𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

4. Art Gallery

Mashal's POV:

As breakfast winds down, the room fills with soft chatter. I'm sitting next to Maria, who's happily talking about the gallery visit, but my mind is elsewhere. I glance toward Hassan again, watching him quietly serve Dadi some water. He does it so effortlessly, without a word, just a natural extension of who he is.

I try to focus on the conversation around me, but his simple act has left a lasting impression. I imagine what it would be like to have a husband with that same quiet thoughtfulness. I want someone who can be strong without words, who can show care without making a grand gesture.

"Hey, Mashal? You okay?" Maria's voice pulls me back into the moment.

I blink and quickly smile, nodding. "Yes, sorry. I was just thinking about something."

Maria narrows her eyes with a playful smirk. "Something? Or someone?"

I laugh softly, shaking my head. "No, nothing like that. I'm just... reflecting on things."

Before Maria can tease me further, Mumma starts talking about the gallery plans for the day. "Mashal, Maria, have you both decided what time to leave for the gallery?"

Maria perks up, excited. "Yes, Mumma, we were thinking of heading out after Dhuhr. Does that sound good to you, Mashal?"

I nod, trying to focus. "Yes, that works for me."

Just as I finish speaking, Bhai joins the conversation, his voice full of energy. "You two and your art! Hassan, you should go with them. It'll be good for you to see something different, take a break from all your work."

I glance at Hassan, curious about his reaction. His face remains neutral, but he gives a slight nod. "If it's alright with them, I don't mind."

Maria grins widely. "Of course, Bhai! You should definitely come with us. We'll need someone to carry all our art supplies."

Hassan raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Art supplies?"

"Yes, yes! We might get inspired," Maria replies with a dramatic wave of her hand. "You never know when inspiration will strike."

I chuckle softly at their exchange, but my attention keeps drifting back to Hassan. It's not just the way he speaks-it's how he listens, how he engages with care and patience. There's a quiet strength in his demeanor that's hard to ignore.

As the conversation continues, I feel a soft tug in my chest. This is what I want in a future husband-someone who, like Hassan, embodies both strength and gentleness, who carries himself with dignity but also shows thoughtfulness in the smallest moments.

Later, as the family prepares to move into the living room, I feel Maria's hand on my arm, pulling me aside. "So," she begins with a sly grin, "I saw you watching Bhai earlier."

I feel my face heat up instantly. "I wasn't-"

"Oh, come on, don't deny it!" she teases. "You're not that subtle."

I bite my lip, looking away. "I just... noticed something about him. He's... different."

Maria's playful expression softens, and she nods in understanding. "Yeah, he is. He's always been like that, though. Quiet but very attentive. You know, Bhai never lets anything slip by unnoticed. He may not talk much, but he's always watching out for people, especially the family."

I nod slowly, Maria's words confirming my own observations.

"He's always been the responsible one, taking care of us without making a fuss," Maria adds, her voice warm with pride. "I used to think he was just too serious, but now I see it's more than that. It's how he shows love."