fated hearts

chapter 8

Later that night, Ibrahim stood outside Asiya's house, the night air cool and still. He took a deep breath and sent her a message: "I'm outside. Can we talk?"

Inside, Asiya's phone buzzed. She glanced at the message and felt a mix of excitement and nerves. She quietly slipped out of her room, careful not to wake anyone. She knew her mother would be furious if she found out; she wasn't allowed to have a boyfriend yet, and even if she were, this wasn't how her parents would want her to start a relationship. The boy should meet her father first. She made her way to the back of the house, where Ibrahim was waiting for her. It was his first time coming to her house.

Asiya found Ibrahim leaning against the wall, his face illuminated by the soft glow of his phone. When he saw her, his expression softened.

"Sia'm," he began, his voice low and filled with emotion. "I needed to see you. I'm really sorry about earlier. Hajara means nothing to me. She was my classmate back in primary school."

Asiya's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I know, Aşkım. I overreacted. It's just... seeing her with you made me feel insecure."

He stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "You have nothing to worry about. You’re the one I love, the one I want to be with."

She nodded, feeling the sincerity in his words. "I love you too, Aşkım. I just got scared."

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close. "We'll face everything together, okay? No more doubts."

Asiya buried her face in his chest, feeling his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. "Okay," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shirt. "No more doubts."

They stayed like that for a while, the world around them fading away. In that quiet moment, their hearts beat in sync, a silent promise of their commitment to each other.

"Let's sit over there," she said, pointing to some decorative flowers outside her neighbor’s house. Ibrahim took her hand, and they walked over and sat down.

"I didn't know you could be jealous," she said, smiling. "My heart still aches from seeing her touch your arm. What is wrong with her? Who does that? Does she touch everyone she meets? Urgh, she made me really angry." Asiya blabbered on, her frustration evident.

Ibrahim looked at her, finding her jealousy incredibly cute. He loved everything about her, and this was no exception. Her pouty expression, the way her eyes lit up with emotion—it all made his heart swell with affection.

He gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. "You have nothing to worry about, Sia'm. You're the only one for me."

She leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hand. "I believe you, Aşkım. I just can't help how I feel sometimes."

He smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. "And I love that about you. Your feelings, your honesty—they make you who you are, and I wouldn't change a thing."

Asiya's heart fluttered at his words. "I love you so much," she whispered.

"I love you more," he replied, pulling her close again. In the quiet night, surrounded by the scent of flowers and the warmth of their shared embrace, they found comfort in each other, knowing that their love would weather any storm.

Asiya checked the time on her phone. "What time is it? 11:15 PM," she showed Ibrahim her phone screen. "Oh my God, I'm in trouble. I have to go," she said, walking quickly towards her house. She was almost at the gate when she turned back, ran to Ibrahim, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and then sprinted away, shouting, "I love you, Aşkım!"

"I love you!" he shouted back, his voice carrying a bit louder so she could hear.

As she opened the gate, her mother was waiting. "Who is it? Waye?"

"None... no one, Mama. I just needed some air," Asiya stammered.

Her mother sent a hard slap across her face. "I heard him shouting 'I love you' from here. Who was it?"

"No one," Asiya insisted.

"Give me your phone," her mother demanded, her face filled with anger.

"It's in my room," Asiya replied.

"Get it," her mother ordered.

Asiya retrieved her phone and handed it to her mother. After more than an hour of scolding, her mother finally let her go back to her room.

---

The next morning, Asiya woke up feeling a heavy weight in her chest. It was Sunday, but instead of feeling the usual joy of a free day, she felt a deep sense of longing. She missed Ibrahim terribly. She glanced at her phone, knowing she couldn't use it to contact him.

Her eyes welled up with tears as she thought about their brief meeting the night before. The memory of his embrace, his reassuring words, and the warmth of his touch played over and over in her mind. She needed to talk to him, to hear his voice.

Desperate, she decided to confide in her sister, Ya Mariya. She found her in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Ya Mariya, can I talk to you for a moment?" Asiya asked, her voice trembling.

"Of course, Asiya. What's wrong?" Ya Mariya looked at her with concern.

"It's Ibrahim... I miss him so much. Mama took my phone, and I can't contact him. I feel like I'm going crazy," Asiya admitted, tears streaming down her face.

Ya Mariya hugged her tightly. "Oh, Asiya, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You can use my phone to call him if you want."

"Really? Thank you, Ya Mariya," Asiya said, relief washing over her.

They went to Ya Mariya's room, and she handed Asiya her phone. Asiya dialed Ibrahim's number, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Hello?" Ibrahim's voice came through, and Asiya's heart skipped a beat.

"Aşkım, it's me, Asiya," she said, her voice breaking.

"Sia'm, i was so worried about you. Ba'a miki fada sossai bade ko?
Its my fault i shouldnt l have come"

"Don't say that i'm glad you did the momery of those moments are helping me survive the  day"

I miss you so much," Ibrahim replied, his voice filled with emotion.

"I miss you too, Aşkım. I feel so lost without talking to you," Asiya said, tears falling freely now.

"We see each other tomorrow at okay? Just hold on a little longer. I love you so much," Ibrahim reassured her.

"I love you too, Aşkım," Asiya whispered, feeling a sense of comfort in his words.

They talked for a while longer, sharing their feelings and promising to stay strong. When they finally hung up, Asiya felt a little lighter, knowing that their love could withstand any obstacle.