Chained Souls

Chapter 16-Mom

Chapter 16

Zane's POV

It had been a couple of months since Noor had that nightmare. It hurt me that she had to go through that since it seemed to physically drain her. I remember earlier during our marriage she had nightmares all the time, but I was never able to do anything about it. Our relationship had surely blossomed since then, which I thanked Allah for every day.

I still had to face Hasan and let him know that I wouldn't continue this charade any longer. He was so adamant about ruining Noor's life, but I couldn't even begin to imagine why. What had this innocent girl done to him that was so bad that he had to resort to vengeful tactics? What was he gaining out of all of this besides sins?

I shook my head of these thoughts and focused on the stove in front of me. I was frying French fries while Noor prepared sandwiches for her father. He was coming over after such a long time. I loved Uncle Ahmed; he was the best father-in-law I could ask for.

I finished up with the fries then walked over to the counter where Noor set the sandwiches onto a platter. I snuck up behind her then wrapped my arms around her waist, laying my head in the crook of her neck. "Are you done?" She froze for a second before flicking my head off of her. "Ow. What was that for?"

"Nothing..." she said nervously.

I set my head back on her as she cringed and shook me off. "Ohhh I get it. You're ticklish," I smirked. (A/n: not sure about all of you, but I'm extremely ticklish to the point that I start crying instead of laughing)

I proceeded to tickle her neck; she squirmed under my touch. "Zane!" she screeched, running away from me. I caught up to her and continued to tickle her. She collapsed onto the floor in fits of laughter while I hovered over her. "Stop," she gasped, realizing the position we were in. I stopped and stared at her; she looked so cute and vulnerable, her breathing shallow. She looked at me wide-eyed, watching my movements carefully. I caressed the side of her face as she shut her eyes, my gaze flickering to her lips for less than a second. Then, the doorbell rang. I left a quick kiss on her forehead then went to answer the door.

"Uncle Ahmed!" I hugged my father-in-law.

He smiled. "How are you, my son?" he asked cheerily.

"Alhamdulillah," I responded. I led him to the living room where Noor stood with a puzzled expression, probably because of our earlier encounter.

"Noor, habibti, how are you?" asked Uncle Ahmed.

She left her trance and hugged her father with joy.

We all sat on the table and began to dig in. It was nice to be able to sit with Uncle Ahmed and just relax. My own father never had time to do that. He was always busy with the company. I usually ate alone ever since my mom died.

We all caught up with each other's lives. Uncle Ahmed luckily didn't know about anything regarding Hasan or mine and Noor's miserable start to marriage. I was grateful for that because he would've hated me if he ever found out.

Noor did the dishes while Uncle Ahmed and I watched the football game on TV. Just then, the doorbell rang. I got up to answer it and saw a woman with green eyes, light brown hair, and an aged face staring at me. "Can I help you?" I asked.

"Is Noor here?" she questioned.

I raised a brow. "What business do you have with Noor?" I'm sure Noor would've let me known if she were expecting company.

The woman stared at me with an annoyed expression. "Who are you, anyway? Just let me see Noor."

"I'm her husband," I said sternly.