Through your eyes

Elliot

She looked so pretty sitting in that coffee shop. Like an angel. Sent to me, to guide my way. I didn't even want coffee but I went to because I thought the caffeine would give me energy for the day. Something was telling me I needed to go to the coffee shop in the lull between meetings. As soon as I entered, my eyes found hers, and I heard a click like something had fallen into place. I don't believe in coincidences anymore. This is a sign from Allah that she is meant to be in my life. In what way, I don't know, I haven't figured that out yet.

Sadie returned to the table which I'm grateful for because I was staring at Jannahs smile like a pathetic idiot. I told her I would catch up with her later and came back to my office. So here I am sitting at my desk trying to sort through emails but unable to focus on anything but her. The way she blushed, the freckles on her nose, the beauty spot under her eye and her smile. I would be lying if I said that Jannah didn't cross my mind over the past few months. Of course I've thought about her. More marvelling over life's timing, how she was the person who got me to wake up. I've never really admired her as a person, her character, her grace, her personality, up until now that is. An alarm rings on my phone, it's time for Zuhr, I get up to go and pray.

...

The rest of the day passes by in a blur of meetings and thoughts of Jannah. It's early evening and I'm settling down on my couch with some emails and my calendar. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to see Jannah again. I see there's a gala Sadie's parents are hosting on Friday, which I can only assume Sadie will be at. If Sadie is there then there's a chance Jannah will be too. I wasn't planning on going but I call Edward and RSVP. I'm hoping she'll be there.

...

I spend the rest of my evening studying the Quran. I've read through once but there are verses that I want to go back and have a look at again. It has a deeper meaning now that I've accepted the religion. It resinates in my heart. Every Tuesday and a Thursday I have online Arabic classes, so I can read the original transcript. I also meet up with Imam Omar regularly who has been guiding me in my prayers. He recommended some videos with Surahs I have been memorising. So far I've got Surah Fatiha, Iklas, and the Darood down. It means I can pray my prayers with only a little help from videos. I'm almost there. I'm praying five times a day now Alhamdullilah, so hopefully I learn in no time.

In the beginning, I didn't know how to pray and I'm ashamed that I let that stop me. Iman Omar called me back after my meeting with Ms Adeko. He asked me how I was getting on, and what I believed. I told him I was ready. I'd never been more certain about anything in my life, not code, not Echo. Nothing was more concrete than this. The feelings that night are inexplicable. I believe in Allah swt, He's my creator, the creator of everything. He alone we should worship, His guidance we should follow and Muhammad pbuh was His final messenger. I took my Shahada that day Alhamdullilah. And I've been learning ever since. The journey had been difficult but rewarding. I know I'm doing right thing.

I haven't told my mum yet. I've met her twice since but am a little afraid of how it will be received. Even more so I want her to accept Islam. I hope she can see what I see.

My thoughts go back to Jannah. How she was the catalyst for all of this. I hope I would've found my way without her, but she's special to me. Allah sent this message through her in a way. I don't know why Allah keeps crossing our paths but there must be something unfinished there. I hope I get a chance to find out what it is.

...
Friday Night, Johnson's fundraiser

Black tie events in london are common so walking down the street in a tuxedo only turns a couple of heads. I make my way to the Kew orangery entrance. It was a 20 minute walk from my house and a 40 minute drive with the London traffic so it's obvious to say I walked.

I meet Edward and his wife in the entrance we chatted for a while, I gave them my donation check of £50,000. This year the company was raising funds for a charity for young adults dealing with addiction. I spoke to a few members who were part of the organisation, interested to hear about their programme.

I make the rounds, saying hello to fellow colleagues and investors. I usually hate these events but tonight's cause is a worthy one so I put a smile on my face and do what I can.

...

I see Jannah as we take seats in the dining room. She sits on the head table next to Sadie, looking like grace and light. Throughout the speeches, and dinner my eyes drift to her catching every expression. I have to force myself to pay attention.

...

Later in the evening a few of the other tech CEO's I'd consider friends suggested we get a drink at the bar. I excused myself and walked to the outside patio to get some fresh air. The gardens here are beautiful, and I walk over to a bench overlooking a stream. I kept an eye on Jannah throughout the evening. She's busy networking and I didn't want to disturb her. I know how important these events can be in getting your foot in the door. As much as I wanted her attention, seeing her in her element was more enjoyable. I felt honered, inspired, wanted her to have this opportunity, so I left her to it.

I take in the late setting sun. Its getting dark, and the world is still. The birds have quietened. The breeze is soft. I take a moment to enjoy this stillness before Maghrib. To feel peace.

I'm glad I came, it's opened my eyes to more problems out there in the world. Showed me ways I possibly could help. Maybe start up a programme to phase young adults dealing with addiction into work. Help them feel like functional members of society.

Alhamdullilah. I sigh. I feel happy and grateful.

"Elliot?"