𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 | 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟎𝟏

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐅 𝟒𝟑

ARZO

I’m homesick.

During the few hours of the day when I’m not at home.

I returned to university a few days ago and it's not my favorite part of the day. I only like the ride to the university because Faizan drops me off on his way to work.

Right now, I’m at the library studying for my final exams. Our exams will be in a month. Thankfully, I’m not behind on any assignments. I was able to submit them before the due date or on the due date- either way, I’m not late.

Almost all of the subjects are covered for the exams except for math and art. I can practice math but for art, we have to create a portrait to present on the exam day and a few selected judges- people very refined in the field of art- will ask us to elaborate our piece and ask questions.

I have always done great in art exams but this time, I’m nervous. I haven’t painted in months and I need my project to be perfect. All my projects for final exams have gotten amazing marks.

And if I do this right, one of the judges might use my piece to showcase in an art gallery. So that little dream of mine may come true.

Time goes by as I study and the time to go home finally arrives. I quickly pack all of my things and start to get up when my phone dings.

I open the Faizan's chat box.

Faizan
I’m sorry, amar, I won’t be able to pick you up so I sent Shariq. I have a meeting I have to attend. I will be home late tonight. Don’t wait for me and eat as soon as you get home.

I slouch in my seat as I read his text. With a sigh, I sit straight and text back.

Me
Its okay. Make sure to eat something. See you at home *heart emoji*

I pull my bag over my shoulder and exit the library then the university building. I find Shariq waiting by the car outside the university’s big doors.

“Assalamu Alaikum, Ms Arzo,” he greets me, opening the backseat door.

“Wale Kum Assalam,” I sign to him with a smile before getting inside. He closes the door, rounds the car and gets in the driver seat. Soon, the car starts moving towards home.

As soon as I get home, Salma tells me not to try and make an excuse for waiting for Faizan to eat because he will be late. Then in her motherly way, she tells me to go fresh up quickly then come downstairs and eat.

I salute her, earning a chuckle from her, then rush upstairs to fresh up and change.

Instead of going towards my side of the closet, I go to Faizan’s and grab one of his t-shirts.

What? They’re more comfortable.

I wear my sweatpants with it. His pants are too big on me. His shirt swallows me whole.

I put my hair into a low ponytail and go downstairs.

I sit on the counter as Salma gives me my food and water. I thank her, recite ‘Bismillah’ and start eating.

I pick up my phone to check if there is any message from Faizan-

“No phones.”

I drop my phone and innocently smile at her. She shakes her head, chuckling.

After I’m full, I help Salma clean up and wash the dishes before she returns back to the servant quarters, after showing me where the rest of the food is placed.

I decide to stay downstairs and pray in the living area. After praying, I sit on the couch and study as I wait for Faizan to get home. I keep my sketch book with me, in case an idea comes to mind.

Faizan comes home around eight when I clear my books from the coffee table.

“Assalamu Alaikum,” he greets me, walking towards the couch, his face worn out.

“Wale Kum Assalam,” I sign as he takes off his coat and drops it over the couch.

I hop off the couch to get him a glass of water. He drops himself on the couch, laying his head back on the headrest.

I bring the glass of water to him. He lifts his head, taking the glass and says, “thank you,”

I smile and take my seat beside him. He puts away his empty glass and grabs my hand, pulling me towards him so I’m straddling his lap. His arms around my waist while mine rest on his shoulders.

He places a soft kiss on my lips, his body relaxing with a sigh, “I missed you.”

I smile and give him a soft kiss before I pull away to sign, “how come you were late today?”

He sighs, “Farhan had another motorbike accident- he’s okay,” he reassures me when a gasp leaves my mouth. I sigh in relief, he rubs my thigh gently as he continues, “I had to drag him to the hospital to look at his injuries then drop him off at his penthouse. He’s such a whining man.” I chuckle at his fatherly expression, “then I went to the company to ask his assistant what meetings he had today. After I was free with my meeting, I went to meet a client on behalf of Farhan.”

I nod, understanding.

“I’m sorry I was late.”

“It’s okay. You had work.”

“Did you eat?”

I nod, “did you?”

“Yes. I shouldn’t have been surprised that Farhan arranged a meeting at a restaurant.” I chuckle, “what did you do?”

“Studied. Stared the ceiling. Studied again. All while waiting for my husband to come home.”

“I see,” he smiles, his eyes dropping to my shirt, “I love what you’re wearing.”

“Thank you. The brand is my husband.”

He chuckles, pulling me closer so that our faces are an inch apart. “You’re so beautiful, amar.” he whispers against my mouth before capturing my lips in a kiss.

A sigh leaves my lips as I return the kiss, placing my arms around his shoulders, threading my fingers through his soft hair. A satisfied sound comes from his throat making my lips form a smile through the kiss.

A gasp leaves my mouth when he picks me up and lays me on the couch.

He breaks the kiss, earning a whimper from me. His lips forming a small smirk, “I’m going to shower.”

Wh-

He pecks my lips, “you are more than welcome to join.” he says then gets up, walking nonchalantly upstairs.

I blink at his back as it disappears upstairs.

Did he just-

My cheeks heat up as I get off the couch and go upstairs to give him a piece of my mind.

But I forget what I was supposed to say as soon as I step into the room because Faizan kisses me, picking me up in his arms and carries me into the bathroom.

I’ll get him next time.