When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 21: Unexpected Revelations

Maryam sat on her bed, lost in her thoughts, as the sound of joyous chatter filled the house. The last few days had been a whirlwind of functions, each one more exhausting than the last. Yet, there was a bittersweet edge to it all—this would be the last wedding she'd attend as a single woman. The next time there would be music, laughter, and celebration, it would be for her own ruqsati, InshaAllah.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by the familiar ringtone of her phone. It was Yahya. Her heart fluttered as she saw his name flash on the screen. Without hesitation, she answered the video call, eager to see his face.

"Assalamualaikum," she greeted, her voice softening at the sight of him. Yahya was all dressed up, looking sharp in a traditional outfit, sitting in a room Maryam didn't recognize. There were loud voices in the background, the kind of rowdy cheer that only a group of friends could make.

"Walaikum assalam, love," Yahya replied, smiling, though he had to lean in closer to hear her over the noise. "Sorry, I'm at my best friend's house. He's getting married today," he explained, shouting slightly to be heard over the commotion.

Maryam's face fell slightly. "Wait... does that mean you're not coming to Rida's Nikah?"

Yahya shook his head, looking a bit guilty. "No, babes. I'm here for his Nikah, but don't worry—I'll come to Kalyan right after. I won't miss it."

She tried to hide her disappointment, nodding. "Okay... but who's this best friend of yours? You never told me about him."

Yahya gave her a curious look, then flipped his phone to show a group of guys standing around, one of whom waved at the camera. "This is Yass-A, my childhood best friend."

Maryam's eyes widened in shock, her voice almost a scream. "What? He's your best friend? Yahya, don't tell me..."

Yahya looked puzzled. "Wait, what's going on? Do you know him?"

Maryam was practically laughing in disbelief now. "Yahya, he's the one marrying my cousin Rida! How could you not know?!"

Yahya's jaw dropped. "What?! Really?"

"Yes!" Maryam exclaimed, shaking her head. "That means you haven't even read the wedding card properly. Unbelievable!"

Yahya's friends started teasing him in the background, and he rolled his eyes, looking back at Maryam. "Okay, okay, I get it! I'll tell you the full story later. I need to handle these guys first."

"Fine," Maryam sighed, her lips curling into a smile. "See you soon, okay? And don't forget to show up!"

Yahya grinned, leaning closer to the camera. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, love."

Before he ended the call, Maryam blew him a quick kiss. Yahya, always the playful one, did an exaggerated act of catching it, making her giggle.

The call ended, but Maryam's heart was lighter now, excitement bubbling up inside her. With a smile on her face, she went back to her preparations, her earlier frustration forgotten.

Maryam was all ready, dressed in a stunning traditional outfit that made her look nothing short of a vision. The soft evening light bathed her as she stood on her balcony, listening to the Nikah ceremony happening in the mosque across the street. It was a family ritual to serve ice cream to everyone after the Nikah, and she couldn't help but smile at the familiar sounds of laughter and joy.

The staircase of the mosque was a blur from her view, her weak eyesight making the figures merge into one another. But as the crowd began to disperse, one figure caught her attention. Her heart skipped a beat as it came into focus.

Yahya.

He was walking out of the mosque with her younger brother Adi, the two of them laughing about something. Yahya looked breathtakingly handsome in a black kurta, the fabric hugging his broad shoulders perfectly. The sleeves were rolled up just enough to show off his strong arms. His laughter reached her ears, and she couldn't help but smile as she watched them.

Lost in her admiration, Maryam didn't notice her mother calling her until the third attempt.

"Maryam! Where are you, beta? I need your help!"

Reluctantly, she tore her eyes away from the sight of her husband, taking one last look as Yahya caught her gaze. He smiled knowingly, his eyes twinkling with that playful mischief she had come to love.

Blushing, Maryam hurried inside, her heart still fluttering. Tonight was special for many reasons, and in that moment, she knew that the best was yet to come.
                
                        Maryam's outfit

Yahya's outfit