20. 𝑱𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖

The kitchen, a mix of old and new, triggered memories as I noticed changes—a fruit bowl replaced by cookbooks, a new table, and a revamped fridge. Mom worked on cleaning chicken at the sink, and I focused on chopping onions.

Physically present, my mind drifted to Hassan, back to work for two weeks now. His absence during my online school hours intensified feelings of attachment. His routine departure at eight and return by late afternoon left me feeling like those wives portrayed in stories, waiting by the window.

Then there's the unexpected sight of Hassan in a suit. Accustomed to his casual style, seeing him in formal wear was surprising. Two weeks ago, he walked into the kitchen seeking help with cuff links.

He was dressed in a navy suit, his broad shoulders and warm complexion stood out and I couldn't help staring at him.

Caught in my admiration, I noticed a glint of appreciation in Hassan's eyes as he adjusted his tie.

"Baby, you're staring," He said accompanied by a smirk, bringing me back to reality.

Blushing, I tried to salvage my dignity.

"I-I was not!"

I walked over to help with his cuff links, Hassan turned the moment into a subtle tease, being one to never miss an opportunity to make fun of me. This man I swear.

As I finished cutting onions and washed my hands, my phone pinged on the countertop beside me. Glancing at it, I saw Hassan's message.

Baby: need help? Just say it, and I'll be there, In shaa Allah .

Me: so thoughtful of you but no x, I replied back with a snicker. He just wants to leave work early and wants to use me as the excuse.

Baby: ok habibti, I knew you would need help with something, so I already left the office twenty minutes ago. You'll see me any moment now. I love you!

I laughed in disbelief, hearted the message, and told him I loved him back. I guess we're both a little obsessed with each other.

I heard a throat clearing, and when I looked up from my phone, there was Abubakr, towering over me as usual. Apparently, he plays for the school team, though I have no idea why because he's not exactly Mr. Athletic.

"Oh, you're back. What did you even do there? You don't look like someone who just played basketball," I teased, noticing he wasn't sweaty at all. He looked the same as when he left.

"Ever heard of gym showers?" he shot back, giving me a deadpan look. He went to the fridge, grabbed an orange juice bottle, ready to drink straight from it. Quick as a flash, I slapped his cheek, making the juice spill on his white sweatshirt. Well, it used to be white.

My eyes widened, and without wasting a second, I bolted out of the kitchen, my mom yelling my name in the background. Heavy footsteps followed me as I squealed, making a beeline for the front door. Lucky for me, Hassan walked in just in time.

I wrapped my arms around Hassan's waist from behind, hiding from Abubakr. Hassan tried to get me to let go, leading me to the front, when Abubakr rushed in.

He stopped, greeted Hassan like it was nothing, then turned to leave, mouthing to me, 'you're dead.'

I waited till he left before I let go of Hassan and stood in front of him. We shared a hug, and then Hassan lifted my niqab, flipping it onto the top of my head for a soft kiss.

"You totally spilled that orange juice on him, didn't you?" he chuckled, clearly amused.

"You totally just wanted to leave work early to see me, didn't you?" I fired back with a cheeky grin, giving him a peck on his cheek. He laughed as we walked away from the doorway.

"Touché."

~

Hassan and I step into the ice cream shop, greeted by the fusion of delightful aromas. The playful jingle of the door announced our arrival as we're met with a kaleidoscope of colorful ice cream options. The display showed an array of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic blends.

It was currently nine in the evening and we had just left my parents after having dinner with them and my in-law and I had suggested we go for ice-cream because i'm addicted to them. One can never have too much ice-cream in my opinion.

"What're you gonna get?" He asked as he peered at the display of icecream flavors. He had ditched the suit jacket and he looked even better. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought so because I noticed the employee that was manning the counter staring at him. Even as she served others, her gaze would fleet to him. She wasn't even trying to hide it wallahi. Have some haya, sister!

Impulsively, I wrapped my arm around his, keeping my gaze fixed on the mesmerizing display of ice cream. My attention wavered as I felt his eyes on me.

"What?" I asked, knowing exactly why he was staring at me.

He met my gaze with an amused expression then called out to the counter attendant, a striking caucasian girl with captivating blue eyes. Her blonde hair was put up in a high ponytail, accentuating her high cheekbones. Pretty.

Approaching us with a warm smile, she greeted, "Hello, sir, ma'am, welcome to EverSweets. My name is Suzy. What would you like today?" Her focus remained fixed on him, completely ignoring my presence. Sensing the subtle disregard, I instinctively tightened my grip on Hassan's arm, prompting a chuckle from him as he gently rubbed my arm, an amused understanding passing between us.

"I would like a scoop of mint chocolate and my wife would like two scoops of cookie dough ice-cream " He said, not even looking at her, his attention on the ice-creams. Her smile waned as she heard the term he called me and his lack of attention on her. As he should.

"Thank you" I answered cheerfully now that she was looking elsewhere.

She scooped our ice-creams respectively and wanted to hand them to hassan but he politely asked her to place it on the counter.

We took our cups of ice-cream and found a window seat. I had sat opposite hassan but he got up and slid next to me on the side of the booth facing the front of the shop. I lifted the bottom of my niqab up slightly and was eating my ice-cream when Hassan suddenly pecked me above my ear.

"Jealousy looks good on you" Hassan remarked as he playfully nudged me.

"I have no idea what you mean" I tried to deny , widening my eyes to make myself seem oblivious to what he was saying.

"You wanted to break my arm" He chortled lightly at my denial.

"She was staring awfully hard" I muttered disgruntled as I ate another scoop."You should consider wearing a niqab"

I was well aware that Hassan was an attractive man, but the level of attention we got every time we stepped out surprised me. While I had grown accustomed to stares due to my niqab, the added allure of Hassan brought in more attention than I could have anticipated. Even seated here, I couldn't help but notice a group of girls across from us, occasionally stealing glances and sharing giggles.

In response to my suggestion about wearing a niqab, he chuckled. With the last bite of his ice cream, he turned slightly to his right, casually leaning against the seat to face me. In a tender gesture, he took my unoccupied hand in his, giving it a gentle caress.

"I couldn't really care less about all that attention because the only person's attention that I want is yours. You take my breath away every-time I see you. They're lucky they can't see you because they would know they stood no chance against you. What do I care about them when I have the most perfect woman by my side?" He said all while looking at me, his eyes a deep soft color as he stared at me intensely.

I was breathless as I stared back at him, my ice-cream forgotten. How have my cheeks not melted off yet from the way I'm constantly blushing around him? I must have broken a record or something.

My eyes filled up with tears as I embraced him tightly. He hugged me back and gently rocked us from side to side.

"You make me so happy Hassan" I whispered emotionally as I pulled away.

"You made me know happiness Halimah" He responded with a shake in his voice.

"I love you. I love you so much it hurts sometimes" He continued with an ache in his voice.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by Hassan's feelings for me. In a good way. To know that he has cared for me since childhood and never forgot me while I was thinking that no one apart from my family cared about me. Not knowing this beautiful human was behind the scenes pining for me. Hassan thinks he's lucky while I'm the lucky one to have his heart. And I will keep it safe always.

"Habibti, You are everything I ever wanted and more. You fill my days with happiness and love. You love me hassan. I'm so grateful for you and I mention your name in my duas every salah because Allah really gave me my life partner. Allah really gave me my heart in human form." I said in an equally shaky tone.

He just looked at me, his eyes soft and full with love as he drew nearer and give a kiss on the forehead.

"Let's go home and cuddle, hmm" He said softly with a grin.

I nodded, a giggle escaping me, and I looked down at my now-melted ice cream, pouting in disappointment.

Hassan rose, gently pulling me up, and we strolled toward the front of the shop. Unexpectedly, he guided us back to the ice cream display, signaling for Suzy to join us as she emerged from what seemed like a door to the storage room or kitchen. I gazed up at him, puzzled about why he brought us back.

"Can I have another scoop of cookie dough ice cream, please? My wife won't stop pouting over here," he said, eliciting a disbelieving laugh from me as I lightly pinched him.

Despite my amusement, I eagerly awaited Suzy to serve me another helping. Suzy finally glanced my way, then looked back at Hassan with confusion, as if questioning how he could see me pouting. A sentiment I shared exactly.

He paid and we walked out of the ice-cream shop, my bag in his hand while I ate my ice-cream.

"How'd you catch me pouting?" I inquired, looking up at him with curiosity.

"You're my wife, aren't you?" he replied with a playful smirk, opening the car door for me. I entered the car with a broad smile, I'll tell you that.

It's comforting to know we've grown so attuned to each other that he can discern what's happening under my niqab without even seeing me. He truly is my better half.

In this scenario, if it were a book, I might find myself tired of reading about this lovesick girl. But it's not fiction; it's my genuine, real-life fairytale. One I thought I would never have. This unfolding love story is mine, and I find myself eager to spend the rest of my days with my prince charming.

~

Hey guys💕

Another update, already started writing the next chapter so that should be up soon, inshaaAllah!

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