When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 23: "A Gift, A Surprise, and A Tease"

The morning sunlight gently woke Maryam as she stirred in bed. Her mother entered the room, her eyes filled with excitement.

"Maryam, what are you planning to wear today?" her mother asked.

"Last evening, Ruqayyah Aunty told me to wear the dress she gifted me last week. So, I guess I'll wear that today for the reception," Maryam replied with a soft smile.

Her mother nodded, but a hint of concern crossed her face. "But last week when you tried that dress, it was quite loose. You didn't get it altered, right?"

Maryam shrugged casually, "I'll try it again later and see if it fits."

Just then, the doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet house. Maryam went to answer it, finding a delivery boy holding a large box.

"Is this Mrs. Yahya Merchant's house?" the boy asked.

"Yes, that's me," Maryam replied, puzzled.

"Please sign here, ma'am. This parcel is from Mr. Yahya Merchant," he said, sounding rushed.

Maryam, still confused, signed the paper. Who would have thought Yahya was up to something again? She dragged the large, heavy box inside, where her sister Fatima was waiting with curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"What is this?" Fatima asked.

"I have no clue! Yahya has sent something. Let's find out," Maryam replied, her heart racing with anticipation.

They unwrapped the clear bubble wrap to reveal a stunning orange designer box. Fatima's eyes sparkled. "I bet it's a dress. A designer one! Yahya really knows how to impress."

As Maryam opened the box, a gasp escaped her lips. Inside lay a gorgeous deep orange lehenga, intricately embroidered, tied with a delicate ribbon. The dress was stunning, a masterpiece of elegance and style. Fatima and their mother couldn't stop admiring it.

Maryam's heart fluttered. She was amazed and overwhelmed by Yahya's thoughtful gesture. Her fingers trembled as she dialed his number. He picked up almost immediately, his voice warm and teasing.

"Assalamualaikum, sweetheart. How are you?"

"Walaikumasalam, Yahya. What is all this?" Maryam asked, her voice filled with surprise.

"What are you talking about?" Yahya feigned ignorance.

"This parcel you sent this morning," she clarified.

"Oh, that!" Yahya chuckled. "I sent it for you to wear at the reception today."

"But Yahya, it looks so expensive! There was really no need," Maryam protested.

"It's your cousin's wedding and also my best friend's. You're my wife, and I want everyone to see that," he said with a playful tone. "Don't you like it?"

Maryam couldn't help but smile. "I love it. It's stunning. But... I'm really sorry, Yahya. I can't wear it today."

Yahya's smile faded. "But why? Why can't you wear it?!"

Maryam hesitated, then explained, "Yesterday, Ruqayyah Aunty asked me to wear the dress she gifted me last week. I don't want to upset her."

"Don't worry, I'll talk to her," Yahya insisted. "You have to wear this dress."

"No, Yahya," Maryam pleaded. "You can't just go and tell her. It doesn't look good, does it?"

Yahya sighed. "Maryam, don't do this. I sent it with so much love. You have to wear it."

"I'm really sorry, Yahya," she said softly. "I appreciate your effort, but not today. I promise I'll wear it at the next function, Inshallah."

Yahya was disappointed. "Okay then, don't talk to me. It seems everyone else is more important to you."