When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 29 : The Surprise Announcement

By the third last day of their honeymoon, Maryam felt like she was living her teenage dreams. Yahya had made every moment special, leaving her heart full and brimming with happiness. They were now on their way to Srinagar, where they would spend their final two days before heading home.

The roads in Kashmir were nothing short of magical—snow-covered trees lined both sides, creating a dreamy white tunnel. Maryam rested her head on Yahya's shoulder, her hand in his as he traced lazy circles on her fingers. The gentle motion had lulled her to sleep, and Yahya, unable to resist, took a picture of her sleeping peacefully. She looked so adorable that he leaned in and kissed her pink-tinted cheek, a result of the freezing weather.

By the time they reached their hotel in Srinagar, it was 5:30 p.m. While waiting in the lobby for their room keys, Maryam noticed an activity setup and wandered over curiously. Yahya, always by her side, followed her.

"What's this?" Maryam asked, excitement glimmering in her eyes.

"It's a pottery station," Yahya replied, raising an eyebrow as she grinned.

"Let's make a pot! A pottery date maybe?" she suggested enthusiastically.

Yahya chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll accompany you verbally because that mud will ruin my hands."

Maryam rolled her eyes. "You're such a burger, Yahya."

"It's not that," he defended with a smirk, glancing down at his crisp white outfit. "My clothes will get stained!"

"Fine," Maryam huffed playfully. "I'm doing this alone. You can just stand there and admire my skills."

She sat on the chair, excitement bubbling as the instructor prepared the pottery wheel. Yahya stood beside her, arms crossed but eyes attentive. The instructor demonstrated how to shape the clay, guiding Maryam by placing his hand over hers.

"Don't touch her," Yahya said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Maryam bit back a smile, amused by his possessiveness. But when she struggled to shape the clay on her own, the instructor moved to help again. This time, Yahya stepped behind Maryam's chair and leaned forward, placing his hands over hers.

"I'll help her," he said, his voice softer but teasingly smug.

Maryam, completely unaware of his movement, turned her head to protest and found his face mere inches from hers. Her breath hitched at the closeness, and Yahya, catching her reaction, smirked. He didn't waste the opportunity to tease her further, guiding her hands while making subtle, playful movements to fluster her.

When the pot was finally shaped, Maryam asked the instructor to click a picture of them. Yahya smirked, holding up his hands, now covered in mud. Maryam did the same, and as they posed, she mischievously swiped a bit of mud onto his cheek with her finger.

"Eww, Maryam!" he exclaimed, pretending to be grossed out.

But Maryam's laughter was so infectious that Yahya couldn't help but grin. he teased before rubbing his cheek against hers, transferring the mud to her face as well.

"Eww, Yahya!" she shrieked, laughing.

"See? Now we're even," he said, grinning triumphantly.

"I'll just wash my hands and show you who's even!" she retorted, heading to the ladies' washroom while he walked into the gents'.

When they returned, Yahya told her to sit on the couch while he checked with the receptionist about their room. As he spoke, a familiar voice caught his attention. Turning to his left, he saw Yasaa, who greeted him with his usual dramatic flair.