Maryam's POV

I am still crying against the door.Anaya pulls me up from the floor, but my legs still feel like jelly. "Faris isn't home yet," I say.Anaya had to left suhana's birthday party early to drop me off at home.

"He'll be home soon," Anaya reassures me, but my mind is already racing with worst-case scenarios.

What if stalker comes and hurts Faris? The thought sends a chill down my spine.

How did I get myself into this mess? I think, desperation clawing at my chest.

I stumble towards my room, my eyes fixed on the floor. Just as I reach the door, my phone buzzes with an incoming notification.

Let's meet, Love. Tomorrow, 9 am, Kindness parking lot.

My heart racing, I'm torn between fear and determination.

Another message pops up:

Wear that olive-colored hijab.

Sleep eludes me, my mind a maze of worries: Rayan, the stalker, Rayan's mother's harsh words, my studies, Suhana's sly smile.

I toss and turn, waking up every hour, until I finally give up at 4 am. I lie in the darkness, thinking, overthinking.

My thoughts swirl:

- What if the stalker hurts me?
- Can I really handle this alone?
- Should I tell Anaya about this?

I hear azaan( prayer call),my heart starts soothing hearing the words of Azaan.I am not alone,I have Allah, i dont need anyone one except for him.I will face that stalker alone I will save everyone from this problem.

I finally leave my bed and perform salah.
.........

"I want to visit the NGO kids," I tell Anaya.

"Let's go tomorrow." she suggests.

But I insist, "I really miss Roshni. I need to see her.Its almost a month since I havent visit NGO"

" I am busy today,I cant go there.I have to visit a relative today at hopital." Anaya says seperating egg yolks from my boiled eggs.

I plead," Please Anaya.I wanna go out.Its been a whole week of torture for me."

She decides, "okay.Faris will drop you off, and I'll pick you up returning from hospital .

..........

" What is in this huge bag." Faris asks,struggling to lift it to the car.

"Chocolates." I say,forcing a smile."I will donate these in NGO" I am lying.I will return this to him today. I have even put that Abaya in it I will erase every mark of him from my life.

" what if he finds out?He will get mad knowing you are donating his gifts." Faris says in a playful tone.

" Maryam, think about this.You are going alone.What if he kidnap you or something like that.You can wait till tomorrow." Anaya says while watering the plants.

" I will be in NGO,He cant be there.".I say even though He is there,He is there.He is there.

"You will come to pick me up.I will be safe." I say.

My mind:I am not safe,I am not safe ,I am not safe.

Faris puts the huge bag in the backseat of his care and we drove to NGO.

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

I gaze around the NGO's parking lot, struck by the lush greenery. It's more garden than parking space, with vibrant plants and trees everywhere.

I am checking my phone for the time: 8:55. He's nowhere to be seen.
My mind races with questions: Who could it be?I am sure he is from this NGO.but who? A staff member? A volunteer?

I dial his number, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. It rings, but he doesn't pick up. I call again, and this time he answers.

"Yes, Love?" he says, as if we are buddies .

"Where are you?" I demand, trying to keep my tone steady. "Are you scared? I'm here, waiting for you. Don't tell me you changed your mind."

"No, Love, I'm coming. Can you wait for just 2 more minutes?" His tone is gentle and affectionate.It irritates me.I am fighting for my life but he sound so chill and happy.

"Don't lie," I retort, trying to keep my voice calm "It seems like you're scared."

"Scared? Of what, Love? You?" He chuckles softly. "I'm excited to see you."

"I'm just 1 minute away from you," he says, his voice low and smooth.

I scan my surroundings, anticipating his arrival. My eyes dart between the two entrances, expecting him to emerge from either side.

Just then, a luxurious car glides into the parking lot, its sleek design and tinted windows exuding wealth. My mind automatically assumes:

Another billionaire coming to donate for not-so-noble purposes.

I have seen such cars coming here.I know what type of motives driven these rich people to charity.They do mostly charity for show off,tax evasion and to boost social status.

The car pulls up in front of me, and the door swings open. I'm shocked.

A boy emerges, his face chiseled and magazine-cover-worthy. His black hair perfectly styled with one strand falling across his forehead.He has intimidating yet captivating eyes.He is tall and looks outstanding.He is wearing a formal attire as if he is going to sign a million dollar bussiness deal.

I recognize him instantly. He's the boy who helped the stray dog in the parking lot of Rayan's school - the same boy I'd shown a note, urging him to quit smoking.

"He must be here for genuine charitable reasons, unlike the others," I think to myself. "His kindness to that stray dog that day was enough to show he's a compassionate person.Not like the others who throw money around for show," I continue thinking

I still remember the way he gently helped the dog, his eyes brimming with compassion. It was a small act, but it revealed a lot about his kind heart. He's stunning both inside and out. I feel a surge of embarrassment as I recall my boldness the other day - that note! I'm nervous that he might recognize me too. I quickly turn around, focusing on the stalker instead.

"Hello,Where are you?" I say into my phone.

"Here" I turn to the voice.

I stand frozen, speechless. My mind struggles to process the shocking revelation.

I pull the phone away from my ear, still reeling in disbelief. It can't be. I never thought...

The stalker, the messages, the threats... it was all him. The boy who helped the stray dog, who seem kind and pure hearted to me.

His gaze holds mine, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Arent you going to say hello,Love." He says smiling.

My mind struggles to connect the dots.He cant be the stalker.

"You're surprised,Love." he says, his voice low and smooth.

"Shouldn't I?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

I thought the stalker would be someone from a criminal background, twisted, with a dark past or troubled upbringing. But it's him - the boy who helped the stray dog, who seems educated, kind, and from a good family.

"You forgot me," he says, his eyes that were so scary that day are now different.They are glowing in a different way.His gaze are not cold and scary rather its affectionate and warm.

"But I remembered you every single day, Love," he says,I can see desperation on his face as if he is convincing me to believe him.

"It was you." I say in disbelieve."You are...you are the stalker."

"Stalker? Thats such a harsh word,dont you think? I prefer 'admirer'."He chuckles,his eyes crincling at the corners.

His laughter is captivating,for a moment I forgot the danger and wonder how someone can look so breathtaking while laughing.

His lips curve into a hint of a smile. "I am Samar Ibrahim" he says, his eyes locked onto mine.

"Samar," I repeat, my voice laced with uncertainty.

He launches into a seamless introduction, as if profiling himself on a marriage website: "I am 26 years old.I studied in the USA, I am 6'2", currently working as Vice Executive at a reputable company."

He pauses,his gaze intensifying,"I even quit smoking obeying your words.So, let's get married."

I am stunned,Marriage? Is he serious?

" How can you do this?" I ask" I thought you were a good person."

" I try to be a good person mostly,Love." He says."If I am not good enough,I will be for you."

He stands before me, his towering figure commanding attention. But it's not just his height that leaves me breathless - it's his intoxicating scent.

It's gorgeous, a subtle blend of woody notes and spicy undertones that wraps around me like a warm embrace. I've never encountered a man who smells this good.

" Give me your answer before 9 pm or after that its an automatic yes." He runs a hand into his perfect hair.

"Answer for what" I ask in confusion.

"For our marriage,Love" He states.

"Marriage" I laugh sarcastically "I will not marry someone like you," I say, meeting his gaze. "You scare me,you stalk me and you threaten to kill Rayan."

He remains silent.

I look directly into Samar's eyes, my voice firm and commanding. "Stop all this stalking and scaring. Leave me alone."

I point to the bag filled with his gifts. "Take this, too. I'll send the books later."

Samar's smile never wavers. He smacks his lips, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "What about the flowers?"

I shake my head, incredulous. "They died."

His smile grows, unnervingly. "That's a concern. I'll send you ones that will never die."

"Samar, listen. This isn't romantic or sweet. It's creepy and scary. Stop."I try to convince him.

"Beautiful" He whisper"You call my name and suddenly it feels like an amazing name." He says.

I'm stunned. "You want to end up in jail, don't you?"

His smile widens. "No, Love. I want to end up with you."

"I'm calling security," I say, trying to sound firm, hoping to scare him off.

But instead of scaring,his expression turns amused. "Do you need help, Love?" he asks.

Before I can respond, he pulls out his phone and does something.

I'm shocked.What's going on?

The next moment, a team of security personnel from the NGO bursts onto the scene, surrounding us,armed in big weapons.

"Sir, what's wrong?" one of the guards asks Samar, I am wondering why is Samar commanding them.Who is he? Does he belong to NGO?

Just then, Alina Aunty's voice breaks the tension. "Is everything alright, Samar?"

"Yes, Aunty, I was just testing our security measures."He replies and wink at me.

Alina Aunty notices me and smiles. "Hey, Maryam! Long time no see. How were your exams?"

I exchange pleasantries, trying to hide my unease.

"Did you meet Samar?" Alina Aunty asks, bridging the gap between us.

"He is my nephew." She replies.

Alina aunty's nephew.

"Samar, this is Maryam, Anaya's cousin," she introduces. "Kind, just like her cousin. She tutors kids in our NGO."

Samar's smile grows wider. "Nice to meet you, Miss Maryam."

There is mischief in his eyes.

I force a polite smile.

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

Surrounded by the energetic kids, I decide to distribute the chocolates Samar gave me. Cuz he would not take them back.

Just as I'm handing out the chocolates, my phone buzzes with an incoming text from Samar:

"Where are you?"

I ignore his text.He must be here in the NGO.Alina aunty took him with her earlier.

I lost in thoughts,How am I gonna handle this mess.

My phone rings. It's Anaya.

"Maryam, I'm so sorry, but I'm stuck at the hospital. I won't be able to pick you up," she apologizes.

Panic sets in. "How will I get home?"

"Don't worry, I've already spoken to Alina aunty. She'll arrange for someone to drop you home," Anaya reassures me.

I relax, recalling the times Alina aunty has kindly given us rides home on her way back.

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

I walk towards the parking lot, the cloudy Delhi sky unleashing the first wisps of the monsoon. The air is heavy with anticipation, mirroring my own unease.

Alina aunty had called me just minutes ago, instructing me to meet her at the parking lot.

As I turn a corner, my heart skips a beat. Alina aunty waves at me from beside a car, but my attention is drawn to the figure standing against the car.

Samar stands against his car, his white shirt perfectly rolled up, he has removed his coat, his eyes fixed intently on me. He smiles, and my breath catches in my throat.

The air seems to vanish from my surroundings. Is he driving us?

Alina aunty waves again, beckoning me to come closer. But my legs feel rooted to the spot.

As I reach the car, Alina aunty is already seated in the front passenger seat. Samar's gaze lingers on me,"Doesn't it seem like God wants us to be together, Love?" he says, his voice low and smooth.

I remain silent.

Samar opens the door for me, but I freeze. His coat lies on the seat.

Samar's eyes sparkle with amusement, as if he knows my inner turmoil. His smile widens.

I hesitate, then cautiously move his coat to make space. The fabric feels rich and velvety beneath my fingers, its softness a stark contrast to the unease it evokes.

My skin prickles with discomfort. The simple act of moving his coat aside feels like most difficult task.It feels like touching his belongings will hurt me.

"Get in, Maryam," Alina aunty encourages,unaware of the tension.

I sink into the plush leather seat, surrounded by the opulent interior of the car. My mind acknowledges the unsettling reality: I'm in my stalker's vehicle, the person who's haunted me for month, who threatened to harm Rayan.

I should be terrified being in his car, but instead, I feel...safe. Weirdly, irrationally safe.I think its because of Alina aunty.

Samar settles into the driver's seat, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. He starts the engine, and the car purrs to life. His strong hands grasp the wheel, his fingers tightening around it with confidence.

The car's luxurious features envelop me - rich wood trim, sleek chrome accents, and soft ambient lighting. I've never seen a vehicle like this before.

Alina aunty is on phone woth someone.Samar's eyes never leaving mine.

As we glide through the city streets, I notice the convoy surrounding us. Two sleek black vehicles trail behind, while another leads the way, clearing a path through the chaotic traffic.

I feel a pang of unease, thinking that being rich comes with its own set of constraints.

Who is Samar, really? What necessitates this level of protection?

I notice Samar's gaze lingers more on me than the road ahead. His eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, our gazes meeting repeatedly.

Despite the city's notorious traffic, Samar navigates the roads with an unsettling calmness, driving the car as if it's a leisurely bullock cart. The usual 15-minute drive from the NGO to Anaya's house stretches into 25 minutes, and we're still not there.

I am aware of Samar's deliberate slowness. He's prolonging the journey.

Alina aunty is still on phone,I feel like she is running the NGO only on phone calls.

The car stops in traffic, and Samar's gaze drops to his phone.

My phone buzzes,I see it.

Stalker ( samar):You know, Love, you have the prettiest eyes."

I glance up, meeting Samar's gaze in rearview mirror. To my surprise, he blushes - a deep, genuine flush that spreads across his cheeks.

My shock quickly gives way to anger.

I glare at him, my eyes blazing.

Samar's smile widens, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He types again.

Stalker or Samar:They're still prettiest, Love, when you stare at me.

Fury coursing through my veins, I block his number.

Samar's laughter fills the car, shameless and unchecked.

"Oh my god, Samar, you can laugh!" Alina aunty exclaims, her eyes shining with happiness. "It's a new thing!"

Samar's smile dissipates, replaced by a tense jawline.

The atmosphere in the car shifts, Samar's sudden intensity palpable. I sense something strange.

Samar's eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, our gazes meeting briefly. For an instant, I see something there - a glimmer of vulnerability, sadness.

The traffic begins to move, and Samar's attention returns to the road. The silence is oppressive, heavy with tension.