Rayyan's POV — Back at the Villa
Rayyan stood on the balcony, phone pressed to his ear, a rare grin pulling at his lips.
Umer groaned on the other side, "You proposed without telling me?"
Rayyan's voice was calm but smug, "I didn't ask for opinions, I made a decision."
Umer chuckled. "And what did she say?"
Rayyan's fingers tapped the railing, tone softer, "She asked for time. She's been through enough. I'll wait."
Umer's tone warmed, "You don't have to explain to me, cold man. I'm just glad you're not bottling it up anymore."
Rayyan's voice dropped with quiet confidence, "Now… I want something beautiful arranged. Not loud… but meaningful."
Umer smirked. "Leave it to me."
Rayyan clicked the call off, heart unexpectedly lighter. His next call was to his father—Shahbaz Zayd—whose silence on the other end was long… then finally approved with a quiet, "Do it your way, son."
---
Meanwhile — Noor's Side
Noor sat on the porch of her sister's home, phone clutched tightly, cheeks still pink from the conversation replaying in her head.
Her sister's gasp was loud enough to wake the neighbors. "Wait, WHAT?! Rayyan Zayd asked you to marry him—here—and you just said… 'I need time'?"
Noor's face burned. "Appi, I've been through hell. I couldn't just—"
Her brother-in-law laughed from inside, "Better say yes before he changes his mind!"
Noor threw a cushion at him playfully, shaking her head.
Her phone buzzed again—her best friend's message popping up:
> "Girl, if you say no… I'm coming to shake you. Full CEO material, protective and obsessed—yes, please!"
Noor covered her face, groaning. She could already imagine the teasing for days.
But deep down… her heart was lighter, too.
---
Both Sides—Different Places, Same Thought
Rayyan, staring at the ocean, Noor sitting with her family… both feeling something unfamiliar.
Not fear.
Not pressure.
But… anticipation.
And neither of them could deny… things were changing.
Next Day — Noor & Aiza's Day Out
Noor adjusted her scarf as she stepped out of the car, greeted by the bright sun and the familiar chatter of the small café Aiza had chosen. It wasn't fancy, it wasn't overwhelming—just cozy, peaceful, tucked into a quiet street away from the city's noise.
Aiza was already waiting inside, arms crossed with a wide grin that Noor could spot from a distance.
Noor sighed, already regretting mentioning Rayyan to her.
Aiza raised an eyebrow playfully. "Look who decided to show up… Miss Soon-to-be-Zayd."
Noor slid into the seat across from her, shaking her head, "Stop. I haven't even answered him yet."
Aiza leaned in, eyes sparkling. "You don't need to answer him to know you're falling for him."
Noor looked away, teeth sinking into her lower lip. Her heart had been confusing her since that night by the beach. She sipped her coffee, trying to mask the warmth spreading across her cheeks.
Aiza softened a little, "I know you've been through a lot, Noor… but for the first time, you're not fighting life alone. He's standing with you."
Noor looked out the window, watching people walk by, some laughing, some simply living.
"I'm… scared," Noor admitted quietly, "scared to finally want something… someone… and lose it."
Aiza placed her hand over Noor's. "You don't have to be brave all the time, Noor. You just have to be honest. What does your heart want?"
Noor blinked back the sting of tears, voice low, "My heart… feels calm with him. Safe."
Aiza smiled. "Then stop running from that. Heal… but don't push happiness away."
They spent the afternoon walking through bookshops, sipping coffee, window shopping like carefree girls for the first time in forever. And for a little while, Noor's heart felt lighter… not fully healed… but on its way.
That night, sitting by her window, Noor opened her phone and scrolled to Rayyan's chat.
Her fingers hovered before finally typing:
> "Maybe… it's time I stop pushing you away."
Her chest fluttered after pressing send.
Late Night — Rayyan's Apartment
Rayyan's phone buzzed. Sleep was distant from his eyes, but the moment he opened Noor's message, everything stilled.
> "Maybe… it's time I stop pushing you away."
His chest expanded, a deep breath filling him with warmth he hadn't felt in years. A rare, genuine smile spread across his face. He leaned back on the couch, letting the happiness settle before grabbing his phone.
Within minutes, Zayan was on a call.
"You sound like a lovesick teenager," Zayan teased immediately.
Rayyan didn't care. "I don't even care what you call it. She's finally accepting this."
Zayan's laugh boomed, "Wait till I tell mom."
Within the next ten minutes, Rayyan's mother knew, and so did Zayan's wife. The house buzzed with excitement, soft celebrations late into the night.
---
Next Morning — Text Message to Noor
> "We are coming tomorrow, with the family. For a proper talk."
Noor's reply came with a small shy smile emoji.
---
Next Afternoon — Noor's Home
Noor sat beside her sister, hands slightly fidgeting with her scarf. Her brother-in-law tried to make her laugh, but Noor's heart kept fluttering at every little sound.
And then… the doorbell.
Zayan entered first with his signature grin, followed by their mother in an elegant abaya, warm and graceful. Rayyan followed, expression respectful but eyes finding Noor instantly, softening only for her.
Formal greetings happened, tea was served, elders spoke kindly, praises were exchanged.
When it came to fixing the marriage date, Rayyan's mother spoke gently but firmly, "We don't wish to delay happiness… let's fix a date soon."
Noor's sister smiled knowingly, glancing at Noor, who sat quietly, heart racing.
Within an hour, the elders fixed the date.
Zayan leaned over to Rayyan, whispering, "Brother… you are officially off the market."
Rayyan smirked, eyes resting on Noor—her head lowered shyly but her lips tugging in a smile.
Finally… she's becoming mine, Rayyan thought, with quiet satisfaction.
Later That Evening — After the Family Gathering
The house had quieted, soft murmurs fading as elders left the living room, satisfied after finalizing everything. Noor stepped outside to the small porch, needing fresh air.
Rayyan followed a moment later, steps steady but eyes warm as they landed on her.
Noor stood in the soft golden light of the evening, wearing a delicate pink salwar kameez, the fabric light and flowing, with soft silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves. Her matching dupatta was neatly resting on her head, some loose strands of hair framing her glowing face. The intricate threadwork along the hem fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, making her look even softer, gentler… yet dignified.
Rayyan exhaled quietly, a rare softness overtaking his normally hard features.
"You look… beautiful," he said, stepping closer, voice low but rich.
Noor blinked, her cheeks tinting just slightly pinker than her outfit. "It's just a simple dress."
"Simple suits you," Rayyan replied smoothly. "Soft colors… gentle elegance. I don't think I've ever seen anyone carry it like you."
Noor smiled shyly, her fingers adjusting the edge of her dupatta. "You've seen me in formal suits… boardroom mode. This is… more me."
Rayyan's expression grew fonder. "And I like this version of you even more."
They walked slowly along the edge of the porch, the quiet between them comfortable. Rayyan's hands remained in his pockets, but his body leaned slightly toward her, naturally protective.
After a few silent steps, Noor glanced at him, voice softer, "Do you really think… this can work? Marriage… happiness… after everything?"
Rayyan's steps halted. He turned to face her, his hand reaching out, not touching—just hovering near her wrist, inviting.
"I don't just think… I know," his voice was steady. "Because for the first time… you are not running, and I am not letting you go."
Noor inhaled shakily, her dupatta slipping slightly. Rayyan gently adjusted it, settling it properly over her head, fingers brushing against her hairline in the softest way.
"You don't have to become someone else, Noor," he continued. "Your salwar kameez, your quiet strength, your hidden storms… I want all of it."
Noor's lips curved into a full smile, heart lighter, "Then you should be ready to handle me… because I'm not always calm and quiet."
Rayyan's grin tugged at the corner of his lips, "I don't want calm… I want real."
They stood there for a few more moments, their hearts quietly understanding each other—no grand gestures, no loud promises—just steady warmth, soft respect, and a future waiting to begin.
The quietness before the festivities held a strange comfort. Noor stood before her mirror, the soft golden hue of Mayun lights reflecting on her modest yellow kameez. The embroidery along her neckline was delicate, paired with a plain matching dupatta resting on her head. Her sister fixed the corner of her scarf, smiling through teary eyes.
"This is it, Noor… the start of your own chapter."
The Mayun was intimate—just close family. Her nieces applied ubtan on her hands while giggling. Noor smiled genuinely, feeling light-hearted for the first time in months. Rayyan wasn't there, but his presence lingered through a carefully wrapped sweet box and a simple card delivered to her doorstep:
> "You are already my peace. Soon, you'll be my forever."
Her heart fluttered in a way she hadn't experienced before.
---
Mehndi Night
The Mehndi evening was lively yet soft. Noor chose a mustard-yellow lehenga, with a long kurta-style top embroidered with traditional threadwork. Her dupatta, pinned carefully over her head, shimmered lightly in the soft fairy lights. There was no heavy jewelry—just simple bangles and tiny pearl studs.
She sat surrounded by her friends and family, while soft dholki songs filled the house. Ayra teased her endlessly,
> "Look at you, Miss CEO Bride… didn't think you'd wear yellow with such grace!"
Noor laughed shyly, glancing down at her mehndi-covered hands where Rayyan's name was hidden within the design.
Rayyan didn't attend but sent a video message through Zayan, where he said with a rare, warm smile,
> "I've never been jealous of a color before… but I wish I could've seen you in yellow tonight."
Noor pressed her lips together to hide her grin, feeling warmth spread through her chest.
---
Baraat & Nikah Day
The morning of the Baraat arrived with a beautiful stillness. Noor sat in front of her mirror again—this time draped in a deep red long frock. The embroidery was subtle gold, not heavy, but enough to mark the occasion. Her scarf sat elegantly pinned over her head, the edges delicately framing her face.
Her hands shook slightly as her sister adjusted her scarf.
"You look like a dream," she whispered.
Noor's lips trembled. "Am I ready?"
Her sister hugged her tightly. "You're more than ready."
---
On the other side of the city, Rayyan stood in front of his mirror for the first time in his life dressed in a proper ivory sherwani, simple but regal. Zayan teased from the door,
> "Didn't know you could clean up this well, Mr. CEO."
Rayyan smirked slightly but when he looked at his reflection, all he could think about was Noor.
---
The Nikah was conducted in a serene hall, softly decorated with pastel flowers. Noor's heart pounded as the Imam read the Nikah vows. Her hands trembled in her lap, her gaze lowered, but when Rayyan's name was recited… her lips answered softly, "Qubool hai…"
From a distance, Rayyan's chest swelled with emotion, fingers curling into fists to contain his happiness.
When the formalities ended, the hall shifted into a soft celebratory mood. Noor waited on stage, head bowed modestly, fingers clutching her dupatta as Rayyan approached.
For a second, his steps paused when his gaze landed on her.
His Noor… draped in red, simple yet breathtaking, eyes lowered shyly, her beauty untouched by excessive makeup—just pure, raw elegance. His throat tightened slightly.
He walked up, offered his hand. "Shall we, Mrs. Zayd?"
Noor blinked up, her fingers slipped into his palm, cold and trembling.
Rayyan's hand closed protectively around hers. He leaned in, whispering, "Relax… I've got you."
Her lips curved slightly, and with his steady support, she stood, her scarf sliding slightly over her shoulders, still maintaining her graceful modesty.
---
Family Blessings & Light Teasing
The afternoon passed with smiles, elder prayers, and little gifts from Rayyan's side of the family. His mother kissed Noor's forehead softly, whispering, "Welcome to our home, my daughter."
Zayan handed Noor a small gift box, grinning. "You made the CEO nervous for weeks. You deserve this."
Ayra clicked pictures, already plotting captions, "#ModestBrideGoals."
---
Rukhsati – The Emotional Goodbye
Then came the Rukhsati. Noor hugged her sister tightly, tears finally falling freely as her nephews clung to her. Her brother-in-law wiped his own moist eyes, saying,
> "Remember, this door is always your home."
Ayra tried to stay composed but broke into sobs while hugging her.
Rayyan stayed beside Noor, holding her hand firmly, whispering reassurances softly into her ear. As Noor walked out of the house, she paused to glance back one final time, heart heavy but filled with hope.
Inside the car, Rayyan gently shifted Noor's scarf back into place, fingers brushing lightly over her temple.
"Ready to start your forever?" he asked softly.
Noor wiped her tears, offered him a brave little smile, and nodded.
"With you… I think I finally am."
And so, the journey from survival to love… began.