Who knew that a stranger would come into her life randomly and become such an important part of her life? Malaika smiled at that thought as she traced his cheeks, feeling his beard and admired how handsome he was. She just loved his beard.
"Malaika..." Came his deep voice, startling her a little bit. A smile adorned her face as she composed herself and gazed at him, who slowly opened his eyes and stared back at her.
Charcoal black against honey brown. Both of them filled with nothing but love.
"What time is it?" He asked as he pulled her into his arms. Malaika's cheeks turned warm and her lashes down were cast down as she felt his intense gaze upon her face. She loved his cuddles. It makes her feel warm and protected.
"Ten... You don't have office today, right?" She asked whilst gazing at his gorgeous face.
Despite the shyness, there was a concern in her voice. Arsalaan has been working hard for the past few months and his sleep schedule was messed up because of it. He felt touched by her worry, he was slowly getting used to it. Getting used to having her all for himself. It still felt unbelievable though, even after three years.
Waking up next to her every day... feeling her love, her care, her worry, her affection, her cute anger... It overwhelmed him. But he was totally dependent on her for every little thing now and it warms his heart every single time, for he secretly yearned for this once upon a time.
And it felt so good to be able to live his dream life. He never stopped thanking the Almighty for blessing him with someone as precious as her. He will continue to thank Allah until the end of his life. A small smile appeared on his lips as he shook his head at her.
"No, there's no office. I'm all yours today." His reply made her blush crimson red. Despite the numerous times, they made love, Malaika has always been shy, and Arsalaan totally loves her bashful nature. That's one of her traits that makes her look more beautiful.
"You smell nice." He smirked mischievously, knowing very well that she has used his body wash once again. His wife had some craze about his body wash and she loves it more than hers it seems.
"Yeah... You know my body wash was out of stock. So, I bought yours." She smiled shyly, whilst hiding her face in the crook of his neck.
"Sure, sweetheart." He laughed out loud and she bit his neck as a response making him pause momentarily and gave her an amused glance, "you're crazy, Malaika..."
"Yes. I know. Wake up. You haven't eaten anything since yesterday night." She sat up with force and gazed at him with a small frown. He was very careless regarding his health and it makes her so mad.
"What do we have for breakfast?" He asked lazily whilst pulling her back and held her tightly, "we'll order something, the cook is on leave. Wake up first." Her voice was soft and a small smile played on her lips, as she enjoyed being in his arms. It felt like an eternity since he stayed back in bed lazily like this. She might as well enjoy it.
"Hmm. Stay like this. I like it." He whispered whilst placing a small kiss on her head, "I missed you... The past few days was boring without you... It felt like, you were so close yet so far." She complained cutely, making him nod, "I know. I'm sorry for not giving you much time. We are working on a very important deal."
Arsalaan replied guiltily, she rolled on top of him and cupped his cheeks, "it's okay, as long as you come back home safe and healthy. That's all matters to me. Please take care of yourself, Arsalaan. I get so worried about you."
He couldn't help but smile. Whatever did he do to deserve her?
"I will, my angel." Leaning in, he kissed her fondly and she responded with the same enthusiasm. Their kisses have always been full of want and love. This one was no less.
"Get ready in the evening. My friend invited us to her triplets birthday party, remember?" Arsalaan spoke, once they were done making out. She rested her head against his chest, panting softly.
"Who? That college crush of yours?" He bursts out laughing at that, "it was eight years ago, sweetheart. And she's married now."
Malaika narrowed her eyes, "what if she wasn't married?"
"She was never the one for me. It was always you. We were destined to be together and nothing could have stopped it. And it was just a crush." He spoke, looking directly into her honey-brown orbs, which twinkled brightly.
"Natasha and you are like best friends now. Why are we even discussing this suddenly?" He raised his brows, she just grinned in response.
"I was pulling your legs. I know you only love me. Ha." Smiling smugly, she got up from the bed and sets her dress.
"Come here. Let's just sleep today." Arsalaan caught her wrists and she pulled away with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "very funny. Get up. I'll order the food."
Arsalaan just smiled, enjoying every little moment spent with her. For it still felt so unbelievably beautiful. He couldn't stop muttering Alhamdulillah for he was blessed with the sweetest human being as his wife. He loved her so much that it was crazy.
Despite the ups and downs they had, the misunderstanding and fights they faced, at the end of the day they loved each other and all those tiffs only made them and their relationship stronger...
It felt like a dream though, even after three damn years. All of this felt like a dream.
***
"Mamu!" Duaa's cheerful voice welcomed him as he stepped out of his room, lazily. He was exhausted with all the work he did the past few days and just wanted to laze around sometimes. When he finally decided to get out of bed, he was surprised to see his sister and her daughter.
"Duaa. When did you come?" She smiled excitedly, as he lifted her in his arms and kissed her cheeks lovingly, "sometimes ago. Ammi told me not to disturb you." She wanted to come and meet him the first thing as soon as her father dropped them here, but Inaya told her not to disturb him and she was always the obedient child.
"Where is your Ammi?" Smiling at her fondly, he walked into the living room and found his sister talking with his wife, looking exhausted and tired.
Malaika excused herself as soon as he came and went to get them something from the kitchen.
"How are you, Inu?" Dropping Duaa on the sofa, he took a seat beside his sister, she nodded with a small smile and placed her head against his shoulders, " I was missing you so much, bhai. I asked Zayn to drop me here. I can stay for a few days right?" She asked and he glared at her, "of course, you can. This is our father's house and you have equal rights as me. You're welcome whenever you want to come."
"That's what I told too. I don't know why is she so formal." Malaika came with two glasses of apple juice and handed them to her sister in law and Duaa, who smiled at her.
Things between Inaya and Zayn have become okay now. Zayn cares for her and she can live with that. Love is not always needed anyway.
"Thank you, Bhabhi. Sit here." Inaya was five months pregnant with her first child and they all are excited for the baby to arrive. Arsalaan was the most excited one among them all. He was in happy tears when they announced the news to him two months ago. He still couldn't believe his baby sister is going to have a baby of her own.
"Rahila is getting married it seems." Inaya spoke as they chatted about their lives, both Malaika and Arsalaan passed each other a glance, "good for her." Malaika added nonchalantly.
Arsalaan decided to stay away from those families and he was in peace ever since. He didn't give a damn if Rahila was getting married or not. But somewhere he was relieved, knowing how obsessed that girl was with him, it felt good to see her move on with life.
"How is Fahad Bhai? And Bhabhi? Faisal?" Malaika enquiries excitedly.
"Alhamdulillah, everyone is fine. You can come along with me this Saturday. And stay for the weekend. Shahana aunty will love that. She misses you a lot." Inaya suggested as she gulped the juice and gave half the glass to Duaa, who gladly took it.
"Should I go?" She asked her husband, "just for the morning anyway. I'll be back in the evening." Arsalaan smiled at her words.
"You can stay there however long you want."
"I don't get sleep without you. I'll be back by evening." She blurted out in a daze and blushed furiously as she realized her sister in law was also in the same room.
Arsalaan smiled at his wife, falling in love with her all over again. Whatever did he do to deserve her?
While Inaya on the other hand passed teasing glances to them, she was happy for them though.
"You guys are too cute" Inaya gushed with a teasing smile and Malaika left from there abruptly with her cheeks so red. She felt Arsalaan's intense gaze upon her from the living room and gulped a glass of water whilst not breaking eye contact.
Only this guy knows how to make her feel all these crazy things. Her heart was racing faster than a marathon... She loved him a lot, despite how their relationship has begun. She smiled to herself and joined the Baig siblings again, who were talking about duaa's school.
***
The rest of the day went on smoothly. Duaa loved playing with her Mamu and Malaika couldn't help but smile at the sight in front of her.
Arsalaan would make an awesome father. The random thought occurred to her suddenly and she craved to have a baby of her own and blushed furiously at that thought as she watched her husband chase his niece in their garden.
They have never discussed this topic before. The need never came. The past three years were spent understanding and getting to know each other. They concentrated more on themselves and their careers. She wanted to ask Arsalaan before deciding anything. She could already see him getting excited. He loves kids. Even her brother's son was very attached to him.
Her kids will be loved and pampered a lot. She can already see that.
Malaika walked towards them with a shy smile but trips on her foot as she was lost in her thoughts of their baby and fell backwards with a force. A loud yelp escaped her mouth.
"Malaika!" Arsalaan paused whatever he was doing and sprinted towards her hurriedly and checked upon her, who sat up with a sheepish smile.
Clumsiness was like her best friend and Arsalaan hates it so much. She looked away, as he glared at her whilst examining for any wounds. There wasn't any. But he was furious. She could just tell.
Ya, Allah. She groaned inwardly, knowing very well what's coming up next.
"Mami... Are you okay?" Duaa was a replica of her mother and Malaika loves her like her own daughter. She was just too precious and adorable, "yes, dear. I'm fine." A gasp left her mouth as she was lifted in his arms and without speaking anything else, he took her to their bedroom.
"Duaa, go to your Ammi. She must be alone." He instructed that child softly and closed his bedroom door not before making sure that Duaa went to Inaya's bedroom.
"Arsalaan... I'm sorry." She mumbled guiltily, but he glared at her and dropped her carefully on the bed.
"I don't know how did I trip. I was careful. Please look at me." It was definitely not the first time that she fell like this. She has a knack for clumsiness and he feared, what if she fell somewhere and lost her memories again.
He cannot afford to lose her. Not even in the wildest dreams.
"I am not talking with you. Don't get up from this bed. I have some important calls to make." Arsalaan didn't look her in the eyes as she pouted at him and left her alone in the room.
"I'm not talking with you." She mimicked his words with a huff and tried getting up, but winced slightly. Her backside pained a lot.
"Why the hell are you so clumsy, Malaika?" She shook her head and got up from the bed, with a determined look.
"What the eff is your job? If you can't do a single thing properly then why do you even come to work?"
Malaika scrunched her nose, as she examined her angry husband. He looked totally pissed. But his intimidating aura made him look more handsome though. She took deep breaths before walking into his study slowly, "you got this, Mali!" She told herself and gazed at him nervously.
Arsalaan looked up at her for a brief moment, before averting his gaze and continued talking on the phone. He pretended as if she wasn't in the room at all, which bothered her more than it should have.
"Send me the edited presentation by this weekend, otherwise say goodbye to this job." Arsalaan was a ruthless businessman. He always has this no-nonsense look whenever he'd indulge in working. And today was just another day.
"What are you doing?" He became stiff as she comfortably sat on his lap and encircled her arms around his neck taking him by surprise.
"I'm working on the presentation, sir?" The guy on the phone replied to him nervously. Arsalaan closed his eyes for a moment as his wife began to pepper kisses near his mouth, "I'll talk to you later." He hung up the phone and gazed down at her, whose eyes held little mischief and so much of love.
Their hearts began to beat frantically at the closeness. Even after three years, they still feel all these giddy feelings. It was so cute.
"What's wrong with you, Malaika?" He grunted, trying to control himself and act sternly. But damn, he could never stay mad at her for more than a few minutes. That's how crazily in love he was with her. And she is totally using it in her favour, but not today.
"I'm sorry." She pouted but he turned away, lest he gives in and kissed her back. He wanted her to realize her mistake. Even if that meant torturing his own self, he is ready to do it.
"Why did you wake up from the bed? When will you ever listen to me?" He asked, she just shrugged, "I'm not a baby, Arsalaan. Stop treating me like one. Yes, I'm clumsy. It's just a part of me. Deal with it." She huffed and hugged him tightly, making him speechless for a second.
He sighed, "please be careful for my sake, Malaika. The last time you fell and tripped, it costed your memories. I don't want any repeat of that." She hummed in response, overwhelmed with love and all the stupid feelings.
Her husband was making her heart go crazy even after three years. She didn't know how can someone love her to this extent.
"I'm sorry, I will be careful. I don't know why am I so clumsy."
"But why did you get up from the bed? I told you not to, right?" She smiled sheepishly and looked anywhere but him.
"Will you ever listen to me?"
"You were mad at me and I couldn't bear it." She pouted and kissed his cheek and then his forehead, "I'm sorry, Arsalaan. I will be careful. I'll try to."
"Please, Malaika... You're too precious for me. I cannot lose you." His voice was very vulnerable and Malaika bit her lips for making him go through this.
"What do you think of babies?" She asked randomly, to divert his mind. And she was very successful at it.
"They're good. I like them." His eyes lit up brightly.
"Don't you think we should have a baby of our own?" A shy smile adorned her face as she spoke those words and he have her an amused smile in return.
"You think?" She hid her face in the crook of his neck and hummed softly, "I think I'm prepared to have a baby. What do you say?"
"It's your body Malaika, if you're really okay with this idea. Then sure. We can try for the baby but at the end, it's all in the hands of Allah." He kissed her head fondly.
"Yes. Insha Allah, when our baby arrives I'm going to shower him or her with so much love. I'm so excited." He became slightly stiff at those words.
"This is where I'd like to interfere, Malaika. You can give our baby all the love in the world. But don't pamper them too much that they end up becoming bratty or too demanding. I don't want to make the same mistakes again." Arsalaan's voice was full of seriousness and she smiled at him.
"We'll teach him or her good values and beliefs. We'll raise him to be a better person than who I was in that past."
He has changed a lot. And she was very proud of him, "you'll make an amazing father, Arsalaan."
"Insha Allah." He smiled, already feeling excited about the baby.
The melodies sound of adhan played in the background making them both pause what they were doing. Malaika wrapped her dupatta on her head and they listened to it silently before getting up. It was time for Asar. They planned to visit Natasha after praying maghrib. There was still a lot of time left for that.
"You can pray, right?" He asked with concern but she shrugged, "of course, I can. I keep falling all the time. Not an issue. I'm not injured anywhere."
"You will be the death of me, Malaika." Arsalaan shook his head in disbelief, as he intertwined their hands and took her along with him to their bedroom.
"I love you too, Arsalaan." She laughed before walking into the bathroom and they both did wudu one by one.
They prayed Asar together after a long time and it felt so good. Arsalaan felt at peace as he finished praying and raised his hand for making dua. He began with thanking Almighty for His countless blessings and begged for His forgiveness.
He never stopped asking forgiveness, for he was still very ashamed of his actions in the past. He also made dua for his child with an excited smile on his face. And finished it by praying for Malaika and her safety. She was his entire world and the reason for his breathing.
No one would believe that he was the same heartless Arsalaan. He didn't know what prayer was until a decade ago. He didn't know what it means to make dua and to read Qur'an. But now he's polar opposite. Malaika's influence did that to him. She was too good to be true and he knew he didn't deserve her. He never did. But he was selfish to let her go. He can never imagine a single day without her, let alone the rest of his life.
She was truly an angel in disguise for him, just like her name suggests... And he was blessed to have her and vowed to always cherish her. Forever and ever.
When it comes to her, he will always be selfish. For there is no Arsalaan without Malaika.