𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

20. Old man

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Mashal's POV: 

At first, the sight of them sent a shiver down my spine. Who in their right mind keeps a lion and a lioness as pets? The idea alone terrified me, and I had done everything to avoid being anywhere near them. Every time I saw their golden eyes glint in the distance, I felt an instinctual need to step back. They were beautiful, yes, but dangerous. It baffled me how Hassan could be so calm around them, let alone have them live so close to us.

But slowly, something changed. It wasn't all at once, but in quiet, gradual moments.

I remember watching Hassan with them one afternoon, how effortlessly he moved between them. His voice was low, steady, almost comforting as he spoke to them. The lioness, so fearsome at first glance, would nuzzle his hand, and the lion—who I once thought of as nothing but wild—watched him with a protective, almost loyal gaze. I had never seen anything like it. It made me curious, made me wonder if there was more to these creatures than just their intimidating presence. 

One day, as I sat at a safe distance, Hassan asked me to come closer while he fed them. My heart pounded in my chest, and every step felt heavier than the last, but his calmness reassured me. When I stood beside him, I hesitated before extending my hand. The lioness approached, her breath warm against my fingers, and for a moment, I froze. But instead of the fear I expected, something else welled up inside me. A strange connection, as if she understood that I was no threat.

From that day, I found myself sitting near them more often, watching how they moved, how they interacted with Hassan, and eventually with me. The lioness, despite her wild appearance, had moments of playfulness, and the lion's constant vigilance began to feel more like protection than danger. 

And now, it seems like they are my kids—my Shah and Zuri.

 My chain of thoughts was broken by constant licking on my hand, and it was Zuri, nudging me with her wet nose. I laughed out and petted her gently, feeling a warmth in my heart.

Hassan wasn't home—he was at the office, busy as always. But even with him not around, everything felt so right. So much had changed, and I never expected I would be living like this, surrounded by love in the most unexpected forms. Hassan is the best thing that ever happened to me—the way he cares for me, the way he's always there to support me, always listening to my endless ramblings. 

And the way he kisses my hand after Salah, a small act, but one that fills my heart with peace. I always dreamed of a husband who would do these little things without me having to ask. And now, Alhamdulillah, everything is more than perfect. Alhamdulillah.

Despite his busy schedule, Hassan always makes time for us—for me. No matter how many meetings he has, no matter how hectic his workday is, he gives me his undivided attention when we are together. We have our late-night talks, where I tell him everything that happened during my day, and he tells me about business. Honestly, I don't understand a single thing about that side of his life—it all seems so boring to me. 

But the way Hassan talks, with so much interest, like he's never had the chance to share or maybe no one ever asked him about his work, makes me realize one thing—he truly enjoys what he does. I just want to listen to him forever. He talks so much more when it's just the two of us, and that makes me happier than I can put into words.

 The way he calls me his begum melts my heart every time.

Everything changed after we got married. I thought marrying him would be... well, okay. I knew he was a gentleman. But he is more than just a gentleman. He is my husband—my Hassan.