As per usual every Monday , I was back on the treadmill trying to sweat away my calories . I had completely forgotten about myself and this extra intense workout was my form of compensation . I could not get enough of the sit-ups , crunches and planks until my all time gym instructer Riyadh came up clapping cutting my workout short .
"Great work Maryam" He applauded.
Who would resist such a warm compliment since all I have been hearing my entire life was criticism , so a good word from him meant the world to me .
I grabbed my face towel , wiped the swamp of sweat on my face and landed my bottom to the nearest seat . At this point , I was out of breathe .
"Thanks Riyadh , this body doesn't come easily !" I joked .
He laughed , punching on my arms , clearly marking our friendship . We clearly knew that both of us were stuck in the friend zone and no possiblity of us "in love" would arise .
"He is like a brother to me" , a term I used everytime anyone questioned our relationship status and no one seemed to believe , but we could care less .
We met in the gym few years ago when I was the flabby ugly duckling everyone laughed at . So depressed I was , and clearly I had no charisma while gyming until he brought a smile to my face .
There is no exxageration when I say
"He is the sunshine in my life" .
Everyday he would chitchat and make every second feel light to my body .
"Keep up the good work and by the wedding ... you'll look phenomenal !" He replied back .
"Wedding ? What wedding?"
"You and Munir are getting married right?"
He sneakingly asked , his face clearly not as happy as I imagined it to be had he heard about my wedding news .
"That blubber mouth told him already" I thought to myself .
I forced a smile to assure him that it was true . I was in great disbelieve ,
stuck in thoughts , "How can he go around telling everyone ?"
I felt uncomfortable , first time since I forever knew Riyadh . I had to get away from the uncomfortable situation .
"Riyadh we'll see each other soon," I said .
Quickly , I grabbed my bag and left the gym . As I passed my hand through my bag looking for my car keys I suddenly felt my legs sway on the air . Everything began rotating , I was obvioulsy on someone's arms until I was dropped down transfixed to the ground , my mind still left rotating .
I giggled for a while and as I tilted my head up to see who it was , Munir was all I could see .
I tried hiding the joy but I couldn't stop smiling !
"I see you liked it !" He said , smiling of course . Nothing seemed to bring him joy than to make me smile .
I hastily put on my serious face and rolled my eyes signalling otherwise .
"I see you told everyone about the marriage " I quoted with my fore finger and middle finger bent trying to send off sarcastic signals .
I moved a few steps away from the spot I was at and sat on the terrazo just outside the gym . I was too tired to stand but never exhausted to start up an argument or nag .
"Munir , why are you doing this to me ? Why do you wanna get married to me ?" I asked , this time seriously , as I pierced my eyes through his .
It was a very important matter and for me the most honest answer would help .
He widened his lips as if he was waiting for the exact question for ages . He moved a bit closer and softly grabbed my hands .
"Maryam , no need to know why I want to marry you , just know one thing is for sure , I will forever take care of you and protect you ! " he cautiously answered with a pinch of romance .
Oh Lord ! I was totally moved , his voice caught me all way in . I could not resist his gentleness . It seemed to me that he was absolutely genuine , even though he did not answer my question exactly to what I wanted to hear .
He cannot see my soft side I thought , trying to ignore what I truly felt .
I sternly stood and headed to my car . I searched through my bag once again and took out my keys . I smiled to myself , my heart mesmerised and skipping a beat every second , shocked how I was still alive . I opened the door to the car and expectedly , Munir shouted out loud !
" Maryam , I love you and you'll soon be mine , you will be mine !"
I giggled as I got into the car , making sure he did not see my face . I quickly started the engine , as I reversed out of the parking , Munir crazily ran towards my car and kissed the window . I widened my eyes nodding in amazement and drove off leaving him hanging full of love .
The words "YOU'LL BE MINE" kept racing through my mind . It was really happening , Munir was soon going to be my husband !
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THANK YOU FOR READING MY SHORT STORY "Chapter 6 - (FEARLESS HEART , ISLAMIC STORY ) .
IF YOU LIKED IT , THEN SURELY VOTE & LEAVE YOUR COMMENT ON THIS CHAPTER .
UNTIL NEXT CHAPTER EDIT , STAY WELL .
xxx