Married To You?

I'm Cupid's Helper

Waking up in my own bedroom was an amazing feeling with my life's new addition sleeping beside me, it filled my heart with peace and happiness.

I sat up looking around as I glanced at the clock noticing it was nearing 10 o'clock so I decided to get up and help with breakfast as it wasn't as if I couldn't go back to sleep. Yes. If I wasn't married I'd probably sleep until 12. I was a lazy git, I know.

Tugging some leggings on I pulled a maxi dress out from my wardrobe and tugged it on, a black one to be precise I headed downstairs after grabbing a black scarf and wrapping it around my neck. Getting downstairs I walked into the bathroom and washed my face and did the necessities.

Walking into the kitchen I saw Umar crawling around on the counters as Zohrah just glared at him making me laugh. Picking him up I placed him into his high-chair handing him a toy to busy himself with. Once he was settled I went back to making breakfast suddenly stopped by Zohrah who had grabbed my hand. Turning around I looked at her questioningly watching her as she smiled at me, "I really did miss you little sister"

"I missed you too"

"Good." She laughed

Mock-glaring at her I replied "Ha-ha."

"I'm joking. Khadijah, is he nice? Is he good to you?"

"Yes, he's actually perfect. Why?"

"Cause honestly, Naveed was worried and so was I"

"Oh"

"You will tell me if anything happens, right?"

"I promise "

Grinning I hugged her, releasing her I went back to making breakfast making her laugh.

Whilst I was making breakfast various members of the Hussein clan walked in grinning when they saw me manning the stove as they told me what they wanted earning a grin from me and a glare from my mum who was standing beside me trying to get her hands on the stove so she could take over, apparently it looked bad if I was cooking.

Qasim walked in looking a bit shy, "Morning."

"Morning dearest" I teased grinning as I looked up from the omelette I was making for my dad.

He smiled back, "Where is the bathroom?"

"Just down there" I pointed to the door where the bathroom was situated.

He smiled in thanks as he headed towards it.

Once I had made everyone's breakfast but mine and Qasim's, I began my quest on finding some porridge for my health-freak husband. It was hard seeing as hardly anyone had porridge in this house apart from that one time me and Naveed had a bet we wouldn't last without biscuits and tea for breakfast for a month. I won that bet by the way.

He smiled as he took his plate from me and waited for me to lead him to the dining room where I sat beside him and Haleena.

We ate in silence occasionally talking when my mother or father asked us a question regarding our plans for the day or something similar.

From the questions I learned Qasim was planning on going home today leaving me here for two days because he had to go work making me scowl at him, he tried to smile but my glare stopped him from trying that.

He frowned but dropped it when my parents were asking him how his parents were and things like that.

Once I was finished with my breakfast and had washed all the dishes up I headed upstairs, Qasim following me as I walked into my bedroom and sat down on the bed frowning.

"Khadijah, I have to go baby"

"You said you'll stay"

"I'll see you in two days"

"Good for you"

"And you" he teased making me half-smile at his antics.

"I'm sorry baby but I still have to go okay?"

"Fine"

"Baby please"

"Okay okay"

I smiled at him placing a hand in his hair pulling at the strands as I leaned forward kissing his forehead. .

——————————————————————————————————————-

Qasim was long gone and I was lying down on the sofa watching Haleena and Zohrah argue about where dinner is to be with Umar on my lap watching intently.

I groaned as I realized they weren't going to be finished anytime soon.

Whipping Umar around I tickled him making his little body roar with laughter. After a while of play fighting with Umar they had finally made their minds up and had decided we were to be eating at Steak Out. It would be me, Haleena and Zohrah because it had been far too long since our last outing, we were to drop Umar at Zohrah's parents house as they asked for him and they also wanted to meet me too.

Once we were in the car I was pleased to see our habits hadn't changed, Haleena still trying to change the song and Zohrah glaring at my speed and Umar just generally being loud in the back.

Driving to Zohrah's parents house didn't take long seeing as my speed wasn't exactly normal. Opening my car door I grinned at Zohrah who was handling Umar and taking his belongings out of the car as I made my way to their front door knocking on the door once and stepping back re-arranging my hijab.

Greeted with a smile and a loving hug by Zohrah's mum, Aunty Sara I stepped in their loving abode. Followed in by my companions I made my way into their living room where Uncle Khalid was sitting down watching his beloved cricket with his usual cup of tea beside him making me smile. He stood to greet me and give me a hug which I returned sitting down once he was done. Pausing his cricket he looked at me expectantly, I blinked at him unsure of what he wanted to know. He laughed at my innocent gesture, "How are you?"

"I'm good, Alhamdulillah"

"How's married life treating you?"

Laughing at his blunt question, "It's treating me normally"

"Is your husband treating you right?"

"He's treating me fine"

"Are you sure? Cause I totally could beat him up" Zohrah's little brother interrupted with a grin making me laugh because honestly this scrawny fifteen year old could not take on my husband even though it's adorable he thinks he can.

"100% percent Zeshan"

"Hmm, if you're sure" He trailed off making me laugh harder making Zohrah and Haleena laugh along with me as they sat beside me across Uncle Khalid and Aunty Sara.

After a while of small-talk and simply messing around with Zeshan we decided to make a move and get to our lunch as we were really hungry and we had declined Aunty Sara's offers of food.

Lunch was cute with my sisters but kept messing around flirting with the waiter, Haleena even recorded me flirting with one and had sent it to Qasim who replied with a "I'll see her soon" making me smirk at his indirect threat.

"So Khadijah, tell me... When am I expecting to be an aunt?"

I glared at her and her bluntness making her smirk at me as she sipped on her coke.

"Not any time soon." I replied stuffing some food in my mouth so she wouldn't feel the need to question me more but I don't think she understands simple actions like said action as she began shooting questions at me.

"Why?"

"When are you planning on having children?"

"Doesn't he want any?"

“Why doesn't he want kids?”

I groaned out loud gaining attention from a few waiters and a few customers making me sheepishly smile at them as I glared at Zohrah.

"Will you calm down? I want children, chill. I just don't know when. It depends on Allah so can you calm down please?" I begged her.

"Bu-"

"No buts " I cut her off, "I don't know if Qasim wants children but I do and you are not allowed to ask me any more questions like that, understand?"

"Okay" she smirked.

Smiling content with her response I looked at Haleena who was staring at the two of us like if she was about to burst out laughing.

Ignoring her and Zohrah I continued eating my food.

Once we were finished we got back into the car ready to get home so we could just chill with the rest of family. Umar was already home sleeping. He had been dropped off by Uncle Khalid who had apparently stopped by for a nice cup of tea and a long cosy chat with my dad making me laugh when my mother told me as it was only said people change but clearly he is an example.

Spending my evening snuggled into my mother as I lay my head on her lap watching Naveed's wedding film as her hand combed through my hair was an amazing feeling.

I fell asleep downstairs last night as we (Naveed, Zohrah and Haleena) decided to watch a few scary movies resulting in me having a cramped back and Haleena half on top of me and half on the floor making me push her off me and onto the floor. I jumped up and ran upstairs not risking getting slightly cold as I tugged my onesie closer to me as I jumped into my bed pulling myself under the duvet as I tugged my phone out from my pocket to find the time out. IT WAS FIVE O'CLOCK!

I groaned getting slightly pissed off, why didn't they send me upstairs to go sleep but I couldn't really blame them because I knew just how hard it is to wake me up. Deciding to get up and read Fajr (morning prayer) I got out of the bed and into the bathroom doing my Wudu and changing into something appropriate I prayed Fajr.

Once I had prayed I got back into bed and fell asleep.

Waking up at quarter to ten I got out of bed tugging some jeans on and a random shirt on with a black hijab I walked down the stairs going through my notifications to see if I got a message, I did get a few.

Abid: When are you coming backkk

Abid: Missing your weirdness

Abid: 1st & last tym I'm going 2 say that

Me: I know I know, you miss me. dw I'm amazing it's understandable miss you too and haha doubt it bro. See ya soon

Abid: Don't count on it m8

Aneesah: Hi baj, miss ya, hope you're having fun

Me: Hi baby, miss ya 2, and yes having fun, you are deffo coming next time

Aneesah: Can't wait!!!

Qasim: Hi baby

Me: Hello

Qasim: I miss you

Me: You should

Qasim: I love you

Me: I love you too

Qasim: our bed is cold without you and your My Little Pony onesie

I didn't reply to that, instead concentrating on my breakfast, toast and a mug of chocolate milkshake.

Once I had eaten and had cleaned up my bedroom leaving it pristine, I put some stuff on the bed which I was definitely going to pack so I can take it with me to my new home.

Sitting down with my mum after a week away from her was painful to say the least especially as I was leaving again soon. The longest I've ever stayed without her has probably been 3 nights even then I came home because I missed her too much. My dad, though used to go to Pakistan every year for a few months at once so I was partly used to it but I would always tear up whenever he left so I doubt I'm that used to it.

We just sat in silence watching Umar crawl around until my father broke the silence, "If anything ever happens, In Sha Allah, it doesn't but if it ever does, know we are still your parents and we will stand by your side in any decision you make."

"Thank you dad."

"I mean it, Khadijah. Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you have to take anyone's s**t okay?"

"Okay daddy, trust me."

"Good girl"

"Khadijah I do love you, you know."

"I know dad."

"I just had to get you married quickly because everyone would start talking about you."

"Dad, honestly it's fine. I trust your decisions for me and honestly this one is the best you've made for me."

"Good"

My mum smiled at me, evidently pleased with my response. I smiled back as I stood up stretching and walked off to find Haleena. She was in her bedroom writing in one of her numerous books, she never did tell me what was written in them. I took a seat on her bed looking around her small, slightly cramped room taking in all of Umar's toys and her clothes strewn around almost everywhere. I'm glad I didn't have to share with her otherwise it would take forever to clean it.

"So sister, what's the plan today?"

"What do you wanna do?"

"Shall we call Humaira over? Netflix and chill with her just like old times?"

"Yes that sounds like a plan, ring her and then me and you will go buy some snack"

"Let's go" She jumped up grabbing a hoodie and her phone.

We made our way outside with Umar tailing us as if he knew we were going out, to where my beautiful car was waiting outside for me, I didn't get to take it to my new home yet so that's on the to-do list for Qasim.

Getting Umar in the car-seat after letting everyone know we were going out which got us another list of to-get things making me laugh, talk about killing two birds with one stone.

“Hey Humaira.. Yes.. Two more days I think.. Yes.. Yeh she's fine, she's with me, we're going shopping for some snacks.. Yes Netflix and chill?.. Great! See ya in a couple of hours!”

“Humaira's up for it”

“Brilliant” I grinned, “Umar..?”

“Ya” he looked at the rearview mirror catching my eyes

“You okay?”

“Ya”

“Where do you wanna go?”

“Asda.. Asda” he started chanting for his favourite store full of sweets and toys in one building, it was a magical space for him

“Okay baby”

Parking in the Asda car-park, Haleena strode off to get a shopping cart as I grabbed my handbag and got Umar out of the car-seat making him grin at the building we were about to enter, “Asda..Asda..phupho(dad's sister) Asda”

“Jee, meri jaan, Asda”I smiled at him as I placed him into the baby seat of the cart and placed my handbag in his lap making him laugh as he held onto it. He loved holding onto our phones or handbags as he sat in the cart.

Strolling around the store with the cart, we just grabbed any snacks we all liked and then we proceeded to the part Umar was in love with, the toy section, “So baby, what do you want?”

He grinned, “This, this, this” he pointed at a packet of a collection of sport balls; football, tennis ball, basketball etc.

“You sure?” I grabbed the plastic bag and showed him the contents making sure he approved it

“yes yes”

I laughed at the grin on his face and nodded at his choice, “Brilliant choice sir” as I placed the bag into the cart.

We then got the list of things Zohrah gave us and grabbed some more snacks, there can never be enough snacks..

Once we completed our shopping we opted for the self-checkout option as it was way too busy at the tills, now we were on our way back home listening to some random bollywood song that Haleena apparently likes now.. ironic that it was similar to what Abid had played on the way back from the parlour..

The evening went as follows; Humaira showed up with the family's regular orders from Pepe's Peri-Peri and we gorged on the beautifully marinated chicken, we then claimed the hall for our Netflix and chill session inevitably kicking everyone except Zohrah out, we then grabbed the bags full of snacks, Red Bulls and ice-cream and thus began our night of binge-watching romantic movies and also two scary movies due to Haleena's insisting. We of course started off the evening with a bit of gossip, teasing mostly focusing on Humaira who blushed every-time we said Ismail and of course they attacked me with relentless teasing about being married which I just rolled my eyes at yet my cheeks deceived me as they were sure to be bright red due to the heat I could feel as blood rushed to my cheeks.

We were now in a food coma, I was pregnant with ice-cream and chocolate, and all half-asleep as A Walk To Remember's credits were rolling. I switched the TV off and grabbed some blankets and threw them over Humaira and Haleena, Zohrah was wise to go upstairs before her food-coma state began, I settled into the third sofa as I was way too lazy to go upstairs and I was also sleepy. It was four in the morning..

It was one o'clock when my father finally decided to wake us up.. “Khadijah beti, Humaira, Haleena, you need to wake up, it's already one o'clock.”

I grumbled under my blanket just for it to be pulled from my arms, “Up, darling” the culprit smiled down at me holding my blanket as if it was her prize.

“Come on, Zohrah, let us sleep some more please, you don't want to send me back sleep-deprived, do you?”

“Sleep-deprived, my foot, it's one, get up right now.. Today is your last day” She muttered the last sentence as if she was talking to herself making me open my eyes just to do what they do best, convey my response with no words needed.. yes, I rolled my eyes at her..

“I'm going in the evening tomorrow not at the crack of dawn so pleasee return my blanket” I literally begged

“Khadijah”

“Jee dad”

“Up”

“I'm up” I scowled at Zohrah and jumped off the sofa, might as well get on with it. As I walked out of the room I grabbed the sleeping princesses blankets throwing them at Zohrah, they shouldn't be able to sleep a wink either!

My brain was still asleep as I stumbled upstairs and got ready going for some old maxi dress that had a floral print and a slit in the front halfway up my knee, wearing black leggings underneath I grabbed a black hijab and wrapped it around my neck.

We spent the day at home as some of my aunties and uncles had popped around to spend some time with me, they insisted on holding a 'dawat' (special dinner) and stated they would be ringing me within the week with invites for my in-laws which I laughed at, “You don't have to do that”

“No no we have to, it's a tradition”

“Wow, traditions don't finish once you're married”

“Honey, traditions don't finish even when you're pregnant” my mother's sister (Humaira's mother) winked at me making me blush.

They stayed for lunch in which Zohrah served her lovely biryani, with an assortment of desi dishes and fresh chappatis and for dessert there was a cake that me and Haleena had bought yesterday from Asda.. this lunch was what that list was for!

We all sat around the table well the adults did and us three girls sat cross-legged on the floor with Umar accompanying us as he grinned up at us holding up his Spider-man plastic plate and spoon. After lunch we just sat around talking, we had just dropped some of our aunties and uncles and Humaira had just left with her mother.

When the conversation came to a stand-still I took my chance to escape to my favourite spot. Walking into my room I grabbed my headphones and a chocolate bar as I knew I would be hiding for some time, I crouched to get through the small space there was between my window and its frame, I slipped through and stepped onto the roof and took my usual seat in the middle of the roof; it was safer than the edge.. obviously nobody knew about how I sneaked out onto the roof apart from Humaira and Haleena as they would often join me when we felt we needed a breather from life and right now... I definitely needed a breather.

I plugged in my headphones and pressed play as a random song came on and how ironic was it that a typical desi 'rukhsati' song started playing, I closed my eyes feeling the song's words and emotions wash over me as I leaned on the window behind me, the wind rushing in my hair as strands escaped the french braid Humaira had done for me just before she left.

Tears slipped from my eyes as I let myself give up the facade of being so happy that I wouldn't miss my family and all our rituals, the same ones we've been committed to nearly all my life, all the movie nights, all the family dinners, everything I was letting go of.I was happy with Qasim yet I will always miss my family and everything that comes with them, no matter how happy I am!

After about an hour of sitting on the roof, I watched the sunset over the trees that were growing behind our home, I got up and headed inside, the evening air following me inside making me shiver as I grabbed a hoody and headed back downstairs to my family.

Just as I had sat down Naveed texted us in the 'fam' w******p group letting us know he would be home within the hour and we should start getting ready for a family dinner out which I grinned at. The family dinners were great, we would just enjoy ourselves and with the presence of Umar we were always entertained, even my father was fun in these dinners and that's hard to say about a Pakistani father..

As soon as Naveed walked in we all rushed around getting ready because as much as Naveed was late to everything in his life he hated when we're the reason for him being late. Within five minutes we were all ready and standing at the door, I was still wearing the same floral maxi dress, I just swapped out the hoody for a baby pink cardigan and paired a baby pink hijab with it matching the floral print, I had grabbed some silver peep-toes from Zohrah's shoes rack as I couldn't be bothered to go through my own shoe collection and applied some eye-shadow and lipstick and I was ready. And we were out!

Haleena and Umar were with me in my car and the olders were with Naveed and of course as Haleena got into the car she grabbed the aux cord making me roll my eyes, “At least let me get out of the parking space”

“Just because you're slow doesn't mean I have to be slow as well”

“Haha”

“Haha” Umar mimicked from his car-seat making me look at him as he sat with his water bottle in hand, “Haha phupho”

“Cheeky brat” I stuck my tongue at him which of course he copied again

I followed Naveed's car as I didn't know where we were going and I had forgotten to ask, forty minutes into the car ride I figured out where we were going, it was our favourite place to go for our family dinners, Persian Palace, we even went to this same restaurant for our first dinner with Zohrah when her and Naveed finally got married.

Once I had figured it out I took the routes I knew would get us there faster because as good as a driver he is, he never takes shortcuts, once Haleena figured out what I did she rang Zohrah and told her to put the call on speaker, “Bet you oldies won't get to the restaurant before us”

“Haha wanna put some money where your mouth is” Naveed laughed

“Of course. Fifty quid?”

“Yes, dessert is on the loser”

Laughing I asked Haleena why she bet so much if she didn't know whether I'd win the race, “You will, I've seen you drive and we've been here so many times so now can you focus on your driving, I have fifty pounds on the line and extra money for your desserts and you lot love your desserts.”

Ten minutes later, we were parking up and Naveed's car was nowhere to be seen so we definitely won the bet.

“I'm such a good driver” I smirked at Haleena

“Yeh yeh whatever”

Getting out of the car, we decided to wait up front so they could see us, five minutes later Naveed's car was rolling in making me smirk at their smiling faces as they searched for my car, they wouldn't see it due to me being cheeky and parking it beside a delivery truck in the corner.

Umar began waving frantically, “daddy.. daddy” Zohrah saw her beloved son's waves first making her roll her eyes, reluctantly she waved back as she turned to the rest and probably told them as their facial reactions changed considerably, my father was still smiling though as he grinned at me, my mother waved, Naveed scowled at us and Zohrah rolled her eyes.

As they parked up we stood around waiting, Naveed reluctantly strolled up to as making me laugh, “My red note, darling brother”

“Whatever” he grumbled, pulling his wallet out,he handed her two crisp fifty quid notes making me grin as he handed double the bet amount, he then turned to me and held out four notes making me open and close my mouth as if I was a fish.

“I wasn't part of the bet and also I have money so put that away”

I turned to walk away still holding onto Umar as he clung to me holding onto my handbag strap, I was spun around by Naveed's hand, “This is from me, your older brother so take it and stop showing off” He placed the money in my hand.

“Naveed”

“Khadijah” he mimicked

“Come on now kids, let's go in” my father put his arm around me and the other around Haleena.

Walking in, we were seated almost immediately and handed the menus, I realised it was quite busy, it was good Naveed had booked a reservation. Going through our menus, I eventually got bored because everyone was taking so long so I decided to go through my phone and I saw I got a missed call from Qasim and a number of messages from Qasim..

Qasim: Hi jaaneman (darling)

-I love ya

-hope you're still missing me

-even though you're coming home tomorrow

-because I miss you

-kind of

-heard you're going out for dinner

-is it a coincidence we are too?

-Khadijah

Me: Yes jaanu

Qasim: look up

“What?” I muttered looking up from my phone as Qasim, Abid, Aneesah, aunty and uncle all just stepped in the restaurant. Abid waved at me making me smile, Qasim just grinned at me and I rolled my eyes in response. They walked up to our table and it finally dawned on me why Naveed had requested a table with an empty table beside it, he had invited them for dinner too. We all got up to meet the family, I was greeted by an excited hug by Aneesah as she grinned at me, “Hi baj”

She quickly turned to Haleena and they both quickly jumped into a comfortable conversation in hushed voices.

Aunty hugged me, “We missed you around the house”

“I missed you all especially when Abid waited on me” I teased winking at Abid

“That has never happened” he denied as he sat opposite Haleena who's eyes were every so often focused on my brother-in-law

“Whatever lets you sleep at night”

He grinned and winked at Haleena making me groan and whack his shoulder, I was still her sister!

Uncle patted my head and turned to his life-long friend, my father, sat down and began a conversation with him.

I took my seat as I winked at Qasim who was still standing watching me, I patted the chair next to me making him smirk as he made his way around the table to sit beside me and opposite Naveed.

“Hi jaaneman” I whispered

“Hi honey” he smiled at me as I settled into the chair

“Missed me?”

“So much I just wanna grab you and hug you”

“Really? Why didn't you?”

“I think our fathers and brothers would unite and kill me”

I laughed, “You're not wrong there”

“I'm never wrong” He smirked as he turned to Naveed and Umar who was sitting in the high-chair between Naveed and Zohrah, he high-fived Umar who gladly returned his gesture grinning, probably at the fact that he wasn't ignored. Naveed and Qasim began their own conversation making me smile at the scene in front of me, our families sitting with each other and enjoying everyone's company.

The dinner date came to an end after desserts as they had to get back home as the two men had to go to work early, I did offer to drop aunty, uncle and Aneesah home later but they insisted on me relaxing and enjoying my last night.

“I'll see you tomorrow” Qasim smiled down at me as we walked out of the restaurant, we were the last two out due to Qasim grabbing my hand as he gestured to let everyone go first which made me blush and whack his hand away.

Yes I still blush!

“Will you really?”

“Yes at 1 pm sharp”

“What makes you think I will be awake?”

“You'll be too excited to sleep”

“Lol funny”

“I am I know”

“Whatever. If you come to pick me, how will I get my car home?”

“Next weekend when you come to stay, I'll drop you and you can bring the car back. How does that sound?”

“Brilliant, then I can convince Aneesah to come along”

“Why?” he glanced at me as we walked extra slow to our family who were standing near Qasim's car talking

“Just, she deserves a break from you demanding boys” I smirked

“Haha”

“I know, I'm hilarious.. See you tomorrow Qasim”

“Bye honey, see ya”

We all said bye to each other and then quickly got into the cars we came in except Zohrah joined us this time because Umar was being cranky and no-one could be bothered to get his seat out just to place it in Naveed's car as it was freezing.

The car ride home was faster than it was on the way to the restaurant probably because I was slightly speeding due to the cold and the mini food coma I was in. Once we got in I unwrapped my hijab and threw my handbag on the side and wrapped myself into my Manchester United blanket and switched Netflix on making Haleena grin, “Nobody's sleeping tonight”

“We are, goodnight”My father and mother kissed my forehead and made their way upstairs to bed

Zohrah dragged the sleepy Umar upstairs to put him to sleep, “pick the movie, I'll be down in ten”

So the night went as exactly planned, Netflix paired with all the junk food we could find, we spent all night wide awake watching movies, talking about life and enjoying my last night together. I don't remember when we fell asleep or when we decided to switch the TV off, Naveed had ran off upstairs when we decided on the second romantic movie of the night leaving us three girls to enjoy 'A Walk To Remember'. I woke up at 6 am and quickly got up to grab a blanket for the two weirdos who had fell asleep in weird positions; their necks were sure to hurt when they wake up. I fell back on the sofa and returned to my sleep within minutes.

It was 11 in the morning when someone started moving around, it was Zohrah, I could her complaining about how much her neck was hurting to which I just groaned and told her to shut the door behind her.

It was my father who decided enough was enough as he yanked the curtains open, “Khadijah, Haleena, up you get, it's 1 o'clock, Khadijah, Qasim will be here soon”

“Jee jee Abba, ten minutes please” I muttered from the comfort of my blanket

“No ten minutes, up now” He finally did the unforgivable and pulled my blanket off making me groan and cover my eyes as if I was a vampire and honestly it felt like I actually was and I would melt from the sunlight.

I rolled my eyes at my father's grinning smiles as I got up and slowly made my way upstairs to get changed and wash my face etc.

Once I was changed - I had decided on a simple long black kameez with leggings and a black hijab, might as well rock the vampire mood right?- I went downstairs for a quick breakfast, toast topped with Nutella and a mug of tea.

I ate my breakfast in the living room sitting with my parents and Zohrah, Haleena was still getting ready, Naveed was sleeping and Umar was having his day nap. I was putting my dishes in the sink when the doorbell rang.

Yawning I made my way to open the door, I opened the door to reveal my husband standing there with a bag in his hand, he was wearing black jeans and a white polo shirt. I smiled at him moving aside so he could enter. He stepped inside the house shutting the door behind him as he looked at me grinning, "Missed me?"

I nodded as we walked together towards the living room, "Good because I missed you too, baby."

I stepped in the room taking my seat beside my mother , he walked in greeting my parents and Zohrah,he handed the bag he was holding earlier to my mother who opened it taking out a chocolate box and some gifts for my family members, my mother objected saying there was no need for gifts and formality to which he responded with “saying no to a gift from someone who you say is like your son is a formality, no?”

I grinned at him, so grateful to be blessed with someone so thoughtful. He sat across from me as he smiled at me and turned to talk to my father.

He was in a very in-depth conversation with my father when Naveed and Umar joined us, Umar grinned with excitement as he saw Qasim wanting to go to him, Qasim held his arms out as my nephew jumped from his father's arms to my husband's. The two began playing silly games making me smile at their excitement.

A while later Zohrah began putting dishes on the table, presumably for lunch, Qasim tried to object making my mother repeat his sentence, “Saying no to lunch from people who you say are like your parents is a formality, no?”

He laughed, “Honestly, I don't want you to go to any effort”

“It's no effort Qasim, it's lunch time anyways”

“Yeh bhai, don't say no. Zohrah's cooking is yum” Haleena joined the conversation as she strolled in the room with a big grin, I am 100% sure she got some more sleep.

“Okay okay, if you all insist”

So that's why we're all sat around the table which was laid out with so much food there was no way you'd be able to tell what colour the table really is. Well me, Haleena and Umar were sat on the floor which first made Qasim laugh to which all three of us just rolled our eyes, well Umar didn't, he laughed with his uncle like the weirdo he is.

Lunch with my family was fun even though I didn't eat much seeing as I just had breakfast a little while ago, we were still sitting at the table an hour after eating, most of the dishes were cleared thanks to Haleena as we all sat around and carried on talking.

After a while of talking about nothing in particular, Qasim began gesturing to me if we should go to which I nodded at reluctantly knowing we couldn't stay any longer otherwise it'd get dark and there wouldn't have been any point of making Qasim leave the house at one o'clock if we got home at night anyways.

I headed upstairs to grab my belongings, placing them on the last step of the stairs I headed into the living room to say goodbye to everyone, my sister scowled at me when I smiled at her making me roll my eyes, “Girl I've been with you for five days now”

“Doesn't mean I won't miss you” she jumped onto me hugging me fiercely

“I'll miss you too”

I hugged everyone slowly trying to delay me leaving my parents home but there's only so long you can hug your brother for, right?

Qasim said goodbye to everyone too, high-fiving my nephew and sister, hugging my mother and shaking my father and brother's hand.

Once we finally said our goodbyes we made our way to Qasim's car, Qasim held the passenger door open for me making me smile, “Chivalry really isn't dead”

“Ha ha” he rolled his eyes as he shut the door and placed my bags in the back

“So darling wife...”

“Yes my dearest”

“How was your stay?”

“It was so fun”

“That's good”

“Yes and Humaira might be getting married”

“Really?”

“Yes, I'm so excited for her”

“Me too, she's a kind person” Qasim replied

“Anyways”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to tell you..” I trailed off making Qasim glance at me

“Anytime now, Khadijah”

“I love ya”

“As you should, I am amazing” He smirked

“Whatever”

The drive back home wasn't very long and as soon as I entered my new home I could hear the children of the house bickering, “Go away Abid”

“Okay Aneesah”

I walked into the living room to see Abid sat on Aneesah's back where she was struggling to push him off, rolling my eyes at what her big brother was doing I shouted at him making him scowl at me as he hopped off Aneesah who sat up breathing heavily.

I took a seat on the sofa, “Where are the parents?”

“They had to go out, they should be back soon” Aneesah informed me as she lay back down scowling at Abid who was grinning at her as if he wasn't physically abusing her just a couple of minutes ago, “Missed ya baj”

“Missed ya too, munckin”

“I missed you too, baj” Abid smiled at me

“I'm sure you did” I muttered

Qasim sat beside me, “He actually did, he even wanted to tell you to come home with us yesterday”

“Seriously?” I laughed at Abid who was currently aiming a pillow at Qasim

“Never again” he stated

“Sure?”

“Definitely, I'd rather tell someone else to come home with me” He winked at me hinting even though I knew exactly who he was trying to hint at.

“Don't worry, she might be on her way too”

“What?” Abid stared at me with his mouth open, he looked like an i***t which he is anyways..

“What what?”

“What did you just say?”

“Oh Abid, you don't think I'd help join you two love-birds”

“Would you?”

“Depends”

“Depends on what?”

“Depends on whether you'll make me a nice mug of hot chocolate and you'll treat me and Aneesah to some yummy treats whenever we feel like”

He jumped up, “Oh baj you can have as much mugs of hot chocolates if you do this”

“Hahaha, I'm joking I will of course help you, consider me as Cupid's helper but I actually don't mind hot chocolate” I smirked at him as the other two siblings voiced an agreement saying they wanted some too, well Qasim wanted coffee which made all three of us groan complaining about the smell-he ignored us obviously.

So that's how we ended up spending the evening with mugs of steaming hot chocolate in front of us as we watched the movie; Deadpool.