No Conditions, Whatsoever

Romance

Reminder: Pray.

Feiha's PoV:

I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock and heard the adhan being called for Fajr. I turned to my side to see Ayan stretched on the bed. He was occupying more than half the space and the only reason why I didn’t get disturbed by this while sleeping was because I practically slept on the edge.

No, it wasn't because of my discomfort or anything. I was used to sleeping in minimal space from childhood and it didn't change when I grew up.

I shook Ayan’s arm to wake him up to which he stirred a little but his eyes remained closed. “Ayan,” I called but still nothing happened. Shaking my head, I shook him harshly, as a result of which he woke up violently, startling me as well and making me lose my balance.

My body collapsed onto his, my face hitting his shoulder and hands landing on his chest. I raised my head and put aside the strands of my hair to clear my vision. Ayan was now wide awake and staring at me. His hair was dishevelled, his eyes hooded. My gaze dropped to the mole under his lips and I unconsciously bit my tongue.

Suddenly, I felt myself being caged by two muscular arms, my chest being glued to Ayan's body. “I could get used to waking up like this,” his voice came out raspy. “Good morning,” he mused and nudged his nose with mine.

“Don't get cuddly,” I turned my face to the side to hide my flustered self. “We have to pray.”

“This isn't even ten percent of the way I want to cuddle with you but okay,” he replied, burying his face in my hair and taking a whiff. “Gosh which shampoo-” he sniffed again, “do you use?”

I suppressed a giggle at that and pushed myself up to sit and slap his arm. “Get up,” I ordered.

“Do you want me to join you in the bathroom?” he questioned, rubbing his eyes.

“Of course not!” I exclaimed only to realise that I was being noisy when it wasn't even morning yet.

“Then finish your business first and wake me up when you're done,” he mumbled and hid his face under the pillow.

Oh, okay.

We prayed Fajr together with Ayan in the lead. His voice was beautiful. It had a soothing essence to it and the way he pronounced each and every word was refreshing to hear. I couldn't believe that I'd get to hear it the first thing in the morning for the rest of our lives, Insha Allah.

As we finished, I took my time to sit and raise my hands in supplication. I prayed for a lot of things: for forgiveness, the ummah, the humans and animals going through hardships, Ayan's family, my family, our friends, and finally our marriage.

It was still hard to believe that I was a married woman now. I knew life wasn't going to be a bed of roses. I was practical enough to not expect a perfect marriage. Ayan was a good guy but he wasn't perfect, just like me. Therefore I asked Allah to put mercy between us, along with affection and comfort.

Ya Allah, keep us patient towards each other. Help us both become dutiful, respectful and soft in this marriage. You are my Lord and You are my friend. You are my maker, the One who knows what is inside my heart and his. Help us, Ar Razzaq.

I opened my eyes and saw Ayan sitting on the prayer mat with his knees folded in front of him. He was looking at me in anticipation, resembling a curious child.

“Were you praying for us?”

I shrugged without looking at him and stood up only to be pulled back and land on his lap with a shriek. “What are yo-”