Just Make Du'aa

• s e v e n t e e n •

Edited Chapter.

Dina

The sun lit up the entire room, and I was forced to slowly pry my eyes open so they don't ache from the strong rays of light. When I finally opened my eyes, and they adjusted to the light, I noticed Farouz' arm thrown across my stomach lazily as he slept beside me. For a few moments, I remained lying on the bed, studying his dormant features. My husband's long eyelashes brushed the pillow and his mouth was slightly open, letting out short, steady breathes.

Six months, half a year married to this man and everything still felt new. We had some trying times, there's no doubt in that. Yet somehow with every passing minute I was falling more and more in love with him. Farouz has a good heart, it's easy to see that and I believe it with all my heart. Ever since that fight he has done everything in hope to make feel comfortable and happy. He still feels guilty, I can tell by the occasional apology and how he thinks of his every word when we have a serious conversation. I've forgiven him, and he knows that. When he told me he loved me yesterday I wanted to say it back because I felt it.

What he said is true though, I can't just say it because he said it. He deserves more than that. He deserves better. When I tell him how I feel it needs to be on my own because he deserves a self standing I love you, and not one that is said as a reply to his confession. And maybe he's right, maybe my feelings are not at their full potential. I already trust Farouz, but I feel that there is still a certain stage we have yet to reach to complete our trust. Our relationship has not had a major bump since that fight, and I will receive my confirmation that my fears have disappeared once we go through a difficult trial and come out stronger. That being said, I'm in no rush for anything to jeopardize the honeymoon phase we are in right now.

I leaned into him, taking in his scent as his arm instinctively tightened around me. The blanket warmed us both, and against the wind from the shore, I didn't want to leave. Looking up at his sleepy face again, I couldn't resist the urge to scoot up and kiss his parted lips. A sleepy smile spread across his face, "mmm," hugging me closer, he said, "good morning to you too."

Returning his smile, I said, "how'd you sleep?"

"With you next to me?" Farouz's eyes remained closed, and his smile widened, "like a baby."

"I sleep next to you every night."

He nodded, forcing his eyes open to look at me, "and these past six months have been full of restful nights."

"Speaking of," I scooted up again until our noses practically touched, "happy six month-aversary"

Farouz pecked my lips before replying, "happy six months my love."

"Also," I said, pushing against him and sitting up, "it is not morning. Good afternoon Farouz."

In a second, he was standing up with a groan, "really? What time is it?"

With a glance at the digital clock, I replied, "okay maybe not afternoon. It's ten."

"Ya Allah Dina you can't just do that to me! I thought we were late, again."

I perked up, "late to what? What do you have planned?"

Farouz smirked at me, "nice try, but I will not tell you, dearest wife." He froze, the smirk on his face turning into a smile, "wife. I don't think that'll ever get old."

"I don't know," I hummed as he pulled me off the bed, "give me a year, I think you'll get pretty tired of me." My elbows rested on the window and I took in the fresh air.

"Dina," Farouz's serious tone pushed me to look up, "I will never get tired of being with you."

Fighting the smile on my lips and the blush in my cheeks, I tried faking nonchalance, "relax Farouz it was just a joke."