When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 24:"The Unspoken Longing"

Maryam sat on a swing in her family's farmhouse garden, scrolling through her hidden photo album on her phone. Every picture was of Yahya. She zoomed in on each photo, admiring his details—his expressive eyes, charming dimples, that signature serious look, his perfectly styled hair, and impeccable dressing sense. She missed him, but she would never admit it. It had been almost a month since they last spoke.

At Yasaa's reception, a joke he made about keeping the couple apart before the ruqsati was taken seriously by the elders. Now, even though they were husband and wife, Maryam and Yahya were restricted from talking to each other until the ruqsati. Yahya was beyond frustrated with the whole situation, feeling like a caged bird. For Maryam, this was starting to become unbearable too. She initially reassured Yahya that it was a minor inconvenience, but as days turned into weeks, she found herself missing him more and more. It was hard to adapt to this sudden silence, especially when talking to Yahya had become a part of her daily routine. She kept reminding herself, Just four more days and we can talk as much as we want.

Maryam's family had planned her ruqsati at their farmhouse, and the entire clan was there for a week-long celebration. Today was the third day, and emotions were running high. The farmhouse was alive with laughter, horse riding, swimming, and bonding, but Maryam's mind was lost in thoughts of Yahya.

Fatima interrupted her thoughts, pulling her from the swing. "Maryam, come quickly! All the girls are calling you to the room. We have a surprise for you!"

Maryam was curious as she walked into the room to find her sisters all wearing sunglasses. They handed her a pair and announced, "Today is your sangeet! We have a performance prepared for you!"

Maryam burst out laughing. None of them knew how to dance properly, yet here they were, ready to put on a show. She joined in, dancing and laughing like she hadn't in weeks. Among the group of girls, she was the last one still unmarried, and they made sure to tease her about it.

After lunch, while the elders took their afternoon nap, the younger ones gathered in the garden. Boys were riding horses and playing pool. Suddenly, a sleek BMW drove through the gate. As the doors opened, out came Yasaa and Rida. Maryam rushed to hug Rida, teasing her, "You're so busy with your new life that you forgot all about my functions!"

Rida laughed. "I'm here now, aren't I? I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Yasaa added, "Maryam, you must understand, she's newly married. How could she leave her husband for a whole week?" He winked at Rida, making everyone chuckle.

Maryam folded her arms, pouting. "She can't leave you, but what about me, huh?"

Yasaa, pretending to be clueless, asked, "What about you?"

Maryam playfully said. "It's because of you that Yahya and I haven't talked in almost a month!"

Rida smirked. "Oh, please. Yahya talks about you every single day. I doubt he's forgotten you for even a second."

Maryam's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her husband. "Really?"

"Of course," Yasaa said, laughing. "He curses me every morning for that joke."

Later, Yasaa's phone rang, displaying Yahya's FaceTime video call. Yasaa answered dramatically, "Oh my God! Yahya Merchant is calling ME? On video?! This is a fan moment!"

Yahya's voice came through, annoyed, "Stop being dramatic. Are you at Maryam's farm?"

"Yes, but how did you know that?"

"I know everything. Now give your phone to Maryam," Yahya demanded.

Yasaa's eyes twinkled with mischief. "But you two aren't allowed to talk until the ruqsati. I'm afraid I can't do that."

Yahya's patience was wearing thin. "Don't test me, Yasaa."

"Okay, okay, wait," Yasaa said, turning his phone's camera to show Maryam, who was laughing with her cousins. Yahya's breath hitched as he saw her glowing smile, the way her eyes sparkled. He missed her more than he could express.

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Yasaa teased.

"Just give her the phone, or I swear—" Yahya started, but Yasaa interrupted, "You're her husband. Why don't you come here yourself? No one can stop you, right?"

"Is that a challenge?" Yahya shot back.

"Not a challenge, just a suggestion," Yasaa replied, grinning.

Later that Night...

After Isha prayers, everyone gathered for dinner. But Maryam noticed something odd. The younger cousins kept whispering and sneaking glances at her.

After dinner, as the elders retired for the night, Fatima came up to Maryam with a blindfold. "Wear this. We have a surprise for you!"

"What's going on?" Maryam asked, confused.

"Just wear it, trust me!" Fatima insisted. Blindfolded, Maryam was guided outside, where they helped her into a car. She could hear the engine start and felt the car moving.

"Okay, what's happening? Tell me, or I'm taking this blindfold off!"

A familiar voice whispered, "Have patience, Maryam."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Yahya?!"

She quickly removed the blindfold to see Yahya in the driver's seat, a cheeky grin on his face.

"What is this? Where are you taking me? Are you kidnapping me?"

Yahya laughed. "Yes, I'm kidnapping my own wife. I'm taking you home. Today is your ruqsati. Mabrook, Maryam."

Maryam's eyes widened. "What? Are you serious? Take me back! Mamma will kill me!"

Yahya smirked. "For God's sake, I'm your husband. Don't you remember?"

"Yes, I remember the husband who forgot me for a whole month," she teased, rolling her eyes.

"Don't do this, Maryam."

"Do what?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Yahya pulled over at a secluded spot with a breathtaking view of the night sky filled with stars. He opened the sunroof and windows, letting the cool breeze in. Then, he took out a velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a sparkling diamond band.

"Will you be mine forever?" he asked, his eyes softening.

Maryam was taken aback by his sudden romantic gesture. "I'm already yours."

"I know, but I still want to hear you say it."

"Of course, yes!" she said, her voice filled with emotion.

He slid the band onto her finger, matching the ring he had given her on their Nikah. Before she could react, he leaned in and kissed her cheek softly. Maryam froze. Although they had been married for a month, this was the most intimate moment they had shared.

To ease the tension, Yahya turned on the engine. "I think I should drop you back, or else I might lose control." His words made the atmosphere even more awkward. Maryam tried to find something to say, but the rest of the ride was filled with a comfortable silence.

As they arrived back at the farmhouse, Yahya sighed. "I wish I could take you home tonight."

Maryam smiled. "Just three more days, Yahya."

"You mean 72 hours?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Leave it. And thank you. You've made this one of the most memorable nights of my life."

"Anything for you, sweetheart," Yahya said, his voice filled with warmth.

With that, they parted ways, each counting down the hours until they could finally be together without any restrictions.