Flawless love

Chapter 3: Yusuf

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It had been almost 3 days since I first saw Aaliyah's picture, and she was still on my mind every single day. The thoughts of her were consuming me, and I couldn't help but wonder if I should take the risk and ask for her hand in marriage. Would my family approve? Would Abdi, my closest friend, be okay with it?

My mind was in turmoil, and it was already 4:00 am on a Monday morning. I had woken up early to prepare for my prayers and work. The holiday was over, and I had to return to the airport today for my flight to New York at 7:40 am. I hurriedly gathered my belongings and started my morning routine.

As usual, I took a shower and performed wudu before heading to the neighboring mosque for my prayers. It was a common sight in my country, with mosques scattered throughout every village. After completing my prayers, reading the Quran, and reciting my athkar, I returned home to continue with my daily routine.

Today, I decided to skip the gym. I had been going there during the holiday, and I felt like taking a break. Instead, I sat down to write in my journal. For the past few days, every entry seemed to include Aaliyah in some way. It was crazy how captivated I was by someone I had only met briefly. But love works in mysterious ways, and I couldn't deny the feelings in my heart.

After writing three pages in my journal, I turned to my books and read three pages as well. Time flew, and suddenly, my alarm started ringing. It was almost 6:30 am, and I needed to pack my things and get ready for my trip. My younger sisters, Amirah and Amal, came to say goodbye. They hugged and kissed me before leaving for school and university.

Amirah is seven years younger than me, while Amal was nine years younger. With my dad away on a trip to Dubai for work, I was the only brother they had. My mom was downstairs, preparing breakfast for us. I greeted her and asked a question that had been weighing on my mind.

"Mama, ibu bagaimana jika aku menikah dengan gadis dari negara lain?" (Mom, what if I marry a girl from another country?)

To my relief, she responded, "Oh, sayang (darling), yes, I'm okay with it. No matter what nationality she has, I don't have a problem with it. I'll support your choice. All I care about is her religion and her relationship with her Lord."

A wave of relief washed over me as she expressed her acceptance. She then asked with a smile, "Darling, have you seen any girl who has caught your attention?"

I replied, "Oow yeah, I guess, but I haven't taken any action yet."

"Alhamdulillah, finally, anakku (my son). I'm happy for you. Insha Allah, everything will go your way," she said, her eyes filled with joy.

"Mama, insha Allah," I responded, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead before leaving the house.

Within 30 minutes, I arrived at the airport. Only 30 minutes remained until my flight to New York. I greeted the airport information assistants, airline customer service agents, and passenger handling agents before making my way to the gate for the flight.

As I boarded the plane, I saw my friend Arief, who I always traveled with. We settled into our seats, ready for the 21-hour and 15-minute journey ahead of us.