Chapter 66

“So, what if I was still sleeping that you decided to call me by this time?” She spoke teasingly. “It’s past 12pm, why would you still be sleeping by this time? Besides, doctors never sleep in,” aydah retorted sluggishly. “What’s wrong with you? You can barely speak.” 

“I just woke up duh, and you're the person I wanted to talk to first that’s why I called,” she replied nonchalantly. “Where’s yaya mahmud? How was your...” She paused and let out a laugh. Maryam hissed a bit, “you're so gross aydah. We shouldn't be speaking about this. And he's out.”

“And you allowed him to? Cause you're crazy?” She asked infuriated. “What? What was I supposed to do? Stop him? You know I can't. I can barely even talk to him and he told me it was emergency that he’s needed at the airport that’s why I didn't question him.” She defended herself. “Is he a doctor? Oh Allah, maryam are you even hearing yourself? What kind of emergency could that be when they know he got married yesterday and there are thousands of pilots to attend to whatever problem it was,” she spatted. “I... aydah... I’ll you later, I prefer not to speak about this now.” Without waiting for aydah’s reply, she ended the call. 

She slumped on her bed and sighed. Maybe aydah was right. She shouldn't have allowed him to go at least not knowing what was happening. The anger from her eyes showed the scared girl within. Maybe she should call and hear where exactly he was. Or maybe wait. He left home since 10 in the morning but he hasn't even called to check up on her at least. She hissed and shrugged off the thought even though it was very impossible for her to forget about it. She trusts him and she knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. She laid there for more than an hour before she finally stood up to pray. 

She was on her praying mat when she heard the door squeak open. She didn't look the way because she knew it was him. She stood up from the mat and folded it before and she removed her hijab. He held the hijab with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist. “I know you have been waiting for me and you’re angry. I’m so sorry I kept you waiting,” he apologized while he dropped the hijab of the couch and held her closer. He hugged her firmly and kissed her neck. “Why will I be angry when I know you were at work, day after your own wedding?” She inquired irritatedly. He couldn't help but chuckle. “Manha, you're angry with me, I can see how you want to chop off my head in your eyes,” he spoke teasingly. 

She hissed softly while trying to free herself from his hold but he held her firmly. “Okay listen, i know I kind of didn't tell you the truth but trust me, I did go to the airport to do something and I’m very sorry I left you here alone waiting and I didn't call. Forgive your selfish husband.” He planted his eyes on her face, making her to feel uncomfortable. “I’ll keep staring at you till you forgive me,” he said when he realized his gaze was making her uncomfortable. 

She heaved a sigh, “okay fine, you're forgiven. Now can you let go of me?” She tried to free herself again but he tighten his hold. “After you smile,” he whispered with a smirk. Even though she was still upset, she couldn't help but smile. He did wonders to her heart. He smiled back and let go of her. “Our lunch is in the dinning room if you're hungry. We leave in few hours. We have to go say good by to ummah and also mommy,” he spoke while going through her closet. He fetched out her abayas and placed them on her bed. She folded her arms on her chest and peered at him as he brought out more dresses. “Leave? To where exactly? Where are we going to?” She implored but he ignored her. “Go and eat babe, I’ll pack your things,” he urged her but she shook her head. “Where are we going to?” She asked again, arms akimbo. 

“It’s a surprise,” he retorted. He emptied one of her suitcases and started arranging her abayas. He looked up at her perplexed expression. “Honeymoon? Where newly weds go?” He raised a brow while he spoke. Her heart soften as her lips curved upwards. They were going on a honeymoon? To where exactly? “It’s a surprise, now go eat your lunch.” He urged her. She shook her head and settled down on the bed while he continued to pack her stuff. It amazes her how he knew her so much. He knew what she preferred wearing the most. He knew everything she needed when traveling. “I listen to everything you tell me whenever you're going on vacation with your parents. That’s how I knew what you like to wear.” 

Listening to him say that made her heart twirl. She couldn't help the fact that she was so in love with him but she can't utter it to him because she was afraid to be rejected. Maybe he says those words because she's his wife or to make her feel better. Whatever it was, she still loves their relationship that way and she wouldn't mind it to be that way as long as she’ll be with him for as long as they live. 

**

“Mommy, I've missed you so much. Even more than you can imagine,” she chirped in, engulfing her mother again in a hug. “Maryam, it hasn't even been a day yet,” she said laughing a bit. “Yes mommy I know. I haven't been with you for months and you expect me not to still miss you a lot?” Maryam asked folding her arms on her chest. “C’mon, I’ve missed you so much too, okay?” Maryam beamed and nodded. 

“Now come, lets go. You left him all alone in the living room,” mommy said and urged her out of the room. They proceeded to the living room. He was casually sitting on the two seater while watching football on the TV. He exchanged pleasantries with mommy afterwards they conversed a bit before they stood to leave. 

He took the path that would lead them to the airport. She fiddled with her bracelet while anxiously looking at the road. She sighed and peered at him. He smiled but didn't glance at her. “Spill it, manha,” he urged her. She hummed and scratched the back of her head. “Why does your sister hates me this much? You've seen how she spoke to me when we went there earlier.” He shrugged his shoulders while he concentrated on driving. He was silent for a while which made her more anxious. “Please don't tell me that is what’s bothering you,” he spoke nonchalantly. “That girl should be the least thing you should worry about to be honest. To hell with her and her attitude. I don't care and you shouldn't.” 

She slumped in her seat and folded her arms on her chest. “You shouldn't say that about your own sister,” she murmured under her breathe. The car came to a halt in front of a traffic light and he beheld her gaze. “This abaya looks stunning on you,” he soothed and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. She smiled covering her face with her hands. A gentle flush of pink had arisen in her cheeks that made her look vulnerable. “You better stop this shyness and buckle up for more kisses babe,” he announced looking at her to the road. She gave him a brisk look and turned away. She held her tummy and bite her lips. He reminded her how butterflies actually feels like. 

The moment they arrived at the airport, the securities were already waiting to help with their suitcases. “This way,” he said leading the way. He held her hand gently. She shook her head and held his arm instead. She loved doing that because she was more closer to him that way. “Is my copilot already here?” He inquired as they walked to the departure. “Yes captain, he arrived few minutes ago,” the security responded. 

The moment they entered, he paused and looked at her. She looked up at his face wondering why they stopped. “Okay babe, I have to go get ready because I’ll be the pilot of this flight, okay? You should wait for a bit, you'll soon be called.” He explained, his hands on her shoulders. “What do you mean by that mahmud? I won't see you till we get to our destination? I thought you were given a month off work?” She spoke sternly, brows furrowed. He knew things weren't going to be easy. “Yes manha, I know and I’m so sorry, okay? And you won't be alone, I have someone that will keep you company...”

“Maryam! You're here too? Omg, this is going to be fun?” Aydah hurriedly enfold her in a hug. Maryam squealed and hugged her back. This was one of the surprises he was talking about? “This is going to be the best trip ever!” Aydah exclaimed as they broke the hug. “Okayyy... I was not done talking to my wife,” he said pulling maryam away from aydah. She pouted and folded her arms on her chest. “Don't take too long, yaya.” He chuckled and shook his head. 

He pulled her to the other end of the room. “Now are you happy?” He asked, beholding her gaze. She beamed and nodded. “Im so happy Aydah is here,” she exclaimed. “Now better get ready for the next surprise okay? The flight is for just the four of us. I know Ahmad must be waiting for me in the cockpit, I have to go get ready. You have my heart.” He hugged her and gave her a quick kiss on her lips before breezing out of the departure. She froze for what seems like forever before she exhaled the breath she's been holding. 

The words rang in her head again; you have my heart, he said. She slowly turned and looked at aydah. Aydah wiggled her brows and threw her head back laughing. Maryam smirked and walked over to where aydah was sitting. “You guys are the cutest, masha Allah.” She cooed and gave maryam a side hug. Maryam rolled her eyes and shyly looked away. “Hey did he tell you where they're taking us? I have been bugging Ahmad to tell me but he refuses to. He's so stubborn....”

“Just like you, and mahmud didn't tell me either. He said it’s a surprise.” She heaved a sigh and looked at her sneakers. Her heart was still beating fast. It’s been few minutes but she was already missing his presence. “Aww, don't tell me you're missing him already,” aydah teased, placing her head on maryam’s shoulder. Maryam felt the urge to smack aydah on the face but she knew her husband would make sure she sleeps in prison which she knew mahmud would never let that happen. “I was just wondering where they're taking us not him,” she defended. Aydah raised her head up and gave her a pointed look. “It’s written all over your face Mrs Mahmud and it’s cute that you guys are in love. Now, I’m going to go get a snack before we board, want something?” Maryam shook her head and slumped in her seat. 

She looked around the empty room and sighed. Why would he even fly the plane? He knew how she hates it when the plane is about to take off and when it’s about to land. Whose hand was she going to hold now? Aydah’s’? No way! She hissed softly and fetched out her phone from her bag. Aydah came back soon and after few minutes, they were called to board the flight. 

“They rented a freaking jet for us?” Aydah whisper yelled. She squealed on her sit and fetched out her phone. “Don't tell me you're going to take pictures,” maryam spoke, inconceivable. Aydah paused and looked at her, “uhh... the hell I’m going to!” She proceeded to take pictures. Maryam sighed and slumped in her seat, fully embarrassed as the flight attendants walked around. 

Maryam looked around the jet, no doubt the inside was more enticing. There were no rows of seats, only the most elegant leather couches and coffee table with ornate cabriole legs. There were plush curtains at the windows and a plasma screen tv almost as large as a movie theatre. The flight attendant politely asked them to fasten their seatbelts because they were about to take off. The moment Maryam dreaded. She looked at the cockpit door and sighed, wishing he would just step out and hold her hand till they were well balanced in the air. 

She took deep breaths and closed her eyes. She clutched on the leather seat and waited till they were in the air. She exhaled and opened her eyes.  Aydah was staring at her in awe. “You good?” She asked and Maryam nodded, sitting upright. 

“Tea or coffee ma’am?” The flight attendant asked politely. Aydah ordered what she wanted to eat while maryam rejected. She sometimes gets amazed by how aydah gets so free with everything and anywhere she was. 

They have already spent more than three hours in the plane. She looked at aydah’s sleeping figure and sighed. She opened the window and looked out. Beneath the cloud was a shadow of Scottish hills, soft like sage. The clouds move constantly, flowing as sheets hundreds of feet apart, yet giving the appearance of one dense layer from the land below. 

“Enjoying the view?” She heard his soothing voice. She briskly turned to see him standing majestically in his pilots uniform. She couldn't hide how happy she was to see him. He returned a smiled and settled down beside her. “This girl is totally useless,” he said looking at aydah sleeping. Maryam chuckled and shook her head. “She must be tired from the wedding,” she defended her friend. 

He meets her eyes and reaches up to brush his fingers against her cheek. They didn't need words, they just looked at each other and smile. He smiled, and leaned in to kiss her. 

“Don't tell me you guys are going to kiss while I’m sleeping.” Aydah interrupted them. Mahmud glared at her and threw a pillow that landed successfully on her head. She grimaced and held her head. “You can go meet your husband in the cockpit,” he spoke sternly. “But yaya you were going to kiss in front....” She swallowed back her words and briskly stood up and left. 

“How do you even keep up with this girl? She is obviously shameless,” He asked unbelievably as he turned his gaze back to maryam. “That’s aydah being aydah, literally.” She responded, resting her head on his shoulder. “How are you feeling? Did you throw up? I know how you hate flying and I’m so sorry I was not here for you, I’m here now.” He kissed her head softly holding her closer. 

“But you are busy. Aren't you supposed to be with Ahmad now?” She freed herself then looked at him. She looked at the cockpit and exhaled. “It’s on autopilot and I think ahmad can handle it from here with his new copilot.” He reasoned out but threw her head back laughing wondering how ahmad would cope with how aydah talks too much. 

“Okay how many hours left please? I’m already sick and tired of this flight,” she whined tiredly. He chuckled and shook his head. “We have about 5 to 6 hours more before we reach our destination,” he answered. Her eyes bulged out as she gasped. “Trust me manha, it’s worth the wait, I promise you.” She closed her mouth and nodded. He leaned in again to kiss her, hoping aydah wouldn't interrupt them again. That time he would definitely punish her if she did. 

She loops her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He traces kisses along the curve of her jaw, trailing more down the side of her neck to linger, teasingly, just above the hem of her abaya. Her breath catches, and he tilts his head back to meet her lips once more. 

They pulled apart, catching their breaths. He rested his back on the leather seat and puts an arm around her as she rests her head on his chest. She laid there in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the steady beat of his heart. When they finally clasped each other in a warm, slow and luxurious hug, they felt all oppositions to their love had melted. His chest rising and falling against her head, their breaths in unison, and the warm blood that they could feel each others’ embrace. 

**

“Maryam! Maryam!! Wake up now. How could you fall asleep? We’re here,” aydah spoke excitedly. Maryam quickly sat up right, eyes widened. “Where are we?” She asked looking out through the window as the jet slowly comes to a halt. “We are about to find out.” She squealed and picked up her bag. 

In less than five minutes, they were out of the jet together with the men. “It’s.... We’re in Maldives... right?” She looked around in awe. Her heart jumping with joy. “Yes manha, this is our surprise, for you guys,” he retorted, swinging their hands back and forth. “You were right mahmud, it was worth the wait.” She embraced him in a hug, disregarding the prying eyes around them. “By Allah you're the best husband ever,” she mumbled unknowingly. He tightened his hold around her waist and inhaled her sweet scent. 

“Common, let’s get going, our driver is already waiting.” He held her hand as they walked to the departure. Without wasting any much time, their driver took them to their hotel at huvahendhoo, south Ari Atoll.

The hotel has a beach hut feel right from the lobby. If anything it works a little too well. The staff looking like they’re on vacation too. From behind the low desk reception desk, a huge chunk of driftwood covered in sea shells. The hotel lobby was classy in the most enticing way. 

They were led to their suites after checking in. Mahmud and maryam’s suite was facing ahmad and aydahs’. He dropped their suitcase in the closet and stepped out. He focused on her while she scanned through the living room. He beamed at the sight. She walked over to the transparent glass wall. From there she could see whatever was going on at the beach. She heaved a sigh as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Enjoying the view?” He whispered in her ear and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes and nodded. “We should go there tomorrow morning please,” she pleaded. “Definitely anything you want, manha. Now we need to pray, eat and sleep. We’ll start exploring the island tomorrow in sha Allah, okay?” She turned around as she held his hand. “Okay,” she mumbled while nodding.