CONNECTED HEARTS

46: A New Chapter!

Kaltoom's POV

The morning sunlight streamed softly through the curtains, filling the room with warmth and calm. I woke up to find Adyan beside me, his slow, steady breathing the sweetest kind of peace. For a moment, I just watched him his face relaxed, the morning light brushing over his features. It hit me again that this was my husband, my person.

I slipped out of bed quietly and walked to the window. The garden outside was alive birds chirping, flowers swaying gently with the breeze. Everything felt fresh, like a new start. It had only been a month since the wedding, and honestly, it had been the best month of my life. There were little arguments, sure, but even those had their charm.

I smiled to myself, remembering the eighth day of our honeymoon when I cried because Adyan refused to take me to Tyla's concert in Paris. I had bought the tickets long before the wedding, but he flat-out said no. I was furious that night and called Ammi to complain, expecting sympathy. Instead, she gave me a long, stern talk about being a married woman and learning patience. Looking back, it was silly of me. I was still learning how to be a wife.

The next day, Adyan made it up to me in his own way thoughtful and romantic, just like him.

"Hey, princess," his deep morning voice broke my thoughts. "What's got you smiling like that?"

I turned to him with a grin. "Just thinking about how dramatic I was during our honeymoon."

He laughed and pulled me into his arms. "Oh, I remember. My dramatic queen."

I giggled, burying my face in his chest. "Good morning, baby," I whispered.

He kissed my forehead. "Good morning, Mrs. Muhammad. Now come on I'm hungry. Yau kam, I'm trying my wife's cooking."

"Oh please," I teased, pulling away and heading to the kitchen.

While he set the table, I brewed coffee for him and mint tea for myself. He served rice with beef sauce, but of course, it was too much. I gave him a look. "We both know you can't finish that. And where's mine?"

He dropped the spoon, leaned closer, and smirked. "Girl, when you look at me like that..."

I rolled my eyes. "Like what?"

He was about to answer when my phone rang. I checked the screen, Ammi. I shot him a quick smile and picked up.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Ammi. Good morning."

She asked if we'd arrived safely and reminded me to visit soon. I promised we would. When I hung up, Adyan laughed softly. "Mommy's girl," he teased.

"Whatever," I said, popping a spoonful of rice into my mouth.

We ate together, teasing and laughing, until my phone buzzed again. This time, it was Afeeyah. I excused myself and went upstairs to answer.

"Hey, sis, what's up?"

There was no answer just soft sniffles. My heart dropped. "Afeeyah? What happened? Why are you crying?"

Her voice came out shaky, full of regret. "It was a bad idea... a very bad idea. I shouldn't have listened to you."

My stomach tightened. "What do you mean?"

She took a shaky breath and told me everything that happened between her and Afdal the previous night how overwhelmed she felt, how wrong it seemed. I could hear the pain in her voice, and it hurt.

"I just don't want things to change," she said, crying harder. "He's my brother, Kaltoom. I can't look at him that way."

I sighed softly, wishing I could hug her through the phone. "Afeeyah, listen. I know it's hard, but what's done is done. He's your husband now. Allah never gives us more than we can handle. Maybe this is part of your Qadr. Give it time. You'll be okay, I promise."

She was quiet for a moment before whispering, "I'm scared."

"I know," I said gently. "But you're not alone."

After a while, she said she'd call later and ended the call. I sat there for a bit, feeling a mix of sadness and guilt. Afeeyah's emotions were always intense she felt deeply, loved deeply, and sometimes hurt deeply.

When I went back downstairs, Adyan was watching TV. I laid my head on his thigh, and he absentmindedly ran his fingers through my hair. "Something's bothering you," he said quietly.

"It's Afeeyah," I admitted. "She's not happy. I wish she could just accept everything and move on. I know Afdal loves her, but she's still fighting it."

Adyan wiped the small tear that escaped my eye and smiled faintly. "Everything will be fine, okay, Mrs. Muhammad?"

I chuckled softly. "I love you."

He kissed my forehead. "I love you more, baby. Now come on let's go visit Ammi and Mommy."

That instantly lifted my mood. I jumped up excitedly and rushed to the closet. I picked out my yellow and brown atamfa elegant and classy  and paired it with a light brown chantily veil. For jewelry, I chose my silver Cartier set and matching brown heels.

When I finished dressing, Adyan came in — and froze.

"Alhamdulillah, I've been blessed," he said, eyes fixed on me.

I laughed, turning to face him. "And I've been blessed too."

He looked effortlessly handsome in his white kaftan and cap. His Rolex glinted under the light. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.

I smiled and took it, my heart full.

The drive to Ammi's house felt like the longest and happiest ride. Adyan kept sneaking glances at me, and I could feel myself blushing every time. When we finally arrived, I barely waited for him to open my door before jumping out.

As soon as the door opened, Ammi's smile lit up the whole house.

"My baby's back!" she said, wrapping me in a warm hug.

I hugged her tightly. "We've missed you so much, Ammi."

"I've missed you both too. Come in, come in everyone's waiting," she said, ushering us inside.

The house smelled like home food, perfume, and love. Adyan greeted everyone while I sat beside Ammi, soaking in the warmth of being back.

And in that moment, surrounded by family and the man I loved, I realized this was happiness. This was home.

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