When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 14 : The Chase

Maryam was feeling restless at home. Life with Yahya online was going wonderfully, their nightly conversations filled with laughter and late-night confessions, but his tight schedule meant that she missed him dearly during the day. Seeking a change of pace, she requested her family for an outing. Now, as the car hummed along the road to Mumbai, she had made up her mind to surprise Yahya with a gift to celebrate their one-month anniversary.

The previous week, during a shopping spree, she had bought a stylish outfit for him, complete with a pair of expensive sunglasses that she was sure would suit him perfectly. Today, she had also picked up a bouquet of red roses and carefully penned a note to accompany the gift: "One month down, a lifetime to go – this is just the beginning of our forever."

Instead of dropping the gift at Yahya's house, she decided to send it to his office, keeping her presence in Mumbai a secret. She asked her brother, Abdul Rehman, to deliver the gift without mentioning that she was downstairs in the parking lot, waiting eagerly in the car. She felt her heart race with excitement and a touch of nervousness as they reached the impressive building of Yahya's office, its sleek design standing tall against the backdrop of the city.

Abdul Rehman parked the car, and Maryam, along with her cousins, remained inside, trying to keep their excitement in check. Abdul Rehman, meanwhile, made his way upstairs with the gift. Yahya was in his cabin when there was a knock on his door. His assistant stepped in and said, "Sir, Mr. Abdul Rehman Qureshi is here to meet you."

Yahya was surprised. "Send him in," he replied, standing up with a smile.

Abdul Rehman entered, exchanging salaam and giving Yahya a warm, manly hug. "This is a gift for you from my sister—I mean, your wife," he said with a teasing grin.

Yahya's face lit up at the mention. "What a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed, taking the gift from Abdul Rehman. "Please tell your sister—my wife—Jazakallahu Khair." He gestured to the chair. "Sit, sit. What will you have? Tea, coffee?"

Abdul Rehman waved a hand dismissively, "Oh, so sorry, but maybe next time. My cousins are waiting downstairs in the car, and we have some plans."

Yahya frowned playfully. "No, Abdul Rehman, how can I let you leave without at least a cup of tea or coffee?"

Abdul Rehman chuckled. "I'm serious, they're already calling me nonstop. Besides, why don't you join us for the outing?"

Yahya glanced at his watch with a regretful smile. "I'd love to, but I have a meeting in half an hour."

Abdul Rehman nodded, glancing at his buzzing phone. "It's okay, carry on. Look, they're calling me again. I really have to go."

Yahya laughed. "Alright, I'll let you go today, but only because you have plans. Next time, no excuses!"

Abdul Rehman left with a quick wave, and a few moments later, a new picture appeared in their cousins' group chat: Abdul Rehman standing next to Yahya, who looked effortlessly handsome in his formal attire. Maryam's heart skipped a beat. Her cousins immediately began teasing her in the group chat, and she couldn't help but blush as she looked at Yahya's picture.

Back in his office, Yahya carefully opened the gift. He smiled warmly at the outfit she had chosen—a perfect combination of style and elegance, exactly to his taste. The sunglasses were sleek and modern, the kind that added just the right amount of flair. But it was the bouquet of red roses and the simple note that truly caught his attention. As he read Maryam's words, a rush of affection swept over him.

Touched by her gesture, Yahya reached for his phone and quickly composed a message to Maryam, his heart full.

"Thank you for the beautiful gift, love. But more than that, thank you for filling my life with joy. One month down, and I can't wait for the lifetime ahead. You're always in my heart, even when we're miles apart."