𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 2

It was the third hour of the night when he was reciting dua while in prostration. It was his wish, his prayer, and certainly his desire. After rising from the prostration, he performed salaam and raised his hands to make dua.

"If she is not my destiny then write her in my destiny"

Tears roll down his eyes

"You listen to everyone, this time l-listen to m-me too"

A sob left his mouth

"I have no support from anyone except you, please fulfill my desire"

"If I will not get her, my life will be incomplete and if I will get her, my life will be complete"

"Ayaan! Beta Ayaan!" A shaky voice broke his attention. He turned around to see an old lady lying down and struggling to speak. Wiping his tears, he quickly got up to go to her.

"What happened, Ammi?" he asked in a worried tone, and she managed a small smile.

"Nothing, my son. Just give me a glass of water," she replied. He hurriedly poured a glass, and she sat up to drink it. Sitting in front of her, she asked, "Were you praying tahajjud?"

"Hmm," he replied, looking down.

"Who is she, hmm?" she asked with a smile. He raised his eyes in shock, his expression shifting as if he had been caught in a lie.

"N-no, no one, Ammi!" he stammered, avoiding her gaze.

"Now you will lie to your Ammi, haan?" she said, pretending to feel hurt. Concern overtook him.

"Ammi, actually... her name is Aayat," he replied hesitantly.

"And who is she?" she asked with amusement.

"She studies at my university, but not in my class. Her subjects are completely different; she is pursuing her graduation," he explained. She smiled and then asked, "So, how long have you known each other?"

"No, no, Ammi, we aren't together. I haven't even confessed to her yet. She's not that type of girl; she’s religious," he explained nervously. She gave his left shoulder a gentle pat.

"Hmm, so when are you planning to take me to their house for the proposal, haan?" she asked cheerfully, realizing that his sharing meant he was considering marriage. Shock crossed his face again.

"Ammi, actually... don’t rush into this. I'm still completing my diploma. Let me finish my studies and find a job first," he said. She patted his head again, pleased to see how mature he was.

×××××××××××××××××××

After praying Fajr, Aayat stood in front of the mirror, wearing her veil. Anaya was sleeping on her bed. Aayat took her phone and quietly exited the bedroom without disturbing Anaya. She went downstairs and directly into the kitchen, where Salma was preparing breakfast.

"Assalamualaikum, Ammi," she greeted as she entered.

"Walaikum assalam, beta," Salma replied happily, turning around to greet her while Aayat nervously played with her fingers.

"Ammi, Abbu isn't awake yet, right?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes, your Abbu is still sleeping. After praying Fajr, he went back to sleep, and I came into the kitchen since you leave for madarsa early," Salma answered, returning to her work.

"Ammi, I want to talk to you about something," Aayat said nervously, prompting a smile from Salma, though she turned to hide it.

"Hmm, I also want to talk with you. Come, we will go upstairs; there won't be anyone there," Salma said, leading her upstairs to the house.