Hidden bonds of love

23.

Alamin, once a destitute man with nothing to his name, used to work as a cleaner at a hospital. His wife was employed by Mrs. Fatima. However, tragedy struck when his wife, Farida, passed away and his daughter went missing. The weight of these losses pushed him to the brink of despair, contemplating ending his own life.

Farida, a passionate writer, had dreams of penning a book and sharing it with the world. Her aspiration was for her book to resonate with a wide audience, but sadly, this dream remained unfulfilled.

Before her passing, Farida had managed to write a book, and following her death, Alamin took it upon himself to publish it in her honor. Titled "Muslim Ummah," the book garnered significant attention, propelling Alamin into the spotlight. Recognizing his latent talent for writing, he embarked on a literary journey, penning books that resonated with readers, eventually establishing his popularity.

With time, Alamin found a new job, marking a positive turn in his life. Despite his newfound success, he carried a heavy burden – the search for his missing daughter, Maryam, spanning 16 years and still ongoing. Alamin chronicled his journey in two poignant books dedicated to his daughter. These works not only increased his fame but also attracted admirers from across the United States.

Throughout his journey, Alamin remained deeply grateful to his late wife, Farida, who had been a constant source of support during his hardships. Her memory remained alive in his heart, preventing him from seeking companionship elsewhere. His devotion to her was unwavering, as she had stood by him during his times of poverty and abandonment, fostering a bond of mutual aid and support.

❀

It has been a year now since Maryam started school and she's already prepared to enter her 200 level. During this time, she has made two new friends: Valeria, a Christian girl, and Najiba, both of whom have become her close companions. Everything has been progressing smoothly for her.

Sitting in the living room, Maryam was interrupted by Yusuf's entrance, carrying a tasleem. Yusuf is Nameer's older brother's son.

"Hey there, I thought you might be in school since classes have resumed," Yusuf remarked, a smile gracing his face.

Maryam, who had gained a radiant glow and appeared more vibrant, replied, "I won't be resuming until next week."

Yusuf's gaze held a hint of intensity that made Maryam slightly uneasy. She gave him a quizzical look, to which he responded, "You look remarkably different today, so beautiful."

Blushing, Maryam hadn't even realized her cheeks were turning pink. She shifted her gaze from his attractive chocolate-toned face to the television.

He inquired about the whereabouts of everyone else. "Well, Sajida went to pick up Hanan from school, and my dad and uncle Nameer are out," Maryam answered.

"Wow, so it's just the two of us at home. Perfect opportunity to chat about love," Yusuf playfully suggested.

Maryam found herself at a loss for words, offering only a smile before looking away.

"Every time I bring up love, you smile and remain quiet. Is there someone you're already interested in?" Yusuf's gaze remained fixed on Maryam's wide, now slightly worried eyes.

With a soft sigh, Maryam turned to face him and leaned closer to whisper, their positions on the two-seater couch prompting her action. "Maybe there is someone I really like, but I'm not sure. And please, stop with that romantic stare; it won't make me fall for you." She withdrew, fixing her attention back on the television.

A moment of silence enveloped the room as Yusuf continued to gaze at her, clearly taken by her charm. "I think you're just resisting because you can't handle my romantic gaze. There's a chance this 17-year-old might fall for me," Yusuf playfully suggested, awaiting her reaction with a smile.

Maryam turned to him, her gaze swift and her sigh soft, shaking her head before returning her attention to him. "I'm no longer 17; I'll be 18 soon. This 'young 17-year-old girl' doesn't have time for romantic relationships," she stated, her focus now diverted.

His smile persisted as he responded, "So what about the 18-year-old girl? Will she have time for a romantic relationship?" Maryam stood up, leaving the living room without a word. Yusuf's grin widened; he found her actions utterly endearing.

❀

Maryam was seated in the  school classroom, surrounded by the usual bustling of students moving about and engaging in discussions. Her friends were by her side, with an open textbook spread out on the table before her. Valeria occupied a nearby desk, while Najiba settled in the adjacent chairs.

"Maryam, is something bothering you? You seem a bit preoccupied, lost in thought," Valeria inquired, her gaze fixed on Maryam.

Maryam met Valeria's eyes and responded, "Does it really show on my face that I'm lost in thought? Seriously?" Her question prompted both Valeria and Najiba to burst into laughter, leaving Maryam puzzled by their amusement. Valeria pressed on, asking Maryam to share what's on her mind. With a sigh, Maryam explained, "It's about my cousin's brother, or whatever he is. He's been bombarding me with romantic gestures, and it's driving me crazy."

Valeria and Najiba exchanged glances before breaking into hearty laughter. "So, it's a love thing. Come on, what's wrong if he's being romantic? You're not a child anymore; it's the age to explore romantic possibilities," Najiba chimed in, still chuckling. Maryam couldn't understand their amusement and questioned why they were laughing, but they continued to find her words amusing.

Valeria's attention was drawn to a book resting beside Maryam on the table. She let out a controlled exclamation, "Maryam, where did you find this novel? I've been dying to read it."

Following Valeria's gaze, Maryam observed the book in question. It was her father's work titled "My Missing Daughter." Before she could respond, Najiba mentioned having heard about the book circulating among people. A hushed silence fell over Maryam. Valeria then asked if she could borrow the book, and Maryam agreed, choosing not to disclose that her father was the author and that the book centered around her own life. She remained tight-lipped about her personal connection to the novel.

At that moment, Maryam's focus was entirely on her studies. With a sigh, she muttered, "I can't help but wonder why I decided to study chemistry. And this Yusuf thought is so annoying."

Little did Maryam know that Yusuf had a secret that would change everything.

Hey, my readers,
I hope you're enjoying the novel so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Your opinions matter a lot to me. If you're enjoying the novel, please let me know what aspects you're liking the most.

I'm curious to know which scenes have stood out for you. Feel free to share your favorite parts so far!

Thank u.
With love

Firdausi❤️