The Hijab Hookup
"Modest fashion blogger Zahra gets paired with photographer Bilal for a campaign. Their professional chemistry translates into something less professional—and much more passionate."
The Hijab Hookup
"Turn left. More. More—perfect."
Bilal's camera clicked as Zahra posed. The modest fashion campaign was supposed to be professional—except for the way he looked at her between shots.
"You're staring."
"I'm photographing."
"Those are different things."
He lowered the camera. "Are they? Because I've been photographing you for three hours and I still haven't captured what I actually see."
The shoots continued—location after location, tension building.
"Why modest fashion?" he asked during a break.
"Because Muslim women deserve to be beautiful and covered. Both. Not either-or." She adjusted her hijab. "Why photography?"
"Because I see things others miss." His eyes traced her face. "Like right now."
"What do you see?"
"Someone trying very hard not to want me." He stepped closer. "Am I wrong?"
She kissed him first—behind the studio backdrop, invisible to the crew.
"This is so unprofessional," Zahra gasped.
"I'll resign from the campaign." He pulled her closer. "Tonight. Then it's just personal."
His flat was covered in photos—including several of her she hadn't seen.
"These are beautiful," she whispered.
"They're honest. The way I see you." He turned her to face him. "Now let me see more."
He undressed her slowly—layers of fabric that had always been armor becoming an unveiling.
"Meri jaan," Bilal breathed, finally pressing inside her. "You're every beautiful thing I've ever photographed."
"Less poetry—"
"Never." He thrust deeper. "You deserve all the words."
"The campaign launches next week," Zahra said afterward. "People will speculate."
"Let them." He held her close. "I want them to know. I want everyone to know."
"Know what?"
"That I found the most beautiful woman in Britain. And she chose me."
The campaign went viral—his photos of her becoming the face of British modest fashion.
The wedding photos, shot by his best friend, were even better.
Best collaboration either of them ever created.