fated hearts

chapter 28

Ibrahim, still catching his breath, gently lifted himself off Asiya and looked down at her with a mixture of love and concern. He could see the exhaustion in her eyes, but also the deep satisfaction and contentment. He kissed her softly on the lips, then her forehead.

"Let's get you cleaned up, and then I'll make us some breakfast," he said, his voice tender and caring.

Asiya nodded weakly, her body still trembling slightly from the intense experience. Ibrahim helped her up, wrapping her in a soft towel. He carried her to the bathroom and gently washed her, taking care to be as gentle and soothing as possible. Asiya leaned into his touch, feeling safe and cherished.

After she was cleaned up and performed her ghusl, Ibrahim quickly showered and performed his own, then got dressed. He helped Asiya into a comfortable robe and led her to the kitchen, where he started preparing a hearty breakfast. Asiya watched him from the kitchen island, her eyes following his every move.

"You’re spoiling me," she said with a soft smile.

"I love spoiling you," Ibrahim replied, flashing her a grin. "You deserve it."

He made a delicious breakfast of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. Asiya savored every bite, her body gradually regaining its strength. They shared soft, loving glances across the table, their connection palpable.

After breakfast, the call to prayer for Zuhr echoed through the house. Ibrahim looked at Asiya with a gentle smile. "It's time for Zuhr," he said.

Asiya nodded, and they performed their ablutions together. Ibrahim led them in prayer, their hearts in perfect harmony. After the prayer, they sat in peaceful reflection, grateful for the love and blessings in their lives.

"I love praying with you," Asiya said softly, resting her head on Ibrahim's shoulder.

"Me too," Ibrahim replied, kissing the top of her head. "I really want you to read Surah Taha for me in your angelic voice."

"Sure," Asiya said, and she began reciting.

Ibrahim lay his head on her lap, entranced by her beautiful recitation. Her voice was a melody to his ears, and he felt an overwhelming sense of love and peace. When she finished, she gently played with his hair, her fingers tracing down to his nose and beard.

"Aşkım," she whispered, "I love this," caressing his beard.

"I didn't know you liked it back then," he said, smiling. "I didn't have much of it then; we were just kids. Alhamdulillah, we are meant to be. I didn't even know how to live without you. If not for Amani, I would have dropped out of school. She was also in Canada back then, and she wouldn't let me give up on my studies."

"It's good you channeled all that anger into your studies. Each time I called Ruks or Kay, and they said you hated even hearing about me, my heart would sink. But I knew that was the only way you could survive that marriage, so I kept my distance. But I always asked them how you were doing."

Asiya smiled, looking at him with a lot of love. "Aşkım, I didn't want to end up going to you while I was still married. That's why I tried my best to stop them from talking about you. I promise you, those five years were the hardest of my life. There wasn't a single day I didn't cry. I didn't want Allah to punish me for disobeying my parents or for being a terrible wife. I knew if I heard news of you, I would want to talk to you or go to you. I think you should read the green journals. I wrote everything there."

Ibrahim looked at her, reading the pain in her eyes. He was just happy she was here now, and he vowed never to let anyone hurt her again.

Asiya’s phone started buzzing. It was Baba. She picked up.

"Assalamu alaikum, Baba. Ina yini?" she greeted.

"Lafiya lau. Ya qarfin jiki? Ya Ibrahim din?" Baba asked.

"Alhamdulillah," Asiya answered.

"Muhsin has called regarding Muhammad. He wants to take him."

Asiya's heart pounded hard. "What? Is he crazy? Yana ga zan bashi Muhammad yana rayuwan da yake kai?"