لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا"
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
________________________________________
Haneen sat beside her mother, Waniya, when her phone rang, disrupting the calm of their afternoon. As she glanced at the screen, her thumb hovered over the "decline" button, ready to dismiss the call. But Waniya, perceptive as ever, noticed the tension in Haneen's posture and suggested, "Why don't you answer? He might be calling to apologize."
With a reluctant nod, Haneen accepted the call and walked away, her expression a mix of apprehension and resolve.
"Assalamu alaikum," Hashim's voice crackled through the receiver, tinged with hesitation.
"Walaikum assalam. Speak quickly, what do you want?" Haneen's tone was curt, betraying none of her underlying curiosity.
He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you at home?"
"Yes," she responded with a brief, indifferent answer.
His next question was almost a stutter. "Should I come over then?"
She stifled a laugh (Internally) at his nervousness but managed to keep her voice steady. "Hmm," she replied, and before he could say another word, she ended the call abruptly.
Without missing a beat, she dialed another number, her fingers dancing over the screen with a sense of purpose. The line connected almost immediately.
"Hello," Zain's voice came through, laced with confusion.
"Assalamu alaikum, Zain. Get ready and come to my place right away. You have exactly 15 minutes," she instructed decisively, cutting off any chance for a reply before hanging up.
Returning to her room, her mind buzzed with anticipation. This was her chance to stir up some emotions, and she had a plan to execute. It was time to make Hashim realize what he was missing. She knew exactly what she wanted to do next.
She swiftly began her preparations, but not in the way one might expect for a grand event. She chose a more casual and effortlessly stylish look, aiming for a vibe that was both inviting and subtly provocative. She reached for a pair of light blue jeans that fit her-casual yet flattering. They were slightly distressed, giving off a relaxed, carefree air.
Next, she picked out a white loose T-shirt. It was simple, with a soft, airy fabric that complemented her jeans perfectly. The T-shirt draped over her shoulders and fell just below her hips, its loose fit adding a nonchalant charm to her appearance.
She left her hair open, letting the natural waves cascade freely around her shoulders. It was a deliberate choice, the kind of look that suggested she hadn't tried too hard, but still looked effortlessly attractive. There was no makeup, no artificial enhancement-just her natural beauty, which was always her most powerful asset.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, approving of the look. It was casual but conveyed an easy elegance, a statement of confidence and independence. She was ready to make her presence felt, to show him that she wasn't waiting around or pining for him. Instead, she had her own life, her own plans, and perhaps, just perhaps, it would make him reconsider his feelings.
