Risen from dust

Twenty Eight

Noor felt her cheeks flush as she remembered her encounter with Zaviyaar on the stairs. She couldn't help but daydream about spending time with him, engaging in long conversations, and getting lost in his captivating gaze. But she knew these thoughts were not appropriate and she needed to resist them. She reminded herself to maintain control and stay focused.  She ran down to cook some special dishes for Daadis friends. Noor was lost in her thoughts as she continued to prepare the dishes. The aroma of spices filled the kitchen, momentarily transporting her to a place of comfort and solace. She pondered the concept of happiness and its elusive nature. Was it merely a fleeting moment, a temporary respite from the burdens of life? As she chopped vegetables and stirred pots, Noor couldn't help but wonder about the meaning of "happily ever after." Did it truly exist, or was it just an illusion? Was there a destination where happiness would permanently reside, like Jannah in the afterlife? Or was it an ongoing pursuit, intertwined with the inevitable presence of sadness? She contemplated the duality of life, the ebb and flow of joy and sorrow. It seemed that sadness had found its way into her heart before happiness could take hold. It clung to her, its grip tightening with each passing day. Yet, every now and then, glimpses of happiness managed to sneak in, like a ray of sunshine breaking through dark clouds.

Noor's mind drifted to the moments that brought her joy, albeit fleetingly. It was in the laughter shared with Daadi, the kindness shown by others, or the small victories she celebrated in her daily life. Those instances were like precious gems, scattered amidst the hardships she faced. She realized that perhaps happiness wasn't a destination to be reached, but rather a mindset to be cultivated. It was about finding contentment in the smallest of things and appreciating the blessings that adorned her path. It was about embracing the fleeting moments of joy, holding onto them tightly, and letting them nourish her spirit. Noor glanced at the dishes she had prepared, a labor of love and dedication. As she carefully arranged them, she felt a sense of fulfillment. Despite the challenges that life had thrown her way, she had found solace in her passion for cooking. It was a reminder that happiness could be found in the simplest acts of pursuing what one loved. Noor was surprised by the effect Zaaviyaar had on her. She never expected that a man like him could stir up such unfamiliar emotions within her. He was known as a bad boy, a player, and a smoker. She had never witnessed him engage in prayer, which made her question her feelings even more. How could she be drawn to someone who didn't prioritize devotion to Allah? Noor tried to push him out of her mind, but he kept invading her thoughts, even as she busied herself with cooking. She prepared a variety of dishes, including samosas, cheese sticks, and spring rolls for appetizers, biryani, Russian salad, naan, and kofta for the main course, and a delicious cake for dessert. The family had already left for the party, leaving Noor, Daadi, and the house staff alone in the house.

Noor hurriedly set the table just in time for Daadi's friends. She rushed out to greet them, two elegant women who appeared to be around Daadi's age. Noor warmly welcomed them, saying, "Asalam O Alaikum, welcome, please have a seat. Daadi will be here soon."

"Thank you, my dear. I don't recall seeing you before. Are you a relative of theirs?" inquired Sairah.

"No, Madam, I work here. They recently hired me," Noor replied.

Sairah was taken aback by the girl's response. She didn't look like someone who worked in other people's houses. Waliya, too, couldn't believe it. At first glance, she mistook Noor for Rabail, the granddaughter Sairah often mentioned. Noor reminded Waliya of Mariam, with her similar way of speaking and her undeniable beauty. Curiosity got the better of Waliya, and she couldn't help but ask, "Who are you then? Where do you come from?" Just as Noor was about to respond, Daadi interjected, "This girl is a heavenly gift to me. I wish someone like her could be my daughter-in-law—a virtuous and remarkable woman." Daadi beamed at Noor, who had tears welling up in her eyes. No one had ever spoken such kind words to her. "Nooray, you're free to do as you please now. I will ask Shazia (another maid) to take care of the rest. Thank you."

"No worries, Daadi. I'm always here for you. Forever," Noor replied with sincerity.

Noor's heart raced as she made her way back to her room, her footsteps filled with excitement. She couldn't believe the turn of events. But before she could fully absorb the moment, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. "Want to go out for a ride?" It was Zaaviyaar.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Excuse me?" she responded, unsure of what he meant by a ride.

"On my bike. Let's go out together and have some ice cream," he said casually, as if it were a regular occurrence.

She couldn't help but question his sanity. "Are you out of your mind? You and me, riding together on a bike for ice cream? Did you mistake me for one of your girlfriends?"

Zaaviyaar's expression turned serious. "I don't do girlfriends, Little Noorie. I only want you. Those girls meant nothing, mean nothing to me. I will pray to Allah for you twice, once in this world and once in Jannah." He spoke with a sincerity that caught her off guard. He didn't understand why he was saying these things, but he couldn't hold back the words any longer.

Noor immediately regretted her harsh words. Who was she to judge whether he was destined for Jannah or hell? Only Allah had that power. She noticed a tick in Zaaviyaar's jaw, a sign of his anger. Fear gripped her instantly. What would he do now? Without warning, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the front door.

"Let me go, you villain! Release me!" Panic flooded her mind. Was he planning to throw her out onto the streets? What would she do? What if Uncle Khalifa found her again? Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Please, just let me go."

As Noor's tears fell uncontrollably, Zaaviyaar's grip loosened. His anger faded, replaced by a mixture of guilt and confusion. He released her hand, his eyes filled with remorse. "Noor, I... I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice laced with regret.

Noor wiped away her tears, her voice trembling. "I want you to understand, Zaaviyaar. I want you to be a better Muslim man. I want you to pray, seek guidance from Allah, and strive for goodness. I want us to walk a path that pleases Him."

Zaaviyaar's gaze softened as her words sank in. He had never met someone like Noor before, someone who genuinely cared about his spiritual well-being. It stirred something within him, a longing for change. "Noor, I admit I have strayed from the path, but seeing your devotion, your unwavering faith, it awakens something in me. I want to be a better person, a better Muslim man for you."

Noor's heart fluttered with hope, but she remained cautious. "Actions speak louder than words, Zaaviyaar. It's not enough to say it. You must take steps to better yourself. Pray, read the Quran, seek knowledge, and surround yourself with positive influences."