Hidden bonds of love

50.

When school resumed, Maryam and Mustabshira returned to Abuja, and Alamin couldn't contain his joy at seeing Maryam again after missing her immensely. Hanan, equally delighted, joined in to welcome her back.

Their return marked the start of a harmonious period, and it was time for Khalid and Ihsan's wedding. This event was a simple affair, limited to the wedding Fatiha ceremony. However, some individuals engaged in gossip and expressed concern about Ihsan marrying a man who had been involved with multiple women. Little did they know that Ihsan carried her own secret. She had indeed been intimate with many man in the past, but Khalid was the one she had shared the most significant connection with.

Ihsan, for her part, grappled with guilt over her past encounters, realizing that she often craved intimacy. Nevertheless, she was determined to move beyond her past and strive for personal growth.

The wedding took place, and Ihsan was welcomed into Khalid's home. Mommy Beauty and Mrs. Fatima graced the occasion with their presence, and Uthman gave his blessing before the couple departed.

Ihsan sat on her bed, tears streaming down her face after everyone had left. Khalid entered the room, offering his greetings, only to find her in distress. He attempted to console her, but she resisted his efforts. It soon became evident that she was upset with him for reasons unknown, prompting him to inquire about her feelings.

"Khalid," she began, her voice quivering, "some women from your family insulted me and used hurtful words, accusing me of being a prostitute and saying I don't deserve someone like you. I don't know how they found out about my past, but it's deeply wounded me. You can't imagine how they spoke, and even people who don't know me heard that hurtful words. Khalid, I feel so ashamed. What if they tarnish our reputation?"

Ihsan's tears flowed freely as her heart ached from the pain of having her past mistakes thrown back at her.

Khalid drew closer, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Ihsan, you mustn't let their words affect you," he reassured her. "Remember, as long as you've repented, there's no need to carry that burden. Perhaps the way they speak ill of you, Allah will forgive you even more, for they don't know the person you've become. Allah loves forgiveness and those who seek it. Don't let their words trouble you. Let them talk; eventually, they'll tire and cease. You will always be my beautiful wife, and with Allah by our side, no one can come between us. Okay?" He wiped away her tears, offering solace and support.

She nodded in agreement. "Okay, oya smile for me," Khalid playfully teased, and she responded with a shy smile.

"Now, I can kiss you whenever I want, even in public, since you're officially my Halal wife. Marriage is truly wonderful," Khalid remarked.

"Stop it," Ihsan responded, her voice tinged with shyness.

"Don't tell me you're feeling bashful around me," Khalid chuckled.

Ihsan lowered her head, blushing.

"Come on, I've missed you so much. Let's get to know each other better. I know my mother must have prepared you well," Khalid said with a mischievous grin.

"Khalid, have some decency, please," she protested, pushing him aside as he attempted to kiss her. "Let's pray first."

"Oh, I completely forgot about the prayer part for the newlyweds," Khalid admitted. They both shared a laugh, and after their prayers, they enjoyed their first night together. For Khalid, it felt like his first time, as the experience was profoundly different. He realized that marital intimacy was a more fulfilling and meaningful connection than what he had experienced outside of marriage.

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Two years had passed, and Maryam had successfully graduated from school, bringing immense joy to her and her friends. Meanwhile, Najiba celebrated the first birthday of her adorable baby girl.

Excitement filled the air as Maryam and Mustabshira's wedding was scheduled right after their graduation. The two brides were fervently preparing for their special day. Suraj, in particular, couldn't contain his happiness knowing that Maryam would soon be his wife.

Mustabshira's future husband was Sabir Hussaini Mamman, a banker, and their plans were set to start a new chapter together in Kano.

In Suraj's family, there was an abundance of love for Maryam, especially from his mother, who frequently discussed Maryam with everyone at home with great affection.

As the wedding day approached, both brides radiated beauty and happiness. Suraj's anticipation grew, and he yearned to see Maryam, missing her dearly. He pleaded with her to meet him discreetly at the corner of their house, as he was allowed to see her.

With the help of her friends, Maryam managed to sneak out of the house. She met Suraj in his car, and as he laid eyes on her, he was left speechless. Maryam looked stunning, her skin radiant. She wore a hijab to conceal her body, as many had commented on her newfound allure, and she wished to keep her appearance a secret from Suraj until the wedding.

Now, at the age of 20, Maryam had undergone a transformation, becoming even more captivating than ever. Suraj found himself continuously drawn to her, struggling to contain his desires, yearning to kiss her alluring, petite lips.

Suddenly, Maryam noticed his intense gaze and snapped her fingers in front of his face, bringing him back from his reverie. He had been so deeply engrossed in his thoughts while studying her.

Clearing his throat, Suraj turned away, his cheeks flushed with shyness. "You look exceptionally beautiful, and your radiance has only intensified," he managed to say, avoiding direct eye contact. His bashful demeanor was a result of his fear that he might act impulsively if he continued to gaze at her.

Maryam responded with a warm smile, "You've grown even more handsome as well. Your complexion is fairer, and you resemble a 'bature' now," she teased. Suraj chuckled, still averting his eyes. "Perhaps it's because we've been apart for a while," he suggested, trying to hide his embarrassment.

With a childish pout and a hint of frustration, Maryam remarked, "I don't understand why Mustabshira can see her fiancé whenever she wants, but I'm not allowed to see you." Her words reflected her longing and the unfairness of the situation. her lips form into a pout.

He couldn't tear his gaze away from Maryam; the way she contorted her face into expressions that made him smile was utterly endearing, and he found it irresistibly cute. "Perhaps it's because they fear you're too charming, and if we were to meet, I might just run away with you because of your incredible beauty," he remarked with a playful tap of his lower lip, exuding an air of confidence.

Maryam appreciated his flirtatious manner but quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks blushing. "I've missed you so much," she admitted shyly.

"Don't fret; it's just two more days, and I will officially become Suraj Almustapha Manga's wife, my Aarav," he reassured her.

Suraj blushed and smiled in response. "I can hardly believe it, Maryam Uthman, or should I say Maryam Alamin Nuradeen, the girl with two fathers," he playfully remarked.

"Quit making me blush," Maryam retorted, noticing Suraj's seductive habit of beating his lower lip, which stirred a unique sensation within her.

Unable to resist any longer, Suraj leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Maryam's cheek before urging her to return indoors. Teasingly, Maryam asked, "Are you getting tired of seeing me?"

He nodded, indicating a firm "no." She observed a noticeable shift in his demeanor, his eyes taking on an unfamiliar intensity. Concerned, she swiftly said her goodbyes, sensing the need to distance herself from the situation.

He urged her to leave, confessing his struggle to contain the overwhelming allure of her perfume, fearing he might lose control and cross boundaries. Realizing he had forgotten to give her the cheese balls he had brought, he phoned Najiba, requesting her assistance in delivering the gift. He wanted to avoid any further interaction with Maryam, knowing it could lead to regrettable outcomes. After taking a few minutes to regain his composure, he drove back home.

Upon receiving the cheese balls, Maryam couldn't hide her delight. Najiba bid them farewell and made her way home.