When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 30 : The New Routine

It had been a week since Maryam and Yahya returned from their honeymoon, and life had settled into a rhythm—one that Maryam hadn't anticipated to be this fast-paced. Yahya had dived straight back into his work, starting preparations for a new campaign. While he was trying to balance everything, Maryam found his workaholic side—her least favorite trait—frustrating. Her plans to visit her family kept getting postponed because Yahya couldn't spare the time to take her.

Every morning, their routine remained the same. Yahya would wake up at 8:00 AM, get ready while Maryam prepared his breakfast, and after a quick meal, he would leave, sealing the morning with a goodbye kiss. Lunch was sent to his office, as he'd mentioned he couldn't make it home for midday meals anymore. By the time he returned around 7:30 or 8:30 PM, he was too exhausted for any outings, leaving Maryam craving some time together.

Despite this, Maryam had started bonding deeply with Sara and Ibrahim, spending her time with them while Yahya was at work. The three of them had formed a little group, sharing jokes and plans. That night, as Maryam set the plates on the dining table, her phone buzzed with a call from Rida.

"Assalamualaikum," Maryam greeted, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear as she finished setting up.

"Walaikumassalam!" Rida replied cheerfully. "Khairiyat?"

"Alhamdulillah! What about you?" Maryam asked. "I heard your mood swings have been making everyone's life interesting?"

Rida giggled. "You could say that!"

Both of them laughed before Rida got to the point. "Actually, I called to invite all of you for dinner at my house tomorrow. Aunty and Yasaa have been asking to host the family, and now that we have some good news to celebrate, it's a perfect excuse for a get-together."

"Oh, nice!" Maryam exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "I've been wanting to visit Mamma, but with Yahya's busy schedule, it keeps getting delayed."

"You should come! It's time for some fun and relaxation," Rida encouraged. "Make sure to bring Ruqayyah Aunty, Sara, Ibrahim, and everyone else."

"I will, Inshallah," Maryam promised. They chatted for a bit longer before the doorbell rang. "Oh, Yahya's here. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Sure," Rida replied, and they hung up.

Maryam opened the door to find Yahya standing there, his tie slightly loosened and his expression tired. Without a word, he stepped inside and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Assalamualaikum," he murmured against her hair.

Maryam's cheeks flushed, even though this had become part of their routine. She still couldn't get used to his casual displays of affection, especially in front of his family. Yahya, of course, didn't care.

"Wa alaikumussalam," she replied softly, looking up at him. "Tired?"

"Veryyyy," he groaned dramatically, making her chuckle.

After freshening up, Yahya joined the family at the dining table. Everyone was already seated as Maryam watched him walk in, his sleeves rolled up, his white shirt perfectly complementing his sharp features. He looked effortlessly handsome, and she found herself staring.

Yahya caught her gaze and smirked as he sat next to her. Leaning in, he whispered, "Done?"

Maryam blinked in confusion. "Done with what?"

"Done checking me out?" he teased, his smirk growing wider.

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile. "You're imagining things."