Attachment 💔

Eid Mubarak

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Hala found peace and solace in her prayers, asking Allah for guidance. She wanted to move past the heartache from being rejected by Hariz and embrace the reality of her life. As Eid approached, she felt happy and looked forward to the celebrations. Shopping and dressing up were her favorite hobbies, and she indulged in them without guilt.

On Chand Raat, the mosques announced that Eid would be the next day, and joy spread across the country. Her family began exchanging Chand Mubarak wishes, and Hala waited for three important calls. The first was from her father, who always made sure to be the first to wish her. When her phone rang and she saw "Abbu" on the caller ID, she answered eagerly.

"Assalam alaykum, Abbu," she greeted him.

"Walikum salam, Chand Mubarak, Hala," he replied. Hala felt special, as always, because her father never failed to remind her of her importance to him.

A little later, Hala's grandfather called to wish her, and during their conversation, she noticed an incoming call from Hariz. Seeing his name surprised her; it had been two months since they last spoke. For two years, he had been the third person to call her on Chand Raat, making her feel special. However, she chose not to answer, unwilling to make the mistake of rekindling their friendship.

As she continued shopping, Hala received a WhatsApp message, expecting Eid Mubarak wishes. Ignoring the messages at first, she later decided to respond once she got home. While going through the messages, she saw one from Hariz.

"Assalam alaykum. I know you don't want to talk to me, but I couldn't stop myself from texting you today. You might not understand, Hala, but you are special to me, always my best friend. Chand Mubarak, Hala."

Reading his message brought tears to her eyes. They reminded her that she had not forgotten him, that she would always be his friend but never his partner. She was determined to enjoy Eid without him, though he still knew how to disrupt her happiness.

The next day, determined to focus on her family, she awoke to several missed calls from Hariz. Though tempted to confront him, she resisted, knowing her emotions might betray her if she engaged. Instead, she sent a reply to his text.

"Eid Mubarak, Hala. May this year bring you peace and happiness. I prayed you would find the right person to marry."

Hala responded firmly, "Don't you think we've gone too far for wishing and praying for each other? I don't want any more conversations or relationships with you, Hariz. It's better if you leave me alone."

She quickly received a reply. "I know you don't understand what I'm going through. Can't we forget the past and be friends again? I don't want to lose you. You're the only one I can talk to without fear of judgment. I'm going through a tough time, Hala, please."

Hala read his message but didn't call back. She didn't want to be pulled back into a cycle where her presence was only valued during his bad times, knowing she would be discarded when things improved. Still, as time passed, they grew more comfortable with each other, and she found herself involved in his life again, despite her boundaries. She was willing to endure the pain to support him during his struggles, unable to abandon him.

Hala knew she was being used, and though she expressed her feelings, she often lost to Hariz in the game of words and manipulation. Yet, she resolved not to cry this time, determined to stay by his side no matter what. Hala was compassionate, unable to see anyone hurt, and Hariz was special to her. She vowed to be there for him, regardless of the circumstances, choosing not to be like him.

Every night, she asked herself about the nature of their relationship, and her mind and heart mockingly reminded her: "JUST FRIENDS!"