*You are advised to read this while hearing to Euphoria Jungkook piano version for better impression and feeling.
"I dedicate this song to my one and only, Aisya. An irreplaceable gift sent down by heaven. Happy Birthday, babe." Nawwal gave short but concise words before her fingers started dancing down the keys of the piano.
Euphoria. How familiar this song may sound to her, but playing during this special occasion had brought a different impression to her. Indeed, she was overcome with nostalgia and recollection of memories for her days with her favourite girls. Aisya and Mariah. Her alter-ego and amigo. Nawwal's mouth crinkled into a smile as her mind wandered to the day where Aisya would brag endlessly about her best-loved idol, Jungkook. She could see the look on Aisya's face, how she was charmed and captivated by this attractive Korean idol. Then there was a day, where Aisya would complain and whine to her as Mariah had scolded her saying she would never stand a chance to be with someone well known like Jungkook. Once more, Nawwal laughs at the reminiscence of their days. Yet, her laugh was soft and low.
Happiness, love and health. That's all Nawwal wanted in Aisya.
To the outer world, Aisya was a girl who was full of the joys of spring. But on the inside, Nawwal senses a tremendous storm wrapping inside the inner-self of Aisya. Her pain, agony and anguish. The burden she went through, if only Nawwal could be a part of it. Only then, Aisya wouldn't have to suffer in silence. Nawwal bit her lip trying to hold back her emotions as her fingers continued to play the rhythm of Euphoria. This is not the time for her to dwell on the past.
"Allah has a purpose for my pain. There's a reason for my struggle and a reward for my faith to Him."
Again that reminiscent moment, Nawwal choked back her sobs as tears suddenly stood in her eyes. Aisya's words unexpectedly flashed into her mind and uplift a small smile on Nawwal's face, replacing the sadness that she just felt a while ago. Indeed, Aisya was a girl, who stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.
Nawwal glanced toward a small frame hanging on the wall. Her heart squeezed tight as her eyes fell on the bright and cheerful face of Aisya. There in the picture, Aisya was smiling widely, acting without a care in the world. It was their trip to South Korea, which marked their first trip abroad together. A trip where it brought 1001 meaningful memories to them. Nawwal closed her eyes as she let her mind dive down through the memory lane. The laughing face of Aisya as she annoyed Mariah with her jabbering on Jungkook, their enthusiasm and eagerness as they toured around the Jeju island and how Nawwal's purse which had suddenly lost made them squeal with excitement as they encountered a good-looking police man. Nawwal let out a mirthless smile.
This was five years ago.
Before the pandemic took place.
Nawwal's fingers start to dance aggressively across the piano. Sadness, nostalgia and madness filled up the room. Little did she know how missing someone could get easier every day. Every minute her thoughts would rush with the memory of Aisya and would rise up the sense of regret for not being there during her worst. Nawwal blinks back her tears and tries to swallow a lump in her throat.
Aisya was among those victims whose lives were lost to COVID-19.
Today marks the fifth year without Aisya.
Her contagious enthusiasm is no longer here to possess her surroundings.
Her radiant smile and bright personality are no longer here to accompany those around her.
Yet, her existence would forever be embedded within their heart.
'Aisya, you were not merely a friend to me, but your existence goes way beyond that. You're a part of me. My life, my family and my entire world.' Nawwal forced a smile as her tears flowed down her cheeks. Her fingers stop moving.
Aisya, you were the greatest blessing I could ever have.
May Allah grant endless happiness to you and be placed on the highest rank in Jannah.
