As Jabir returned home, a radiant happiness enveloped him, a result of his serendipitous encounter with Asiye. Yet, amid his jubilation, a nagging thought crept into his mind like a whispering breeze — he hadn't asked for her number. The realization stung, but he reasoned with himself that even if he had inquired, she might not have shared it. The uncertainty left him with a hint of regret.
The following day dawned, and Jabir's academic schedule granted him a reprieve from classes. However, there was a notable event on the horizon, one that held particular significance for him. As the Amir of the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (MSSN), he had been invited to speak at a Muslim gathering scheduled for 2:00 PM on campus.
Asiye's day unfolded differently. While she, too, had received an invitation, her role in the event was that of an attendee, not a speaker. She was on her way to her class when the sight of Jabir, whom she hadn't yet associated with the Chief Speaker, caught her by surprise. A thought crossed her mind — "It couldn't be the same Jabir from yesterday." Curiosity compelled her to seek clarification from her roommate and coursemate, Layla.
Approaching Layla, Asiye inquired about Jabir. Layla, her curiosity piqued, responded, "Jabir? I don't think I know him." Pausing for a moment, she then added, "Or are you referring to Ahmed Jabir from the Biochemistry department? The MSSN Amir and President of the Biochemistry department?"
This revelation left Asiye in a state of disbelief and uncertainty. She replied to Layla, saying, "I'm not entirely sure, but I did meet someone claiming to be Jabir yesterday." Seeking further confirmation, she probed Layla with another question.
"Why do you say he's not the one?" Asiye inquired.
Layla clarified, "He doesn't typically engage with ladies to maintain his dignity. You know, as the Amir, he must refrain from anything that might tarnish his image."
Asiye absorbed this information, her doubts slowly dissipating. "Oh, that makes sense," she responded, and both girls entered their classroom, waiting for the lecturer to arrive.
However, fortune favored them that day as their lecturer failed to appear for class. Layla suggested they head home together, but Asiye hesitated, concealing her true motive. She told Layla that she had some tasks to attend to and would catch up later. They bid each other farewell, and Asiye remained behind, her curiosity guiding her actions.
Jabir, on the other hand, had set out for campus, unaware of Asiye's presence. As he walked, he encountered Layla and approached her calmly, extending a flyer for the upcoming event.
"Hey there!" Jabir greeted amiably, presenting the flyer to her.
Layla, having seen the flyer, replied, "I've heard about the program, but I don't think I'll go. I'm quite tired."
Jabir, however, attempted to persuade her, emphasizing the potential benefits of attending. He suggested that she might find a place to rest or grab a bite to eat before heading home. After making his case, he took his leave.
As the hours passed, the program finally commenced, and Jabir assumed his role as the speaker. The lecture he delivered was nothing short of intense, sparking murmurs of conversation among the audience, particularly the women. Jabir broached the topic of women's clothing, asserting that it was haram for females to wear trousers and emphasizing the absence of unisex attire.
Asiye was among those taken aback by this assertion. She couldn't agree with the idea that women wearing trousers was haram. Though she felt compelled to voice her disagreement and seek clarification, her shyness restrained her from doing so during the lecture.
As the program concluded, Jabir began to make his way out. However, at that moment, Asiye found herself crossing paths with him at the front of the venue. She couldn't let her concerns remain unaddressed and decided to approach him.
"Assalamualaikum, Mr. Jabir. I hope it's not out of place for me to approach you," Asiye began, her tone polite yet inquisitive.
Jabir responded with a welcoming smile, "Wa alaikum assalam. Of course not, please feel free to share your thoughts. What's on your mind?"
Asiye, her curiosity and concern spurring her forward, addressed the topic that had left her perplexed during the lecture.
"It's about the issue of women wearing trousers, right?" Jabir inquired, his eyes attentive, awaited her response, ready to engage in a meaningful conversation.
YOU ARE READING
SHE
Romance(Paused) Their story begins not with Asiye's heart captured instantly, but with Jabir, whose heartstrings are suddenly plucked by an invisible force. It's a tale that defies convention, where the roles of affection and attraction are reversed. Amids...
