Finding Salaam After Talaq

Chapter 6: forever

I woke up with a start, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I tried to catch my breath. It had been a while since I had that nightmare, but tonight it felt vivid and haunting as ever. The memories of that fateful day came rushing back to me, as if time had not dulled the pain.

It was the year 2005. I was just a young girl, full of dreams and aspirations, living a carefree life with my loving parents. My father, a kind and gentle man, and my mother, a strong and nurturing woman, were my pillars of support and love. We were a close-knit family, and every moment we spent together felt like a gift from above.

But that day, fate dealt us a cruel hand. I can still hear the screeching tires, the deafening crash, and the sound of my heart shattering into a million pieces. In the blink of an eye, my parents were taken away from me, leaving me with an emptiness that could never be filled.

I sat up in bed, wiping away the tears that had escaped from my eyes. The nightmare had felt so real, as if I was reliving that tragic moment all over again. But I knew I had to be strong. I had to remember that they were in a better place, looking down on me from heaven, and guiding me through life's journey.

With a deep breath, I got out of bed and walked over to the window. The night sky was adorned with stars, their soft glow offering me a sense of comfort. I whispered a prayer for my parents, asking Allah to bless their souls and grant them eternal peace.

As I stood there, lost in thought, a gentle knock on my bedroom door pulled me back to the present. It was my Auntie Mairo, the woman who had lovingly taken me in after my parents' passing. She was like a mother to me, always there to offer her support and love.

"Fatima, are you alright, my dear?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.

I managed a faint smile and nodded. "I'm fine, Auntie Mairo. Just had a bad dream."

She came closer and enveloped me in a warm hug. "I know it must be hard for you, my child. Losing your parents at such a young age is a heavy burden to bear. But always remember that you are not alone. We are family, and we will always be here for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes again, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. I was blessed to have Auntie Mairo and my extended family by my side, supporting me through every step of my life's journey.

"Thank you, Auntie," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

She gently brushed a stray hair from my face and smiled. "Now, try to get some rest, my dear. Tomorrow is a new day, and I know you have a lot on your plate with your NYSC and everything. Allah will guide you and give you strength."

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Auntie Mairo was right. I had to be strong and face whatever challenges life threw my way. With the love and support of my family, I knew I could overcome anything.

As I settled back into bed, I closed my eyes and whispered a final prayer for my parents. I knew Allah was watching over me, guiding me through life's ups and downs. And with that comforting thought, I drifted off to sleep once again, ready to face whatever tomorrow had in store for me.

January 2010

As the weeks passed, Ahmed and I continued to exchange emails and phone calls, keeping the flame of our love burning bright across the distance. We shared our daily experiences, dreams, and aspirations, finding solace in the knowledge that we were walking this journey together, even if physically apart.

Subject: A Dream Fulfilled

From: FatimaAynMuhammad@gmail.com

To: Ahmed3kabirrr@gmail.com