Hidden bonds of love

32.

They gathered in the cafeteria, enjoying the slightly cool weather. Their conversation revolved around the school's buzzing rumors, particularly about a girl who had accused a lecturer of pressuring her for sex, leading to bullying allegations. Opinions varied; some believed it was a fabrication, suggesting the girl had misinterpreted the situation due to unrequited love. However, the real story remained elusive, fueling the ongoing gossip.

Najiba intervened, urging the group to shift their focus. "Ladies, can we steer clear of these rumors and concentrate on ourselves?" she suggested.

Valerie eagerly agreed, saying, "Absolutely, I'm up for some fun."

Najiba extended an invitation, brightening Valerie's day. "I'm inviting you all to my sister's dinner party and the henna celebration. It promises to be a blast. Please, you must come."

Valerie's excitement was palpable as she blushed. "Oh my goodness, I adore weddings, especially the henna and dinner parts. I can't wait to attend. You see, us Christians don't usually have henna ceremonies, but I absolutely love them. The intricate henna designs on the hands are just enchanting. Whenever I am going to get married, I'm definitely having a henna party," she shared enthusiastically.

Laughter filled the air as the girls appreciated Valerie's enthusiasm.

Changing the subject, Najiba asked, "I spotted your boyfriend, Yusuf, dropping you off at school today, Maryam. Am I right?"

Maryam blushed and looked a bit bashful. She confirmed that he was indeed not her boyfriend.

Valeria playfully teased, "Why the hesitation? He's a handsome guy, I must admit. You two would make a perfect couple."

Maryam hesitated for a moment before sharing her thoughts. "Our conversations, his and mine, just don't align. He always steers towards topics of love and romance, and honestly, I don't always want that. Our discussions shouldn't revolve solely around love, right? I'd like to get to know him better, but it feels like our banter doesn't match. Whenever I'm with him, my mind drifts to other things, and I can't help but get distracted. He does make me blush a lot, though, but I'm not sure."

After a brief pause, she continued, "I think he's the type of guy who tells a girl what she wants to hear, and I don't appreciate that. I prefer someone who's honest and speaks their mind, not just telling me what I want to hear. Do you understand what I mean?"

Her friends were all ears, nodding in agreement. Valeria chimed in, offering advice. "You're absolutely right, Maryam. I think you should have an honest conversation with him about not always focusing on love and romance. Be kind and open, just like you're being with us now. If he truly cares about you, he'll understand and make adjustments."

Everyone supported Valeria's suggestion, and Maryam expressed her willingness to talk to him. She couldn't believe she was beginning to open up to others.

Mustabshira, sitting quietly, empathized with Ahmad but knew there wasn't much she could do if Maryam did not love him.

Maryam had been wanting to have a conversation with Mustabshira about Ahmad but hadn't found the opportunity.

Valeria, sensing her boyfriend's arrival, announced, "Oh, my boyfriend's here; we're going on a date." The group collectively cooed, and Valeria blushed, bidding her friends farewell. "See you all at the Henna party tomorrow. Bye!" With that, she headed towards her car parked a short distance away.

Najiba also took her leave, leaving only Maryam and Mustabshira. They found a quieter spot and sat down. Maryam inquired about everyone's well-being, and Mustabshira informed her that they were all fine but still missed her. She also asked about her mother, Mrs. Fatima, and Mustabshira had no information about her.

Maryam inquired about Ahmad, sparking a heartfelt plea from Mustabshira. "Maryam, Dan Allah, let me be the one to tell Ahmad. I swear, seeing him like this, I'm not happy. Since you left home, he's been different, lost weight, and he misses you terribly. The other day, he was overjoyed just because he dreamt about you. Please, Maryam, let me tell him," Mustabshira implored with sincerity in her voice.

Maryam fell silent for a moment, her gaze locked onto Mustabshira. She gently held Mustabshira's hand and spoke softly, "Mustab, it's not that I don't want them to know where I am. I'm just not prepared to face them, especially Ahmad. I don't want to meet him right now. I left in haste, and returning just like that feels complicated. I wish I could, but I'm not ready yet," Maryam explained calmly.

Deep down, Maryam felt a profound sadness for Ahmad. She longed to see him, to embrace him, and to convey how much she missed him, but her current emotions and circumstances held her back.

With that, they all departed for their respective homes, carrying their own burdens of emotions and unspoken words.

The following day, Maryam excitedly shared news of the Henna party with her father. Sajida lent her a helping hand in getting dressed. Maryam wore an elegant Atampa outfit and received assistance from Sajida to tie the headscarf. A touch of makeup added a final touch to her attire, which was perfectly suitable for a wedding. She used a veil to cover herself and grabbed her handbag, all set to go.

Upon their arrival at the wedding henna party, they were greeted by a breathtaking venue. They encountered Najiba, who was exquisitely dressed and radiantly beautiful. After some photographs with the bride, they settled down, awaiting the intricate henna designs on their hands. Valeria couldn't contain her joy; she had a deep affection for henna. She, too, wore an Atampa outfit and tied her headscarf.

They sat patiently, waiting for their henna to dry. Valeria broke the silence with a compliment, "Maryam, you truly have an exquisite figure. Look at your backside, perfectly sculpted and toned."

Mustabshira chimed in playfully, "What drew your attention to her graceful physique?"

"That's precisely why I prefer not to dress this way," Maryam replied.

Najiba couldn't resist adding, "Now I understand why you wore such a voluminous veil."

Their conversation continued as they laughed and teased. Valerie predicted, "Maryam, you'll have a swarm of admirers today," while Mustabshira quipped, "And tomorrow, you'll have even more at the dinner party."

Laughter filled the room, but Maryam remained quiet, observing them as they delved into discussions about the opposite sex.

When the henna designs had been washed, they adorned their hands beautifully. The rhythm of the music filled the air, prompting everyone to hit the dance floor. Maryam and some friends captured the joyful moments on video.

The Henna party was a delight for Maryam, and indeed, for all of them. They engaged in animated discussions on various topics.

As Maryam stood absorbed in the music, a young man approached her. He politely greeted her, saying, "Assalam, beautiful lady, may I have the honor of taking a photo with you?" Maryam couldn't tear her gaze away from him; his captivating eyes held her attention, and they both became lost in a moment of connection, as the music enveloped them in its enchanting spell.