29. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉

It's finally here. Graduation day. I am now a bachelor's degree holder in criminal psychology. Four years of tears, stress and breakdown all for this paper. Alhamdulilah. There have been times where I thought I wouldn't be able to make it but Allah put sabr in my heart and I pushed through.

We were just driving back from the graduation ceremony at my university and the excitement and joy emanating from all the graduates and their parents was so strong.

Another strong emotion from everyone that saw me was surprise because of my very obvious husband who wouldn't let go of my hand and my growing, slightly visible bump at five months. Everyone wished me well and it was just a very wholesome experience.

As we pulled up to our driveway I noticed the added number of cars parked alongside our house and turned to hassan in shock and confusion. We didn't make any plans for today as far as I knew. Hassan was already looking at me sporting a grin as he gauged my reaction.

"Hassan what's this?" I whispered, for whatever reason I don't know.

"It's your graduation party silly" He responded with a playful eyeroll as he turned the ignition off, excitement in his eyes.

Hassan has been all smiles and laughter today and it makes me feel so happy and thankful that I have a supportive husband that instead of trying to make me give up on my dreams, is as excited as I am in achieving them.

"Ready to make your entrance?" Hassan asked as he swung open his door.

"Yes!" I couldn't contain my enthusiasm, eagerly reaching for my own door, anticipation bubbling in me for what and who awaited us inside.

But just as I began to push my door fully open, Hassan's hand darted out, swiftly clasping onto mine, and with a playful glare, he shut the door back, eliciting a giggle from me. Ah, Hassan and his playful antics.

As the eldest child used to being independent, I found his gestures both surprising and endearing. Hassan has always been one for acts of service, his desire to care for me evident even before my pregnancy. Now, it's as though he believes I'm incapable of doing anything on my own. Yet, there's a certain sweetness in his overprotectiveness that I can't help but appreciate.

With a playful eyeroll, Hassan exited the car and made his way around to my side, where he pulled open the door and extended his arm for me to grasp. I eagerly seized his much larger hand, allowing him to effortlessly guide me to my feet.

"Why thank you, Kind sir," I quipped in a dreadful attempt at a British accent, unable to resist the urge to mimic Hassan.

"You're welcome, baby," he responded, his tone tinged with amusement. "Don't think I forgot how you were about to open the door again, Halimah." His deadpan delivery only served to deepen my blush, as his hand encircled my waist while the other tenderly caressed my stomach.

"I forgot" I confessed with a sheepish grin, averting my gaze under the weight of his intense stare. Hassan's unwavering gaze never failed to captivate me, though I suspected he enjoyed teasing me with it.

A chuckle escaped his lips as he gently took hold of my hand, closing the car door with a decisive click before leading me up the driveway towards the front door.

As Hassan swung open the door, a wave of lively chatter from the living room washed over us, signaling the crowd there.

Stepping into the room, I was met with a chorus of cheers and applause as friends and family alike greeted my arrival. Though the crowd was not large, it comprised all the individuals whose presence I cherished most – our beloved family and a select few close friends whose support meant the world to me.

Making my way through the room, I was enveloped in of hugs and well-wishes. My parents, beaming with pride and happiness, embraced me, their congratulations infused with an unmistakable sense of joy. Ayesha, ever the dramatic one, nearly suffocated me with her enthusiastic embrace, while Abubacar's hug was enough to give me a sense of pride.

Turning to my mother-in-law, I exchanged warm embraces and heartfelt greetings with Uncle Adam, his beaming smile a testament to the pride he felt in my accomplishments. Zahra, her affectionate kisses leaving traces of warmth on my cheeks, enveloped me in a hug, her presence another comforting reminder.

Spotting Sam and his wife engaged in conversation with Hassan, I made my way over to join them, my heart swelling with gratitude for the dear friends who had become a part of our lives.

Mariam, with her radiant smile and genuine warmth, greeted me with a tight hug. She was a beautiful girl originally from Gambia. Her beauty, both inside and out, was undeniable, and it was easy to see why Sam had fallen head over heels for her.

"Assalamu alaikum Sweetheart " She greeted me with a hug and a smile.

"Wa alaikum salam, my love. Thank you so much for coming," I responded, returning her embrace with equal affection.

"Of course! Allahuma Barikk on bagging a degree. You're gonna go places, Insha Allah," she exclaimed excitedly, her arm wrapped around mine as we made our way towards the others.

"Thank you so much, Maria," I replied, giving her arm a grateful squeeze.

"Sam, thank you so much for coming," I said turning to sam.

"Halimah, congratulations. This one over here keeps gloating like he's the one graduating," Sam teased, gesturing towards Hassan with a playful grin.

Chuckling, Hassan wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close with a proud smile. "I have a right to gloat, my baby is amazing," he declared, his pride evident in every word.

As our eyes met, a silent exchange passed between us, communicating more than words ever could. Lost in the depths of his gaze, I couldn't help but feel a surge of love for the man standing beside me.

"You guys make me sick," Sam interjected with a groan, breaking the tender moment with a playful jab.

Laughing, Maria nudged him playfully, the joyous atmosphere of the gathering infectious as we continued to mingle and converse with our guests.

After spending time catching up with friends, We made our way to the dining room, where a delicious spread awaited us, courtesy of a catering company Hassan had arranged. The table was adorned with an array of mouthwatering dishes, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of hunger beneath my niqab as I surveyed the tempting selection.

The conversation flowed effortlessly as we enjoyed the delicious meal, the lively banter and laughter filling the room with warmth and joy. In this moment, surrounded by the love and laughter of those dearest to me, I can't help but wish that time would stand still, So I could cherish this precious moment for just a little while longer.

Engrossed in conversation with Ayesha and Abubakr, I was momentarily startled when Hassan's voice cut through the chatter, calling my name with an air of urgency.

Excusing myself, I made my way over to where Hassan stood. As he gently took my hand and led me towards the front door, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of confusion in the pit of my stomach.

"You know I'm incredibly proud of you, baby, right?" His voice was soft, filled with an unmistakable tenderness as he gazed down at me, his fingers intertwining with mine in a reassuring gesture.

"Yes, baby, of course I do," I replied, my heart swelling.

Thinking back on the journey that had led me to this moment, I couldn't help but appreciate the role Hassan had played in my life. His constant motivation and unwavering belief in me had been the driving force of motivation since we got married.

"So, I just wanted to give you a graduation gift to commemorate this moment," he continued, his words tinged with a sense of excitement.

Turning to follow his gaze, I noticed a sudden commotion behind me as everyone began to move out of the living room, their expressions filled with anticipation. What was happening?

"Hassan, what's going on?" I repeated my thoughts aloud, my confusion mounting with each passing moment.

With a mischievous grin, Hassan swung open the front door, pulling me along with him as we stepped out onto the porch and into the driveway beyond. It was then that I caught sight of it – an unexpected addition to the lineup of cars parked outside, adorned with a large light blue bow that was impossible to miss.

A stunning black car sat proudly in the driveway, its sleek exterior gleaming in the sunlight. It was pure luxury and sophistication, as if it had just rolled off the assembly line moments ago.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I could hardly believe my eyes as Hassan's words washed over me,

"You're such an amazing wife, and soon-to-be mother, and I just want to show you my appreciation for your hard work. Congratulations on your achievement, baby. I love you so much," he spoke, his words wrapping around me like a warm hug. His voice, filled with genuine affection and admiration, echoed in my ears.

I burst into tears as I enveloped him in a tight embrace, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude. In the background, the sound of laughter mixed with my sobs but in that moment, nothing else mattered. I was simply overwhelmed with joy and appreciation.

As Hassan returned my embrace, his arms encircling me with a comforting warmth, he pressed a tender kiss to my veiled head, his gesture a silent reassurance of his love. With a gentle tug, he guided me towards the car – no, my car.

Hassan handed me the key, my fingers eagerly closing around the sleek metal. With trembling hands, I pressed the unlock button, and as if responding to my eager touch, the car smoothly unlocked.

With a gentle smile, Hassan opened the door for me. As I settled into the driver's seat, my hands instinctively reached out to explore the brand-new interior, my fingers tracing the smooth contours with a sense of awe and wonder.

My heart skipped a beat as I noticed the thoughtful detail of my name sewn into the car seat, a personalized touch that filled me with warmth and appreciation.

"Hassan," I squealed, reaching out to pull him into a tight embrace.

"Thank you so much" I whispered gratefully.

In response, Hassan returned my embrace, his arms enveloping me in a comforting embrace.

"Thank you," he whispered back, his voice tinged with tenderness and affection.

"Can we come see the car now?"

Abubakr's voice rang out from the front door. With a laugh, I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of overwhelming happiness wash over me.

"Yes," I called back, my voice filled with happiness. "Come see the car!"

As I watched the gathered crowd make their way towards us, laughter and chatter filling the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pure bliss wash over me. This was a moment to cherish, a memory that would forever be etched in my heart.

As everyone gathered around the car, eager to admire its sleek design and luxurious features, I found myself stepping back, content to watch the scene unfold before me. My heart swelled with pride as my parents enveloped me in congratulatory hugs, their pride evident in every embrace.

I couldn't help but smile as I observed Sam shaking hands with Hassan, undoubtedly exchanging some playful banter that elicited yet another laugh from my husband. It warmed my heart to see the friendship between them.

After Ayesha and Maria had finished inspecting every inch of the car, they joined me, their faces alive with excitement as we discussed all the adventures that lay ahead. With me being the only licensed driver in our little gang, the possibilities seemed endless, and we couldn't wait to hit the road together.

I couldn't contain the overwhelming sense of gratitude that flooded my heart, especially as I watched Hassan's face light up with genuine happiness. In that moment, it felt as though he was the one who had been gifted the car, his joy radiating from him like Noor.

As if sensing my gaze, Hassan glanced in my direction, his eyes sparkling as he flashed me a grin and mouthed those three precious words: "I love you." My heart soared at his gesture, and I returned the sentiment with a smile of my own, feeling truly blessed to have him by my side.

I shifted my focus back to the conversation with the girls, only to be met with mischievous grins that instantly made my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"You guys are so in love, it makes me want to get married!" Ayesha exclaimed dramatically, her hands flailing in the air for added effect.

Before I could respond, my mother appeared, her excitement palpable as she joined our conversation and grabbed hold of Ayesha's hand. Ayesha's expression twisted into one of horror as she turned to me for assistance, but I couldn't help but burst into laughter alongside Maria.

"Aunty, it was a joke! I was joking!" Ayesha hurriedly clarified, her embarrassment evident as her face flushed a deep shade of red. However, her attempts to diffuse the situation seemed to fall on deaf ears as my mother enthusiastically whisked her away to join Hassan's mom in conversation.

Amusement danced in my eyes as I watched the scene unfold, Ayesha's discomfort only adding to the hilarity of the moment. "Mom, leave the poor girl alone, her face is about to melt off!" I called out teasingly, unable to contain my laughter at the sight of Ayesha desperately trying to conceal her embarrassment with her hands.

"Halimah, focus on your new car and leave us be," my mother responded, her tone playful yet firm.

With a chuckle, I obeyed her command, turning my attention back to the sleek vehicle parked before me. As I approached, I found Hassan and the other men gathered around the car, deep into whatever conversation they were having.

Circling the car, I took in its flawless design from every angle, marveling at its sleek lines and polished finish. It was as if this car had been tailor-made just for me.

Lost in my inspection, I didn't notice Hassan's approach until his arms enveloped me from behind, his lips pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. Giggling with delight, I leaned into his embrace as he gently swayed us from side to side, the warmth of his touch filling me with a sense of contentment.

As I glanced around, I realized that the others had retreated back into the house, leaving us alone on the driveway.

"Nur Ayn," he said softly into my ear.

I responded with a curious "na'am," turning to face him as his words registered in my mind.

"Get ready after Isha, I'm taking you out," he declared with a grin.

Surprised once again, I gazed up at him, my heart swelling with affection as he met my gaze with a playful smirk.

"There's more?" I asked in awe, unable to contain my excitement.

His response was met with a gentle chuckle. "There's never gonna be enough for you. Nothing will ever be enough."

Overwhelmed by the flood of emotions coursing through me, I felt tears welling up in my eyes once again. Unable to hold them back, I buried my face in his chest, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

Hassan's laughter mingled with my sobs as he returned my embrace, his reassuring touch sending waves of comfort through me. Despite his amusement, he rubbed my back soothingly, offering silent support as I let the tears flow freely.

"I love you so much," I whispered, my voice muffled by his chest, tears staining my niqab and wetting my eyes.

"I love you so much more, my wife," he replied softly, his forehead resting against mine as he pressed a tender kiss to the bridge of my nose. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as we stood locked in each other's embrace, finding solace in the warmth of our love.

And as I stood there, enveloped in his arms, I knew that there was nowhere else in the world I'd rather be. This was home—in the embrace of my beloved, where I felt safe, cherished, and truly loved.

Ya Rabb I am grateful.

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Assalamu alaikum ygs💞

I know i know, my updates are all over the place but uni has been drowning me in assignments and test. I'm just so stressed out rn😭. But here's an update.Byee.

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