When Dreams meet Destiny

Chapter 31 : Moments That Matter

It had been nearly a month since their ruqsati, and Maryam couldn't ignore the growing void between them. The honeymoon had felt like a dream, but now Yahya's work consumed all his time, leaving little room for her. She missed the attention, the small gestures that once made her feel special, and her patience had finally reached its limit. That evening at dinner, she struggled to hold back her feelings as the family chatted around the table.

Breaking the silence, Ahmed Merchant turned to Yahya. "We're all going to Aliah's daughter's wedding for a week. Are you and Maryam joining us?"

Yahya raised his eyebrows. "Aliah Aunty's daughter? Zainab? She's getting married?"

Ruqayyah smiled. "Yes, Zainab is getting married. Aliah would love to see you both."

Maryam, curious, asked, "Who's Aliah Aunty?"

"She's your father-in-law's cousin," Ruqayyah explained warmly.

But Yahya sighed. "I don't think I'll manage. The new interns are joining next week, and I have interviews lined up."

Sara chimed in, "That's fine, but we're taking Maryam with us."

Ruqayyah agreed. "Yes, Maryam should come. You're too busy these days."

Maryam smiled at the thought of a change, but Yahya quickly interrupted. "No. What will she do there? There's no need for her to go."

Ibrahim, with a teasing grin, said, "It's a wedding, Bhai. She'll attend and enjoy herself."

Ahmed supported him. "Yahya, you're at work all day. What will she do alone in the house?"

Ibrahim smirked, "Point!"

Yahya shot him a sharp look before saying firmly, "That's exactly why I don't want her to go. I'm already away all day. If I come home and she's not here, it'll piss me off ."

Sara rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic, Yahya. She's coming with us."

Turning to Maryam with a hopeful look, Yahya asked softly, "But you don't want to go, do you?"

Maryam, sensing an opportunity to tease him, smiled mischievously. "Actually, I don't mind going."

Yahya's jaw tightened as he gave her a really? look. Everyone laughed, but he stayed quiet, clearly hatching a plan.

Later, after dinner, they returned to their room. Maryam went about her nightly routine, and when she stepped out of the bathroom, Yahya was sitting on the bed, deep in thought. She opened the closet and reached for the small suitcase on the top shelf but couldn't quite grab it. Turning to Yahya, she said, "Can you help me with this?"

Yahya raised an eyebrow. "Why? Where are you going?"

Maryam chuckled. "Don't you remember? I'm going to the wedding for a week."

"For a week?" he repeated, emphasizing the word. "You know I'm not letting you go for that long."

"Yahya, don't do this," she replied, exasperated. "What will I even do here alone? You're at work all day."

"You should be happy I don't want to spend even a day without you," he said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes. "Stop manipulating me, Yahya."

He chuckled. "Manipulating? That's just a fact, babe. And now that you'll be here, I'll make sure to come home early all week."

Maryam smiled softly. "Okay, fine. If you don't want me to go, I won't. But tomorrow, you have to come home early. I'll plan a surprise date."

Yahya leaned back with a grin. "In Sha Allah, I'll be there."

The next morning, as the family prepared to leave for the wedding, Maryam surprised everyone by deciding to stay, earning a proud smirk from Yahya. Before he left for work, she reminded him to come home early, hinting at a plan she had in mind. Unbeknownst to him, Maryam had arranged a cozy candlelight dinner on their terrace—a quiet, intimate evening to reconnect amidst their busy routines.