ENTANGLED AND HEARTS (Her Price For Dreams) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 20:Escapism

Samar's POV

I step out of the shower, gazing out the window at the understated cityscape. The landscape stretches, with sparse buildings and vast agricultural lands beyond the hotel.Maryam's hometown is beautiful just like her.

As I towel-dry my hair – no dryer provided – my phone breaks the silence.

I look,its from Maryam.

Love:I want to meet you.

I smile, typing: "Thank you, Love. You finally responded to me."

I gave a phone to Maryam's sister so I can talk to her.Only I know how I spent 4 days without talking to her.I thought I would go crazy if I didnt talk to her.

But Maryam on the other hand doesnt like me.She thinks me as a problem that needs to be taken care of and get rid of.

Me :Meet... We just met at your house, but you ran away seeing me as if I'm a ghost.

Maryam ignores my message.

Love:Olive Garden near Khan Chauk.

Me: Love, listen to me. How's your hand? You burnt it.

I recall the incident – she spilled tea on her fingers, shocked,finding out that its me who came for her wedding proposal.

Love:Sent a car for me.

Me: Love, I appreciate the meeting idea, but at least reply to my messages.

Love:And also ask Ammi's permission.

We havent even married but she commamds me like a wife already.I smile.

Me:Permission for what?

Love:Meeting me. She won't reject if you ask.

Me:Why?

Love:Because you're rich. She won't upset a wealthy man who is marrying her daughter.

Me: I appreciate how honest and straightforward you are.

.............

I sit at a cozy table in Olive Garden, scanning the entrance for Maryam. 8 am sharp, but she's running late.

My chauffeur should have picked her up by now. I glance at my watch,impatience building.

Finally Maryam walks in. Her elegant black abaya and crisp white hijab command attention. Her expression, however, is guarded, serious.

As she approaches, I stand, flashing a warm smile. "Hi, Love."

Maryam's eyes narrow, her tone laced with skepticism. "Are you serious?How can you show up at my house for a wedding proposal."

"You seem angry,Love." I say.

"My name is Maryam,not love.Do you understand."  She says her small nose red in anger.

" I know your name is Maryam Ahmed.I know your birthday is on february 9.I know your favourite flowers are roses.I know you love chocolates,I know you like reading romance books and watching cringe K dramas.I even know you dont like egg yolk,and your favourite book is Pride and Prejudice." I look into her eyes," Do you wanna know anything else about you.Love."

" Listen it is going too far.You are here ,in my hometown,miles away from Delhi.You cant be serious." She says as if she is panicking.

"Let's put this bandage on your fingers first, and then we can talk," I say, concern etched on my face.