Chapter-10
Zoya was standing outside the main gate of the Khan Mansion with Asad, after her Rukhsat from her parents' side... Her face still hidden behind the curtains of hundreds of flowers of her Sehra that was tied around her forehead, and came to her waist length... Her head bowed a bit, she could see nothing but hear... And she was slightly smiling hearing that Asad and both his siblings were having a healthy banter, and both of Asad's brother and sister weren't letting them in, standing at the threshold of the door blocking their way... Dilshaad and Asad's Dadi must be in, she could hear them giggling, while Rashid was standing at their back, encouraging Asad to give away what his siblings wanted... Ayaan and Najma wanted Neg' as Rasta rukaayi, and specially Ayaan, who had not got anything from Asad, while Najma got it before they went to the Reception Venue... And on the other hand Asad was mocking irritation because today, whoever is opening their mouths, wanted Neg. First his own sister, Zoya's cousins and now his siblings again... Finally Najma gave an exasperated sigh and said- "Ok! Khade rahiye ghar ke baahar saari raat!" and Rashid said- "Najma beta, Aap apne Asad Bhaijaan ko saari raat baahar khade rakh lijiyega... Par apni Bhabhi ko toh andar aane do... Abhi-abhi aayi hai wo, and she must be tired beta...!" To this Najma retorted- "Shadi kisne ki hai? Bhaijaan ne na? Biwi kiski? Unki hi na? Toh agar unhe itni fikar ho apni biwi ki, toh dein neg, and andar le jaayein apni biwi ko...", to this all the guests and family members roared with laughter, including Zoya who could not help giggling behind her veil, but very subtly so that none sees her doing so...
Now Asad was getting irritated seeing everyone laughing on his costs, and he looked at his dad helplessly, who this time sincerely blinked his eyes saying, it's time to end the teasing from both the sides, and give them whatever money they wanted... And Asad obediently put his hand in his sherwani pocket, and took out two bundles of notes, handing over each to both of his siblings, who in return hugged him, and he hugged both of them together, kissing both his siblings' heads...
While Ayaan left space for Asad to get inside, Najma stepped out of the threshold to help her Bhabhi enter, holding her(Zoya's) lehenga to help her Bhabhi come inside... And as soon as Zoya had taken one step up into the door, she felt as if the ground under her feet went upside down... Zoya was nonplussed, did she feel dizzy? Just in a micro second did she realise after the loud hooting by everyone around, and when Zoya kept a hand in her defense that landed upon a hard muscular object, that she realised was Asad's shoulder, Asad has picked her up in his arms... That too in front of all... It was not that big deal in her country, everybody does, but, it happens here in India too? She could feel her cheeks heating up... Here she is going to be teased too much for this...
As soon as they reached the hall, Asad put Zoya down on her feet... Najma made Zoya sit on a sofa, and then opened her Sehra to relieve her of the veil it had made on her... Zoya's cheeks yet were red, and she did not know how to react now, so she kept looking down on the floor until someone makes another move, and sure enough Najma announced, "ek rasm hai..."... Asad, who had plopped down of the sofa in front sat straight as in-"Now what?"... Najma cleared his unsaid query... "Maine apne haath se Kheer bana ke rakhi hai... Bhabhi ko apne haath se Bhaijaan ko khilana hoga..."
Asad was baffled- "Arrey, abhi shadi mein khilaaya toh tha tum sab ke saamne..."
Najma replied- "Haan Bhaijaan, but there is a twist in the tale..."
Asad: And it is?
Najma: Very simple... Rule number one, Spoon is not allowed... We'd keep the kheer on Bhabhi's palm, and you have to take it from it...
Asad's eyes went wide in shock...
A: What??? No! Naj... Najma it is not hygienic that way dear...
N: Oh come on Bhaijaan! Can we keep this hygiene matter aside for now... You can use your hands while eating in India... That is not that big an issue...
(Najma's counterpart left Asad quiet... And Najma continued)
And rule number two is we all sisters, me and our cousins won't let you eat, ie. We'd prevent Bhabhi's hand from you... Now you and your brothers have to plan out whatever you feel like that you can call it a strategy, and Bhaijaan, you have to eat it thrice from Bhabhi's palm...
Asad was left with no choice, but to follow what his sisters wanted... They all sat on a mattress made on floor, with Asad and Zoya sitting in front of each other, while the girls sat around Zoya, and the boys around Asad...
As soon as Dilshaad put little kheer on Zoya's palm, Asad and his boys found it an opportunity and were about to grab on the kheer, when Najma and sisters pulled away Zoya's hand, resulting Asad fall in a bit in front and the boys followed suite and fell upon Asad's back due to inertia and Asad's face almost fell in Zoya's lap, resulting all of the guests laugh at the scene... Asad glared at his boys asking them to control themselves... And soon it became a fun affair, with sometimes Asad winning, and the other Zoya, and it was the third time left for Asad to eat away the kheer... Till this time, except for eating from her palm, Asad did not touch Zoya any bit... But now Najma and her girls were being adamant enough to let every strategy of the boys fail, and Asad was unable to eat each time, getting a "Boo" from the girls... Now this was the limit of his patience, as well, the girls began chatting among themselves for a little moment, when Asad found this opportunity, and grabbed Zoya's wrist and brought her palm to his mouth quickly and ate away the last bit of kheer, and this was witnessed by all, that earned them a big round of hooting and whistling at his attempt... Zoya looked up surprised into his eyes that had a naughty glint while she smiled a little and dropped her lashes down in shyness before anybody else sees them looking at each other...
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Zoya entered the room, after Najma had escorted her to the door and shut it behind for her privacy instructing her the directions to the washroom inside before leaving ... She looked about the room... The west side of the room was the bed... Her wedding bed, that was laden with many strands of White and red flowers, that was creating an aroma and well beauty together... There were a few beautiful candles burning in the other corner of the room... On one side of the walls, was a lavish set of couch laid, with a Centre Table... The table had a few eatables... She smiled at the thoughtfulness of her In-laws, they had kept quite a few things to eat, along with fruits, milk and juice, if she wants to, knowing she ate so less on her wedding, and does not feel awkward if she felt hungry... Beside the bed, there laid two praying mats- Jaanamaaz that were folded at their corners... Zoya smiled... Yes! She needs to thank Allah Almighty for the beautiful wedding and the successful marriage ahead...
She went and stood in front of the mirror, when Asad entered in... With slow steps he went near Zoya, who had averted her eyes seeing him come, and looked down on hands whose fingers she had entwined together not knowing what to do... Asad cleared his throat a bit and then said, "Emmm... Zoya..." and she looked up for a second into his eyes telling him, she's hearing him say, before her eyes again dropped low...
Asad continued- "Main soch raha tha ki aap Wuzu kar lein, toh kya hum Shukraane ki Namaz padh lein?"... And Zoya nodded and then said- "Ji... Main ye kuch ornament nikaal loon pehle..." "Theek hai, main aaya Wuzu karke... Phir aap kar leejiye ga" Nodding, when she saw Asad go to the Washroom, Zoya took off the rings on her fingers, her maang teeka, Jhumar and Nose ring from herself, and the finally the big necklace and earrings she wore, leaving the rest on her... Within a few minutes Asad came out in his white pyjama kurta taking away the sherwani off him... Zoya just could not take her eyes off, but not finding it decent, averted them before he saw her, to go to the washroom for the Wuzu...
[Ok! Let me clarify a few things here... In an Islamic wedding, the bride and Groom are supposed to offer a Thanks giving Prayer to Allah! Thanking him for the wedding and praying for a successful marriage ahead... And before offering any Namaz, a person has to wash his/her palms, hands till their elbow, face, mouth, in the nostrils, cleaning them and finally with a wet hand running it over your hair, earlobes, nape and neck, one had to wash their feet... This is known as Wuzu, and is compulsory to be done before any namaz...]
Zoya, right in her wedding dress, took an extra dupatta out of her bag, and draped it on her head instead of the dupatta of her dress that was somewhere still on her head, and was very heavy to tie, and stood on her Praying mat that Asad had opened for her, while Asad stood on his, and begun offering their prayers individually, and only after a few minutes that they had prayed did they joint their palms, for the dua, praying and thanking for their wedding and marriage... Where Asad asked for love, understanding and sympathy to his wife, Zoya asked for respect, obedience and trust among each other for their life...
Both finished their respective prayers folding the mats and standing up... Asad took of his praying cap, keeping it on the side table, while Zoya took the other dupatta off her head, keeping it aside, she walked to the large glass window in their room, that gave a beautiful view to the night sky... Indeed, the clouds were here and there in the sky with the moon hiding behind them somewhere...
Chhup Gaye Saare Taare,
Baadalo Mein Chhup Gaye
Chhup Gaye Wo Nazaare,
Baadalo Mein Chhup Gaye
The cool breeze that was swaying in the cloudy night was soothing Zoya like anything... She kept looking out at the beautiful view outside... Sometimes the moon would come out of one cloud spreading its silver brightness on the Earth, making all the view bathed in Silver, and the other minute, would hide back into another cloud... The only constant companion in this hides and seeks game of the moon and its light was the cool breezes that was soothing her senses and forget anything else... A few strands of hair that the beautician must have left out of the beautiful bun that she had made, were tickling her face, but instead it brought a smile to Zoya's face... She rested her head against the window sill taking in the breezes... And that is how Asad found her...
Chhup Gayaa Badli Mein Jaa Ke
Chand Bhi Sharma Gaya
Chhup Gayaa Badli Mein Jaa Ke
Chand Bhi Sharma Gaya
Aapko Dekha Toh
Phoolon Ko Pasina Aa Gaya
Arey Maahi Re O O
Asad got up from his praying mat, after rubbing a firm hand over his face, asking his prayers to almighty Allah, folding his praying mat, and keeping it on the mat on which Zoya had sat and prayed, and stood up... His eyes followed around the entire room looking for his bride, and finally found her facing her back against him, leaning on to the window sill... With very slow steps he went to stand next to her... She looked really mesmerising... that smile held so much beauty, that he felt to suddenly hug her to him and keep her this smiling for his entire life. But again outrightly hugging her was not a good idea not knowing how she would react to his intimacy all of a sudden. He knew off-late that she has developed feelings to him just like he had for her. And in a way both have been waiting for the day they could be called each others, yet Asad thought to take it slow.
So, instead of hugging her, he stood just behing her, not touching, yet being close to her, and cleared his throat making his presence felt, and not startling her, but bringing her out from the reverie... Zoya did not know what to say, but Asad begun- "Hmmm... Mausam achha ho raha hai... Badal chaaye hue hain..." Zoya just nodded and begun- "Ji... wo hawa bhi bohot achhi chal rahi thi... toh isliye" and Zoya again bowed her head playing with her fingers... She was just too nervous to say anything to him... And Asad could feel her nervousness and took it upon him to make her comfortable, and thus put his palms on her either arms, resting them softly... Zoya's first stiffening and then relaxing made it clear to him that she was okay with his touch till now, and thus with a slight twirl, made her body turn towards him, making her face him.
Zoya just did not know what she shall do when he did so... She wasn't scared or something, but it was sheer nervousness, as to how to being normal, and thus she tilted her face down, not able to see in his eyes. Asad chuckled at her shyness... she was not this type of a girl... Sure she needs to be made comfortable and friendly around him, so he pecked his index finger under her chin to lift her face up to make her look in his eyes... as soon as their eyes met, Asad gave one of his most beautiful smiles at her, letting her forget anything else, and just be with him... And it did work for Zoya. His smile held so much love and friendliness that for a moment she forgot to breathe and then without a blink looked at him, and could not resist returning a smile back at him, a smile that held the meanings to Asad that what he wanted is happening and Zoya is slowly and eventually getting comfortable and around him.
Aapne Yu Chhed Ke Toh
Dil Mera Dhadaka Diya
Aapne Yu Chhed Ke Toh
Dil Mera Dhadaka Diya
Hum Mile Toh Pyaar Karane Ka
Mahina Aa Gaya
Are Maahi Re O O
It had been sometime when Asad and Zoya had been comfortable progressing towards their night together... Zoya stood comfortably in Asad's arms... Her head lay on his broad chest standing together... Zoya was slowly finding peace in his arms. Asad had been very slow and gentle to her, and understanding his needs Zoya was slowly opening up with him... Asad, who had his head upon Zoya's slowly rubbed his cheek in her hair, and instinctly his hold on her waist went tighter. His face decended slowly towards her forehead, giving a tender kiss there, Zoya shut her eyes with his each movement. Asad's lips decended down to her ear dropping another kiss that made her shudder... Zoya could hear her heartbeats increasing slowly, and they shot to a fore when his lips landed over her neck... she instinctly turned her back to him, holding her fists tight near her heart to control her unruly heartbeats, with her chest upheaving with her laboured breaths taking in the sweet torture of love that Asad was giving her...
Aapki Ye Chudiyaan
Humko Jagaaye Raat Bhar
Aapki Ye Boliyaan
Humko Sataaye Raat Bhar
Aapki Ye Chudiyaan
Humko Jagaaye Raat Bhar
Aapki Ye Boliyaan
Humko Sataaye Raat Bhar
Aapka Aanchal Udaa
Ambar Pe Baadal Chha Gaya
Hum Mile To Pyaar Karne Ka
Mahina Aa Gaya
Arey Maahi Haaye Ho Ho Aa
Asad's hand slipped over Zoya's feeling her jingling bangles, and slowly started removing them little by little piling up those glass made rings of bangles on the side table one after the other, freeing her hands as well her off any ornaments, except the slinky gold chain with an elegant diamond pendant, that Asad had just a few moments back tied around her neck as her wedding gift from him. It was certainly a customised set of chain and pendant, because somehow everything that it had suited her choice like once he had asked her during their jewellery shopping...
As soon as her hands got free from his, Zoya slightly touched the pendant again that was around her neck, and smiled, while Asad was kept on speaking some sweet nothings in her ears, that was giving her a tickling sensation... And somehow, her smiles widen due to them, until she heard Asad groan... He was trying his best to free her heavy dupatta from her dress that was finely pinned... He had somehow opened the hair that were beautifully tird in a bun, and now was struggling with the dupatta. Zoya smiled feeling his agiation in being unable to remove it, and thus helped him take out multiple safety pins that had attached them to her dress. Asad was ecstatic at the help that Zoya had offered, and took away the heavy piece of her dressing, her dupatta, and threw it at some corner of the room unlike how he had neatly kept all her ornaments at place... Well, the dupatta could wait to be kept at the right place, later... Right now, as the month of love, February, it was the moment of love too for the newly wed couple, who were way too busy to hear the drizzles that were creating beautiful aroma of wet mud, adding on to their union, being the evidence of their love and union... Just like them the waters were uniting with the dry land of winters...
Aankho Se Neendein Churana
Koi Seekhe Aapse
Pyaar Me Paagal Banana
Koi Seekhe Aapse
Aankho Se Neendein Churana
Koi Seekhe Aapse
Pyaar Me Paagal Banana
Koi Seekhe Aapse
Aapki Chaahat Ka Ye Andaaz
Humko Bha Gaya
Aapko Dekhaa To
Phoolon Ko Pasina Aa Gaya
Arey Maahi Re O O
Chhup Gaya Badli Mein Jaa Ke
Chand Bhi Sharma Gaya
Chhup Gaya Badli Mein Jaa Ke
Chand Bhi Sharma Gaya.
It were some very early morning hours, the sun hadn't risen still... The two tired bodies lay quietly under the warm quilt, almost entangled, with Zoya's head lying freely over Asad's bare broad built up chest... The drizzle has stopped till then, but the coolness in the temperature that got after the drizzle was making Zoya snuggle more and more to Asad's warm body... Asad whose arm was around Zoya's bare shoulder was caressing the milky skin constantly. The way she was snuggling, made him know she was still awake. She was still stifling... The holy union indeed was a pious act for her; Asad had seen those sincere tears in her eyes the moment they united. Some thankful tears that had seeped out of her eyes then were sucked by Asad in a silent act of consoling her, telling her that this was the ultimate union of his life, for which he had awaited and passed unattentively by many pretty girls, to get this girl, who would be her soulmate all his life...
Asad slowly caressed her hair too, and then asked- "Aapko neend nahi aa rahi Miss. Far... I mean Mrs. Khan?" Asad corrected and asked... In return she giggled, for both the reasons, for him who instantly corrected himself, and also for his question, and then answered- "Mr. Khan aapne meri neend udaa di hai..." to this was Asad's counterpart- "Achha ji... Madam, pagal aapne humein bana ke rakha hai and ilzaam mujhpe?" and the two kept having their soft bickering until the both of them drifted into their sleep, only to wake up by Zoya's phone ringing... Zoya blinked her eyes twice and thrice to come to normalcy and realise that it was her alarm that was ringing... Seeing herself in Asad's arms, did she realise that the ringing must be disturbing his sleep, and thus she immediately switched it off... But as soon as she untangled herself from him did his sleep got disturbed and he groaned... Looking first at Zoya and then at the wall clock, it was 5 am... He rubbed his eyes and in a hoarse voice asked- "Zoya, hum abhi toh soye they... Tum itni jaldi kyu uth gayi?" but Zoya said nothing except asking him to go back to his sleep... The haziness of the sleep made him go back into his slumber, as he had no energy in him to ask as many questions to her...
Zoya slipped out of their bed holding on to her dupatta that luckily was lying by her side, wrapping herself in and took out her bathing gown and rushed into the washroom to have a bath... When she came out of the washroom, and was changing into an orange and red combination salwaar-kurta that she heard the calls of Aazaan (The calls before any namaz, so that you can now have your prayers)... Zoya without doing anything else, wrapped the dupatta of her salwaar kurta around her head, opened the and spread the praying mat and stood on it, as soon as the Aazaan finished and started praying... Asad opened his eyes with the call of the Aazaan and then he saw Zoya getting ready for the namaz... He shot up on the bed and straight away launched into the washroom, and quickly bathed, did his wuzu, wore his pyjama-kurta and rushed out of the room to the mosque to offer his namaz.
Zoya after offering her Namaz sat with her palms open in the air, asking her prayers to the Allah... Some instant tears sprang up her eyes... Some happy tears... She was really overwhelmed with the love that she saw in Asad for her... she just hoped and prayed to have this love all her life, and be able to love him and his family with all her might... Rubbing her palms over her face, she got up from the praying mat, folded it and kept it aside... opening the dupatta and removing it from her head, Zoya brushed her hair that were almost dry by now... She opened her bag, her Aapi had made bags of all her accessories going with each dress for some initial days, so that she doesn't needs to search for them, and thus, Zoya slipped the set of bangles that were in a combination of red and orange on her sleek wrists, adoring her hands, the ever present ring that Asad gave her and the chain and pendant from the last night, and a pair of some beautiful earings, putting a little kohl in her eyes, Zoya gave herself a final look... Putting on a tiny nose pin on her nose gave her a very new look and she liked it to...
Zoya could hear a few hustle and bustle from outside that meant the house has started getting up one by one, and thus she should be out of her room... Zoya remembered her mother's words that she should cover her head with her dupatta for some initial days as it looks good at a new bride, and thus Zoya smilingly puts the dupatta at her head that was on her shoulders, and adjusted it and went out of her room to greet all members and relatives at the house...
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When Asad returned to his room from the mosque after offering his Namaz, he looked around the room, she was no where around. He could hear voices from the hall, she must have been there. He felt really sleepy again and thus slumped down on the bed to have another nap, only to be wakened up by soft ruffling in his hair... The soft smell of the henna from Zoya's hand could still be smelt... she has been sitting by his side of the bed in a corner; Asad could also smell a strong fruity smell... Maybe that was the smell of her shampooed... Asad could again hear that clinkling sounds of her bangles... Asad held her wrist in his palm, and smilingly opened his eyes to see Zoya sitting by his side, holding her heart in her eyes...
Zoya when had re-entered the room a few hours later, could not resist sitting by his side seeing his child-like face when he was sleeping... She had so intently kept looking at him for a few moments only to come out of her love stare, remembering that she had come here to wake him up, as all were waiting for him outside, and also her sister and cousins were coming to their home with the breakfast...
Asad opened his eyes and smiled at her... A smile that was at leisure... A smile of understanding that the previous night had built... Asad held her wrist softly that was playing with his hair, and softly moved his fingers on her bangles; clinking them... Zoya as joyously as she always had been- "Assalam-o-alaikum Mr. Khan...!!!" Asad sat up on the bed, still holding her hand in his, resting his back on the headboard kissed her palm lovingly and answering back- "Walaikum-as-salam Mrs. Khan..." and softly caressing her palm with his cheek further spoke- "Mrs. Khan, aap itni jaldi uth gayi aaj..." "Mr. Khan, all were waiting for me... It wouldn't have looked good if I had again slept... So...", Asad made a seepy face resting his cheek on her palm acting of dozing off again, telling her, he was still sleepy, to which Zoya took off her hand from his and stood up on her feet being the bubbly self again...
Z: No Mr. Khan... Please soyega nahi... Isi baat pe ek sher arz hai... (Asad massaged his temples... He was slowly getting around the fact that no matter what Zoya needs to crack those Pathetic Shayari and surprisingly his family loved all of them) Arrey Mr. Khan Irshaad toh kahiye...
A: Ji... Irshaad-Irshaad...
Z: Toh Arz kiya hai...
Beet gayi raat, ho gayi subah aahista-aahista...
Beet gayi raat, ho gayi subah aahista-aahista...
Ab fatafat ho jaiye ready Mr. Khan,
Kyuki mere bhai-behen aa rahe hain leke naashta...
Thank you...!!!
Asad who had been quietly hearing her shayari faced her confused...
A: Naashta? Kyu? Yahan bhi toh naashta hai...
Z: Ohho Mr. Khan... It's a ritual... Chaliye jaldi se jaake ready hoiye... Get up...
Asad who stood up from the bed, grabbed Zoya's arm, when she was about to turn, twirling her such a way that she came crushing to his chest... Instinctly Asad wound his arms around her waist, holding her tight to him...
Z: Mr. Khan? Ab kya hai ye sab? Jaaiye na... Aap late ho jaayenge...
But it seems Asad was no where bothered to hear her say, and nuzzled into her neck taking in her sweet fragrance, his lips caressing her sensitive spots creating havoc on her senses... She knew it is impossible getting out of his hold and would not let her go, and thus she just tilted her head back giving him access, closing her eyes tight to take all of his tortures on her senses... Softly Asad's lips travelled up to her ear, kissing over it and then murmered in her ear...
A: Did I tell you Zoya, you are looking breath taking... As pretty as you were yesterday, As my bride...
Zoya's face lit up a 1000 watt bulb hearing the compliment from the for whom she had dressed... Her smile told him, it made her happy... Their moment was broken by the knock on their door... It was Najma who was asking if her Asad Bhaijaan was up... Zoya pushed him into the washroom, and came out into the hall...
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It was funfilled affair, with Zoya's sister and other cousins at Asad's home bringing in various dishes from their home, and specially serving Zoya to make her eat properly... Her sisters had that naughty glint on their faces right from the moment they had entered into her new house silently asking how her experience till now had been... And Zoya was turning crimson by each look, and thus she averted her eyes from them to avoid any embarrassing situation in front of all...
All her cousins and Zaina left for their home, inviting Asad along with Zoya to her Maternal home to meet them... Asad had sincerely nodded that they would follow on tow soon...
And as promised Asad at late morning walked up with Zoya to the Villa where her parents were staying, making sure she has reached there, left her till evening when she had to get ready for the Walima reception...
Zoya had a gala time with her family, that was some fun, some love and lots of teasings from here and there, until Zaina who looked at Zoya who was stifling her yawns every now and then smiled to herself... "Poor soul didn't get to sleep well.." thought Zaina, when she ushered Zoya up to her room, and strictly asked her to have some good sleep before her Walima... Zoya was really-really Thankful to her elder sister for being the silent epitome of understanding to her... In the dim lit room, Zoya drifted into a peaceful sleep...
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It was late evening, when a decked up Zoya like a bride again was ushered to the stage, where she and her hubby stood, greeting guests who came up to them blessing them a happy wedding and successful marriage ahead... Zoya looked around and sighed in satisfaction... It was indeed a small 1 month journey from New York to Bhopal... From being Miss. Zoya Farooqui, to Mrs. Zoya Asad Ahmed Khan... From being a freaking girl to an elegant shy Indian bride... The period indeed small, was a long journey... A journey that changed her life... Though she would not here have her family she lived with her entire childhood, but this marriage gave her an even bigger family, and a loving husband... Here ends the small tale of her wedding and now begins the journey of a successful marriage... It won't certainly be a bed of roses, yet she would make her story- And they live happily ever after!!!
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Okay, that was one long chapter...
Well the last chapter deserves this...😆
Anyways, please genuinely comment and like the chapter...
Happy reading...😃
Love
Aazeen...😃
Anupamaa
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