Scene: Blossoming Days in the Garden
Spring had stretched across the skies, and the garden behind Ayesha and Imran's house had transformed into a favorite meeting spot for Maryam and Irfan. Theirs was no longer a relationship of formality and hesitant glances; it had bloomed into something tender, honest, and deep. Like two lovebirds building a nest, they met daily—sometimes in the open under the sunlight, other times in shaded corners under moonlight.
They talked. They shared. Their words wove dreams. Their silences spoke volumes.
"You know," Maryam said one day, fingers brushing lightly across the petals of a rose, "I never imagined peace could feel like this again."
Irfan turned his face toward her, the sunlight catching his soft smile. "And I thought I'd never laugh like this again. But then you came, and everything changed."
Their eyes met, a shared understanding dancing between them. No one needed to say it anymore. It was written in their smiles, in their presence, in their pauses.
Scene: Kitchen Whispers
The kitchen became their quiet sanctuary after dinner. As Ayesha cleared up and the children ran off to their rooms, Maryam and Irfan would find each other again. She would pour chai; he would slice fruits, sometimes clumsily, making her laugh.
"This fruit cutting is serious business," Irfan said once, balancing a knife like a sword.
Maryam laughed, "Not for someone who codes software all day."
"Maybe," he said with a smile, "but I'd rather slice apples with you than write a thousand lines of code."
Her heart warmed, cheeks pink, but she said nothing. Their closeness was no longer a secret. Even the children had begun teasing them.
Scene: Ayesha and Imran's Bedroom Discussion
A month had slipped by in this comfortable flow. One night, as Ayesha lay beside Imran after everyone had gone to bed, she whispered thoughtfully,
"Imran, I think it's time we talk to Maryam and Irfan about their future. They're clearly in love. But we should know what they are planning."
Imran opened his eyes, resting his head on one arm. "I was thinking the same. I'll speak to Irfan. You talk to Maryam. It's important we guide them."
"Yes," Ayesha nodded. "Let's do it in a way that doesn't make them nervous. Just an open-hearted conversation."
Scene: Living Room After Dinner
Two nights later, the family gathered in the living room after dinner. The soft hum of the television played in the background. Children played on a rug, while the elders sat on sofas, drinking tea and enjoying the evening.
Ayesha turned to Maryam with a gentle smile. "Maryam, beta, can I ask something personal?"
Maryam nodded, slightly surprised. "Of course, Bhabhi."
"You and Irfan seem... close. It makes me happy to see you smile. But I wanted to ask—what's your plan for the future? Have you both spoken about marriage?"
Maryam blushed, glancing down. She stole a look at Irfan, who looked away with a soft grin. She cleared her throat.
"Yes, Bhabhi. We've spoken. Irfan said he's been given a new assignment at work. It'll take about a month to complete. After that, he wants to talk seriously about wedding plans."
Ayesha nodded thoughtfully. "That's fair. Just don't let too much time pass. Love grows best when it has roots."
Maryam smiled. "I understand. Thank you, Bhabhi."
Scene: Imran and Irfan Under the Stars
Later that night, Imran sat outside on the balcony with Irfan. The stars glittered above like scattered pearls. Imran handed Irfan a glass of water.
"So, my dear brother," Imran said casually, "how's life treating you?"
Irfan chuckled. "Busy. Tiring. But... peaceful. Maryam brings peace."
"She's a good girl. Your eyes shine when you talk about her. What's your plan, then?" Imran asked, his tone kind but direct.
"I want to marry her," Irfan replied without hesitation. "I'm working on an important project at Microsoft. Just one month more, and then I'll be ready to take the next step."
Imran nodded, proud. "Then do it with confidence. A woman's heart waits for certainty, not promises. And Maryam has seen a lot in life. She deserves a stable love."
"I know," Irfan whispered. "And I'll give her that, InshaAllah."
Scene: Midnight Reflections
Later that night, Maryam sat by her bedroom window, looking out at the moonlit garden. The pink dress Irfan had given her months ago hung gently in her wardrobe. She reached for her diary and began to write.
"Dear Allah, thank You for sending Irfan into my life. Thank You for the calmness in my heart. Let this be the love that lasts. Let this home be a haven."
Meanwhile, in his room, Irfan stared at his laptop, not working. Just thinking. He smiled as he remembered Maryam's laugh, the sparkle in her eyes, her calm voice when she spoke of deen and dreams.
"Ya Rab," he whispered, "grant me the strength to protect this love. Make me the husband she deserves."
Scene: Morning Whispers
The next morning, Maryam entered the kitchen early to prepare breakfast. Ayesha joined her shortly, helping with tea.
"Did you sleep well?" Ayesha asked.
"Yes, Bhabhi," Maryam replied with a smile. "Better than usual."
"You deserve every joy, Maryam. And Irfan... he's serious. Just give him time."
Maryam nodded. Her eyes sparkled with a hope she no longer tried to hide.
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