Maryam's POV

I am laughing my heart out," You enjoy teasing me" Samar says setting the glass aside.

" Do you want another from my hand."
" Is it going to be spicy." He ask.
" No I will not make it spicy this time."
" Should I believe you." He smirks.
" I dont think so." I reply smiling.
" No.I am done,Love.I will eat this." He grabs shahi paneer and pour some in his plate.

His phone rings,he looks at the screen and looks at me," I have to attend this call.Its important."

He attends the call.It seems like a bussiness call.

" Lets hurry,Love.I have to leave for Hong Kong." He says and my chest tightens.As if his words hit me directly.Suddenly my heart feels heavy.

He is leaving

so soon.

Its literally 5 in the evening.

We reach home,I am sitting on my bed,silent or maybe sad.I dont want him to leave.

He approaches me with a gadget.He measure my temprature with it.He puts it on to my forehead and it tells temprature,rich people thingy.

" Its almost normal now.Dont overstimulate yourself.Take proper rest.Dont take advantage of my absence."

He is talking a lot,telling me lots of things but I am not listening.I am just looking at his face.Suddenly I see 18 years old Samar living in new york,having anxiety attacks,blaming him for his mothers death.

" You are not even paying attention to me,Love." He says putting something on the side table.

"I did pay enough attention today.Now I need rest." I say try to feel unbothered that he is leaving in 15 mins.

He pulls the blanket over me and puts his hand on my head in a affectionate way.

Dont leave

A voice wisphers in my head.

" I will come to the door to say bye to you."
" No need.You can say bye from here."

Someone knocks on the door,Its Anaya.She walks to the bed and sit beside me.

" How are you" she asks.
" I am fine." I reply.
" I am impressed Mr stalker,you came all way from Hong Kong for her.Quite impressive."
" Thank you so much." He replies and gathers his coat from the couch.
"Take good care of my wife." He looks at Anaya.
" Yes.I take care of her better than you."
" If you did, she did not get sick at the first place." He says in a sarcastic and amusing way.I love their banter,Samar dont like talking to people but he is little comfortable with Anaya.They are cute.They dont like each other but they like me so they communicate for that sake.

Anaya says nothing and rolls her eyes to me.I laugh.

"Bye"He says

My heart sinks.

Or

Drowns

" Bye" I say even though I dont want to bye at all.

He looks at my face for some seconds and then walks to the door.

The door shuts, leaving me behind.

He has gone.

Far away.

............................

Its been two days since Samar left for Hong Kong.Tomorrow is my first exam ,I am doing last day revision.Anaya is checking some answersheets.She just got back from school.

"Lets go to my apartment."
"Why?"
"I have to cook?"she says.
"You are working, dont cook.I will tell Rihanna aunty to cook for you as well." I say still gazing at my notes.
" Thats fine but I still have to get there for some work." She says
"Then go."
" You are coming with me."
" Why? I am fine here."
" l am telling you to come so listen to me." She says in a rude way.
" Fine" I say,annoyed and walk to the door.

Its dinner time and I reach to my apartment along with Anaya and Faris for dinner.As I enter I see Rihanna aunty setting the table for us.I smile at her she smiles back.

We sit on the table,Rihanna aunty serves food to Anaya and Faris but not me.I am confused.She ignored me.I look at her seeking answer.

" Did I do anything wrong." I ask in amusing tone.

" No " Rihanna aunty replies.

" Then why are you not serving me.Are you upset or something."

" I served your food in your room" she says.

" Room but why?"

"Go and see." Anaya smiles.

I am staring at them confused.

Then I walk to my room.

Is this a prank.

I think to myself.

As I step into my room, my jaw drops in awe. The space is transformed into a breathtaking sanctuary, adorned with vibrant flowers, delicate ribbons, and an array of elegant decorations. The air is filled with delicious smell of roses.

I take a few steps forward, and the soft carpet beneath my feet gives a way to a sea of flower petals, gently scattering across the floor like confetti. Even my bed is transformed, covered in a lush blanket of rose petals that seemed to glow in the dim, romantic lighting.

My gaze wander, drinking in the tranquil ambiance, until it comes to rest on a beautifully set table a few feet from my bed. The soft glow of candles cast a warm, inviting light upon the exquisite arrangement.

Its a date set up.I am confused,unable to connect the dots.

What is going on.

I go near the table and find a box,its big box wraped in satin big bow.

I open it.Its a dress.

White colored suit.It shines in low lights.

My phone buzzes on the table I put it there just a moment ago.

Its a video call from Samar.

I pick it up and see Samar wearing formal suit.He is sitting on a table that is decorated same as this one with candle and flowers.He has bouquet in his hands.

" What is going on,Samar." I ask, curious.
" We are having a virtual date." He says.
"Virtual date" I laugh.
" Yes Love,virtual date."He says," This is for you." He points the flowers to me through the screen.
" Samar" I smile.
" Maryam" He says setting flowers aside.
" Change into the outfit I send you." He says.
" This " I show him the box.
" Yes this,Now put your phone here and go change into this.We are getting late for our date." He watches time in his watch,"I am waiting here." He says.

I put my phone onto the tripod on the table and I get to the bathroom.I change my outfit.I try to put on some make up and assesorize it with earrings and chudi.

I am getting better in doing my make up but I am still unable to use eyeliner so I skip it as always.

As I gaze at my reflection, I'm struck by the stunning vision staring back. The Pakistani suit hugs my curves perfectly, accentuating my hourglass figure with precision. Intricate, handmade embroidery dances across the fabric, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

My light brown hair cascades down my back, its natural straightness reaching low to my hips like a silky waterfall.

I come out of the bathroom I walk to the table and sit.Samar's eyes scan me for some seconds and then he says,"Pleasant to the eyes"

I blush

And

Blush

I put a hand on my mouth,laughing and gigling insanly.

" You are also looking.....handsome."

As always is silent.

" Really?" He asks.

I nod.

" Oh I cant sleep now,I will think about it the whole night ." His voice deep.

Someone can easily fall in love with his voice.

" Lets eat." I say and open the lids to see.

My mouth waters,its aroma is enough to make someone hungry.Rihanna aunty is a great chef.

We eat and chat in between.He ask about my exam that is on tomorrow.He tells me best of luck.We talk about lot of things and the conversation goes effortlessly.

" Pick that bag over the chair." He says I look around and find it.

"Open it"He says after taking a bite.

I open it and find a beautiful ring.

" You like it" he asks," I knew you wont like it but Amir and Waleed told me I should give you something valuable and specailly not those stuff toys." He adds.

" I like it" I say but I liked those stuff toys more.I can cuddle them,play with them and they are just cute.

I wear the ring and show it to him," Its beautiful." I say.

"Saira purchased it." He tells me.

He is staring at me savouring my tasty dessert.I let him do whatever he wants and I enjoy my dessert.

" I love you." He says," I just...love you."

His eyes crincling from the corner.

"Okay" I say feeling a bit shy.
"Okay......what okay?"
"Just Okay Okay"
"Arent you going to say anything."
"About What?"
"About my heart." His flirty side activates.
" oh heart.So human heart has 4 chambers,its sizes about human fist,it has double circulation.It is located in the thoracic cavity."
He laughs," Love"
Sometimes I feel proud of myself.I can make Samar ibrahim laugh.Its quite big achievement,isnt it.

" Dont laugh.Do you wanna know more facts about heart." I say.

He is still laughing and this time he hides his face with both hands as if he is shy.

I hear rain drops,I look at the window its raining.Its a beautiful conincidence,when last time we had a dinner date, we had rain.

" What are you looking" samar asks
" Its raining" I say
"Wow" He says.
" Let me show you?" I say and take the phone with me to the balcony area.
"I love rain in the night."I say.
" And I love you in the rain." He says.
" What?....I cant hear you." I pretend to tease him.
"Dont lie.You did hear that." He says.

....................

After my virtual date I prepare to go to sleep.Anaya also apears,we sleep together in her bedroom.After Samar's departure Me and Anaya sleep together sometimes at her apartment and some times at Samar's.

"I wonder how you helped Samar in this."I say rearranging my pillows.

" In what?" She asks while rubing some lotion on her arms.

" In this date thingy."
"Date" Her voice loud.
" Yes date"
" but He told me he wanted to surprise you with a dinner before your exams."she says," He fooled me." She adds.
"Oh"
" So how was your date?" She asks.
" It was nice"
" just nice" she inquires
" just nice" I repeat.
" Then why your cheeks are pink.You are blushing."
" No I am not." I say and put blanket over me and hide my face.
" If you are not blushing then why are you hiding your face." She says and pulls the blanket from my face.
" Anaya let me sleep.Tomorrow is my exam." I am pulling it to hide my face.
"Something is wrong with you Maryam.I think you like him" She says.

I remain silent.

she says," I know your perception of him changed after his past relavation but dont forget his earlier bahavior.Check him properly first.We know he had a tragic past but that doesnt change whatever nonsense he did."

She is right my views changed a lot about him.Its because of his journal,if I hadnt find that I will always misunderstood him.Now I know the real Samar behind his cold exterior.
However I havent still forgot him about his earlier behavior.

A question tickels my brain.

Do I really like him?

I try to erase the question focusing on my sleep.

................

Its sunday,the whole week was tiring I had back to back exams but today finally I got free time.

I am lying on Anaya's leg on the couch.She is watching TV but I am in thoughts of Samar.I look at the flower vase on the shelf,I remember him and smile.I move my eyes and it lands on Mr bear( stuff toy) he gifted me and I remember him again.I look at my hand I am wearing the ring he gave me.How can I forget him when literally everything reminds me of him.

Doorbell rings and same feeling hit my heart.I instinctively wish for Samar's presense, Even though I know he cant come,still whenever doorbell rings I thought its Samar.

I hear someone's voice I sit up to look,its Rayan's mother.Why on earth she need to come here.

She enters along with sumaiyya aunty.Anaya greets her ignoring Tara.They both settles into the couch,workers serve them water.

" Tell me How's it feels like?" Tara says.
" What?" I question
" Living a life you never even dreamt about." She smiles wickedly,I hate her smile.

Someone just tell me she adopted Rayan.Its still hard to believe she is his mother.

" Are you done insulting me.Now tell me your motive to come here." I say.

" Look how you are speaking.It seems like your parents havent taught you any manners." Sumaiyya aunty says.

Tara laughs," Because they were busy teaching her, how to trap rich men?"

"Dont worry about us.We are doing fine.Worry about yourself because you are pathetic" Anaya says looking into her eyes.

"Pathetic" Tara laughs," Tell me girl.What type of mechanism is this.How you all sister so good seducing rich men.Its an art,amazing." Tara's tone is full of disdain.She sits up and touches the flowers vase on the shelf.

" I am curious to know.How you guys do that.Leave Rayan but Samar,I have seen him since his childhood,he never distracted by any girl in his whole life and this girl whats your name......umm.......nevermind I forget it easily.This girl made Samar obsessed with her.Impressive." She looks at me,her eyes full of disgust and hate.

" Mrs Ibrahim" I say,"You can call me Mrs Samar Ibrahim.I know its normal to forget things at your age." I sit up.

I try to let her taste her own medicine.I remember One time I called her aunty and she scolded me saying I can only call her Mrs Ibrahim.

"I know you forget your place,let me remind you." She turns to face me,"You are still nothing more than a low class girl who can only serve charity cards to people like us.Remember that charity event." She says.

" You want to know who I am."I say taking a step closer to her.

"Yazia" I yell," Who let her enter in my house."My voice loud.

" Madam"

" What Madam." I say my eyes fixed on Tara's changing expression," I am warning you dont ever" I turn to Yazia," Ever and Ever let this woman enter in my house."

I look back into Tara's eyes,"Understand"

" I am sorry Madam.I will keep in mind." Yazia says her voice low.

I am not a person like that.I believe in respecting people even when they disrespect you but this woman.I hate her for so many reasons.After reading Samar's diary my hatred is getting intense day by day for her.

She is a home wrecker.Samar wrote about her in his journal that after getting married to Waqas she renovated the whole house and threw every single thing of Amira aunty from the house.She is just disgusting.Waqas and her are so perfect for each other because they both are disgusting.Bad peoples.

" I think you lost your mind." She says in anger.
" Not yet" I say " But I will lose it if you will not leave in 5 minutes."
She laughs.
" You are seriously out of your mind." She says.
" Yazia do you need a written letter." I say," Get rid of her immedietly."
" You will regret this." She says her tone furious.
" Awww" I mock," Are you going to complain it to your husband.Believe me its of no use" I laugh.

"But If I complain it to my husband.Things might get intense,He will be really angry as you already know my effect on him.Its just about shedding some tears" I pretend to wipe tears,"and You will be in trouble." I say in an amuzing tone.

I am trying to be bold and couragious but from the inside.I am scared of her eyes but I pretend to be intimidating.I dont know what she will do after this maybe another rumour.I no longer care about it anyways.

"Madam please leave" Yazia says.Tara turns her head towards yazia in anger.

She has no option other than leaving.They both walk to the door.

" I want this whole place to be sanitized" I say in a loud voice.Tara turns to look at me.She gives me another furious expression and I feel satisfied.It feels good I know its childish but still I feel good.Maybe its my revenge from whatever she did to me.

" Bold" Anaya looks at me in misbelief. "Its you Maryam.You did that." She gasp.