Santorini, Greece.
The couple had spent two blissful weeks in Madinah, immersed in the serenity of the city, before finally heading to Santorini. It was a dream come true for Jalilah, and her excitement was impossible to contain.
They arrived in Santorini in the late afternoon, settling into a luxurious five-star hotel on an exotic beach. The sun was just beginning to dip into the horizon when they checked in, and they decided to leave their exploring for the next day.
After refreshing themselves, they made their way to the hotel's elegant restaurant for dinner. Midway through their meal, Jalal leaned over with a teasing smile.
"I have a surprise for you," he said.
Jalilah's eyes lit up. "After this?! Really, Booboobear! You're just making it impossible not to love you more!" She squealed with delight, earning a chuckle from him. As they strolled back to their suite, Jalilah noticed a small crowd gathering nearby. Intrigued, she tugged Jalal's hand, insisting he go with her to check it out.
As they drew closer, she was awestruck to find that it was a performance by Indian dancers and firecracker magicians, each showcasing their art with dazzling precision and rhythm. The hypnotic movement of the dancers and the burst of vibrant colors entranced her, and she couldn't resist capturing the moment on video. Jalal, a reluctant but doting partner, patiently indulged her enthusiasm, even as she insisted they stay for the entire two-hour show.
By the time they returned to their suite, they were both exhausted. After praying Isha together, Jalilah's head had barely touched the pillow before she drifted into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Jalilah woke up full of energy and excitement. Today was the day she would finally explore Santorini! As she prepared for the adventure, Jalal caught her at the door with a mischievous smile.
"I told you I have a surprise, Jay."
Hearing him call her "Jay" for the first time, Jalilah felt her heart skip a beat. The nickname, so simple yet affectionate, sounded perfect when he said it.
"Did I surprise you just by calling you 'Jay'?" Jalal chuckled. "Isn't that what your friends call you? I mean, I've heard Banana always calling you that."
"Banana?" Jalilah burst into laughter.
Realizing his slip, Jalal looked sheepish. His sister's name was actually Banina, but he always struggled with it, and "Banana" had become his private nickname for her—a little secret he had never intended to share.
"What can I say? The name's just tricky," he admitted, scratching his neck with an embarrassed smile.
"Where were we? Ah, yes. One second." Jalal walked over to their luggage and, with a triumphant grin, returned holding a sleek new Canon camera.
Jalilah's eyes went wide. "A brand new Canon camera! Are you serious? Booboobear, you're amazing! Thank you so much!" She squealed, hugging him tightly.
"Make sure to thank me well, later," he teased, winking. Realizing his implication, she playfully smacked his arm.
"Pervert," she mumbled, laughing as they headed out to meet their chaperone for the day's tour.
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AFFAIRS OF THE HEART
RomanceCOMPLETED ~JALILAH~ Jalilah, a sweet, lively, and beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, knows no care in the world. An orphan since her parents passed away when she was just a year old, she has lived her enti...
