Love's Gentle Embrace

Encounter And Unspoken Sorrows

Noor sat on the edge of her bed, the evening light filtering through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. The conversation with her mother echoed in her mind, the words replaying like a broken record. It was decided—she would go to her aunt's house. The decision felt like an escape, a brief reprieve from the whirlwind of emotions she had been trying to contain. Her heart ached with the thought of Shaan, the man who had unknowingly become the center of her world, and yet, was slipping away into the arms of another. The flight was just a night-long journey, but the emotional distance she felt from Shaan made it seem infinitely longer.

Packing her bags, she moved mechanically, trying not to let her thoughts consume her. As she zipped up her suitcase, she couldn't help but wonder how she would face Shaan again. How could she stand before him, knowing that her feelings were unreturned, her love unspoken and unwanted? The truth was, they had never been in a formal relationship. There was no declaration of love, no promises made. Yet, somehow, deep down, Noor always believed they were meant to be together, that their bond was more than just friendship. They spoke every day, their conversations a blend of dreams and daily life. Noor shared everything with Shaan—her hopes, her fears, her dreams—but he never reciprocated in kind. He talked about himself, his life, but never really opened up about the things that mattered most to him. Despite this, Noor couldn't help but fall for him, over and over again. His gentleness, his care, the way he looked at her sometimes—it all made her heart race, made her believe that maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way.

After passing through security and completing all the necessary procedures, Noor scanned her surroundings. The airport was a sea of hurried travelers, each lost in their own world. Yet, something caught her eye—a figure in a distant corner, struggling with something. Curiosity piqued, and a natural inclination to help compelled her to approach.

The woman was clad in a stunning black abaya, adorned with intricate stone and pearl work, exuding an air of elegance and grace. The abaya shimmered subtly under the airport lights, and in her hand, she carried a sophisticated Burberry tote bag. As Noor drew closer, she noticed that the woman's face was completely covered, making it difficult to determine her age. Still, something about her demeanor spoke of experience and wisdom.

"Assalamu Alaikum," Noor greeted softly, her voice filled with both respect and concern.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam, my dear," came the reply, the voice gentle yet marked by the passage of many years. Noor now realized the woman was elderly, likely in her sixties or seventies.Noor's heart softened further. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

 she asked kindly.

The woman turned slightly, her eyes—visible through a thin veil—gleaming with gratitude. "Thank you, child. My phone has run out of battery, and I need to contact my grandson before we board. Could you please call him for me?"

Noor nodded, taking the number the woman offered and quickly dialing it on her own phone. She handed it to the woman, who spoke with her grandson briefly, confirming their meeting point. Once the call ended, Noor politely asked if she could take her leave.

But before she could go, the woman gently grasped Noor's hand, her touch warm and comforting. "Thank you, my dear," the woman said, her voice filled with a warmth that seemed to reach Noor's very soul. "You have a good heart. May Allah bless you."

Noor smiled, feeling an inexplicable connection to the elderly woman. "You're welcome. Safe travels." Noor vanished into the crowd, becoming just another figure among the throngs of travelers hurrying to their destinations. The elderly woman watched her go, her eyes lingering on Noor's retreating form. A soft smile graced her hidden lips as she whispered a heartfelt prayer, sending blessings after the young woman who had shown her such kindness.