Hidden bonds of love

33.

"Hey there, would you like to capture this moment?" one of his friends whispered, bringing them back to reality.

Maryam simply stood, and the young man politely asked, "May I?"

A warm smile adorned Maryam's face as his friends skillfully snapped two exquisite pictures of them.

Valeria and the others couldn't help but blush at the sweet scene.

"By the way, my name is Suraj. Thanks for the picture," he said with a charming blink before he departed.

"Wait, is that all? He didn't even ask for your name or phone number," Valeria inquired curiously, causing the girls to burst into laughter at her reaction.

"Oh, Valeria, he's a guy; he knows how to get her number. I mean, just look at her – who could resist this captivating angel?" Najiba said.

Maryam remained quiet, her smile fixed on her friends. Eventually, she informed them that she would be heading home, and they all bid Najiba farewell.

Upon returning home, Maryam was visibly exhausted. She greeted her dad, and the rest that where in the sitting room and little Hanan rushed to hug her. Maryam reciprocated the hug warmly.

"Anty Maryam, tomorrow my mom and daddy are going to see our new house!" Hanan exclaimed with boundless excitement.

Bending down, Maryam playfully squeezed Hanan's cheeks, saying, "Oh, my dear Hanan, you're so excited! Can I come and see the new  house too?" She continued to playfully interact with Hanan, which only heightened the young girl's joy and laughter.

"Yes, Anty Maryam, you can come, please!" Hanan replied enthusiastically, her laughter filling the room as Maryam continued to play with her.

They all admired how Maryam interacted with Hanan, with Alamin wearing a warm smile. "Look at them, both so excited. Hanan will miss Maryam; she even told me she'll miss Maryam's delicious snacks," Sajida shared with Alamin and Nameer, and they both responded with smiles.

Maryam then rose from her spot and held Hanan's hand as they headed indoors together. After her bath, Maryam performed her Maghrib prayers, and since it was prayer time, she assisted Hanan in performing ablution, and they prayed together.

After the prayers, Hanan beamed with happiness. "Anty Maryam, I'm sorry about the other day when I messed up the kitchen. Will you forgive me?" Hanan asked with a smile.

Maryam smiled back at her and assured her that she had forgiven her. She also added that Hanan should try to avoid being stubborn and fighting with boys at school, encouraging her to be a good girl from now on.

Hanan, who was still wearing her small hijab, went to her room to retrieve something before they prayed, reaffirming that she would be a good girl.

Maryam gently picked up the Quran, and Hanan eagerly joined her, sitting close. Hanan asked Maryam to teach her the surah they had introduced to her at the Islamiya. Maryam patiently guided her through the verse, and they continued to recite it until it was time for the Isha prayer.

After the prayer, Maryam felt a slight hunger pang, so she made her way to the kitchen. She felt a bit uncomfortable in the sleeping gown she was wearing, though she couldn't pinpoint why. Nevertheless, she entered the kitchen and found Tina there. She greeted Tina, who responded with a warm smile.

While waiting for a snack to warm up in the microwave, Maryam struck up a conversation with Tina. She mentioned that she had a question to ask.

Tina encouraged her to proceed, and as Maryam scooped some Nutella with a spoon, she inquired if Tina knew much about Khalid.

"Well, I know a bit about him. He used to stay here, but then he moved out to his own place. He's also Uncle Alamin's senior brother's child. Unfortunately, his father passed away, which is why he's living here with Alamin," Tina explained.

Maryam's expression turned serious as she licked the Nutella and asked, "Alamin's brother's son?" Tina nodded in confirmation.

She thanked Tina for the information, continuing to enjoy her Nutella. She couldn't help but wonder about the connection between Khalid and Mrs. Fatima and whether Khalid might be more open to sharing with her in the future.

The following day,  Hanna, accompanied by Sajida, maryam and Nameer, eagerly ventured to explore their newly acquired home. The house stood as a splendid, spacious abode that left a lasting impression on Sajida, and Hanan was overjoyed, envisioning countless adventures within its walls. Remarkably, everything they needed was already in place, with the exception of their personal belongings.

As they stood there, Sajida wrapped her arms around Nameer, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the home. With her innocent, childlike voice, Hanan chimed in, "Mom and Daddy are hugging; you both look adorable together," her face adorned with an infectious smile.

Maryam couldn't help but join in the joyous atmosphere, offering her congratulations. She jestingly remarked, "Congratulations to you all. I'm going to miss having you around, especially Hanan, the spirited little one."

Amidst laughter, they reciprocated the sentiment, promising to miss her delicious meals and snacks dearly.

However, Nameer harbored a private inquiry he wished to discuss with Maryam. They strolled to the property's compound, where Nameer, after clearing his throat, turned his gaze toward Maryam.

"Maryam, I've been meaning to ask, is there anything romantic between you and Yusuf? Are you two in a relationship?" Nameer inquired with a blend of curiosity and concern.

The question caught Maryam off guard; she hadn't anticipated Nameer asking about her relationship with Yusuf. She fell into a momentary silence, nervously toying with her fingers before responding.

"No, there's nothing between us; we're just friends," Maryam replied, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Nameer expressed his concern, suggesting that Yusuf might have deeper feelings for her. He advised her to get to know him better before accepting any romantic love advances. She nodded in agreement, and they continued their stroll toward the back of the house, where the garden awaited.

After returning home, Later that evening, Maryam was elegantly attired for the dinner party. Her gown, a flattering brown shade adorned with floral patterns, accentuated her beauty and matched the event's ambiance perfectly. Despite battling a stomach ache, she reluctantly prepared for the event.

Maryam declined makeup, reasoning that the evening wouldn't necessitate it. Sajida, however, insisted on applying a light touch, considering the well-lit hall. Still, Maryam conceded only to a nude-colored lipstick. Her gown alone radiated grace and enhanced her natural beauty.

Alamin couldn't help but admire his daughter's charming appearance and complimented her. He had intended to accompany her to the event, but Yusuf offered to be her escort, wishing her a safe journey as they left the house.

During the ride, Yusuf's frequent glances in her direction began to make Maryam uneasy. She felt his gaze was somewhat intense.

"You look like a princess, so beautiful," Yusuf complimented, his words unexpectedly taking a flirtatious turn. "I'd love to kiss your lips right now if you don't mind."

Maryam was taken aback by his remark, her composure wavering.

"Yusuf, could you please pull over and park the car? There's something I need to discuss with you," she said, her tone calm yet tinged with seriousness.

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