin mene bata diya..." Mrs Kazmi informed Shifa and Mr Kazmi furrowed, he informed both ladies that due to lack of sleep Daniyal had a headache yesterday too.

(Daniyal has a severe headache, he has instructed me not to tell you but I preferred to let you know)

"Deni had a headache? He didn't even tell me." Shifa muttered and Mr Kazmi nod his head. It hurt her hard.

Am I not worthy to share his feelings? She questioned her existence in his life and looked at her mother-in-law.

"Deni kaha hain, Ammi?"

(where is Deni?)

"Wo meri medicines le kar aa rhe hain."

(He's coming while taking my medicines)

"Okay Ammi, Deni aa jaein phir main dinner serve kar deti hu," replying in a hushed tone she preferred to be quick to her bedroom. Slamming the door after her she looked at the reflection of a beautiful girl in the mirror and sighed.

(okay Ammi, I'll serve dinner when Deni will come back )

"I shouldn't dream, eventually it only hurts me." Mumbling that she took a deep breath and tried to calm her heart which was wiggling with numerous tiny wishes. "It's okay Shifa, it's not the very first time when you are staying at home, Deni's health is most important." she told herself but it's natural for her to be heartbroken as her plan was cancelled at the end moment.

"Shifa..." The door of the room was opened by my husband and he stepped into the room

"Ji"

"Aap tayyar hain?" He asked and Shifa turned to see him which maybe made him realize that his pretty wife was going to cry.

(Aren't you ready yet?)

"Deni aap change kar lijiye, main khana laga deti hu." Making sure not to look into his eyes Shifa spoke out in a hushed tone and stepped towards the door of the room but her wrist was caught by a muscular hand.

(I'm going to serve dinner, you change your clothes)

"kya, hua hai?"

(What's wrong?)

"Nothing"

"We're supposed to have dinner outside. Aren't we?"

"Aapke sir me dard hai na, Aap araam kariye."

(You have a headache, take rest )

"Koi baat nhi main painkiller le lunga aap tayyar ho jao." Said Daniyal in a soft tone which melted her soft heart one more time. He was ready to ignore his pain for my happiness... Wasn't it enough for her?

(It's okay, I'll take a painkiller. You get ready.)

"Deni, main itni bhi selfish nhi hu..."

(Deni, I'm not that selfish)

"Ammi shouldn't tell you about my headache..." Daniyal asserted with disappointment but Shifa could see that he wasn't in a condition to go anywhere.

"It's fine Deni, Ammi did correct. Now, come to have dinner."

"I'm sorry. Aapne pehli baar kuch manga aur..."

(you made a demand for the first time but...)

"We both can go another day, take rest..." Even after knowing very well that they will not get time to go anywhere soon, she uttered in a hushed tone.

"Aap naraz ho?"

(are you offended?)

"Nah" She shook her head. In reality, she wasn't even offended with him. She was sad as well as hurt but not with Deni "Come, have dinner."

"I just want to take rest." leaving his hand he muttered, she nodded and went out from the room to serve dinner and also informed Mr and Mrs Kazmi. On the other hand, Daniyal was fighting with guilt as well as an unnamed emotion which was something between sadness and pain. Unknowingly, he was also happy with the idea of outing but his headache turned everything upside down. Opening the drawer he picked a medicine strip and looked at the half empty bottle of water. Before he could consume a pill Shifa reentered the room.

"Deni, don't take painkiller empty stomach."

"I can't bear this pain," he muttered, his voice wasn't energetic as before. "Bohot dard hai kya?" he didn't even answred and for the first time Shifa decided to leave her hesitation. Sitting down beside him she held his arm and sit properly with crossed legs.

(Does it hurt too much?)

"Come here, Deni." placing a cushion in her lap she whispered but this time it was an order. For a long minute Daniyal was looking shocked but then following his wife's gesture he laid down on the bed, placed his head in her lap. Hesitation clasping both of them like their second skin but at that moment, thanks to Daniyal'a headache, they need to forget their hesitation. 

For a moment Shifa also felt nervous to touch him but then her true love took over her nervousness. His pain was hurtful for her.

"Soo jaiye Deni." with light pressure she started massaging the temple of his head in a circular motion. Removing the cushion Daniyal adjusted his head in her lap and for a few minutes he was only seeing his wife without blinking. She was indeed looking captivating which slightly increase his heartbeat but without letting himself sink in the pair of brown orbs he shut his eyes and soon he was consumed by slumber. on the other hand, for the first time, Shifa was feeling the texture of his hair. Removing his specs she shift his hair away from his forehead and a tear appeared in her eyes.

Even after being together why are you away from me Deni?

I love you from all my heart and soul but why don't you love me back?

Her questions weren't invalid! Love isn't a one way road as it's defined by many people... It follows the rule of giving for taking, when she was giving her at most it was obvious for her to desire for same amount of love... If not same a little less.

Blinking away her tears she resumed to massage his head. Only she knew how badly she wanted to go somewhere with him, for the first time in these four months she demaned for an outing but she killed her wish without any sorrow just because Daniyal's comfort...

Now, he was sleeping peacefully, resting his head on her lap. 'Allah paak, I'm not asking for something forbidden, he's my husband, we're in a halal (lawful) relationship... Please develop love for me in his heart.' she asked her almighty what she wanted and unexpectedly lean downward. Taking a deep breath she shut her eyes and delicately placed her lips on his forehead.

This was entirely new feeling to her, as soon as her lips touched his skin she felt goosebumps on her arms and neck, heart throbbed loudly and a smile captured her lips.

"I love you Deni." her lips just brushed agaist his cheek bone when a knock on the door forced her to look up.

"Daniyal..." A soft call and Shifa's breath was hitched. Grabbing the door knob, Mrs Kazmi asked "Andar aa jaun?"

(Can I come in?)

"Ji ammi?!" Shifa kind of paniced while looking here there but she didn't realise that she already grant permission to her mother-in-law. Before she could figure out what to do the door was opened and Mrs Kazmi walked in holding a plate of biryani in her hand. Shifa was red faced even her mother-in-law was also looking embarrassed to disturb them but very next moment she smiled and came closer to the bed.

"Deni... Uth jaiye" Shifa whispered trying to get out of this embarrassing moment, but neither Deni woke up nor she was able to do anything else.

(Deni, wake up)

"Soone dijiye, pareshan nhi kariye unhe." Mrs Kazmi smiled but Shifa was still trying to figure out how might she dealt with this embarrassment?

(let him sleep, don't disturb him)

"Umm... I... I was pressing his head and..." Shifa looked at her Mother-in-law then at Deni and then again at the old lady to complete her statement "and he slept"

"Aapko wazahat dene ki zarurat nhi hai, Allah ne ye rishta hi aesa banaya hai ki aap dono ek dusre ke liye baais-e-taskeen hain." Mrs Kazmi stroked Shifa's head lovingly and smiled looking at Deni. "Aapko andaza bhi nhi hai Daniyal ko khush dekh ke main kitni khush hu."

(You didn't have to explain, Allah has made this relationship in this way that you're each other's tranquillity.)

(you don't even have an idea how happy am I after seeing my son happy)

"baith jaiye ammi, aap khadi kyu hain?" Just to vanish her hesitation she muttete and Mrs Kazmi shook her head.

(Have a seat Ammi, why are you standing?)

"Main to bas Daniyal ko dekhne aur aapko ye dene aayi thi, khaa lijiyega," passing the plate of biryani to Shifa Mrs Kazmi turned to go but not before stroking her son's head with full of love. "Thank you so much Ammi" she nod her head and left. Shifa sighed and close her eyes, she was still feeling nervous and shy.

(I just come see Daniyal and giving you your that you forget in dining area.)

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"kya hua khatija aap bohot khush nazar aa rahi hain?"

(What happened Khatija, you look so happy)

"kya kar rhi hain aap? Tabiyat theek nhi hai na, araam kar lijiye." Mrs Kazmi ignored her husband's advice and opened the cupboard without leaving the smile which was increasing at every passing moment. She draw out an old jewellery box from the locker.

(What are you doing? You're not fine, take a rest.)

"Ab ye kya hai?" Asked Mr. Kazmi when his wife sat beside him holding the same box and open it. "Ye to wo hi hai na jo Ammi jaan ne aapko diya tha?" broadening his eyes Mr. Kazmi raised a question when noticed a gold necklace embedded with precious stones.

(Now what's this?)

(Isn't this the same jewellery that Ammi Jaan gave you?)

"Ji Haan Kazmi Sahab, ye wo hi hai." there was a different shine in the eyes of senior lady while seeing that old piece of jewellery.

(Yes Kazmi Sahab, this is the same)

"Is waqt kya krengi aap iska, Khatija?"

(What will you do with this now, Khatija?)

"Shifa ko dungi," said Mrs. Kamzi which was indigestible for her husband!

(I'll give this to Shifa.)

"Khatija are you sure?"

"Kazmi Sahab, aaj meri bahu ne ye haar jeet liya, jese kabhi mene jeeta tha."

(Kazmi Sahab Today my daughter-in-law has earned this, as I earned it once)

"Aesa kya kar diya hamari bahu ne?" Asked Mr. Kazmi, he was sure his wife would not give this precious jewellery piece to Shifa just because she stay awake one night and look after her.

(What our daughter-in-law has done?)

"Kazmi Sahab, Shifa ko mere bete se sachhi mohabbat hai... Wo Daniyal ki khushi ke liye apni khushiyon ko qurban karne se bhi peeche nhi hai... Daniyal apni zindgi mein khush hain, aur uski wajah hai Shifa... mujhe lagta hai jese meri duaye qubul ho gyi..."

(Kazmi Sahab, Shifa loves my son endlessly! She can sacrifice her happiness for Daniyal. it seems my all prayers have been answered Daniyal is happy in his life, and the reason is Shifa.)

"Hmm..." Mr. Kazmi only hummed and think for a moment, "Think twice Khatija..."

Mrs. Kazmi thought for a few minutes and smiled with a nod. "I already have!"

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His slumber weakened when tried to turn his side but felt something different, his head wasn't resting on the soft pillow but something else. Wiggling his head lightly he rubbed his eyes and open them to realize that his beautiful wife was sleeping in an uncomfortable posture, her head was resting against the headboard and a pillow was slipping down from the edge of her head.

"oh I slept here only" mumbling that he sat down with sleepy eyes and a sour head, picking up his specs he wear them to turn the blurred beauty into the most possible beautiful figure he could ever have near him in a halal manner.

Her half face was covered with her hair which always invite Daniyal to touch them and tonight his heart refused to control his desires anymore.

Shifa was in deep slumber... Enough deep that she didn't realize when a finger slowly tucked her hair behind her ear and two lips landed on her forehead. Daniyal was also amazed at himself but he couldn't deny his feelings anymore! Shifting beside Shifa he cupped her face with his hand. "Shifa." a soft call didn't wake her up however Daniyal's touch was enough powerful to weaken her slumber. Feeling something on her face she tried to brush it off with the back of her fingers and slowly open her eyes. "Laid down properly" whispered Daniyal without removing his hand from her face "Deni..." but the sleepy Shifa hummed and rested her head on his chest. Daniyal was shocked, for the first time he felt his heart thumping in a different rhythm, but he smiled and slipped his arm around her shoulders which snatched away Shifa's slumber in a snap and make her realize what she had done in the half-sleeping state.

"Deni... Wo... I..." she stammered while moving herself back and glanced at the time, it was still midnight. "how are you feeling now? How's your headache?"

"Headache is better now, but I'm feeling hungry!"

"Hmm, wait let me bring you something to eat!" After removing her earnings she put them on the nightstand and tied her hair in a bun.

"Aapne dinner kr liya tha," he asked in a super light tone and she nod her head.

(Have you done dinner?)

"Change yourself in a night suit and sleep."

"Aapko khana de du pehle." She just stepped out from the bed but Daniyal shook his head.

(First, let me serve you dinner)

"I'll manage, you take rest" and he left the room.

Shifa walked towards the mirror and stare at herself for the next few moments that stood for a few minutes. If the mirror could cast an evil eye on her beauty, it definitely could but she was safe. Picking up the bottle of makeup removal from the dresser she took a little amount of it on the cotton pad and wiped her face properly.

After changing herself into a comfortable pajama and a long kurta she hang her and Daniyal's clothes in the bathroom for tomorrow and then just throw herself on the bed but before she could nod off a mild fragrance, which belongs to something delicious hits her nostrils.

Daniyal entered the room with a big bowl of Maggi which forced Shifa to make a crying face. "Deni... Aap akele akele Maggi khayenge, aapko sharm nhi ayegi?"

(Deni, won't you feel ashamed to have Maggi without even sharing with me?)

"Mohtarma Cheese Maggi ke maamle mein koi sharm o haya nhi hoti." twisting the noodles on the chopsticks he smirked while lifting it to his mouth and have it without any guilt but after examining the anger on her face he offered the bowl of noddles to her but she rolled her eyes

(No sharing of cheese Maggi)

"I don't want..." and looked away. Daniyal chuckled and held his arm "I was kidding, have it. I've made extra for you too" he told her with a perfect and unmatched smile. "Nahi chahiye." pulling her arm away from his grip she throw every possible tantrum but Daniyal pulled her cheek.

(I don't need)

"Haye ye nakhre..."

(my God.,. These tantrums)

"Aapko kya farkh parhta hai?"

(As if you care!)

"Chalo aa jao nakhre na dikhao" He passed the bowl to her, now how could she refuse to have cheesy Maggi?

(come on, have it. Don't behave like a child)

"Where is fork?" she asked but Daniyal shifted the chopsticks towards her.

"Noodles khane ka maza to chopsticks se hi aata hai." though Daniyal was correct but Shifa doesn't know how to use chopsticks, however, she wanted to try it since ever as it was like a fantasy to watch it in cartoons. She picked chopsticks in the wrong way but Daniyal picked the sticks up "cradle the bottom one between your thumb and index finger, and move the top chopstick up and down like a lever." and demonstrate her to hold it. Taking the pair of sticks from his hand, Shifa tried to copy his way and held a few noodles, but before she could lift them to her mouth they fell back into the bowl.

"Such a kid you're," Daniyal's smile indicates that his headache was fine now, taking the chopsticks from her hand he rolled noodles on them and lifted for Shifa, for a moment or two she was surprised

"Muh kese kholte hain ye bhi sikhana padega kya?" His sarcastic question did not hurt her but brought a cute smile to her lips and she open her mouth to consume that.

(May I have to teach you to open your mouth too?)

"Thank you." she muttered while reclining lazily, Daniyal swallow a big bite of noodles then picked one for Shifa, however, she wasn't expecting one.

"Hmm... Take it." he muttered which forced her to look at him and she couldn't help but blushed hard when noticed him showing affection in different ways.

For next few moments they were only seeing in each other's eyes without even knowing what was happening with their hearts. Danial's heart want to relish this feeling one more time in his life on the other hand Shifa did not want to take her eyes off from his face. She wanted to hug him and tell him what she feels for him but stopped herself one more time. He gave the morsel he was lifing for her, and she slurp the noodles into her mouth loudly and quickly just like a kid, which pushed Daniyal to laugh. A small amount of gravy and cheese was visible on the corners of her mouth. Shifa also knew that he was making fun of her clumsy skills but she did not felt bad and kept watching him. No one was ready to break the eye contact.

But his next move was unexpected for her. Placing the bowl on the bed he lifted up his hand towards her face and slowly run his thumb on her lower lip to corner of mouth, Shifa was shocked! No... She was something more than shocked... Hung open mouth, rapidly beating heart, and tomato red cheeks... It was her condition... And now her lips converted into an upward curve. The pair of gray eyes did something to her heart, and without leaving that beautiful smile she cast her eyes down shyly.

Daniyal was stunned to see such an innocent as well as modest act of shyness.

"Qatal karne ko bhi ek ada bana gya uska nazakat se muskurana

Tha to aur bhi bohot kuch dil'kash husn-e-yaar me magar, hume bhaa gya faqat uska sharma ke palke jhukana." he mumbled without even knowing from where he brought these lines immediately.

(Even killing become an art when she showed up her smile.

There are many heart beating qualities in her but I lost myself on her shy act of casting her eyes down)

"Ji?" she lift her eyes in disbelieve, she definitely heard something... But what? It wasn't a very clear mumble so she doesn't understand.

(what?)

"Nothing" Daniyal shook his head with a smile, clean the other corner of mouth with his thumb and lift another morsel for himself. Shifa, who wanted him to hug her, practically couldn't handle this small touch! Her heart was beating fast, hands and legs were shivering and breath was uneven. She bounced off the bed and walked towards the door of the room, but what's the benefit? Where would she go to calm her heart down?

With shivering hands and legs she was standing in between bed and the door. "What's wrong?" He asked but she shook her head and looked here there... "Umm... Deni... I... I..." Daniyal was confused, he had idea that his wife was an idiot but he didn't know that his tiny act of showing affection could do something like this with her.

"What?"

"Umm... I was..." she babbled but nervously open the cupboard. "Hmm... I forget to draw out something ." she stuttered with hesitation and tried to smile but couldn't.

"Shifa..."

"Ji Deni??"

"Kya ho gya? Sab kheriyat to hai na? Wo mera cupboard hai aapka nhi!" Shifa smack her forhead in her thoughts. How could she be so clumsy?

(what's wrong? This is my side of cupboard not your)

"Wo... I... I know ... I already know!" She muttered with hesitation and started turning Daniyal's clothes up and down to show that she was not at a wrong place. "Umm... Deni... I ... I was wondering why these books are here?'' Shifa asked a useless question just to show that she knew what she was doing and Daniyal found that question valid. He looked at the pile of books that was occupying a little bit space of his cupboard.

"Umm.... Mujhe to yaad bhi nhi hai mene ye kitabe yaha kab rakhi thi, lekin kayi saal ho gye aese hi to mene inhe hataya bhi nhi." Daniyal shrugged and took a small amount of noodles but the forget that sometimes removing old stuff is necessary to make space for new. Now Shifa felt a bit better and comfortable than before. Looking at the books she smiled as it was an urdu novel.

(Umm... I don't remember when did I kept these books here but they're here since ages so I didn't feel like removing them.)

"kya kar rahi ho? Ab aa bhi jao. Achha Shifa suno... Aaj bahar to nhi jaa paye, ghar par hi koi movie dekh lete hain..." he ordered while stuffing his mouth with another morsel and Shifa nodded excitedly while drawing out that particular book.

(what are you doing? Come here. And yeah... We haven't gone anywhere but we can watch a movie together. What do you think?)

"Wow Deni not a bad idea, lekin movie meri pasand ki hogi."

(We will watch movie of my choice)

"Jesa mohtarma ka hukm"

(as my wife wishes)

"okay then, but before that tell me that, kya main ye book main le lu?" shutting the cupboard she asked and Daniyal shrugged .

(May I take this book?)

"Le lo puch kyu rhi ho? Wese kya krogi iska?" seeing that it was an Urdu book he asked.

(Sure, why are you even asking? But what will you do with this?)

"Achar banaungi... Aap khayenge?" She asked with a teasing and taunting smile on which Daniyal laughted but she added in a duh tone "Kesi baate krte hain Deni? Book hai to read hi krungi na!"

(I'll make pickle with it. Will you try that?)

(What's this non scense Deni? What will I do with a book other than reading it?)

"Aapke sath rehte rehte main bhi ahmaq ho gya warna main to bohot samajhdaar tha."

(All thanks to your company that turn me into an idiot, otherwise I was very wise .)

"Wah! Isme bhi apni tareef! Deni aap apni kitni tareefe karte hain!" Sitting on the bed she rolled her eyes while opening that book and Daniyal laughed. They forget that it was mid night and the old couple was sleeping in next room.

(Wow! You get a point to praise yourself in this too.)

"Which type of books do you like?" Asked Daniyal while Shifa was busy turning pages randomly. "what do you think what kind of books do I like?" Crossing her arms on her chest Shifa asked, her right brow arched. She wanted to know how much her Deni knows about her.

"Umm... Anyone other than text books," making her fun under his breath Daniyal lifted a good amout of noodles for Shifa. She huffed and lift the book to hit him in a playful manner but her little move create a blunder.

Neither Daniyal remember nor Shifa knew that this particular book was hiding something in between its pages since years but not for any longer!

Something just like a piece of paper fell out from the book which gained attention of both husband and wife. Shifa was fast to pick that up. It was a photo of a beatiful girl.

"Ye kon hai?" mumbled Shifa without leaving her smile, she quickly glanced at Daniyal, whose one hand was lifting the bowl of noodles and other was holding noodles in the chopsticks, and again looked at the photo while opening her mouth and wait for a few seconds to get that yummy bite of noodles but her wait had no end, eventually she decided to stop gazing the photo.

(who's she?)

"De..." and when she looked up her heart skipped a beat.  It seems that this photo froze the time!

Daniyal was still lifting the noodles for Shifa in the same way but his smile was lost and his eyes were fixed on the beauty displayed on that small piece of paper.

Following his gaze she also see the photo carefully. Was it difficult for her to recognize who's that? Daniyal's expressions explained it all.

His broker heart which started to mend just a little back suddenly felt another jolt, resulting the broken glass of memories started pricking his heart.

"Deni" Shifa tried to utter but only her lips moved up and down, no voice come out. Once she glance at the photo then at her husband who forget that he was holding a morsel for her.

Daniyal put the noodles back in the bowl and Shifa blinked in disbelief, he literally forget to see that his wife was in front of him. Placing the bowl on the bed he lightly pulled that pic from Shifa's hand and she was unable to do anything.

"D...Deni... Movi..." before she could even voice her words completely he stepped out from the bed. "Soo jao Shifa, bohot raat ho gyi hai." after snatching her slumber, peace and contentment of heart he ordered her to sleep he left the room.

(Go to sleep, it's already too late)

Shifa looked at her hand which was holding the photo and glanced at the bowl of noodles which she was supposed to have from his hand... All her wishes and happiness turned into tears which didn't even dare to roll down from her eyes.

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