fated hearts

Chapter 32

After the doctors finally discharged Asiya, she could barely hide her relief at being out of the hospital. Her mother, Mama, took Muhammad with her, understanding the young boy needed some stability. As soon as Asiya and Ibrahim stepped into their home, the weight of everything they had been through seemed to dissolve. For the rest of the day, the couple found solace in each other, seeking comfort in the simple things—gentle touches, soft smiles, and the feeling of peace that settled over their home like a warm blanket.

As the evening wore on, the golden hues of the sunset began to filter through the windows, casting a soft glow on their quiet sanctuary. Ibrahim looked at Asiya, his eyes dancing with mischief as he leaned against the kitchen counter. “What do you say we hit the circuit tomorrow?” he asked, his voice laced with excitement.

Asiya raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “You’re not ready for me, aşkım,” she teased. “You know I’m the best drifter in Abuja.”

Ibrahim chuckled, closing the distance between them as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her close, his voice a low murmur against her ear. “We’ll see about that,” he said, his breath warm against her skin. “But first, let’s enjoy tonight. Just us.”

The hours that followed were filled with intimate moments—romantic whispers, stolen kisses, and lingering touches that spoke of a love deeper than words. They moved through their home with the kind of ease that only comes from two people so deeply connected, finding joy in the smallest things—whether it was preparing dinner together or simply lying on the couch, lost in conversation and each other.

The next morning, the atmosphere in the house shifted ever so slightly. Ibrahim had only just returned from his father’s house the lawyers needed images of the bruises  from yesterday Though the bruises had been treated and the physical pain had started to fade, the emotional scars left by Muhsin’s cruelty were still fresh.  And Alhaji  na Allah has promised  muhsin has to pay for it.

Asiya sat curled up on the couch, her phone in hand as she scrolled through her social media feed.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she saw the relentless trolling that continued. Muhsin's bitter posts had sparked a storm of negativity online, and lies about her were being twisted and amplified with ease. She had long accepted that people would talk, but it still hurt to see how easily strangers could spew cruelty from behind the safety of their screens.

Ibrahim walked into the room, his gaze softening as he saw the pained expression on her face. Without hesitation, he crossed the room in a few long strides and lowered himself beside her, pulling her into his arms. “Hey,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Forget about them, baby. They don’t know you. They don’t know us ki ije wayan please kidena gani”

Asiya leaned into his embrace, her fingers resting against his chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “I know, aşkım, but it’s still hard… seeing all those comments. How can people be so cruel?”

Ibrahim’s jaw tightened as he stroked her back gently, trying to soothe her. “They’re just bored, hiding behind their screens. We’ll deal with this, I promise. I’ve already got the lawyers on Muhsin’s case. And once the truth comes out, they’ll have nothing left to say.”

Asiya’s heart swelled with love at his protectiveness. She tilted her head to look at him, her eyes searching his. "I just don’t want you to get caught up in all this mess, Aşkım. It’s enough that you’ve had to fight for me in every sense. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore."

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear. “I’d fight a hundred battles if it meant keeping you safe, Asiya. You’re worth every bruise, every insult. You’re my wife, and no one—no one—gets to tarnish your name.”

They sat there for a moment, their foreheads resting together as they shared a quiet, unspoken bond of love. The world outside could rage all it wanted, but in that moment, they had each other—and that was more than enough.

By the time the next evening rolled around, both of them were ready for the excitement that awaited them at the drift circuit. Asiya slipped into her racing gear with an effortless confidence that made Ibrahim’s heart swell with pride and admiration. She looked over at him, smirking playfully. “Ready to lose?” she teased.

Ibrahim laughed, shaking his head as he adjusted his gloves. “You underestimate me, baby.”

As they arrived at the drift circuit, the energy was palpable.  The tension between Asiya and Ibrahim crackled in the air—both competitive and playful, but always with an undertone of love and affection.

Engines roared to life, and soon they were off. The thrill of the race pulsed through them as they drifted around the curves with precision, both of them lost in the exhilarating speed. Asiya’s skill was undeniable—every turn, every drift was executed with the kind of mastery that left Ibrahim in awe. By the final lap, she pulled ahead effortlessly, her car gliding smoothly across the finish line.

Ibrahim parked next to her, a proud smile tugging at his lips as he got out of his car. He walked over to her, pulling her into a tight hug as she laughed breathlessly.

“I told you,” she teased, looking up at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "So what do you think?"

Ibrahim shook his head in disbelief, his eyes shining with admiration. "I think you’re crazy! But… I loved it. Thank you for this," he said, brushing a soft kiss across her cheeks. "You always know how to pull me out of my head when things get too much."

Asiya smiled, her arms wrapping around his neck as she stood on her toes to kiss his cheeks again,  “You’re incredible,” Ibrahim whispered against her ears. “I don’t mind losing to you at all.”

Their time at the circuit became more than just a competition. It was a celebration of their love, every moment dripping with warmth, affection, and laughter. They joked, teased, and stole kisses between drifts, completely lost in the excitement and each other.

When the night finally drew to a close, they drove home together, their fingers intertwined over the gearshift. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the unspoken words of a love that needed no explanation. As they pulled into their driveway, Ibrahim turned to look at Asiya, his heart full.

“I love you more than anything,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Asiya smiled, leaning over to kiss him softly. “I love you too, aşkım,” she replied, her voice filled with the same tenderness.

Later that evening, Asiya wandered into the kitchen, her mind still replaying the night’s events. She felt Ibrahim come up behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close. She leaned back into him, her body melting into his as they shared the quiet intimacy of the moment.

“You know,” Ibrahim whispered, his lips brushing her ear, “you make everything better. Even the worst days seem brighter when you’re around.”

Asiya turned in his arms, her hands resting against his chest. “And you, Ibrahim… You’ve been my anchor. Through everything, you’ve been my safe place.”

His heart swelled at her words. He pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. “I love you, baby” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Tears welled in her eyes, but they were tears of joy, of overwhelming love. “I love you too,” she whispered back, her voice trembling with the intensity of her feelings.

They stood there for what felt like an eternity, lost in each other. The connection between them was undeniable—an unbreakable bond that went beyond words, a love so deep it filled every corner of their souls.

As the night wore on, they eventually drifted to sleep in each other’s arms, the weight of the day slowly melting away. The troubles of the world outside were no match for the love they shared inside these walls. And for the first time in what felt like forever, peace reigned in their hearts.