Hidden bonds of love

21.

Upon their arrival in Abuja, Maryam was struck with a gnawing feeling that the decision to run away had been a mistake, realizing that her thoughts might have been clouded when she made that choice. Khalid, perceptive as always, noticed her troubled expression and inquired about her well-being. She assured him it was just nerves, although he couldn't help but notice how her usually vibrant eyes had paled, a telltale sign of her own anxiety.

Their transport, a waiting car, whisked them away. Maryam gazed out of the window at the transformed cityscape, realizing that it had been quite some time since her last visit to Abuja. The invigorating chill breezing in through the window, a reminder of recent rain, helped soothe her unease.

Moments later, they pulled up at the grand residence of Alamin, Maryam's father. The sprawling mansion captivated her, leaving her transfixed. Once the driver parked, she stepped out of the car, her gaze locked onto the imposing structure. With the driver's assistance, they gathered their belongings and ventured inside. Welcoming them was Sajidah, a woman in her thirties, radiating joy as she embraced Maryam. Sajidah, Alamin's sister, extended warm greetings to Khalid and Maryam, ushering them to take a seat while she fetched refreshments.

"I'm not sure if you'd prefer tea given the chilly weather, but I know you, Khalid, would appreciate some," Sajidah remarked as she set down a tray with water and tea.
"Actually, I'll have the tea, despite the cold weather," Maryam responded, her nerves still palpable. She couldn't help but wonder about Khalid's familiarity with Sajidah, their interactions implying a deeper connection.

Turning the conversation, Khalid inquired about Sajidah's young daughter. With a smile, she answered, "She's likely fast asleep."

After finishing her tea, Sajida kindly invited Maryam to follow her to her designated room. Maryam rose from her seat and trailed behind Sajida, her curiosity piqued. Upon entering the room, Maryam's astonishment was evident as her mouth fell open. She stepped slowly, almost entranced by the room's aesthetics. The spaciousness was captivating, adorned with walls painted in a soothing light blue hue, complemented by intricate designs of dark blue flowers. The generously sized bed beckoned comfort, while a corner of the room boasted elegant bookshelves. A quaint table and chair stood nearby, and two closed doors hinted at a bathroom and an area dedicated to her clothing.

Sajida's friendly voice and smile resonated as she introduced the space, "This room houses your wardrobe, closets, and other essentials. You're welcome to unpack your belongings and settle in. Do you like the room?"

Maryam, still battling her nerves, managed to reply with genuine appreciation, "I love it, though it feels almost too spacious for just one person." She hesitated before asking, "And my father, when can I see him? I am sorry if I seem foolish for asking."

Sajida's response was assuring as she approached Maryam, taking her hands gently. "Maryam, your curiosity is completely natural. You're not being foolish at all. Your father will be back soon; he have stepped out to get something for you."

A semblance of calm washed over Maryam, and a smile broke through. Sajida left her to freshen up and informed her about the clothes her father had brought, which were neatly arranged in the closet.

As Maryam explored the room, she gravitated toward the bookshelf, selecting a book titled "My Missing Daughter." Upon seeing the author's name, Alamin Nuradeen, she couldn't help but smile. Another book on the shelf intrigued her even further, titled "Part 2: I Hope to See You Soon." This discovery infused her with a sense of optimism and anticipation, as if the words within those pages were a reflection of her own yearning. Maryam's hope for a reunion with her father burned even brighter.

In the living room, Khalid and Sajida sat side by side on the couch, immersed in a heartfelt conversation. Sajida's voice trembled with emotion as she exclaimed, "Khalid, I truly believe she's his daughter. The resemblance is uncanny. I'm eagerly anticipating his return to witness his beautiful daughter."

Khalid responded, his tone tinged with a mix of skepticism and longing, "He's never had the chance to see her. Despite his relentless search, he's always held onto the belief that she's alive."

❀
As twilight descended, Maryam found herself seated in a chair, her gaze fixed on the bookshelf. Eventually, her curiosity got the better of her, and she reached for two books that had captured her attention earlier. The allure of the book's cover, though devoid of photographs, held an emotional pull.

She carefully opened the second part of the book titled "I Hope to See You Soon." Her eyes fell upon a passage that stirred a torrent of emotions within her:

"Yearning to reunite with you, my precious daughter. The ache of your absence tugs at my heartstrings, and I yearn for the day when destiny brings us back together.

Anticipating our long-awaited reunion, my beloved child. The prospect of holding you close fills my heart with exhilaration. Throughout, this hope has sustained me, my dearest daughter."

The words resonated deeply with Maryam, and a single tear traced its path down her cheek. Just then, the room's door swung open, and a voice she had never heard before reverberated, "Maryam, is it truly you?"

Raising her eyes, Maryam beheld a man standing before her. Tears welled up in her eyes, her heart recognizing the resemblance. With a radiant smile, she uttered, "Father," and in a rush of emotion, she sprang to her feet, closing the distance between them. Their eyes met, and amidst the tears that streamed down their cheeks, an unspoken connection was forged.

The long-awaited day had arrived—the day that had lived in Alamin's heart for years. Every prayer, whispered fervently day and night, had converged to this moment. Overflowing with gratitude, he whispered, "Alhamdulillah," as their embrace conveyed an unspoken understanding. Alamin held her close, his tears mingling with hers as if the universe itself had conspired to grant them this precious reunion.

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