Hidden bonds of love

20.

The dinner was prepared, and Uthman along with his family had arrived at the house. Mrs. Fatima's demeanor was neither kind nor rude. She had allowed them to come for dinner solely because of Maryam.

Meanwhile, Maryam was fast asleep in her room, completely oblivious to her father's dinner plans. Mustabshira ventured into Maryam's room and found her peacefully sleeping. As Mustabshira sat on the bed, Maryam slowly opened her eyes, stretching her body before sitting up. "You guys are already here? I dozed off," Maryam mumbled groggily.

"You still seem quite sleepy," Mustabshira commented with a smile, earning a reciprocal smile from Maryam.

"I'll quickly freshen up and pray, then we can head downstairs," Maryam stated. After Maryam finished her shower and prayers, Mustabshira presented her with a beautifully adorned small gift bag. Maryam's face lit up as she accepted the bag. "It's an invitation. I'm having a birthday celebration, and I'd love for you to come," Mustabshira announced.

"Aww, Mustabshira, thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate it," Maryam exclaimed, her smile oozing with warmth. She embraced Mustabshira. "You know, among everyone in the family, you're the one who has shown me your true feelings by disliking me so much. And now, after realizing everything, you're kind to me. It feels like you're the only one who has sincerely cared for me without any ulterior motives. Thank you, Mustab. I'll really miss you," Maryam expressed as she gazed at Mustabshira, then glanced down at her finger still clutching the gift bag.

"Hey Maryam, why are you talking as if you're about to embark on a journey? You're still here with us, and you always will be. In fact, I've got an idea – we should attend the same university," Mustabshira exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm. She was determined to stand by Maryam's side, bringing joy and treating her like a sister this time, aiming to make amends for her past mistakes.

"Thank you, Mustab," Maryam responded, touched by Mustabshira's sincerity. Just then, Ahmad entered the room, chiming in, "Are you two coming downstairs? We're all starving here."

With that, they made their way downstairs to join the others for the meal.

❀

"Uncle Alamin, do you recall my promise to locate the woman who took your daughter and reunite you with her? Well, I believe tonight you can rest easy, for I have located her and I am in the process of reuniting her with you," Khalid declared over the phone. After a few moments, he concluded the call.

"Fatima, you've always emerged victorious in every small game we've played. Let's witness the outcome this time as I take the win," Khalid mused to himself, a chuckle escaping his lips.

❀

Following the enjoyable family dinner, most of the delicious food had been prepared by Ahmad, with assistance from Mrs. Fatima. During the evening, Mrs. Fatima remained quiet to avoid causing trouble for Maryam's sake. Eventually, her phone rang, prompting her to excuse herself and take the call in the garden via the back door.

On the phone, Mrs. Fatima inquired about her flight readiness, only to learn that arranging a flight to Korea without her father's knowledge would be challenging. She promised to send the necessary funds and expressed her intention to leave the country with her daughter before the following week.

The dinner transpired smoothly, devoid of tension. Maryam and Mustabshira retreated to the kitchen afterward, engaging in conversation as they sipped drinks. "May I have your phone number?" Maryam asked. Mustabshira, smiling, responded, "Of course, I even followed you on Instagram, but you didn't follow back."

"Turns out I missed that detail while chatting," Maryam admitted as she checked Instagram. "Ah, your username is Mustamarvels with a glowing star." Mustabshira blushed and Maryam revealed she had followed her back, prompting Mustabshira to share her phone number.

Ahmad entered the kitchen, finding them engrossed in lively conversation. Expressing his happiness at their joyful interaction, they chatted, laughed, and shared drinks. Throughout, neither Maryam nor Ahmad exchanged glances, with Ahmad feeling bashful about the recent incident in Maryam's room.

As the time came to bid farewell, they exchanged goodbyes. Mommy Beauty kissed Maryam on the cheek before departing. "I'll be in my room," Maryam stated, ascending the stairs.

Mrs. Fatima, puzzled, turned to Ahmad, saying, "I wonder what's bothering her." Ahmad shrugged, indicating his own lack of understanding. They wished each other goodnight and retired to their respective rooms.

In her room, Maryam lay contemplating various thoughts. She retrieved the small gift bag Mustabshira had given her and removed the chocolate and invitation card. Reading the card's content, "I, Mustabmarvels, am delighted to invite you, Maryam, my lovely sister, to my upcoming birthday party. Please join me." A smile graced Maryam's lips. She indulged in one of the chocolates, savoring its deliciousness.

"I apologize, Mustab, but I won't be able to attend your birthday party. I've decided to leave this family; it's the best choice for me and everyone else," she murmured, gazing at the invitation card.

❀

The following morning, Maryam awoke and joined her mother in the living room. She informed her mother of her plan to assist Mustabshira in setting up for the upcoming birthday party the following day. Her mother granted permission, showering Maryam with a kiss on her cheek and a warm embrace. An unexplainable feeling swept over Mrs. Fatima, as if this encounter held a sense of finality. Maryam was equally taken aback by the unexpected hug. After bidding her mother farewell, Mrs. Fatima left for work. Maryam prepared to leave.

Dressed and equipped with a small travel bag and handbag, Maryam made her way downstairs. She cast a lingering gaze upon the house, a silent farewell before stepping out. The gateman inquired about her departure, and she explained that she was heading to her father's place "Uthman". As he wished her safety, he opened the gate to let her pass before closing it once she had left. Maryam walked a short distance away from the house.

Adjacent to her, a white Corolla car was parked. Maryam placed her small travel bag in the back seat before settling into the front. Retrieving her eyeglasses from her handbag, she caught the driver's eye. Concerned, he asked if she was alright.

"Did you think I'd be fine running away with the person who tried to rape me? Think again," Maryam retorted.

Khalid responded with a chuckle, "Well, I must admit, I'm quite intrigued by this newfound you." He offered a compliment, his eyes on her. "You exude confidence, a touch of boldness, and a surge of vitality."

Maryam gave him a skeptical glance, her expression devoid of a smile. She put on the eyeglasses and stay quiet without saying a word.

Realizing her reluctance to engage, Khalid started the car and they departed, en route to the airport. He had a colleague waiting there to retrieve his car. Maryam discreetly used her veil to partially conceal her face, avoiding recognition by airport staff who might know her mother. Their flight was ready, and they embarked on their journey to Abuja.