Hidden bonds of love

49.

"I apologize, Suraj, for burdening your heart with my love. I genuinely want to make our relationship permissible, but I still consider myself quite young," Maryam said, sharing a soft laugh.

Suraj joined in her laughter, relief evident on his face. "You had me worried when you mentioned being sorry; I thought you might reject me," he admitted.

Maryam nodded, her laughter continuing. "I do want to spend time with my dad; I still feel like a kid, even though I'm 18 now. Let's take our time to get to know each other better, my dear Aarav," she said, her eyes brimming with affection.

"I really like the name Aarav," he replied, reaching for a large gift bag and handing it to her.

Maryam's face lit up with joy. "Oh, cheese balls, my favorite! How did you know?" she asked.

He lightly touched his head and responded, "It's the hidden love I have for you; that's how I found out."

Amused, Maryam chuckled, "You must be joking," as she played with the packet of cheese balls.

Suraj confessed, "Actually, that's the gift Ahmad asked me to give you. He said cheese balls do cheer you up."

Maryam fell into a brief silence, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I miss him. I wish he were here with us. May he continue to rest in peace," she said.

"Ameen," Suraj responded solemnly.

Just then, Hanan entered the room and playfully inquired, after greeting Suraj. "Who are you? Are you Maryam's boyfriend?"

Suraj grinned and corrected, "Actually, I'm her future husband."

Maryam interjected, addressing Hanan, "Hanan, please don't ask questions like that."

Hanan persisted, turning back to Suraj, and declared, "Let me talk to him. I just want to tell him something. If you ever hurt my Maryam, I'll give you a beating you won't forget. Don't let my size fool you; I can hold my own in a fight. I've taken on boys at school before."

Suraj couldn't help but be surprised; he found it amusing and burst into laughter. "So, you fight boys at school?" he inquired.

Hanan responded confidently, "Yes, I do, and I give them a good beating. You'd be surprised to see them crying after losing to a girl, without any shame."

Maryam chimed in, trying to advise her younger sister, "Hanan, you really shouldn't tell people that you fight boys at school."

Hanan brushed off her sister's concerns, saying, "Of course, I can. It's a way to make sure no guy disrespects me or tells me they love me. Love is for crazy people."

Suraj reassured her, "Alright, Hanan, I promise to take good care of Maryam. I won't hurt her."

Hanan nodded and decided to leave, saying, "We'll catch up another time. Goodbye."

Suraj, still chuckling, remarked, "Whose child is she? She's quite funny in the way she talks."

Maryam shook her head and rolled her eyes, saying, "That's just Hanan for you."

Suraj then handed out the gifts he had brought, giving one to Alamin as well. Alamin expressed his appreciation, and they bid each other farewell.

Maryam was in her room with Sajida and Hanan when Hanan complimented her on the teddy bear from her boyfriend. "Sister Maryam, I love the teddy bear your boyfriend gave you; it's so cute," Hanan exclaimed.

Gratefully, Maryam offered Hanan some chocolates, and her face lit up with joy. Hanan quickly darted out of the room, gleefully declaring her intention to tease Tina with them.

Sajida, content with the gifts, engaged in a conversation with Maryam. During their discussion, Maryam confided that Suraj had expressed a desire to get married to her, but she still wished to spend time with her father and wasn't ready for marriage. Sajida assured her that she would talk to Alamin about it.

As they continued chatting, Maryam shared some amusing details about Hanan's conversation with Suraj, and they both had a good laugh. "Sometimes I wonder where she learns such words; she seems more mature than her age. She's just so stubborn, and Nameer spoiled her," Sajida remarked.

Their conversation continued.

✺✺✺✺✺✺✺

A week later, Suraj's family came to propose to Maryam, and Alamin agreed to their engagement. He, too, wanted to spend more time with Maryam. Uthman was present during this important occasion, as Alamin had invited him. Uthman had played a significant role in Maryam's life, and Alamin wanted him to be part of this moment.

Additionally, Khalid's wedding with Ihsan was also moving closer. Maryam later returned to Kano to spend the holidays with Uthman and his family. The memories of Ahmad were everywhere in the house, a constant reminder of him. Uthman had consented to Mustabshira staying with Alamin's family while she continued her schooling, and she had also found a husband.