When Two Become One- ONE SHOTS

2-Real

PRIYA

Jamil jumped on top of the bed with a laugh. I shook my head at his immaturity as he crawled over to me.

"It's nice to see you smiling again, beautiful," he whispered before he kissed me. He quickly pulled the blanket over and crept in beside me. "You feeling better now or is the headache still there?"

"It's still there, but it's calmed down a lot. What are the kids up to?"

"Helping Amma with the decorations for Mariam's birthday party. Still can't believe our little girl is gonna be one."

I leaned back into his chest as I smiled. I loved how he never separated the kids but called them all by 'our' children. That's what makes me love him even more. 

I felt him kiss my shoulder as he put an arm around my waist. "You're still a little warm but then that might be because you were under the blanket."

"But it's cold," I whined. He chuckled but before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door. Jamil let go of me and sat up as he told the person to enter.

Amma came in with a smile on her face, Mariam waddling beside her. "I spoke to Aneel's mum the other day." I heard Jamil groan and sat up. I stuck my arms out to Mariam and she giggled before waddling over.

"Mummy missed you," I whispered as I hugged her. She frowned for a few seconds before kissing my cheek.

"So I spoke to her and I told her about how you two planned to have a ceremony for your wedding soon and she said she would ask her husband if we would be able to do it at their house. And I know you guys said to wait a few more months so you can save up but we're all gonna chip in and-"

"No, Amma. Please don't do that. This is between me and Priya and we will solve it between us. I don't know why you went to the extent and talked to them about it because now that's embarrassing for me."

With a sigh, he pulled the blanket away from him and marched out the room. Amma rolled her eyes and walked away. I looked down at Mariam who was sitting on my lap, playing with my ring.

"Mari, what we gonna do about your dad?" She laughed and started to crawl away. "Come on then, let's go and talk to him."

"Abbu!"

"Yes, Abbu. You love your Abbu don't you?" She tucked her head into my neck as she yawned.

"Eat."

"Eat?"

"Eat."

I smiled to myself as I walked out the room. She picked up on the words really quickly which was brilliant. And she understood quite a lot.

I walked out into the garden and there I found Jamil, holding the newspaper in his hands. Yeah, like he ever reads. I sat down beside him on the patio and nudged his shoulder.

"You gonna drop your ego and let others help with the wedding?"

"Fuck sake, Priya, don't start now," he said through gritted teeth.

"I don't see the problem with people helping us. We're all family and family help each other. Can you just tell me what your problem is? Is it just pride or-"

He snapped his head at me and I sighed. "I said not to fucking start with me, didn't I?" I reached out to hold his hand but he quickly pulled back. "I'm gonna get Tariq ready. You get Mariam ready if you can and try not to say too much while you do. Their mum is going to take them out."

With that said, he walked back into the house. I exhaled sharply as I looked down at Mariam who was laughing at the birds. I frowned as I moved the hair out her face. I would never be their mother no matter how much I tried. They had a mother who was well and alive so I would never be able to replace her and that's not my mission but I wanted to be seen as more than their step mum because I love them to bits. I would do anything for all three of my children. It's just a shame that Jamil didn't see me as their mother.