As they reached Malik Mansion, the house was quiet - the night had settled deep, and everyone was asleep. Without disturbing anyone, they walked softly toward their room.

The moment Ayeda stepped inside, she froze. Her eyes widened in surprise before they softened in disbelief.

Turning slowly, she looked at Zarian, who stood at the doorway, his expression calm, a faint smile playing on his lips.

When she turned back, her gaze wandered around the room - their room.

Only... it wasn't the same anymore.

On one side stood a study table, neatly arranged, with her medical charts and anatomy posters carefully pinned on the wall - just like in her old room. On another wall, a bookshelf stood tall, filled with her books, and beside it, a skeleton model stood in its usual corner, as if it had followed her here.

Her eyes then drifted toward the bed - the mattress was softer, cozier, more like the one she had back home. It all felt so her... yet perfectly blended with him.

Before she could say anything, a warm hand slid into hers - his fingers interlocking gently with hers.

She looked down at their joined hands, then up at Zarian's face, her voice soft and full of emotion.

"Why? You didn't need to do all this..."

Zarian held her gaze, his eyes deep and steady.
"It wasn't something I needed to do," he said quietly.

"It was something I wanted to. This room isn't mine anymore... it's ours. And now," his lips curved slightly, "it finally looks like it."

Ayeda's heart fluttered. She smiled, blinking away the moisture gathering in her eyes.

"Still... why did you change the bed? You'll have trouble sleeping now, won't you?"

Zarian lifted his hand, gently cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed lightly against her skin as he said,

"If you can leave your home to come into mine, then I can surely make a few changes for you, Mrs. Malik."

Her breath hitched - the way he said it, so effortlessly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Her smile widened, and a single tear escaped, glimmering under the soft light. Noticing it, Zarian's expression softened.

Then, with his teasing tone returning, he murmured, "Waise... Jab meri mrs.malik mere pass ho, mujhe sirf neend nahi... sukoon ki neend aayegi."

(By the way… when my Mrs. Malik is with me, I won’t just sleep... I’ll sleep peacefully.)

Ayeda let out a breathy laugh and lightly hit his arm.

"Kuch bhi," she said, her cheeks flushing as she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Zarian froze for a second - the warmth of her embrace melting through him - before he slowly held her back, resting his chin gently on her head.

This... he thought, this is what peace feels like.

After a while, they pulled apart. Ayeda went to freshen up, and when she came out, Zarian went in next.

As she glanced toward the jug on the bedside table, she noticed it was empty. "I'll go get some water," she called out.

From inside the bathroom came his soft reply, "Okay."

Ayeda smiled faintly and stepped out of the room, her heart still full, her steps light - as if she was walking on the warmth he had just given her.

Zarian came out, but Ayeda still hadn't returned. He sat on the bed and began going through his emails to pass the time. One after another, he checked them all - still, there was no sign of her. It had already been twenty minutes.

His brows furrowed as worry crept in. Finally, he decided to go and check himself. But just as he moved towards the door, Ayeda appeared, holding a water-filled jug in her hands.

Seeing her, Zarian's tension eased a little.

"It took you so long," he said calmly.

Ayeda didn't reply. She quietly walked past him and placed the jug on the side table.

Zarian followed her, concern deepening in his tone.

"What happened?" he asked softly.

She ignored him again and started to move away, but this time Zarian caught her wrist gently.

"Kuch hua hai, begum?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

(Did something happened, wife?)

Ayeda still didn't say anything. She tried to free her hand from his grip, but he didn't let go. Getting irritated, she said, "Jane dijiye, kya kar rahe hain?"

(Let me go. What are you doing?)

He looked at her intently and replied quietly, "Bohat duaon ke baad mili hai ap... ab jaane nahi dunga, Mrs. Malik."

(Got you after countless prayers… now I’m never letting you go, Mrs. Malik.)

Ayeda looked at him, confusion flickering in her eyes.

"Huh? Kya matlab?" she asked.

(What do you mean?)

Zarian realized what he had just said and instantly closed his eyes in regret. What did I just do? He hadn't meant for those words to escape - not now, not like this. The truth he'd buried stood on the edge of his lips, threatening to expose everything.

He didn't want her to know - not yet - how long he had carried this feeling, how deeply he had loved her, even before fate brought her back into his life. He feared her reaction. What if she misunderstood him? What if she thought that everything he did - every coincidence, every step closer - was calculated? That he was some obsessed man who'd followed her out of infatuation, not love?
Or.. The worst, what if she leave me!

The thought alone made his chest tighten. His throat felt heavy with words he couldn't say. No, not now. Not like this.

He took a quiet breath, forcing himself to sound calm as he said,
"Kuch nahi... please, aap batayiye kya hua hai?"

(Nothing.. You tell me what happened?)

Ayeda's voice came out low but edged with hurt.
"I don't want to say. I can also hide things... just like you."

Zarian froze. Her words hit him like a jolt - she knows? His heartbeat quickened, pounding in his chest so loud he could almost hear it. A thousand thoughts rushed through his mind - How much does she know? What does she think of me now?

Panic laced his voice as he looked at her and stammered,
"I... I can explain... I'm not what you're thinking. I'm not a bad person... Begum."

Ayeda frowned, confusion replacing the hint of anger.
"Bad person? I'm talking about Brownie. You're severely allergic to cats and you didn't even tell me."

For a second, Zarian just stared at her - blank, still, and completely lost in relief. Then he exhaled deeply, a quiet chuckle escaping as the tension drained from his shoulders.

"Ohh... Brownie," he murmured, half to himself - and in that small breath, thanked the heavens that this secret was not the one she'd discovered.

Flashback

As Ayeda filled the jug with water, she suddenly heard a faint sound behind her. Her brows furrowed. It was soft at first, then grew clearer with every step she took.

"Meow..."

Her expression instantly softened, a smile blooming across her lips. She followed the sound quickly, her steps light with excitement, until her eyes fell on a tiny brown kitten with a white bow tied neatly around his head.

"Aww... Brownie," she whispered lovingly.

Bending down, she gently scooped the kitten into her arms, stroking its soft fur. "I'm so sorry, I forgot about you," she said in a voice full of affection.

"So much happened in a single day that I forgot to meet you, my Brownie."

Her eyes lingered on the bright white bow. "You look handsome," she murmured with a smile.

"But why are you here all alone? Come on, let's go to the room."

Just as she turned to leave with Brownie in her arms, a voice stopped her mid-step.

"Bibi... where are you taking him?"

Ayeda turned around to see one of the maids standing behind her, holding a bowl of milk.

"To my room," Ayeda replied politely, smiling as she adjusted Brownie in her arms.

The maid quickly shook her head and stepped forward. "No, bibi, you can't take him there."

Ayeda blinked, confusion clouding her face. "Huh? What do you mean?"

The maid hesitated before answering softly, "Zarian baba has a severe allergy to cats. That's why we always keep Brownie away from him."

Ayeda froze. Severe allergy? Her smile slowly faded, replaced by a wave of disbelief. And he didn't even tell me?

She quietly handed Brownie back to the maid, her mind lost in thought, and without saying another word, turned to head back to her room - her steps slower this time.

Flashback ends.

Zarian gently took Ayeda's hands in his and guided her toward the bed. They both sat down side by side. Brushing his thumb softly over her knuckles, he asked in a low, coaxing voice,

"Bataiye, begum... kya shikayat hai aapko mujhse?"

(Tell me, wife.. What complaints do you have with me?)

Ayeda looked at him, cheeks puffed in anger. "Why didn't you tell me that you have a severe allergy to cats?"

Zarian smiled faintly.
"Aapne pehli baar mujhse kuch manga tha... toh main inkaar kaise karta?"

(That was the first time you ever asked me for something… how could I possibly refuse?)

Ayeda blinked, stunned. Her hazel eyes widened, her lips parted to reply-but no words came out.

After a moment, she took a deep breath and said, softly but firmly,

"Aap kyun nahi samajhte? Aap har kisi ko 'haan' nahi keh sakte. Log itne ache nahi hote..."

(Why don’t you understand? You can’t just say ‘yes’ to everyone. People aren’t always that good…)

There was admiration in her eyes - that someone could be so selfless, so pure - but also disbelief and concern. She didn't want him to lose himself while taking care of everyone else. He had to think about himself too, at least when it came to his own happiness and health.

She straightened up, her expression turning stern. "Now I'll say something, and you have to say no. Do you understand, Mr. Malik? You have to say no."

Seeing her seriousness, Zarian nodded obediently. "Jaisa aap chahein."

(As you say)

Clearing her throat, she said with mock gravity,
"I want to bring Brownie into our room."

Without a second's hesitation, Zarian replied, "Theek hai... jaisa aap chahein."

(Ok, as you wish)

Ayeda's jaw dropped. She glared at him. "What did I just say, Mr. Malik? You were supposed to say no, not agree!"

Zarian chuckled softly, playing with the ring on her finger.

"Begum, yeh toh galat baat hai..." Then, meeting her eyes directly, he said with quiet warmth,

(

Wife, this is wrong)

"Baat toh logon ko inkaar karni ki hui thi... aur aap.. Aap begum hain. Aapka hukum toh sar aankhon par hai."

(The talk was about saying no to people… but you.. you’re my wife. Your command is my honor.)

Interlocking his fingers with hers, he added with a teasing smile,

"Aur main itna bada pagal bhi nahi hoon ke apni begum ki baat ko inkaar karne ka gunah karoon."

(And I’m not such a fool that I’d commit the sin of refusing my wife’s words.)

Ayeda could only blink at him, speechless. Her heart felt like it had forgotten how to beat properly. She looked away, unable to find words, and quietly lay down on the bed.

Zarian smiled and lay beside her.
"Kuch toh kahiye," he murmured.

(Say something)

Ayeda turned to him and whispered, "Aap itne ache kyun hain? Log aapka fayda utha lenge."

(Why are you so good? People will take advantage of you)

His eyes softened, a small smile curving his lips.
"Logo ke saath itna acha nahi hoon, Mrs. Malik... sirf aapke saath hoon."

(I'm not this good with everyone, this side is only for you mrs.malik)

For a few moments, silence filled the room - gentle, peaceful. Then Ayeda said, "I'm sending Brownie to the shelter."

Zarian frowned. "Why?"

"Because you're allergic to cats," she replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Zarian's smile deepened. She can give up her own happiness for me... and still calls me selfless, he thought.

He gently called out, "Idhar aaiye."

(

Come here)

There was a small gap between them, and Ayeda looked at him before moving closer until their arms brushed. Zarian turned fully toward her. Their eyes met, holding steady.

"Brownie will stay with us, Mrs. Malik," he said softly.

"And about my allergy-we've already found the solution. I'll just keep my distance, and the house is big enough for one little kitten to live freely without crossing paths with me."

Ayeda looked at him quietly, her heart heavy with emotion. Zarian leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers.

"Marriage is not just about love or promises, one part of it is adjustment, begum. If my wife can fight for me and stand beside me on the very first day of marriage..."

His voice dropped to a tender whisper - "then this little adjustment isn't even a penny compared to that."

Ayeda just looked at him and smiled. After a few minutes, she said softly, “Let’s talk.”

Zarian looked puzzled. “Huh?”

Shaking her head, Ayeda said, “I know we’re talking already… I mean, let’s talk about each other. We don’t really know much about one another.”

Zarian nodded. “Jaisa aap chahein.”
(As you say)

Ayeda shifted closer, resting her head on his bicep. “Do you have any other allergies? Maybe food or something else?”

Zarian shook his head. “No, I’m only allergic to cats. What about you?”

“I’m not allergic to anything,” she replied simply.

“What’s your favorite dish?” ayeda asked

Zarian smiled. “It’s nothing fixed… I can eat anything.”

“What do you mean by that? Everyone has a favorite!” she said, playfully narrowing her eyes.
“Okay, leave that. Favorite color?”

“Red,” Zarian answered in a heartbeat. It was the color she’d been wearing the first time he saw her - that long red frock. Even today in morning, she wore red. It suited her beyond words.

“Yours?” he asked.

“Black,” Ayeda replied. Then giggling, she added, “But it’ll change soon… Tomorrow it might be brown, then white, then blue. It depends on my mood.”

Zarian watched her with a faint smile, like he could listen to her forever,  her voice was a peace he know he needed.

After a moment, Ayeda hesitantly asked, “Did you ever have someone in your past?”

“No,” Zarian replied instantly.

She raised a brow. “You didn’t like anyone before our marriage? Seriously?”

Zarian looked into her eyes and said quietly, “I didn’t like anyone… except you.”

Ayeda froze, his words echoing softly between them. “You… like me?” she whispered.

Zarian thought, Like? Seriously, begum… but it wasn’t the time to say more. So he just nodded. “Yes, I like you, begum.”

Ayeda didn’t reply. She just lowered her lashes and began to play with his fingers. Watching her, Zarian smiled faintly.

Then a thought crossed his mind. “Begum…”

She looked up. “Ji?”

“On the day of our nikkah, when your abbu asked me to marry you… why did you cry?” His tone was gentle, but his heart was tense, afraid that maybe she hadn’t wanted the marriage.

Ayeda’s voice lowered. “I… I thought my family just wanted to get me married that day like if not Samad, then you. It felt like they thought of me as a burden… just wanting to hand over their responsibility.”

Her voice trembled, eyes glistening. Zarian cupped her cheeks softly.
“No… you’re not a burden to anyone, begum. You’re our pride. Please don’t ever think like that.”

Ayeda took a deep breath and whispered, “Do you know why I said yes to marrying you?”

Zarian shook his head, still brushing his thumb over her cheek.

“Because it was you,” she said.
“When I was asked, I recalled all our meetings  the first time you came to my college and stood up for me.”

Zarian blinked in surprise. She didn't remembers their frist meeting? He smiled faintly. Wahh begum, dil bhi le liya aur yaad bhi nahi rakhna.

(Wow, begum… you stole my heart and didn’t even bother to remember it.)

She continued softly, “You made me feel safe, Mr. Malik. And when my family asked you first, you… you gave me the choice to decide. That mattered to me.”

Then looking straight into his eyes, she said, “You said you like me… I don’t know what it feels like, but I know this much  you’re the person I trust with my whole heart. If I’m ever in danger, the first person I’ll want to see will be you.”

Zarian couldn’t speak. He just looked at her - really looked. People say ‘I love you’ all the time, but trust… that’s rarer. And here she was, trusting him with her entire being.

His heart began to race again loud, erratic, alive.

Ayeda looked up and saw his face a bright smile, flushed cheeks, eyes closed tight like he was holding in something too big for words. She smiled shyly and hid her face against his chest. His heartbeat thudded wildly beneath her ear.

Placing her hand over his heart, she whispered softly, “Relax…”

Zarian opened his eyes and looked at her, but she didn’t move within few minutes, she had fallen asleep, her head still resting on his chest, her arms wrapped around his waist.

Zarian ran his hand gently through her hair, then encircled her in his arms and nuzzled into her crown.

And in that hushed darkness, his whisper brushed against her hair

“Agar aap yun hi baar-baar mere seene se lagti rahengi, begum…
toh sambhal lijiye…
yeh dil pagal hai, kahin dhadakna bhool na jaye.”

(If you keep coming into my arms like this again and again, begum…
then be careful…
this heart is crazy, it might just forget how to beat.)

He changed a room to make it theirs; she changed her walls to let him in  that’s how love adjusts, softly and completely.

___________________________________________