When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 27 : Secrets In A Suitcase

Maryam stood by the bed in her room, her shoulders slightly drooping from exhaustion as she worked through the pile of clothes scattered across the mattress. The suitcase lay open before her, half-packed with carefully folded clothes and a selection of jackets. The excitement of the functions had started to wear off, replaced by the fatigue of back-to-back events. Now, with the honeymoon looming, Maryam was hurriedly trying to get her packing done before they left for Kashmir that night.

She frowned at the mess around her. Yahya wasn't even home to help—he had gone to the office for some important work, leaving her to handle everything herself. Her annoyance with him simmered as she continued packing.

Her back was to the door when Yahya stepped in silently, his footsteps slow and measured as he approached her. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into a warm back hug. Before Maryam could fully react, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Startled, Maryam froze for a moment, then quickly pulled away, spinning around to face him with a frown. "Move back!" she said sharply, her voice tinged with irritation. "I'm not in the mood."

Yahya raised an eyebrow, amused by her reaction. "Why,Kya ho gaya meri begum ko?" he asked, his tone soft and teasing as he reached out to hold her hand.

Maryam slapped his hand away, her glare growing sharper. "Eww, Yahya. So cheesy!" she retorted, crossing her arms over her chest. "And by the way, I'm not talking to you."

Yahya chuckled, clearly enjoying her frustration. "But why, sweetheart?" he asked innocently, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Maryam rolled her eyes. "I'm serious! First, you went to the office the very next day after our wedding! Like, seriously? And second, you're not even helping me with the packing!" She huffed, turning back to the suitcase to fold another jacket.

Yahya watched her, his grin widening. "But why are you packing so many clothes?" he asked suddenly, his tone mock-serious.

Maryam froze mid-fold and turned to him with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"

Yahya stepped closer, the teasing glint in his eyes growing more mischievous. He reached out, his hands gently resting on her waist as he pulled her closer. Maryam's breath hitched, her heartbeat quickening as his touch sent an unexplainable warmth through her.

Using his free hand, Yahya tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just enough to make her blush. Leaning in slightly, he said in a low, flirtatious tone, "I mean, why would you need clothes there?"

Maryam's face turned bright red. She looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. Her heart raced, and a flustered smile tugged at her lips. How does he manage to do this so perfectly? she wondered. Before she could respond, the door to the room burst open.

"Oh! Sorry, sorry, sorry! Wrong timing!" Sara's voice echoed dramatically as she stepped into the room, her hand covering her eyes.

Yahya sighed, letting go of Maryam with an exaggeratedly annoyed expression. He turned to Sara and said, "Sara! Don't you know we're newlyweds? Privacy, Sara! Privacy!"

Sara raised an eyebrow, smirking at him. "Excuse me, but if you wanted privacy, you should've closed your door. I haven't done anything. That's all your fault."

Maryam, still red from embarrassment, quickly changed the topic. "Sara, what happened? Why are you here?"

Sara grinned, clearly enjoying their discomfort. "Oh, right.Mama said you haven't had your lunch yet, so please come down and eat."

Yahya turned to Maryam, his playful demeanor giving way to concern. "What is this, Maryam? It's already 3 PM, and you haven't eaten?"

Maryam raised an eyebrow at him. "Have you?"