Our Fate



✧ Taemur's POV ✧

I'm Kim Muhammad Taemur.

There was a time when that name meant nothing. It echoed like an empty room, hollow and forgotten. A body that moved, spoke, breathed... but carried no soul within. I existed, but I didn't live. I walked through life like a shadow that had lost its owner, drifting between pain and silence, between betrayal and disbelief.

I had lost myself long ago. Somewhere in the ruins of a past I never speak about. Somewhere between a childhood that broke me and a world that never tried to fix me. I became stone, cold, and numb. Untouched by emotion and untouched by faith. Even my connection with Allah faded into something distant, something I convinced myself I no longer needed.

And then she came. My Moon princess. My heartbeat, my light, my Yusra. Khadija.

Even her name feels sacred, like a quiet prayer resting gently on my lips. Every time I whisper it, my heart softens in a way I never thought possible. She is the queen of my heart. Rabbaitul bait. The queen of my home. The reason I am who I am today. She is not loud. Not demanding, not the kind of person the world stops to stare at. But she is everything.

She is the quiet strength behind every step I take. The unseen force that rebuilt a man who once believed he could never be whole again. If I stand today with purpose, with faith, with even a fragment of peace in my chest, it is because she placed that purpose into my broken hands and taught me how to hold it without fear.

She is the brightest moon in my darkest sky. When my life was nothing but endless night, she became my light. When my soul felt like a lifeless desert, she became the first drop of rain. When everything inside me had turned dull and colorless, she became the first ray of sunshine after a long monsoon.

Before her, I was alive. I was breathing. But I was never truly living. I was like a graveyard. A meaningless existence wrapped in flesh. And then she came... and gave me a reason to live. She didn't just love me; she changed me. She taught me what it means to exist for a reason, what it means to be created by Allah, not as a burden, but as a purpose. She reminded me of something I had forgotten long ago: that I was never alone.

A single cruel incident. A childhood filled with shadows. Betrayal that carved wounds too deep to heal. It turned me into someone I did not recognize. I lost my way. I drifted far from my Creator. I buried my faith under layers of anger, pain, and silence. But Allah never left me. Even when I walked away, He stayed. Even when I sinned, He gave me chances. Even when I forgot Him, He remembered me. And in His mercy, He sent her into my life, wrote her into my fate. Khadija didn't come into my life by accident. She came as my hidayah. As my second chance. As a living piece of Jannah, placed gently into my broken world. She is the peace I searched for my entire life. The peace I never thought I deserved.

She made me who I am today. I'm not perfect. I still fall. I still struggle. I still carry pieces of the darkness I once lived in. But for her... I want to be better. For her, I will become better. I will be her Muhammad. The one who loves his Khadija deeply. The one who protects, cherishes, and honors her with every breath he takes. She stood beside me when I was nothing, when I was lost, when I was broken.

Just like her idol, Khadijah (RA), she held my hand in my darkest moments and never let go. And like my idol, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, I will love her with a devotion that never fades. No matter how much I thank Allah... it will never be enough. No matter how long I stay in sujood, whispering gratitude with tears in my eyes... it will never be enough.

When I look at Khadija, my chest fills with something I cannot put into words. I feel like the richest man alive. Not because of wealth. Not because of status. But because I have her. And now... I'm greedy. Greedy for Jannah. Greedy for Allah's love. Greedy to walk beside her in this life and hold her hand again in the hereafter.

"Taemur, why are you staring at me?" Her soft voice pulled me back to reality. I blinked, as if waking from a dream, only to realize I had been staring at her the entire time. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes avoiding mine, yet a small smile played on her lips.

And that smile...It still has the power to undo me. I looked around and noticed everyone at the table watching us. Some were smiling. Some were trying not to laugh. I cleared my throat, straightening slightly.

"What? Why are you all smiling? I'm just admiring my wife. Do you have a problem with that?" My tone was calm, but there was a quiet possessiveness in it that I did not bother to hide.

Jihan burst into laughter. "Come on, Everyone just came back after praying Magrib, and here you are, lost in your own world. It is time for Mahi and Ji-min's rukhsati now." He shook his head, still laughing, and walked away. I frowned slightly. "When did everyone even come?"

Before I could think further, Yusuf passed by and patted my shoulder, his grin impossible to ignore. "If you take your eyes off Ziya, you will know what is happening in the world. Since morning, you have been completely lost in her."

Khadija's face turned red instantly. She lowered her gaze, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her dupatta. And just like that, my heart softened all over again.

Riha stepped forward, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "It is really nice that Taemur bhaiya loves Ziya so much and gives her so much attention. But now, please give a little attention to our love birds, Mahi and Ji-min. They need it, let us go."

A chuckle escaped me. But even as I stood up, even as I let them pull me into the moment, my eyes found her again. They always do. Because no matter where I am... no matter who surrounds me...My world begins and ends with her.

Afterward, everyone gathered around Mahi and Ji-min, and in a deeply emotional moment, they bid her farewell. It was her rukhsati, a moment woven with trembling smiles, tearful eyes, and silent du'as whispered under heavy breaths. The air itself felt softer, as if it understood that a daughter was leaving one home to begin another life.

Mahi clung to her loved ones one last time, her fingers reluctant to let go, her eyes glistening with a thousand unspoken emotions. Ji-min stood beside her, steady and patient, his presence calm yet protective, as if silently promising to hold every broken piece she carried.

Just as planned, we followed Ji-min and Mahi's car on our bikes, forming a glowing trail behind them. The elders moved ahead in decorated cars, their headlights cutting through the night, while Ji-min's car remained in the center like the heart of it all. Behind them, Jihan, Yusuf, Ali, and the rest of us rode together, engines humming in rhythm with the excitement in our veins.

Khadija was sitting behind me, and when she suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around my waist, something deep within me stirred. Her grip was warm, certain, as if she belonged there. Without even realizing it, I twisted the throttle and increased the speed, the wind rushing harder against us.

The road stretched endlessly before us, and above, the sky came alive. Fireworks burst one after another, scattering gold, crimson, and pink across the darkness. It felt as though the entire sky of Busan had decided to celebrate its love. Every explosion echoed like a heartbeat, every spark falling like blessings showered upon them.

By the time we reached home, anticipation had already built into something electric. Ji-min's car slowed and finally came to a stop at the center of the open space prepared for the welcome. And then it began. Out of nowhere, the roar of an engine cut through the air.

Junaid's car slid into the scene with fierce precision, tires screeching against the ground as he spun it into a perfect drift around Ji-min and Mahi. Once. Twice. Again and again. Each turn sharper than the last, each movement controlled yet wild, like fire dancing on the edge of chaos.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Sparks burst from the ground as fountain fireworks ignited in perfect timing, rising like golden waterfalls around the car. Above us, the sky exploded into colors, red melting into blue, dissolving into silver, until the entire night looked painted with light.

Junaid didn't stop. He circled them again, the car gliding sideways, smoke curling from the tires, his control flawless, his presence commanding. It was not just drifting. It was a performance. A celebration of love that refused to be quiet.

And at the center of it all stood Ji-min and Mahi. A king and his queen. Welcomed not just into a home, but into a moment that would be remembered forever. I turned my head toward Khadija. She stood a little away from the crowd, her face lifted toward the sky. The fireworks reflected in her wide eyes, turning them into shimmering pools of color. There was something so pure in the way she watched, like a child seeing magic for the first time.

For a moment, the world blurred around me. The cheers faded. The lights dimmed. And all I could see was her. I glanced around briefly. Everyone was laughing, clapping, living the moment fully. Ji-min had done it. He had given his love a welcome so grand that even the night itself seemed to bow before it.

I felt happy for him, truly very happy. But when my gaze returned to Khadija, something inside me tightened painfully. Memories rose without warning. I hadn't fulfilled any of her wishes. I hadn't even given her a welcome. Not even a moment she could hold onto and smile about. She had dreamt of her wedding, of laughter, of light, of moments like this. And I had given her silence.

The weight of it pressed heavily on my chest. Suddenly, she turned toward me. Her hands came up and wrapped around my arm, her fingers holding me with quiet excitement as she looked straight into my eyes. "Taemur, look, this is so beautiful, isn't it? Ji-min really made Mahi's welcome so grand, right? Mahi is so lucky. I'm really very happy for them. Look at this. So beautiful!"

She turned back toward the sky, completely lost in the moment. But I wasn't looking at the sky anymore. My eyes were fixed only on my moon.

"Truly," I whispered, my voice softer than the night around us, "nothing in this world can be more beautiful than my moon. Compared to you, all the beauty of this world is nothing. Your face is like the moon. Your smile feels like the cool breeze of Jannah, bringing peace to my soul. And your voice, it soothes my restless heart like a healing balm."

She froze for a second before turning back to me, her cheeks instantly flushed. Then she lightly hit my arm. "Oy Taemur. These cheesy lines don't suit your personality at all. Stop buttering me up."

I reached out and held her cheek gently, my thumb brushing over her skin with quiet tenderness. "Why do you think I am flattering you? Do I look like someone who speaks without meaning it? To me, all the beauty in this world is worthless in front of just one glimpse of your face."

Her breath caught. Color spread deeper across her cheeks as she hid her face in my chest, her hands clutching my sherwani. A small smile found its way to my lips as I wrapped my arms around her, holding her closer than before.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I couldn't even give you a proper welcome. I couldn't give you a single moment from that day that you could remember with a smile. "She slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting mine. There was no disappointment in them: only warmth, only love.

"You gave yourself to me. What gift could be more valuable or grand than that? You gave me your love, your trust, your life. What more could I ever need? Having you makes me one of the luckiest girls in the world. So never say again that you couldn't do anything for me. You have given me my old self back."

Her words settled deep inside me, yet the ache refused to leave. "I know you are saying this from your heart, and I believe you. But my heart doesn't accept it. Because I know I couldn't give you those moments the way you dreamed. The way you deserved. I really..."

Before I could finish, she rose slightly on her toes and pressed a quick, soft kiss on the tip of my nose. The world stopped. Then she pulled back, her laughter light and playful as it filled the space between us.

"Saranghae, my love. As long as you are with me, every day, every hour, every minute, every second, even every nanosecond, is filled with peace and magic for me. No more arguments." And before I could even react, she turned and ran, disappearing into the crowd like a fleeting piece of light. I stood there, frozen, my heart still caught in that single moment.

For a few seconds, all I could do was watch the path she had taken, as if the world had narrowed down to that one direction. Then, slowly, without my permission, a laugh escaped my lips. I shook my head, a smile spreading across my face as something inside me finally felt lighter. And the next moment, I ran after her. "Wait, Moon Princess."

✧ Author's POV ✧

Ji-min intertwined his fingers with Mahi's and gently pulled her closer. The two of them remained seated inside the car, watching the fireworks blooming across the night sky. Colors spilled like dreams above them, each burst reflecting softly in Mahi's tear-filled eyes.

At that very moment, as planned, Taemur, Ali, Yusuf, Namjae, Hobi, and Jihan rode past their car on their bikes, speeding ahead to prepare for Mahi's grand welcome. Their engines roared into the distance, leaving a trail of excitement in the air.

Soon, Ji-min's car entered through the main gate of his mansion. For a brief second, everything went dark. The surroundings fell into complete silence, as if the world itself was holding its breath for what was about to come. Ji-min stepped out of the car first. He turned toward Mahi and extended his hand toward her, his eyes soft yet steady. Mahi placed her hand in his, carefully lifting the hem of her lehenga as he helped her step out. Holding her hand with gentle care, he guided her a few steps forward.

And the entire mansion came alive with lights in an instant. Thousands of shimmering lights illuminated the surroundings, cascading down from every corner like stars brought down to earth. Colorful fairy lights wrapped around pillars, trees, and balconies, while rows of light candles lined the pathway.

The entrance stood radiant, adorned with flowers so delicately arranged that it looked like a piece of art. Written across it in blossoms were the words, 'Welcome home, Angel.'

"Welcome to our home, Angel. Welcome to my life as my wife, as my mahram." Ji-min's voice broke through the silence as he spoke those words aloud.

Mahi slowly lifted her gaze toward him. Her eyes shimmered, heavy with tears that refused to fall, not out of sorrow but out of overwhelming happiness. Her lips curved into a trembling smile as she tightened her hold around his arm, her fingers clutching him as if grounding herself in this moment that felt too beautiful to be real.

Around them, the celebration intensified. Junaid's car spun wildly in perfect circles around them, drifting with breathtaking precision. The tires screeched against the rough stone pathway, and with every sharp turn, tiny sparks flew from beneath the wheels like fragments of fire escaping into the night.

A thin layer of dust rose into the air, blurring the surroundings slightly, adding a hazy, dreamlike quality to the scene. Cheers erupted from every direction. Laughter, excitement, and awe filled the atmosphere as all eyes remained fixed on Ji-min and Mahi.

It was their moment. A night meant to be remembered. But amidst all that joy. There was one pair of eyes carrying a storm. Junaid. His grip tightened around the steering wheel as he continued drifting, one hand controlling the accelerator, the other guiding the wheel with aggressive force. His veins stood out along his arms, his movements growing sharper, more intense, as if he were trying to outrun something buried deep inside him.

But his eyes were not on the front. They were fixed somewhere else on Ziya and Taemur. The sight of them standing close together twisted something painfully inside him. His chest tightened, his breath uneven. His nose flared as silent tears welled up, turning his eyes a burning red.

For a brief second, his vision blurred, he looked away quickly, and then pushed harder. The car spun faster, more violently, as if every turn could tear away the ache inside him. The engine roared louder, the tires screamed against the ground, and the crowd's cheers rose even higher, mistaking his pain for performance.

Until suddenly the car came to a halt. Silence fell for a fraction of a second. Junaid stepped out of the car without looking at anyone. Without saying a word, he walked away, straight toward the backyard. His breathing was uneven, his jaw locked so tightly it looked like it could break. Each step he took felt heavier than the last, like he was dragging something invisible behind him.

Ziya noticed, so did Ayaat. She gently held the edge of her sharara and hurried after him. Meanwhile, Taemur reached for Ziya's hand and gave it a light pull. "Moon Princess, what are you looking at? Come, they have already gone inside." Ziya nodded softly, her eyes still lingering in confusion, then followed him in.

But Ayaat didn't stop. She ran after Junaid, her heart pounding so loudly it drowned everything else. Her breath hitched as she called again, her voice softer now, almost breaking. "Cookie, are you okay?"

At the sound of her voice, Junaid paused for a brief moment. His shoulders tensed, his fingers curled into a fist, and for a second, it looked like he might turn back. Then he started walking again, even faster this time.

"Cookie, stop."

He stopped again. This time, when he turned around, his fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His eyes were red, not just from anger but from something deeper that he refused to let spill out. Ayaat froze completely. The moment she saw his face, she felt her confidence crumble into dust. She couldn't move another step.

Junaid took two slow steps toward her, his jaw tightening. His voice came out calm, almost like it was being forced out. "Do you follow every man like this when you find them alone?"

The words cut through her like ice. Ayaat's lips parted slightly, her breath shaking. Her eyes instantly filled, but she blinked hard, forcing a fragile smile as if she could still hold herself together. "No, I was just worried about you. You were driving so fast. Are you feeling dizzy? Nauseous? Tell me. You just recovered, but not fully, so I..."

"So you what?" His voice snapped through her sentence, low and sharp, as a blade held too close. "Who are you to me? Why are you trying to come so close? Thirty-seven times today, you tried to talk to me with different excuses. Why?"

Ayaat stood there, stunned, her hands slowly tightening at her sides. "I thought we were friends, so I..."

"Friends?" A hollow, bitter smile appeared on his lips, but there was no warmth in it. Only exhaustion and pain that had nowhere to go. "Just because I spoke a few times politely, we became friends? This is not a hospital where you have to take care of me. And we are not friends. In Islam, a non-mahram man and woman cannot be friends. Don't you know that?! Good girls don't follow men like this. Stay away from me. You are nothing to me, and I don't know you."

His voice trembled at the end, just slightly, like something inside him was cracking but refusing to fall apart completely. Ayaat's eyes shimmered, but her voice came out steadier than her heart. "You do know me. It is just unfortunate that I have been erased from your memory. I'm not just your friend. I was more than that. I will remind you of everything. I will help you remember all our memories. I know you love..."

Junaid raised his hand immediately, stopping her. "Stop, Miss Ayaat. I told you before, and I will repeat it. Listen carefully. I don't love you."

"You are lying." Her response came instantly, even though tears were already slipping down her cheeks. "You are lying because you do not even know your own heart. I'm not a child, Cookie. I know everything about you and Ziya. She is married now. She has moved on. You should, too." She took a deep breath and continued. "I'm not forcing you to love me. I'm not asking you to accept me. I know you need time to process everything. To remember everything. I will wait. I will wait until you accept everything. I will wait until you remember us. I will wait until you come back to me. I don't want anything from you. I just want permission to wait for you."

For a fraction of a second, something flickered in Junaid's eyes. Pain, recognition, or something dangerously close to surrender, and then it was gone. "Leave from my life. Go away. I can give you nothing except pain. I have nothing to offer you. If you come into my life, you will be destroyed."

Ayaat didn't step back. Her voice was soft now, but unwavering. "Accepted. When you love someone, destruction is part of it. I'm ready for it."

"But I don't love you." This time, he shouted. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to breathe. His eyes burned with anger, but underneath it was something far more fragile that he refused to acknowledge. A single tear slipped down Ayaat's cheek. She whispered, "I don't believe you in your words because your eyes are telling something else."

Junaid tightened his fists, looking down at her. His silence stretched painfully between them. Then a thin stream of blood began to flow from his nose, slipping down without him even realizing it.

Ayaat's expression changed instantly. All her pain turned into panic. "Cookie!" She stepped forward slowly, pulling out a handkerchief from her purse. Her hands were trembling so badly she could barely hold them steady. She reached up carefully, her voice breaking. "A-Are you okay?!"

Junaid jerked her hand away violently. The handkerchief fell onto the green grass. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then he turned. Without another word, without looking back even once, he walked away. Leaving her behind. Ayaat stood there in silence, her hands frozen in the air for a second before slowly falling to her sides. Her fingers curled into her dress tightly as if holding onto herself was the only thing keeping her standing. Her tears fell without sound, one after another, while the distant laughter and celebration from inside the mansion kept going as if nothing had broken at all.

#

Everyone gathered around Mahi and Ji-min, welcoming them with laughter that felt warm enough to melt every remaining trace of nervousness in the air. The hall room echoed with joy, soft teasing, and the constant click of cameras capturing moments they knew they would want to hold onto forever.

For a while, the night turned into a blur of light and happiness. Someone adjusted Mahi's dupatta for a better picture, someone pulled Ji-min closer, someone joked, and someone laughed a little too loudly. Hands brushed, shoulders leaned, and smiles came effortlessly. They clicked pictures together, teased one another, and relived the beauty of the evening through soft laughter and playful conversations.

Light snacks were passed from one hand to another, but no one really paid attention to the food. It was not hunger that filled them. It was something deeper. The feeling of togetherness. The quiet awareness that they were witnessing the beginning of something sacred.

After some time, the girls gently surrounded Mahi, their expressions softening as they led her upstairs to Ji-min's bedroom. Their bedroom.

They set her carefully on the bed, adjusting every fold of her lehenga with delicate attention. Riha knelt beside her and spread the heavy fabric around her, arranging it so perfectly that it looked like a blooming flower resting on the bed. The soft rustle of fabric filled the room as they worked, their movements slow and careful.

Mahi glanced at the clock on the wall and let out a quiet breath, her chest rising and falling beneath the weight of everything she was feeling. "I think I should change now. I need to offer Isha. I cannot manage in this heavy lehenga anymore."

Sara immediately leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her smile impossible to ignore. "Today, your husband will help you change, so just sit quietly."

At her words, Ziya, Afiya, and Riha exchanged knowing looks. Their lips curved into soft, teasing smiles, laughter escaping them in quiet bursts. Mahi's cheeks turned a deep shade of red almost instantly. Her fingers tightened slightly over the edge of her dupatta as she lowered her gaze, unable to meet their eyes.

Ziya gently placed her hand on Mahi's shoulder, her touch comforting. "Sara Eonni loves teasing. Don't mind her."

Sara lifted her shoulders playfully. "What teasing! I'm just telling the truth."

Ziya laughed softly, then reached for Sara's hand and pulled her up. "Eonni, we should leave now."

One by one, they stepped out of the room, their laughter fading as the door slowly closed behind them, and then, silence.

A deep silence wrapped itself around Mahi, making the sound of her own heartbeat feel louder than anything else. She adjusted her dupatta slightly. Her bangles slid down her wrist with a soft clink, the delicate sound echoing in the stillness. Her eyes slowly wandered around the room.

The bedroom was beautiful. Modern, yet warm. White and silver tones blended, creating a peaceful elegance. But tonight, it changed. Red roses were placed in every corner. Their petals were scattered across the floor and the bed like a quiet confession. Soft candlelight flickered gently, casting golden shadows across the walls, while a soothing fragrance filled the air, calming and overwhelming all at once.

This was no longer just his room. It was theirs... their first night. A nervous breath escaped her lips. She looked toward the door once. Then again and again, as if expecting it to open at any second. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the glass of water on the side table. She took a small sip, hoping it would steady her racing heart, but it didn't.

At that exact moment, the door opened. Ji-min stepped inside. Mahi straightened instantly, lowering her gaze. Her hands came together in her lap, fingers twisting softly as she tried to calm herself. Ji-min stood near the door for a moment, unmoving. His eyes were fixed on her, as if the world had suddenly narrowed down to just this one moment.

The woman sitting in front of him, in his room, on his bed, was the one he had waited for through years of silence, pain, and endless prayers whispered in the darkness of lonely nights. It felt unreal. Like a dream. But she was real. His reality, his naseeb, his wife.

Slowly, he began to walk toward her. One step, then another. Each step was careful, almost hesitant, as if he feared the moment might disappear if he moved too quickly. Mahi sat still in the middle of the bed, her head lowered, her fingers playing nervously with her bangles. Ji-min sat at the edge of the bed, folding one leg as he turned toward her.

Minutes passed. Neither of them spoke. Yet the silence between them was not empty. It was full. Full of years of longing, of unanswered prayers, of quiet patience that had finally found its answer.

Finally, Mahi gathered enough courage to lift her gaze slightly. She saw him looking at her. His eyes were glistening. A soft smile rested on his lips, but it carried something deeper than happiness. Something that felt almost overwhelming. Her heart skipped. "What happened, Ji-min? Are you crying?"

Ji-min raised his hand and gently wiped the corner of his eye. His smile softened even more. "These are tears of happiness, Angel. You are sitting in front of me in this bridal dress, for me. It feels unbelievable, yet it is real. My Angel is right here in front of me. I wish I could explain how happy I am, but no words or actions feel enough." His voice trembled slightly at the end.

Slowly, he lifted his hand toward her face, but stopped midway, hesitation holding him back. Mahi noticed, without saying a word, she reached for his hand and placed it gently against her cheek. His breath caught. Her skin was warm beneath his touch, soft and real, grounding him in a moment he had once thought impossible.

Mahi looked into his eyes, her own filling with tears. "You have every right over me now, Ji-min. You do not need permission to touch me anymore. I'm yours." His lips parted, but no words came. Instead, he leaned closer and rested his forehead against hers. "The time I spent away from you was painful. I know you suffered even more than I did. But look at how beautifully Allah has rewarded our patience." Mahi nodded softly, her eyes closing for a moment.

"Allah has given us more than we ever asked for." Ji-min moved back slightly and cupped her face in both hands. His thumbs gently wiped away her tears, careful and slow. Then he placed his hand softly on her forehead, closed his eyes, and recited a du'a in a quiet, heartfelt voice.

"Allahumma inni as'aluka min khairiha wa khairi ma jabaltaha alayh, wa a'uzu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha alayh."

He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Come, let us pray together and thank Allah. For accepting our duas. For bringing us together. For rewarding our patience." Mahi nodded. He gently wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks.

"I cannot stay in this heavy lehenga anymore. I need to change first." Ji-min smiled softly. "Of course. It must be very heavy. Should I help?" Mahi's cheeks flushed deeply. She shook her head slightly while beginning to remove her earrings. Ji-min moved closer to the edge of the bed with a wooden jewelry box. One by one, he carefully helped to remove her earrings, headpiece, and necklace, placing each piece inside with quiet care.

Neither of them spoke. But every small touch carried meaning. Every movement felt intimate, gentle, and new. A soft shiver passed through Mahi as his fingers brushed against her skin. Her heart raced in a way she had never felt before.

As Ji-min held her hands and slowly began removing her bangles, he spoke softly. "If it were possible, I would sit like this the whole night and just admire you. After waiting for so many years, even an entire lifetime would not be enough to admire you. I don't know how to explain how beautiful you look."

Mahi smiled faintly, her gaze lowering again. "If you keep looking like this, you might get tired of me someday."

Ji-min's expression changed instantly. His grip on her hands tightened slightly. "Before I ever feel tired of the one I begged Allah for day and night, may death come to me."

Mahi quickly placed her fingers on his lips. "You just got me a few hours ago, and you are already talking about leaving me!"

He came closer, slowly removing the space between them as his eyes locked onto hers, deep and searching, silently asking for permission he did not dare to voice. Mahi felt it in the way he looked at her, in the quiet hesitation that lingered between them. Her breath hitched as her heartbeat began to rise, faster and louder in her chest. She gave a small nod, almost shy, but enough for him to understand.

Ji-min exhaled softly, as if steadying himself, before lifting his hands. He moved slowly and carefully, his fingers brushing near her cheek as he reached for the pins holding her hijab. He was gentle, almost overly cautious, afraid he might hurt her, and it showed in the slight tremble of his hands, in the way his brows furrowed with quiet concentration. Every bit of his attention was fixed on that small task.

Mahi sat still, her body tense yet unmoving, her eyes fixed on him. She watched the way his lashes lowered, the way his lips parted slightly as he focused. Her heart was beating so fast it made her dizzy, her fingers curling slightly at her sides as she tried to steady herself.

One by one, he removed the pins, each movement slow and deliberate. When the last pin came free, he carefully lifted the fabric away and placed her hijab gently on the bed, almost reverently.

And then he looked at her. For a moment, he simply stared. Her hair was tied neatly in a bun, yet a few soft curls had escaped, falling delicately across her face and brushing against her cheek. In that moment, she looked different to him, softer, closer, more real than ever before. Ji-min swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. Something warm and unfamiliar settled in his chest as his eyes softened, filled with quiet admiration and something deeper that he couldn't name.

Almost without thinking, he lifted his hand and gently tucked one of the loose strands behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin lightly. The touch was soft, but it sent a quiet shiver through her. Neither of them spoke; they were lost in each other, in the silence that felt louder than words. Ji-min could hear his own heartbeat now, fast and uneven, his ears burning as he struggled to keep his composure.

Mahi felt it too. The intensity, the closeness. It made her nervous in a way she had never felt before. She swallowed, her gaze dropping as her lashes fluttered. Ji-min's hand slowly slid down, finding hers. His fingers wrapped around her hand gently, as if afraid she might pull away. His thumb brushed lightly over her skin before he paused, his eyes falling to her fingers, his grip tightening just a little. "You're still wearing this ring?" His voice was low, softer than before, carrying something unreadable beneath it. Mahi's fingers instinctively curled, but his hold remained gentle and soft, not forceful, just enough to keep her from pulling away.

Mahi nodded. "This ring made me feel your presence. How could I take it off?" Ji-min's voice softened even more. "I made you wait a lot, didn't I?" Mahi shook her head with a small smile. "Forget all that. We are together now. Come, let us thank Allah." She stood up and quietly went to change.

After some time, she returned, having made wudu, dressed in a soft light pink jilbab. The room looked even more peaceful now. The candlelight glowed gently, the fragrance lingered, and the rose petals rested silently across the floor like a blessing. Ji-min stepped in from the balcony and looked at her, his gaze softening once again.

"Angel, are you ready? Let us pray."

Mahi nodded, then together they offered the Isha prayer. Then the nawafil prayer. Their voices were low, their movements synchronized, their hearts full. They thanked Allah for their union, for their love, for every answered du'a that had led them to this moment. After the prayer, Mahi gently took Ji-min's hand and placed a soft kiss on his palm, then Ji-min placed his hand on her head and prayed for her, his eyes closed, his voice quiet but full of sincerity. Then, together, they raised their hands once more and prayed for their new life.

After finishing the prayer, Ji-min gently led Mahi toward the balcony for dinner. The moment she stepped outside, she paused for a second. A soft gasp almost escaped her lips. The balcony had been transformed into something quiet and intimate. A small table was set for two, decorated with delicate candles whose flames danced gently in the night air. The soft glow wrapped around them like warmth, while the cool breeze carried a peaceful stillness that felt almost sacred. Above them, the sky stretched endlessly, the moon watching over them like a silent witness to their union.

Ji-min pulled out a chair for her with quiet care. Mahi sat down slowly, her movements graceful yet shy, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her jilbab as she settled. He walked to his seat and sat across from her, but his gaze never left her face. There was something in the way he looked at her. Something deep. Something that made her heartbeat quicken without reason.

"You did all of this in such a short time while I was changing?" she asked softly, her voice carrying both surprise and touch.

He smiled, and the softness in his eyes deepened. "I want tonight and every day of our lives to be memorable for us. This is just a small effort." As he spoke, he gently served food onto her plate, making sure everything was just right. The way he placed each item, the way his fingers moved with care, it was not just about serving food. It was affection in its purest form.

Mahi looked around again, her voice dropping slightly. "There are so many guests in the house, and we are here alone like this..."

"There is no one," Ji-min said softly before she could finish. He leaned back slightly, his tone calm, almost reassuring. "Ziya and Taemur arranged for everyone to stay at Uncle Zayed's place tonight, so that we could have some quiet time."

Mahi's eyes widened slightly. "They went through so much trouble for us?"

Ji-min let out a soft laugh, shaking his head lightly. "They would have stayed awake all night talking and gossiping anyway, laughing over old memories and creating new ones. I tried to refuse at first, but they insisted... said we deserved some time alone, just the two of us." He paused for a moment, his gaze softened even more as he looked at her. "And honestly... I wanted this. I wanted to spend tonight with you in peace."

Those words settled deep in her heart. Mahi's cheeks turned red instantly. She lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling slightly as she nodded. Ji-min noticed. A teasing smile touched his lips. "Angel, why are you blushing? I meant something else. Not what you are thinking."

Mahi's cheeks burned crimson. "I'm not thinking about anything," she said quickly, her voice slightly unsteady. Ji-min leaned a little closer. The distance between them felt smaller now. Without warning, he reached out and gently brushed his finger against the corner of her lips, picking up a small trace of food. Then he brought it to his lips, tasting it slowly, his eyes still fixed on hers. Her breath caught. "Angel," he said softly, his voice lowering, "when your cheeks turn red like this, I feel like kissing you."

"Astagfirullah..." Mahi whispered, but her voice faded as she turned her face away, completely flustered. Ji-min laughed quietly, the sound warm and light. "Now I have the right to both think and act, Mrs. Jung Ji-min." Mahi lowered her head, a shy smile forming on her lips. Her heart refused to calm down.

After dinner, they moved closer. The table was forgotten. The world was forgotten. They sat side by side, close enough to feel each other's presence in every breath. Mahi rested her head gently on his shoulder, her hand slipping into his. Their fingers intertwined naturally, as they had always belonged that way. The night stretched endlessly around them. Quiet, calm, and beautiful. They talked, not just words. Memories, pain, waiting, and love that had been held back for years.

Everything they had buried inside themselves began to flow under the open sky, beneath the soft moonlight. Sometimes they laughed, sometimes their voices softened. Sometimes silence fell, but even that silence spoke. Time passed without warning. What felt like moments turned into hours.

For them, this simple night became something beyond ordinary. Something they would carry in their hearts forever. Ji-min gently took her hand, his fingers tracing over the mehendi patterns, searching for his name hidden within the intricate design. "It is hard to find," he murmured. Then he looked at the time and smiled. "Do you realize how three and a half hours passed without us noticing? It is already 1:25 am."

Mahi blinked in surprise. Ji-min suddenly stood up. "I brought something for you. Wait here." He walked inside and returned with a few shopping bags, sitting down in front of her again like an excited child hiding something special. "These are for you."

Mahi peeked inside. Her cheeks flushed immediately. Ji-min noticed her hesitation and quickly spoke, his voice gentle. "You don't have to wear them tonight. Only when you feel comfortable. When you are ready. Not before that." His words were careful, protective. He did not want her to feel pressured even for a second. Then he quickly took out two small boxes. "Look, I also brought these for you."

He opened one box, revealing a soft, elegant perfume. "You use this, right?" Mahi looked at him, confused but curious. "How do you know what I smell like?"

Ji-min smiled, almost shyly. "I stole your handkerchief once at university. That was the first time I felt your presence. Your scent stayed with me for years." Mahi laughed softly. "So you were a thief all along."

Ji-min chuckled and opened the second box. Inside was a delicate pendant made of red ruby stones, shaped into the initials JM. The stones caught the candlelight and shimmered softly. "I had this made for you. Do you like it?"

Mahi's eyes softened. "It is beautiful." He placed the box in her hands. She looked at it, then at him. "Won't you put it on me yourself?" Ji-min paused, then smiled awkwardly. "Of course... but over the jilbab..."

Before he could finish, Mahi quickly grabbed the bags and ran inside. Ji-min froze. "Did I upset her?" Worry crept into his chest instantly. He followed her inside. The candles had almost melted, their light dim and fading. The room felt quieter now. Too quiet. The bathroom door was closed. His heart tightened. "Is she crying?" Panic began to settle. He never wanted to hurt her. Not even unknowingly.

Moments later, the door opened. Ji-min stood up quickly, ready to apologize. But the words never came. Mahi stepped out wearing one of the nightgowns he had brought. A long outer coat wrapped around her, her fingers clutching it tightly as if it were her shield. Her steps were slow, uncertain, like she was walking into a moment she had dreamed of but never fully prepared for. A soft dupatta rested over her head, its fabric light and flowing, catching the faint glow of the candlelight with every subtle movement she made. The edges fell gently around her shoulders, not perfectly arranged, but softly natural. Delicate curls framed her face, some tucked behind her ear while others escaped freely, brushing against her cheeks with every small breath she took. A few strands clung slightly near her jawline, moving whenever she shifted, adding an effortless softness to her presence. The faint shimmer of her skin under the warm light made the moment feel quieter, almost suspended, as if even the air around her had slowed down just to look at her.

Ji-min's mouth fell open in shock, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. He had seen her before. But this felt different. This was not just beauty. This moment was something deeper. Something that reached quietly into his chest and settled there.

Mahi felt his gaze on her, intense and unmoving. Her breath caught. She shifted slightly, pulling the coat closer around herself. "Ji-min... I..." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "I feel strange. Maybe... I should change again..." Before she could turn, his fingers gently wrapped around her wrist and stopped her. She turned and collided lightly with his chest.

"You don't look strange," he said quietly, his voice lower now, steady and certain. "You look beautiful... You look like mine." There was no harshness in his words, only warmth. Slowly, carefully, he lifted his hand and removed the dupatta from her head. It slipped down like a soft breath. And then he saw her open hair, for the first time. Soft waves fell over her shoulders, catching the light, framing her face in a way that made her look almost unreal.

For a moment, he simply stared, as if trying to memorize every detail. His fingers moved gently into her hair, brushing through the strands slowly, reverently, like he was touching something sacred. "So this...is how my Angel looks when she lets herself be seen." He murmured near her ear. His fingers tucked a loose curl behind her ear, lingering just a little longer than needed.

Mahi's heartbeat quickened, her chest rising and falling unevenly. No one had ever looked at her like this. Not just at her face, but through her, as if he were discovering the parts of her she had kept hidden even from herself. She lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling. He stepped behind her, his presence warm and close. Gently, he placed the pendant around her neck. His fingers brushed lightly against her skin as he secured it, slow and careful, as if even the smallest touch mattered.

A burning sensation ran through her body as she clutched her gown and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. His breath grazed her shoulder as he leaned closer, "Do I have permission... to admire this beauty?"

Mahi turned toward him, her courage faltering under the depth of his gaze. Her fingers instinctively clutched his shirt, and she hid her face against his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath her cheek, strong, grounding, yet there was something soft in the way he held her.

Ji-min closed his eyes for a second, holding that moment. He didn't rush her. He simply wrapped his arms around her gently, letting her stay there, letting her feel safe. After a quiet pause, he lifted her into his arms with ease and care, as if she were something too precious to mishandle. He placed her softly on the bed and leaned over her slightly, careful not to let his weight press down, his hands resting beside her. His eyes searched hers, not demanding, not impatient, only asking, only waiting.

"So," he whispered, warmth threading through his voice, "should I understand your silence as a no?"

Mahi's lips parted, but no words came. Her heart answered before her voice could. As he began to move away, giving her space, giving her the choice, she reached for him. Her fingers tightened around his collar and pulled him back. Her lips brushed against his. Soft, hesitant...but real.

Ji-min stilled completely. Time seemed to pause around them. When he pulled back slightly, his eyes searched hers again, deeper now, softer, certain. A quiet smile touched his lips, filled with something unspoken yet understood.

"I will not tell you how much I love you with words tonight," he whispered gently. "Because words are too small for what I feel for you. I will show you in every quiet moment how much I love you. I'll protect your heart as it belongs to me more than my own."

This time, when he leaned closer, there was no hesitation. Mahi wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, not out of fear, but out of trust. Her fingers rested against his back, grounding herself in him, feeling the warmth of his presence. He moved slowly, never rushing, never overwhelming. Every touch carried care. Every moment carried meaning. He brushed her hair back once more, his fingers lingering softly before he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then to her temple, as if reminding her again and again that she was safe, cherished, respected.

Mahi closed her eyes, her shyness slowly melting into warmth. Her hands no longer trembled. Instead, they held onto him with quiet certainty. The distance between them faded, replaced by something deeper than words. His presence did not overwhelm her. It calmed her. And as the night deepened, so did their connection.

Two hearts, once burdened by distance and pain, finally found peace in each other. Under the mercy of Allah, within a bond made pure and halal, they came together, not just as lovers, but as companions. As partners who would walk side by side in faith, in life, and in every test and blessing written for them.

And in that quiet night, wrapped in sincerity and softness, Ji-min did not just see her hidden beauty. He saw her heart. And Mahi, for the first time, allowed herself to be fully seen. Their love, in that moment, became more than a feeling. It became a blessing.

A/N

English is not my first language, so please forgive any typos or grammatical mistakes you may come across while reading.

( Total Words 8.5k )

To be continued....

Maria Jubayer (Nazli) ツ

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